The ’80s eyes are back, learn how to build the smoldering, shadowy eye seen all over the runways recently.

By far the best purchase you can make right now. 100% customizable Converse. With over 13 pieces of remixable sections, it’s not only the perfect get out of work activity, it’s also down right addictive.

Our dearest friend, and DIY guru, Alex Chapman talks about his style choices, fashion inspirations, and life in general.

Yep, looks like a good Saturday night to me…

Check out how to DIY a version of the Lanvin necklaces from the AW10 season

I’m loving these heavy metal necklaces seen in Lanvin’s F/W ‘09 show..think they’ll be big this fall?

Plan B has come out with their own recycled jewelry, in the same heavy metal form.  I love how chunky it is, this just screams DIY.

LINK LOVE: Outsapop

Ever since they came out I’ve been stuck in a non-stop drool fest over these amazing shoes. But since (for a number of reasons) I’d probably never even SEE a real pair of these, I decided to go on a quest to make some inspired by those gorgeous, oh-so-expensive and oh-so-sold-out Chloe Studded Ankle Boots.

I’ve documented my journey for you to enjoy and even replicate if you have the patience… and if you don’t check out my Etsy shop where I’ll make you a custom pair with YOUR design in the size and color of your choice!

Materials:

*3 bags (300 pc.) Gold Heavy Duty Studs size 20 (found mine at Kit Craft)
*Leather 3 Buckle Ankle Boots (found mine at Revival Clothing)
*2? thick Wooden Board
*pliers (rounded nose works best)
*hammer
*small flathead nail
*scissors
*tape
*thin permanent marker
*metal thimble
*printed paper design
*1/2? thick by 1 1/2? wide wooden board cut to taper at one end

The Process:

A little backstory on my materials: The boots I chose have the similar 3 buckle configuration to the Chloe ones and are handmade from Revival Clothing. They are surprisingly SUPER comfortable and durable for being “Renaissance period” shoes. As far as the studs go, after much research I found these Heavy Duty Studs from Kit Kraft which were the only ones small enough and with prongs thick enough to make it through leather.

STUDDING THE STRAPS:
Step 1- Place the 2? thick wooden board on a flat sturdy surface (for me I just worked on the ground in my garage). Then take the 1st strap you’re going to work on and place it over the board
Step 2- Starting at the tip of the strap, press the prongs of the stud into the leather to make indentations to make a guide where you will hammer in the nail

Step 3- Take the nail and place it over the indentations you just made. Hammer it in until you feel it go through the leather and into the wood

Step 4- Push the stud through the holes you just made with the nail, take the pliers and fold the prongs over and into the leather.

Step 5- *For added stability* take the pliers, place them over the top of the stud and the closed prongs and squeeze gently to bend the prongs further into the leather

Step 6- Repeat “Step 2? with the next stud and then “Step 3?, “Step 4? and “Step 5? (I placed mine every 5 – 6cm apart) working your way up to the base of the strap
Step 7- Repeat “Step 2?, “Step 3?, “Step 4? and “Step 5? consecutively with the next straps until you are finished (make sure to leave room on each strap for the buckle to go through one of the holes… I made it so mine would be able to slip on and off without having to re-buckle the straps)

STUDDING THE TOE:
Step 8- If you haven’t already done so, take your 1/2? thick board and cut the end to taper so it will fit into the smallest part of the shoe’s toe. Then cut the board to the length of your shoe so you can slip it inside the shoe.

Step 9- Make a paper pattern of the design you want on your shoe. Then either print out two of the same or flip the pattern to have a mirrored effect (for me, I used Illustrator to mock up the workable area of the toe and used the circle tool set to a 6cm diameter to act as the studs)

Step 10- Take the paper pattern, cut it out and tape it to the shoe in the position you want. Then poke holes in the design in the center of each circle and mark them on the shoe through the hole with the permanent marker.
Step 11- Once you’re done marking for all the studs remove the paper pattern and put the 1/2? thick board you cut into the shoe
Step 12- Repeat “Step 2? by pressing the prongs into the leather (with the prongs evenly spaced around each marker mark) to make the indentations

