So how many of you are uber-excited about Project Runway coming back for its 9th and latest season??!
Though many people out there criticize each successive generation of designers, saying there’s never anyone as creative or talented as Jay, Christian, or Leanne from previous seasons…rather than compare and contrast I’d rather celebrate just some great ideas for fashion that appear on TV each week. I mean, this is the show that made DIY a household name – and “make it work” a national slogan, giving the average viewer an intimate glimpse of just how much work fashion really is.
Here are a couple ideas I’ve seen so far and thought they’d be great to incorporate into future DIY’s:
Bert’s design, Episode 1
Wear a v-neck camisole underneath, and use a button-down shirt (or sheet!) with strategic tying to create a toga-like getup.
Olivier’s design, Episode 1
Take a leaf from Alexander Wang’s Olivier’s playbook and replace the sleeves on a woven garment with sleeves made of sweatshirt fabric.
Viktor’s design, Episode 1
Use contrasting fabric to cover the collar of a simple dress or blouse for a graphic pop of interest.
Anthony Ryan’s design, Episode 2
Though sunflower seeds may not be the most appropriate material, adding embellishment to a high-collared dress (like beads, rhinestones, or nailheads) makes the piece utterly chic.
Anya’s design, Episode 2
Colorful ropes woven in a body-conscious pattern make a bold statement.
Danielle’s design, Episode 2
Utilize a net bag or open-stitch fabric to create an outer layer for your outfit.
Who are you rooting for? I’m drawn to Anya, because of her signature style, but for design skills alone it’s still too early to tell. Viktor or Olivier? Maybe Danielle? I can’t wait to see the next episode tomorrow!
Myself, Hub, and Lil Tot went on an impromptu camping trip yesterday (well, we had only started planning it on Friday) to Silver Falls, Oregon. We only stayed about a day but it was the first time we had gone camping together as a family (if you don’t count the dry run we tried last summer in the backyard where the dog barked all night since we had brought her into the tent with us).
We managed to erect the tent without throwing out our backs, managed to sleep the night without defaulting to sleeping in the car (though Lil Tot has been sniffling today; I think he caught a cold from not wearing a hat while sleeping); managed to cook both dinner and breakfast on the fire (though there were some very burnt blueberry pancakes), and managed two hikes while we stayed there.
I had no idea, but apparently this area is classified as “temperate rainforest”…I always had this image of rainforests being warm. It was overcast and chilly (in the 50’s to mid-60’s); a typical Oregon August.
We saw multiple mini-tornados (are they called dervishes or something else?? I have no idea.) springing up on farmland on the drive in; and on the hikes, an anthill seething with ants; orange raspberries; tons of foxgloves; a slug longer than my hand; and a 93-foot waterfall. It was the perfect length for a little mini-vacation, and everybody enjoyed themselves.
(just click on the photo to see the product linked)
I always find that even when I think I don’t need another single thing in my wardrobe, clicking on over to ASOS.com always proves me wrong. I see this – I see that – I start drooling – my “how can I DIY this?” wheels start spinning – and before I know it, I start having dreams about a certain top or dress or bag or shoes (glitter peacock platforms anyone?).
I know, I know – I’m probably the worst example of rampant consumerism…but a world filled with frills and charming prints and lace and sparkly things is a world that makes me happy.
Feeling utterly uninspired lately, what with still getting back into the routine here after a month of being away – and mounds upon mounds of unpacking still littering my bedroom and computer room – I haven’t been up to DIY’ing much lately, or even web-surfing to any useful extent. Here are some things that have been on my mind lately and saved in my “Inspirations” folder…and maybe I’ll finally get off my bum and start doing some of them?? (more…)
Since coming back from Tokyo and getting up at 1 or 2 in the morning for the first 5 days or so, I’ve had some time to kill waiting for the grocery store to open so I can start my day. I’ve dove into my video collection and pulled out everything video that I used to love growing up – mainly because I wanted to re-visit the fashion from that era. It’s amazing to see what looks silly to our eyes now – and what fashions are still around! Here are some of my favorites:
The ultimate sleepover movie in the 80’s! I had no idea that it had been Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt in the two lead roles for the longest time, even after they both became known for the rest of their careers. Remember Helen Hunt’s beret with the grasshopper on it from the DTV tryouts? Or her outfit where she changes on the school bus simply by flipping her Catholic School uniform inside-out and securing it with the help of velcro? SJP’s outfit where she competes at the dancing competition for DTV killed me – I even made a similar version way back then, scribbling on a cut-up white t-shirt with pink fabric paint and pairing it with some hot pink spandex leggings.
I can watch this movie over and over again – and even now, when I’m at least 10 years older than everyone in the movie, the cool kids still look “cool.” Remember Cindy Mancini’s outfit that got splashed with red wine? Suede fringe and rabbit-foot earrings! I was always shocked at the boldness of it.
Who could mention iconic 80’s teen movies without including The Breakfast Club? Kids from all the different cliques in school are forced to spend a day with each other in detention – and emerge friends. (At least for the day.) Molly Ringwald was wearing that pink outfit that could pass for fashionable even today – and gives Ally Sheedy a makeover (I preferred her before all in black though!). I think anyone who watches this movie will find all of the characters relatable, even if they themselves identified as a “jock” or a “nerd” during high school. (sorry I don’t know why the above video isn’t loading:-(
The ultimate 90’s high school makeover tale. Who didn’t want to get up and put together her outfits like Cher? Watching it brings you back to all the great mid-90’s fashion: over-the-knee black socks, clunky-heeled shoes, bright colors, matching plaids. Why is it that movies with “makeovers” appeal so much?? This has three: the high school math teacher, Tai (Brittany Murphy, R.I.P.), and Cher herself. And it just makes you smile!
Watching the whole TV series was like watching 10 years of fashion fly by. I was always partial to what Donna Martin wore in the high school years – but all the flowered, breezy minidresses, combat boots, black velvet chokers, and bodycon dresses bring back memories.
Did you have any “fashion-inspirational” movies that you loved growing up?
Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.
So how many of you are uber-excited about Project Runway coming back for its 9th and latest season??!
Bert’s design, Episode 1
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