Monthly Archives: May 2012

30
May

Amongst all the fashion DIY projects that we’re done so far, this tutorial on how to make your own transparent clutch has got to be the easiest. It’s fast, easy and reaps the most reward for such little effort put in. There is absolutely NO sewing required. :D It is in the style of the Furoshiki Shiki by Samira Boon which I came across while reading Love Aesthetics .

For this DIY tutorial, you will need:

  • Vinyl ➔I got mine from a local sundries store, about S$18 a metre and 1mm thick
  • Rotary cutter ➔ I find it easier and neater to cut with a rotary cutter.
  • Cutting mat ➔ I doubt the rotary cutter would work very well unless you use a cutting mat.
  • Ruler
  • Markers ➔ Make sure they’re not permanent markers!

To start, you need to make markings on the vinyl. Helpful diagram below!

You can actually make this clutch in any size to fit your iPad, laptop or book. You’re essentially cutting out a cross made up of 5 rectangles of the same size.

I marked the corners so there isn’t so many ink markings before I cut.

Cut out the vinyl carefully using the rotary cutter and ruler.

After you’re done, just fold everything inwards. The nature of the vinyl material ensures that everything “sticks” together. It might not be stick after some time due to an accumulation of dust on the surface of the vinyl. Wiping it with a damp lint free cloth should fix everything.

I had some material left over from making the clutch so I made an iPhone holder!

I even went on to make a namecard holder. Everything took less than an hour. Try it out this weekend! :D

 


28
May

It’s weird how this is my first time taking touristy pictures ever since coming here in September! I guess it stemmed from my desperate need to not want to appear like a tourist, but I recently relocated to an area close to it and it’s just too convenient to pass up (and let’s be real, I am kind of a tourist).


I love this jacket I got from Zara. It’s wayyy too pricey for the quality with the threads fraying just after a couple of wears, but I simply can’t resist the contrast between the boucle and the pyramid studs.

  • Jacket: Zara
  • Skirt: River Island
  • Scarf: m)phosis
  • Boots: Monki
  • Bag: Balenciaga

25
May

I’ve been busy moving, once again explaining my (too-often) disappearance from the internet… Instead of shopping for clothes, I find myself spending a bomb on interior decoration instead. I’ve never really had the opportunity to decorate my room back home (plus university accommodation don’t really afford much prospects, either), so I am really excited to finally have the chance to do so!

Breakfast: toasted duck pâté with shallots and balsamic vinegar, tuna salad, chopped bananas, and fresh apple juice. It seems heavy, but to be fair I call the first meal I eat when I wake up breakfast regardless of what time it is. I also love my mug from Urban Outfitters.

Bought a clear container from Muji to compartmentalise my makeup stash! It kind of made me realise that I really have too much makeup and helps me pare down to the essentials.

I might make another post on this once I am done decorating the closet – god knows how long this tidiness will last!


23
May

I received this leather jacket from Akira a while back, but only managed to get around to photographing it now. London is finally warming up and this jacket is just perfect for the weather – it keeps the wind out, but don’t trap the heat inside like a spring coat would! My usual gripe with leather jackets are that most of them do not have functional pockets. I’m really glad this one does as I have been trying to do without a bag as of late. I have seriously been wearing nothing else but leather jackets these few weeks, if you don’t have one yet, go check out what they have to offer at the Akira boutique!

I have been obsessed with red recently for some reason. I bought what is possibly the brightest item in my entire wardrobe: a classic balenciaga city in coquelicot. I quite like how it stands out against my dark outfits, and red just goes so well with monochromes.

  • Jacket: c/o Akira
  • Skirt: ASOS
  • Top: ASOS
  • Accessories: H&M, Alexander McQueen, Fürrmuse
  • Bag: Balenciaga
  • Boots: Alexander McQueen

 


18
May

It’s taken us a while to get this DIY done mainly cause I had to order the right paper for it. The Jil Sander Paper lunch bag is amongst the most popular bags from the Fall 2012 collection and is set to be the “it” bag of the season. Jil Sander isn’t going to cut off the top of their existing paper bag to sell, it has to be something that can withstand wear and tear. An actual paper bag will also tear at the slightest drizzle, leaving all your contents spilled over the floor. It’s a great idea if you only want to use it for one time (and hope that it doesn’t rain on the day you decide to bring it out) but I’ve decided to make one with a material that is waterproof and able to survive the daily grime.

You will need:

  • Kraft Paper
  • Scissors/craft knife
  • Ruler
  • Thick thread
  • Needles
  • Glue (I would recommend spray mount glue or a really strong adhesive)

You will need specifically waterproof Kraft paper. Google it and you’ll be able to find many sources that sell it. Basically, I’d be able to spill water on my bag and the contents will still be dry. It will crumple like regular paper and I really love the worn look.

You will need the size of the paper to be 74cm by 34cm.

Fold the ends so that they overlap in the middle by 1com. This will create an allowance for sewing them together later.

Fold the side inwards like an accordion, the panels are 5cm each. In effect, your paper bag will open up to be 10cm wide.

Prepare a length of thread that is about 85-90cm long.

Poke stitching holes along the side. They are about 5mm from the side. Be sure to poke carefully and only have the holes go through the 2 ends of the paper and not the other side of the bag.

I am using a 2 needle saddle stitch which is commonly used to stitch leather. I found a really helpful tutorial here.

This will be what you get after you have finished the entire length.

Fold a line about 12cm from the opening of the bag and fold the side into a neat triangle like so. Repeat with the other side as well.

Fold everything flat and it will look like this. After that, fold the flaps inwards and secure with glue.

Your bag is now done!

Once again, if you like the tutorial, you’re welcomed to post it on your own blog but please do not repost the entire tutorial. Post one or two teaser photos if you will and link back to us. We would really appreciate it.