P.S.- Dive into DIY this summer!  The weather is hot, and your accessories should be too.  This seasons attire is “Beach Chic”, so please dress accordingly.  Elie Tahari’s SS2011 Collection boasted a stunning and breezy beach wrap, which was the inspiration for this DIY.  Whether you’re beach-bound or bouncing around town, everyone needs a bevy of beaded necklaces.

To create: reach for thin material/fabric, cut into long strips.  P.S.- the thinner, the better.  Cut strips, angling the top, pinch ends to thread beads through.  Classic pony beads are ideal and are available in a variety of colors.  Get creative with color combos and spacing to create a staggering look.  Make multiple strands for the ultimate summer statement necklace. 

P.S.- JOIN ME THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 11 AT ELIE TAHARI TO DIY THESE NECKLACES AND MORE J’AMAZING ACCESSORIES!  RSVP@ELIETAHARI.COM

She sells sea shells, by the sea shore!  In celebration of Memorial Day, millions of people are headed to warm climates that boast beach chic looks.  Keep your eyes peeled for prime summer styles influenced by the oceans. Marc Jacobs Starfish necklace and Ranjana Kahn’s spectacular statement shell necklace was a major inspiration for a sea-tastic DIY.  Wherever you’re off to this season, be sure to bring a bag to tote back any beach finds.  Shells, driftwood, sea glass… the world is your oyster!

To create a version of your own, use KRYLON Gold spray paint and give your shells a hefty coat or two of paint.  P.S.- Always spray outside!  After shells are dry, use a glue gun to adhere onto a foam, felt, or heavy fabric backing.  Create a pattern to your liking that suits your style.  Embellish with pearls and/or beads for extra details -attaching with glue.  Use sharp scissors to cut around the outline of the necklace, leaving room on the ends to fold under, creating a loop.  Glue the ends of material down (to create the loop)and thread the ribbon or tulle through.  Knot it off, trim it, and you are ready to glide along in a gilded statement necklace- it’s a shore thing!

Flower power is in full bloom!  It’s a known fact that fresh flowers will enhance your mood and style.  Bringing sunshine into your life with beautiful botanicals is a must do this season.  Since POLYVORE and I agreed that flowers are a clear front-runner for SS11, we challenged people to create original sets that ooze of spring flower fashion.  Check out the winning spring flower sets HERE!  P.S.- Each set is featured in the inspiration collage above that helped dream up the flower DIY earrings. Congrats to the winners! 

To create your earrings, reach for SEED PACKETS that don your favorite flowers.  Cut out the flowers to create your desired shape and size.  P.S.- Save the seeds and plant them in your garden!  Using MOD PODGE and a foam brush, paint the paper to fabric.  I suggest painting a thin layer on the bottom before placing down on the fabric to adhere better.  Once completely dry, trim the fabric backing to match up with the front pattern.  Using your trusty glue gun, attach an earring back (Clips-on’s are totally cool again), and add a dazzlin’ gem on the front for a bit ‘o bling!  Voila- you’re a blossoming beauty!

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the sunniest of them all?  You shine like a star and beam like the sun, so why shouldn’t your DIY projects do the same?  I have always been drawn to celestial elements, especially the Sun- the center of our solar system.  Get drawn into magnetic fields and glow your way into decedent glamour with a sunburst of your own.  A sun-drenched mirror is a sure way to reflect a happy home.  Get inspired by luxe designer mirrors and all things bright and gold  that gleam and glow… and get involved! I created this fab mirror that was feature in Rue Magazine, shot by the j’amazing MICHAEL FINE

To create your own sunburst mirror, start by gluing down wooden dowels (available at all major home improvement stores) to a cardboard circle base.  Continue to glue and rotate in a circular motion.  Hold in place till each dowel has set before moving onto the next.  After applying ample amounts of glue, add extra cardboard support wedges between dowels to hold in place.  Add another circular piece of cardboard to the top, which the mirror will be placed upon.  To create the mirror: glue ping pong balls along the outside edges with your glue gun.  Add a rope detail around the mirror for another rich detail.  Using gold spray paint (P.S.- Krylon is my favorite), spray both the dowels and mirror on a covered surface outdoors.  You will need a few coats!  Adhere the mirror to the sunburst base by using either a glue gun (depending on the weight of your mirror) or a stronger adhesive if necessary.  Use wall mounting accessories to hang your sunburst mirror.  P.S.- Have fun, Sunshine!

