DIY: THE CROSS BRACELET

I have quite a respectable collection of jewellery.. from box of rings to a huge mass of necklaces that I've actually lost count of. What I'm lacking though is a good selection of bracelets.. I have a few, but rarely wear them.

Lately I've been wanting to wear something around my wrist, with the amazing weather we've been having here in Wales, arms have been out! Wrist has been looking a bit bare though, so instead of buying something I decided to DIY!

I was rummaging through my sewing boxes filled to the brim with bits and bobs, I found these grungy silver cross pendants I bought off eBay last summer and never did anything with. I envisioned a delicate chain overloaded with crosses that would jangle and shine in the sun. This was the outcome (picture above). I absolutely love it, was quick to make, totally free (as I had all the materials needed) and will definitely attract a compliment or two!

ex.oh.ex.oh

DIY: STUDDED DOG COLLAR

Yesterday I got bitten by the crafting bug, it was another boring Sunday indoors so I decided to do something productive and creative. So rummaging through my sewing bits and bobs, I came across these materials. Faux leather, velvet ribbon and some spiked studs. I decided to make a dog collar, for myself!

It was quite an easy project and didn't take too long, perfect for a little afternoon project with instant results. I cut the leather to fit around my neck, the same width as the velvet ribbon so the screws and and the backside of the fabric was covered (it's little details like that, that really make something more professional). I marked out the position of the studs, using a leather hole puncher to make the holes, a really handy tool which was really cheap to buy in Wilkinsons.

The studs get screwed in, snap fasteners attached to the ends of the collar to keep it in place then I glued down the velvet ribbon, that's it!

I'm really happy with how it turned out, it looks great on and I have enough leather, ribbon and studs to either make another one or maybe a matching bracelet?

I took these pictures with Instagram, yeah.. I have an iPhone 4S now! I will be posting about that soon, just want to express my joy and talk about technology (I'm such a geek). So if you guys have Instagram, follow me.. houseofslaterphoto

ex.oh.ex.oh

THE START OF SUMMER 2012

Summer 2012 has officially begun for me..

Just me and Stacey throwing some moves, pulling some poses.. the usual.

I'm back living with my parents now in Llanelli, I'm really going to miss Cardiff but at least I get to see the three things I miss most when I'm away.. my cats, my niece and my Foundation friends!

Last Wednesday night we had our reunion/Chloe's birthday night out, it was absolutely amazing. Being back in Swansea, back in Wind Street with all my closest friends just felt so relaxed and normal. We haven't seen each other since the Christmas holidays, but when we're together it feels like we saw each other just yesterday, that's true friendship.

It was a proper night out.. I drank, I smoked, I had a 3 A.M. McDonalds. It was perfect, plus I had so many compliments! It was really nice because all the girls had curled hair and so did I, we all matched! Had quite a few compliments on my DIY studded shirt collar too, I was really pleased so many people liked it. This is just one of many nights out/parties/get togethers ect. that will happen whilst I'm back here, I'm really exited for the fun times ahead.

ex.oh.ex.oh

DIY: STUDDED COLLAR

Look what I made today! Ok, so studded collars have been around for quite a while now but today I finally got round to actually making myself one!

It was ridiculously simple.. all I did was unpick the collar off a cheap shirt I had in my wardrobe. Stitch up the bottom, then mark out where you want your studs to go, make the holes (I used a awl and a kitchen knife, be careful when doing it!) then screwed on these awesome spikes I had.

I absolutely love it, for a project so quite and simple the outcome is really cool. I'll be wearing this tomorrow night for Chloe's birthday in Wind St, Swansea. I can't wait!

ex.eh.ex.oh

DIY IDEA: THE SUITCASE

So, I was browsing in Primark the other day, not looking for anything in particular and look what I found..

A 'vintage inspired' faux leather suitcase, for only £14! I was bowled over by how cheap it was, I know I was in Primark and low prices are to be expected but I wasn't expecting to find an item like this in there. It was a really cute size, not too big but not too small.. it would be perfect for an overnight bag or even an interesting bag for University.

