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

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!

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.

Current Obsession: Repossi Ear Cuffs

      One of my favorite outfits from the Met Gala Ball was Sienna Miller's studded Burberry look. Of course, I always love her style, but my favorite part of her ensemble was on her ear. She wore a diamond studded ear cuff by Repossi that completed her punk inspired look. And she isn't the only celeb who's been wearing Repossi lately. Cara Delevingne, Brooklyn Decker, Rihanna, Michelle Williams, Alicia Keys, and Diane Kruger are just a few others.

       While ear cuffs have been around for a while, they haven't escaped the realm of high school punk until recently. What makes Repossi's cuffs so enticing is a simple design with a little bit of edgy glamour. Each cuff is made up of three to four rings in gold, silver, or black gold that are connected to make one ear piece. They come in plain metal or embellished with diamonds. They currently have a limited edition cuff adorned with turquoise.

Berbère 18-karat rose gold multi-hoop ear cuff

Berbère 18-karat black gold multi-hoop ear cuff

      Repossi also has a great collection of other unique pieces. Their rings are just as spectacular as their cuffs and they have several collections to satisfy any style. Their "Serpent" collection includes a blinged-out snake ring, while their collaboration with Alexander Wang features necklaces, bracelets, and rings made out of metal chain link that looks almost melted.  

Berbère 18-karat rose gold link ring

Alexander Wang for Repossi