I‘m MAD for PLAID.  This long time Tartan tradition has been sported by Royals, seen on runways, not to mention a few rugged fellas.  Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you surely have been wearing or watching out for the lumberjack look.

Season after season, Alexander McQueen and Burberry give us healthy doses of plaid.  Recently, Pendelton’s collaboration with Opening Ceremony and go-to tops from Urban Outfitters and Aéropostale have also been on our plaid radar.

This quick Designer DIY is a fun way to change up your plaids just by adding a hint of shine. Use vintage plaids, your boyfriends shirt (don’t forget to ask).  When poking your studs thru- use a back of a spoon so you don’t hurt your hands.  Have fun!

Winter White is where my heart is heading.  Crisp hues of white mixed with shiny metallic details is a must for mixed media.  Any addition of nails heads and studding is always super chic and classic.  These dotted details are found on furniture to fashion. If you have spare shoe boxes or jewelry boxes this is a great face lift project that screams Designer DIY.

Cover boxes with white paper or use spray paint or buy new ones. Mine came from the Container Store http://www.containerstore.com/shop/giftPackaging/giftBoxes?productId=10003735

Hit up your local hardware store for upholstery tacks and thumbtacks.  Push them into the boxes, create patterns, spell out your initials- get creative! Use for a decorative accent on display- also makes a great gift wrap.

My soul sister, Aretha Franklin was onto something when she belted out the iconic Anthem, “Chain of Fools”.  We see versions of these utilitarian strands all over.  Streets to stylish runways- chains are a staple.  In an effort to update your look, follow this bold trend of layering by draping and clipping materials you may have laying around the house.

With a few colorful rubber bands and binder ring clips (hit up your local Staples!) you can have a chic cascade of chain to rock. Get creative with your chains- mix up the colors, sizes, and even double up on the rubber bands for a more dramatic drape.

CHAIN THE WORLD… MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE (yes, I Chain’ed the lyrics).

PS… ReadyMade cover shot by Kathryn Gamble & Rick Lozier

When ReadyMade Magazine asked me to collaborate and contribute for their special Holiday issue,  I was pretty psyched to create some fun & festive decorations.  I dug deep into my stash of items laying around the house to see what I could create with.  I love finding ways to re-purpose everyday items from my kitchen to my craft closet…as you know!

To make this rope wreath, hit up your local craft or floral store for a plain foam wreath.  Begin by securing your rope (clothesline works great) with glue on the back.  Wrap and glue on the back side as you go so the front stays nice and clean.  Use pinking sheers or regular scissors to make sponge leaves.  Make holly clusters with sponge leaves and buttons all over wrapped-wreath, securing with glue.  Apply a generous dose of spray paint (I love Krylon) and hang with a fun colored ribbon.

Pick up this months issue of ReadyMade Magazine to see my other DIY Projects.  PS- Its the perfect way to say happy HOLLY- DAYS this season!

Every little girl at one point in her life went through the BIG bow phase, me included!  If you’ve taken notice of the catwalks or scanned the fashion magazines you will see that bows are back in a BIG way!  Our style stars have been spotted adorning all sorts of delicate and whimsical, over-sized head wear all over the place.  From the Louis Vuitton bunny/bow ears to Marc Jacobs, Milly, and Sportmax runways, this trend is full on and taking over- you should too!

To make your beautiful bow, cut a trash bag (4”x6” approx.), gather it, tape it, wrap it in pretty french lace (or another fabric of your choice), add a ribbon and tape again.  I love Gorilla Tape- its super strong and its shiny black finish looks just like leather- Trust! Available at most hardware stores.

Take a bow… you made a BIG bow!

You’ve heard of the Art Deco era, but what’s it all about?  This was a time when sophistication, refined fashion, and edited elegance were in full force.  I look to this treasured time for clean lines, angular definitions, and luxe detail. 

The Empire State Building in NY, Sunset Tower in LA, and Collins Avenue in Miami are some of my Architecture crushes.  Pulling from these iconic buildings, I decided to channel this vibe into jewels!

Hit up your local hardware or home store for mirror clips.  Add some chain and earring wires, and you have your version of this Art Deco inspired fashion accessory.  Make it modern, make it yours!

I’ve been riding horses since I was 10.  Everything inspired by the Four-legged beauties makes me giddy, especially the get-ups!

Classic country clubbers sport Ralph Lauren’s designs.  Edgy and elegant show horses gush for D&G over-sized ribbon pins.  Anyway you sway, there’s a designer that is sure to tailor this sensible and seemingly chic genre for you.

Make you own first prize equestrian pin by using a few dazzling gems, buttons, or even broken bits you may have laying around.  Glue onto a cupcake paper and add some wide ribbon for the final touch!  Pin to handbags, blazers, anywhere!

PS- Stallion not included!