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I made this notebook from the lid of my mom’s vintage Barbie suitcase. The suitcase was in pretty ruff condition but my mom and I loved the graphics so much we couldn’t throw it out.

The hardest part was wrapping the chip board securely with the vinyl. This was my first time making a notebook so of course there are some things I would have done differently. But in the end I’m happy with the results and glad I was able to preserve a piece of my mom’s childhood.

I think the photos are pretty self explanatory but if you have any questions shoot me an email.

xoxo,

Hannah

Can’t wait to see this cute flick!

Moonrise Kingdom, directed by Wes Anderson, is set on an island off the coast of New England in the 1960s, as a young boy and girl fall in love they are moved to run away together. Various factions of the town mobilize to search for them and the town is turned upside down — which might not be such a bad thing.

Charles Frederick Worth “Father of Haute Couture” (1826-1895)- an English designer who dominated Parisian fashion in the latter half of the nineteenth century. As a young man, Worth worked as an apprentice and clerk for two London textile merchants. In addition to gaining a thorough knowledge of fabrics and the business of supplying dressmakers during this time, he also visited the National Gallery and other collections to study historic portraits. Elements of the sitters’ dresses in these paintings would later provide inspiration for Worth’s own designs, for both fashionable ensembles and masquerade costumes.

Worth’s designs are notable for his use of lavish fabrics and trimmings, his incorporation of elements of historic dress, and his attention to fit. While the designer still created one-of-a-kind pieces for his most important clients, he is especially known for preparing a variety of designs that were shown on live models at the House of Worth. Clients made their selections and had garments tailor-made in Worth’s workshop. (source: metmuseum.org)

Paul Pioret (1879-1944)- a Parisian designer who, above all others, was able to divine and define the desires of women of the 1910s. Poiret’s exoticized tendencies were expressed through his use of vivid color coordinations and enigmatic silhouettes such as his iconic “lampshade” tunic and his “harem” trousers, or pantaloons. However, these orientalist fantasies (or, rather, fantasies of the Orient) have served to detract from Poiret’s more enduring innovations, namely his technical and marketing achievements. Poiret effectively established the canon of modern dress and developed the blueprint of the modern fashion industry. Such was his vision that Poiret not only changed the course of costume history but also steered it in the direction of modern design history. (source: metmuseum.org)

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (1883-1971)- opened her first shop in Paris in 1913, followed by another in the resort town of Deauville. Selling hats and a limited line of garments, Chanel’s shops developed a dedicated clientele who quickly made her practical sportswear a great success. Much of Chanel’s clothing was made of jersey, a choice of fabric both unusual and inspired. Until the designer began to work with it, jersey was more commonly used for men’s underwear. With her financial situation precarious in the early years of her design career, Chanel purchased jersey primarily for its low cost. The qualities of the fabric, however, ensured that the designer would continue to use it long after her business became profitable. The fabric draped well and suited Chanel’s designs, which were simple, practical, and often inspired by men’s wear, especially the uniforms prevalent when World War I broke out in 1914. (source: metmuseum.org)

Madame (Madeleine) Vionnet (1876-1975)- inventor of the bias cut, “coup en bias” – which she protected from imitations with a copyright and documents of authenticity – and the celebrated queen of draping, which she tested using long cuts of crêpe, crêpe de chine, gabardine and satin on mannequins measuring 80 centimetres – half the size of an average body – Madeleine Vionnet was a star player in that revolution which, starting from the nineteen tens, modernized women’s clothing.

She liberated the body from stays and corsets, making women’s personalities, their wellbeing and their dreams the centre of fashion. Drawing inspiration from Greek art, she created garments that clung to the shape of the body, with a fluidity that echoed its movements, in the conviction that dresses must take on the personality of the person wearing them. In fact, she would say, “when a woman smiles, then her dress should smile too”. (source: vionnet.com)

Claire McCardell (1905-1958)- chief purveyor of the “American Look” and leading force behind the development of American ready-to-wear fashion. From the 1930s to the 1950s, she revolutionized women’s wear by designing clothing that was simple, functional, and stylish, all within the constraints of mass-production. Democratic in spirit, she brought high style to everyday clothing. Her work led the way in releasing America’s fashion aesthetic from French dominance. Her ideas have influenced and pervaded contemporary fashion. (source: library.newschool.edu)

Christian Dior (1905-1957)- one of the most important couturiers of the twentieth century was launched in 1947 with his very first collection, in which he introduced the “New Look.” Featuring rounded shoulders, a cinched waist, and very full skirt, the New Look celebrated ultra-femininity and opulence in women’s fashion. After years of military and civilian uniforms, sartorial restrictions and shortages, Dior offered not merely a new look but a new outlook. (source: metmuseum.org)

Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008)- and business partner/ex-lover Pierre Bergé started the brand in 1962, after Saint Laurent was laid off from his top rank at Dior following his stint in the French Army. Going solo, it turned out, galvanized YSL’s creative output and career. The designer is credited with a great many things: the women’s tuxedo (and Le Smoking), the trench coat and peacoat as high fashion, safari-chic, the shirt dress, the iconic Mondrian dress (and the subsequent graphic print craze), “ethnic-inspired” and beatnik gear, and numerous other sartorial coups that have penetrated our collective style-unconscious. Saint Laurent was also was the first couturier to market and cultivate his prêt-a-porter line Rive Gauche, and he was among the first to feature black models. (source: nymag.com)

Is your dorm or apartment so small that you feel it could never look stylish? Well think again, we’ve got some great inspirational pics and a couple tips and tricks to reinvent your space.

If storage is sparse try displaying objects as if they were art and meant to be displayed.

