:::: OutsaPop Trashion recycled style DIY fashion eco sustainable refashion blog ::::

Thom Browne Fall 2012

2012-01-26T07:15:00.000+02:00

Thom Browne has a thing for exaggerated shapes, plaids, studs, wool suits and tartan. This latest menswear collection features all of these things. I have rarely seen studs used to make geometrical shapes or decorating mens suits so to me it is a fresh way to use this customizing tool. The stud plaided/striped jacket and pants are my favorites.

Thom Browne Man Fall-Winter 2012-2013. Via Homotography.

Delish trashion

2012-01-25T08:40:00.000+02:00

Last sunday we shoot the second editorial to my upcoming book. This one took place in an all night mini market Delish (much like Seven Eleven). Under the fluorescent lights our trashion heroine was on its way home from a party looking as dashing as ever. Fiona worked my dresses so that people passing by were gasping for breath. See what I mean..

Thank you Fiona, Milja, Aino-Sofia and Mikko for an hotness filled Sunday evening!

App fashion

2012-01-22T06:16:00.000+02:00

Oh the joy! I finally have joined my generation and acquired an iPhone. I bought it used (of course) since I just need the device, and not the latest version. I got my laptop also used and it has been working super. Just listen what your geek friends are saying about how to keep them happy and running and you´ll be fine.

Well anywayz.. What fashion / DIY apps are you guys using???? What is your fav podcast? How do you manage your fashions in smart phones? I hear Style.com has a pretty cool app where you can browse all the collections, but what else? I´m also on the lookout for iPhone case DIY tutorials. One thing I realized is that now when my pictures have geo tagging on I can snap pictures of new secondhand shops and have the street infos saved with the photo so I can find them later. This should make life super easy while travelling.. But also I can have my inspiration pics folder syncd with the phone so I´ll have all the pictures with me when I go looking up materials. I´m already addicted and don´t know how on earth I managed to get this far with out one... I´m so happy!

I´ve uploaded these apps so far:
Hipstamatic camera app (much like Instagram), for cool looking pictures, to the blog mostly
Toycamera, like the Toycamera Analogcolor software I use to edit my photos for my blog
Style.com for looking up runway collections for inspiration
Pulse Fashion and design news
Etsy for shopping all things handmade (and vintage!)

Natalia by Lindsey Drennan for Fashion Gone Rogue

2012-01-20T06:46:00.003+02:00

Today I feel like going out second hand shopping for plaided pants and ripping the sleeves off every blouse and t-shirt I find. Actually, now that I look at the first image more closely, it looks like a t-shirt with the front piece replaced with a blouse front. T-shirt shirt?

Natalia by Lindsey Drennan for Fashion Gone Rogue. Via Tobacco and Leather.

DIY Satsuma candle

2012-01-19T10:56:00.000+02:00

DIY satsuma candle. See the complete tutorial at Honestly WTF?.

Houses of light

2012-01-19T10:19:00.001+02:00

When visiting second hand book shops (and I try to pop in to every one I walk past) I look up old art books. Catalogues of museum collections. For a few bucks you get a complete inventory from a certain period, artist or movement! These books have no real value as collectors pieces, but they are great for making your own art or using them in collage crafts. These paper candle lanters are beautiful and very easy to make.

Found via Anthology Magazine, original project and tutorial by Fellow Fellow.

Maybe she´s born with it...

2012-01-19T10:08:00.000+02:00

I love and hate Photoshop. It is a wonderful program that has spawned a new form of digital art, but at the same time fashion industry and marketing people are abusing it to the max. It has profoundly effected women's self esteem and the way we perceive beauty. And there is a direct link of how happy/stressed we feel. Personally I love "laughing wrinkles" around eyes and hips, tummy and bum that are there and teeth that are not pearly white. I love original things.

The thing that disturbs me the most is fashion bloggers who use too much photoshopping in their own pics. I mean I´m nobody to tell them what to do with their own faces and curves and of course the colors/light needs to be perfect (I use readymade photo effects myself) but I just ask you to be careful. Young girls read your blogs and see them as reality opposite to glossy magazines. If you make yourself intentionally thinner, curvier or younger looking it will send the wrong message in my mind. I mean just think about it. Fashion blogs are supposed to be reality, they begun with people showing how fashion works on the streets and real everyday life. As storytellers and writers I feel we do have the same responsibilities in what we put out there as regular journalists.

How much do you Photoshop pictures of yourself?

Top photo via Fashion Photography blog.

Ilse de Boer by Emma Tempest for Metal #26

2012-01-17T09:25:00.000+02:00

Remember when you took some floral cotton fabric and patches or widened your 80´s styled light blue jeans with it? I do. This was back in 1992. I was 15 then and felt so cool in my customized jeans. You could not buy them at any shop. That´s why I love the pastel grunge styling and pants from this shoot for Metal mag #26. Those allover patchworked jeans are also pretty rad. I´m dying to find more pics of these pants. Does anyone know if they are Levi´s? What season??

"Metal Lovers" – Ilse de Boer joins male model Louis Simonon for the winter cover shoot of Metal Magazine. Photographed by Emma Tempest with styling by Verity Parker, the pair wears grunge inspired looks featuring the designs of Burberry Prorsum, Paul Smith, Marni and Levi’s. / Hair by Marrit, Makeup by Lotten. Via Fashion Gone Rogue.

D&G Summer 2012 scarfs galore

2012-01-17T01:57:00.000+02:00

D&G had their Summer 2012 womens and mens collections refashioned with classic silk scarfs. Basically what they did was to replace a part of an garment by sewing it from scarf satin. Def DIY for next summer. But I´m not in a hurry. It´s still 3 months to spring and today it was -15 Celsius outside. Freezing.

Photos via LuisaViaRoma and Style.it.

How-to: 40´s scarf Rosie the Riveter hair tutorial

2012-01-17T00:40:00.000+02:00

Scarfs and Rosie the Riveter styled bandanas are my newest weapon against bad hair days. If you don´t have a scarf or cannot find the right color in any secondhand store, you can make one by cutting a similar sized square piece from your t-shirt. Jersey works as well as satin/silk but is less slippery on your head. Just make the curl in front (if you don´t have bangs), pin it and tie a scarf around it. My hair is pretty short in the back so I just do the front curl, but below you can find two videos on how to work scarfs on longer hair. I love to combine this 40´s scarf look with some fake gauge earrings to make the look more rockabilly. Here´s How to tie a 40s headscarf tutorial by Vixen Vintage and a few how-to videos from YouTube.

A Matter Of Style DIYs

2012-01-16T07:56:00.001+02:00

I case you have missed it, check out A Matter Of Style. She has loads of clever DIY fashion projects.

Stencil to rule all other stencils

2012-01-14T11:13:00.000+02:00

This is the Alexander McQueen skull. Save it, enlarge the image to the size you like, print it out and cut to a stencil. For fabric printing and spray painting. The skull stencil to rule all other skull stencils.

Shopping with leather

2012-01-07T09:55:00.000+02:00

Minimalism with a hint of humor has found it´s way to accessory design. These fabulous bags from Anve look like common paper lunch bags but are in fact made of very soft leather with a snap closure and are very pleasant to touch. They are handmade with love – either crafted by small Portuguese manufacturers or created in their own studio in Lisbon and only available in small editions. The Baggu leather shopper is also something that is easy to DIY from leather.

To make one yourself, you´ll need:
real paper bag / plastic bag as model
soft leather (skirt, pants, jacket)
ruler
pen
hammer
scissors
leather / textile glue

1. Measure and cut the piece from leather.
2. Mark folding lines.
3. Fold leather using a ruler and softly hammer the folds down.
4. Glue bottom and top fold.

