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Welcome 2011! Last Night and Today.

Posted on January 1, 2011

Some of you may have already seen the preview picture of my New Years outfit on my
facebook page. Oh, the incentives to being a follower of this blog on other social networks.
Does that entice you toÂ ”like” my Sidewalk Ready page yet? Maybe? Hopefully?

So last night. Kai and I went to this Grand Rapids bash called “Bottom 40″ for New Years.

I had no idea what I was going to wear and didn’t really feel like spending a lot of money on
a new dress … so I created something myself. I posted the “before” pictures yesterday but I
will refresh your memory (as if you wanted to see this 90s masterpieces again).

Now, before I get started on this dress transformation, I would like to apologize. I originally
intended for this to be a DIY sort of “New Dress A Day” style (great blog, check it out) … but it
didn’t quite work out. The black on black was really difficult to photograph. I also got so
involved in this project so even if I could have gotten good photographs, I forgot. So either way,
this is the only photograph I have of the process.

This full length velvet dress purchased at Salvation Army for $3.50 went short with some
scissors. I cut it below where the slit ended so I stitched the remained slit shut. I also didn’t
bother with a hem because I was going to cover it up with the next step.

Now this is the part where I don’t have a tutorial for you. But basically what I did was
attach two black feather boas to the bottom of the dress. If you would like a step by step
tutorial, you can check out the one I modeled my dress after by Love Maegan here. Like her
tutorial, I attached the boas in a zig-zag patternÂ running up and down along the bottom of the
dress. This probably would have been much easier if I owned a dress form. Trying to see where
to stitch the boas down was really difficult when the dress wasn’t stretched like it would be on
my body. After I thought I was finished, I tried the dress on only to realize that the feathers
were running on angle and there were bare spots. Luckily, I had some boa leftovers that I
used to even out the feather distribution.
Note to self: Keep an eye out for used dress forms onÂ ebay.

After this trial and error project, here is my final look. Kai didn’t feel like dragging his studio
lighting upstairs so we took these pictures with three lamps without their shades.

I also made this belt. This isn’t the first time I’ve featured this piece. For more information about
it you can view my Salon Workday post.

This dress is totally ostentatious. Perfect for New Years Eve! I may not have another
opportunityÂ to wear it anytime soon, but that’s okay. With the body of the dress costing
only $3.50 and the boas costing $30, I won’t feel guilty for not wearing it often. Similar
designer dresses cost at least $200 – most are closer to $500!

Watch … $5.50. Salvation Army.

My bling bling bead earrings were purchased in Venice.

How I styled my hair:
I used my beach waves technique (video tutorial available here) but with a .75″ curling iron.Â After
curling, I ran my fingers though to break up the wave and then lightly backcombed the midsection
and ends of myÂ hair with a pick to add a lot of fullness. I also teased the top with my favorite
backcombing brushÂ and smoothed it so it went straight back with no part. After pinning the side
pieces back with a rhinestone clip, I sprayed it with a firm hold hairspray so the body would last.

Outfit Breakdown:

Dress: Thrifted and Updated / Belt: Handmade / Earrings: Purchased in Venice / Watch: Thrifted / Shoes: Payless

What did you all end up doing last night? Did you go all-out with your attire? I’d love to see some
images of what you wore – Send them my way on my facebook page!

.

Okay, as if that wasn’t already an entire post it’s own, I also have pictures of what I wore for the first
day of the new year. This morning, before I got dressed, I was thinking I wanted to wear something
comfortable but not completely sloppy because I was attending a New Years party with my family.
In order to dress up one of my favorite sweatshirts, I layered a button down underneath.

The shirt I chose to wear underneath my sweatshirt is one of Kai’s. It is a size large and is huge
on me. Amazing what you can do by layering, rolling, and tucking.

I forgot to get a close up of my necklace, but if you look closely you can see my strand of pearls
under the collar of the shirt. I’m classy like that.

I kind of failed in my modelling today. I completely covered up the zipper detail in this
sweatshirt, but fear not, it is visible in my Maxi Dress Goes Winter post!

Mixin’ metals.

Today I started out with a side pony but about mid afternoon I fish tailed the top just to mix it up.

Outfit Breakdown:
Sweatshirt: Gap / Shift: Husband’s – Thrifted / Jeans: Gap / Watch and Bracelets: Gifts / Purse: Vintage Coach / Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Happy New Year you all! I’m sure you’re all tired from this weekend’s festivities. If you’re
looking for something comfy and cute, try layering a dressy piece with a casual piece. It will
bring new life to the clothes that you once thought were solely lazy day pieces!

- Kayls.

23 Comments

Scarf With Fringe DIY.

Posted on November 20, 2010

Now for that DIY I’ve been talking about – A silky scarf with fringe!

I saw a scarf online with fringe on the edges and really liked the way it looked when tied
… so I had an idea! Originally, I was hoping to find a plain square scarf and simply add
fringe but once I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I went to plan B.

Plan B: Make your own scarf!

I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics and was blown away by my fabric choices. They had a ton of
printed sateens – just what I was looking for! And the best part? They were 30% off!
I also picked up some 4 inch black fringe.

