DIY: Valentino SS14 Embellished Leather Headband

        One of my favorite Spring 2014 collections as a whole was Valentino. It had all the cornerstones of my spring wardrobe -- lace, crisp collared shirts, bohemian prints, suede and strappy sandals. But what really finished every look was the red headband atop each model's head, embellished with studs. The studs reminded me of some gold crest buttons I had and I immediately decided to recreate the Valentino headband.

Photo credit: Style.com

        You can create your own embellished headband by following my DIY "how-to" below. To start, you will need a plain thick headband, red suede or leather fabric, fabric glue, a sewing needle, thread, fabric scissors, and gold buttons.

Step 1: Cut the leather fabric into a rounded strip that will cover the headband.

Step 2: Position the fabric on the headband and tack it in place with glue on just a couple edges. 

Step 3: Sew each button onto the fabric, matching the Valentino pattern. The number of buttons you use is up to you, depending on how closely you space them. Make sure they are sewn securely. 

Step 4: Once all of the buttons are sewn, glue the rest of the fabric edges to the headband. Pull the fabric taut as you glue to ensure everything will stay in place. 

Step 5: This is an additional step, so you may not find it necessary. The buttons I used are a bit bulky so they moved around and jingled on top of my head. Since I'd rather not sound like a Christmas caroler, I tacked each button in place with fabric glue.

       Once I finished my headband, it was time for a photoshoot! I put on my most Valentino-esque outfit -- a sleeveless oxford, a new patterned maxi dress and t-strap pointy toe heels. I figured I couldn't go this far without the ear-covering, low ponytail, so I sprayed back any flyaways and completed the look. Thanks to my talented brother for the photos!

Photographs courtesy of J. Ortakales Photography

Rachel Roy AW14 - Favorite Collection of the Season?

          New York Fashion Week just launched this morning and I think I've already discovered my favorite collection of the season. I know it's a little early to tell, but Rachel Roy's AW 2014 collection was everything I've ever wanted for a fall wardrobe. She contrasted beautiful lace with colorful leather. We all know I've become addicted to black leather, so why not branch out a little? Roy mastered the art of layering using one-piece dresses to create the illusion of a multi-garment outfit. This would make getting ready for a hectic day so much easier! Together, with her vibrant florals and brocade, structural and cozy outerwear, and just the right amount of edge, Roy's collection encompasses my style perfectly. This sets the wearability precedent high in my book for the week's upcoming shows.

photo credit: style.com

Studs, Leather and Destiny - The Story of My Badgley Mischka Handbag

          You know that feeling when you fall in love with an unattainable dress or pair of shoes? You just can't afford it, or at least not without killing your bank account, but you can't stop thinking about it. Once you leave the store you keep wondering if someone's snatched it up yet or if it's just sitting where you left it, waiting for you to come back for it. Well, that was me about a month ago! During a TJMaxx shopping trip, I'd found the most beautiful Badgley Mischka handbag in black leather with gold studs and hardware. I was in awe of how soft the leather felt and how perfect the bag was. It was down from it's original department store price, but was still out of my budget. Reluctantly, I put it back and settled for a quick snapshot to remember it by. A few weeks later, I found it again, same price, same disappointment.

            Yesterday, I went back to TJMaxx once more to search for this bag of my dreams, in hopes that it went on clearance. My heart began to sink when it wasn't on display where it was the week before. But after a little digging, I saw those gold studs peeking from behind a couple less-than-average handbags and grabbed it before anyone could take it away from me. It was on sale so with my Christmas gift cards, and some help from my generous parents, it was a realistic purchase. I was finally united with this bag that had been on my mind for over a month! 

             I am now happy to say that this handbag is a part of my treasured collection and I'll be bringing it along with me to New York Fashion Week in a few days!

Latest Obsession: Jason Wu's Pre-Fall 2014 Collection

           Just as everyone is getting over the S/S14 collections, Pre-Fall pops up with a fresh perspective. While shorts and sundresses are far in the future for most of us, this handful of shows brings us back to the reality of layers and earth tones. We can actually apply the styling to our current outfits and gather inspiration for our winter shopping.

           That's why I'm loving Jason Wu's Pre-Fall 2014 collection. I has everything I want from a fall/winter wardrobe, by balancing thick knits and leather with thin lace and silk. He applied simple layering techniques that all of us on the East Coast can appreciate, like wearing a big sweater over a flowy dress. Nothing is too complex about his pieces, just clean, comfortable clothes that are beautifully understated. His gowns are divine! Who wouldn't want to wear one to a holiday party? And I'm all about his sweater and leather jacket combo. You get the rigidity of a leather moto jacket, with all the cozy warmth of a sweater.

            Another thing I really like, while subtle, is his pairing of neutrals. For anyone who doesn't believing in wearing brown and black together, Wu proves that it can be done. Breaking the "rules" can be refreshing, especially in the winter when your biggest concern is staying warm. Lastly, the pointed toe is here to stay and his double buckle, ankle strap heels and booties are a must-have.

photo credits: Fashionista.com

What I Wore to BFW SS14

 
        My outfits for Boston Fashion Week were a bit more playful than in New York. For one thing, I wasn't dealing with a big city I was unfamiliar with and not as comfortable in. Boston is practically my home, so I tend to dress more carefree and less reserved. It's also easier to get from one end of Boston to the other, so I could stop at my boyfriend's apartment to change more often. Whereas in NYC, I opted for simple pieces that could take me through the whole day (and black clothes that wouldn't show spills, like the pumpkin spice latte I dumped all over me).

         I still wore a lot of leather, but I incorporated more color and patterns. The first night, I attended the Denise Hajjar and Candice Wu shows in a black, ruched one-shoulder dress with silver beading down the side. Throughout the week, I wore my new dark blue tuxedo pants, my favorite plaid flannel, a vintage metal belt my grandma gave me, and a purple lace peplum top.

         Before Tricia Cromwell's Style Swap, I took a trip the MFA with my boyfriend, Andy. It was surprisingly hot and I was glad I chose to wear the only skirt I brought! I paired it with a studded (in the back) collared top, a dark green, vintage belt, gold jewelry, and my DIY bucket bag. For an unexpected touch, I wore my sneaker wedges that I love combined with the leather skirt.

 Top - TJ Maxx

Skirt - Charlotte Russe

Sneaker Wedges - Urban Outfitters

Necklaces - Daisy Fuentes, La Mer

Belt - vintage

Bag - thrifted

The Hippie Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts.

My favorite piece in the exhibit was the little jumpsuit number in the back complete with a floppy, felt hat.

I loved the fabrics in this dress.

My silly boyfriend!

Photographs courtesy of Andy Cahill.