Hanging your clothes, coordinated by color, on wooden hangers on a metal clothes rack can give your studio apartment an eclectic/ fashionable look. Add a couple dress forms for decoration and your set! (Tip: use the dress forms for hanging necklaces)

Displaying books in a unique arrangement whether they be stacked against the wall or used as end tables is not only a great way to show off your smarts but also a great way to add some color to white walls.

Hooks are also a great tool for small spaces. Rather than a coat rack purchase some unique antique hooks to give your wall a little decor and your coats a home.

Use your bed as seating to create a comfy lounging area. Accomplish this by adding a mix of eclectic pillows and throw blankets. Don’t be afraid to mix colors, prints and textures. Treat your bed as a piece of art!

Just because you live in a dorm or apartment does not mean you can’t create a fabulous space. Think practical and creatively and you’ll be able to have a space you love!

Photo Credits: ApartmentTherapy.com

Check this duo out. This is unbelievable. Plus check out Amy’s great vintage style. We love her pin-up style bangs! Enjoy.

We are SO over the cut-off jean shorts, grungy t-shirts and plaid look it isn’t even funny. Of course we love paying homage to the 90′s, but this look is exhausted.

So what trend are we moving on to? Pleated skirts! We absolutely love this look; especially when paired with leggings and booties. Think this look isn’t edgy enough for your taste? Think again. By pairing leather accessories with this look, you can still accomplish an alternative look without resembling a homeless person. We also like the idea of a high waisted pleated skirt paired with a funky belt and cropped shirt or bandeau.

What do you think? 

I don’t know about you, but I love to look at someone’s hair and see a cute barrette, flower or ANYTHING that will catch my eye! Currently, there seems to be an obsession with feathers! Although feather extensions have been popular for about a year now, they don’t seem to be going out-of-style anytime soon. Now you can purchase headbands and earrings that make you look like you have feather extensions. Personally, I’m more in love with the feather barrette trend especially because it imitates the Flapper look by contouring around the head.

Plus, these fun barrettes are perfect for those days when you’re running late and just don’t have time to style your hair. They look great with your hair up, down, with jeans and a white tee or little black dress. So versatile!

Feathers demonstrate a dainty, stylish, feminine look that you can guarantee to be one of a kind (because no feather is exactly the same!). Get the look!

 Photo Credits: (1), (2), (3) and (4, 5, 6, 7)

By Connie Wang

Ugh! As I looked into my closet tonight to pull together a dashing outfit, I realized I hate everything I own. Sound familiar? Like the old saying, “the grass is always greener on the other side.”  In the fashion world better known as, “I want want she’s wearing!” But unfortunately, like most young entrepreneurs, I don’t have gobs of money laying around to spend on chic designer clothing. So what do I do? Surely I can’t own an online clothing store and live my life wearing sweatpants and t-shirts. Oh wait, I am. And that stops right here, right now. And it starts with a reinvention of my closet (and of course without spending a dime).

The first thing in my closet that needs up dating are my jeans, a wardrobe staple. Since I graduated college in 2010 and worked an office job right away, jeans are not something I have particularly invested in. So what jeans will you find in my closet? Hole-y flares from Hollister (bought my freshmen year of high school), purple flares from Lucky Brand, stretchy Princy boot cuts (you know, by Jessica Simpson… do they even make those anymore?), wide legs from Abercrombie & Fitch and several other washes of classic Lucky Brand flares. Oh, and we can’t forget my two pairs of fat girl jeans that got me through those chunky college years. So what do all of these jeans have in common? FLARES! So let’s get to work and turn these flares into fashionable skinnies!

Fall is one of my favorite seasons not only because the cooler weather allows for more layering opportunities, but because there are a myriad of trends to choose from.  A few fall trends I’m incorporating into my wardrobe this season include: animal prints such as horse, snake and leopard, textural details including lace and fringe, bohemian 1970s-inspired looks with platforms, layered jewelry, kimonos, low-heeled ankle boots and moody florals for casual, everyday wear.

Designers showed a variety of animal prints and motifs on the runways for Fall 2011, most notably Prada’s python boots, Gucci’s teal snake prints, Topshop Unique’s Dalmatian prints, and Ferragamo’s silk dresses. If a pair of python print boots is too bold or out of your price range, opt instead for a vintage snake print belt or clutch.

Isabel Marant’s coveted fringe boots and pants gave a nod to the Southwest. An easy way to experiment with the trend is with a vintage fringe sweater or handbag.

The 1970′s figured as a prominent influence in the Michael Kors, Gucci and Tommy Hilfiger collections. A great way to work the 70′s look is with a vintage embellished kimono, layered jewelry, platforms, floppy hat or flared jeans.

If textural details are what you’re after, then lace, faux fur, glitter and fringe are all on-trend. Take inspiration from Dolce & Gabbana or Lanvin’s black lace dresses and layer one over a vintage silky slip dress or a body con black tank dress. Alternatively, a simple vintage lace top with jeans will lend glamour to a casual daytime look.

If you’re like me and enjoy wearing florals all year long, then the dark floral prints by Paul Smith, Erdem, and Kenzo offer endless fall wardrobe inspiration.  Experiment by wearing a dark floral mini skirt layered over tights or a moody botanical tee worn under a blazer.

Lastly, the low-heeled Western ankle boot, widely inspired by Isabel Marant’s Dicker boot, is one of the most versatile and comfortable ways to transition from summer to fall. There are plenty of vintage versions around and fast fashion retailers all have their own interpretations, with some even blending the Chelsea boot and cowboy boot into a chic, wearable hybrid that goes equally as well with flirty dresses, slouchy denim, maxi dresses and tapered trousers.

By: Melissa P. (to see more of  Melissa’s personal style and fashion inspirations, visit her blog, TheKeyToChic.com!)

Photo Credits: (1), (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6), (7) and (8)