DIY Zadig et Voltaire Cut-Out Skull Tee

2012-01-07T00:32:00.000+02:00

DIY Zadig et Voltaire Cut-Out Skull Tee by Runway DIY. See the complete tutorial at here.

Classic

2012-01-05T07:55:00.002+02:00

The t-shirt with a safety pinned cross is a DIY classic. This one is made by Karl. Beginner level project that looks cool. Via Barkarmaa.

DIY Alexander McQueen Armadillo shoes

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000+02:00

I adore McQueen and GaGa fans.

Make love not war

2012-01-03T21:49:00.000+02:00

There is something about these rose decorated boots... Is is Valentines already?!

Via

Wearing metal

2012-01-02T14:46:00.000+02:00

Leather jackets are not the only things you can paint. Acrylic paints work well also for denim. And Ash is working it like nobodys business. The rest of todays inspiration photos come from Pixels To Paint and Keron.

DIY Stella McCartney Falabella bag

2012-01-01T23:29:00.000+02:00

DIY Stella McCartney Falabella bag video tutorial by Micol at Feed Your Style / Fashion Attack. This project was propably my favorite of all the blogger DIY´s´of 2011.

Oh Eliza

2012-01-01T22:56:00.000+02:00

Eliza Commings and Ash Stymest are the hottest model couple around. They are like the Kate & Johnny of 2010´s. I adore her style and look. This hand painted leather jacket she´s wearing is just beyond awesome. I wish I knew who made it so I could find more pictures..

Trashion Goddess

2011-12-29T08:37:00.000+02:00

Here are some snap shots from our trashion book photo shoot. Minttu was wearing my prize jewel, an evening gown refashioned from 6 mens second hand leather jackets. The tutorial for covering clothes into strips of leather will be in the book, but from a smaller garment. With this I wanted to show you guys what it can be if you triple the amount of materials and working hours. She looked like a trashion goddess with universal connections and secret powers. I cannot wait to see the frames from Mikko´s camera..

Model / Stylist: Minttu VesalaHair & Make-Up: Pentti Syrjälä

Trashion evening gown - making of

2011-12-28T12:02:00.000+02:00

DIY Ann Demeulemeester leather belt by Crochet Clouds

2011-12-28T09:08:00.000+02:00

DIY Ann Demeulemeester leather belt tutorial by Crochet Clouds. She has also loads of other cool DIY projects.

DIY leather sleeve jacket

2011-12-28T08:45:00.001+02:00

Kirsten from Studs And Pearls made herself a denim jacket with leather sleeves. Check out the tutorial!

Missoni Pre-Fall 2012

2011-12-25T08:28:00.000+02:00

The one thing that in my opinion has given recycle fashions a really bad rep is using 70´s curtains as material in refashioning clothes when 70´s pattern and fabrics are not in style. But this floral + geometric patterned dress by Missoni is gorgeous. I think the trick this time is not that you are using vintage curtain bafrics, but to combine a 70´s geometric pattern with an 80´s granny floral in a similar color sceme.

Missoni Pre-Fall 2012 via Gypsy Rose.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T08:06:00.001+02:00

This classic scandinavian Cristmas straw decor (Finnish olkipukki, English The Yule Goat) has been renewed by painting it white. Or what ever color suits your home best. Etsy also has himmeli's, the hanging geometric straw mobiles made from black and white and black dringking straws (by Melissa). Wonderful way to modernize a classic.

Happy Holidays to all.

Via Inspiration & Design.

Silky

2011-12-20T22:07:00.000+02:00

Don´t want to have to tuck in the shirt hem all the time? Sew panties together with a blouse hem and you´ll have the fanciest body suit around. Perfect for holidays and parties when you wear silky blouses with skirts or jeans.

Haute Trashion Girls

2011-12-19T00:48:00.000+02:00

I did not think that I could feel any better than after last Friday when we shot Haute Trashion boys (that´s what I called this shoot). Then I get three hot gals and 25 new outfits in the studio... Music was loud, Mikko and Mr. Benito did their magic and they looked fabulous. Hot. Damn hot... Thanks you Monna, Hanna, Victoria and Janne for an amazing day!

I´m still looking for models to our upcoming shoots, so drop me a line if you´re in Helsinki and would be interested to be in the book.

This project will be beyond awesome when it is finished.

Haute Trashion Boys

2011-12-17T09:27:00.001+02:00

Yesterday we did the first shoot for my DIY fashion book with photographer Mikko Rasila and my documenter Maria Santto. I have been sewing and making clothes all week to have everything done in time and did not get much sleep last night. But staying up late can be very productive. I get these bursts of creativity when I´m super tired, like the idea to draw a Keith Haring inspired shirt somewhere between 3 and 5 am. It turned out so cool. First we shot the boys and tomorrow girls. My guys (Thank you Eelis, Joni and Janne!!) did a super job. I will definitely ask them to come for the later shoots. There will be a total of six shoots during this spring and summer with different themes. But it´s going to be amazing since I have the best team with me.

Making a DIY book like this and still going to a full time day job is a huge project (I´m sure I still have no idea how huge..). But I´m loving every minute of it! I´ll keep you updated on what´s going on so you´ll be able to take a trip to the sets and see how we did it.

It´s funny when people ask me how much I´ve written so far and I tell them nothing yet.. "..But how long have you been doing the book??" "Um, about two years now." "Ok..."

Yup, that´s how DIY fashion books are done! The writing comes last before editing and making the layout. Before that there are countless hours of planning shoots, outfits, browsing through flea markets for supplies and making the clothes and taking pictures of the tutorial phases themselves. I have no studio so I´m doing this at my apartment. The whole process started of editing my inspiration pictures folder to pick up the ideas and tutorials I wanted for the book. This took about a month as the folder is about 35 000 photos.. I ended up with a powerpoint presentation with 200 slides and continued editing from there. My apartment has been looking like this for the past months.. Not a very glamourous job. Sorry Mom for not inviting you over in the last months, but as you can see there is no place for you to sit! This is a creative space. Or what ever. :P

Mikko loves his job.

Eelis giving me the Johnny Cash face.

Joni playing it cool.

Models come is handy as cable holders.

Mikkos furry low rider studio assistant who will kiss everyone that comes to ground level.

Janne working my Balenciaga inspired jacket.

That Keith Haring moment around 3.30 am

2011-12-16T04:52:00.000+02:00

Inspired by the wonderful works of artist Keith Haring. Still a work in progress.

From zero to 1000 in a few hours

2011-12-15T23:53:00.000+02:00

I have a jacket, 1000 studs, pliars and a very sharp knife. May the fun begin...

I adore this jacket Karen O is wearing in Zero´s video. The rest of the inspiration images are from a label called Radioactive Flesh by Bartholomew Dougherty. The collection is vintage leather jackets and denim vests tailored and studded by hand. I say, more the merrier. Metal that is.

Watching paint dry

2011-12-14T23:39:00.000+02:00

These denims are "painted" with my moms old nail poslish. It is a perfect trashion "paint" for denim as it does not come off in wash. The ony thing is that as it is a varnish, it smells pretty bad when you apply it.. This one is also a project from my upcoming Trashion DIY fashion book. To be published in fall 2012. See the lightning-shaped patch in the front? These pants had been ripped really badly but I patched the hole by gluing fake leather on top of it with fabric glue. Stay tuned for more previews!

Sneak Preview

2011-12-12T22:49:00.000+02:00

We are shooting some of the clothes this Friday to my upcoming book and I´m so exited! I´ve been sewing all week to have everything ready. It´s a shame when in times like this my thimble goes missing and my poor fingers are taking all the heat. Gotto find it.. This project is a good example of the stuff that will be in it. Various chains hand sewn to a second hand shearling jacket. Inspired by Martin Margiela.

