D.I.Y. time again...

As you know, I'm a huge fan of DIY projects, especially when it involves clothing or accessories. One of my favorite sites ever, BurdaStyle, an excellent on-line community/open source for people who sew "with style," continually posts new creation ideas and how-to's in addition to hosting a space for cool, creative people all over the world to share their own stuff.

This week, BurdaStyle introduced a super-easy project for a chic, eclectic accessory - the Susanne Necklace. The coiled fabric beads require no sewing at all, perfect for those new to DIY and/or too busy/excited/impatient yet still wish to be uber-fashionable.

Love the gold spandex fabric and leather cord, but there are a gazillion different possibilities for this (colors, fabrics, sizes) to make it your own or as a gift! I can already picture this seriously dressing up a t-shirt, tank or casual dress. After all, elevating existing basics is what we're all about, right?

And won't you feel cool when someone asks you where you got your necklace? It might go something like this:

Gushing Girl: "OMG! Such a great necklace! Where did you get it?"
You: "You won't believe this, but I MADE it."
Now Jealous Girl: "No way, really? You are so crazy talented/gorgeous/cool that I can never, ever compete."
You: "Oh, stop." (Insert secret grin here)

Now go roll up your sleeves and bust out your glue guns girls - fashion isn't always found at the store!

Right Said Red...

Oh my goodness I heart this dress. I am so hoping that it looks as good on as it does online, because I am in dire need of a red dress, now that summer may actually be around the corner. This one is Forever 21's Flutter Chiffon Dress, for...yes, I'll say it...$22.80!

However, girls, there is a very, very, fine fashion line between "beauty" and "booty" when it comes to pulling off lipstick red! The dress must be well-tailored, at a moderate length and cleavage level and in a fabric that does not cling, shine or sparkle (no being mistaken for a streetwalker here). Also, shoes should be neutral (I like gold or nude myself) - NOT black...unless you want to look straight out of 1987 (if you're going for that, excellent).

And please, please keep your hair natural and makeup minimal. With a color so bold, your outfit does not need competition from the rest of your lovely self...

Find your own soon because the little black dress can quickly become the little BORING dress, am I right? Show your fashion chops and BE the Lady in Red this summer!

White eyelet & warm weather thoughts...

Girly white eyelet - by roxy-land on Polyvore.com

Crisp, white, feminine and a bit peek-a-boo sexy, anything made with eyelet fabric kind of makes you want to sit up straighter and do a little twirl.

Lots of this is coming out for spring and summer which is so great, mostly because it can be an excellent, textured, neutral piece to go with most anything already in your closet. I particularly like how gold jewelry can really set off this look!

Lovely for work and for play, try incorporating a new blouse into your office wear for some much-needed freshness. Or go all out with a full dress - I see it with espadrilles and a mojito myself...

Some really nice pieces I have found so far:

DRESSES

Nine West "Rock Candy" Eyelet Dress (a great, wrap dress)

Delia's "Juliet" Eyelet Dress (only $44!)

Nanette Lepore "It's Only Love" Dress

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Polka-Dot Eyelet Dress (it's seriously $11.24 on clearance with almost all sizes available. Seriously.)

TOPS/JACKETS

Heritage 1981 "Karla" Strapless Top ($12.90 - do I find you deals or WHAT?)

Elie Tahari "Krista" Cropped Jacket

Now start dreaming of warmer weather! Maybe if we buy dresses NOW spring will come sooner?