Friends are Flowers you pick for yourself, and I’m lucky to say that I’m blessed with the worlds most amazing bouquet of besties! Actions speak louder than words, so don’t just tell your friends how much they mean to you, show them! My friends at WHO WHAT WEAR and I agree that the demand for colorful and cool friendship bracelets using the COBRA stitch are back in a major way! I’ve been drawn to MARNI’S take on the friendship bangle creation for quite some time. Get inspired and get involved. Create chic BFF bracelets that represent the color your clan brings into your life. Everyone needs that reminder as well as a new accessory from time to time… make a note, and make a bracelet.

To create: Cut 3 pieces of ribbon or colorful rope (12” for base, Ribbon A & B approx 1 yard). Fuse together the ends of the 2 colors of ribbon with a small drop of glue. Do not start using ribbons, until completely dry. Tape down the shorter, center ribbon, to a steady and flat surface. To begin with the Cobra stitch, use Ribbon A, and cross over the center (base ribbon) making a loop. Bring Ribbon B under the tail and through Ribbon A’s loop. Once knotted through, pull Ribbon A & B equally, that will knot around base ribbon. Continue pattern and alternate the lead Ribbon from side to side. PS- If your pattern starts to go Spiral, that means you knotted on the same side and should un-do, and start on the alternate side. Once you have a Cobra pattern that is long enough for a bracelet, double knot ends, trim and tie off for a Chic Cobra Bracelet. Brave your Bestie on your wrist for a bold accessory, but more importantly- a blissful reminder of your BFF. PS- Check out MORE J’amazing versions of friendship bracelets on WHO WHAT WEAR!

Raise your hand if you’re fascinated by the Royal’s fascinators? ME! The decorative headpieces are adorned and adored by the misses of monarchies including the Royal Wedding’s star: Princess Kate Middleton. The stunning beauty frequently dons elegant hair adornments, which the rest of the world is now taking to.

Be the Queen of Chic, and rule your court by creating a feather fascinator of your own. Twist sinamay trim with loops and swirls, while holding together as you go. Anyway you twist and turn it looks amazing. You can’t mess it up! Use a needle and thread (be sure you double your thread) to bind the sinamay together. Stitch in and out till the base is secure and knot. Place small amounts of glue onto the base of the feather trim, and place inside at the bottom of the fascinator so you can’t see the bottoms. Add as much or as little as you’d like. Glue a feather patch for a more dramatic effect. Flip over to the bottom an glue your hair comb onto the base (or use a headband). If its not sitting flat, or is a bit messy, glue a piece of felt or fabric to give it a more finished and clean look. Hold your hair comb till it dries completely, and you are ready for royalty! P.S.- All accouterments are available at M&J Trim.

CLUTCH; adjective. “Exactly what you need, exactly when you need it”- according to the Urban Dictionary.  As fate would have it, I think we all want and need a new clutch at this very moment as we start to prep for our Spring/Summer weddings, and festive parties.  Toting around a chic mini clutch to cruise the town is essential for every one of these occasions.  The pretty and petite evening clutch screams refined, in the most delicate and unassuming way.  Small is the new BIG thing- just look to the runways, red carpets, and street style mavens for proof.  PS- I just gushed to BARNEY’S NEW YORK all about my latest handbag obsession! Check it out.

To “PS” a luxe evening clutch of your own- reach for a sunglasses case- I used my TORY BURCH gold case (PS- Her glasses are j’amazing).  If you don’t have a sunnies case- use all sorts of other small items— even try a pencil case!  Punch holes in opposing sides, and add a metal jump rings and thin chain (connect with pliers).  This will serve as your lovely chain strap which can also be tucked inside if you wish to not always use.  Find a decorative trim, trip to fit- and use spray adhesive glue and set in place.  Once dry- you are ready to hit the town and look fly. Have an affair to remember and CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE HOW-TO VIDEO