I&S Featured on : IFB TOP 14 DIY LIST..

I recently joined the IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers) community and entered my Body Chain in along with tons of amazing DIY submissions and made the TOP 14!

Click HERE to go to the page :)

[True.Fashion.Love]

Burberry Inspired Clutch...

After seeing Burberry's obsession with tassels, and not being able to afford one (what's new), I decided to put my DIY skills to the test and make one.

Their HUGE tassels are beautiful !

I got lucky and found a plain American Apparel 100% leather clutch for under $20.00 but you can purchase the same one HERE online for $50.00 or do some thrift store hunting of your own :).

Along with a bag of choice you also need:

> A small piece of leather cord ( depending on how long you want the tassels to hang) 

> Gold spikes 

>Burgundy vinyl (ITS FALL! YAY!)

> A glue gun

and

>Glue gun sticks

I added in some magnetic closures in the picture in case you want to sew your own pouch & don't have a zipper. If you choose to do magnetic clasps, attach your tassels with a cute button :).

Cut out 2 strips (depending on the length you want the tassels) 

Cut fringe leaving about an inch at the top to attach the leather cord.

Use the hot glue gun to attach the cord and continue to roll and glue the strip of fringe until it is completely rolled up.

Cut 2 triangles from the burgundy vinyl to use on the corners of the bag.

Poke the back of the spikes through the leather and place the triangles that were cut out on top of them. Fasten the triangles to the bag with the gold spikes.

CUTE RIGHT?!

It may not be Burberry, but it is ONE OF A KIND! That's a good trade if you ask me .

Another way to update this American apparel bag can be found on one of my favorite blogs Atlantic-Pacific.

ENJOY!

[True.Fashion.Love]

GIVEAWAY: FREE BAG !!!

Inked and Sewn has hit it's first milestone! 10,000 views! To thank my readers and hopefully attract a few new ones, I decided to give away a soft FREE BAG retailed at $45.00. I think you'll love it as much as I do... no seriously,  I think I need to buy another one so I can keep it!!

Here is how to enter:

1. Follow this blog by entering in your email in the left column on the side of the page 

2. Like the Inked&Sewn Facebook fan page HERE or on the link on the left column of the page.

3. leave your e-mail on the Facebook Fan page wall & everyone will be put into a random drawing and one will WIN.

SUPER EASY RIGHT?!

This contest ends Friday October 8th 11:59pm

and the winner we be announced on Saturday October 9th on Inkedandsewn.com (so don't forget to leave it ! ) 

Enjoy!!!

[True.Fashion.Love]
____________________________________

Congrats to Amanda Shelley Davis of http://www.primandpropah.com.


Check back often for future Giveaways!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK : The Perfect Jegging

Just when I thought I wouldn’t run into an inspirational Fashionista this week, there she was. Sporting the perfect jegging (leggings masquerading themselves to look like jeans) and a cropped top, she confidently strutted home from school.

Sheer mixed with matted and tight mixed with loose, her outfit is balanced to perfection. By adding smart accessories like an eye-catching yet demure Mary Jane pumps and an oversized snakeskin clutch, she makes it look as effortless as her hair swept back into a simple bun.

When skinny jeans just don’t cut it and you need a pant to hug you in all the right places, opt for a pair of jeggings, like these amazing acid-washed ones from Urban Outfitters. 

To read the rest of the article and get links to find out how to achieve this look, click HERE.

Also, for feedback, please like it on Facebook and Twitter :)

AMAZON IS AMAZING...

Lately I have been looking for inspiration for new DIY posts and Style Advice Tips.

I recently bought a book at Urban Outfitters filled with pictures of people who demonstrate personal style with ease. They know the rules of fashion so they can break them and they laugh in the faces of trends. If you want to use the pictures as inspiration or just want a beautiful coffee table book as a conversation piece, buy Stylelikeu by Elisa Goodkind & Lily Mandelbaum.

 They also have a website that you can take a look at --> HERE

After "reading" this book cover to cover multiple times over the last 2 weeks, I couldn't get enough. I hopped on Amazon.com to get a deal on more books and bought these 4 for $30.00!

I'll tell you which one is my favorite as soon as I get them!

On a side note, Inked&Sewn was just accepted into the Independent Fashion Blogger's (IFB) community. Click HERE or the link on the right side of my page to see my profile and check out the other amazing fashion bloggers!

ENJOY!

[True.Fashion.Love]

Urban Outfitters...ILY.

When I find things I really love but are WAYYY out of my price range,  I always check my 3 favorite bargain stores to see if they have something that will give me the same feeling and not suck my bank account dry.

ALWAYS check :

>Forever 21

>H & M

and

>Urban Outfitters

before blowing your money on items... unless you feel like you would DIE without them of course. :)

This week Urban Outfitters was triumphant in providing me with everything I was craving all for a great price. Yes, I will admit you do get what you pay for... but when you want so much... who can complain?

I saw this ring online awhile back and thought it looked unique and powerful.

Bonadrag.com- $170

But I also know that feeling powerful shouldn't cost $170! Urban Outfitters didn't let me down with this Hawk Claw ring for only $15!

With that price I not only feel powerful but also super smart :)

The next item I loved was this cross bangle from Free People.

Free People- $228

Urban outfitters provided me with this unbelievable cross statement bracelet originally $49.00 on SALE for $6.29.

HOW DO YOU BEAT THAT PRICE?!

The last item I threw in was these stackable rings... no one can resist textured ring sets, originally $19.99 for $8.99!

