{ DIY } Shoe Clips

I don't know how our grandmothers did it; clip-on earrings hurt! But if you're a vintage jewelry aficionado like myself, you've also amassed a sizable collection. And it hasn't been by choice. A handful accompanies nearly every jewelry win at an estate auction and antique stores insist that you can't break up a matching set ... even if it's just the bracelet you fell in love with. Since those baubles aren't going anywhere near my earlobes, I'm using them to adorn my New Year's Eve heels.

{ DIY } Refrigerator Frames

My refrigerator was a veritable hodgepodge of notes, cards, photos, magnets and, yes, a magnetic dress-up Hello Kitty. I could do better. I found inspiration in the simple black-framed art around my apartment and took it to the kitchen. For a meager investment of $20 worth of frames, strong magnets and Krazy Glue, I transformed the refrigerator collage into something a little more refined. (Although, I still won't get rid of kitschy souvenir magnets.)

Sew Cute

Remember that Rachel Rachel Roy dress I posted last Friday? Yeah, I couldn't get it out of my head either. So when Jennifer of Hope Studios commented, wondering if it would be possible to sew, it set our wheels spinning. Motivation was pulsing through my veins after six e-mails back and forth, and I was speeding off to the fabric store.

The shape of my final product did transform quite a bit from the inspiration garment. The original was baggier with draped arm openings - which is what I had loved about it online - but all of that excess fabric just wasn't flattering on my frame. I took in the dress and shortened the straps to keep the focus on my shoulders.

If you're a reasonably experienced sewer, you'll find this a breeze to create. Since I wasn't using a pattern, I traced one of my dresses onto the fabric to make sure I had the width of my hips correct. The front panel of the dress was cut out on the fold, but the back does have a seam down the center. The neckline at the back of the dress is almost identical to the front (it's just up a little higher) with a channel sewn in to slide a leather strap through, cinch and tie.

Total investment: $12 and three hours of work.

Outfit Notes: DIY Dress; Jess LC Chevron Earrings; Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring; Guess Sandals

DIY: Christian Louboutin Petal Heels

As far as unrequited love goes, few situations sting as much as knowing a pair lusty-worthy shoes will never find their way into my closet. The starring role in my most illicit shoe fantasies is Christian Louboutin's petal heels. The soft cascading satin petals set my heart afire.


However, I can't afford to spend $1,000 on a pair of shoes. I have more important things to spend my money on - like rent and groceries.

This didn't stop me. It just forced me to be more creative in fulfilling my fantasy. Earlier this year (okay in February; this post is awfully late), I marched off to DSW to scour the sale section for a pair of satin "special occasion" t-strap pumps. Done. Then off to the fabric store for a yard of matching chiffon.


I didn't take photos of the steps, but here's a quick recap:

1. Fold the fabric in half.
2. Cut petal shapes on the fold. This will give you dual-sided petals.
3. Tie the petals onto the straps of the shoes.
   
4. Voila!
   

The best part? When a petal looks wilted, snip it off and tie on a new one.

And, well, this version was $970 cheaper than the inspiration pair.