Step 13- Repeat “Step 3? by taking the nail and placing it over the indentations. Make sure the wooden board is underneath where you will be working inside the shoe and hammer it in until you feel it go through the leather and into the wood

Step 14- Push the stud through the holes you just made with the nail, take the metal thimble on your finger and (while holding the top of the stud with another hand/finger) fold the prongs over each other and into the leather (I find it helps to have the prongs parallel to the toe and heel of the shoe… it makes it easier to fold them since you don’t have much leverage)

Step 15- *For added stability* take out the wooden board, place the the thimble inside the shoe underneath the newly closed stud and hammer lightly on top to bend the prongs further into the leather
Step 16- Repeat “Step 2?, “Step 3?, “Step 14? and “Step 15? consecutively with the next studs until the design is finished

STUDDING THE HEEL CAP: (very difficult)
I found this to be the most difficult area because there’s no easy way to hold the board in place while you hammer so do this at your own risk…

Step 17- Repeat “Step 2?, “Step 3?, “Step 14? and “Step 15? at the back of the heel consecutively and with the next studs until the design is finished

Post via Cult Indie, written by Alyssa Zukas

I love these DIY boots, and Kate’s bring red hair. I saw that shoulder-padded dress at H & M and seriously considered trying to pull it off, which I think she does wonderfully. Black is really easy to work crazy accessories with, and she’s killing it in this.

See this and more on Kate’s Lookbook

We’ve composed a list of the twenty five most stylish people we know under twenty five (well, a couple are “25″). Influences, creatives, or just plain crazy people, here’s Fashion Indie’s take on who to know, and who we wish we were as stylish as:

Celebrities-

Rihanna- Ri’s been really stepping it up lately. She’s got a wide range of looks, and is starting to find a world of her own when it comes to her style.

Lady Gaga- Everyone knows she’s crazy. Lady Gaga is definitely changing the views of fashion right now

Taylor Momsen- Are you surprised? You know we love her.

Emma Watson- The young HP actress is growing up! And looking hot at every event, if we do say so ourselves.

The Olsen Twins- They’ve been in the fashion eye for awhile now, and now that they’ve got some of their own lines, they always look awesome.

Zoe Kravitz- Lenny’s daughter! This teen has been making a lot of appearances lately, and looks good!

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Models-

Chanel Iman- Our favorite model to follow on Twitter. Chanel is so adorable, and has really awesome style (check out those boots!)

Tallulah Morton- She’s all over the Cobra Snake (in a Cory Kennedy way), and always looking fly.

Cole Mohr- This is for you Kirby.  Cole brought boyish and grunge to the fashion forefront, for models anyway. Plus he’s incredibly handsome, which definitely isn’t a bad thing.

Ethan James- Ethan is being seen more and more on the fashion scene (Milan fashion week, H & M, tons of editorial spreads), and has a similar look to Cole. I actually went to high school with this Ford model, and he’s been the most stylish guy I know since he was 15.

Jethro Cave- Pioneered the half-shaved head. LOVE those hanger tattoos.

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Fashion Personalities and Party People-

Alexa Chung- Whether she’s dressed to kill or wearing denim cutoffs, Alexa Chung is always on top of her game.

Chloe Sevigny- Great designer, great style icon. I’m in love with her buckle booties, which she is seen wearing a lot, paired with skinny pants or cute dresses. Definitely a hipster style icon.  We know she isn’t exactly under 25, but she’s been around for so long as a stylish designer to know, and like our moms, is one of those women that turn 25 every year for the rest of their lives.

Peaches Geldof- This social always looks gorgeous (as do all the Geldofs), for events or on the street with her fake fiance.

Aaron Kolfage- Fashion Indie’s favorite party host and dear friend, Aaron always looks fierce on Friday nights at Ruff Club. He dresses with such creativity, I haven’t seen anything like it anywhere else. This weekend, Aaron was wearing a giant tulle bowtie with a brooch in the middle, and I was mad jealous. Aaron gives us Midwesterners hope for being incredibly stylish, he’s from Michigan!

