DIY - Embellished Tights

As if money has not been tight enough, the Holidays make money even tighter! So I am bringing you this post, strait from style website Refinery29. Erica Domesek, author of DIY blog P.S. - I Made This, posted a special edition of her blog just for Refinery29.

I haven't tried this out just yet, but hope to find some time over the Holidays to test this one out!

I DIY! That Crafty "P.S.—I Made This" Whiz Whips Up 3 Fall Accessories On the Cheap Just for Us

By Roxanne Fequiere, DIY Instructions and Photos by Erica Domesek

It sure ain't easy keeping tabs on our ever-expanding list of swoony must-have jewels, accessories, and clothes—especially for fall!—which is why we're prone to indulging in some DIY to get the look we're craving for less. But for Erica Domesek, a New York City-based lifestyle, design, and style expert, DIY-ing has become an obsession manifested in her crafty chic blogP.S.—I Made This. Driven by the mantra "I see it, I like it, I make it," Erica has garnered plenty of followers, including Vogue Nippon andGQ. And her latest challenge? To grant our wish and re-create a few of our favorite new accessories…yep, three ways to take a bit of craftiness and channel it into full-blown fall '09 fashion!

Materials Needed: 1. A pair of tights 2. Sequins 3. Fabric glue 4. Needle and thread

How to: 1. Place a piece of cardboard (some tights come with it) inside each leg. The cardboard will prevent both sides from sticking together, and will also stretch fabric to work on. 2. Use a super duper strong fabric glue to smother small areas on tights. 3. Cluster sequins on top of glue and spread all over the surface of the tights. Feel free to layer on top of one another for a more three dimensional effect. If you have any sequins or broken mirrored jewelry lying around, use them. Traditional sequins aren't the only option for tights—get creative! 4. Once dry, reinforce sequin clusters with a needle and thread. Use similarly colored thread to blend in with tights and sequins. Sequins and fabric glue available at M&J Trimming.

2009 Trend #3 - Decorative Zippers

1. Lanvin Spring 2009 2. D&G 3. Phillip Lim 4&5. Marc by Marc Jacobs 6. Rory Beca 7. Forever21

As stated in my 9 Trend for 2009, no more hidden zippers; now zippers are used as a decorative detail. From exposed, to contrasting fabric trim, zippers will be a focal point for the back of shirts as well as dresses. I LOVE this trend; I'm typically a fan of anything that draws interest to the back of clothing. Be careful not to over-do the look by no over accessorizing or pairing a zipper back top with a pencil skirt with back detailing as well!

GET THE LOOK


Dress: JCREW
Zippers: Swarovski, Orange, Aluminum

This trend is an easy one to copy on a budget! Go through your closet, what items do you have that might look good with an exposed or decorative zipper? Measure the length of the existing zipper and go to your local craft store and find a zipper that is the same length in a contrasting color or that has other decorative touches. If you can't sew, take the zipper and item to your tailor and have them rip out the existing zipper and replace it with your new zipper, sewing it so that the ribbon is on the OUTSIDE instead of hidden on the inside!

VOILA - a totally custom made, one-of-a-kind look! You can find zippers for $10-$20, and the cost of tailoring should run about the same. New look for just $40!