New metal

2011-12-12T13:02:00.001+02:00

Indian styled nose chains and head jewelry over at Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier Pre Fall 2012 collections. All broken necklaces can be worn like this with adding a few jump rings. No piercing necessary! Or wear them on your head by attaching them with pins.

Photos via MsFitz and Fashion Canvas.

Say it with studs

2011-12-12T12:22:00.001+02:00

??? If you like Celine Dion, don´t be afraid to tell it with your fashions. I fucking adore punks with a sense of humor and a sensitive taste in music. This is so out there that is is already so cool. Mine would have the picture of Spice Girls, or David Hasselhoff, while he was still doing Knight Rider. I have actually shook David´s hand back in 1985 when I was 7 years old and he came to Helsinki for a concert. The best day of my childhood life. Gotto love your idols.

Lock and wheel

2011-12-12T11:48:00.001+02:00

I spotted this necklace DIY project over at Queen Of Funky DIY. Tara (who is only 13!) made this necklace from the number wheels of a broken locker lock. You can find similar wheels in suit cases. Looks very Vivienne Westwood to me.

Ok, maybe not the best idea to start busting up locks to get the these goodies, but take them if the lock/case is being thrown out. Especially old 80´s suitcases I see a lot when I go dumpster diving.

Spotted

2011-12-12T00:16:00.001+02:00

Polka dots are a classic in fashion. They are fabulous because you cannot have too much of them, an entire outfit if you´d like! They can be printed with fabric colors to any natural fibre garment (wool, cotton, viscose, silk). Print out a polka dot image in the size that you want and cut the dots out to make a stencil by placing it over cardboard paper.

Loren Kemp by Andrew Woffinden for The Guardian Weekend. Via Fashion Gone Rogue.

I heart you

2011-12-10T17:19:00.001+02:00

I´m feeling really good today. A creative flow is on! This one is for you.

Photo via A Matter Of Style.

Magic of imagination

2011-12-10T15:56:00.001+02:00

I adore this song and music video by The Sound Of Arrows. Every kid (even the older kids) needs to have one friendly monster as a friend. That no adult can see. These are the places where creativity and imagination lives and I hope never to leave.

"Magic" will make you want to be a kid again. Set in a world where all the adults have disappeared, this short movie brings to mind the enchanting mystery of Del Toro’s Pan's Labyrinth and the playful imagination of Pixar’s creations. It's a perfect match for the duo's sweet and subtle synth pop. The video is utterly enchanting and poignant with the two main characters roaming free across their Spanish city, before eventually stumbling upon a hidden enclave of magical creatures who become their friends and protectors. It's Where The Wild Things Are meets The Neverending Story," and every bit as fantastical, beguiling and eye-poppingly stunning as that sounds. The Swedish duo of Oskar Gullstrand and Stefan Storm explain that the video is supposed to be "childlike and youthful," which is the reason they aren't pictured in it. "When we were thinking about the video, Stefan and I first came up for about 200 ideas for a feature film. This is meant to be the trailer for that film."

Carpet bags - The Kilim Project

2011-12-10T14:49:00.001+02:00

The German brand A Kind of Guise’s trekked to the middle east two years and bought a shitload of local carpets (must’ve been a nightmare to take back). From this pile they’ve created a small range of 100 bags which they call The Killim Project, all handmade in their studio. They’ve even left out the rope handles often used in duffle bags, so they won’t be digging into your shoulders. Available their website. If you´re into this kind of pattern design, look up "kilim" on eBay and Etsy.

Kilims (Persian: گلیم gelim) are flat tapestry-woven carpets or rugs produced from the Balkans to Pakistan. Kilims can be purely decorative or can function as prayer rugs.

Reusing rugs is the thing right now.. Margiela also uses carpets in their upcoming Summer 2012 collection.. I need to find just one rug, so I can cut it up to make a laptop case and a sailor back pack. Maybe even a skirt.

I looked up Etsy for stuff made from rugs/carpets and found this amazing upcycled bear rug. This piece beyond cool and is spot on to my kind of humor. I wish I could affort it.. Etsy persian upcycled bear rug available at Concu´s shop.

Hair of the doll

2011-12-09T09:14:00.001+02:00

I wish I had a car so I could take a field trip to a hairdressers outlet shop and come back with a trunk full of wigs. I want to make them into this hair jacket. It probably won´t be any good for keeping warm, but it will sure look good!! This one is all about looks and zero functionality. Margiela made a wig jacket like this a couple of seasons ago and I´ve been craving for one ever since. Although I could make the wig bolero with just 2 wigs...

Via Tobacco & Leather.
Dovile Virsilaite by Alice Rosati for Forget Them Magazine #1

MARGIELA WIG BOLERO SUMMER 2009

DIY fashion iPad app - MILK

2011-12-09T07:52:00.001+02:00

Time to vote people!! Just when I was talking about what makes a good fashion blogger, Tash from Milk & Mead gives us great news. Her DIY fashion project has been chosen to be a top 3 finalist to be published to iPad! Congratulations girl!! Her blog is another brilliant example how a chic fashion blog should look like (clean design, simple projects, good images) AND this iPad app of hers is pure DIY fashion innovation which I wish I had thought of. (Naah, finish your book, finish your book..) Anyways, let´s make sure she gets the for support of crafters around the world and snags the first prize. You want to see this project published.

Vote here. Klick klick.

"Milk is a DIY fashion magazine exclusively for the iPad. Each issue features 6-9 new and easy to follow tutorials ranging in cost and time required. Taking it’s cues from street style and high fashion trends alike, Milk is a source of both inspiration and instruction."

MILK, by Natasha Mead, Wellington, New Zealand from Mag+ on Vimeo.

The Light Bulb Conspiracy - a documentary about planned obsolescence

2011-12-07T17:58:00.001+02:00

The Light Bulb Conspiracy from Pete Hinne on Vimeo.

The Light Bulb Conspiracy is a brilliant documentary about how companies engineer their products to fail. This way of doing business is called planned obsolescence and is the deliberate shortening of product life spans to guarantee consumer demand.As a magazine for advertisers succinctly puts it: The article that refuses to wear out is a tragedy of business – and a tragedy for the modern growth society which relies on an ever-accelerating cycle of production, consumption and throwing away. The Light Bulb Conspiracy combines investigative research and rare archive footage to trace the untold story of Planned Obsolescence, from its beginnings in the 1920s with a secret cartel, set up expressly to limit the life span of light bulbs, to present-day stories involving cutting edge electronics and the growing spirit of resistance amongst ordinary consumers. This film travels to France, Germany, Spain and the US to find witnesses of a business practice which has become the basis of the modern economy, and brings back disquieting pictures from Africa where discarded electronics are piling up in huge cemeteries for electronic waste.

The documentary mostly talks about electronics, but the principal is the same with fashion. Ok, not every company does this, some are actually dedicated to making long lasting quality products. And those are the companies I want to do business with.

Country cool

2011-12-06T12:01:00.001+02:00

Now that the classic 80´s TV show Dallas is airing again with generation 2 episodes, western styled details are sure to come back to fashion. Denim shorts are always a good refashioning project. Ok.. Maybe not for mid winter, but for the coming spring. Stolen Girlfriends Club has these country cool western styled leather detail shorts in their Fall collection that should be an easy DIY project. I always store the leather pieces that are left over from my other projects, like cutting leather pants into shorts. Those scraps are perfect for projects like this. Black on black is always a stylish option. If denim shorts are too much, try this type of detailing on pencil skirt or dress hems.

