Learn how to make your own studded leg garter here
All images and video courtesy of the talented and creative Ivan Mrsic. Check out his Tumblr and Flickr for more from IM Productions. He was a delight to work with.
Jacket-originally from Ross
Bustier-originally from Forever 21
Fishnets- from Target (holes not included)
Shorts- These were originally jeans. I added all holes, bleach spots, etc.
I wanted to emulate the look of this cute faux bob, but I wanted mine to be a little longer.
Start with Straight hair
Part the hair into two sections, but make sure to leave plenty at the top.
Pin the bottom section into a low bun. Try to make the bun as flat as possible, especially if you have thin hair like I do. This bun will come in handy in the next step.
Secure the top section in a very very loose low ponytail. Don't use a fat hair-tie like the one I used. It was all I had and it actually didn't work. I just twisted the end and flipped the hair underneath itself to pin into the bun.
That's all there is to it! Pin any loose peices up into the bun and use some hairspray to secure it. Some pieces will probably fall down later, but it's part of the look, just go with it!
I have had a few inquiries about the leg garters I've created and I promised this post a while ago, so I'm sorry for the wait!
Anyway, as many of you are aware I am a huge fan of accessories. I love finding new ways to wear things, and I truly believe that accessories can make or break an outfit. Shoes, jewelry, clutches, hairbows and headbands, makeup, I go nuts for the stuff. Maybe because (with the exception of purses and shoes) accessories are usually cheaper than clothes-thus it's easier to justify the purchase. Or maybe because accessories are amazing.
Naturally when I discovered that girls were making decorative garters and "leg braces" I was excited to get on board. The first pieces I came across are selling on Etsy for about $40 each. If you want to buy one, go check out Fox and Owl. They probably didn't pioneer the idea, but they're doing the best at it that I know of. But I didn't want to pay $40 for mine. If I were making them, I would probably sell them for close to that because that's how business works, but to me making them looked like more fun.
I started by making a few studded garters. Then I decided to try making one for my arm.
This post will show you how to make an arm "brace." I'm putting brace in quotations because it doesn't actually function anything like a brace. Maybe I'll come up with a more creative name later, or you can feel free to leave suggestions for me! After you look through this tutorial you will be armed with all the information to make a garter for your leg, or a brace for your arm, or something even cooler!
What You'll Need:
Black Elastic (or whatever color you like)
Pyramid studs, or spikes, or both (I buy mine here. They ship from Seattle so it's really fast. You can buy cheaper from Amazon, if you have time to wait until they come from China.)
A needle and thread, or a sewing machine.
Scissors
Pins (if you can't do it without them)
What to Do:
Take a piece of elastic and measure around the area you want to decorate. Make it a little snug.
Sew the elastic into a nice circle.
Trim the elastic down so there is a minimal overlap. If you're only making a garter all you have to do now is decorate it!
Repeat this process with another piece of elastic that is measured to fit the area nearby.
Measure the distance in between. Cut a third piece and pin the pieces together so they don't move while you're sewing. Attach the connecting piece on the inside so you don't have edges showing.
Add spikes and studs as you like them. I like to place them strategically to cover any visible stitches.
Screw on spikes are very easy to add. Just pierce or cut a small hole, and slide the screw through. Then screw on the spike!
Pyramid studs stab right through the elastic. No need to make a hole first.
I use pliers to bend the pyramid spikes nice and snug with the elastic. Make sure they are tight!
That's it you're done! Wear it proudly! But be careful if you used spikes ;)
Double-wrapped version and single studded garter.
If you'd like to do something different, try substituting cute buttons or beads for spikes or studs. You could also use fabric and velcro or snaps instead of elastic. I just use elastic because it's the easiest to fit.
I've said it before, I'll say it again. My hair is naturally straight. It's also thin. And it doesn't like to hold a curl very well.
But just to be difficult, I wanted to get as close as I could to an afro for a look at a recent shoot.
I modified the recipe for no-heat curls known as "cocoon curls" and this is what happened.
What You'll Need:
Dirty, unwashed hair
A spraybottle full of water
Some spraygel (optional)
A bandanna or headwrap
What to Do:
Take a small section of hair and spray it lightly with water. It should be damp, not wet. You can also spray a small amount of spray gel. Twist it until it is tight.
