BACK IN THE HARNESS

As you may have gathered from previous posts, I'm a big fan of accessories. Especially the type of accessories that have the ability to completely transform an outfit. So, when I read this post on Style Bubble about fabulous harnesses by Norwegian Wood I just about jumped with joy. But...then I went to see how much they cost: one of those bad boys will cost you about $375 (prices vary slightly per style)

I think that harnesses are a pretty killer accessory, but seeing as they're not something you can wear everyday, there's no way I could justify spending that much moolah. So....you guessed it! I decided to make one myself.

Here's what you'll need:

 - elastic (I bought 3 packages for $1.49 each...if you can buy it by the yard you'll probably need about 3-4 yards)

- metal or plastic ring (for back)

- three hook buckes (or whatever sort of closure you'd like...the ones I chose were easy to sew)

- one yard of small chain (or fringe, feathers, pearls, etc.)

- thread

TOTAL COST: about $10.00 

For this project, I would really recommend using a sewing machine. It's not absolutely necessary, but hand stitching through elastic can get tough, so if you're going to hand sew everything you'd be wise to use a thimble.

Here's the full view of the harness so you can see what we're about to get into:

I started by measuring how big the three waist bands needed to be, leaving a few extra inches on either side for the buckles. When the elastic is around your waist, pin or tape the rough end facing in toward your body and sew a seam about half an inch from the end of the fold. Once you have all three waist bands cut and sewn, you can hand stitch on the hooks or buckles.

When the waist bands were done, I put all three of them on and pinned the elastic shoulder straps  starting on the sides (down on either side of my waist) then positioned the elastic over my shoulders so that the two straps would meet in the back.

The trickiest part is trying to make sure that all three waist bands get evenly placed on the elastic straps. I just kept on putting on the waist straps, pinning, taking it off, sewing, putting it back on, pinning the next place, taking it off, sewing, etc.

When the straps are sewn on the sides, get out your metal or plastic ring and determine where that needs to go on your back. (I used a mirror to look at my back and pinned accordingly.)

The last strap that will go on is the back "T-strap" that will go vertically from the ring down the middle of the waist straps in the back. Make sure the spacing between the waist bands on this strap is equal to the spacing of the waist bands on the side straps. The final touch is stitching on the chains. I only put a few chains on, but you could really get crazy with the hardware if you so desire.

This project may seem a bit tricky, but once you get going it really goes fast. The biggest bugger is that if you're not working with a form (as I was not) you have to keep trying the harness on as you pin. The positive side to that is that the harness will fit your body exactly the way you want it to!

I recognize that rocking a harness isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you have the wardrobe and the cajones to really work it, you're sure to hit a fashion home run.

Song to get you going: Eagles of Death Metal - Don't Speak

 

 

NIFTY AND THRIFTY

This post doesn't contain any items that I have, in fact, fashioned by hand. However, I set out this morning with the intention of getting supplies for future projects, so I think this sort of counts.

My first stop: the Fashion District. This was my first visit there and it was quite a lot to handle. First I hit up the fabric stores (there are so many!) then wandered the alleys, then picked up a few knick knacks before I just couldn't take it anymore. The feeling of being in the fashion district reminded me of El Rastro in Madrid because 1) there were so many different shops and people milling about and 2) everyone was speaking Spanish. I'm so glad I went though because it really is a goldmine of fashion resources, and now I know where to get all the goods!

Boxes of shoulder pads?! I'm in heaven!

Technicolor zippers

In case I need a new dress for a party or something...very practical

Fabric AND boas...one stop shopping!

Well wasn't that fun?

My second stop is a thrifters staple: Goodwill. I went there to get basic pieces that I plan on cutting up for projects. I didn't come out with any of the things I set out for, but I did pick up some rad stuff anyway.