Fashion Bloggers-

Pelayo of Kate Loves Me – This guy, and his girlfriend, both have killer style. He wears some of the craziest things I’ve ever seen (including Louis Vuitton mesh tights!), and has perfectly coiffed hair at all times.

Lovisa The Intern- Lovisa Drever is all over Lookbook.nu, but I know her from Waffles + Falafels (who even briefly carried a shirt with her photo on it). She’s got a killer sense of style and can pull anything off, plus adds to the crazy personalities of W + F, who are some of my favorite people.

Six Six Sick Girls- These hosts and bloggers DIY matching outfits for their events, which include everything from red wigs to elbow gloves. They not only have a crazy (and matching) sense of DIY style, they also post some (literally) sick stuff on their blog.

Kirby Marzec- Fashion Indie’s own managing editor, Kirby not only knows everything about every designer, and what’s going to be hot next season, but she also isn’t afraid to pull it off. Whether it’s drop (to the knee) crotch pants, DIY ripped tees, or metal vests, you can be assured that Kirby will wear it, and she’ll wear it damn well.

Jazzi McG- We had a half hour long talk the other day about how much we love Jazzi’s blog, and her style.  A queen of DIYing and always dressed perfectly for the occasion, she’s definitely one to watch.

Tavi of Style Rookie-  Tavi is no rookie, maybe in the way that ‘Rookie of the Year’ becomes a professional baseball player, Tavi dresses better than some veterans of fashion.

Camille of Childhood Flames- Another not-even-legal fashion blogger showing that you don’t have to have a career to be fashionable, this sixteen year old is a pro at mixing designer goods with things we can afford, and is also taking advantage of the DIY world.

Lucas Logan- This 18-year-old from LA is all over the internet, model/blogger (Stylish Kids In Riot)/designer, Lucas is California’s newest ‘It’ Kid, braces and all.

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Musicians-

Uffie- I mean look at her, in.sane.

The Veronicas- I’ve followed The Veronicas since I was in high school, and their style has definitely evolved into rocker chic. They always look good separately, and even better together, on stage or off, and aren’t afraid to take risks.

Today i stumbled  upon Jazzi McG’s blog, which features a unique mix of her personal style, current obsessions and inspirations. It’s great to find a blog that successfully mixes these, not to mention the valuable tips that Jazzi has for any one who is/aspires to be a successful fashion intern. Having interned for Teen Vogue, Fashionista, Vogue and as a freelance stylist assistant Jazzi certainly knows a thing or two about interning. Her site has such a fresh and professional look with a French Vogue inspired layout (see above) and I love love her style. Check out Jazzi’s blog to get the inside scoop on some unique DIY’s that won’t hurt your wallet, the inside scoop on styling and some Rihanna-esque glow in the dark nails.

Last month I raved about my love of these super cool Paper Heels and now paper clothing is showing up in all these beautiful, architectural incarnations. This paper fashion is making its mark in Antwerp at the Mode Museum and in Petra Storrs video, that can be seen at the source. For all you DIY lovers, dresses might be out of the question but paper fashion accessories such as pins or jewelry seem like they would be totally wearable.

SOURCE: Fashion 156

After yesterday, everyone knows that Fashion Indie loves Marc Jacobs, but what else do we love? Hardware jewelry. The DIY expert Chic Steals shows us how to make this runway piece in her own way:

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- large piece of stiff black felt (8.5″ x 11″)
- black thread
- decorative thread or staples in gold (check the scrapbooking section of the craft store)

- 1 decorative button
- heavy-duty gold snaps (2 sets)
- gold soutache braided trim
- 1 heavy-duty jacket zipper (black with gold teeth)
- gold safety pins (1 large, 15 small)
- clear, flexible plastic (like from a vinyl tabletop cover)

- snap setting pliers/hammer+die for the snaps

- stapler

- needle
- felt or fabric glue

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1. MAKE THE PARTS Cut the felt into 2 abstract, oblong flower “petals” 2 flower “petals”. To make the triangle-shaped petals, cut the plastic into 2 diamond shapes. Cut the zipper into 3 lengths, each piece measuring 10″ long. Fold each length in the center to make a rounded petal shape; secure the inside with 2 gold staples (or hand-sew stitches in decorative thread).

