Fashion DIY: Exercise Your Closet

That is right...I said exercise your closet, don't throw it away! If you are anything like me my dears, you have a closet and maybe dressers and storage boxes full of clothes! Do you wear them all? Yeah, me neither. That is where Fashion DIY becomes crucial!

Every season I try and weed through my addiction to pare down the fat which is a pretty daunting task...especially since I own many clothes that are too good to part with (from before I lost weight in France...and yes, I realize this is a good problem to have). Now that I find myself sans sewing machine in NYC (a fact that is killing me btdub) I can't actually fix these items, so they just sit there taking up very valuable Manhattan square footage. So what is Fashion DIY well its creating ways to upcycle your clothing, or shop in your own closet if you will!

Here's an easy fix that does not involve sewing skills or any real seamstress tools:

Color Dyeing

I recently bought a corset top from Forever 21 that I later gave me buyer's remorse (which is a sickness I almost never get). Of course when I tried to return said top...Forever 21 with their non-existent customer service policy, how very un-American, would not allow the brand new frock (that had not even left the bag) to be exchanged. So what was I to do? Dye it!!

Totally cute corset top...but in peach...which I later realize that under the my sheer summer tops, just looked like I was naked because it was the same color as my skin. Whoa! was I ever uncomfortable!

 1. Find the classic RIT dye at your pharmacy, in a color your choice (I happen to be a sucker for teal)

2. Mix (following package instructions) with water and bring to boil. 
3. Soak garment for instructed time. Note: more or less time should be altered for desired color. Looking for a pastel? Less. Deep jewel tone? More.

4. Thoroughly rinse and wash garment and allow to dry.

5. Style accordingly! 

And Voila! Fashion DIY at it's finest! Now my once bare-all corset top is a cute pop of color under my sheer summer pieces. Je l'adore! There is always a way to re-work your closet, you just have to get creative. Don't be afraid to play around with old pieces..try and wear them in unconventional ways, or dye them in the latest hot color. That Fashion DIY may just be the little CPR revival your wardrobe needed!

Go try your own Fashion DIY 

and report back!

Bonne chance mes cheris!

Pourquoi Pas? Dance with the Drama. Dare to be Fabulous.

The only thing keeping you from fabulous is fear. That's it. So rather than let fear hold you captive, why not dare to be fabulous? Push the envelope, or better jump off the cliff into all the daring creative sparkplugs of fashionspiration you have ever had. You have to dance with the drama to find any results, and I will tell you it is scary as hell, but in the end you are so fierce you will have those heads turning and mouths drooling. Guaranteed.

Here are some inspirational photos from Pinterest to get your creative juices flowing. If any pics give you an idea for your style...Write it down and then play with what you have to make it work.

Dance with the drama.

Dare to be fabulous.

embrace being unique.

Pourquoi Pas?

Why not allow the rain to refresh you mes cheris rather than be gloomy and tiresome? Its no longer cold rain, so slip on those Burberry rain boots, belt that Audrey trench and prance through the puddles on the way to work. Demand from yourself that this will be the refreshing walk towards your dreams and nothing less...and then who knows maybe that positive vibe of yours will boomerang right back!

{you rock as always weheartit}

How will your outlook change today?

God Bless America

A huge step in the Fight on Terrorism was made yesterday and God Bless America as we move onward. I had an entirely different post in mind for this lovely Monday morning, but when Osama Bin Laden is finally found dead...all else holds no priority.

{Thanks to Twitter last night}

Twitter was absolutely flooded last night with streams of comradery, support, remembrance of lives lost over the last 10 years, and live pictures of NYC as the news broke. Here is a video from Ground Zero last night. Running through New York this morning was like breathing in freedom. I never tire of hearing the amazing stories every New Yorker holds of their attachment to that fateful day when our skyline changed forever. And seeing the people gather together in Times Square and Ground Zero to celebrate this great feat was truly  moving.

{photos pinned on Pinterest}

God Bless America

Live Life in the Fastlane

Working out is a favorite past time of mine. Whether it is soccer, running, or just goofing around with friends, I love being active. Here is a great look when you hit the pavement to keep those chocolate pounds at bay and rock your body! And in case you are a gym diva, I've included some gym bag essentials too!

From Nike to Stella McCartney, you will be ready for swimsuit season!

Live Life in the Fastlane by fashiondiva304 featuring neon socks

Women's Print Bibiana Tankini Top
$59 - patagonia.com

Adidas by Stella mccartney
$75 - net-a-porter.com

Neon socks
$11 - macys.com

H m
2.99 GBP - hm.com

Nike shoes
$115 - nike.com

Reed Krakoff python handbag
$2,790 - net-a-porter.com

Aveeno Active Naturals SPF 30 Face Continuous Protection Sunblock...
$2.50 - walgreens.com

SEPHORA COLLECTION Hairband Ball Multicolor
$5 - sephora.com

Savasa 5 lb. Hand Weight Set with Workout DVD - Pink -...
$20 - sportsauthority.com

Bling Earbuds, Pink/White Crystal
$19 - pbteen.com

Workout Clothes | Athleta - Free Shipping on $50
$12 - athleta.gap.com

Outliving Keep Calm Water Bottle
$30 - generalpants.com.au

Belkin Sport Armband for iPhone and iPod touch | iTech News Net -...
itechnews.net

Pourquoi Pas? Swimwear for you Body Type

Why not get the beach bag ready for the sand and waves (or pool for any urbanistas) with swimwear perfect for your body type? Something that will give you the best Va Va Voom for your seashore stroll? After all its a stroll to meet your next beau n'est-ce pas?

