Haute Coutoure DYI: Get The Looks For Less!

I'm a religious magazine reader, as is attested to by The Leaning Tower of Fashion residing next to my couch. I love looking at beautiful things because they make you dream. They can, however, become depressing when I realize a magazine's idea of inexpensive compared to mine is often vastly different. The majority of fashion magazines feature high style fashion from name brand designers that cost in the hundreds and even thousands of dollars. There is, of course, a reason for that, seeing that it is their job to report on the best of the best: the most fashionable and high quality items on the market. These are things that everyone loves to look at, but most average Americans(myself included) cannot just run out and buy. A person making full time minimum wage, would have to save for weeks to afford that adorable $300 Marc Jacobs pencil skirt, and months for a classic Gucci bag, if they even have any extra money to set aside at all.
But from time to time, mags run articles that scream headlines like "Inexpensive Fashion," "Get the Look for Less," and "Great Pieces for Under $100"! That's all well and good, the ideas and items may be much more attainable, but quite often I'm still left sitting there thinking, "Under $100? I was thinking more like under $10!" So, for those times when I'm coveting a certain look that's just not in my budget, I use those beautiful pieces as inspiration and turn to DIY! That's right, Do It Yourself! You do not have to be "crafty" or have any specialized skills to take on a diy project. You just have to get an image in your head and break it down to the elements of what makes it fabulous. The following post will give you some ideas on how to create lovely items inspired by some of the most iconic fashion of all time!

*Note: This blog is not meant to encourage act of or puchace of counterfit designer goods. This practice is like forgery and is wrong for several reasons. It is only meant to be used as an inspiration guideline for making your own unique creations.

Chanel Handbag
Probably the most well known fashion house of all time, everything Chanel creates has a timeless beauty. Of their wide fashion and accessory range, their most coveted item is undoubtedly their purses. Alas one must pay for such superb beauty and craftsmanship by forking over hundereds and thousands of dollars. Chanel handbags are popular for a reason, and they have several very recognizable design elements that can be used to create your own fabulous bag for a small fraction of the cost!

The two most famous design elements of Chanel handbags are their quilted fabric and their striking initials. Quilted fabrics can be found easily at many fabric stores such as JoAnn's. Initials can be traced and cut out of fabric. Another fabulous deign many Chanel bags feature is the chain handle. Lengths of chain can also be purchaced at craft or hardware stores, and a ribbon can be threaded through the chain for extra style. Add any extra embellishments your heart may desire, brooches, sequins, pearls, have fun with it!

Supplies for a Chanel inspired bag:

*needle and thread, or sewing machine

*1/4 to 1 yard of quilted fabric, depending on how large a bag you want, 1/2 yard is a good average size

*small piece of contrasting fabric with which to make initials, have fun with this part, you can make it your own with your initials!

*Chain for handle, ribbon to thread through handle, or a strand of faux pearls is also a great option

Christian Louboutin Heels

What's sexier than a great black heel with a chic hint of red peeking out from the sole? Worn far and wide by the most fashionable (and richest) of humanity, Louboutin shoes are known for their attention grabbing red soles. What could be easier to use as a model?  All you need are a pair of basic heels, some waterproof, wear resistant paint (ask a paint store consultant for the type of paint) a brush, and a little creativity! To achieve a classic look, go for a black patent pump and bright red paint, but don't be limited by it. You can create any shoe and sole color combination and make it YOUR signature look! Glue a great detail on your shoe like a bow, rhinestones or fringe for some extra panache! It's as simple as that!



Hermes Scarf

Hermes is one of the great names, especially in accessories. Nothing screams chic more than a Hermes scarf tied around a handbag or gracefully draped around your neck. Some of the beautiful signature designs of Hermes include colorful silk paisly prints, H emblems, and expecially their signature color scheme of orange and white. Any lovely fabric can be cut into a square or rectangle and stitched around the edges to make a super easy scarf. You can also buy cute iron on decals of letters and other designs to spice up your creations.

Armani Blazer

One of the most classic fashion pieces, a jacket like the ones Armani makes should be a staple of every wardrobe. You can find a good basic blazer for about $20 new or as little as $4 secondhand. Once you have a basic blazer that fits well, you can embellish it in so many different ways to make it fabulously stylish! I love a black velvet or black and white pinstripe blazer. You can easily swap out its existing buttons with some new eye catching ones. The lapels are fun to decorate with satin, ribbon trim, sequins, metal studs and many more great options!

I hope you've enjoyed the ideas in this blog, if you have any DIY to add, feel free to let me know!