But, there is one little problem.. the color. I absolutely can't stand red and brown together, it just doesn't work in my opinion. So I put it back a little dismayed that it didn't come in a different color scheme, but I realized.. I'm quite crafty so why couldn't I change the colors myself? Well, I think that's what I'm going to do. I would love to have this in white with black accents or vice versa, it would be so chic and transform this bag from 'vintage wannabe' to a statement piece.

If I go ahead with my plan I'd probably do it after my London trip, plus it will give me time to find suitable paints and read up on painting faux leather. What do you guys think? Leave me a comment below or shoot me a Tweet!

ex.oh.ex.oh

DIY COUTURE

Firstly I would like to apologize for neglecting my blog so much since starting University, my life these days are just so hectic and unpredictable.. I haven't got a set routine or anything like that so my life is a bit all over the place right now. It really does make me feel like such a bad blogger by not actually blogging, everyday that goes by I feel so much worse about it. Well, hopefully from today onwards that will change.

So, during Freshers Week we were split up into small groups and given a brief to create a garment from recycled materials that would be shown in a fashion show to end Freshers. We had 2 days to create this outfit, just 2 days and not to sounds big-headed I think we did a great job! The designers were me and Emily, and we had to girls from the Fashion Promotion class to find the model, make posters, basically put the show together. We all worked as a team and I really enjoyed it, it was a great start to the academic year.

The outfit was inspired by Chinese takeaway menus, which we also used as part of the garment.. as you can see we cut up the menus and weaved them to create an obi belt and pleated them to create a bow on the back of the jacket.

I absolutely loved our use of chopsticks as a lapel detail, it really gave the outfit some 'oomph', they were really pointy though.. so many time we poked people by accident!! I loved the bow which I made, it was so exaggerated and I specifically wanted it to be dragging behind her to create some drama. I also made the cute little Chinese takeaway hat that the model wore, everyone told me that they loved that hat.. after the show I was in the mood for some Chinese food so I actually wore it when I went to pick up my order.. had many funny looks, but thats FASHION.

It was a great show, loads of people turned up and it just felt absolutely amazing seeing my design coming down the catwalk as especially only two days previous it was just a drawing in my sketchbook.. I had a huge smile on my face throughout the entire show and I felt really proud of myself. I was also interviewed by someone at Glamorgan, you can read it HERE.

P.S. I was expecting to come back to this blog and having no views since I last posted, I've had more views that I usually do! Yesterday I had the most views I've ever had in a day on this blog, so I'm totally grateful and thankful that I have such amazing followers and readers. Oh and finally, a thank you to Jim Griffey and Emma Baber, the photographers.

ex.oh.ex.oh

INSPIRATION: GLITTER SHOES

HonestlyWTF DIY Tutorial. I just HAVE to make a pair of these, but with black glitter for a glitzy alternative of footwear on a night out. 

ex.oh.ex.oh

IFB PROJECT #9 - WHAT'S IN MY BAG?

This is the first time I've ever taken part in an IFB blog project but seeing as I'm still ill this is a great little post to do which will show you a bit about who I am and it's a type of post I've never done before!

So.. what's in my bag?

1. My Bag -  you may recognize it because I made it! It's my 'House of Slater' Versace Inspired DIY oversized day clutch.

2. What I Need To Look Good - I have to carry around my Superdrug lip-balm, Collection 2000 concealer and my H&M beauty mirror (which is being held together by masking tape at the moment because I broke the hinge).

3. Cards/Money/ID - Literally can't go anywhere with out my bank card, ID, student card ect. 

4. Earphones - I like to listen to music when I'm on the bus and I travel on the bus A LOT.. so these are essential to me.

5. House Key - Need I say anything about carrying my house key?

6. Sunglasses - I don't go anywhere in any weather without a pair of sunglasses! Especially these oversized pair from H&M, they look great on me, hide a multitude of sins and they're the ones I wear the most cause they are always in my bag just incase.

7. My Blackberry Bold 9700 - My phone is a part of me, I don't go anywhere without it, it's never out of within my reach! I text, call, email, BBM, Twitter and Facebook all day long so this is THE most essential thing in my life. 

