effortless spring/summer style: where to shop

i'm really into uniforms.  winter: it's a long black coat, or a faux fur one, jeans, a grey or black sweatshirt, and moto boots.  now that it's getting to be spring, i'm looking into transforming the look into spring... i felt like drawing today so here's my "fun-with-windows-paint" inspiration (i did this with my finger on the laptop's mouse pad ha ha)...and some ideas on where to get the look x

to make the winter uniform work for spring, i basically turn the long black coat into a summer dress...i'm working on studding the collar of a vintage blazer i found at the thrift store.  denim jackets or boyfriend blazers are pretty easy to find at the thrift shop, and they are perfect for the cooler days. i bought some studded belts at the thrift shop, and took the studs off of them, and now i'm putting them on the blazer's collar....

try looking for a maxi dress here:

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store/lifewear/women-slub-maxi-dress/076889-57

here:

http://www.nastygal.com/product/own-the-night-maxi-dress/_/searchString/night%20maxi

or here:

http://www.hm.com/gb/product/10848?article=10848-B

and check out these great flats (comfy!):

clockwise from top left: asos, zara, asos, H&M.

for the pendant and/or cuff, and bag, i'd head to etsy or ebay.  look at these gorgeous finds!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/121735055/70s-silver-lion-pendant-necklace-bright?ref=shop_home_active

http://www.etsy.com/listing/117854716/woven-southwestern-silhouette-print-tote?ref=shop_home_active

i'm totally digging that southwestern bag...what a cool piece.  love etsy for the amazing vintage, it's always great when you get an idea of something you'd like to have but can't find in your local thrift/vintage shop.

there are also have amazing sunglasses on etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/119813864/70s-ted-lapidus-sunglasses-red-gold?ref=shop_home_active

http://www.etsy.com/listing/112210420/vintage-1970s-sunglasses-oversized?ref=shop_home_active

but check these out too...they are all amazing.  i'm lucky to have my 70s vintage pair, but if i were going to make a "wardrobe investment" this spring/summer, it would have to be on one of these amazing pairs of sunglasses.  it's an instant statement piece you can wear with anything! (and you'll have it for years to come--this look never goes out of style, imho).

look for a floppy hat in a garden or outdoor store...also there are a ton of hats in department or discount stores..so shop around until you find one that suits you! happy spring, and thanks for reading 

xo

futuristic western: DIY studded-jacket

This DIY looks cool and, it's very easy to do.  i finally got around to making a studded collar, something i have been wanting to do for a while now.  this is my first time working with studs, and it was fun, and (almost) painless ;) the whole thing start to finish, took maybe a half hour?

here's what you will need

1 a jean jacket or vest
(this one is from salvation army, and cost maybe $3-4 don't buy something expensive, there is absolutely no reason to)

2 studs. i picked mine up at m&j trimming in new york. (they have great products...SO easy to overspend here) but you can find 'em online too. try here.

3 a knife or nail file to bend the spikes down once they are pushed through the fabric

the materials. i used "colonial gold" pyramid studs, which i bought at m&j trimming in nyc. a nail file, or a knife, to push the studs down, and a vintage jean jacket

 i line the studs up before i push them in.  it's easier to make a pattern first before you go through all the trouble and then decide you don't like it.  also, i line up the two on the the end of the row first before placing the middle one.  much easier.

 i only bend one little arm of the studs down while i'm attaching them.  this holds them in place so i can check placement before pushing them all into position with the file/knife.  that way i can make sure they are where i want them before committing...again much easier if some need to be moved or adjusted slightly.

 

viola! the finished project! denim is a little tough to stud, especially with the pyramid pieces.  they start to hurt your fingers after a while. really easy though! just takes a little time and patience.