D.I.Y. iPod Case

It's the weekend before finals and what's a fabulous way to take a break from studying and paper writing? With a little D.I.Y. project of course. My boyfriend recently got me an iPod touch and I didn't want to spend $30 on a plastic case that I would probably end up breaking, so I decided to make my own using some scraps I had in my craft box. Check it out:

I took an old pair of light denim jeans that didn't fit, traced my iPod with a pencil twice onto the denim and cut out the pieces. I made them a little larger than the iPod so I had room to sew:




Then I took silver triangle studs and studded one of the pieces into a triangle shape. A little futuristic, no?



I took the two pieces, flipped them inside out and sewed them together by hand. When I was done sewing, I flipped the pieces back out and that's it! It took about a half hour to make and it was free, what's not to like? Just to be safe- I put some tape over the inside of the case to cover the stud backings so it doesn't scratch the iPod. You like?






Wouldn't these make great stocking stuffers? I also made one for my cell phone too, happy craftin'!

DIY- Boho Necklace

You can never go into a craft store and just get one thing. It's inevitable that you're going to pick something up and say, "This is really cool, what can I make with this?" And sometimes that pays off- like this necklace that I made for $1.50! I found these boho beads at Michael's on clearance while shopping for my Halloween costume materials. Luckily, I had black chain at home from New York Design Shop and in a matter of seconds I had a chic new necklace that cost almost nothing to make! You like?




Psst- Speaking of Halloween, is anyone else making their costume? I'm being Pebbles and my costume cost five bucks, can't wait to show some pictures! Happy craftin'

A little scarf goes a long way.

Whenever I go thrifting, I always keep my eyes peeled for vintage scarves. Not only are they usually inexpensive, but I find myself using them in so many ways to pull together an outfit. Here are some of the ways to accessorize a simple scarf:

• Spruce up your exercise duds by grabbing a scarf from your closet and using it to tie your yoga mat up. So chic! All your workout buddies will be jealous.
  
• Wear it as a necklace- tie small knots into the scarf and clasp it in the back by either tying a knot or using a safety pin. Layering different scarves would look great too! Here's mine:
• Use it as a belt- cinch it around a skirt or a dress at the smallest part of your waist and tie it at the side, very flattering!

• Tie it around your hair as a headband. Blake Lively rocked this look in Gossip Girl:

• Whenever I need a little pop to my outfit, I grab a scarf and tie it to my handbag.
• And last but not least, use them for wall decorations. Get them in funky colors and arrange them in a pattern for your wall, great for a dorm room!

PS- This morning on the Nate Berkus Show, he pressed and framed silk scarves for wall decorations. I like your style, Nate!

Image via Scarves Wraps

D.I.Y. Home Decor

Flipping through my mom's Country Living magazine last night, I came across an adorable Sweet 'n Low ad. I had to cut it out and use it for my first apartment, which I will be moving into very soon! I cut the owl out, covered up the Sweet 'n Low logo with a denim heart, added a little touch of sparkle with yellow rhinestones, put it in a black frame and voila!

(Apologies for the crappy photo- camera's broken)

I plan on hanging it up with a few square mirrors in my new living room. And the best part? It was free!

D.I.Y. Blogger Challenge!

New York Design Shop has created the ultimate D.I.Y. challenge for ten lucky bloggers across the U.S.- and guess whose in on the fun? My sistaaa! The bloggers all received the same box full to the brim with bohemian styled trimmings and appliques and went wild! All of the projects are up on the site so go vote (preferably)for my talented sister who made four easy and adorable projects! Here's a peek:




The blogger with the most votes will receive D.I.Y. materials from NYDS and best of all--a spread in Style Sample magazine! Voters will also be entered to win one of the creations so go vote here!

Goodbye outdated flared jeans, hello summer shorts!

I have so many pairs of flared jeans that still fit, but never get worn because I'm a strictly skinny jeans girl now. I decided to take this old paid of Seven jeans and make them into shorts using just a pair of scissors. I also cuffed them to make the length just right. For a more feminine look, you could also utilize the jeans as a denim skirt by sewing the middle seam together and adding your own embellishments (do I hear a new DIY project calling my name?).

Take a look at the final product:

Now go grab those pair of jeans in the back of your closet that you never wear, cut em' up and rock these new summer shorts you just made for free!

"Concrete jungle where dreams are made of"

Summer has officially started and I am happy to say that I am getting my chic for cheap fix thus far. I have started an internship in NYC two days a week at New York Design Shop- the do it yourself (D.I.Y.) mecca!

Their site offers a foundation for letting your creative juices flow by browsing their huge stock of D.I.Y. materials, but they also give helpful tutorials for creating runway looks and trends on a budget. Does it get any better than that? I've only been interning for a week but we've already finished some fab projects and the city scene is beyond inspiring.

Check out their site for my D.I.Y. projects...can't wait to show the blogosphere some of my creations!

All Bundled Up.

I recently came back to school in snowy New Hampshire and while refamiliarizing myself with the college lifestyle, I've had lots of down time to flip through the latest magazines dreaming about Spring! But since I've got a while before I can break out the sundresses, I've gotta bundle up somehow. I've been stumbling across lots of faux fur vests, and much to my surprise, I kind of want one! They look so fun and cozy over jeans with boots for a fashionable winter look. I'm thinking I can make one myself for a DIY project, but for now, check out my favorite celeb faux fur vests:

Rachel Zoe

Kristin Cavallari

Ashley Olsen

Stay tuned for my DIY vest adventure!

DIY Cheetah Tote.

Very exciting news! I've been given the opportunity to use my blogging experience and creative juices to help with an awesome company- New York Design Shop. NYDS is the mecca for DIY (Do it Yourself) projects; they have detailed how to guides that show everyday fashionista's how to make runway trends using their products! Their site is not only helpful, but great for girls like me on a college student budget. Take a look at my first project; turning their custom NYDS canvas totes into a rockin' cheetah print bag using Sharpie markers: 

For more pictures and instructions, check out their site! 

Gettin' Crafty.

This past week, my sister and I spent our Thanksgiving evening at Michael's, the crafting mecca...cause what says Thanksgiving like a little DIY project! We bought plain canvas tote bags, some stencils and a few Sharpie's to create individualized bags; an idea we both came across on the blog, P.S. I made this. I customized mine with an "M" patch that was just simply ironed on, and created the pink stripes using a sharpie and some tape.The sharpie fumes have subsided and I can finally enjoy my new tote, wouldn't these make great party favors? Check out the before and after below, and if you like what you see be sure to check out my sisters' final product!