PFMs Do it Better: DIY Studded Denim Vest

soo... i know the denim vest has been done... many, many, many times before.  you may even have seen a DIY on how to make a denim vest.  either way, i thought it would be fun to show, yet again, how this classic staple can be done at a really low cost to your pocket.  sure you could buy one already made, but where's the fun in that??  this is an easy project that only requires a little bit of time and a bit more creativity.

the first step is to gather your materials.  i hit my local thrift stores to find this denim jacket. i had to consider size, color and styling of the jacket.  i turned down a few because they just didn't fit or look right.  next,  i got some studs, i chose silver, which you can just about purchase in any craft store or order online.  then i got my trusty scissors.  it's really important to keep special scissors for cutting fabric.  it truly makes cutting straight as well as smoothly easier.

the next step is super easy - just cut off the sleeves.  if you have nice sharp scissors, this can be done in five minutes.  you can also choose how close to the seam you go for a more frayed look.  before i moved to the next step, i washed the vest as is - so that it would be fresh and clean for me to wear and also to help start the fraying at the edges.

now comes the final step- studding!! i totally forgot that i had one more tool; i also used my long needle nose pliers to assist me with making sure the studs closed nice and tight.  most people have these in your average tool kit.  (be sure they are clean so as not to mark your clothing.)  though this part can be tedious, especially depending on how much studding you plan on doing, it can be fun to design how to attach your studs.  i suggest thinking it out a bit first before committing.  it can be challenging to remove studs once securely attached - i learned that the hard way lol. 

...and done!!!  as you can see, i chose a simple studding pattern.  i like the subtlety of just a touch of studs.  besides, since we know these vests only get better with time, i can always add more studs later!  i can't wait to wear this with my summer maxi dresses and skirts or with my Docs and skinnies!! yay!!  :)

Daily Outfit: Fur Allure (especially if it's Vintage Fur!!!)

fur vests are right on trend

i combined my fave mascara and my fave MF headband

the ruffles on this jacket are sooo fun!

ruffles coming...

 ...and going!

i never thought to consider myself a fur type of girl but, there's something so chic and luxe about it.  don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean that i don't feel for the animals that lose their lives so that we can indulge.  ...but what if it's vintage fur???  no NEW animals were harmed for this PFM trend!  this fun fur vest was found on eBay and, though an animal did lose it's life, i think i'm doing my part by recycling it!  the warmth of the day meant i could shed some layers and don my fur vest with pride.  

this was a day of accessories because accessories were totally the highlight of this outfit.  under my vest was another one of my favorite jackets.  it's made by Free People and i was drawn to it because of it's puffed shoulders and ruffles - two features i love and especially together!  this jacket can almost be considered vintage too now; i got it over two years ago!  i combined the whole look with a MF crocheted mobius in paintbox and the new MF crystal ball headband.  once again the term modern vintage came to mind as this outfit came together.  fur, ruffles, bling AND neon... what more could a girl ask for!!!

(Fur Vest - Maven ReFreshed, Ruffle jacket in Black - Free People, Straight Leg Jeans - Buffalo by David Bitton, Neon Yellow Tank - Old Navy, Clogs - Swedish Hasbeens, Crocheted Mobius in Paintbox and Crystal Ball Headband (available on special request)- MavenFresh

PFM Styling: Fur Vest & Denim, Take 2

 

I'm back with another fuzz 'n denim remix that's pretty different from Tuesday's ensemble. Taking inspiration from the ladies over at Eat Sleep Denim, I thought it would be fun to create a second look based on two key pieces: a fur vest, and a denim dress. Ok, so technically this is my tunic-length denim button-down, but it does cover my bum... hmmm we shall call it a denim shirt-dress. I have a thing about combining girly and tough items; it's all about the lace leggings with motorcycle boots. Winter is here and we should all be embracing our opportunity to feel no pain and layer fashionably!

Let's cue ESD's winterizing tips...and now for how my look got worked:

 Get your girly-rocker on by layering a long denim button-down over a mini dress or tunic top with printed leggings (go for something feminine like lace, dots, or florals.) Add a fur vest and biker boots. Take it further with a leather cuff, studded handbag, or chunky chain earrings.

Which outfit did you like best? If you don't have a fur vest in your wardrobe, are you now considering getting one? It's no surprise that I'd love to have another...the options are endless! 

(Fur Vest- RACHEL Rachel Roy, Denim Buttondown- Anthropologie, Black Tunic Dress- French Connection, Rachel Pally Lace Leggings- Shopbop, Leather Cuff- Flea Market in Miami, Rosegold Madge Boot- Modern Vintage, New Jade Cascade Earrings- MavenFresh)

PFM Styling: Fur Vest & Denim, Take 1

This lovely faux fur vest found it's way into my collection and immediately I was overwhelmed (in a good way) by all the different styling possibilities! After recently discovering the blog Eat Sleep Denim, I was inspired to combine my love of winter layering with my love of denim and create two looks that are so easy to rustle up. 

For this first outfit, kick it off with your little denim dress. My dress happens to be an oldie, but a goodie. While on vacation in Vermont I wandered into a shop and there it was; it's a wardrobe essential that I love being able to re-work all year round. I'm wearing leggings, but opaque tights would also be an option. Chocolate knee-high boots add some interest and warmth...and let's keep the layers going with a striped knit turtleneck. I love that the alternating oatmeal and black stripes really bring out the color variations in the vest. The peacock feathers in my earrings add an unexpected flash of bright color. Finish with a fuzzy crocheted turban and you'll be textured and toasty! The look kinda speaks to my inner  "glamper" (glamorous-camper.) Or maybe it's just the scenery.

Stay tuned for Take 2 on Thursday!

(Faux Fur Vest- RACHEL Rachel Roy, Denim Dress- Sanctuary thrifted, MNG Turtleneck- JC Penney, Black Leggings- Old Navy, Boots- Frye, Feather Fanfare Earrings & Turban- {coming SOON!} to MavenFresh, Nails- OPI The It Color )

Daily Outfit: Fur and Floral, Please

When I spotted this faux fur vest on eBay, it was love at first sight. Since then it's become my winter staple. Funny thing is that it's actually from Forever 21, but it never did catch my eye in-store. I paired it with this tie-neck vintage floral dress for a soft ladylike look that was a little bit 70's inspired. When I first got my hands on this dress it had an awkward below-knee length. I thought it would be much more flattering if the dress was shorter. A few minutes on the sewing machine and voila- it's a perfect length for me that does not take away from that vintage quirkiness which I adore. And it was an opportunity to rock my plum tights- yay!

Sometimes a touch of floral and fur is the way to go.

(Forever 21 Fur Vest- eBay, Vintage Floral Tie-Neck Dress- Maven ReFreshed, Skinny Studded Belt- Target, Purple Tights- Urban Outfitters, Headband- Anthropologie, Gold Twigs & Berries Earrings- MavenFresh, High Heel Ankle Boots- Zara)