Karl Lagerfeld Advises Frugalistas

"Never use the word cheap. Today everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes. There's good clothing design on every level today. You can be the chicest thing in the world in a t-shirt and jeans. It's up to you. Don't use inexpensive clothes as a screen for your personal doubts. Be proud of yourself and not only because you wear expensive designer clothes. They are great, but lots of people are happy without them. You come first, the clothes later. Reinvent new combinations of what you already own. Play with it. Improvise. Become more creative." - Karl Lagerfeld Thanks to my Mum for sending this my way. It's the perfect way to think about your closet (and life), no matter what your budget.

Make Your Own Floral Lei!

We had our first house guests recently, and I decided to try my hand at lei making.

I gathered the gorgeous pink and white plumeria from our backyard and strung them on some sturdy thread with an embroidery needle. You could use any hearty flower with a solid center. Some leis are made entirely from petals, but I imagine they take hours to create. It took far more blossoms then I supposed, but the fragrance and color were wonderful, and it was a fun way to welcome them to the Big Island!

Here's a bit of lei etiquette you may not know. When you are finished with a lei, you should never throw it in the garbage, as that represents tossing away the love of the giver. Instead, put your lei in a place where it can return to the earth. I like to hang mine on trees in the garden.

What about you? Have you learned something new recently?

Reinventing Shoes with Costume Jewelery

Have you ever used shoe clips? I remember seeing them a lot as a kid- they usually involved grosgrain ribbon and big pearls edged in gold rope. Suffice it to say, they were not elegant. But, pick the right pair and inject a little whimsy into your wardrobe and freshen up a boring pair of shoes.

Forgive these "stupid pictures of feet". It's darn hard to take a photo of shoes you are wearing! These are vintage earrings that I didn't wear much, so I simply hot glued them to a pair of shoe clips and...

I think it makes these retro inspired heels (snagged on clearance at Target this summer for $6.95!) just right for spring. Here's to re-invention! Have you found new uses for old things lately?

Reinventing Jewelery

I've been doing re-configuring some of the pieces in my jewelery collection, and have been quite pleased with the results.

I bought these two charm bracelets in Shenzhen, but both were starting to look a bit shabby, so I thought I'd combine the two.

I combined the charms onto the silver link bracelet, added a few rhinestone encrusted beads from the odds and ends I had on hand. I think the result is much more polished and wearable.

Ditto with these lovelies- fine, but perhaps a bit tarnished and dull looking.

Now reinvented into a cheerfully jingling charm bracelet...

and a keychain worthy of Helen of Troy. Have you re-invented anything lately?

Make Your Own Frilly Valentines

I wanted to do some cool Valentines this year using things I already had on hand. These babies were the frilly results! It was really a simple project- just a bit of glue. P.S) Have you seen the love notes Julia & Paul Child used to send out in lieu of Christmas cards? Valentines Day was their thing!

Here is a little photo tutorial. So simple, I don't think I'll bother to include written instructions. Here's what I used:

Petal Envelopes

Scalloped Circle Card

Heart Shaped Paper Doilies (the ultimate Valentine Cliche, try the supermarket!)

Dye cut flowers (I bought mine on clearance at Vile Michaels but you could cut your own or use a punch.)

Silver Skeleton Leaves (Merci Sarah!)

Flat Backed Rhinestones

Glue Stick

Elmer's Glue

I only glued the center so the lace would rise off the card stock to create a layered effect.

Mine are available at The Fab Miss B if you don't want to make your own! Are you planning any surprises for your Valentine?