The material is sort of like a stretchy gray dress pant...an interesting twist on a hoodie

This dress is very Lisa in my opinion

Velour mini-dress with low scoop back...for channeling my early 90's Alicia Silverstone

I think paired with some military boots this could really pack some punch

My FAV. Needs an alteration (coming in a later post)

My grand total for the 5 pieces: $21.45. Yesssss! The best part about thrifting is that I can guarantee that no one will be waltzing around in the same outfit as me. And I found super rad stuff.

Third stop: LF Warehouse Sale. This was my first time at a warehouse sale and let me tell you, they are not for the faint of heart. BUT, if you're willing to deal with the madness, you will walk out with some incredible deals. My finds are below, with the original price and what I paid.

Black sheer long sweater. Original: $128. I paid $10.

Long tshirt (the sheer kind you see through). Original price: $58. I paid $6.

Baller scarf. Original price: $75. I paid $7.

Gray t-shirt (suuuuper soft and wonderful.) Original price: $58. I paid $6.

High waisted skinny jeans. Original price: $225. I paid $18.

 

Leg warmers + stirrups = two of my favorite things. Original price: $48. I paid $6.

Badass earrings (that perfectly match a necklace I just got...bonus.) Original price: (unknown) I'd guess at least $40 based on the pricing of other items. I paid $7.

LOVE these boots. Original price: $225. I paid $35.

The retail price for all of these items would have been: $877. Oy! 

My grand total was $95! I win.

Today was a full-on fashion adventure that brought me all over the city. I came out with some great finds, but it was rather exhausting. I guess I've taught myself a lesson that being fashionable takes work! Or rather that good fashion on a budget takes work. But setting out for great deals and unique pieces and actually finding them is so much more rewarding than just heading down to Nordstrom and paying full price. Trust me on this one.

Song to get you going (on whatever fashion adventure you please): David Bowie - Fashion

(i mean...i had to use it at some point. what better place than here, what better time than now?) 

(yes...i just threw a rage lyric in my nerdy fashion blog post.)

BALMAINIA

Balmain is one of my fav designers right now, but their badass blazers are just slightly out of my budget range (or more like thousands of dollars out of my budget range.) I wanted to rock a blazer that mimicked the awesome shoulder silhouette of Balmain's blazers (here) so I finally put my love for shoulder pads to good use. 

Here's what you'll need:

- blazer (I got a men's blazer at a vintage store for $15.00)

- shoulder pads (I used two sets from JoAnn Fabrics, $3.99 each)

- thread (any color will do, you won't see it)

- knitting needles ($1.29)

TOTAL COST: $33.00 (price depends on what sort of blazer you start with...but any way you play it, this version is much more affordable than Balmain's beautiful jackets ranging from about 4K-13K)

As you can see from the photo below, the blazer was pretty slouchy before (it is a men's blazer, mind you.) The reason I couldn't resist it is because of the leather lapel and sweet buttons.

 

  

I started by sewing a pair of shoulder pads in half (so the round end touches the flat end.) Then I stitched together a normal shoulder pad with a half shoulder pad, so that both are stacked facing the same direction.

 

  

Next, stitch the knitting needles along the top seam of the shoulder pads. Place the knitting needle/shoulder pad combo so that the top seam of the shoulder pads (where the knitting needle runs) lines up with the shoulder seam of the inside liner of the blazer. Stitch the shoulder pads into place, but be sure to only stitch into the liner (not the outside layer of the blazer, otherwise you may see stitches from the outside.)

When I finished installing my double-whammy sets of shoulder pads, they were so big that I sort of looked like a linebacker. So then I went ahead and cut the shoulder pads into thin strips, so that the blazer hangs more naturally.

Because we're dealing with shoulder pads here, I would be sure to pair the blazer with a pencil skirt or skinny jeans in order to look slim and trim. I might even cinch mine at waist with a neato pin to make the silhouette more dramatic.

Whether you're trying to channel Michael Jackson or Margaret Thatcher, a great blazer can make a statement.

Song to get you going: Devo - Gut Feeling

 

TEXTILE TRIMMINGS

If you happen to have any extra fabric or old t-shirts lying around, don't let them go to waste! Fabric necklaces are a great way to jazz up a look and are super simple to make. They add some nice texture to an outfit without feeling like you're wearing a 200 pound boa constrictor around your neck (like many of my beloved chunky beaded necklaces with which I have a love/hate relationship.)