How to:
Cut the legs off from your jeans.
Draw a curvy shape on paper and try it on the shorts.
When you find a good shape, cut it out of leather.
Glue the leather pieces on using textile glue.
Secure leather piece by sewing along the piece edge.

The collection also has these amazing boots with similar detailing. You can make a matching pair by making a stencil from masking tape and spray painting it with metallic colors on to an old pair.

Photos via Pixie Market.

When in doubt, take a step forward

2011-12-06T08:57:00.001+02:00

Today we celebrate our Independence Day in Finland. I will lock myself in my apartment to do some serious studding and try to convince myself I´m doing it right with the book. When in doubt, take a step forward. That´s how epic shit gets done.

Vlada Roslyakova by David Roemer for Marie Claire Spain December 2011

2011-12-05T01:49:00.001+02:00

I´m still tempted to giving this Prada plastic paillette dress a go by using recycled see-through office plastic file folders.

Vlada Roslyakova by David Roemer for Marie Claire Spain December 2011.
Via Fashion Gone Rogue.

Marni denim project

2011-12-05T00:55:00.001+02:00

Apparently Marni released a denim collection last year with spot and pearl printed boyfriend fit jeans. How could have I missed this? Anyways, I adore polka dots. Such a timeless classic. I´m definitely thinking about printing my loose jeans with a black dotted surface in the front. Or legs from hem on the inside so it will appear when you roll them up. Maybe not with a stencil, but with a round shaped stamp. The pearl-print I´m not too fond of, but the idea is clear. Spots? Diagonal stripes? Also notice the waist structure. The waist band is ripped out form the oversized boyfriend jean and replaced with a sweat pant top with draw strings or canvas belt. They help to keep the jeans up even if they are too big for you.

Margiela chain vest

2011-12-05T00:01:00.001+02:00

Decorate a jacket or vest with hand sewn chain flowers.

Glitter in a bottle

2011-12-04T14:50:00.001+02:00

It seems you can also buy glitter in a spray can these days. How wonderful. This Krylon glitter spray is a bit different from conventional sprays as it can also be used on styrofoam (can be used on Wood, Metal, Wicker, Plastic, Glass, Ceramic, Paper, Paper Mache, Styrofoam). Most spray paints melt styrofoam. But don´t just use it on shoe heels but go crazy and experiment! Oxford flats and boots would look cool painted all over.. How would this would work on leather jackets or satin corsets?? Via I Spy DIY.

What makes a good fashion blog?

2011-12-03T12:47:00.001+02:00

I get asked a lot about bloggin and tips on how to get people interested in it and how run it successfully. This is what I have to say about it. :)

"I have been writing by blog now for almost 5 years. It took a looong time before people noticed my blog, so don´t get discouraged if you don´t get comments or feedback soon. It takes time, almost a year in my case. People still don´t comment that much in my blog even though I know a lot of people visit it. This is probably because people tend to comment more on personal stuff than general posts. As you might have noticed, I don´t post about my personal life much as I want to keep my blog just about inspiration and DIY fashion.

In my point a good (fashion)blog has quality images. Especially many young bloggers don´t realize how important they are. Good imaginary is vital if you´re interested in keeping up a premium look in your blog. I´ve had to pass on writing about many fashion labels and even on my own creations if I cannot find/take good images. No good pictures, no post. If you look at the top 10 fashion blogs in the world, they all have beautiful pictures and the writer clearly has an eye for good photography (or photoshopping..). If you have a camera, learn to use it in the best way to make the most of it. Take pictures about everything as fashion and inspiration can come from the strangest places.

There is a million fashion blogs out there about "my daily style/outfit", "what I bought today", "celeb style" or "polyvore shopping wish lists". If a blog is this 90%, I find it to be a bit narcissistic, lazy journalism and sooo boring. Anyone can do that.. A fashion blog can be so much more than daily outfits! Do your research on fashion. Find out what inspires the designers, where they come from and what is the collections connection to historical fashion references. What is the reason one dresses up like they do? What does it say about them? Go deeper and educate yourself as you write. Outfit posts are definitely ok in my book if the blogger clearly has a strong personal taste in styling. One is also able to keep a fashion blog successfully without it having to be all about you (The Sartorialist for example!). Be interested about personalities, not just about the things one wears.

Susanna Lau aka Style Bubble (photo above) is a good example of a brilliant fashion blogger. She has strong personal style, funny/critical/ironic way of writing, she blogs loads about new designers and fashion talents and she does her research. When I started reading her blog, she was still taking (DIY fashion) outfit photos in her bedroom against the mirror, but she photoshopped them well. But she evolved quickly to quality photography.

A good blogger has thought through opinions and some sort of angle/approach to the things they write about. Be a free fashion journalist! Firstly I would think about the topics you want to write about. A strong blog usually is concentrated on only a few subjects. When I started my blog, no one was writing just about DIY fashion, just recycle crafts so I felt I was doing something new. I started on writing about anything I could find about recycled fashions but it quickly narrowed down to a few subjects as I got better in sourcing my stories and images.

Writing a blog takes time. To be successful you have to commit to it. Sourcing stories takes loads of time, much more than actually writing the post. For every post I spend 15 minutes writing, I´ve spent two hours of looking up background info, links and photos. I have 84 blogs in my reader that I follow daily to keep up in fashion. Plus all the fashion shows and collections I browse through. So it has to be more than just a hobby. It must be a passion.

A blogger also has to realize that the brands they write about, will end up profiling their personal style. This is why I for example write about brands like H&M, Gina Tricot, Zara or ASOS very rarely. I don´t want to be profiled in that brand/consumer group in any way. I think they are cheap. But I do write loads about second hand, vintage, indie fashion brands, high fashion labels and other fashion professionals. I also try to find people and brands that others have not heard about yet. It gives my blog a fresh angle and my readers something new."

So go find your style and enjoy writing!

Outi

Trashion models wanted!

2011-11-30T21:52:00.001+02:00

Models wanted!

I´m looking for photo models to my upcoming book! If you live near Helsinki and would be intrested in getting your face printed in pretty trashions send me your infos. I´m looking for girls and boys of all ages. I´m not going to tell you that I´m looking for a particular body size since I believe a personality is a must and it does not necessarily come in size zero. But you should love the camera and be able to do more than just one face. I love people who don´t take themselves (or photographs of them) too seriously <3 The shoots will be held in Helsinki starting this Christmas and continuing to next spring and summer. Since this is a DIY project, there unfortunately won´t be any money in it. But you will get the photos and possibly a few original OutsaPop pieces.

I you´re interested send me:
Your full name
2-3 recent face/full body photos of yourself
age and contact info
measurements: height / bust cm / waist cm / hips cm
jeans size (in inches)
shoe size

To send me mail, click "contact us" from the bottom banner.Or click "share" and post it to your facebook if you think some of your friends might be intrested!

Body Pretzel by Heather Huey

2011-11-30T21:29:00.001+02:00

Body Pretzel by Heather Huey.

Heather Huey is back! The design is called body braids - eye catching harness-style accessories that reweave the fur felt and her millinery talents into a new type of statement piece. After a long season of chain harnesses these feel like a Heidi-type fresh breeze of mountain air. (even though I never get tired of chains..) Body braids are a part of a IDLM charity project, meaning that 50% of all sales will go to Designers Against AIDS. If the price tag is still too much, take a few t-shirts and cut them to strips and practice braiding.. Available at I Don't Like Mondays.

The Existential Doily Therapy

2011-11-30T20:55:00.001+02:00

During these dark times, crafts are a simple and cheap therapy-like hobby. I love this concept of an existential doily. Everybody needs one. If I´d make mine today it would read "What do my clothes say about me today? Is is my true fashion identity?" When they someday take me to the looney bin and I get to wear my pj's and bunny slippers all day, this is what I´ll be sewing there.