Okay – so first step:

Cut the fabric into a square. I wanted my scarf to be fairly large and it ended up being
about 31″ on each side.

Epworth is a great model … and always chooses the most convenient places to sit.

Okay, cat-less.

Next, fold the fabric in half diagonally and pin along the two cut edges.

Pinned!

Wide view.

Then, start sewing your trim down! Instead of pinning the trim all down at once likeÂ I
would have if I used a sewing machine, I just pinned it as I hand stitched my way down the scarf.

Then the groomer called telling me that Shanty was ready to be picked up and I ran out
of natural light for nice flash-less pictures … so here is my awesome illustration
on how I stitched the fringe and scarf together.

It’s just a really simple in and out running stitch. Don’t you love my artistry?

Stitch a strip of fringe all the way down one edge of the scarf and then down the other.
Do not put fringe along the folded edge! At the point, layer one piece of fringe over the
other, sew together, and cut off any excess.

Tip: Fringe will fray on the edges where it has been cut. To stop the fraying, lightly run
a match over the cut edges to melt the fibers together to create a barrier.

The end!

.

Okay, now you may be asking how you would wear such a thing. Today I wore this to work
at the salon with my dark skinny jeans and flats because I had a busy day. This evening I am
going to see Forest Hills Northern High’s fall musical, Beauty and the Beast so I put on
my “Sexy Boot” jeans from the Gap and my almond toe heels. By the way, I can’t tell you
how many compliments I’ve received on these jeans. They are perfect with heels for a
step up from casual.

Side Note: I hope you got a chance to see the show. It’s supposed to be awesome. Plus,
the girl who plays Belle is a total doll. Kai took her senior pictures and I styled her clothes
and highlighted/styled her hair for the session. She also came in to see me earlier this
week for an all over color (she had to be brunette for the role of Belle!).

Okay, anyway – My outfit for the evening.

… and without the jacket …

This is how to tie the scarf:

Hold it on both ends with the point facing down.

Bring the ends around your neck to the desired length. I wanted mine long so it hits
around my belly button. Then tie the ends into a knot.

Then bring the ends forward and tuck them under the scarf … or you can leave them
visibly hanging in front on either side of the scarf, or down your back.

Ta-da!

Thanks again for the belt, mom and dad.

Outfit Breakdown:
Leather Jacket: Banana Republic / Scarf: Handmade / Bracelets: Old Navy / Top: J. Crew / Belt: J. Crew / Jeans: Gap / Shoes: Target

In my opinion, this scarf looks and feels expensive. The two layers of sateen have nice
weight to them and are really silky … and it cost just under $15 to make!

Another way that I considered making this piece was to leave it in a square shape and
add fringe to all four edges, then simply fold the scarf on a diagonal when I wore it.
After I saw the cost of fringe, I came up with the pre-folded idea instead. I used half as
much fringe and got the same effect!

A couple of days ago when I posted my “How to Tie a Scarf” video, I received
the followingÂ question:

“My friend bought me a really cute scarf, but it’s not a normal scarf shape. It’s more
like a square. How do I wear it?”

And my answer is, the same as above! Just fold it diagonally before tying.

This adds a whole new life to simple pieces. The top I am wearing is just a white scoopneck
but with the addition of this scarf it looks completely different!

- Kayls.

www.facebook.com/sidewalkready

10 Comments

Chiffon Purse DIY

Posted on October 8, 2010

My first DIY project! I saw this idea on another fashion blog – thanks
…love Maegan for the inspiration!

This is the original inspiration piece – The Christian Louboutin Satin Petal
Bag (retails for $1,495).

Here is my before:
An ex-prom purse I picked up at Goodwill for $2. Nothing extraordinary.

Okay, now to turn this into something special! It’s very easy, just time consuming.
Perfect project for a day off.

I used a roll of black chiffon that I found in the remnants bin at Jo Ann Fabrics
for $1. I bought the fabric awhile back thinking I would find a use for it someday.
So glad I did!

So first step: Cut a strip of chiffon. The size of the strip will affect the size of the flower.
My strips were approximately 4″x8″. By my picture below, it’s pretty clear to see
that perfection is not necessary.

Next, fold the strip into anÂ accordion-styleÂ fold.

After, cut all of the corners off. I pinned my folded strip first to make it easier.
A general idea of what it should look like after it’s cut:

And un-fold. Again, perfection need not apply …

Now start a running stitch down the center of the strip simply weaving your needle
in and out of the fabric.

Once you’ve reached the end, scrunch up the fabric and tie off the string creating
a flower.

Now find a good placement on the purse for the flower and attach with string.

Continue until all areas that you want covered with the chiffon are complete
… this takes time. If you need a break, take pictures of your pets.

Shanty.

Epworth.

Yeah, they’re cute … now back to work.

Cut, fold, cut, stitch, flower, attach, repeat, repeat, repeat, complete!

I placed my flowers on the lower half of the purse and all over the back. At the
magnetic closure, I placed one flower and a button in the center … I love the results!

What do you think of my $3 purse compared to the Christian Louboutin version?
Is this simple enough that you think you could make your own? I’m sure many
of you have old un-used clutches laying around from school dances.Â Give it a shot!

-Kayls.

4 Comments