diy inspiration: silk tops

After successfully finishing my most recent clothing project, I've been itching to do more like it - thrifted silky tops spruced up with a quick modification to the hemline.  Some variations to consider:

Samantha Pleet blouse

I'm enjoying this pointy detail!  

NW3 blouse

A scalloped hem would be darling as well (see here for a great tute on making a scalloped edge), though I'd probably do it as a full-on crop top with a swingy, less fitted shape.

Vero Moda blouse

And, of course, the mullet.  This shape will long be one of my faves.

Refashioning projects like these are at the top of my to-do list.  Can't lie, though - said list is out of control!  What are your priority DIY projects for spring/summer?

diy inspiration: ikat blouse

My next blouse revamp just might have to be inspired by this Thakoon Addition top:

You could either cut and fold a panel of patterned fabric to fit and simply stitch it to the front of a blouse (like here), or remove the front and sew on a new one.  I'll admit that I'm not a huge fan of the colors or patterns used here - not really up my alley - but I do like the concept.  And I appreciate its sharp take on the ubiquitous asymmetrical hemline.

Hope you're all enjoying your weekends!  After a very Madrid Friday night out, I'm going full-on homebody tonight.  Books, soup, blogs.  Ta!

diy inspiration: paneled cardigans

Top: Erdem floral cardigan, Yves Saint Laurent sheer cardigan

Bottom: See by Chloe mustard cardigan, Dolce Gabbana knit cardigan

Plain cardigan + fancy fabric = big win.  I'm in the middle of finishing off a cardigan inspired by the above.  Don't touch that dial.  Until then, I'm off for a long weekend of street-market shopping and stroopwaffel eating.  Besos!

diy inspiration: more tribal

Hey friends, how DIYable are these THU THU shorts?  (Check out the description - perhaps "tribal" is backed by something of substance here?)  I sure would love to happen upon a pair of light blue suede shorts on my next thrifting run, but this sort of fabric touch would be equally cool on some denim cutoffs.  A little bit of rich texture, color, or pattern would go a long way to make a simple pair really special.

As promised, I've been working away on some tribal print-inspired projects, and tomorrow I'll be posting a pair of shoes that I've updated.  Till then!   

diy inspiration: tribal patterns

I'm trying to fun-ify my wardrobe without getting sloppy, spendy, or hooched-out, so I'm turning more and more to color and prints.  Notwithstanding the fact that the bustier below could have no function in my life (and reminds me a little of an owl), it's prompting me to whip out some fabric pens and go to town.  Why not draw some "tribal" (what does this even mean?) patterns all over some white kicks or a tank?  No reason.

                                         Mara Hoffman corset top, Burberry flats, Ralph Lauren Home rug

I can't really draw, but I can make lines, triangles, and squares, and I could possibly arrange them in appealing ways.  I'll be trying this on something soon - results to come!  xx

diy inspiration: mesh sweater

Bird by Juicy Couture sweater

For me, this is DIY inspiration in theory only, as I really don't have the patience to crochet or knit.  But isn't this stripy, neutral but interesting, versatile sweater just glorious?  Almost makes me want to pick up those rusty needles again and give it a go...

diy inspiration: patchwork

1. Chinti and Parker knit dress    2. Laneus sweater dress   

3. Tsumori Chisato short top       4. 3 1 Phillip Lim long day dress

  
I don't often take apart pieces of existing garments and do a mix-match sort of thing.  But I really should, as these babies suggest.  I'm on a mission to stock up on some thrifted sweaters, chop them up, and sew the components together.  And I know you won't be shocked if I end up throwing some leather pockets onto a homespun version of #3.  Happily, I have most of this week off from work, so I'll have plenty of DIY time to do just that.  Hope you all have a great week!

inspiration: leather details

You know that thrifted leather skirt that I raved about the last post?  It is undergoing reincarnation as we speak.  And it gets to live on not as a single garment, but as a component of several!  If I were an old leather skirt with a busted seam, I would choose this as my fate for sure.

As a prelude to the next few leather-associated DIYs, here’s a peek at some of my latest inspiration:

 

So simple and cozy, and just a bit luxe.

Next up: Grandpa’s wool v-neck, revamped!

Top row: 1. Topshop Faux Leather Patch Sweatshirt  2. By Malene Birger long sleeve top

Bottom row: 3. Leather sleeve cardigan  4. Peter Jensen jumper sweater

inspiration: classic contrast

1. Sea NY silk and leather blouse

2. DKNY black lace blouse
3. See by Chloe silk blouse
4. Valentino embellished cardigan

5. Jaeger contrast collar jacket
6. Peter Pilotto sleeveless top

Ever since my last DIY, I've had contrasting details on the brain: collars, plackets, pockets, cuffs.  I love that details like these, in a neutral palette, provide built-in interest (essential for me, the laziest dresser), without overly limiting the pairing possibilities within one's wardrobe.

I'm on a laid-back vacay in the Bay Area this week, and I'm heading out to SF to scour and ravage its thrift shops.  Hopefully, I'll be back with a truckload of raw materials, including some to patch together some tops/dresses inspired by the above.

Hope your week is off to a great start!