"Web" Leggings DIY Tutorial

Since the lovely & talented -- Nadia & Cami -- at Discount posted some photos of things we used to make back in the 80's, I said I would try to come up with a tutorial since its so easy, and fun to come up with interesting ideas. Here is my pretty lame attempt at a vlog.

Here are a few photos so you can see a little better. These are an original pair from the 80's, so please excuse their extremely faded condition.

This is what they look like when you do the webbing down the side of the leggings.

Here is a pic of the slashed fabric that will be weaved, creating the web.

A close up so you can see the process a little clearer.

Lastly, I couldn't make a post without showing some shoe porn, and of course my Target bat leggings (the pink bats match perfectly with the shoes!)

They're actually fuchsia, not pink but aren't showing too well in the photos.

(Special thanks to Hope at Saks who found me the last pair in my size! They're so comfy I wear them often and call them my running around shoes as I never tire when I wear them in spite of an over 5 inch heel!)

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in case I didn't make the process clear enough. Most of all have fun coming up with your own interesting designs, and be sure to show me how fabulously creative you are! I'd be very interested to see what you come up with!

Cheers!
Suzanne

Hello Gorgeous Extension Review, Plus How To

Some time ago when I was still blonde, I purchased human hair extensions from Hello Gorgeous! Now that I'm a blazing redhead, I needed to get another set so I could dye them to match. The lovely people at Hello Gorgeous! were happy to send me a set so that I could write this review, as well as show you just how easy it is to get a salon look without paying salon prices!

Beautiful packaging, with loads of info on how to care for your human hair extensions. One big rule of thumb is that since they aren't growing out of your head, they don't get the oils from your scalp. So it's important to not wash them often to keep them in top shape.


They come with a set of 8 extensions, which is plenty to give you a nice full look. If you have a small head like myself, you may be able to get away with using less.

Shannon was lovely enough to take a look at my blog and found the perfect base colour for me. As you can see, I almost didn't have to dye them at all!


Now for the dying process. Get a plastic bowl, a dye applicator, and ALWAYS wear gloves. Dyes will stain everything, so be sure to wear an old tee or similar. Plus, you should do a patch test to make sure you don't get an allergic reaction to the dye.



Mix up your dye according to directions in the plastic bowl. Make sure to mix well!

Place newspaper or some kind of drop cloth you can toss after as it may get messy and you want to protect whatever surface you're working on.

You'll use aluminum foil to place the extensions, so that you can fold them up. Much like the process of when you get highlights.



Paint on the dye, making sure to cover all the hair. I turned mine over to make sure I got it all covered.


Once the hair is covered, fold it up in the aluminum foil, making sure no hair is sticking out. Time according to directions, then rinse until the water runs clear.



Et Voila! The Punk Glam Princess took this pic of me on the train, and it really shows my colour perfectly!


This photo gives you a full look.

I love how great the colour matches perfectly, and its been fun to play with having long hair again. It was actually longer when I had the PGP, then when she was two I stupidly cut it and haven't been able to get it to grow again due to its texture changing with pregnancy.

I'll be playing around with different styles and posting soon. I haven't cut them yet as I'm enjoying them as is too much, but when I do, I'll be sure to post that process as well!

Cheers!
Suzanne

Disclaimer: These extensions were given to me by Hello Gorgeous! and my honest opinion has been related within this post. I'm very pleased with the hair quality, great customer service (thanks for all your help Shannon!), and would suggest you check them out for their great pricing!

Novica Update

I know I'm sorely remiss in getting this update post up, but what can I say -- life gets in the way sometimes!

Actually this is perfect timing if you're starting to think about the holidays and unique gifts. I do suggest you order early from Novica, as most of these items are coming from far-flung locales and can take a while to arrive in time for gift giving. I opted for some jewelry as I was in need of some nice everyday earrings, but there are so many categories to choose from that it boggles the mind!

I was really happy with the customer service, my orders went out right away. And the quality can't be beat for items created by small artisans. In all, my experience was great and I plan to do some holiday shopping real soon!

Now what you really want to see, the items I chose:

I was in the mood for something a bit tribal, but I also needed some new hoops. These fit the bill nicely.

I loved the spike look to these and they suit me perfectly!

In closing, I'm very happy with everything from the fine craftsmanship, to the inclusion of info on the artist, to Novica and what they are contributing to helping artisans get themselves out of poverty and provide for their families.

