New Creations

Something about off white and black together is really elegant. Here's what I made:

The earrings are a total design in progress, but I really like how they turned out! I would love to experiment with more colors and shapes. I tried making beads out of t shirt material....err....no go. This site here teaches you how to make knotted fabric buttons and beads, maybe you'll have better luck than me!

In case you're wondering, yes I am obsessed in love with upcycling t-shirts, BUT I've signed up to sell some of my designs at a local art market! Who knew an old man tee could turn into something so beautiful :)

I have a few ideas of items yet to be created:

- recycled t-shirt tulip skirt
- recycled t-shirt brooch
- recycled t-shirt "feather" headband

Let me know what you think!

Ukulele Beard Love Song

Yay! What a delightful ukulele melody by Sophie Madeleine. Loved it? Oh there's more where that came from. Her new album LOVE.LIFE.UKULELE is filled with charming yet sophisticated songs that you just can't help but fall in love with.

Visit her myspace page here to sample a few of her songs. OR purchase her album (pay what you want) at her official site here. You won't be disappointed :)

Dear Sophie,

Your songs are as sweet as gumdrops and jellybeans. My smile comes from deep within, thank you for everything.

Love
Connie

Urban Renewal

I posted earlier about Urban Outfitter's Urban Renewal line but came across the Renewal line for Urban Outfitters UK while perusing Outsapop's blog. As stated on the website "Renewal pieces are limited edition items that have been created from a collaboration of carefully sourced vintage trims/buttons and surplus or recycled textiles." This line has such pretty dresses and skirts probably all made from your dad's old pantsuit or perhaps grandma's old nightgown prom dress. I love the elastic waist skirt. hmmmm, wait a minute, I saw a tutorial a while back on Burda Style on how to make almost the exact same skirt. Take a look here!

Value Village Finds

So I hit up that Value Village 50% off sale yesterday, mostly to buy some old man t-shirts to do more projects with...BUT I did find a few fun pieces all at $2.50 a pop! Not too sure how well I can pull off the romper look...reminds me a little of all the onesie jumpsuits my mom used to sew for me in grade 5. I had about four that I rotated throughout the week....all in various floral patterned fabrics that I picked out myself! haha! I might turn it into a dress instead by sewing the two leg openings together.

Urban Renewal

I love these looks from Urban Outfitter's Urban Renewal line!! All items are made from recycled fabrics to create new modern pieces. The top is made from vintage flannel shirts and I especially love the skirt, which is of course made from.....vintage T-SHIRTS!!! The u-shaped hem line is adorable. I might just try to recreate this look at home...I'll keep you posted.

More Fun with Recycled T-Shirts

Of course it's snowing in the middle May here in Calgary so I decided to stay inside and do a bit more crafting. I came up with these bracelets/cuffs. What do you think? Again made from the leftover scraps of my tie dyed fabric. ** tutorial coming up soon!



Neat-O....Can you tell I really like green?



I was too lazy to sew so I used some permanent fabric glue to put these together. They are so soofffftttt that I forgot I was even wearing it today! Errrr...I think I might be a little bit obsessed with upcycling t-shirts. This is a dangerous (but good) addiction I'm heading into. I'll save you t-shirts!

For instance, check this little gem out. I found this t-shirt at the free clothing give away:



WOWEE precious isn't it? Um...yes, I see someone did a little DIY project of their own here. Nice try, better luck next time. This shirt just screams "upcycle me"... and so I did! YAY!

Regina Spektor: Far

Ahhhh so excited for Regina's new album Far coming out on June 26th!! Check out her new song Laughing With at her Myspace page here.

Dear Regina,

I long for the release of your album next month. Thank you for providing me with melodies in my day to day, they are postively luscious. My dreams will be sugar sweet tonight... filled with thoughts of the moment my ears will finally be met with your lovely songs. You're the light of world.

Love,
Connie

Fun with Recycled T-Shirts

As I was making a few more scarves today I was about the throw away the scraps left over from the tops of the T-shirt but felt really guilty for not using it to it's full potential. So...

I made a necklace?? (first photo) I'm not sure what to call it but let me tell you, it feels like a dream when you're wearing it. As if silky soft bunnies decided to take a small nap on the back of my neck. How nice.

Yay or nay?

PS. I've discovered a new favorite way to wear my multistrand t-shirt scarf. (second photo) I love all the different layers in this look. Just loop a few strands around your neck and play around with them until you achieved this style.

PPS. I slaved away all day and made this American Apparel Le Sac inspired dress that I'm wearing. My first home made clothing item! Turned out not too bad...um...just don't look closely...I said don't look! haha. Still trying to figure out all the different ways to wear it. Yahoo! Another great tutorial by mywakingmemories.

Value Village: 50% off Sale!

