Radosevich - I spy DIY style: smart ideas for transforming wardrobe basics into fashion statements

Copyright 2012 by Jennifer Radosevich All rights reserved.
Published in the United States by Potter Craft, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.
www.pottercraft.com
www.crownpublishing.com POTTER CRAFT and colophon is a registered trademark of Random House, Inc. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Radosevich, Jenni.
DIY style : find fashion you love and do it yourself / Jenni Radosevich.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-0-307-58714-5 (pbk.)
1. Dress accessories. 2. I. Title. II. II.

Title: Do it yourself style.
TT649.8.R33 2012
646.3dc23
2011034318 ISBN 978-0-307-58714-5
eISBN: 978-0-307-58715-2 Design by Jenny Kraemer and Jenni Radosevich
Photography by Jamie Beck
Step-by-step photography by Jenni Radosevich Cover design by Jenny Kraemer
Cover photography by Jamie Beck v3.1

Trends come and go quicker than subway cars, and many times that must-have look can leave you with maxed-out credit cards. I say: Find fashion you love and do it yourself! Instead of breaking the bank for the trend du jour, grab some simple supplies and re-create it for less. Youll be amazed at what you can do with a few buttons, some fabric paint, or a piece of ribbon. My love for DIY style started at a young age with an obsession for fashion magazines. Torn-out pages covered my walls and ceiling, and a collection of issues was stacked high in my closet. I kept a box labeled inspiration in my bedroom filled with tear sheets of the designer looks I adored and dreamed of imitating.

High fashion wasnt something I could always afford, much less find, in Midwestern department stores, so I began to shop at thrift stores, sew, and embellish my own versions of the chic pieces I coveted. My first custom creations werent always perfect: dresses from sewing classes were often a little lopsided; clothes I borrowed from my moms wardrobe were too big; and my tie-dye/puffy paint phase was a little too, well, bright. Over the years, through trial and error, I learned a few clever tricks and techniques to make clothes and accessories that I lovedand that got me many compliments. I was ecstatic over the response I received when I confessed that I made it myself! My fascination with fashion and magazines eventually turned into a career. Living in New York and working at InStyle magazine, I am surrounded by the same type of breathtaking designs I idolized as a youngster. The only thing that hasnt changed is that many of these fashions are still out of my price range.

To remedy that, I still turn to my trusty glue gun, needle and thread, and jewelry pliers to re-createin an affordable waysome of the gorgeous styles I see in the magazines and on the runway. I always include DIY pieces in my outfits, and it is gratifying when coworkers take notice. InStyle asked me to do a Personalize Your Clothing story in one issue, and the reaction was overwhelming. From there, my website, I Spy DIY (ispy-diy.com), and a monthly do-it-yourself fashion column in the magazine were born. Being able to connect with others who share my passion for budget-friendly fashion has been absolutely amazing. I Spy DIY Style is a go- to guide for girls who want to get the look on a budget. I Spy DIY Style is a go- to guide for girls who want to get the look on a budget.

Ive scoured the fashion landscape to bring you the most stylish DIY ideas. Red carpet celebs, designer runway looks, and classic iconic styles are my inspiration. Ive taken my favorite clothing and accessory trends and turned each into a simple, step-by-step, do-it-yourself project. If you are looking to give clothing in your wardrobe new life, I have also included easy projects to refashion basics, such as a tank top, black flats, and a button-down shirt (). Top designers, including Erin Fetherston, Rebecca Minkoff, and Rachel Roy, contribute ideas on how to put a personal spin on what you wear; InStyle Fashion Directors share tips on making style your own; and fashion and DIY bloggers model each project and spill some of their best-kept secrets. And because this is all about upping your individual style, remember that the projects in the book can be customized in endless ways.

Have fun and feel free to improvise. Once you get the techniques down, I have no doubt youll be spotting and creating your own DIY style in no time!

DIY style is not just about re-creating a look; its about putting a personal touch on what you wear and, in the truest sense, making the trend your own. It gives you a chance to breathe new life into something that you might otherwise send to the donation bin. A little embellishment, a few strategic snips, or some simple sewing can give your piece a much-needed makeover. It makes you think more creatively . Dollar stores, flea markets, and hardware stores become treasure troves.

Copper piping becomes a Cynthia Rowleyinspired necklace (). DIY is a great way to try out a trend without spending a lot of money. Invest in basics, and accessorize them with affordable and of-the-moment projects. When a project turns out the way you envisioned, the sense of accomplishment is incredible, and the first compliment you receive will leave you beaming.

DIY style is all about experimentation and creativity so there are no set rules, but before you dive into making wearable projects, there are a few basic materials and words of advice that will help ensure success.