Have A Very Fashionably-Merry Xmas!: DIY Fashion Craft (Fabric Clutch)

Here are some wonderful DIY fashion crafts that I just love love love, that I stumbled upon on MarthaStewart.Com,


With this DIY fashion clutch, you can become your very own fashion designer by creating this gorgeous, uniquely-styled clutch that stands out from the rest. Everyone at the Christmas party will be asking you, "Where did you get that clutch?"..

Find out how to make yours below!

Clutch

Tools and Materials

• Decorative fabric for outside of clutch
• Fabric for lining
• Heavyweight fusible stabilizer
• Fusible fleece
• Rotary cutter
• Grid ruler
• Iron
• Sewing machine
• Coordinating machine-sewing thread

• Transparent tape
• Bond 527 Multi-Purpose Cement
• Metal clutch frame hardware

Clutch How-To
 1. Cut 13-by-13 1/2-inch pieces from outer fabric, lining fabric, and heavyweight fusible stabilizer. Cut a 10 1/2-by-13-inch piece of fusible fleece. With an iron, fuse heavyweight stabilizer to wrong side of outer fabric, then fuse fleece to center of stabilized side of fabric.

2. With right sides of outer and lining fabrics together, sew 1/2-inch seams along both longer 13 1/2-inch edges.

3. Turn sewn pieces so right sides are facing out, and press seams flat.

4. Fold in half, matching seams at top, with lining on inside. Sew a 1/4-inch seam on outside raw edges, then trim seam allowances to 1/8 inch and snip in at the corners. Turn again, so outside fabric is on the inside. Sew 1/4-inch seam along edges, creating a finished French seam, then turn right side out.

5. Fold corners down; mark and sew a 2-inch gusset on each. Trim corner to 1/8 inch. Turn again so lining faces out; sew a 1/4-inch seam along gussets to finish seams. Turn right side out one last time.

6. Apply a bead of fabric glue to metal frame. Center over top seam, carefully insert fabric in metal frame, and secure in place with tape. Allow glue to set for several hours.

7. Remove tape, tuck outside corners behind frame, and snap closed.

 Pssst..Want to add your own personal label? Check out how to below:

Tools and Materials

• Computer with program for designing labels
• Inkjet printer
• Jacquard Inkjet printable silk
• Iron
• Steam-a-Seam double-sided fusible interfacing
• Scissors or rotary cutter

Label How-To
 1. Create labels in an 8 1/2-by-11-inch document using any program that generates images, words, letters, etc.
2. With an inkjet printer, print document on silk side of printable silk page. Let ink set for 15 minutes.
3. Carefully peel off paper backing from silk and discard. Place sheet on flat surface and gently reshape. Apply Steam-a-Seam double-sided fusible interfacing to wrong side of silk with a warm iron.
4. Cut labels from sheet. Peel off paper backing, and iron labels in place on handmade items.

Now when people ask you, "Where did you get that bag?" , you can tell them!

Go ahead now and try this cutesy, bold clutch!

Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

Have A Very Fashionably-Merry Xmas!: DIY Fashion Craft (Tote Bag)

Here are some wonderful DIY fashion crafts that I just love love love, that I stumbled upon on MarthaStewart.Com,

This tote bag is the perfect gift with meaning for those of you who enjoy making your Christmas gifts and offering it to a loved one. Its elegant flair makes for a very stylish bag.

Find out how to make yours below!

Tote Bag How-To

1. Scan copyright-free clip art from books or download it online or from a CD. Buy iron-on transfer paper for your tote; choose paper for light cotton fabrics and for dark cotton fabrics, depending on your project.

2. Print the images on transfer paper, following the manufacturer's instructions, and cut them out. Cut around the images cleanly (use a craft knife, for precision); avoid making jagged edges.

3. Arrange the images on the bag, face up, for a preview (keep in mind this is a mirror image of the final design). When you're ready to iron, place the images face down. Press on top of images, starting at the edges of each one and using even pressure so that the image doesn't slide; do not move the iron back and forth, or image will blur or pucker.

4. When iron-ons have cooled, remove the backing paper. Replace the bag's handles with equal lengths of colorful twill tape or cover them with ribbon, if desired.

And there you have it! Now go ahead and gift this crafty gift to your best-friend or mom! They are sure to love it.

