When my favorite cousin mentioned that she was cutting her hand-me-down mink coat into a vest, of course I asked for the scraps. Inspired by my DIY Christmas gifts, I decided a fur snood would be perfect. Although very easy to create, the documentation process was hell. I got a few decent pics but they didn’t tell a good story. Guess it’s time for me to move on to videos…

How-To:

• Cut the fur into a rectangle approximately 12″ by 36″.
• Place the fur right sides together along the length of the fabric and pin.
• Once you have sewn this seam, confusingly flip the scarf inside out a few times in order to properly connect the ends. o_O

Since I love you guys and I know those instructions make absolutely no sense at all, I found a youtuber that used a similar method. Check it out here.

Call PETA if you want. But this is softest, warmest thing on the planet. I finally broke out my new moto jacket last weekend to hit the streets for shopping and dinner. The snood was an awesome compliment to the look.

|Wearing|
Zara Moto Jacket (similar)| J.Crew Button Down Blouse | BDG Jeans | Free People Tall Boots (similar) | 3.1 Phillip Lim Satchel

Although Philadelphia Style Magazine only publishes 6 issues per year, they do an awesome job of promoting them. They have a release party hosted by the cover celebrity to launch each issue. These are my kind of people. Good food and great people. And boy am I glad to be on their invite list. Check out a few snaps from the winter issue launch party that I attended last month.

I absolutely died for this look. I smell several DIYs coming on. I’m still coming out of my holiday induced fashion rut. Bear with me.

On the cover: Josie Maran, model turned makeup mogul.

You would think that I’d have a clue when it comes to interior decorating.  It entails combining complimentary colors and prints with interesting textures to create an attractive silhouette.  Executing this is second nature when it comes to wardrobe styling.  Interiors?  Not so much.  I know a striking interior design when I see it, but putting it together on my own is always a challenge.  Remember the holiday event I attended a while ago?  It was held at thee most amazing venue. The lobby of the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia is “styled” to perfection.

I know, the color scheme is eccentric to say the least.  But everything is in its proper place, leading your eye from one object of interest to the next.  This is an amazing collection of pieces.

I’m totally inspired to step my game up.  I plan to move soon, and I want the living area to make a statement. Beautiful enough to shoot in but comfy enough to lounge in.  Is that too much to ask?  I suppose I should start looking for great decor accessories and furniture with the same mindset I have concerning my wardrobe.  Anything timeless, made of good quality and an impeccable fit steals my heart.  I know you guys have some budget friendly home styling secrets. Fill me in!

So yeah.  I took some time off.  It felt great spending time with family and friends, enjoying life and catching up on some much needed sleep.  It’s a new year and you’re probably hoping to hear some resolutions, but… I don’t make resolutions.  The idea of proclaiming a lot and accomplishing little gives me anxiety.  Instead I discretely make goal lists that coincide with the direction I would like to see my life move towards.  I include various aspects of life such as physical, mental, financial, and creative to name a few.  My weekly to-do list then become action steps towards achieving these goals.  Easy, right?  Despite the reprimanding I’ve received from a few readers about my absence, I could not blog until my spirit was moved.  But now that I have my list in tact, all systems are a go.

Discovering who I am, and more importantly, who I am not were major takeaways from 2012.  Looking back, it’s cool to see how my style, photography and design projects progressed throughout the year.

Full posts: Color Blocked Pleating | Two DIYs, One Look | Channeling Boho Chic

Full posts: Black on Black on Black | Camera Couture | In All My Glittery Goodness

Full posts: Holiday Blues | Red Plays Well With Others | Trenched

Before I go, I want to say THANK YOU!  Whether I have 20 readers or 200 readers, every one of you matter a great deal.  The fact that you are interested enough in my shenanigans to check this lil ol page keeps me going.  Your comments, tweets and instagrams often inspire DIY projects, outfit ideas and style discussions.  Here’s to another great chapter…

How is your new year shaping up?  Any big plans?

So…two weeks before Christmas I figured I should get started on gift making. Shopping was out of the question for me this year, so I had to make it work. My hoarder like tendencies actually came in handy this year. I ended up having most of the materials in my stash, which meant I cut my spending down by 90%. WHOA! More money for my shenanigans.

I made my version of minimergency bags along with infinity scarves. Why am I so extra? I had 10 people on my list and I made BOTH for each person. I was sewing till the last minute but it was worth it. My friends and family loved their gifts.

I stuffed the bags with goodies like lotion, hand sanitizer, facial wipes, nail files, bobby pins, safety pins etc.

I loved the scarves. Very powerful, poppy colors that go great with any coat or jacket.

I was in such a rush to get finished that I had no time to document the how-to. I already have requests for more items so I’ll be sure to snap pics next time.

How were your holidays? Did you go the handmade route?

I attended a style event this week, from which I am still editing photos, but I wanted to give you guys a peak at what I wore.  I could not wait to slip into my new purple sheath and black pumps!  I paired them with my favorite necklace, a DIY’d clutch, and Joan Clayton hair.  Easy breezy.

I haven’t pulled out my fringe clutch in quite some time.  But it still looks great and people always ask where I got it.  Hmmm, it may be coming to the store soon.  We shall see.

Sheath Dress (Calvin Klein) | Vintage Leopard Blouse (Similar) | Cream Blazer (French Connection) | Clutch (DIY) | Pumps (Michael Kors) | Link Necklace (Similar)  

P.S.  My black pumps are super comfy.  They are not built for walking several blocks, however I valeted and played paparazzi for a few hours with no problems.  I almost forgot I was in 4 3/4 inch heels.  That’s my type of shoe!

