Slap on an apron, it’s time to stir up your fashion croc pot for a super chic ‘n classy case.  Boxy silhouette bags are making a huge comeback for Fall/Winter 2010.  Louis Vuitton is bringing the sexy lady back, while Ralph Lauren continues to knock us out with versions of his famously luxe Ricky bag (yes! Named for RL’s knock-out wifey).

To make a faux croc carryall of your own, purchase or re-purpose a lunchbox.  Use tools to punch two holes in each side.  Thread chain (test out a desired length before cutting) through one side, and connect with pliers after threading through the other side.  Add dome nail heads onto the bottom corners for “feet” by pushing and bending back sharp pronged corners.  Finish off with a j’amazing brooch that’s DIYing for a reinvention.  P.S.- I love all things wild and animal-eque… a la Kieselstein-Cord! 

Put a little PEP in your step and a WOW in your wardrobe with a refined, sophisticated, and slightly sultry peplum skirt! These classic styles that were once on hiatus are premiering on the runways and back on television.  AMC’s Mad Men is in one word J’AMAZING! Take style notes from Joan Holloway who proves that pencil (skirts) and pen (necklaces) are a must.  Banana Republic is having a Casting Call for Mad Men… I wonder if Don Draper is judging?

To create a retro-inspired skirt, reach for a curtain panel (use a panel with a skirted top).  Gather, and pin top (front) to create a slight pleat every few inches.  Sew and reinforce with stitching where pins are holding material in place. Flip material to the backside.  Cut to desired length and hem by stitching. To finish off the back, use kilt pins to connected material. Cinch and style with a bold belt and you’ve got a perfect peplum!

P.S.- Click here to submit your best Mad Men style and enter for a walk-on role on the show.  I think my friend Jessica from What I Wore is spot on!

Diamonds may be a girls best friend, however I’ve always hankered to dazzle and drip in colorful precious stones.  Were you born into a blah birthstone?  Teter between Aquamarine to Amethyst?  No matter what stone you want to own, consider your wish granted! I’m currently crushing on these gems: Mary Katrantzou’s Fall 2010 Collection of Kaleidoscope graphic gem dresses, McQueen’s Gold Angel heels, I’m fallin’ for Fallon, and hot for Harry Winston! Bling is IN.  Achieve this look by recycling your fashion magazines into gemstone earrings fit for a queen (or you)!

Cut out colorful gem ads and editorial rocks and secure onto card stock using a glue stick.  Paint a layer of Mod Podge. Once dry, cut out around the outside silhouette of your earring.  Use a glue gun and adhere onto a wide ribbon, trimming around the edge and leave a slight border.  Punch a little hole and slide in your earring wires.

P.S.- Gems are truly truly truly outrageous!  (obvious 80’s Jem reference for the younger set).

Dear Oscar de la Renta, Thank you for helping the world realize there needs to be a clutch for something other than lipstick and tic tacs!  Your new OdlR ipad clutches  recently caught my eye, while walking down the runway, and P.S.- they’re j’amazing!  Far from Geek and beyond Chic, everyone wants an ipad AND your fab bag to tote them around in.  I “P.S.”-ed my own version using my fav Gorilla Tape, electrical tape ( to add striped detail ) and an inflatable travel pillow case!  

I was inspired to create this project based on a competition I participated in where the winner will receive an I Pad! This week I was asked to attend the first ever Charlotte Russe Project Mannequin  Style-off Contest.  My theme was  a “Fashion Week” look.  I DIY’ed a necklace out to tights to accompany a lace dress with an army shirtdress and Chanel-style bag.  Click here to check out the look and vote for me!

P.S-If I get the most votes I win an I Pad for the case I DIY’ed above! Help me win… and I’ll send a P.S.- reader a DIY case too!

I’m in it- to win it.  Get involved! 

I’ve been roped in to a DIY obsession that’s got me all tied up at the moment.  I cannot stop weaving and knotting for the life of me!  Currently, were seeing the macrame and summer crochet trend all over the place.  Don’t think hippie-chic looks and handwoven plant hangers- Macrame and crochet looks are back in a modern and wearable way.  Chanel’s SS10 collection is bursting at the seams with this delicate, light-weight design that’s to die for.  Oscar de la Renta proved this trend is gonna stick around for a bit as we spotted some macrame cameos in his Cruise 2011 show as well.

To create you own version of this macrame-style rope necklace, grab a spool of rope and loop around your thumb.  Weave over and under your fingers, back and forth until you create 2 rows of rope of each finger.  Remove the bottom string over the top on each finger, until you leave just one row left.  Continue to weave over and under, always creating 2 rows of rope and pulling the bottom rope over the top.  After you’ve created your woven design, remove from the fingers, loop the strand through all the finger holes, add beads and chain- and you’re ready to roll!

July 4th holds a very special place in my heart.  I share the same name and birthplace with our beloved country, amERICA (get it!?).  The historic city of Philadelphia hosted the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and also has stars & stripes bragging rights because of another crafty lady Betsy Ross, who stitched up our Nation’s flag there. 

Celebrate Independence Day the right way and pay homage to amERICA the beautiful’s birthday with a barbecue!  Think twice this year before you discard the dishes and cutlery.  Round up and recycle plastic forks, napkins, a coaster, buttons and shells and declare a DIY with the help of a trusty glue gun.  Secure finished embellished brooch to dresses, bags, and tops with a safety pin to sass up your style.  Check out Design*Sponge for the FULL Step-by-Step tutorial

P.S.- God Bless America, and the BBQ Brooch!

Bloom where you’re planted!  Currently, I am holed up in my summer house in Montauk, NY where I love entertaining! As I always say, Decorating and DIY go hand-in-hand.  Whether you escape to a beach house or indulge locally in summer entertaining, the perfect accoutrement is eye-catching clusters of pretty flowers in bold vases of varying heights.  Inspired by pottery genius Jonathan Adler’s vases and fashion designer Paul Smith’s famous colorful and happy stripes, (which I’m forever drawn to….yes-pun intended). 

Make your own striped vases using empty milk cartons and Sharpie Twin Tip markers.  Cut the tops off, wrap with white masking tape and stripe away!