 
Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

Have A Very Fashionably-Merry Xmas!: Top Xmas Clothing Gifts

With the holidays just around the corner and the Christmas spirit lingering heavily in the air, over the course of the next 3 days I will be posting top fashion, beauty, gifts ideas, tips and tricks to have a very merry Christmas!

During this time of the year, many of us find ourselves stuck in a rut about what special clothing items we wish to get for ourselves, or somebody else.

Below are some big-ticket fashion items that I have personally chosen that are sure to make you stand out this Christmas and make it a memorable one for the years to come.

Here are some fabulous, very reasonably-priced, finds from Forever 21:

Here, we have re-invented the well-known, 'Ugly Christmas Sweater' and turned it into a very classy, and comfortable item to wear. So not ugly, right?

Get yours here! :http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=sale_women&ProductID=2011408743&VariantID=

This gorgeous and very classy Ombré Bodycon Dress is the perfect Christmas-party-eye-catcher that screams Christmas for all!

Get yours here! : http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=dress&ProductID=2030187967&VariantID=

I had to slip this one in for all you crazed shoe-lovers. And quite honestly, this shoe is just too cute to resist! Pair these sassy, bow strap platform pumps with the dress above, some silver earrings and you've got a killer Christmas outfit to top all the Christmas outfits.

Get yours here! :http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=shoes_high-heels&ProductID=2030540423&VariantID=

These very precious, interlocked flower studs are the perfect gift with meaning to offer to your mom or a close friend.

Get yours here! : http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_earrings&ProductID=1031557116&VariantID=








Here are some fabulous, very reasonably-priced, finds from H&M:

 

Doesn't this chiffon top look like it was oh-so lightly dusted with snow? It couldn't be more perfect for Christmas!

Get yours here! :http://www.hm.com/us/product/07813?article=07813-A

This short, knit sweater is not only very comfy, but very sophisticated as well. Another item that has been dusted with snow giving it that special touch of Christmas.

Get yours here! :http://www.hm.com/us/product/06732?article=06732-B











 Here are some fabulous, very reasonably-priced, finds from Charlotte Russe:

This chiffon ascot tie blouse in a very sultry, red color is a very chic item that is sure to turn heads at this year's Christmas party.

Get yours here! :http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Clothes/Tops/Blouses/Chiffon-Ascot-Tie-Blouse/pc/2114/c/2131/sc/2616/228330.uts?colorCode=301396771_600

I believe that this dress is the ultimate  Christmas party dress. Its stylish, chic, graceful and sophisticated all in one. The dress basically speaks for itself. How perfect!

Get yours here! :http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Clothes/Dresses/Cocktail-Dresses/Pleather-Trim-Rosette-Party-Dress/pc/2114/c/2133/2626/217112.uts?SSFEAT=427Charlotte_Section_MostLiked-1328926250342&SREF=CustomerSite&SFBState=Unknown

This quilted chain-strap cross-body bag is the ultimate 'Merry Christmas To Me!' gift. Its detail and texturing adds a bold touch of dapper to the bag. Or, for the less selfish amongst us, can be a very, well-appreciated gift to a relative or friend.















Check back tomorrow for more fashion Christmas posts!

I ♥ This Magazine! (This Month's Magazine Choice): Elle Magazine

Every month I'll post different This Month's Magazine Choice choices.

Here's whats in store in ELLE Magazine this month. And why you should go pick up your own copy now!

Gracing the cover of ELLE Magazine this month is The Hunger Games leading diva, Jennifer Lawrence. Check her out below!

On the cover, Jennifer is wearing an elegant, white, sweetheart cutout dress.


Here's what the 22-year-old actress had to share with the mag:

On boyfriend Nicholas: “[My boyfriend] is honestly my best friend, and hopefully I’m his best friend too. He’s my favorite person to be around and makes me laugh harder than anybody…We can eat Cheetos and watch beach volleyball and we turn into two perverted Homer Simpsons, like, ‘Oh, she’s got a nice ass.’ I never thought we’d have such different opinions on asses.”

On dieting for a role:
“I’m never going to starve myself for a part… I don’t want little girls to be like, ‘Oh, I want to look like Katniss, so I’m going to skip dinner. That’s something I was really conscious of during training, when you’re trying to get your body to look exactly right. I was trying to get my body to look fit and strong- not thin and underfed.”