P.S. I know you're probably thinking 'wow, is that all he carries round?' well yes it is, I've streamlined everything down to just what I really need. Plus it's never usually this clean.. trust me.. I had to empty my bag cause it was full of receipts, bus tickets, cinema tickets ect. 

ex.oh.ex.oh

THE BOY WEARS DIY ALEXANDER WANG

I did it, I actually did it. You may recall last week I decided to DIY an Alexander Wang lace shirt, work started on it Sunday and by Tuesday night there it was hanging on my mannequin.

It was the first shirt I had ever made and it threw some challenges my way, shirt making in general and working with lace.  

 I started with a Topman shirt that fitted me quite well which I had bought in the sale last year and had never worn, I thought it would be great to use as a pattern. So out came my handy little seam-ripper and took it apart (the plan was to stitch it back together at a later point but I accidentally ripped the sleeve!). Using the shirt as a base I drew around the pieces on some wallpaper I had laying around (free samples I had taken from B&Q). I straightened things out, added seam allowances and cut it out. 

Cutting out the lace was pretty straightforward as was cutting out the cotton twill which I used for the collar, cuffs and placket.

Sewing most of the shirt went quite smoothly, just a lot more top/edge stitching that I'm used too. The collar/collar stand was the most difficult part to understand, first time making one! I did read some online tutorials but they just confused me more, so I just thought it through and played around with it until it looked like a collar! 

I learnt how to make button holes with my sewing machine, I'm quite proud of myself! Remember kids, always read the manual! My machine even had a special button hole foot that I didn't know the use for. 

I managed to complete this project in 3 days and I'm very proud of it, it looks great and I feel great wearing it. I absolutely LOVE the exaggerated cuffs, they come down to my finger tips and it makes me feel like I'm playing dress up, I wore it to the Burlesque show and felt really confident in it, I can't wait for my next project just for myself. By the way, sorry for the quick phone pictures! 

ex.oh.ex.oh

IS THAT A LAMPSHADE ON YOUR HEAD?

Yes, yes it is.

Me and my friend Jessica was in Wilkinson the other day looking for photo frames, I saw this lampshade and was immediately reminded of those hats that Chinese workers wear in the rice fields.. I don't know if they still wear them these days though. I had to put it on of course!

I think I look quite good in it, all it needed was a string so I could tie it under my chin and it would be a perfect beach hat in my opinion. We don't have to use things for their original purpose, and if you are brave/creative enough to use a lampshade as a hat I say well done you!

P.S. just look at my Versace/H&M DIY clutch, I've been using it non-stop since I made it. It fits so much stuff in and it's the perfect size to carry around, I really need to make another one!

ex.oh.ex.oh

INSPIRATION: ALEXANDER WANG LACE SHIRT

This summer I set out to make myself clothes and accessories for university, especially using fabrics and notions from my existing stash. I need to use some of it up because there is just so much and it wouldn't cost me a penny to make something, just time.

I know now what's the first item of clothing I want to make for myself, an Alexander Wang Lace Shirt. I was just randomly looking through my Inspirations folder last night and I came across these pictures which I saved ages ago, and instantly I was like 'I have to make this!'. The only shirts I wear currently are white 'school-boy' shirts, I can never seem to find any other shirts that really suit me and most mens shirts are quite boring.

This Alexander Wang piece is amazing.. I've always wondered how a man could wear lace and this is the perfect platform for that, in a masculine piece. The contrasting fabric collar and cuffs are great too, I love how the cuffs are extra long.. extra long sleeves are my thing! I think this wouldn't be too hard to DIY, I'll probably just take apart a shirt that fits me to use as the pattern, all I would have to do differently is extend the cuff pattern. Also my version wouldn't have any bust darts as I don't need any extra shaping in that area, I might include some back darts though.. just to keep a nice nipped in and streamlined look.

I have some white lace, but I really want to use black.. so I might just have to buy a little bit of new fabric... but the contrasting fabric, thread, buttons and bias binding for the inside seams I already have.

Are you guys planning any sewing projects/DIYs? Let me know in the comments below or on my Twitter!

ex.oh.ex.oh

VERSACE/H&M INSPIRED DIY CLUTCH

So I'm sure all you fashionistas out there have heard the news that Versace will be collaborating with H&M for a collection coming out November 17th! I literally jumped out of my seat, I am so exited for this! Especially as Donatella Versace herself said she would never do a collection like this because it would perhaps 'cheapen' her luxury brand.