Attention all thrifters: Value Village is having a mega 50% off sale on Monday May 25th! Come get your used goodies and vintage finds between 8am and 9pm at all Canadian and US stores! Weeeeeeeeeee! So excited!

Dear Value Village,

Your upcoming sale excites me greatly. Please await my arrival as I yearn to be united with all your thrifty gems. Don't worry my sweet provider of all things vintage, it won't be long now.

Love,
Connie

5 Eco Fashion Resolutions for Summer

I came across this article by Erin Donnelly also known as "The Good Fashionista" while perusing the Everyday Minerals website/ordering free samples and am totally taking up this challenge for the summer. You should too! Read on to find out how you can save money, be environmentally conscious, and still look cute :)

1) Don’t Buy Anything You Can Make Yourself. You’ll never catch me on “Project Runway,” or anywhere near a needle and thread for that matter, but even my non-crafty self can recreate some of the hot summer fashion trends that are surfacing right now. Cut-off denim shorts? All you need is an old pair of jeans and a pair of scissors. Tie-dyed tops? Just grab some rubber bands, a bucket, cheap dye from the grocery store, and a couple of bargain cotton tanks or tees. Statement tees? DIY a boring old tee with some iron-on letters or decals.

2) Vote for Tote. Every time my mind starts fixating on cute summer handbags, I remind myself that my regular haul—wallet, phone, makeup, book, etc.—is best served by a roomy tote bag. Instead of trendy purses, I’ll be carrying a cute organic cotton tote—like denim Beau Soleil Beau USA totes—that’s functional and more eco-conscious (not to mention cheaper). It’s also perfect for hitting the beach, and I love being able to turn down a wasteful shopping bag when I go to the store.

3) Use What You Have. I don’t know about you gals, but every year I’m dazzled by all the cute bikinis in the shops, and blow money on a sexy new swimsuit. Nevermind that I have a stash of perfectly good, barely worn swimsuits in a drawer at home, or that I don’t live anywhere near a beach. I’m putting an end to this silly cycle, and will be taking last year’s bikini (purchased in Germany, and worn, oh, maybe three times) with me on my beach vacation this summer. Who cares?

4) Beg, Borrow, or Steal. I’m headed home to visit the family this weekend, and my first plan of action—after I raid the fridge, of course—is to rifle through the closets. Those white button-down shirts my little brother always gets for Christmas but refuses to wear? So chic with a belt, or maybe tie-dyed and turned into a funky boho top. Dad’s baggy sweatshirts? Just snip the shoulders to nail this season’s sporty look. Mom’s vintage pieces? Perfect for a one-of-a-kind ensemble. Just use your imagination!

5) Buy Used. If I do get the urge to go shopping, and, let’s be honest, I probably will, I plan to hit up vintage and consignment shops before the high street. Not only is this more affordable (my friend just scored a jacket you’d swear was Chanel for 5 bucks from a street vendor last weekend), but it’s also a great way to add unique pieces to your wardrobe while extending the life of that particular garment. It’s all about recycling!

Do you have any eco resolutions this summer? What are your tips for saving money on style?

Go in style,
Erin Donnelly, The Good Fashionista

Moustache Loving

I am in love with these moustached stuffies! A local designer, Serena Wells, makes these plush delights out of recycled fabrics, clothes, and random things. They are sold at various fair trade markets city wide.

Visit her Etsy shop here.

For a while I was obsessed with moustaches...everything had to have one.

my boyfriend...

my gifts...

my birthday party...

you get the idea.

Eco-Friendly

Oooh these vintage thrifted purses are given a well deserved facelift with original printed and hand painted designs by Vivien Cheng! They're totally eco-friendly and one of a kind...as all things should be, I'll say.

See more of her designs here.

pssssssssst the Eco word of the day is: Upcycle

Upcycling is a component of sustainability in which waste materials are used to provide new products. It is generally a reinvestment in the environment. "Upcycling is the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value." This process allows for the reduction of waste and virgin material use.

Danielle Ate the Sandwich

Something about the ukulele just makes everything align. As if it's sweet sweet melodies erase all things worrisome to create the perfect moment.

Check out more of Danielle's music at her youtube page here.

Beaver, my friend

I saw a beaver the other day. Not exciting to most but I think this fuzzy creature is highly under appreciated. They're hard working, independent, honest and can always keep a secret. Not to mention their undeniable good looks and charm. That little nose and tail...perfection. Beaver, you just melt my heart.

Mellow Yellow

After wearing my joe flats down to the bitter end last year, I decided to replenish when I saw these adorable canvas yellow ones. I reluctantly disposed of the old pair this morning after convincing myself that..no, they really aren't wearable despite the unsightly holes in the bottom. oh well.

Dear beloved brown flats:

Although I've filled the void of your loss with a brighter, more improved version of you, my love for the comfort and protection you've provided the bottoms of my feet will never die. Until we meet again.

Connie