If you pick only one trend to follow next season, the 'statement sleeves' look is a definite shortcut to instant fashionista status. Not quite full-on shoulder pads, it's a great way to add definition to the upper arms, and the look can be created in all sorts of inventive ways.
Wardrobe Surgeon extraordinaire Love Meagan has a simple tutorial here showing you how to turn an ordinary t-shirt into a ruffle sleeved number that will bring your wardrobe right up to date. Love it.
[Via Craftzine]
Related: Wednesday Wearables: basketball custom shoes | Stud-pocket jeans tutorial | How to: shredded t-shirt tutorial
Aren't playsuits a brilliant invention? They take all the best elements of a dress: the floaty coolness, the femininity - without being overly girly or blowing up in the wind. Bonus!
Luminia on Etsy is selling this particularly smashing playsuit in her shop at the moment, alongside lots of other adorable and well-fitted wearable items for ladies who like to give their wardrobe a handmade touch. I'll be keeping an eye on this designer who clearly has her finger on the fashion pulse but prefers to keep a stylish and daring distance from the herd.
[Via Domestic Sluttery]
Related: Free summer dress patterns from Fitzpatterns | Pattern of the Week: Coffee date dress
What with the credit crunch and all that, these are hard times. Luckily, thanks to Belle from Belle and Burger, the lack of funds shouldn't affect your underwear drawer.
She made cute knickers with Stewie from Family Guy on the back, who I doubt would take kindly to being sat on. Obviously it would be very easy to adapt this method to suit your tastes, using different materials and techniques. It would also mean that if you have trouble finding underwear that fits you, you could tailor them to your exact size!
If you want to five it a go, Belle has posted a very simple and easy to understand tutorial here.
Tie Dye is a huge trend this summer, but it's so easy to do at home...
Rather than messing around with dyes and washing machines the easiest way to get this effect is with dark fabrics and bleach. The washed out and faded results look great teamed with fringing, leather or just a simple pair of jeans for a grungy summer look. Take our tutorial for a bargain way to get the tie dye trend!
Related: How to dye your wool with turmeric | How to dye dry pasta for crafting
To celebrate today's beautiful weather, we thought we'd bring you this lovely summer dress from Pattern Making.
Doesn't she look cool and happy in her dress? It makes me wish I'd had more faith in the weatherman and wasn't wearing jeans today.
If you want to replicate it there's a very simple tutorial here, and there's a world of opportunities for customizing it. Different colour materials, changing the straps, embellishments or even - if you want to follow an upcoming summer trend - tie dye (go here for a how to by our resident fashionista, Catwalk Queen editor, Isabelle)!
Related: Tuesday Trends: Ruffle-mania - how to add volume to aprons and skirts | Wednesday Wearables: very easy Vogue
If you're based in or around the London area and would like to try your hand at creating some unique clothes, you might want to head to the Camden branch of Oxfam this weekend, where designer and celebrity stylist Mrs Jones will be on hand to advise and instruct in a clothes customisation workshop to celebrate the store's new look: it's re-opening as a 'creative retro haven' selling DIY gear - all made by tweaking old clothes brought in as donations.
This Saturday (6th June), you can bring your own donations to the shop and learn how to rework them with Mrs Jones, who has worked with artists including The Killers, Scissor Sisters and Goldfrapp. Visit the store's micro site for more info!
If you're new to the art of dressmaking and want to make your first effort a stylish piece you can treasure forever, look no further than Vogue patterns, which has some great projects that are specially designed for beginners.
The Misses' Dress is a simple wrap-style dress that's flattering to all shapes and sizes, as well as an easy option, partly because you don't need to worry too much about sewing in the waist. You can see a finished version of the dress here, made in a summery, floral print.
Related: Pattern of the Week: Burda Style's Coffee Date dress | Vintage Vogue patterns now 50% off at Sew Direct | Free summer dress parttern from Fitzpatterns
digg this |
del.icio.us this
| 
Stumble It!