Have a great weekend loves!

So instead of working on my list of projects, I’ve been really into shopping lately.  I blame it on the holiday season.  Anywho, I took stock in my recent purchases and found that I scored to awesome style staples.  Warning: These items that will be repeat offenders in Style Book posts because I love them to pieces.

In the past few weeks I’ve managed to acquire a sheath dress, black legging, button down blouse, moto jacket, and cropped blazer in some pretty great colors.

An old friend recently hit me up on twitter asking how he could help his girlfriend revamp her entire wardrobe.  So I proceeded to give him a few 140 character tips about building a wardrobe based on style staples.  This convo got my wheels turning.  I’m tossing around the idea of doing a year long wardrobe building project in 2013 (What! A daily post! gasp!).  Nothing is in stone, but I know you guys (and every woman in America) are always wanting more outfit ideas with what you have in your closet.  I would love to dispel the myth that buying something new is the only solution to the “nothing to wear” syndrome.

Until I solve world peace work out the nooks and crannies, pass some time shopping similar items.

More Calvin Klein…

So the other day (which happened to be my 30th birthday) I decided that I needed a black leather pump.  Not now, but right now. We’ve all been there, you have the perfect outfit and the not so perfect shoe option.  Of course I realized this in the 11th hour.  I’m thinking “No big deal, I’ll just pop in the mall and grab a pair.”  Yeah right.  I couldn’t find something as simple as a black leather pump?  Well…I was a little picky.  It had to be closed toe, well made, comfortable and the heel height had to be just right, sexy but practical.  I wanted something that would work for an assortment of dress codes, like  job interviews or running around with the girls.  Since I’m officially a grown-up, I wanted to “ball out” so to speak.  So what was the problem?  Black leather is nowhere to be found.

It is the year of patent leather my friends.  I saw many, many patent leather styles that I loved, but that wasn’t the goal.  Patent is classic, but I have to be in the mood for a shiny shoe. Alas, I failed.  I could not find a black leather pump that would walk with me for the next several years.  So I bought the Michael Kors pair above to hold me over.  It is suede, so my search for the perfect black pump continues.

What is all this rambling about?  I broke my #1 shopping rule; never shop in a jam.  Because wardrobe building is a marathon, not a sprint.  Think about it.  You always find things you love when you are not actively looking.  Hit the mall with a specific item in mind and you tend to leave empty handed.  Or worse, we buy something to fill the void and wear it one time.  I suggest shopping at leisure whenever possible.  In front of the TV with a cup of tea.  That way you can bookmark things you like and not feel any pressure to purchase them immediately.  And when the budget allows, you buy your coveted items.  Follow this rule and you will always have something to wear.

Taking my own advice, I bookmarked a few styles I’m interested in.

More Giuseppe Zanotti…

Any similar experiences or shopping rules? Share in the comment section!

Sure, all the major retailers are offering 20 to 50% off of their beloved merchandise all over the net today, but I’m only participating in a few sales.  After all, the real sales begin after Christmas, so there’s no need to go broke today.

20% off – FashionLoveAffairs.com

Black Friday/Small Business Saturday were very good to us so let’s keep the party going with Cyber Monday! Enter CYBER2012 during checkout.

I have 5 designer cuff bracelets in stock that I haven’t had the chance to add to the store.  I want you guys have first dibs. Leave a comment below or email gdanielle@fashionloveaffairs.com for details.

25% off -  Kings Rule Together

A Philadelphia based small business that promotes positivity through fashion.

What’s not to love about this “Queens Inspire Kings” sweatshirt?

50% off – JewelMint.

Check out this post for deets on JewelMint.

Because gold rings never get old, I’ll snag a new one.

$40 off – ShoeMint.

I’ve been waiting for an excuse to order a new pair of shoes anyway.

I love these, but don’t I already have them?

50% off – The Loft.

Now’s the time to stock up on basics like tees and sweaters.

Remember this striped tee? Worn here and here in case you missed it.

30% off – Karen’s Body Beautiful

Why not load up on my go-to leave in conditioner.

So maybe this isn’t fashion related, but don’t forget that hair is apart of the total styling package.  It can make or break any look.

50% off – J.Crew Factory

All of the items we couldn’t afford at regular price have been reduced not once, but twice in this online outlet store.

Plus I’m loving white for winter…

Let me know if you guys find anything cool.  But please don’t go HAM with these sales.  I’m not doing any impulse shopping.  Instead, I’m sticking to items that I’ve been eyeing for months. Good luck out there.

Somehow I managed to put this look together without realizing I was serving all types of Boho.  With the DIY turban on my forehead, slouchy vest, and satchel, I’m ready for Woodstock of ’69.

Let’s talk about these fringe ankle booties I scored courtesy of JustFab during fashion week.  They are super comfortable, which is my top priority for a winter go-to shoe.  Not to mention they go with everything.  I think we all need a basic, low heeled, comfy shoe during the cooler months.  The make any outfit cute and practical.  JustFab has a ton of great shoes and accessories, all for is 39.95.  I was impressed with the selection.

{The Look: Turban | Striped T-Shirt (similar)| Knit Vest (similar)| Pink Denim | Bowler Satchel (similar) | Purple Lip Color | “Jordi” Fringe Booties}

It’s Friday around these parts.  Yay for short weeks!