DIY Life

Yep, our friends at Holidash even have you covered this Halloween. Whether you're a lover of DIY or a lover of TV (or perhaps a lover of John Krasinki, which is ... umm, every girl I know), Holidash has a tip for your 'The Office'-inspired costume. Which character will you be this year?

Read on!

It seems everyone I know has a love/hate relationship with The Office. I'm on the love end of the spectrum, perhaps because I'm living vicariously through the show. After all, I work in my pajamas at the kitchen counter, so wouldn't it be fun to channel my inner office employee for the day?

For me, that day is October 31st, where I plan to trick-or-treat with a few friends as our favorite characters from The Office. Want to see the list?:

Jim Halpert
Wear: Harness your Halloween look with 3-hole punched Jim, or go as everyday Jim with a long-sleeved Oxford shirt and tie.
Carry: A messenger bag and your heart on your sleeve.
Finishing Touch?: A perfected Stanley impression and a few emergency packs of Jello.

Pam Beesley
Wear: An outdated work outfit, preferably button-up and longer skirt. Oh yes, and loafers.
Carry: A 6-pack of Mixed Berry yogurt.
Finishing Touch?: A half-up permed hairdo and plenty of harnessed flirtation.

Michael Scott
Wear: A business suit and receding hairline.
Carry: An unhealthy affection for your boss, Jan Levinson. And, of course, keys to your Sebring convertible.
Finishing Touch?: Add a spare head on your shoulder to harness Michael's Halloween look.

Dwight Schrute
Wear: A yellow, short-sleeved Oxford shirt with a mismatched tie, brown slacks and glasses.
Carry: A grudge against your nemesis, the 3-hole punched paper, Jim Halpert.
Finishing Touch?: Pit stains. You didn't grow up on a beet farm for nothing.

Kelly Kapoor
Wear: Anything from Bebe.
Carry: A perfectly-coordinated clutch purse to match your well-manicured nails.
Finishing Touch?: Grab a random guy and make out with him. You know, to make Ryan jealous.

Lumberjack luxe is all the rage in the fashion world these days, and although I haven't yet skipped on board, I do see the appeal. After all, who wouldn't want to be swathed in flannel all winter long? Luckily, CraftyStylish has a new way to make a formerly plaid and pathetic frock work for you -- by turning it into a chic little vest number!

Ready for the 11-step tutorial?

1. Take off the pockets.
With a seam ripper, carefully remove the pockets and pocket flaps. If the shirt has manufacturer registration markings from under the pocket, remove them.
2. Remove the arms.
Use scissors to cut off the sleeves, leaving the seam behind. The seam will prevent the vest from fraying too much after washing.
3. Cut off the top.
Remove the top of the shirt, just below the back yoke. Use the lines in the plaid to help you cut a straight line across the back and front.
4. Measure and mark the tucks with chalk.
For each side of the shirt, determine how many tucks will take in the correct amount of fabric. A 1⁄4-inch tuck takes in 1⁄2 inch of fabric.
5. Sew the tucks.
For each tuck, fold the fabric along the chalk line so the wrong sides are together. Sew 1⁄4 inch away from the fold to make the tuck. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each tuck.
6. Sew the shoulder seams.
Turn the vest inside-out, and pin the shoulder seams (right sides together). Then try it on, and reposition the pins to adjust the fit. The length of your shoulder seam determines the size of the collar. With right sides together, sew a 1⁄2-inch seam allowance; make sure that all of the pin tucks point toward the center of the vest.
7. Finish the neck.
Sew a 1⁄2-inch seam allowance around the edge of the neckline. This will prevent it from fraying too much after washing.
8. Secure the collar.
Remove two buttons from the leftover sleeves or the top of the shirt. Fold the collars down at the neckline to determine where to place the buttons that will secure them. Hand-sew the buttons.
9. Cut out the pockets.
From each sleeve piece, cut out one 6 1⁄2-inch by 6-inch rectangle on the bias.
10. Fold the pocket edges.
Turn down the top edge of each pocket 1 inch, and press. Turn under the sides and bottom edge of the pocket 1⁄2 inch, and press.
11. Sew the pockets in place.
Pin the pockets on the vest front, making sure that the edges of the pockets are aligned with the plaid on the vest. Sew 1⁄4 inch from the edges along the sides and bottom of each pocket.

