41 Amazing Free People-Inspired DIYs

If you love Free People, but don't love the prices here is the ultimate list of Free People inspired DIYs. Have Fun!

41 Amazing Free People-Inspired DIYs

DIY Retro Last Minute Halloween Costume

The newest retro collection of 1960's inspired looks from BurdaStyle can provide some great last minute costume inspiration. If your sewing inclined some of these patterns may be easy enough to whip up on your own in time for Halloween. For those, that are not so inclined, the images can provide great inspiration for you to go on a hunt in your own closet or your favorite thrift store. 

For even more inspiration I've rounded up some images of classic 60's icons to spark your creative spirit.

1. Cher

2. Edie Sedgwick

3. Jackie O

4. Mia Farrow

5. Twiggy

6. Janis Joplin

Hope this helps some of you last minute costume people out. What are some other style icons throughout history that are providing your costume inspiration this year?

Stuck in a Rut?

When you create and design a lot it can be so easy to get stuck in a rut. You constantly revisit old faithful patterns and projects, and from time to time those can get boring and monotonous, but they don’t have to be. Sometimes that same ole pattern just needs to be looked at in a slightly different way to give it a whole new life and make it interesting again. This blog post over in BurdaStyle is the perfect example of taking a simple pattern and getting a little creative with it. Each piece in the image below was created using the same patterns, the ladies just changed it up to suit their style and needs.

Read the full article here to read more about each of their individual projects. Then use their creativity as jumping off point for your own. Feel free to share links to you projects! Now go get creating!

Labels: diy inspiration

DIY Swimsuit Inspiration

It’s that time again. The temperatures are getting warmer, and the swimsuits are in stores in full force. If you’re like me, you’ve broken yours out already. It was a little chilly, but fun none the less.  If you’re like me in another way, then you really hate to have same outfit, or in this case, swimsuit, as someone else. Or  maybe you have one in a color/print/fabric that you love, but you just don’t like the style/fit…. or… maybe you’re just a bit short on cash, but want something new…or newish. You’re in luck! I’ve found some quick and easy DIY tutorials for sprucing up that boring old swimsuit.

Source: goldfishkiss.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: goldfishkiss.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: goldfishkiss.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: goldfishkiss.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: goldfishkiss.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: goldfishkiss.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: diy-fashion-accessories.com via Jen on Pinterest

DIY Shoe Inspiration

It’s no secret that I love shoes. I have tons, but most of my collection is black, gray and animal prints. As much as I love color and being bold I have a tendency to steer clear of colors/patterns that I can’t wear frequently. However, this weekend while out of town on business I was making a quick run though Target and found these in my size for only $9, so I grabbed them.

While looking at my closet trying to find something to go with them I realized that there is a complete lack of items in brown or any other coordinating color family, so DIY to the rescue. I turned to the internet for inspiration, and my boards on Pinterest. Here are some great shoe DIY’s that I have found.

Source: shrimpsaladcircus.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: madeinpretoria.wordpress.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: lovemaegan.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: ohsoprettythediaries.com via Jen on Pinterest

Source: makeitandfakeit.com via Jen on Pinterest

After perusing all these DIY’s I decided that I love the reemergence of all the bright/neon colors. I especially love this combined with the color blocked trend.  I think I’ll do a black and…..

Source: google.com via Rai on Pinterest

Tangerine Tango paint job. Probably black soles with a tangerine tango body. DIY coming soon!

Free People Exclusives DIY Inspiration

Mirage Print Shapeless Gale Dress

This dress will be one of the easiest DIY’s you’ve ever done. While technically the top of this is made slightly different, you can create the same look using the the basic instructions from a pillow case dress. Here are a couple tutorials from around the web:
http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2008/08/lace-dreams-tutorial-for-pillow-case.html
http://www.aroomsomewhere.net/2007/07/pillowcase-dress-tutorial.html
You’ll want to use a fabric that is lightweight and flowy. If you use something sheer like a chiffon, then the dress will need to have two layers, one top layer of chiffon and a bottom layer of lining fabric.
As far as sizing and the amount of fabric necessary you will need approximately 1.5 yards of 45 – 60 inch wide fabric. The wider the fabric you use, the fuller the dress will be.  You will cut your fabric in half length wise and length wise to create your front and back piece.  Then just follow the pillowcase dress instructions. Easy and cute!

