FabSugar

She's Crafty: New Buttons, New Jacket

FabSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:00:22 -0800

What to do when you have an old jacket that is still Fab, but has gone drab? No need to be dramatic and rid of it, just take another look and see how it can be revived. This was what I did with a 5-year-old DKNY olive green jacket. When I first got it, I wore it to death. Ever since, it has just sat in my closet, with old memories to keep it company. The reason I loved it so was because I realized an olive green jacket pretty much goes with everything. It can be utilitarian, sporty, chic, or just plain casual. The neutral hue works for both Summer and Winter, and it doesn't go out of style.

I knew my old faithful could be revived. What I love most about this jacket is these complex seams along the back and shoulders - I would never tire of those. So I started with the sleeves, and simply rolled them up, for a more distressed style. What really stood out as an eye sore was the drab buttons; these pale green medium sized buttons just camouflaged with the fabric. I thought if I simply changed the buttons - something even I know how to do - the jacket would be refreshed.

To see the process, and to read the rest of my jacket salvation story, read more.

The jacket has a slight safari feel, so I immediately thought tortoise buttons would be perfect. I adore the marbleized design of tortoise, and, like the jacket, I find it goes with a lot of colors and styles. This decision was made even before I got to the fabric store.
Britex Fabrics in San Francisco is awesome. They had oodles of tortoise buttons to choose from; it was not an easy choice. I ended up choosing a nice flat tortoise button. The grand total ended up being less than $10. But I was sure to bring the jacket with me, so the salesperson could see what size button I was looking for and so I could imagine the new look. Also, the jacket has four buttons, but I bought one extra in case my sewing skills ever fail me.

Thread. I needed an olive green that would match the jacket. After a quick visit to my parents house - my mom used to sew so she has like every color - I found the perfect little spool of olive green. I was almost ready to take on my project.
Tools. The only tools I needed were a needle and a seam ripper. If you don't already have a seam ripper, I suggest you get one. They come in handy for projects like this, sewing mishaps, and opening closed pockets.
Labor. One evening I went to work and surprisingly the jacket button switcharoo only took a half hour. It was easy to align the new buttons because there were already holes in place. I just started at the top, removed the old button and any residual thread, and sewed on the new button. You can really see the difference the button makeover made! New buttons, new jacket.

In times of a fashion recession, and with the holidays right around the corner, I know the financial bind many of you are in. By simply rejuvenating something you once loved, you can have a (semi) new piece of clothing. Never underestimate the big power of the little button.

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Fab Finding Follow-Up: Fabric Hunting

FabSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:00:22 -0700

I recently gushed how cool it is my mom is getting back into sewing. She already knits me amazing scarves, hats, and ponchos, but now she can make me clothes. And costumes! Her first project is my Halloween costume (stay tuned on more details pertaining to that). Last week we went to some fabric stores to look for faboo fabrics. In an ideal world, I'd be carrying this Lanvin Amalia Quilted Tote ($1,475). It's nice and roomie for all my patterns and sewing stuff. Let's see what you found for me . . .

Sarahab145 took things to the next level of cool with these hot Forever 21 booties and Miu Miu chunky knit cardi.

To see the others, read more.

Nikkeeb went the crafty route - the box rings are totally fresh and her mix is just so eclectic.

Draping queen maria212134 showed us a dramatic yet cozy ensemble; the owl earrings are too cute.

Come Fab Finding With Me: Fabric Hunting

FabSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:30:22 -0700

How cool is this: my mom is getting back into sewing. She already knits me amazing scarves, hats, and ponchos, but now she can make me clothes. And costumes! Her first project is my Halloween costume (stay tuned on more details pertaining to that). This week we're going to some fabric stores to look for faboo fabrics.

I'm thinking of wearing something crafty and, in an ideal world, I'd be carrying this Lanvin Amalia Quilted Tote ($1,475). It's nice and roomie for all my patterns and sewing stuff.

Let's go Fab Finding. Be sure to come back and tell me your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with Fabric Hunting. Now, you can build outfits by creating your very own widget of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits, and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks, too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when completing your Fab Finding missions. Learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one. And here's a detailed explanation of bookmarks from GeekSugar.

To see some of my favorite online stores, read more.

FABTV: INXS "Suicide Blonde"

FabSugar — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 09:22:22 -0800

I have a friend who is a suicide blonde. You know the type: wild blonde hair (usually bottle), hard partying ways, crafty clothes and always misunderstood. She can't help herself, she's got so much creativity it's sweating from her glands while she's taking over the dance floor. She always arrives at the party right before it climaxes and she always leaves before it gets ugly. She's got it, but it also gets her into trouble. She's always on the edge and the cutting edge. As sad of creators as they are, the world needs suicide blondes. They are muses to some - obviously the foxy-himself Michael Hutchinson of INXS and thus this song and video. Here's to troubled, but fabulous, suicide blondes everywhere.

Look of The Day: Sushi in Soho

FabSugar — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:59:08 -0800

Two things I love: 1) sushi, and 2) Soho - one of NYC's best shopping neighborhoods. These two are a recipe for fab outfits, as demonstrated by kerrib and her Sushi in Soho outfit. A very unique combination, she is today's Look Book Look of the Day!

Here's what she is wearing:

Corduroy Jacket: H&M
Top: Vintage scarf used as top
Denim skirt: Banana Republic Premium Denim
Brown boots: Aerosoles
Necklace: Jest Jewelry, San Francisco

Love the crafty touch of the vintage scarf as top - nice work kerrib!

Congrats to kerrib!

Everyone else, submit your looks today and I just might feature you on FabSugar! Do you live overseas and have fab outfits to share? Join the Overseas Fashionistas Group and to submit a Look in this group learn how to post a blog.