DIY Studded/Spiked Armbrace Legbrace, or Garter

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.

Thanks for reading! 

XoXO

How to Make Naturally Straight Hair Unnaturally Curly

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!

Here's a sneak peek from the shoot!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Girl At The Rock Show- Eagles and Aliens at El Corazon

It was a Friday. My boyfriend and I went to Seattle to see Eagles and Aliens play. El Corazon was the venue. Vintage was the look. 

Eagles and Aliens were excellent, even though it was their first show playing as a three piece. I was excited to take home their CD which hasn't left my car stereo yet, even though it only has 3 tracks. Seattle's reputation for music acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam give every local band an ego boost, so it was nice to see a group that was not only good, but actually in it for the music. Raw passion was exuded throughout their set and spread like a contagious virus. Very inspiring. 

My terrible fan girl photo of the band.

I love collage. Reminds me of getting dressed. Combination of independent pieces to create something else.  My favorite art form.

Turn the lights down low. Let's do this.

El Corazon's wonderful logo.

Matte Black with chrome accents. Like leather and chains. Sexy at night. 

On the way to the venue. My first attempt at victory rolls. I'll try again and post when I perfect  it ;)

A padlock as an accessory. Superdig!

The 3D collage by the entrance. 

Love this. Great front and back shirt idea, huh?

Just a reminder: step up or you'll trip. 

The complete look. 

About the Look:

shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Pointe MC-Karmaloop

skirt: Wilsons Leather-Value Village (less than $10!)

croptop: Ross