What would your doily say?

Via Stitch Therapy.

Not so eco as mad men tell you

2011-11-30T18:42:00.001+02:00

This article is translated from a Finnish Kuningaskuluttaja tv programme in Finland that specializes in consumer information and rights. The original article is by Terhi Simola, Kuningaskuluttaja / Yle Tutkiva asia. I´ve said it a million times before, but in order to become an ecological fashionista you have to read about where your clothes come from and how they are made and not just believe what advertising people and brands lead you to believe. And if you are studying to be a fashion designer you HAVE TO know this stuff because it will eventually effect your label if you´re planning to be eco. If you want to edjucate yourself in textile production and chemical use, read this blog Eco Textiles.

----------------------

When manufacturing clothes, there are many chemicals used. Are there toxins also present in the process? For the consumer it is really hard to say what the colors and finishings to to them when they wear the garment and especially what is their effect to the environment. Journalist Terhi Simola asked some important fashion questions from research doctor (I hope I translated her title correct) Marja Rissanen from Tampere Tech University.

1. True or false: Textiles that come in direct contact with your skin (also bed sheets) must be washed before use?
- True. Cotton and viscose products, for example underwear and bed sheets should be washed before use. They might contain formaldehyde, which is a part of many softening chemicals, that might irritate skin. This applies also to baby clothes. Formaldehyde has a sharp smell to it and it washes out in water. The biggest problem is the coloring and finishing chemicals that should be mostly removed in the manufacturing process but sometimes traces are left in the garment.

2. True or false: Dark/black and brightly colored garments have more poisonous chemicals used in the making process than in lighter colored garments?
- False. It is impossible to determine how dangerous a garment is by just looking at it. It is true that dark and bright colors require more dyes, but when it comes to toxicity, the quality of the dye is important, not the amount. Some dyes are so poisonous that EU banned them from production and import, but they are still in use in some countries that don´t have such strict legislation. But these dyes are most harmful to the factory employees that process them and not so much to the end consumer.

3. True or false: organic/eco cotton is always a safe choise?
False. The ecological trademarks of cotton only applies to the growth of this fibre. It does not say anything about the rest of the manufacturing phases, like dyes or finishes. If the garment is made in a country that does not have such a strict legislation that EU does, it is possible toxic chemicals are used in the process.

4. True or false: bamboo (fibre) which is often marketed as "eco" has many toxic chemicals used in the fibre processing?
- Unfortunately true.. The fibre marketed as "bamboo" is not a natural fibre that is directly exracted from the plant, but a manmade bamboolike cellulose fibre. Basically it is like viscose which has many toxic chemicals used in the process (and loads of fresh water!!). Often it is produced in countries that don´t have a very strong environmental law and this is why it is very likely that much of the chemicals are released to the environment. Bamboo fibre is often falsely marketed as anti microbic and UV-protective which it is not as it is made like viscose. It´s ability to adsorb moisture and being antistatic is the same as viscose. Nothing more..

5. True or false: "made in EU" is a guarantee of a safe product?
- This is true. At least then you know that the garment has been produced within EU legislation or the laws of the EU country where it was made. But if the garment reads "designed in EU" (another marketing trick) it does not guarantee anything! The importer companies have a great responsibility in fiding these things out and the whole manufacturing chain should be as short and clear as possible.

Here are some more facts about bamboo fibre: Via Organic Clothing blog.

Bamboo the plant is wonderfully sustainable; bamboo the fabric isn’t so easy to categorize. There are two ways to process bamboo to make the plant into a fabric: mechanically or chemically. The mechanical way is by crushing the woody parts of the bamboo plant and then use natural enzymes to break the bamboo walls into a mushy mass so that the natural fibers can be mechanically combed out and spun into yarn. This is essentially the same eco-friendly manufacturing process used to produce linen fabric from flax or hemp. Bamboo fabric made from this process is sometimes called bamboo linen. Very little bamboo linen is manufactured for clothing because it is more labor intensive and costly. Chemically manufactured bamboo fiber is a regenerated cellulose fiber similar to rayon or modal. Chemically manufactured bamboo is sometimes called bamboo rayon (another fancy word for viscose..) because of the many similarities in the way it is chemically manufactured and similarities in its feel and hand.

Watch this

2011-11-29T21:00:00.001+02:00

I adore people who do their thing and wear what they want. Especially if their clothes make me smile. This jacket is awesome. I finally have an idea where to put all the old metal watch wrists I ordered from Etsy a while back. Via Fred Butler Style blog.

Angela Brandys @ Not Just A Label

2011-11-29T08:19:00.001+02:00

Refashioning inspiration from Angela Brandys SS12 @ Not Just A Label. This is where tibetan tribal and punk meets your aunts wardrobe.

Red heat

2011-11-28T23:39:00.000+02:00

Candy from Taylor & Demolish made a tutorial on how to make these wax coated jeans. Quite a nice looking pair, eh? I´m just thinking it would also be cool to paint the entire jeans, especially ones colored ruby red, to get a similar pair to these ones I´ve seen around the blogs this fall. Paint your jeans and you would get them to look like real leather from a distance! Cropped red leather pants are a must this season. Kate Bosworth Katie Holmes for example has been spotted wearing them. Add 4-6 zippers to the front and you´ll have a Balmain/Marant inspired "leather" pant.

Photos by Taylor & Demolish, weinspireus, Natalie Off Duty and Shopbop.

Tibetan

2011-11-28T20:34:00.001+02:00

Thrifted & Modern is the best looking second hand site I know when it comes to site layout, functions and photoquality. Their vintage selection is not that bad either..

The Story of Stuff

2011-11-28T18:22:00.001+02:00

The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard is a brilliant video everyone should watch. If you´ve ever bought something and continue shopping, this video should be a part of your general knowledge about how consumerism works. Posted just in time before you go get your Christmas gifts. I´ll put my money on DIY:n my gifts and sustainable/eco products and shopping at Etsy for handmade. But this is just for the near and dear. Most just get a smile.

Hole punch

2011-11-27T23:15:00.001+02:00

These circular shapes have been created with a tool called hole punch (Finnish reikämeisti). They make a hole in materials that don´t fray, like leather or felted wool. Use the type of tool that has a separate punch fo different sizes. You also need a (rubber headed) hammer and a wooden cutting board to use as hammering surface. The scissor shaped hole punchers are crap. You can find these tools sold online in leather craft shops and hardware stores.

Model: Alys Hale
Clothes: David Koma
Photos: Paul Scala
V Magazine Online, Via Fashion Gone Rogue

Vaatteidenvaihto- ja tuunausilta Pauligin huvilalla 1.12.

2011-11-26T09:22:00.001+02:00

Tervetuloa vaatteidenvaihto- ja tuunausiltaan torstaina 1.12. klo 17-20! Tunnelmallinen tapahtuma järjestetään Pauligin vanhalla huvilalla (Mechelininkatu 36, Helsinki) ja järjestäjinä toimivat Luonto-Liitto, Nuorisoasiainkeskus ja Pääkaupunkiseudun 4h-yhdistys. Ilta on kaikille avoin ja ilmainen. Tapahtumassa voit vaihtaa hyväkuntoisia vaatteitasi toisten tuomiin ihanuuksiin ja nauttia mukavasta seurasta. Lisäksi illassa on mahdollisuus tuunata ja korjata omia vanhoja vaatteita osaavan ohjaajan avustuksella. Vaihtamatta jääneitä vaatteita kenenkään ei tarvitse raahata takaisin kotiin, vaan ne myydään myöhemmin kirpputorilla Luonto-Liiton hyväksi. Tarjolla on pikku purtavaa ja halukkaille myös keittoa omakustannehintaan. Keitosta saadut tulot ohjataan Nuorisoasiainkeskuksen Hyvis-hankkeen kautta Suomen Pakolaisavun työlle Sierra Leoneen, missä niillä tuetaan nuorten ammattikoulutusta. Ilmoittautumiset ja lisätietoja tapahtumasta ja sähköpostitse: nelliheinimo(ät)gmail.com.