But now she's changed her mind and I'm really happy she did, a few photos and a teaser video have already been released, the collection will feature the brands signature prints and delve into their heritage in the form of lots of studded leather. I can't wait until November, I want a piece of the action now!

So, I bought some faux leather ages ago and had an old studded belt I hadn't worn in years.. well you can see where this is going. I had been planning on making this oversized 'pencil-case' style day clutch anyway and this was the perfect opportunity to make myself something functional and totally fashionable!

This clutch took me an afternoon to make, the most complicated thing was the studded pattern, but more on that in another post. I took a lot of pictures whilst I was making this so I thought I'd also write up an accompanying 'how it's made' post.

P.S. Look at my HOUSE OF SLATER label inside! You wouldn't believe the sense of pride I have carrying around my own label clutch.

P.P.S. I have some very exiting news concerning my label, definitely one to watch out for. If you are following me on Twitter I'm sure you have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about.

ex.oh.ex.oh 

MOST WANTED WEDNESDAY #17

Did any of you see or remember that episode of The Simpsons where Marge found a pretty little pink and black Chanel skirt suit? She had to alter it herself many times in the episode, spawning multiple outfits from it but then in the end it got eaten up by the sewing machine she was using. Well I have always loved that little Chanel suit and admiring the many different outfits that were created from that one suit.

Well obviously I know it's not real as I am talking about a cartoon here! But earlier today I was looking through my Inspirations folder and look what I found. This week's Most Wanted Wednesday is this adorable jacket (source unknown).

It's not exact to the one in The Simpsons but I would love to have it, it's funny how one outfit from an episode I haven't seen since I was a kid stuck in my mind all these years. I've said that my interest in fashion only occurred at the start of my teens but this and many other things that keep popping to mind reveal an interest in fashion/clothing from an early age.

This jacket is of course very easily DIYable, all you would need to do is find a baby pink blazer/jacket or white and then dye it pink.. then add on black trim to key areas such as the lapels, hem, front opening and cuffs and change the buttons to something much more chic and Chanel-esque!

ex.oh.ex.oh

INSPIRATION: FUNKY SHIRT COLLARS

Hey everyone, this is a new regular posting feature I have decided to include on this blog. I have a folder on my laptop with 100s and 100s of photos that inspire me, things that I want to make and just general pictures of awesomeness! So I've decided to share that with you and maybe even inspire you.

So this first one are these funky shirt collars, these are great and so easy to DIY, I have quite a few old charity shop shirts lying around that I have no use for.. think I might start chopping them up and making some awesome and unusual accessories!

As with most pictures in my folder I have totally forgotten where I found these, so if these are yours or you know where they come from please feel free to leave a comment below!

ex.oh.ex.oh

MOST WANTED WEDNESDAY #12

Chanel, a fashion house arguably with one of the most coveted bag lines in the world. Fashionistas all over the world want a Chanel bag ad I'm one of them!

I've had this image of these unusual Chanel bags in my Inspirations folder on my laptop for ages, I can't even remember where I found it. They're unusual in the fact that the design seems to be painted onto the leather which I think is really interesting and totally DIYable. All you would need is a white leather or faux leather clutch bag.. trace the design on and paint with acrylic or even fabric paint to make sure it stays there and doesn't rub off when in your hands!

I am tempted to DIY this bag, could do with a white clutch for shopping in the summer when I don't need to bring much with me expect money, phone and sunscreen. The way it's been so sunny lately I'm thinking maybe I should start wearing some now? Wishful thinking maybe?

ex.oh.ex.oh

MOST WANTED WEDNESDAY #2

This week's most wanted item is..

This Burberry Prorsum S/S11 studded trench coat with snake skin wide waist belt, I can not tell you how much I want this coat! It has been raining non-stop here lately and if I was wearing this coat I don't think I would care cause I'd be looking so damn fierce! I'm tempted to buy a cheap trench coat from Primark or something and totally stud it up myself, to be honest this is quite an easy look to create yourself! If I do find a suitable coat I am totally trying this out for myself!

ex.oh.ex.oh