DIY: Lace Transparent Clutch

 As people may have figured out that I have a thing for transparent things...like perspex, resin, pvc shoes etc. So this clutch idea was the inevitable next step. My idea came from Simone Rocha's collection that I have blogged about in the past here. Through research I found two blogs that gave great tutorial on how to DIY their transparent clutch. The first is Monoxious, this one is fast, easy and effortless. There is absolutely NO sewing required. The second one is a pair & a spare, you will need more tools for this but they have template which is handy.

Samira Boon “Furoshiki Shiki” Clutch

pinterest.com/dpluskharisma/

apair-andaspare.blogspot.co.uk

And now my version of the transparent clutch. I decide to do a lace trap to make it a bit more unique. You can use any type of colour or patten you like to make it your own. Where you place the lace is also up to you. 

You will need:

Scalpel knife
Ruler
Cutting mat
Clear PVC
Lace trim
Press studs buttons
Sewing machine
Glue or spray mount

First wipe the PVC clean of dust as this will make it easier to work with. Measure out the desired size of your clutch. I use an existing one to model, measure four folds of the length of the clutch like the image above. Leave an inch or two on the sides for sewing. Cut the PVC with scalpel and ruler on the cutting mat.

Then cut 1/4 of the PVC length and keep separate. The separate piece will be the front flap of the clutch. Cut the lace and place exactly how you want on the clutch and stick them in place with spray mount. Then to the sewing machine we go! Sew the separate piece to 1/3 of the rest of the material. Then lace trap inside sew up all four sides and you front flap is done.

Flip the clutch over (so the previously seperate piece is facing down) and fold the other end to meet in the middle, the fold will be bottom of the clutch. Sew the two sides and you have a clutch! I finish off with press studs button that I tried to glue but it wasn't secure enough so I sew it on instead. Bamm!

Total White-Out

It's like a fashion detox. From all the clashing prints, the bold graphics and saturated colours of winter. Come spring things are fading to white. Total clinical, pure and brightly white, this will be a trend that carries onto summer I guarantee. This summer's biggest colour is a non-colour. On spring runway its done in both romantically on pretty frilly fabrics like Valentino, Simone Rocha or Stella McCartney. Or clean, precise and origami folded seen at Prada, celine and Victoria Beckham. Whatever your fancy prepare to hang up your LBD away for awhile and swap for the LWD! Wear all white errthang and have fun…but be prepare to do a lot of whites washing.

THE PRETTY

 Valentino Haute Couture Spring 12

 Elie Saab Spring 13

 Givenchy Haute Couture 11

 Moncler Gamme Rouge Spring 13

 Simone Rocha Spring 13

 Balmain Spring 13

THE POLISHED

 biassupply.com

 Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 12

 Victoria Beckham Spring 13

 Alexander Wang Spring 13

Rochas Spring 13

Lacoste Spring 13

Hats Over Heels

I saw Jessie J's 'Domino' video and really taken with her custom cap with gold studs by Liz Mendez Vintage. After that it jolted my memory of Rihanna's 'so hard' video with Jeremy Scott 's Mickey helmet. Then I was on the search for more crazy caps and beanies. There are two names that stood out, Bernstock Speirs and Deryck Todd, both kept the integrity of casual accessories while looking through with fresh pair of eyes. They exudes wearability but also humor and quirk. Not the Philip Tracy of hat makers but is definitely more versatile and affordable..not taking itself too seriously. I might have to get myself one of Bernstock's bunny ears...they have so many colours! Where's Wolly stripy beanie is also one of my favourite ♡♡♡

 Bernstock Speirs

Cap by Dominika Lipniewska

 andamasha.blogspot.co.uk

 Bernstock Speirs

CANDY O. DARLING derycktodd.com

 Jessie J in Liz Mendez Vintage

dfamestore.com

Jeremy Scott Mickey helmet

 shop.thebohemiansociety.com

 WHITE WEDDING derycktodd.com

www.cutoutandkeep.net

Leather Overalls

 3.1 Phillip Lim Resort 2013

 90's Tastic style has come back in a big way is spring. Who says trousers have to start at the waist? Dungarees has been creeping back onto the runways all of last year and have come full circle. We all wore them when we were young. I remember personally me and my brother have matching girl and boy ones, mine was a short mini denim which I wore with my Mickey Mouse safari print tee...hit look at the time with frilly socks and ponytail. 