Pauligin vanha huvila
Mechelininkatu 36
Helsinki, Finland

Shoe lace knit

2011-11-24T09:40:00.001+02:00

When I first read the name of this piece, "shoe lace knit", I thought it was just a name for some fancier flat knitting thread. But no! This knit, or the front panel to be exact, is knitted from actual shoe laces! All sorts of shoe laces. And it teams up perfectly with a sheer maxi length dress. I wish I could knit because this would be such a cool trashion project for the winter.

"SHOELACE KNIT FRONT TANK"
by BEDFORD STREET LAUNDRY, designer Jessica Yuen
via I Don´t Like Mondays.

Sheer love

2011-11-24T09:38:00.001+02:00

Secondhand sheer blouse with the shoulders cut off. Worn with high waisted jeans. YESSSSSS.

Damned

2011-11-21T19:22:00.001+02:00

I love this dude and his studded sweater. This is so easy to DIY. Attach the studs on to a piece of leather and glue to your sweater with fabric glue or stitch it on by hand. Via Fucking Young.

Photography, Directing & Styling: Bridgette Bayley & Conor RileyAssistance: Sophia CallahanModel: Jeffrey Gaunt

Isabel Marant patchwork shirt

2011-11-20T21:41:00.001+02:00

Yeah.. We all love colour-block cool Isabel Marant’s blue Fara patchwork denim shirt. The real thing is shit expensive, but ASOS has a rip-off copy for 70 dollars. DIY'n this would be even less from three to four second hand denim or blue shaded mens suit shirts. Via Honestly.. WTF.

Chanel drawn

2011-11-20T19:11:00.001+02:00

Get a textile marker and you can scrible a CC-logo onto it.

DIY iPhone winter gloves

2011-11-20T16:30:00.001+02:00

It can be frustrating to have to take off your gloves to use your touch screen phone. Capacitive touch screens sense how conductive your fingers are, and gloves are, well, insulators. Learn to DIY your gloves with conductive thread. I love this idea since it enables you to use any glove that goes well with your wardrobe and this is easy peasy simple to do! Via Craft.

Windowfarmer

2011-11-20T11:43:00.000+02:00

Velvet Crush

2011-11-19T09:08:00.001+02:00

I went to see the new H&M Versace collection yesterday. What absolute crap! The design was ok, but the materials.. And people were fighting over thats shit! I´ll never be able to understand it. But if you ask me for fashion tips I´d say now keep your eyes open at second hand shops for crushed and burnt out velvet, lace dresses and chiffon. Oh so trendy (90´s, man!!!!) and perfectly soft and festive for the holiday season. Combine it with a short leather jacket and 90´s platform heels. I´m not a big fan of satin for party dressing as it is really hard to manage in refashion projects and in my opinion does not look good on anybody. Especially if you are photographed at the party with a flash light it will just make you look fat. Yach. The underwear/sleepwear section propably has some great satin kimono jackets though. This is the only exception to my satin-rule and they are free flowing in fit. And if your local shop is all out of lace and velvet, Etsy has a great selection of vintage pieces for sale.

Sign me up!

2011-11-15T01:02:00.001+02:00

Remember when you were a kid and got a cast for your hand or leg? Felt like shit until you had everybody you know sign their name on it. It was a bit sad to lose all of them when the cast was taken off. You can create the same thing by having people sign a blouse or dress with textile markers or crayons. Iron on (make sure that the garment you use can be ironed hot...) and they will stay there forever!

Inspired by these signature pieces by Quail.

Party refashion

2011-11-13T16:02:00.001+02:00

To get some DIY party bling, sew a few jewelry chains randomly to your t-shirt, top or knit shoulders.

Photos: Zara December 2009 Look Book.

Or take an old party dress (that has sleeves) and cut the top asymmetrically.

You can also melt a bow cut from a plastic bag to your t-shirt or knit. See my plastic bag melting tutorial for this.

Lace shorts

2011-11-13T15:52:00.001+02:00

These black lace shorts can be DIYd by taking a basic black trouser that has the zipper in the side seam, cutting the legs short and sewing the surface full of layered lace ribbons. I love the styling in this photo, a great alternative for parties instead of wearing a dress.

Photo: Kasia Struss for Zara November 2011 Lookbook.

We can do it

2011-11-13T15:20:00.001+02:00

Do It Yourself (DIY) movement is growing worldwide. It makes me happy and motivates me to finish my book. My wish is that DIY'ers will start shifting to using recycled materials more than new in the next years. Crafting and DIY actually might be the few things that actually benefits from hard financial times when people have to start using their minds and hands to get things done instead of paying someone to do it for them. I kinda like it. In fashion DIY-projects have got me to appreciate my wardrobe more and also people who have a talent for crafting.

We can do it.

Photo: me at the Blogistania shoot by Viivi Lehtonen/YLE

Chainmail denim

2011-11-10T23:15:00.001+02:00

Oooooh, denim (used to be a jacket) vest with the top covered in chainmail, by Gori de Palma of course.... The jacket with studded breast cups is also quite groovy. Drooool.... Def DIY potential here.

"Andi Loves Me Not"
Photography by Mark Rabadan
Styling by Ivona Yvon
Hair & Makeup by Rudy van den Berg using Becca
Model(s) Andi Muise @ Elite Barcelona
Via The Ones 2 Watch

Coming soon - TV2 Blogistania

2011-11-10T00:54:00.001+02:00

Exiting news, next year will be a blast. I´m not only releasing my trashion DIY book (published October 2012) but also I will be featured in Finnish TV for a full episode of a brand new show called Blogistania!! We shot some parts today and the rest tomorrow. Here are some pics of the shoot today. I got my refashion materials from Varusteleka (used army tees for shredding) and FIDA (80s mens leather jackets that will become a dress). I´ll be showing you what I do as a DIY fashion blogger and how I create my unravelled tees. The show will be available also online and parts in YouTube so you´ll be able to see them even if you cannot view Finland TV. Stay tuned!

Blogistania is a new tv-format for Finnish YLE TV2 which airs March 2012 (1/10 episode 21.3.). The show will feature 10 Finnish lifestyle bloggers, everything from hatmakers, quilters to high fashion, one of which is the gorgeous hatter Fiona Timantti. These women have taken bloggin as a part of their everyday life. The show follows how they work, think and what goes behind the scenes of a blog that attracts thousands of readers every week.

Photos: Viivi Lehtonen / YLE

Blogistania is brought to you by YLE Asia/Elämäntapa OLOTILA / Channel: YLE TV2:
Journalist: Viivi Lehtonen
Director: Marjo Lundvall
Photogaphy: Niina Mattus
Edit: Pasi Räisänen
Production: Tiina Klemettilä

TWENTY2TOO

2011-11-09T08:27:00.000+02:00

Cropped leather jacket combined with a long overcoat with sleeves cut out. Stylish layering by label TWENTY2TOO.
Via Not Just A Label.

Product Photography for Beginners

2011-11-09T01:46:00.000+02:00

Great Product Photos from Etsy Inc. on Vimeo.