Place two fingers at the top of the twist and bring the hair up and behind, wrapping it around itself.
Wrap the hair around itself, with your fingers in place as many times as you can, while keeping it twisted.
When you can't wrap the twisted hair around anymore, grab the tip with the two fingers inside the loop of hair, but don't pull it all the way through.
Slide the top of the knot down so that the loop tightens and holds the hair in place. The little tail should hang out so you can easily untie it the next day.
After I did this to all the hair on my head, using small, 2-3" sections, I wrapped it up in a bandanna and went to sleep. Luckily when I took out all the knots, it was exactly how I wanted it. HUGE.
I think next time I'll combine the faux hawk and these crazy curls for a whole new look!
It happens. We all have those days. Maybe something bad happened. Maybe you have so much to do that you can't find the motivation to move at all. Or maybe it's just Monday.
I'll be honest: it happens to me a lot. Sometimes I wallow in it, and lay in my sweats all day eating candy and feeling sorry for myself. Other times I follow these steps to have a better day. It may be a weird system, but if I follow through, I always feel better. Even when it is raining!
1. Turn the Music UP!
Pick something upbeat and turn the beat up. It's ok to dance a little. If you are stuck in an unfortunate situation where this behavior is frowned on, just get out your headphones. Eardrums aren't supposed to last forever, right? Just be sure you don't accidentally make yourself feel worse by playing sad, slow music.
For instance Justin Timberlake's new album has some seriously amazing songs, including this one called "Let the Groove Get In". You can't not dance to this:
2. Wash Your Hands and Feet. Yes, Seriously.
Ok, I know that sounds a little strange. But wait! I have a logical explanation! Hands and feet get the worst of it. Unless you're sleeping, you're probably using your hands, feet, or both.Your poor little fingers and toes have to do everything all day long. So maybe you don't feel like taking a whole, long, relaxing bath. Just perch yourself on the side of the tub and grab a loofah. Show your feet some love. There's something so relaxing about it, and it is so easy. This is why women pay $25 and up for a manicure or pedicure! It's not because we can't paint our own nails. Trust me. Afterward you have nice, comfy, clean hands and feet. It's even better if you apply a generous amount of lotion and let your skin get super soft. Just be sure to take your time with it. Besides, it's sandal season, and cute toes don't look good with dry, sad, tired feet.
So fresh and so clean.
Sandals from Ross $14
3. Put on Something that Makes You Feel Amazing.
They say the better you look, the better you feel. This isn't always true. What matters is if you feel like you look good. That's it. So put on something that makes you feel like you look amazing. Old prom dress? Muscle tee to show off the guns? Tiara? Go for it. Even if you're butt naked. Maybe it's just perfume. Maybe it's lipstick, even if you know you aren't leaving the house. Maybe it's those heels you bought and just can't find an occasion for. Whatever it is, put it on. Try to avoid putting on something just because it's comfortable. This will encourage you to lay around and indulge in your sad state. Besides, most of us don't look in the mirror in baggy sweats and say "Damn, I look hot. Now I feel like accomplishing things!"
Pink lipstick with glitter and my boyfriend's T-shirt. I feel amazing.
I doubt I'd leave the house in this, but I feel great wearing it!
Leggings and crop top from Forever21. Homemade tutu :)
4. Create Something!
Whoa, hold on. You said this was easy? It is. Now that you have clean comfy hands and feet, and you're jamming out to 80's music wearing nothing but underpants and a tiara, you get to be creative. This doesn't mean you have to draw a picture, but that's certainly an option.
Here are some ideas:
Decorate a wall or small area of your house
Cook something delicious
Write a poem-no one has to ever see it!
Write a plan to do something (like make a new product or take a trip)
Paint- it doesn't have to be great. It will make you feel good though.
Put together an outfit
Do your makeup totally crazy
Make a collage
Make up a new song
Start a blog!