Cheers!
Suzanne

Disclaimer: I was provided with a gift certificate to try their service. My honest opinion was related, and I will be purchasing in the future due to their fabulous selection, service, and most of all what they are doing to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

And Now For a Little Musical Interlude...

Found this on You Tube tonight & quite enjoyed it for something different associated with my Keith... I hope you enjoy it!



Btw, I was having such a crappy day that I declared it Keith Richards day to try and cheer me up. I've supjected my household to Keith and the Stones ALL day long and as I can't sleep it's bound to go on all night to! I even did version 2 of young Keith hair, mine is getting a bit long for it to look too great but I'm always in the process of doing something to my hair! Here's a crappy photo booth pic to prove it!

Yeah, its a rats nest, but who the hell wants to fix their hair at nearly 2am?

Cheers!
Suzanne

Links à la Mode ****for week of October 21st, 2010****

Links à la Mode: The Blogging Diaries- Introspects, Insights, and Inspirations

by jennine on October 21, 2010
links a la mode

Edited by: Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista

As bloggers, we often find ourselves looking to other blogs for inspiration. Sometimes we look to our closets, magazines, or in the mirror. This week’s roundup fashions some of the most introspective and insightful posts from bloggers who reach across the blogosphere as they look for ways to build upon, contribute to, and pull inspiration for and from the fashion world.
Links à la Mode: October 21st

* 365 Fashion Rehab: Lessons from a (Reformed) Shopaholic: A beautiful handbag repaired (for free!). One more reason to buy quality over quantity.
* Boheme Noir: The first ladies of Vogue – a closer look at the most important editors in chief.
* Daisy Dayz: Friend Friday: How to learn from your mistakes and let your blog grow
* Devilishly Pleasurable: Reflecting on the evolution of my blog and tips for better blogging!
* Fish Monkey: The notion of flattering dressing is oppressive and unnecessary. Rather than conforming, why not chose a different shape?
* Hazel Eye Personality: Who has what it takes to be the next big and game changing designer? It takes a lot of time, passion and sanity to make it in the fashion world.
* Independent Fashion Bloggers: Work Smarter, Not Harder–3 Ways to Massively (and Permanently) Increase Your Traffic.
* Miss Viki: “Love Me” and what is wrong with our beauty ideals, if anything?
* No Guilt Fashion: I put on my game face and tried out my biggest fashion trend fear
* Passionista Place: qvc, hsn…oh my! find out why home shopping networks have become a bit of an addiction for a modern passionista like me.
* Seamstress Stories: Reflections on the role that mirrors play for our body image and self-perception.
* Showcase Edge: Indie Fashion Goes Back to the future. A look at designers who hand-make clothing inspired by times of the past
* Sidewalk Chalk: I’m a poser, baby: 7 steps for posing naturally in outfit photos
* Stylish White Female: Transitioning from vegetarian to vegan: Some things are hard to give up. Fur is not.
* Taxonomy of my Wardrobe: Shopping the Wardrobe. My version of this month’s Harper’s Bazaar Buy Now wear Forever list selected from my own wardrobe.
* The Coveted: Three Way With a Long Chiffon Skirt
* The Curvy Fashionista: Nordstrom reaches out to plus size fashion bloggers to collaborate on its newest plus size endeavor- Sejour
* The Demoiselles: She is not a fashion blogger. She’s just a woman, sitting in her bathtub.
* The Simply Luxurious Life: In a world that seems to be changing quicker than the seasons, what does it mean to be a lady?
* The Wondergirl: retail-me-not: waxing poetic on two interesting happenings of late in the world of specialty retailing.
* Vogue Mornings:How not to lose motivation when blogging, a few quick solutions to the problem many bloggers face.

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Denim: Boot Cut, Cropped, Straight Leg, Skinny, Black, Maternity, Boyfriend, Tall, & Petite

For Wendy B to Drool Over!

Here are those amazing over the knee boots I nearly had a heart attack over yesterday...


Go ahead and drool now, I'm sure you have a stylish hankie to wipe it off!
XXX
Suzanne

Tag! I'm it!

The fantastic woman who has the blog "Pull Your Socks Up" tagged me a few weeks ago, but of course I'm always behind and just got wind of it. I've been in a bit of a writing slump, too many projects, too little time... so hopefully this will jar me out of my blog writing block...

What's your favourite fashion accessory?

Do shoes count? They are my fav accessory and can transform the most boring of outfits to fab in seconds! Aside from shoes my favs are rings, bracelets, and scarves. And I have quite a collection of each to prove it!

