Spring Fashion: DIY

Lately, I have seen TONS of FABULOUS DIY "fashion" products being made out there and wanted to share some of these ideas. Whether you are on a tight budget, or you didn't quite get as big of a tax refund as you had hoped to have for that spring shopping spree, making something new or improving an item you already own can be inexpensive and fun!

This is probably my favorite of what I have seen lately....making a sunglasses case into a mini clutch! LOVE IT!!! You often get a "free" one with the purchase of a pair of shades, and you may not need it or always use it. So it sits in a drawer or the bottom of a box taking up space.


This idea comes from another blog, HonestlyWTF ...check out the steps and finished product she made. A "minaudière" as she calls it is a small ornamental case for a woman's cosmetics, jewelry, or personal items that is often carried as a handbag. =Perfect for spring and your absolute essentials: money, ID, cell phone, and favorite lipstick or gloss! (see DVF's version, pictured above)

Her version of this mini clutch takes a few more tools such as a drill, drill bit, and a bolt cutter. It turned out fabulous (pictured left), but if you don't have the tools, or the patience for taking it quite this far, I can think of other items to add to a sunglasses case that could look just as great! Whether you choose to cover it completely in fabric, or lace, add some buttons or even better, a vintage brooch or pin, and then add a drawer pull or even ribbon as a handle.....no matter what you choose, it will be a functional & affordable new clutch just in time for spring! *I found black sunglasses cases at the Fossil outlet store for only $6.99...just in case you don't have any empty ones lying around!

Another fun accessory is this ruffle necklace (pictured right). Depending on your sewing skills (& a sewing machine is necessary), this may be a bit more challenging, but a fabulous final piece--for yourself or perhaps to give as a gift!! Check out the blog, Creature Comforts, for the step by step tutorial. You can make it personal by choosing your own ribbon and embellishments! So FUN!! A great way to spruce up your spring wardrobe! Also, check out Creature Comforts links to other fashion & style DIY projects!!


There are also SEVERAL ways to "WEAR" a man's necktie...instead of around your neck!! I LOVE both of these....the necklace (pictured below right) and the cuff. *I've seen different styles of the cuff bracelet. This one (pictured left) is 2 ties with snaps, I've also seen single ties with buttons. SO great!

I have several, as my father used to own a men's clothing store, and I have worn them often as a sash/belt and received tons of compliments! I also LOVE this clutch....I've considered trying to make one myself, but might just have to breakdown and purchase instead!!



And of course, if you haven't checked out the blog, New Dress a Day, do so now, as she is the QUEEN of DIY fashion!

This fashionista gave up "traditional clothes shopping" for a YEAR and took on the task of CREATING each new piece she wore. Here's more about her & her project from her blog: Instead, the only shopping that I’ll be able to do is that of pieces that have been used and worn already. So long to mall trips and hello to sifting through piles of vintage pieces at flea markets and at neighborhood garage sales. Each day for the entire year, I’m going to introduce a new piece into my existing wardrobe that I’ve found from these places. On top of this, I’m giving myself a budget of $1 a day. She finished with her 365 days of creating, and is not taking "donations" from her readers and continuing the work....you can send in a piece and she will make it into something more fashionable....so clever & impressive. Definitely worth checking out her blog....if nothing else, it's super fun to see the before & after pictures!!


Don't forget, if you don't have the creative inspiration or the time & energy to make your own, you can always support those that make their own products and sell them on one of our favorite websites, ETSY!!


Perhaps some of these projects will inspire you to try these ideas at home, or find another DIY project...if you do find yourself creating something new, PLEASE SHARE it with us....we'd love to hear what you are creating! ....and you just might surprise yourself!!

If nothing else, these websites & blogs are fun to peruse, read, and see the creativeness of others out there ....the transformations of objects that may not at first appear to be much, but have now become someone's treasure!