Tag: Trend

Best Pieces from Fall 2018 Haute Couture

The Best Looks from Fall 2018 Couture Week

From July 1 to July 5, top designers released their couture collections on the runway; below are my favorite picks from the week!

Maison Margiela

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Galliano exemplifies detail with his colorful couture collection, using innovative fabrics and elaborate stitching, which was a focus in every piece. The outerwear pieces are unforgettable with the patterns and textures, showing how the designer is exploring new trends and is ready to make a statement this autumn season. Tip: Margiela includes textures such as feathers and belts, which you can purchase at M&J for your own collection!

Chanel

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Chanel’s couture always is mind-blowing, right down to every bead sewn on to their signature tweed blazers. Lagerfeld used the signature Chanel tweed to create other silhouettes that are embellished to express even more of a luxury look. The buttons on the long coats also add the perfect amount of detail to the signature pieces, making the garments unique without overdoing it. Use beaded appliqués on your designs to recreate this unforgettable look just like Karl Lagerfeld!

Givenchy

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Waight Keller, creative director of Givenchy, constructed a collection to honor Givenchy’s passing focusing on spin off’s of his original “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” inspired designs. The collection consists of black and white base pieces with pops of color from different textures. Givenchy modernized their designs, but stuck with the seasons popular use of beading and feathers, as well as fabrics such as velvet and satin.

Elie Saab

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I have never been so invested in an Elie Saab collection before this one. Just like any woman, I am dumbfounded by long, gorgeous evening gowns, which is the epitome of this show. The embellishments over the sheer fabrics made the dresses pop, as well as the large appliqués that accented the designs. The crystals that were sewn on individually were definitely easy on the eyes as well. I recommend adding crystals to anything you want to spice up, using the garments from this show as inspiration!

Christian Dior

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While I am a fan of over the top haute couture, I think Dior’s subdued approach looked beautiful. The color palette was quite soft, and the tone of the collection was more serious than playful, which is perfect to contrast the other collections and make it stand out in a different way. The elaborate designs make up for the lack of embellishment, as seen above in the sleeves of the green coat. The plunging neckline in my favorite navy piece gives the dress enough shape that fancy fabric would potentially have made the garment too flashy. The basic fabrics and colors may not seem like traditional couture, Dior definitely hit hard with this collection.

Valentino

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The Valentino show was the last of the Haute Couture week this year and I understand why: the best was saved for last. Valentino hasn’t always been my favorite designer, but this collection immediately peaked my interest and rethink my opinion because it is the definition of couture. Pierpaolo Piccioli chose colorful fabrics, elaborate designs, AND lavish trims to create the perfect runway collection. My favorite piece was the last because of the bright mustard color paired with the larger-than-life dress design. If you’re new to haute couture, check out the Valentino show to get the all around effect.

Spring/Summer 2018: Get The Look

I’m secretly hoping that by dressing for Spring, I’m willing it to come quicker. It’s April and I want to cast off the blues, grays and blacks and bust out the yellows, pinks and reds. There are so many fun trends to try out this season and I’ve rounded up 5 of my favorite ones. You can easily incorporate these trends into your wardrobe with some mini DIYs. I hope you find some inspiration in here to brighten up your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Pink + Red

Although this combination is timeless, it packs a punch every time it comes around. The contrast is just beautiful and can easily be achieved with either accessories, separates or jewelry. Designers like Dolce and Gabbana, Ferragamo and Stella McCartney are embracing this yummy palette. Does it remind anyone of candy?

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Here’s a few ideas on how you can try this trend out for yourself:
  • Some pink buttons on a red shirt or vice versa.
  • Red and pink sew-on jewels on a blouse would look stunning.
  • A red fur pom pom on a pink handbag or vice versa

Birds of a Feather

Feathers are a whimsical touch to any garment or accessory. They add a bit of dramatic flair or in the case of Alberta Ferreti and Proenza a Schouler, a LOT of dramatic flair.

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Here’s a few ideas on how you can try this trend out for yourself:
  • Add some feathers around an ankle strap on your strappy sandals.
  • A wispy feather trim around the neckline or sleeves is just the thing.
  • Long feather earrings to add to a simple outfit.

Sequin-Land

Sparkle is abundant on the runways this season. Sequins made an appearance time and time again, upping the glam quotient. It’s clear that sequins are no longer restricted to the holidays!

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Here’s a few ideas on how you can try this trend out for yourself:
  • Glue on sequins to a pair of heels for some instant glam.
  • Sew on large paillettes to a tank top to create a going out outfit.
  • Embellish a clutch for a night out by gluing some sequins on it.

Bling-Bling

Sequins aren’t the only ones having a moment right now. I don’t think we’ll ever tire of bedazzling things. Rhinestones and crystals have made their way into several collections on the runway this season. Everyone from Saint Laurent to Gabbana is adding some sparkle to their lines.

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Here’s a few ideas on how you can try this trend out for yourself:
  • Take a page out of Dolce and Gabbana’s book and add some crystals to your sunglasses.
  • Add rhinestones to a pair of thigh-highs like Saint Laurent.
  • Add some sew-on jewels to your light spring overcoat to make it a style statement.