DONE! Now that's what I call lumberjack chic!

1980s music and '80s-style skinny jeans have popped back into fashion of late. '80s-style home decor trends have most definitely not. So if you've recently purchased a home that retains an '80s interior, or if your old house needs a style makeover before going on the market, check out these tips from MSN Real Estate on how to de-'80s your home.

The fastest and most budget-friendly way to de-'80s a space, say MSN's style gurus, is to completely rid yourself of the dreaded "Miami Vice" color palette. The hues now considered waaay outdated are hunter green, salmon pink, gray, and teal. Next, upgrade your light fixtures, particularly anything with a shiny gold (fake brass) finish or anything involving etched glass.

Next, replace outdated bathroom medicine cabinets and faucets. If you don't have the time or budget to replace the entire medicine cabinet, at least pull the old one out and hang an attractive mirror over that spot. Next, upgrade the faucets at your kitchen sink. There. The whole house looks better already, doesn't it?

You know how it is: gals with straight hair envy their curly-haired friends, and ladies with straight hair wish they could have bouncy ringlets. As a member of the curly-hair club, I've always envied the people I know whose stick-straight hair looks terrific first thing in the morning -- and doesn't go frizzy at the first sign of humidity.

After years (and years, and years) of trying to wrestle my locks into submission, I've learned to embrace the corkscrews and go with the flow. With a little patience, you can learn to love your locks, and here are some of the best tips I've found:

This can be a great way to source out a rare vintage find, or expand your collection of designer handbags without shelling out the big bucks. Keep your closet fresh this spring by getting rid of stuff you don't wear, and swapping them for things you will. And needless to say, this is a great way to find those rare pieces you've been coveting for your next DIY fashion creation.

[via: Lifehacker]

What are we trying to achieve when we express our individual style? I'm typically looking to show off a bit of my own flair, letting the world in on who I am and what I'm about. Adding one-of-a-kind accessories is a great way to do this.

If over-sized diamond-encrusted initials aren't your idea of personalized style, then this recycled book handbag might be just the expressive piece of fashion that you're looking for.

There isn't much that says more about us than the books we read and the classics we've enjoyed. Take one of those old favorites, and turn it into a funky handbag. I'm excited to try out this project because it looks relatively straightforward, and the final handbag is sure to be a piece that gets people talking.

Scrounge the thrift stores for a copy of your favorite book, or find an interesting classic. Match it to your fabric of choice, and some purse handles. With these personalized pieces, follow the instructions in the video, and enjoy your newest and hippest accessory.

I always cringe when I throw out an empty bag of chips, and not just because I'm mourning the emptiness: those shiny packages seem like they could be re-purposed somehow.

Well, here's how... Make a chip package patch. Instructables contributor Wocket fuses recycled material and original fashion to create this project.

Along with an empty chip bag, you'll need double-sided fusible interfacing, some backing fabric, a sewing machine with thread, scissors, and oil based paint.

The instructions and accompanying pictures will give you the general idea, but there is lots of room to exercise your own creativity and make a piece that is uniquely you.

Gradient tights (also known as "dip-dyed" or "ombré") have been hot on the fashion runway in the recent past, making notable appearances at Prada and Lacroix; other clothing that fades gradually from one shade into another, in a few large, diffuse stripes, will also be visible this spring and summer.

Jennine, of the style blog The Coveted, badly wanted a pair of ombré tights, but found that the rare pair she could find were too expensive for her to justify the purchase. Instead, she treated a pair of light-colored tights to a home dye-bath.

A simple special process is used, so if you're interested in getting this look, read more about it after the break.