A selection of new and vintage scarves. I have about two boxes full to the brim!

For those of you "Desperately Seeking Susan" fans, that shawl/ scarf to the left -- black with green skulls screen printed all over was made for me by one of my besties back then, the artist Michael Roman. His artwork featured heavily in the film. You'll spot his art right away, as a Mexican-American he used a lot of Dia de los Muertos themes, hence loads of skulls! One day I'll get brave & post the picture he painted of me, its slightly embarrassing though!

Who's your fashion role model?

I don't have any. If pressed, I'd have to say me -- I'm my own fashion role model. (and I don't mean that in a pompous way -- it is what it is). Seriously, I've never wanted to look like or copy someone else. My fashion inspiration is a complete mix-up of styles and eras. It's just about what I want to wear at any given moment. I may see something on someone I adore and will purchase, but its always worn with my own twist and never exactly as originally shown.

What do you always carry with you?

I always have my glasses (can't read without them!) and a pair of sunglasses (bright light sux), my iPhone, a pen and moleskine notebook (writing inspiration always comes at the most inopportune moments, so I've learned to be prepared!), something for my lips (balm, lipstick --usually some shade of red -- or gloss, I hate dry lips), and a foreign coin (my travel lust runs deep). If the weather is inclement add a scarf to that as I hate brollies. Oh and if I'm out shopping I carry a Longchamp Le Pilage--those suckers can hold tons! Here's a tip: an acquaintance discounts them, and you can buy online. They're even cheaper than the outlets! Here is the website: http://www.bagshop.com/ The owner's name is Phyllis and you can tell her I sent you! She also discounts Wolford! And has shops in the city as well.

How would you describe your style?

Crazy mixed-up kid with a shoe addiction.

What's your favourite? Jeans, sunglasses or heels?

Heels, no contest. I recall being just old enough to finally fit my tiny tootsies into heels, and there's been no looking back! The Punk Glam King will back me up on that as well as anyone who has seen my overflowing closets (yes plural). I started collecting vintage shoes back in the late 70s, and can't part with many of them as now they're pieces of history, as well as works of art! Sunglasses and jeans are close but I tend to stick with favs rather than switch things up like I do with shoes.

Currently in rotation -- both high and low end, doesn't matter as long as I'm in love with them!

The Punk Glam King got me these gorgeous (and comfy) glitter booties as an anniversary gift. A little early as our anniversary is Halloween, but they've been selling out so I got lucky --both with the shoes and my beloved Punk Glam King!

What is your favourite fashion store?

I don't really have any one... depends on what I'm on the search for. McQueen is always a fav and I've followed his career from the very beginning (and miss him dearly), iconic styles, upscale department stores for ideas, basics I want to last, and of course vintage and thrift for the thrill of the hunt! The internet has been great not 0nly f0r finding the latest, but also for seeking out the hard to find and discovering new designers.

What inspired you to blog about fashion?

I'm a professional writer/ author, and I started privately blogging about 5 0r 6 years ago. Finally I decided to go public and write about the things I love that I don't "have" to. Its a release to be able to babble on about what I love rather than what I "have" to write about. Fashion has always played a big role in my life, along with music, so its nice to write without having some editor hanging over my shoulder!

Who doesn't love Nick Cave in a helmet?

What is your favourite fabric in clothing?

Silk, velvet, and silk jersey. I just love the way it drapes.

Who are your favourite designers?

McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, vintage YSL & Pucci, Prada,MiuMiu,Louboutin & Manolo (along with YSL for shoes that last a lifetime) gosh so many I love... and too many emerging designers to mention here. There are also those "no-name" vintage designers that created masterpieces! Some of my favourite vintage pieces are hand-made, the care that went into those garments is something to behold!

Who or what inspires your style?

Gosh it can be anything from a colour, to a mood, to art, to well anything really! Sometimes a certain fabric will inspire me, and I've been a designer in the past so many times its the fabric that will inspire me to create or put something together in a new way.

Would you choose to buy something high quality or make it yourself if you could?

Depends. If I had the means to make something I'd do that, but I do have limitations. I never use patterns, which can sometimes make for some interesting mistakes that wind up being my favs! I'd opt to buy something quality made if it was out of my design skills, which doesn't always mean high-end!

Since I'm late to the party, consider yourself tagged! The first to respond can go ahead and follow through-- and hopefully you won't be as lame as me! And thank you for tagging me!

Cheers!
Suzanne