MATCHMAKER

I've been known to wear some pretty bright colors in my day, but recently I've been digging monochromatic outfits. It's just so easy! Now I just reach for things that are black and various shades of gray and I don't even have to think about if they match. Because they allll match.

For this project, I decided to make a two piece set (top and scarf) using the same fabric. I dig the look of gray on gray and I can layer other blacks and grays over or under this pending the weather. The scarf has enough texture that it doesn't blend into the top even though they're the same color (light gray.) This project requires a little sewing, but very little.

Here's what you'll need:

- 4-5 yards of fabric (I got mine on sale for $1/yard! Steal of a deal)

- thread

- scissors

- sewing machine

TOTAL: $5 (depends on fabric)

I bought 10 yards of fabric (because it was so cheap!) so I started by cutting two long strips to use for my scarf. Depending upon the length of fabric and how many loops of scarf you want,  cut strips about 1.5-2 inches wide until you have enough. Once you have the strips, sew the ends together so you end up with one giant loop of fabric. When you're ready to wear, you'll just wrap the scarf around your neck as many times as you like. I like a lot of scarf action going on in my outfits, especially if I need to distract attention from an unfortunate hair situation (i.e barely rolled out of bed in time to get to class.)

Once you have the scarf strips cut off, you're ready to get crackin' on the shirt.  For a rough pattern I used a long, baggy tank top that I have. As you can see, I cut my shirt wider and longer than the koala tank top because wanted to ensure that there's a lot of flow to the shirt.

 

 

Be careful when you're cutting the arm holes, neckline and bottom if you plan on leaving the edges rough (seamless) as I did. It can be tricky to make little trims on stretch cotton. I cut the scoop of the neck a little lower than the back, mainly so I can keep straight which side is front.

Since my fabric has a bit of shimmer to it, I turned both shiny sides of fabric in toward each other for the sewing. Then, just sew the side seams together and the tops of the shoulder straps. That's it!

Here's the shirt by itself:

As you can see, the fabric is a bit sheer and it's cut so that you can see a little bit of what's underneath. You can either wear a cool bra or a tank top underneath depending upon how scandalous you feel that day.

Then, layer on the scarf and you're ready to rock 'n roll!

Added bonus to this project: now you have a cool scarf that you can throw on with anything, not just the matchy match shirt. Woot! I love bonuses. 

Song to get you going: Zoot Woman - Grey Day

YOU SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY

While many people were busy celebrating the birthday of an important religious figure, my family was forced to celebrate the birthday of someone else on December 25th..me! I won't bore you all with the details, but this year I bought myself a few birthday presents that I thought were well deserved (and super rad.)

First and foremost, the coolest pair of shoes I own. Jeffrey Campbell, I love you.

They have a little peep toe and are super comfy because the whole shoe is really soft leather, so you don't get blisters like you do with strappy heels. I will likely wear these beauties ....ummm...everyday. Yep.

Next, I decided to really splurge with some birthday money and go thrift shopping. I figured if it's with "birthday" money and I'm thrift shopping I don't have to feel bad about breaking one of my new year's resolutions (to shop less.)

My first find was at the American Apparel Outlet on Venice Beach.

Yes, those are origami cranes on the print (so rad!) I added a vintage teal belt to give the dress a little more shape. This dress cost me a whopping $3.

These next finds were all picked up at my local Goodwill, which has proven to be a vintage goldmine (the whole two times I've been there.)

The photo doesn't capture the true 80's beauty of this dress: the shoulder pads, the draped slit, the big bow (with rhinestones!)....I'm just dying to find an occasion to wear this gem out.

This dress makes me feel like a stewardess in the 60's (that was still the PC term back then people, I'm not trying to offend anyone.) I love all the buttons and envision a beehive-esque hairdo accompanying this dress.

Get ready...

If you're thinking, "Whoa! Those are some pretty serious acid-washed mom jeans," you are exactly right. Good ol' Lee's. These will be used in a future project. I love the wash but even I don't have the cajones to wear these suckers out without a few alterations. I mean...look at the waist to hip ratio on those. Serious.

This year was the first year that I bought myself birthday presents and I think it's a great idea. You all should try it, it's a guarantee you'll like what you get!

Song to get you going: The Beatles - Birthday