D.i. Y. Bubble Skirt

Spring 2012 is an interesting mix of the uber- fem, Mad Men-esque sportswear (see Louis Vuitton) and the graphic, sleek and sporty (see Alexander Wang).

Louis Vuitton

 

Alexander Wang

Now to combine both??? Here's my attempt.

1. I started with a simple pleated skirt pattern that i found at a yard sale. I know its nothing new; bear with me. 

                                          
     2. I made the knee-length, pleated skirt in a stiff, grey taffeta to give it some volume.

     3. I added  a contrasting neon canvas waist band.

     4. I shortened the skirt and finished with a bubble hem.

C'EST FINI!

Now for styling.

I wanted to incorporate...

1 ...Balenciaga's sharp tailoring and exaggerated proportions.

Spring RTW 2012

2 ...Alexander Wang's athletic vibe.

Spring RTW 2012

 

3 ... Rag and Bone's innovate mix of neons and neutrals.

Spring RTW 2012

Here's what I came up with.

Jacket- Anthropologie

Skirt- D.i.Y.

Neckalce- H & M

Bracelet- Chan Luu

Tights- WAYNE

Shoes- Marni

      

Color- blocked french mani to match.

Mismatched neon ankle socks? I think yes.

And of course no look is complete without a sort of terrifying bold eyebrow. I was inspired by Prada, but I ended up looking a little like an anime character...oh well.

Spring RTW 2011

xx OLIVIA

D.i.Y. Waxxxxed Demin

i realized i never wear jeans because they're well...boring. who has time for skinny jeans when there's printed harem pants to be worn???

but recently incredible denim has popped up all over the place.

Proenza Schouler for J Brand

Mother Printed Denim

 i'm obsessed with Mother's printed denim. the landscapes remind me of  Mary Katrantzou's prints but in a totally wearable skinny jean.


in my search for interesting denim i can across this slightly tamer coated J Brand number.

i was seriously thinking about shelling out $185 to just to feel sleek and shiny when, lo and behold i found an incredible D.I.Y. tutorial. i followed the steps over at Taylor and Demolish and was able to get great results!

Materials
old pair of black jeans (mine are 4 years old from urban outfitters)
black acrylic paint
soft gel gloss (i got both of these at an art supply store)
foam brush
painters tape

 

1. iron the jeans and tape 5 or 6 inches under the back pockets on the front and back of the pants.
2. make a 1:1 mixture of acrylic paint and soft gel gloss.
3. paint the front of the pants in a uniform thickness (up and down brush strokes)
4. wait 45 minutes and flip and repeat.
5. let dry completely.

 

C'EST FINI!

jacket- thrift

mesh top- alexander wang

boots- aldo

beanie- anthropologie

i loved the idea of a defined brow to punch up a look that could be one-note (black ensemble and a bright jacket). 

completely inspired by the brows at michael kors fall 2011 show...

from make up for life

...and lisbeth's in the girl with the dragon tattoo.

from muslin and canvas

xx olivia