There are about a million different ways to be creative, but the point is that the process of creating something is rewarding. If I watch a movie, or look at stuff on pinterest all evening I come away with a sense of loss wondering "where did my time go?" But if you create something you can look at it and know that you accomplished something. Even if you aren't 100% happy with the end result, the process is inspiring, and will push you forward to cross the things off your list that seemed insurmountable before. You may be surprised what you can do. Often times my mini projects turn out better than expected!
Some fabric I hung on the wall. Just happens to look a lot like a heart!
A drawing I made for my boyfriend's birthday. I felt so accomplished afterwards.
I had a brochure for an art show which I cut up and framed. Recently I added some editorials around it.
Inspiration!
So there you have it. Those are the 4 steps I take when I have a bad day. They can be done in a very fashionable way, or the not at all. I hope they work for you too!
Thanks for reading.
XOXO
I spent the day in Seattle. Capitol Hill. Downtown. Inspiration comes from around you if you choose to look. Talk to people. Listen to what they say.
About the Look
Where feminine meets its dark side. A pretty top with pops of soft and bright pink and a pair of combat boots. When these worlds collide people will let you know how they feel about it. Just watch.
Boots: Steve Madden-Nordstrom Rack
Leggings: Ross
Leg Garter: DIY (post coming soon!)
Shirt: Forever 21
Accessories: Various- Nordstrom, Forever 21, Burlington Coat Factory, Hot Topic, vintage, and more.
Inspiration comes from everywhere. The inspiration for this project came from a combination of 2 things: working for a company that specializes in screen printing, and coming up with ideas for shirts that I don't have the capability to make. Until now.
Now I am not about to start tooting my horn about my artistic powers, because honestly I am not an artist in the conventional sense. I am not excellent at drawing, painting or sculpture, although I dabble for creative satisfaction. But this was something I knew I could do.
Here's how I did it.
What You'll Need:
Fabric Paint-available at most craft stores. I actually picked this up at Walmart.
A shirt of your choice. I used an old one I had laying around.
A piece of paper or cardboard- I used a paper bag from fast food. Classy, I know.
Kitty!
Brushes and a pallete. I used a plate covered with saran wrap. I would get chalk too, but I didn't have any.
What To Do:
Figure out exactly how you want your design to look. Make sure to have the design handy so you can look back at it as you start your brushwork.
My design.
If you have chalk use that to map out where you will be putting the paint. I didn't so I just had to be careful. I did a once over with very thin lines instead of chalk.
Go for it! It will probably take two coats to cover all the thin spots. Just be careful. Move slowly and steadily.
Let it dry overnight and wear it out for everyone to see!
How I wore it.
About My Design:
You may be wondering how I decided on the design I chose. Well, my boyfriend is a graffiti artist, and he has taught me a lot about the specific art form, as well as the culture associated with it. It's all very interesting, but as someone who is motivated by the way things look (fashion!) I find it to be especially pleasing aesthetically. The entire topic of graffiti is an interesting one because as a whole, popular culture loves graffiti for it's aesthetic pleasures. Graffiti is highly glamorized in photography, fashion, and art. But when someone paints on the side of a building, everyone hates graffiti, and it is seen only as a crime. Like I said, it's interesting, because graffiti isn't about painting in a controlled environment, or even selling it for money. It's about spreading art in a rebellious way. I think our country could use more art, but there's a fine line between artwork, and just vandalism. If you're going to paint on something, make it look good!
Anyway, I chose a graffiti font for the letters because I find graffiti interesting, and fun to look at. But there is more to the story. I made the letter 'A' into an anarchy symbol, and the 'O' into a sad/sick face. This is obviously not because I have a poor view of fashion. Moreover it is because fashion is chaotic. It is a monster that consumes so many, especially those that try to resist it. On the inside of my left arm I have a variation of a quote by an American essayist and poet Logan Pearsall Smith:
"She who goes against fashion is herself its slave"
The quote really spoke to me, and I felt it was a perfect fashion tattoo. The meaning is that if you try to go against fashion, you have to know what is fashionable. This ideology played into the choice of the letters on the shirt as well. All in all, I'm happy with the way the shirt came out. I know the message is not clear to the person who just sees the shirt. It just looks like an oximoron: a fashionable girl wearing a fashionable shirt that appears to condemn fashion. But you and I know what it means ;) It can be our secret.