Fringe Benefits

I personally love the flappers from the twenties with their beaded shift dresses and drawn-on panty hose. Fringe was an essential back then and apparently in S/S 18 too. Whether it’s Chanel’s subtle fringe on their classic tweed suits or Stella McCartney’s macrame fringe bag, we can’t get enough of this trend.

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Here’s a few ideas on how you can try this trend out for yourself:
  • Make a pair of statement earrings with a 6″ fringe to add some oomph to any outfit.
  • Glue some fringe onto the front of a small bag for a statement piece.

    Let us know in the comments if you tried any of these trends out! Happy Spring!

DIY: Gucci Inspired Embroidered Fall Coat

Gucci has been bringing its A-game these last few seasons with downright decadent designs. They’ve used an amalgam of textures, fabrics and embroidery to create eclectic but wearable collections. I personally love the slew of tigers in various forms on everything from dresses to coats. The only thing that isn’t easy on the eyes or the wallet is their price tag. I like the idea of owing beautiful things without having to empty my bank account, so I made this Gucci Inspired Coat that’s way more affordable and super easy to create.

Gucci’s Embroidered Coats

 

Our Version

Price does not include cost of the coat.

 

What you’ll need: 

All these beautiful patches:

A coat

An iron

A thin cotton cloth to cover the patches while you iron

 

1

Place patches how you want them and take a picture so you know where everything goes. I stuck to the body of the coat but you can get creative with the back and the sleeves. If you want to keep it simple, you can just add flowers to the lapel.

 

2

Set the iron to high with no steam. Place a thin cotton cloth or teflon sheet over the patch and hold the iron down for 20 seconds. Repeat if necessary. Do this with all the patches.

 

And guess what? That’s it. You’re done. Yup, it’s that simple.

*This item is currently unavailable. Check out our full selection of floral patches.

DIY: Embroidered Off-The-Shoulder Top

There’s no way you haven’t seen these off-the-shoulder tops in every store and every fashion pin in 2017. They’re so cute and summery and actually really easy to make. You don’t even need a sewing machine. Wait, what?!

 Totally crushing on this top from the Alexis 2017 Resort Collection

All you need is:

An oversized T-Shirt

Scissors

Embroidered Floral Patches

Elastic

Iron

Needle and Thread

Safety Pin

Also, keep a measuring tape handy.

1

Cut the T-shirt right under where the sleeves begin, in a straight line. You’ll be using the bottom half. Then, cut the sleeve in a straight line an inch or so from the armhole. Using the cut piece as a reference, use it to cut the second sleeve.

2

Now, place the embroidered patches where you want them on the piece you cut and iron it on. I did one big piece near the hem and cut the second patch into smaller flowers for the sleeves. Use a thin cotton cloth to cover the patches while you iron and hold down the iron for 20 seconds at a time. Repeat as necessary. Do not use steam.

3

Using a measuring tape, measure across around the upper chest. Then, measure your bicep. That’s the fullest part of your arm. Cut 1 piece of elastic a couple of inches smaller than your upper chest measurement and 2 pieces an inch smaller than your bicep measurement. For example, I had  30″ as my upper chest measurement and 10″ as the bicep measurement. I cut my elastic to 1 x 28″ piece and 2 x 9″ pieces respectively.

 

4

Taking a pair of scissors, snip two small holes (big enough for the elastic to go through) near the seam of the hem. That’s the pre-stitched part of the piece you cut. Then, attach the safety pin to one end of the longer elastic and use it to pull it through the hem. Make sure you secure the loose end so it doesn’t get pulled in. Scrunch as you go along as there will be more fabric than elastic. Repeat this step with both sleeves. Once you’ve threaded the elastic and come out through the second hole, secure it by stitching it to the fabric.

5

The final step is attaching the sleeves to the body. Match the seams of the sleeve and the body and sew on either side at about 1/2″.

Pair it with some denim cut-offs and show off your new embroidered off-the-shoulder top!

DIY: Lace Denim Shorts

Lace and denim just seem to go hand in hand don’t they? I personally think it’s girly in the nicest way. Check out how you can make these adorable shorts to complete your summer attire. Check out the video below to see how to make them and scroll down for more information:

Here’s what you’ll need:

A pair of denim shorts

Lace like these

Thread and Needles

1

Before I started, I cut two inches off the bottom of the shorts. I did this to accommodate the extra length the lace was going to add. This is optional but odd lengths on shorts can be extremely unflattering so I would suggest doing it.

2

I then started sewing the lacy about three inches in. I made small stitched every half inch or so along the top of the lace. I started and ended at the inner seam for a clean finish.

3

You need to around the whole leg and then repeat it with the other side.

That’s it!

 

Spring Summer 17 Trend Alert: Straw and Wicker

This summer’s latest trend is straw and wicker hats, bags and furniture. With Scandinavian influences, the trend embraces natural fibers and un-dyed, light colors. The pale shades of lemon yellow and creamy beige are light and sunny and will instantly turn any outfit into a summer look and any room into an airy oasis.