On not living extravagantly: “Ten million dollars and I’m still living in my parents’ condo…I’ve always lived in a tiny rat-infested apartment in New York, or a little condo in L.A., or a normal house in Kentucky. I think it would be very bizarre to live in a big mansion by myself.”

On saying what she’s thinking: “I never know what’s going to come out of my mouth, and it’s horrible. I don’t find it positive in any way. When I get older, I’ll be more mature and poised. And I’ll have control over my mouth. One day, I’m going to grow up…When we leave, I’m going to have a knot in my stomach. I’m going to be like, ‘Oh, did I say something wrong? I’m going to get in trouble!’”

Check out some more pics of Jennifer that also feature in the mag below!

But wait, There's more!..

This month's issues highlights topics such as:

290+ jeans, shoes and dresses to get you noticed!

A fabulous gift guide for the holidays!

Beauty secrets all ranging from perfect skin and long lashes to achieving that perfect rosy cheek and those puuurrfect dramatic eyes!

What are you waiting for? Go out and buy your issue of ELLE Magazine: December Issue and read on now!

 

MFQ (Morning Fashion Quote): Alicia Keys

 Need a style pick-me-up?—especially when an all out shopping spree isn’t on the menu. Write down this quote, tape it to your closet door and it’ll pretty much guarantee a good day.

"The most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes and all the greatest shoes, but you’ve got to have a good spirit on the inside. That’s what’s really going to make you look like you’re ready to rock the world."

— Alicia Keys (American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer and actress)

Fashionably Rockin' Item Of The Week: Sheer Blouse

Every week, I will post that week's Clothing Item Of The Week. This will be a post describing/reviewing a certain item that I find rather interesting from a certain fashion outlet which I will share with you all describing it and some rockin' ways that you can sport this item!

This week's item to die for is a dark-colored sheer blouse from H&M.

With the weather starting to become a little frisky and windy, with the holidays right around the corner, you need something to keep you comfortable yet fashionable at the same time.

You should invest in a decent dark-colored sheer blouse for the times now because its color and fabric is chic yet screams sophistication- perfect for school or a day at the office. A dark option is better because with the seasons changing, it is the perfect welcoming ceremony for the transition from fall to winter.

If you are not one to bulk up on extra padding this season just to keep warm, you will feel comfortable in this blouse as its fabric insulates your general body heat naturally!

 What to pair this with?

Pair your dark-colored sheer blouse with a same toned tank underneath it, a light-weight nude-colored scarf, dark-wash blue jeans and grey or tan army boots and your look is set!

Stay tuned next week for that week's Fashionably Rockin' Item Of The Week

Get your very own here!: http://www.hm.com/us/product/06663?article=06663-A

MFQ (Morning Fashion Quote): Jean-Paul Gaultier

Need a style pick-me-up?—especially when an all out shopping spree isn’t on the menu. Write down this quote, tape it to your closet door and it’ll pretty much guarantee a good day.

Elegance is a question of personality, more than one's clothing.

—Jean-Paul Gaultier  (French haute couture fashion designer)

I ♥ This Magazine! (This Month's Magazine Choice): Nylon Magazine

Every month I'll post different This Month's Magazine Choice' choices.

Here's whats in store in NYLON Magazine this month. And why you should go pick up your own copy now!

Gracing the cover of NYLON Magazine this month is No Doubt's leading rocker chick, Gwen Stefani. Check her out below!

On the cover Gwen is wearing a white, collar shirt and tartan trousers with black suspenders.

Here’s what the 43-year-old singer had to share with the mag:

Gwen Stefani on fame: “I’m telling you right now, being Number One or playing in a garage–they’re both super fun.”


Tom Dumont on testing the reunion waters: “We had to get over that uncertainty of not knowing if what we were working on was good. The whole album is capturing little sparks, little snapshots. You cast away all the mediocre ones and keep the ones that are good.”

Gwen Stefani on how she gets inspired: “I got all my favorite people that I work with [together] and we had a creative day. We basically all sat around with our art books and [magazine] tears and just put them up and did collages and tried to get a direction. We ended up not using anything, but it was really fun.”