Crafters (that are selling your stuff)!! Check out this Etsy video tutorial on Product Photography for Beginners. Good photos make all the difference in sales. When selling online the product image is the only reference and point of contact a buyer has to your items so make it count. Natural day light is one Finland has only a few hours a day during winter so I solved the problem by buying a construction light set to my home. It is not pretty but gives all the light you need for shooting after dark and is completely adjustable. I usually point it to the ceiling so there will be less harsh shadows and the light reflects more softly.

Fashion and style is about expressing yourself

2011-11-09T01:20:00.002+02:00

Addictions: Scarves from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

I adore people who study fashion for their history, social meanings and craftsmanship and take one favorite aspect / piece / era, what ever you can think of as their signature thing and make that to a complete look. Many are just talking about the next it-thing, copying celeb styles or just generic "shoes and bags" (and have completely forgotten the versatile silk scarf.. or hats). Or that these pieces are/mean more than the item itself. Stylist Cassius Clay loves silk scarfs. Watch this video where he explains his fashion addiction and how he makes one piece of fashion work for him in any occasion and look. So go out there, find your self, your style, your thing and take that to the extreme. That is stylish regardless of what season it is.

All videos via StyleLikeU.

Lesa Amoore for Stylelikeu.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

Joshua Katcher for Stylelikeu.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

Kristine Barilli for Stylelikeu.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

Lana Turner for StyleLikeU.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

Taylor Forrest for Stlyelikeu.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

Cruise Controller

2011-11-07T00:05:00.002+02:00

80´s styled mans intarsia cardi worn over a wool blazer. With a flat headed straw hat and knitted trousers. Stylishhh.

"Cruise Controller" Lindsey Wixson by Phil Poynter for W Korea November 2011, via Fashion Gone Rogue.

DIY trend - Tooled leather

2011-11-06T23:46:00.000+02:00

Leather tooling is a craft I´ve wanted to try for years. It is a craft that was last popular in the 70´s. Since the rising of classic Western American influences in fashion it is making it´s way back slowly into our wardrobes. Alexander McQueen brought some fabulous tooled-beyond pieces onto the catwalk for this Fall. Tooling an entire outfit is pure madness but the accessories might be an easier place to start. I´d be surprised if cheap fashion chains are ever able to adapt this trend since this craft is hard to mimic cheap, well it´s not impossible, but who would like to wear this is plastic? Luckily there is a variety of authentic tooled leather accessories available secondhand.

3D designs can be carved, stamped, hammered onto the surface of thick leather. One could spend a fortune on leather tools since every different shaped stamp ja punch has to be bought separately, if you´re doing it the old fashioned way that is. I´ve seen some electrical tool sets being sold at hardware stores where you can change the head, but I have no idea if they work the same. Usually the old fashioned way is better. Maybe I´ll just get the basic tool kit.. :P Leather Craft Library has a blog with tutorials and great images on what type of tools to use for different surfaces.

Kelley Ash by Annie Edmonds for Fashion Gone Rogue

2011-11-06T22:15:00.001+02:00

Popular in the 80´s: sweaters crocheted from leather "yarn". If you can find them second hand, buy.
Kelley Ash by Annie Edmonds for Fashion Gone Rogue.
Photos Etsy: Wayside Flower and The Youth Haus.

Etchpop at Kickstarter

2011-11-06T15:10:00.000+02:00

Kickstarter is a website where one can support creativity and new innovative projects in a whole new way. Anyone can upload a project, advertise it and the community can support you by funding it with small donations (starting from 1 dollar). This way ideas can get a kickstart in getting a business running. Kickstarter is not about investment or lending. Project creators keep 100% ownership and control over their work. A project must reach its funding goal before time runs out or no money changes hands. This protects everyone involved. Creators aren’t expected to develop their project without necessary funds, and it allows anyone to test concepts without risk. Cool huh?!

Etchpop is one of the projects I supported. If these boys reach their goal, they will set up a website Etchpop.com that will offer custom laser engraved woodblocks for handprinting your own greeting cards, save-the-dates, wedding invitations and personal stationary etc. My question would be that could their wood carvings be used also on fabric?? Watch the video below and these boys will tell you more about it. I wish them the best of luck with their project!

Cable cap

2011-11-06T12:10:00.000+02:00

Frankenstein denim

2011-11-05T23:45:00.000+02:00

Frankenstein denim jacket. Cut the other sleeve off and bleach it. Sew it back on. Also bleach the collar. Add hand sewn details to seam and collar, plus safety pins to shoulders.

Oyster Daily featuring Rachel Rutt shot by James Nelson.
Via The Fashion Spot.

Leather and Blues

2011-11-05T19:27:00.000+02:00

Denims with a raised waistline, waist bands sewn on top of another and dyed black. And a denim overall sewn by combining a denim shirt and light weight jeans. The waistband is first removed and them shirt hem sewn onto the jeans.

"Leather & Blues"Photography Peter Stangmayr.
Via Fucking Young.

DIY fake tattoo by Tim Kiukas

2011-11-05T18:22:00.000+02:00

DIY fake tattoo by photographer Tim Kiukas:

1. Sketch the image onto paper or print it out.
2. Transfer the image onto a piece of baking paper with a pencil.
3. Swipe some deodorant onto skin and press image down (it will be mirror image).
4. Draw the image with pro markers.

DIY details - Cable ties

2011-11-05T17:55:00.000+02:00

The "fringes" on this jacket are cable ties. Brilliant! They are removable but can be only used once unfortunately. If you don´t have a colorful jacket to pimp up, try a colorful mohair 80´s sweater.

"It's My Party"
model Querelle Jansen
photographed by Ben Toms
Dazed & Confused October 2011

LOVE AESTHETICS | by Ivania Carpio: DIY | Last Minute Cut Out Skirt

2011-11-05T17:26:00.000+02:00

LOVE AESTHETICS | by Ivania Carpio: DIY | Last Minute Cut Out Skirt: heels Topshop Unique (old) Ivania can really DIY and style it in a hurry!

Copy this

2011-11-05T15:27:00.000+02:00

If I ever get round to making a trashion underwear line that needs a catalogue, this is the way to do it. I freaking love old office copy machines. They are just cheap fun and perfect for some old fashioned DIY photography. Just in time for company Xmass parties... Photos via Vice, (don´t click the links/photos or scroll down if you don´t want to see bare boobs and butts..).

"Copy Sluts" by Maggie Lee, Stylist: Annette Lamothe-Ramos '
Stylist’s assistant: Grace Florez, Hair: Shane Tison, Makeup: Emi Kaneko using Makeup Forever

DIY plaid cape

2011-11-05T13:40:00.000+02:00

As I was just saying... This plaid cape is a no-sew 10 minute DIY (clothes!) project by Erica from P.S. I Made This. DIY clothes project at it´s simplest and finest.

The TODAY DIY Style Week

2011-11-05T13:14:00.000+02:00

Lovely and clever DIY projects from The TODAY DIY Style Week. But almost all of them are accessories, mostly jewelry..?! I suppose refashioning clothes is still a marginal area in DIY fashion compared to jewelry and accessories. Maybe I´m just having a bad morning but this brings me down even though I propably should be happy that a major tv-programme is featuring DIY fashion for a week. The Today show had a brilliant line up from Kristen Turner of Glitter 'N Glue to Geneva Vanderzeil of A Pair & A Spare and Erica Domesek of P.S. I Made This.. and they complitely blew it by choosing these projects. These crafty superstars can do and have done so much more than accessories. How are fast fashion fanatics supposed to change into a more sustainable wardrobe by using DIY if they are mainly showed jewelry and accessory projects?? This is lazy journalism. Blaaaaaah.

Fuck. I should finish my DIY book. The DIY fashion community obviously needs it. It´s going to be 90% clothes and only 10% accessories including jewelry. Maybe I´m just mad cause I´m working too much and having too little time to do the book.