Here's what you'll need:

- an old t-shirt (I used the sleeves of an old tie-dyed long sleeve tee)

- three long strips of fabric (about a yard long, depending upon how long you want the necklace)

- chain, beads, pearls, ribbon, etc. for accent

TOTAL COST: Free (if using an old t-shirt) - about $2.00 (for chain, metal ring, etc.)

First I'll start with the bib necklace because it's a bit trickier. I cut off the sleeves of an old tie-dyed t-shirt (you can cut off strips from the bottom of a t-shirt) and made 8 strips about equal length (pictured is a white t-shirt for demonstration sake...easier to see.)

Next, you'll make two braided pieces that will go around your neck, so make the braids as long as you want before the bib portion. You may want to tie the braids on a ring or other sort of clasp (as pictured in the tie-dyed version) or you can tie the ends together. When each braid is as long as you want it, tie two of the three pieces in a knot so the braid doesn't come undone.

 

 

Tie a piece from each of the two braids together to connect the braids. Tie on the extra two strips of fabric to the connecting piece between the braids.

Now, just keep knotting random strips of fabric to build the bib portion. Make sure you're connecting strips across the whole width of the necklace so that all of the strips of fabric get utilized and the bib sticks together (see progress below.)

Tuck in or cut the ends of fabric, and your finished product should look like this!

 

Phew! After completing the bib necklace, this next one will be a walk in the park. I used the ends of a piece of fabric that I didn't need and a leftover piece of chain from other projects (see chain gang.)

Cut three thin strips of fabric about a yard in length. Next, cut a piece of chain (beads, ribbon, whatever you like) the same length as the fabric. Tie the three pieces of fabric and accent piece (chain) in a knot and start braiding. To end the necklace I just made one big cluster*beep* knot (keepin' it clean for the kiddos.) You can use a ring like in the tie-dyed necklace if you prefer a different look. I figured that my long locks will cover the knot so I didn't sweat it.

Voila! From scraps to adornments in a matter of minutes.

Song to get you going: Ruby Suns - Kenya Dig It?

 

CHAIN GANG

Chains are popping up everywhere and I love it. (check out this posting on stylebubble for some great examples.) I wanted to get in on the fun so I headed straight to the most logical place for fashion goodies...Menards. (No, I'm not kidding.)

A chain belt is a surefire way to up your badass points, and can be adjusted to be worn with jeans, skirts, dresses or even a slip if you're feeling really cheeky. I wanted to up the ante from a belt so I made a chain harness, which makes me feel part Billy Idol and part Knight of the Round Table.

Here's what you'll need:

- large link chain for the base (I got a 10 yard pack from Menards $5.99)

- various desired sizes of chain for decoration (I got two varieties from Hobby Lobby for $1.29/yard)

- belt closure (I used a gadget I found at Menards, a small carabiner would work too)

- needle nosed pliers

- wire cutter (if working with small chain)

TOTAL COST PER PIECE = about $6.00

 For the belt: Hook one end of the large chain in your belt closure of choice, then measure the chain around your waist for the right length and hook the other end through the belt closure. Use the needle nosed pliers to separate the chain link directly after the link in the belt closure and remove excess chain. Then use either needle nosed pliers or wire cutter to make chain strands of various lengths and attach them where desired.

For the harness: Start by putting the chain over one shoulder and determine the right length for the two main pieces (think of the chain pieces as suspenders.) Again, you'll use needle nosed pliers to separate chain where possible, wire cutter where necessary. Next determine how wide you want the harness to be, and create 6 equal length pieces of the large chain: 3 for the front and 3 for the back. When you to go place the horizontal pieces, count the number of links between each piece so that the harness doesn't end up all catywompus. When you have the base done, add additional sizes of chain for a more dramatic look.

Song to get you going: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Took Out a Loan