2. MAKE THE CUFF AND BASE From the felt, cut out the base of your flower parts: a circle measuring approximately 1.25″ in diameter. Then cut a 2″ wide strip that is long enough to go around your wrist plus a 3/4″ for overlap for the snaps. Use snap-setting pliers (like Dritz), or hammer and die to set 2 snaps (and their counterparts) into the ends. Because they are strong, we chose shanked snaps; alternatively, you could use sew-on snaps.

3. ADD THE EMBELLISHMENT Using a needle and thread, hand-sew your parts onto the felt base. Start with a felt petal, then a zipper petal, then a plastic petal in a corkscrew design; repeat, attaching each new petal on top of the previous one. Wind the braided trim in and out of the petals in a figure-8 pattern, securing in the center with a few stitches. Then hide all of your stitching with a button sewn into the center. Pin safety pins haphazardly around the edge of one of the felt petals; thread 10 smaller pins onto the larger pin and attach. Complete the look by adding yet more staples or decorative thread.

4. ATTACH BASE TO CUFF Glue felt base to the center of the cuff. Secure further by sewing around edge of the circle base with decorative thread.

To let the cuff rock out on its own, wear with something demure…or do a full-on Marc Jacobs style, with a nipped-in shrunken jacket, mismatched obi belt, super-long denim pencil skirt, and teeny porkpie straw hat set akilter.

Still have questions? Email me at CarlyJCais AT FashionTribes.com. Otherwise, happy DIY-ing!

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I’m so excited to try this DIY, I’ll let you know how it goes! 

SOURCE: Chic Steals

This project has been a couple weeks in the making, and I apologize for the lack of DIYs but I’ve been confined to my bedroom and doing nothing but watching season 3 of the OC, ripping up a 5-pack of vnecks, and spending a lot of time with my new seam ripper and sewing kit.  Making the “perfect” destroyed tee is very hit or miss, you make one mistake and it looks like you tried too hard (too much scissors, not enough ‘I didn’t try to do this but it still works’).

I got a 5-pack of Vnecks for about $11, a seam ripper for $2, pack of safety pins for $2, and a small sewing kit for $2.  Here’s what I came up with:

This was my first attempt. Someone left their vneck tee at my house, and I decided I wanted a new shirt to wear. One small snip along the seam of the neckline, and I ripped the neck out by hand. This is very difficult to control, but is a much better option over scissors. I then cut the sleeves off very deep, and tied the back together with a small string I made from the scraps.

Second attempt, this one is a lot more controlled. I cut the scoop neck shape with scissors and let the fabric curl on its own. I cut the sleeves on their seam line, and then cut the left side down to a thin strap.  With the right, I twisted it tightly, and then secured it with an old chain I found from a broken necklace.  I wrapped the chain around the twist a few times and then knotted it.  It isn’t completely secure, but enough to keep the twist in tact. I also ripped the hole with a seam ripper.

This one is really easy.  If you liked the cropped tee look, just chop off a tshirt just below your waistline, so that when it curls up it will be right at your waistline.  I then used a seam ripper and ripped the neckline from the middle until I was about halfway to the shoulder. I then took safety pins and pinned the neckline back to the shirt.

This one was kindof a forced accident. When I ripped the neck after cutting the sleeves off, I almost tore the straps I had just made, so I had to use scissors to make sure I didn’t break the strap, and then I tied the loose ends around the straps in knots.  I cut the sleeves very deep and wide so there was only a small strip in the back, and then took one of the scraps and cut it into a long strip and began wrapping it around the strip I had just made so that when I reached the end the strings were equal on both sides, and then I knotted them and let the extra hang down.  

Now for the difficult, still in progress work:

Shredding is a lot harder than it looks.  As I’ve figured out so far, you take a seam ripper and snag a thread, and then use the seam ripper to force the strands to unravel.  It’s very tedious, and I haven’t quite figured it out enough to share, but am still working on it.  I’m thinking a video in the days to come would suffice?

Cheap Monday’s Spring/Summer collection is a DIY lovers dream: ripped shirts, bleached jeans and tape as an accessory. 