It is a tricky trend, where as a child this is adorable to wear but as an adult this is not always flattering..or age appropriate. The key is cut, fabrication, and styling. The essence of this 90's classic maybe back, but don't let it fool you. The new overalls come in a variety of materials and shapes. Philip Lim's leather overalls (ringing in at a cool $1,400), silky overalls at Ruffian, futuristic bent at Proenza Schouler and tailored to perfection at Jason Wu, to name a few.

The comfortable fit and casual feel has made them a favorite among models and style bloggers. Overalls have a ton of options for layering for different looks and occasion. Wool overalls with pumps and blazers are great for the office, Fitted leather or silk with clutch and heels are great night out look and casual cool with white tee and one strap un-hooked à la Salt N' Pepa. If you are feeling too boyish try adding feminine touch like cat eye sunglasses, bangles, statement necklaces or red lips.

Here my few lust-worthy examples....

 3-1-Phillip Lim

 Topshop

 Proenza Schouler

 Unif.m 

 Acne

Here is all for today, embrace you inner child and have a nice weekend. Enjoy LFW!

New Americana

 

 born-on-the-coldest-day.tumblr.com

 Hipsters eat your heart out! The trend that we've seen recently, is the American flag is on the rise just as it was reminiscent of Japan's fever. The statement piece of the country is showing up EVERY WHERE. It’s as apropos at a Nascar rally as it is in a fashion spread, worn by many celebrities. It is, perhaps, one of the boldest ways you can demonstrate your patriotism. Ralph Lauren...watch out!

 

buenas-noches.tumblr.com

 

 vodkacupcakes.tumblr.com

Flag apparel has always resided in a special place in the American wardrobe, verging between classic and tacky and this summer, with the Olympics coming up, we’re bound to see a lot more of it. Showing up on everything from nails to shoes to dresses, this trend is taking over. It’s so easy to ware. Pair it with bright shades, denim and a red lip a la Rihanna or go rock chick with some tough leather. This is certainly a trend that everyone can afford.

www.vibevixen.com

 cocodecoeur.tumblr.com

 jacvanek.tumblr.com

 sheworefashionout.blogspot.co.uk

  lovetheegoddess.blogspot.co.uk

 tierdropp.tumblr.com

My girl crush on Rita Ora

Even though she has been dubbed a Rihanna copy cat, I think she may come out on top in the style department. Both signed under Roc Nation along with big artists like JAY-Z. She's Albanian British there for she has that edgy London cool that I would describe as a less vulgar version or RiRi. She is opening for Coldplay this summer and is quickly rising to stardom as Roc Nation’s newest pop diva.

www.mirror.co.uk

X-factor guest judge she wore vintage Jean Paul Gaultier white shirt dress and jacket from Clements Ribeiro AW12 collection. A-Morir sunglasses and KTZ AW12 tartan wedges.

style.mtv.com

Top, skirt and shoes by Jeremy Scott; vintage necklace is Rita's own; chunky amethyst ring by Laruicci; raw amethyst ring by Materia Prima; sunglasses by A-Morir.

modawmu.wordpress.com
Topshop Unique Jacket

styleblazer.com

Red studded jacket from L.A. Roxx, Los Angeles based custom design. Black knit beanie custom made by La RAP.

www.graziadaily.co.za

At Sony Radio Academy Awards. Wearing J.W.Anderson AW12 V-neck top and pants Op art print styled by Anna Trevelyan.

 www.jumz.com  

Ashley Williams dress  and Tatty Devine Eyelash Sunglasses, signature bling and Air Jordan 

sneakers.

www.rap-up.com

Music video "How We Do" vintage t-shirt and hoody, printed jacket with studded lapels from Moschino Resort 2012 and poppy leopard sequin pants from Ashish SS12.

musicvideoclothes.com

DJ Fresh ft. Rita Ora “Hot Right Now” video, Rita wears floral bralet, knicker shorts and bespoke hand painted Heart Right Now leather jacket by Margot Bowman.

www.robertocavalliblog.com

SiriusXM Studio in New York City. Rita  in a print top, Jolly Ranch Skirt from LaQuan Smith AW12and print silk blazer from Roberto Cavalli SS12, embellished with black beads and sequins.