Curvy Girl
You've got that hourglass Marilyn Monroe figure so use it chica! This Lanvin leapord print swimsuit is perfect to accentuate your bust while drawing that waist in and giving you that nice long curve around your posterior. There are also many options of similar swimwear with ample support for those ladies that need to keep the girls in, just remember the high waist is key for your body type.

Apple Bottom
You've got the junk in the trunk that all the guys like, so know how to work it in the sun! Generally women with wider hip areas tend to run straight for the boyshorts and skirted bottom swimwear, do NOT do this. You are actually cutting off your figure at the widest point. Instead, opt for a high cut bottom with a little more going on up top like this Missoni dream. Even better is getting a suit that is asymmetric which will really add interest. This Missoni is backless by the way...I just love that.

Triangle Diva
You've got the buff shoulders of Jada Pinkett Smith and a tiny waist to go with slenderer hips. Balance out your athletic body type by choosing a swimsuit with more going on at your hips. This Bantu suit has an amazing print that is bright and fun, but notice the design pulls your eye to the hips along with the excess fabric tied around the waist holding the gaze there? That's the power of illusion baby, enjoy.

Skinny Mini
You've got the figure of the magazines and can practically wear it all...congratu-freakin-lations...just kidding. But you may want to amp up some body parts, here's where the fun begins. You can choose the embellished swimwear with lots of extra fabric going on, wherever you want to "embellish" your curves. This L*Space Dolly Fringe swimsuit is so much fun since its bright orange and will keep moving with you!

Is your body type ready to rock

 the swimwear department?

Blogging has Heart: Support Japan through Tragedy

The tragedy that has unfolded day after day in Japan has been unbelievable. As bloggers, everyday we set out to share a little of what we love with the world; forming friendships and discovering so much along the way. Blogging is a community that is driven by heart...not faceless corporations with agendas but real people with compassion.

Hearing of the tragedy in Japan was overwhelming, how do you even begin to make a difference for people so far away that need so much? I was so uplifted to see the blogging community reach out with their hearts the way they did. Friday, March 18th was a Blogger's Day of Silence in an effort to raise money for Japan.

Originally started by Ever Ours + Utterly Engaged HERE

For Japan with Love has grown exponentially and now has its own website.

Please join in helping Japan through 

this tragedy by going HERE. 

Every little counts.

Be Inspired. Life is Short. Share Your Passion.

To be inspired does not take much, a beautiful picture, a song attached with memory, and even the hope of future plans. Life is short and I try to soak up all the beauty I can and share this passion with you! I saw this picture earlier this week and immediately printed it out and pinned it in front of my desk. I keep inspiration on my desk for obvious reasons of needed motivation... but also for the daily visual and implanting the mindset permanently in my soul.

Thrilld.com

What this says is true, and I hope you take the time to read it all and let it touch you, because life is short and you must share you passion. I am glad you allow me to share my passion with you.

What passion will you share?

Pourquoi Pas?

Why not go running my dears? The weather is warming up and soon the flowers will be in bloom, these transitional months are the absolute best time of the year to run outside. As an avid outdoor runner (treadmills kill me) I love these Goldilocks seasons when its not too hot or too cold, its juuust right!

{Personal Excellence Blog}

Besides a Fashionista must always be in shape to run from one fabulous event to the other right?

{Tumblr}

New York finally warmed up a bit after a lot of rain and I decided to steal the advantage while I had it and take my run through beautiful Central Park. I've been waiting all my life for my workouts to be here...and I tell you what, it did not disappoint! 

So will you be training for the NYC Marathon?

Upgrade Please!

Great picture right? Oh snow! Pretty. And fashion! Perfect. Yeah, I wish I could dress like this right now. But that is not happening. With a record breaking snowy New York winter and temperatures dropping to single digits, I am hitting my limit on layers.

I no longer feel winter chic...I feel like an eskimo...or less cute...the kid from The Christmas Story. I'm ready to wear fitted dresses again that hug my curves, topped off with strappy sandals that shape my legs and give me some height. So I've compiled my Upgrade List: Things I am full ready to trade in as I've hit my limit to Winter. Let's see how Mother Nature feels...I have a feeling she may not be responsive.

Thank you ShopBop for this super cute Fedora Hat that has me in the mood to cruise the West Coast and jam with Mraz!

This MaxMara scarf is screaming for a day on the Hudson...or maybe the Hamptons! Oh for the days to wear a scarf for fun and not function.

YES STYLE has really outdone themselves with this chic summer spin to the classic trench!

These ShopStyle looks are the perfect warm weather outfit. The feminine sexiness of the 1950s without the dirtiness of the early 2000's. Highwaisted shorts with a cute cropped top blouse is what I'm dreaming of...

These Badgley Miischka's are the perfect GNO shoe! Strappy, high, and oh so sexy!

From the woman who started it all, Patricia Fields. From Sex and the City to a celebrity phenomenon, half gloves were certainly stealing the show last year, now its your turn!

Dita von Teese gets the idea! Nothing is sexier than strategically placed lace...and add a good ol' fasioned garter and you have your inner sex kitten just waiting to be unleashed. Gentlemen beware!

So what will you be upgrading mes cheries?