Archive for Clothing
Spruce Up Your Basic Tank Top with a Ruffle
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Me, wearing my new ruffled tank top with Hillary and Steph
When I’m outside of the office, my summer wardrobe – particularly during heat spells like we’ve been having this summer – is pretty standard. I almost always wear shorts and a “Perfect Fit” JCrew tank top, which I stock up on every time I’m at the outlet. Their shirts are absolutely the most comfortable and you can pretty much always score the tanks at the outlet for under $10. When I went this spring, I got a few for $7.99 each. A total bargain! The only downside is that, after a while, my outfits tend to all look the same – just in a different color.
Inspired by all of the ruffles we’re seeing this spring/summer, I decided to add a little ruffle onto one of my new tanks. The result is a tank that’s cute enough to wear with a skirt – and that was way cheaper than buying a new shirt. Here’s what you’ll need and what I did:
Reader Tip: Cuff Links, A Girl’s Best Friend
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Shared by Grace, YAY!DIY reader
Yay! DIY reader Grace shared a helpful DIY tip that we just had to pass on. Grace loves her wide white woven belt – but hates how the ends curl down. She found the perfect solution: her husband’s cuff link. The cuff link fit perfectly into the weaves of the belt and held it in place. It looks like it came with the belt.
Grace's belt behaves with a cuff link!
If you’re looking for something a bit splashy, try stealing borrowing a cufflink with more bling – diamonds, or yellow gold, perhaps, from your hubby, father or brother!
Thanks for sharing, Grace!
Do you have a DIY tip to share? Let us know!
Make Your Own Embellished T-Shirt
Posted by: | CommentsI absolutely love all of the cute embellished T-shirts we’re seeing this season. In my book, there’s nothing more comfortable than a soft cotton T-shirt, which is only made better when it’s cute enough to pair with a skirt for work or to dress up a pair of jeans for happy hour. But the price tag can be more than a little disheartening. So what’s a 
girl to do? Make it myself, of course! When you make it yourself, not only can you customize the shirt to make it exactly what I want, but you can also do it for about a quarter of the price you’ll see in a store.
A few weeks ago at the JCrew outlet they had their Favorite T’s on sale for $7.99. Bingo! Their T’s are thick, soft cotton and wash and wear really well, season after season. I picked up a few, including a plain white V-Neck. In my mind I envisioned something really girly that I could wear under a suit or with few of my summer skirts. I saw a few shirts that used grosgrain ribbon, so I decided to give it a whirl.
I went to Michaels, and picked up some grey and light pink ribbon – I love this color combo; it reminds me of aerobics gear from the early ‘80s. The vision in my head was of the ribbon cascading down one side – subtle enough to just peak out under my new navy suit jacket or favorite pink Jackie cardigan. Read More→
Rain, Rain, as long as I look good, you can stay…
Posted by: | CommentsAs many of you know, Lia and I blog weekly for University Chic, a very cool Web site for college women. Last week, we shared tips about how to spice up a plain raincoat by adding a few extra details – without breaking the bank – and, drum roll, by using almost zero craft skills. Easy enough for anyone!
A few years ago I got this trench at the Ralph Lauren outlet – I call it my “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego” 
trench. Even though the lining is ripped, I just can’t part with it. But I did think it needed a little pick me up. In just a few minutes I spiced it up by:
- Tying the belt in a knot, instead of buckling it.
- Adding a rosette, using a safety pin. You can also stitch it into place with a needle and thread.)
- Hot-gluing copper Grosgrain ribbon to fit the edge of the pocket. You can try adding any color ribbon you like – hot pink, polka dot, etc. Copper was all I had handy!
- Remember – always cut Grosgrain ribbon on a diagonal so it doesn’t unravel, and if you use hot glue (you could also stitch it into place) don’t put the coat in the dryer.
If this isn’t quite what you’re looking for, what about:
- Adding a brightly colored belt, like this pink belt from Target.
- Finding a cute iron-on monogram. Find your initials online for just a few bucks here.
- Use iron-on hemming tape to add brightly colored or metallic fabrics to your coat. Try adding a splash of color to the lapel or collar, or making a stripe around the bottom. You can iron on hemming tape at any craft store, or online.
- Stitch, iron on or hot glue a brightly-colored trim or fringe around the bottom or down the front. You can find some online, or at your local craft store.
You’ll be rain-ready in no time!
A No-Sew Tutu for Your Favorite Ballerina
Posted by: | CommentsBlog Post by YAY! DIY contributor Lauren, one very talented crafter!
I started making tutus when my daughter was a few months old. I am always looking for new creative things to do, and came across some cute tutus on the Internet. I decided I could do this myself, and went about learning how. These tutus are easy to make, even a novice crafter can do them. And, they are so inexpensive, you can make one for every occasion if you so choose!
Lauren's Adorable Daughter Modeling Mom's Handiwork
Supplies:
Ribbon (something that matches your tulle)
3-6 yards of tulle (one color or multiple colors)
Yes, that is it for supplies!! You could really make this tutu for about $5-$8!
Button Up!
Posted by: | CommentsFor years I’ve been collecting the extra buttons that come with new sweaters, button downs and pairs of pants. And since, as many of you know, I love things with buttons (who knew my cardigan obsession would be so handy?) I have no shortage of extras. But except for a few spare coat buttons, I’ve never actually needed to use any of them.
A few weeks ago, I found my stash in an unmarked box in my underwear drawer filed neatly away in a logical place, and I thought they were too pretty to just sit there, unloved. I thought about what crafty project I could use them in. There were buttons in all different sizes and colors: red, black, clear, white, fabric-covered, flower-shaped, etc. It was a bit overwhelming.
Then, I realized the buttons made me think about Anthropologie, and that got me thinking about using them to spice up a plain white tank. In my head I knew it would be cute – and I have to say, the end result turned out adorable! I can’t wait to wear it with my favorite chino shorts and what else – one of my five Jackie cardigans from JCrew. Darling, right? I could totally picture this number at Anthro – but my DIY version costs a fraction of what they would charge for something like this.
Here’s how you can do it at home: Read More→