The original straw and wicker trendsetter is Jane Birkin, circa 1974 with her iconic basket bag but the upcoming trendsetter is you, circa now. So gather your looms and weaving materials, and come on a straw studded journey through this summer’s latest craze.

FRANCE – FEBRUARY 08: Jane Birkin Posing With Her Little 10 Month Old Daughter On The Boardwalk In Nice On September 9, 1972. The 28 Year Old Actress Was Then On The Set Of The Film Trop Jolies Pour Etre Honnetes, Directed By Roger Balducci. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

First up, straw hats and bags with inspired verbiage like “do not disturb”, “beach please”, “out of office” and more. The large, script, playful letters in contrasting blues and reds make this style really pop and come to life. It’s great when your accessory can speak for you with a little message and it’s a whimsical look perfect for the beach or pool. 

Eugenia Kim’s Hats are so adorable (and so DIY-able) (Source)

In the home décor world, we have outdoor woven furniture. Rattan and wicker has returned and natural furniture pieces are making a comeback. Whether the piece is retro or modern, designers are foregoing all things heavy and dark for a refined “back to nature” look.

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This summer, drop your leather bags and hardwood and opt to accessorize with your new favorite materials.  The look may have started with the Scandinavians but it ends here with you.

DIY: Vintage Trim Cuffed Jeans

Have you ever wandered into a store and found a beautiful jacquard trim or a vintage trim, but didn’t know what you could use it for? Your jeans of course! This DIY is cool because of its semi-permanence. Cuff ’em and show of the trim or un-cuff ’em and have your jeans back and no one’s the wiser. Watch the video below to see how to make them and scroll down for more details.

What you’ll need:

A Pair of Jeans

A Vintage Trim/Jacquard Trim

E6000 Glue

Scissors

Step 1: Measure the bottom of your jeans. Add two inches to that and cut the trim to that measurement.

Step 2: Apply glue to the end of the trim and fold it over once at about an inch. This is to hide/seal the frayed end.

Step 3: Apply a line of glue to the jeans at the seam and at the top and bottom of the cuff. Start glueing the trim all around. E6000 takes some time to dry and it helps if you don’t jostle the fabric too much.

Step 4: Repeat Step 2 when you get to the end and glue down the end to the jeans.

 

That’s it, you’re done!

DIY: Rhinestone Hem Jeans

If minimalism is your style but you have a soft corner for some bling this DIY is for you. This easy tutorial will show you how to give your jeans a little glitz and glam. You can dress it up and dress it down as you please. Watch the video to see how to make them and scroll down for more detailed instructions.

What you’ll need:

A Pair of Jeans

Iron-0n Rhinestone Trim

Sew-on Jewels

Needle and Thread

Scissors

Iron

Step 1: Measure the bottom of your jeans and cut the rhinestone trim to that measurement, adding an extra inch.

Step 2: Iron on the trim slowly making sure you apply heat uniformly. You can use a cotton cloth over the trim to protect it from the heat. Do not iron on the steam setting. Add the second row.

Step 3: Using the sew on jewels, make a three petal flower at the center. Using a needle and thread, sew through the jewels till they feel secure.

That’s it, you’re done!

DIY: Gucci Inspired Studded Acid Wash Denim Jacket

Who would have thought these trends make a comeback! Studs on Acid Washed Denim! Gucci this Spring took these popular 80s trends, put them in a blender and out came this:

We thought we’d take this hot trend and turn it into a fun, easy DIY. We love recreating runway looks for those of who you love fashion but don’t want to break the bank. The first thing we did was hunt for the perfect denim jacket – something slightly oversized to match the current trending silhouette. We bought a classic blue Talbots denim jacket and headed back to HQ to get started on the project.

What You’ll Need:

Step 1: Remove all the buttons from the jacket. We wanted to replace the plastic buttons on the jacket with cool metal ones. This step is optional. If you like the current buttons on your jacket, skip this step.

Step 2: Fill a spray bottle with bleach. Make sure you wear rubber gloves to protect your skin. We advise that you work in a well-ventilated area when working with bleach. Keeping the bottle about 6 inches from the jacket, start spraying in random sections. Don’t spray too much! You’ll notice the color stripping away. Let it dry and then wash it.

Disclaimer: Bleach strips dye from fabric and sometimes reflects the undertones present in the dye. For example, you might see yellowish or pinkish tinges based on your denim’s original wash/dye.

 

Step 3: Start attaching the studs. For the studs with prongs, poke it through the fabric and use pliers to bend the prongs inward into the hollow of the stud. For the studs with screws, use a sharp tool (scissors/awl/X-Acto knife) to make a small hole and push the screw in. Then screw the stud onto the screw.

Starting at the shoulder, attach as many studs as you like.

Step 4: Sew on the new metal buttons. Again, this step is optional.

And you’re done! If you wanna buy this jacket go here. Hurry! There’s only one.

 

 

Studs used in our project:

Small Metal Spikes with Screw
Large Cone Spike with Screw
Medium Spike with Screw
Small Flat Nailheads
Cone Nailheads