It´s kinda funny. If one is not happy with the way things are, you MUST DO IT YOURSELF.

Yup. This is a shitty morning. Sorry..

Trashion furniture art by Thomas Wold

2011-11-05T12:06:00.000+02:00

Finally I found out who is the artist behind my favorite interior inspiration photo!! These are made from recycled furniture by artist Thomas Wold. Stunning works that look amazing at home or in any shop. Check out also Thomas's blog where you can see more pictures of the making-off phases.

Fashion impact

2011-11-05T10:08:00.000+02:00

I know there are even more things that I could do to make my life greener (like stop smoking..), but clothes is something that I know, so for me it has been an easy place to start. As you can see from the chart below, just buying clothes that are made from organic cotton, does not contribute much to the green movement (about 10%) although ad-men would love to convince us otherwise... This is the reason why cheap fast fashion brands that have try to clean up their image by lauching a small "green collection" every now and then do not get me jumping up and down from happiness. It is pure green washing for the brand. Instead you should have a good look at your own closet and the ways that you use to clean up and keep your clothes. Consumer care amounts to almost 30% of the enviromental impact of your fashion consumption. That is the same amount as manufacturing impacts. It really makes a huge difference what laundry detergent you use and the way you take care of your wardrobe. I use Ecover (ecological) and soapnuts (complitely organic) for washing mine. Especially the soap nuts have been a positive surprise. They are 100% natural so they do not have a chemicals that could cause alllergies or bleach that fades colors in my clothes. I use them mostly on my denims as a lot of them have elastane and chemical detergents destroy it. I have also reduced the amounts that I machine wash my clothes. Instead I try to use them as many time as possible and take out to freshen up. Washing laundry less contributes to your community directly as it effects the water and energy use of your home. I buy most of my clothes second hand which actually is a type of "locally produced". 20% of the enviromental effects in the textile industry come from logistics. Second hand clothes usually comes from near by communities so the logistics effect is minimal compared to imported clothes. Second hand clothes are recycled so the effect for raw materials and manufacturing is 0%! And if I feel like doing some impulse buying, I always go shopping from vintage and second hand to keep my fashion addiction at an acceptable level. I do buy some of my clothes and shoes new, but when I do, I make sure they are from quality materials and with a classic design (in my personal taste) so they do not break fast and I can keep using them for many seasons.

Check out the Household textile enviromental impact calculator the next time you inventory your wardrobe (yes, you should do that!). I do this clean up at least twice a year and take out all the clothes that I have not used in a year to UFF, Fida or other charities like the nearby asylum seekers centre in Helsinki. This way if I´m not using them they are recycled fast so someone else is still able/willing to buy them while they are still in fashion.

"From the design board to the tumble dryer, textile manufacturing has a huge environmental footprint. It pollutes as much as 200 tons of water per ton of fabric, uses a suite of harmful chemicals, and consumes tremendous amounts of energy for steam and hot water needed in dyeing and finishing processes. Compounding this situation is the fact that the industry has migrated to countries abroad with still-developing environmental regulatory systems, such as China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, seriously degrading local drinking water resources. Starting in China, the world’s largest center of manufacturing, NRDC’s team visited more than a dozen textile mills and selected five ‘typical’ dyeing and finishing mills for in-depth pollution prevention assessments. The assessments revealed ten simple, practical, low-cost, and quick payback opportunities to reduce water, energy, and chemical use." From Environmental Challenges of the Textile Industry - NRDC (Case study China).

Although their message is clear, I think the NRDC missed an important recource is this video - recycled materials. They already exists in the market, are locally recoursable and If we´re going to keep consuming so much, they must be officially harvested better into textile business. Make them a fashion business!Top photo Jeannene Walker.

How´s it hanging?

2011-11-03T00:22:00.000+02:00

The next time you shop at a United Colors of Benetton store, you might notice the clothes displayed on a new type of hanger – not plastic, wire or even standard wood.. Now they are recyclable! By replacing its global inventory with a lightweight “liquid wood” version, the Italian label expects to contribute 600 fewer tons of plastic to the environment in 2011 alone. But the eco-friendly hangers, which are 100 percent biodegradable, are only part of Benetton’s long-term sustainable goals. Since January 2010, Benetton has also made its customer carry-out bags more eco-friendly. The paper for the bags is sourced from sustainably managed forests, and the ink is non-toxic and water-based. The company also plans to expand its use of organic cotton, as well as source its paper packaging from Forestry Stewardship Council-certified mills. .. Benetton, I´m proud of you!
Via Ecouterre.

Walter Raes Avant-Garbage

2011-11-02T22:31:00.000+02:00

Recycled fashions are not always pretty. Making a dress out of black rubbish bags or food packages hardly qualifies as fashion.. Admit it, you would not wear that shit?! It is not trashion or fashion. It must have a sence of style and design. It must be Avant-Garbage. Belgian-born London-based sculptor and artist Walter Raes is capable of using old objects to create stuff that you could picture on international fashion week runways and in the pages of some of the world's biggest fashion magazines. So far, he's created a bomber jacket made out of old Timberlands, a fringe dress from cable ties, and a whole outfit out of old bike parts. Very GaGa looking stuff. His works are usually based on multiples which means that he takes large numbers of the same item and makes them into one piece. Check out Walter´s interview at Vice.

Via Vice.

DIY color block pants

2011-11-01T20:43:00.000+02:00

Color blocked clothes, styling and accessories were a major trend the past summer. Honestly ..WTF? made a tutorial on how to transform your old basic chakis into a color block inspired pair that was spotted on Tommy Ton in the streets.

How is it done? The most popular theory for combining colors is called the rule of two-thirds. How you achieve the rule of two-thirds starts by making an equilateral triangle (a triangle with 3 equal sides) on the color wheel… From there, you pick two of the three colors that the triangle touches. These colors will almost always harmonize together beautifully. Neutral colors and metals (beige, white, gray, black, gold, silver, copper) are not marked on the color wheel, but they pretty much go with anything. Also choosing a bold or neon color with one of these neutrals works well.

Examples:
Cobalt Blue + Yellow + Orange
Chocolate Brown + Pink + Peach
Purple + Bright Blue + Teal
Deep blue + bright pink + White
Coral + Grey + Ivory

Zipper jacket

2011-11-01T07:43:00.001+02:00

Many designers have done the horizontal zipper jacket in the past seasons. I can´t even remember who started it in the first place.. Was it Givenchy? In any case it still looks good and is a DIYable jacket refashion project!

DIY Sequinned shirt

2011-11-01T00:34:00.000+02:00

The festive season is soon here and sequins rule in partywear. Get a piece of sequinned fabric and sew it on the upper bodice of a shirt.

Knitting inspiration - multicolor hand spun yarns

2011-10-31T22:32:00.000+02:00

Just when I wrote about the Isabel Marant SS12 fabric yarn knitwear, Free People posted in their November catalog about this gorgeous (multi-colored hand spun threads) maxi fringe poncho which is made of Indian leftover yarns. They also have these multi-color striped sweaters in their Fall collection. Absolutely stunning. Real hippie chic. I have not seen stuff like this at second hand shops in ages, so I guess the only way to get one for yourself is to knit it. The wool thread version is definitely something for the winter, but I´d keep self made fabric yarns also in mind for next spring. You can buy hand spun wool yarns at Etsy or take a few secondhand sweaters and unravel them to get your wool threads.

I love slogan t-shirts

2011-10-30T23:12:00.000+02:00

I loooove slogan tees. Usually they are so corny, but this one is just beyond awsome.

Via Fuck You Very Much.