Tom Dumont on the one type of music No Doubt could never master: “You know what? Jam music. I don’t think we could jam.”

Gwen Stefani on the evolving music world (the MTV VMAs included): “It used to have so much weight. People even paid attention to the categories! Now if you win one–I don’t even think anyone takes your picture. It’s like, whatever.”

Check out some more pics of Gwen and fellow No Doubt members, that also feature in the mag below!

 

What are you waiting for? Go out and buy your issue of NYLON Magazine: November Issue and read on now!

 

MFQ (Morning Fashion Quote): Ralph Lauren

 Need a style pick-me-up?—especially when an all out shopping spree isn’t on the menu. Write down this quote, tape it to your closet door and it’ll pretty much guarantee a good day.  

 “Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.”

—Ralph Lauren (American fashion designer and business executive)

MFQ (Morning Fashion Quote): Alexander McQueen

 Need a style pick-me-up?—especially when an all out shopping spree isn’t on the menu. Write down this quote, tape it to your closet door and it’ll pretty much guarantee a good day. 

"It’s a new era in fashion - there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together."

 

 

 

— Alexander McQueen (British fashion designer)

I ♥ This Magazine! (This Month's Magazine Choice): Seventeen Magazine

Every month I'll post different 'This Month's Magazine Choice' choices.

Here's whats in store in SEVENTEEN Magazine this month. And why you should go pick up your own copy now!

Gracing the cover of SEVENTEEN Magazine this month is Vampire Diaries star, Nina Dobrev.Check her out below!

On the cover Nina is wearing a fuchsia and magenta-colored knit turtleneck sweater with matching knitted scarf along with a wide-brimmed, red leather skirt. Matched with a multicolorful, tribal necklace that serves as an accessory.

Here’s what the 23-year-old actress had to share with the mag:

On Her Character's Abusive Relationship In The Perks Of Being A Wallflower—
“It's a really heavy topic, and I hope my character gives girls some perspective. I think more than anything, girls allow abuse to happen because they’re embarrassed it happened and that they allowed it to happen. They know it's not right. There's no excuse for it. That’s why it’s so important to show girls that they can admit that it's not their fault.”

  

On Her Relationship With Vampire Diaries Co-Star, Ian—

“The first time I was on the cover of Seventeen, the cover line said 'Nina: Why she wouldn’t date any of her co-stars.' And then cut to two years later…it's funny that I said that, but you know what? It was honestly what I believed at the time. I didn’t want to be dating one of my costars—my goal on the show was to be professional. But sometimes you can’t help who you have a connection with, and you can only fight it for so long—which I did for a really, really long time.”

  

On Dealing With The Pressure Fame Can Bring—

“I try not to read best-dressed lists or anything like that. For every good thing, there will often be a not-so-nice thing people would say. My mom sends me lots of messages like, 'You’re standing next to Kate Winslet! Oh my god, I love Kate Winslet!'”

On Being A Kid At Heart—

“I want to go to Harry Potter Land! I actually should text Emma Watson to see if she can hook us up with a backstage pass or something. That’s the perk of doing a movie with Emma called The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.”

On The Importance Of "Girlfriend Time"—

“Girls weekend with the Vampire Diaries girls has become a big deal! It's our quality time. It's so much fun to unload and not feel guilty complaining or talking about your insecurities or bonding over things that you thought you were on your own about. When we get there, we go to dinner or cook dinner together, watch movies, lie on the beach, and take tons of pictures."

Check out some more pics of Nina, that also feauture in the mag below!

But wait, There's more!..

This month's issues highlights topics such as:

Ways to get clear skin (for good!)

How to get awesome hair—tame frizz, add major shine and how to grow it super long!

Fall clothes and inspiration 

Boots galore! 

What are you waiting for? Go out and buy your issue of SEVENTEEN Magazine: October Issue and read on now!

 

MFQ (Morning Fashion Quote): Diana Vreeland

Need a style pick-me-up?—especially when an all out shopping spree isn’t on the menu. Write down this quote, tape it to your closet door and it’ll pretty much guarantee a good day. 

"The only real elegance is in the mind; if you’ve got that, the rest really comes from it."

 

— Diana Vreeland (Noted French fashion columnist and editor)