SOURCE: Coute Que Coute

I want to go to this event SO badly. For all you DIY fanatics (in NY, of course), Urban Outfitters is hosting an event to teach you all the ins and outs of being a great DIYer.  Space is limited (60 spaces) so reserve your spot quickly, and they’re also featuring a contest for VIP spots, email tmgong@gmail.com with a photo of your best DIY project and what the art means to you, and you may be one of the lucky 10! Hope to see you all there!

SOURCE: Six Six Sick

So you probably remember how we lusted over the A-Morir by Kerin.Rose chain sunglasses sold by Patricia Field, but we can’t all afford those…I know I can’t. We’ve decided to implement a new column here at Fashion Indie, where we show you how we DIY our favorites over the weekend. Here’s our take on the glasses:

A bit less glam (I couldn’t find rhinestones anywhere), and a bit more flashy, but I think I did this design justice.  Here’s the steps to recreate my weekend project!

MATERIALS:

-A lightweight chain, about a half in thick(I got this one from Rebecca, but St. Marks or Chinatown is great for them)

-A pair of sunglasses, these were $6 in St. Marks. It works best to have glasses with a flat top, so that you can glue the chain in a straight line.

-Super glue, you can get this at any drugstore and it’s only about $3

STEPS:

Disclaimer: This project is NOT easy. Be SUPER careful to not get superglue on your hands, or on the lenses (I learned this the hard way, nail polish remover can take it off).  If I were to do this project again, I’d suggest putting tape over the lenses just to be sure you don’t glue them.

1. Put a thin layer of superglue on the top of the glasses, where you will be gluing the chain, this way the chain can bond to the glue, as opposed to the very difficult feat of gluing it to the smooth plastic

(you are now the first witness to the mess I created while trying to make these…)

2. Start to glue the chain links together, where they would naturally fall. I glued 5 together to begin to form a straight line, this also makes it a lot easier to control individually glueing the rest of the links on.

3. Once you have a few links together, glue your section to the middle of the glasses. When the chain is laying flat there are small oval-shaped flat sections, you want to put the glue on each of these sections and hold the chain to the glasses until it completely dries (around 30 seconds).

4. Begin to individually glue on the rest of the links.  Continue to glue using the flat parts of the links, and if they are not staying secure, try continuing to glue the links together.

(glue the links together where each one points)

5. Continue to glue each link until you reach the edge of the glasses. It’s really important that each link is completely dry before you move onto the next one, or else they’ll just fall off and you’ll have to start over, and let me tell you, that’s really frustrating.

6. Let your glasses sit overnight before you wear them, even though they seem completely dry, you want to make sure nothing will fall off before you debut them. And if you aren’t confident enough to wear these super-flashy glasses on your face, try wearing them as a necklace:

What do you guys think? Send us pictures if you decide to DIY these glasses, and tell us more projects you’d like to see in upcoming weekends.  Also, any tips to make it easier for you, feel free to share. Do you like the pictures, or want to see videos?

UPDATE:

Outsapop reblogged this DIY, and let me in on some new info! Amber Rose was pictures in Paris months ago wearing Chanel chain sunglasses, and after scouring Ebay I found them!  They’re vintage, so they’ve been around long before Kerin Rose or Fashion Indie’s DIY project, but are currently bid at over $850, so this is an even further lust for our readers. Regardless, lust on:

Bid on them on Ebay

Another Update: These glasses were originally around years ago by Mercura, which I’ve found out through chains and chains of emails. Here’s their site, and if there are any other designers that claim this is their design, talk to each other, not me. I’m not a designer, just an arts and crafts kid.

This clutch is available at Whistles, but Outsapop plans to make it herself.  DIY culture is quickly gaining speed yet again (maybe thank the recession?), and we sincerely appreciate the creativity at fashionindie.  We’re even considering starting our own DIY section, letting our readers know how to make their favorite designer pieces for next to nothing.  What do you guys think of the idea?

Rack and Ruin  DIY-ed this Alexander Wang bag (the real deal seen on MK Olsen). Think this project is a fail or hail?

SOURCE: Outsapop