Chambray Bandana Inset Buttondown Top

Start with a plain button down top, this particular one is chambray, but yours can be any button down top you choose, preferably made of cotton. You’ll need two bandanas. To make the shirt more like the original the bandanas should be matching, but you could use two bandanas in coordinating colors for a more fun look. just pin the bandanas in place, and either stitch them down by hand, with the sewing machine, or glue them down using fabric glue. Voila…you have a new shirt!

O-Town Muscle Tank

I know I said the first DIY was easy, but this one is even easier. Take a slightly loose fitting crew neck tee, measure approximately 2 inches out from the neck seam on the shoulders and make a cut from this point to right under the bottom of the sleeve.  Now, because knit does not fray, it just rolls in on itself you can choose to stop here and voila…you’re done! If you want to give it a more finished look then fold the cut edges under just a bit and hem them with a stretch stitch or zip zag stitch. Now you can turn any of your tees into a cute tank top.

Labels: diy inspiration, free people

Runway Inspiration – Diane von Furstenberg

I was over at Tom and Lorenzo perusing the writings of two of my favorite online gays when I came across Dian von Furstenberg’s Fall 2012 Bags…well I found an easily DIY-able dress too. Let’s check it out.


I love the hands on this. The concept can easily be translated onto a ready made dress, skirt or top. It can even be done using a couple techniques.
1. You can trace your hands in the desired pattern and fill how ever you wish with fabric paint. This would be the easiest way.
2. You can do this with fabric by creating the hand cut out design and appliquéing it on.
This reminds me of a local designer’s recent lingerie collection. See Sally Ann’s Hands-on Collection here.
Now to the bags! These are so fun!

Most of these can be created using an existing bag, just find one similar to the original shape.

• For the lips you could simply paint them on, or for a 3D version you could sculpt them out of clay or make a pair of stuffed lips using metallic fabric and glue/sew it on.
• The domino bag  can easily be painted to have a similar look.

I hope these images and tips inspire some of your wn creativity.

Labels: diy inspiration

Pinterest – DIY Projects and Tips

I finally got sucked into the world of  Pinterest. At first I was thinking that I wouldn’t really be into it. It just seemed like another thing to maintain, but once I realized I could pretty much pin anything I saw online I was in love. Often times I see things that I would love to feature on my blog, but I don’t have the time to actually write a post right that second. I had started a method of saving these things, but it was still a bit time consuming. Pinterest to the rescue! As I scour over the internet all I have to do is click my nifty little Pin It button and voila….it is saved!

I currently have 7 different boards:

Say What?

– A collection of posters and sayings that I like.

Living Room Inspiration

– This is just what it sounds like. Since we’ve moved I have a chance to redecorate my living room again.  Many of the pieces are staying the same, but there will be some changes and definitely and updated post.

Recipes

DIY Home

- Various DIY Projects for the home.

DIY Projects and Tips

- DIY Projects not related to the home. Mostly fashion.

DIY Gifts

Loves

- Random things that I just really like.

Here are some of the first pins from my DIY Projects and Tips Board:

(All images are links)

Polo Shirt Refashion from Merrick’s Art

Bow Back Shirt by Inspiration & Realisation

Manicure Using Scrapbooking Scissors on Chloe’s Nails

DIY Halter by Wobisobi

 

Happy Crafting!

DIY Inspiration & Mini Tutes – Free People Nouveaux Boho

Flock of Birds Dress

Find a maxi dress in whatever cut/shape you want. Get some fabric paint, paint brushes, a stencil of a bird, or free hand it if your brave enough.

 

Goldie’s Lurex Swit Top

Take a sweater (dolman sleeve or not, cut a panel from the front and sew in lace by hand or machine.

 

Hardware Loafer

Even though these are loafers, you can do this with any type of shoes you please. Just get some studs and pliers and stud away. An awl, knife or razor blade can also be helpful for getting the studs through the leather.

  

Hopefully this will inspire you to make some looks of your own!

DIY Inspiration and Mini Tutes – Free People November Catalog – Part 2

Sequined Button Down

Button down, sequins or sequin fabric and glue or needle and thread….the rest should pretty self explanatory.

Fringe Belt 

This little gem could easily made from an old belt and some scrap leather. Cut some leather long enough for the belt, cut fringy bits and glue it on. You could glue it on top, or underneath. Use matching leather or not…the choice is yours!

Studded Band Tee

How can you resist studding a band tee??? You can’t get anymore simple, glue them sew them, attach them however necessary. You don’t even have to just use stud, sequins and beads would too. Just have fun with it!