Even though you may think these fashion finds couldn't get better, it does because I shopped from the comfort of my bed online!

ENJOY

[True.Fashion.Love]

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Stylin' in a Sharovary

It may be because it is the first few weeks of early classes at school or that choosing an outfit every morning has to be a quick and precise task, but whatever the reason may be, being comfortably chic has risen to the top of my list and put me on the lookout to spot how other Fashionistas are pulling it off. By pairing together two solid pieces and simple jewelry you can easily beat the heat and stroll to classes comfortably.
After spotting this Fashionista on campus last week, I don't know how variations of harem pants have gotten such a bad reputation. Her stylish pants known as a Sharovary, which originated in Ukraine, hung effortlessly as she walked out of class. Easily mistaken as a skirt, this bold pant cinches below her calves and has an elastic waist.

To read the rest and get the links to achieve this look, go to Collegefashionista.com and like it on Facebook and Twitter.

[True.Fashion.Love]

DIY: $300 Bodychain for $15

If you've heard of the brand Luv Aj, you've probably also heard about bodychains.

This innovative accessory made me fall in love at first sight. However they are virtually all sold out (so sad) and don't posses such a crazy intricate design that I couldn't replicate it myself.  

Here

Which is exactly what I did. :)

I made a stop at For Love, an accessory store chained with Forever21 and picked up a few necklaces which all came to a total of under $15. 

By just disassembling the  layered necklaces and placing them where I saw fit, I got the same affect for fraction of the price.

Even though its not made of the materials that Luv Aj uses, I took this baby on a test drive at school today and heads turned and compliments were given. 

Enjoy!

[True.Fashion.Love]

Michael Kors Will Stand The Test of Time...

If you are familiar with this blog you know that my main goal is to get the best pieces for the cheapest price.

However, every real shopaholic knows that when you are presented with something that you know will remain in your wardrobe forever, you can't leave it behind ( no matter how expensive it may be ).

One of those items that haunted me for nearly a week was this Michael Kors Over sized Watch. Every time I put on an outfit, the image of the watch on my arm popped into my head. After battling the temptation I went back and got it...

...and i haven't regretted it since!

Splurging on a few key items to throw in with your bargain finds will always elevate the sophistication of any outfit.

A few other watches I LOVE are :

Rose Gold/White MK-$225

Fashion Bargain

Urban Outfitters-$34

Bebe Circle Watch -$59

DIY: Natural Rock Ring

After browsing the sites for the perfect cocktail ring, I decided to take a crack at it myself.

 Equipped with natural rock beads (99 cents at Michael's), glue, a ring base and some swarovski crystals I made two perfect over sized rings.

I first glued the base onto the rock and let it sit until it was dry enough to move. 

Most glues require 24 hours to be completely dry!

Then I added the crystals where I desired and VOILÀ...

two cocktail rings, twenty minutes and all under ten bucks.

(click picture to enlarge)

Enjoy!

[True.Fashion.Love]

Rachel Zoe Report...

If you know me , you know that I'm obsessed with Rachel Zoe. As a follower on her blog I am constantly checking what she is interested in and finding where to get them for a more affordable price.

Here

The item she featured on August 10th was this Rag & Bone Varsity Jacket. What's more perfect then wearing an amazing worn bomber? I'll tell you what, one that's NOT $625.00!

I did a little research and found some cute items to get this College-ish feel.

Boyfriend Varsity Cardigan- $22.80

Letterman Jacket-$27.80

Classic Cardigan -$44.00

Fred Perry "hold-all" Bag-$84.00

Start this semester off right with the perfect college attire.

[True.Fashion.Love]

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Comfortable meets Cute...

When I ask students why they prefer coming to school in sweats instead of a trendy outfit they always respond with “It’s too much effort” or “I want to be comfortable." The misconception that dressing sloppy is more comfortable then exuding confidence in a well-put together outfit is definitely broken by this Fashionista.

It’s understandable that with the stresses of the first week of school and getting back into the routine of waking up early for class you want an outfit that you can easily throw on and go.  A full-length skirt paired with a slinky tank is a perfect option. With a solid bandeau, simple accessories and an eye-catching headband, her look is complete while still looking effortless.

Style icon Ashley Olsen proves my point time and time again by strutting oversized yet tailored clothes from her fashion company Elizabeth & James. However, because I am no stranger to a college budget, I know there are plenty of items that are affordable and just as cute....

To read the rest and get links on how to achieve this look on a budget please visit CollegeFashionista.com and like it on Facebook & Twitter

[True.Fashion.Love]

In Memory Of 9-11...

Lookbook.nu Fashionistas everywhere show their patriotic side by sporting the U.S.A flag in their attire.

In memory of the 9-11 attack, here are some of my favorites...

Here

Here

Here

Here

Here

DIY : Re-vamp an Oversized Sweater...

I'm so excited about this post! 

This past weekend I popped into the nearby goodwill store and found a over sized cheetah sweater for $5.99.

This 70% rabbit and wool, 20% angora and,10% acrylic piece was light and soft but was obviously outdated. 

I hurried home and the first thing I did was snip out the shoulder-pads. 

Inspired by this tee from Urban Outfitters...

Google Images

... and the reoccurring trend of shoulder-less men's tees, it lead me to also cut off the shoulders and carefully fold under the openings and stitch them for a more finished look.

To add a hidden touch, I also added a small leather heart on the left sleeve. 

Another great piece to add to my closet for under $10.00!!

Paired with my new shoes, this will definitely be a go-to sweater to throw on before early morning classes this fall. 

[True.Fashion.Love]