Posts Tagged ‘DIY’

Montreal Fashion Jobs – Clutch It

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

Winter may be the season of beautiful, rich textiles and heavy fabrics, but when it comes to what you carry on your arm with your most important necessities in tow, it is nice to downsize to a clutch that fits just right. Some may say the clutch is not a typical winter staple, but I say it’s a universal one! Simpler and more elegant, clutches can be worn on a daily basis while those embellished with crystals and sequins or adorned with embroidery are good to save for special occasions when all you need is your phone and lipstick! Tiny bags have also made an impression, as designers like to keep us on our toes and throw in a contrast to the roomy totes we are generally accustomed to carrying during the winter months. Some bags are just small while others are really tiny, so try something textured like rich velvet as seen from Chanel, or an interesting textile like Perspex unveiling a pouch within a pouch like the oversized clear vinyl edition at 3.1 Philip Lim.

While the colors are textures are generally more muted for the cold weather seasons, designers do like to add some diversity to their collections: don’t be surprised if you see a couple of really bright handbags stocked in stores, or a funky tapestry fabric like the ‘Dolce’ bag from Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall/ Winter 2012/2013 collection. We would all love to buy the latest ‘It’ bag off the runway, but for those of us with modest incomes and a love for the trend of now, source out some fabulous finds online or look for an easy and affordable DIY!

1. 3.1 Philip Lim Perspex (Clear Clutches) Vinyl via Style.com
2. Chanel Velvet ‘Boy’ Bag via Tumblr
3. Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Bag
4. DIY A Pair and A Spare
5. Zara Velvet Evening Bag, $40
6. Aldo Earostmo, $55

By: Emily Gray, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @litlmissfashn.

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Montreal Fashion Jobs – Make Do and DIY

Thursday, November 8th, 2012

(Photo: DIY Fashionista)

If you’re feeling inspired by the latest Fall and Winter fashions there is one place you can turn to these days for creative reinforcements that won’t break the bank. With a plethora of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) websites out there you can keep up with the latest trends and minimize the expense of footing the bill for the seasons favorite looks. Take a chance on creating something original with the help of fashions eagle eyes, and be the first to set off a wave of trends in your office or group of friends.

A quick peek on sites like A Pair and A Spare, Honestly…WTF, or I Spy DIY will instill your love of the flare that something as simple as a hot glue gun and rhinestones can produce. Take for instance your worn out old black leather clutch, why not spice it up with a tutorial on how to make it pop like Valentino’s more expensive version by adding studs or a tassel (as seen on I Spy DIY)? Jazz up the neckline of your basic white tee by creating your own woven chain collar necklace (brought to you by Honestly…WTF), or for a more daring fashion statement why not take something old and make it you again by crafting a matching clutch from the extra fabric of that cute cocktail dress you just dared to reconstruct (thanks to A Pair and A Spare).

There are so many other great sites for the jewelry, accessory and fashion DIY obsessed. Here’s a list of my Top 10 Favorites spanning from our very own Canadian backyard, and across the globe:

1. A Pair and A Spare - Hong Kong
2. I Spy DIY – New York
3. Honestly…WTF - California
4. Stripes + Sequins - New York
5. Glitter & Glue - LA
6. Because I’m Addicted - LA
7. P.S.- I Made This… - New York
8. Thanks I Made It - Washington, DC
9. Park & Cube - London, UK
10. My Little Secrets - Toronto

Photos:

1. DIY Studded Clutch via I Spy DIY
2. Valentino Studded Clutch, $1200
3. DIY Woven Chain Collar Necklace via Honestly…WTF
4. Loren Hope Chain Collar Necklace, $265
5. DIY Matching Bag via A Pair & A Spare
6. Proenza Scouler Pochette PS1 Clutch (available in every color to match), $1735

By: Emily Gray, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @litlmissfashn.

Are you an employer? Post your job here.

Are you a job seeker? Find fashion jobs here.

Montreal Fashion Jobs – Can’t B-U-Y? Then D-I-Y

Monday, October 17th, 2011

Fashion blogging is a brave new world that changes and evolves everyday. It seems a new online magazine, blog or vlog pops up each week with even more sub-genres emerging in the flurry. One category that seems to be gaining both steam and mainstream attention is DIY fashion blogs. With the mantra “If you can’t B-U-Y then D-I-Y” creative bloggers are whipping up runway inspired clothes, accessories and footwear with bigwig DIY fashion bloggers like Erica Domesk of P.S. I Made This and Jenni Radosevich I Spy DIY landing in print publications like Teen Vogue, CNN Living, InStyle and Elle.com and even getting book deals (check out P.S. I Made This…I See It. I Like It. I Make It at Chapters). We’ve rounded up the top six DIY fashion blogs on our Google Reader so you don’t have to.

Honestly…WTF 

Designer Erica Chan Coffman and stylist Lauren Colodny are the creative minds behind inspiration and DIY fashion blog Honestly…WTF. Look to these ladies for wonderful photography, travel shots, interior design and, of course, creative DIY projects. From a baroque Proenza Schouler inspired scroll necklace made out of chandelier ornaments and decorative wooden molding to easy step-by-step instructions on how to create the perfect arm party, these long distance besties have you covered.

A Pair and A Spare 

Hong Kong-based DIY fashion blogger Geneva has a passion for crafty style. “DIY Fashion is about recreating the most coveted looks and trends yourself by doing projects that are professional looking, save you money and are also mindful of sustainability and the environment,” she says. Geneva artfully documents her DIY creations (including a gorgeous wrapped bodice side split dress), project inspirations and her travels throughout Asia.

Freshly Given 

Whitney of Freshly Given is the new kid on the DIY fashion blog block but her creations are anything but amateur. She specializes in repurposing, recreating and reinvigorating thrifted, swapped and inherited clothing finds. Her collection of vintage-inspired creations are oh-so-covetable. Whether you’re handy with a sewing machine or are the needle-and-thread type of DIY-er you’ll find something to create on this blog. Personal favourites include a pair of men’s jeans re-envisioned as a minimalist denim dress and a wrap shirt made out of her grandmother’s old skirt.

 

Glitter and Glue 

Los Angeles-based wardrobe stylist and fashion blogger Kristen Turner is a self-professed recovering shopaholic who found a cure for her high-end retail addiction in DIYing. With materials ranging from vintage buttons, plastic tubing, miniature rubber toys, duct tape and of course, lots of glitter and glue, she manages to create designer inspired duds and accessories on a budget.

I Spy DIY 

Full-time InStyle layout designer and part-time blogger Jenni Radosevich is a crafty young woman. Her celebrity and runway-inspired no-sew creations have been featured in InStyle, CNN and Elle.com and retailers including Kmart have searched out her skill to bring high-end fashion to the masses. Top projects include an ombre denim shirt, a Jason Wu-inspired lace v-neck shirt and a statement necklace made out of straws, shoelaces and spray paint.

…Love Maegan 

Whether you’re looking to add a unique, handmade garment to your wardrobe or spice up your home décor style blog …Love Maegan has you covered. The brainchild of style editor and beauty expert Maegan Tintari, this site features hair tutorials and fashion advice alongside fun and flirty “MIYs” (Maeg-It-Yourself). Favourites include a feathered skirt, a leather cutout necklace and a lanyard bracelet.

By: Septembre Anderson, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @SeptembreA.

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