DIY

Denim in Distressed

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denimindistressed6[Photos by NR]

Top: ASOS crop top | Bottoms: DIY distressed vintage shorts (coming soon to KTRcollection online store)| Jacket: Free People | Shoes: Valentino Rockstuds pumps | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Glasses: Dior cat eye

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I love my short shorts denim cut offs but sometimes it’s great to just kick back in loose fitting over-sized shorts. What’s awesome about these is they are loose and comfy yet sits snug on your waist. It’s so easy to throw on and run errands in or just lounge around the house. The best thing is I can put on a pair of heels and call it a night out!

I actually made these shorts for my booth at the SJ Jazz festival where I was a vendor (reviews and my opinion on that soon :)… Have you ever tried making something with the intention of selling but ended up keeping about 5-6-7-8 of them? Yeah, that’s kind of what happened here…But a girl can’t never have enough denim cut offs right?

Garden Party

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sweetgarden6[Photos by NR]

Outfit: KTRcollection Garden Party crop top and full skirt | Shoes: Zara | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Glasses: Dior cat eye | Necklace: Layered pearl necklace (similar here)

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Full on floral has a reputation for being a Spring & Summer print, but with such ruby red velvety colors mixed with gray tones, this mysterious print seems like the perfect transition into Fall. Of course I’m nowhere near ready to part ways with the warm sunny days (I haven’t even got my tan yet!), so I made this outfit with that in mind…Combining the open back details, crop top and light weight material that’s instantly cool against the skin. This outfit is pretty much perfect for day or night, summer or fall and best of all, it can be mixed with pretty much anything!

This outfit can be purchase separately HERE

Where The Wild Roses Grow

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When I first saw this pattern I wasn’t sure what to think… Christmas, Chinese New Year, vintage…so I passed. A few weeks later I visited the same store and there it was again, starring at me from across the room with it’s eye-catching mix of cobalt blue, ruby red and the little dashes of green. The colors are so vibrant, happy and I know right away what I wanted to make…One of my favorite things, crop tops and skirts. :)

I always love combining a crop top with a high waisted skirt, but when it’s done in the same print, it can create an illusion of a dress, with the unexpected break in the center to expose just the right amount of skin. However, I think the best part about a two piece if the versatility of pairing the top and skirt together or separately with other pieces. Gotta maximize each piece in your closet! :)

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Top/Bottom: KTRcollection Wild Roses two piece | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Glasses: Tom Ford Nikita cat eyes | Bracelet: Michael Kors

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It’s been a while since I held a contest so here is one for you guys! Good luck love bugs!

To enter for your chance to win this customized two piece set crop top and pencil skirt  please use the Rafflecopter below:

1) Log on either via facebook or with your email address (your email will not be public, it’s just for me to contact you if you win).

2) Enter the options provided. (Tip: The more options you enter, the more chances you’ll have to win when Rafflecopter automatically picks a winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One winner will be announced on Friday, August 9th and will be contacted via email for measurements.

Pleated Love Affair

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I’m a huge fan of statement pieces (especially with beautiful semi precious stones) so it was naturally love at first sight when I laid eyes on EselviDesigns handmade jewelry by Shainery Vargas. Most of Shainery’s designs are bold and vibrant with a feminine touch of delicate wiring details that makes each piece unique and one of a kind.

 

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Top: H&M stripes blouse (similar here and here) | Bottoms: DIY pleated (faux) leather skirt (tutorial HERE) | Shoes: Valentino rockstud t-strap black pumps | Bag: Milly | Accessories: ASOS wide band ring set, Amelie wire bracelet c/o EselviDesigns  | Glasses: Giorgio Armani

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I recalled mid last year my girl Sabby of RougeSpark and I searched high and low for the perfect black leather skirt. We seriously went on a mission (no joke) and even ordered numerous skirts online, only  resulting in returns because we refused to pay $500 for this Alice + Olivia skirt which we really loved. All we wanted was a nice quality little leather (or faux) skirt that’s affordable, but for some reason, it was nearly impossible at that time (pleated leather skirt recession I’m guessing).

Well you know what they say…when you can’t find something, just make it. Ok, I’m not sure if anyone actually said that but it sure gave me that extra push. I have to warn ya, the fabric was stubborn to work with especially through the sewing machine, but if you’re patient, you can get exactly what you want for under $25, it’s your labor of love and you can save the money to buy more shoes! :)

See my Skirt DIY Tutorial HERE

The “Husband Jeans” + DIY Tutorial

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If you love having the option of choosing your own color, design and like to save some cash, DIY’ing is a good option… It’s super easy to do in a few simple steps and you’ll only need 4 things to create this look (no sandpapers or tedious tweezing needed, just cut, throw ’em in the washer and finish off in the dryer!).

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Top: American Apparel crop top | Bottoms: DIY distressed Vintage denims (contact me if you’d like to purchase a custom pair) | Shoes: Aldo silver cap toe pumps | Fedora: H&M | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff studded bag | Accessories: Knuckle wire rings thanks to The Hatters, onyx 14k gold ring (similar for less here), Alexis Bittar ‘Miss Havisham New Wave’ Cuff, Cara leather wrap bracelet, 

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Growing up, I watch my mom struggled to take care of my 3 brothers and myself as a single mom who moved to the US without knowing a lick of English other than “hi” and “thank you,” but she managed to raised us well and do everything herself. Perhaps I got this quality from her, seeing life as a do-it-yourself project…..or maybe I just hate spending $150+ on a pair of jeans that’s destroyed.

I love the BF because they seem so comfortable but it was always difficult finding a pair to fit my body. Usually they are way too tight to be boyfriend jeans or way too baggy. Then I realized those mom jeans that I turned into distressed high waisted shorts last year would make the perfect Boyfriend jeans (pre-cut). Since these were originally high waisted mom jeans with a little diy twist, I’d like to call these “The Husband Jeans.”

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Head to your local thrift store and look for a pair of “mom jeans.” Mom jeans are usually high waisted and have a really long zipper. Don’t worry if the overall fit is not perfect. As long as it fits your waist and hips, it’ll work! Also, don’t forget to check the men’s section as sometimes you’ll find these pants in the smaller men sizes there.