Dots, dots, lots of dots!  The power of the polka dot is proving to be one of the strongest trends for Fall/Winter.  While some may dance the polka, you may want to wear it on your sleeve. Marc Jacobs FW11 Collection fused the classic black & white combo with darling dots from head to toe, which is our DIY inspiration.  Only Marc could dream up this over-the-top pop of polka, reinventing a classic look with a modern twist. 

It’s on: Reach for fusible fabric which is available at most fabric stores.  You can also purchase online.  BONUS—Its’s very inexpensive!  Trace your polka dot pattern on paper.  I suggest using a bottom of a cup or any other circle you may have.  Cut out the pattern and place on top of fusible fabric.  To speed up the dot cutting, fold the material back and forth, which will result in multiple dots cut.  After you have cut out a bunch ‘o dots, place them a straight line on a white cotton tee shirt.  P.S.- Use a ruler or straight edge to help keep them in line.  Make sure you place them adhesive side down.  Feel free to have the dots go off the tee shirts edges, you can trim at the end.  Row by row, iron as you go- making sure the dots are totally fused on.  Once all the dots are adhered to the tee, use scissors to trim the hanging material. 

You may want to wash, for the first go ahead, and hang to dry. Keep some extra dots on hand incase you have any fallen soldiers aka, polka dots. Dance the polka… don the dots!

P.S.- Join the the mod squad.  This season, my friends at WHO WHAT WEAR and I are massive Mondrian fans…craving classic grid patterns.  YSL created iconic mod styles using the Mondrian grid, and this Fall Prada is taking note. Follow in the footsteps of Prada’s bold pattern, seen on the FW11 runways, and get inspired to create a version of your own.

Here’s how:  Cut the sleeves off of a t-shirt , at the seams  (or use a tank if you already have).  Measure and cut strips of navy ribbon.  The length of ribbon should be one inch longer than the shirt on each side. Leaving extra ribbon is always best, you can always trim the excess.  Use a ruler to measure equal distance between each “line” (will vary depending on your size shirt).  Apply small amount of fabric glue to the back of the ribbon and place vertically, dabbing with your fingers to set.  Cut shorter strips to cross horizontally, again making sure the ribbon is evenly spaced to create your grid pattern.  Cut small squares of raspberry red colored ribbon. *P.S.- DIY tip! Use clear nail polish to keep the ends from fraying!  Glue squares on the intersections of the navy ribbon grid.

For the collar and button detail, first create a paper collar template. Measure with a ruler and create a collar that is about 2 inches wide (depending on size of your shirt).  Use the guide you made to cut out the felt.  Cut a straight strip the same width as the collar and the same length as your shirt - to create the side panel.  Glue both collar and strip of felt onto shirt using a moderate amount of glue, setting with your hands, and letting dry for approx. 10-15 minutes before sewing on buttons.  Sew buttons onto collar and along the felt strip.  Lastly, trim any long pieces of ribbon and/or felt that are hanging off the edges-  and you are ready to join the Prada parade!

P.S.- I DIE for DIP DYE!  This season it’s all about white denim.  Summer’s must-have is also a must-make!  My friends over at WHO WHAT WEAR and I knew we had to get involved and spread the word on this denim DIY wonderfulness.  P.S.- Get excited!

To create: Grab a pair of denim shorts. (loving my Levi’s).  Wear plastic gloves to protect your hands and create bleach solution, mixing two parts water and one part bleach in a plastic bucket.  Prepare your shorts by threading a ruler through the belt loops (or use any long item to rest across bucket).  Dip the shorts into the liquid, to the desired depth, and rest the ruler on the top of the bucket where they will hang in the solution.  Leave the shorts soaking for approx 30 minutes. P.S.- the bleach will run a tad, so be sure to leave an additional few inches. After the bleach has turned the shorts the desired white shade (this may take a few dips), remove and soak in your sink or bathtub with two parts water and one part vinegar for approx. five to ten minutes, to stop the bleaching process. Let the shorts dry completely and cut to desired length. For a more distressed look, pull along the edges of the shorts.  Wash and dry the shorts alone for the first time.  After that, you’re good to go for future washes with you summer whites!

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.

The “Art of the Trench” is a beautiful thing.  The trench coat is quite possibly one of the most classic staples that everyone should own.  My friends, Hillary and Katherine of  WHO WHAT WEAR, who have a new j’amazing book, “WHAT TO WEAR, WHERE”, agree that one of the most coveted pieces this spring hails from BURBERRY.  Designer, Christopher Bailey, added a new spin on the iconic trench coat, giving us goosebumps with metallic accents to embellish.  Severe and sexy spikes are certainly a Spring trend to steal (say that tongue twister!)

Get inspired by Burberry, and create your own version.  Reach for lots of chopsticks (use anywhere from 50-100 pairs or more if you crave more spike-age).  Using a handsaw (carefully) and cut down chopsticks tops.  If you don’t feel comfortable with a saw, try heavy duty clippers.  In a well-ventilated area, spray paint the spikes, gold.  Wait till dry, flip over- and spray to cover.  Use chalk to outline where the spikes will go.  Use droplets of hot glue on the bottoms of the spikes, place down- and hold for a few seconds till they set.  Remove any straggly glue hair strands, let dry- and rock it!

We can’t suspend time, however pants we can.  Enter my friend, Leandra Medine.  Recently, the urban dictionary got a run for its money when Leandra coined the seriously stylish term: MAN REPELLER.  If you’re not familiar with her harem pant, shoulder pad, and turban wearing ways, CLICK HERE to educate yourself and embrace the au courant epidemic.  Man Repellers don trends women think are positively great, and men flat out hate.  Her cool combo of spot on style and witty ways are unconventionally j’amazing.  Leandra told me she had been dying to DIY her current obsession… SUSPENDERS!  We put our kooky, creative heads together and PS’ed these. P.S.- you should too!

Measure and cut two pieces of ribbon and/or material.  The “front” material should be longer than the “back X”.  We chose a wide satin ribbon and delicate organza combo.  Find the center point of each, and slightly overlap, creating a “U” shape.  Loop it.  Slip it. Knot it.  Throw over your shoulders, keeping the “X” in the back and secure by tying knots to the belt loops on your pants.  Get creative with materials and widths and don’t be afraid to indulge your inner MAN REPELLER! 

Roll out the red carpet, it’s time to step and repeat.  Follow in the ravishing, high-stepping, divalicious footsteps of Jennifer Lopez, who dazzled in Zuhair Murad at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards.  The Lebanese born designer, known for his decadent embellishments, created a whimsical and sophisticated ensemble fit for a queen.  Adding sparkle, shine, and glistening elements to your look is required for any evening fete, if you ask me!

To create your own version of the caplet, use one yard of sheer silk chiffon, rhinestones or sequins, Gem Tac glue, and a sharp pair of fabric scissors.  Round off 2 opposing corners to achieve a lovely draping.  Measure the length in between your shoulders and mark on the fabric for cutting.  Use scissors to create a slit for the neckline.  Before gluing your choice of sparkle, line the underneath surface with waxed freezer paper to keep from gluing down to the surface.  After sparkles are glued, wait until it’s completely dry to wear.  Get creative with your embellishments!  Style your caplet over any dress and PS- you will impress!