What do knitters do as the weather begins to warm up? Well, it seems like most avoid knitting 100% alpaca sweaters (garments that may be too hot on even the coldest of days: there's a reason alpaca is usually sold as a blend!), and switch to smaller or lighter garments like cotton-blend sweaters, fancy socks, and feathery lace shawls.

The new Spring issue of Knitty, released on Tuesday afternoon, is all over that concept. The patterns this time around are, taken as a group, the most attractive I've seen from this magazine in a while: I don't think there's a dud in the bunch.

I'll discuss a few of my favorite patterns, as well as a few good articles, after the break.

The advantages of full skirts are obvious. They spin and twirl in a delightful way, and have been in style for the last few summers, usually in the form of a ruffled peasant skirt. Even when they aren't fashionable, they can be useful for all kinds of dance (salsa, flamenco, swing, modern, belly), as well as for costuming.

If you have basic sewing skills, they're incredibly easy to make. There are two popular ways to create a very full skirt: make a circle skirt, or make a gored skirt with wedge-shaped panels.

To make a circle skirt, in the most simple terms: draw, on fabric, a circle the circumference of the intended wearer's waist, then another circle as far outside of it as you want the skirt's length to be. (If that doesn't make much sense, think of a "bull's-eye" pattern.) The result is a typical circle skirt. The interior circle is the waist, which will need a waistband, and the exterior circle is the hem, which will need to be finished.

Getting the best possible results is a little more complicated than that. For more circle skirt tips and tricks, as well as everything you need to know about gored skirts (and a few useful pattern links), please join me after the break.

It's nice that, on the same day that snow -- and plenty of it -- came to my little corner of the Midwest, a new issue of Knitty arrived to soothe the chill. So I made some cocoa, and some English muffins with jam, and sat down to see what's on offer this time around.

Amy Singer, Knitty's founding editor, says that this issue is "all about sparkles and warmth and making things for yourself and the ones you love." There are also a large number of new designers in the Winter issue.

We'll talk about some of the highlights after the break.

I know it's coming. I'll act surprised. I may even try it on and model it for family around the tree. I'll take it home, write a polite Thank You card and quickly stash it on the top shelf; home to all the other tacky Christmas sweaters from all the other years of thoughtful handmade gifts. While I'll probably need to keep at least the last two years on hand in case I ever need to make an appearance in one of these fashion sweaters, I can put the rest of them to use in creative ways. Here are a few ways that I found to re-purpose them. Add some of your ideas in the comments.

1. Make a sweater wreath
   The festive sweater wreath turns your old sweaters into a holiday wreath. Cut the sweater into squares. Feed a wire wreath through them and pack it tight. Christmas sweaters usually have bright colors which will look great on this recycled wreath. The article suggests giving this as a secret Santa gift, but having just written about choosing the right one, I have to give that idea a big NO.
   
   
2. Throw a tacky sweater party
   When you get together with friends this holiday season don't just host a cocktail party, host a tacky Christmas sweater party. Give your friends a reason to show off their latest sweater gift and sport your own at a tacky sweater party. You know you secretly love the flashing red nose reindeer on your sweater, so here's your chance to wear it with pride and have fun!
   
   
3. Give them away
   You'd be surprised at how many people are looking for tacky Christmas sweaters. Many of the want ads even specify tacky as one of their criteria. People might need it for a party or project of their own. They'll likely start out by checking the local thrift store which is always in need of warm clothes anyway.

Which one is your favorite?

The iPod case has become a fashion accessory of its own. If you're looking for a cute, custom, handmade case then follow this tutorial and craft your own. The felt case has buttonhole stitching and is adorned with a precious sheep character. The great thing about these tutorials is that you can follow it exactly or use your own creativity. Add your own characters and change the colors for a truly custom look. You can make one to match every outfit! Once you've made one for yourself, make them for friends and stock up as stocking-stuffers.

You'll find all the materials and instructions in this easy to follow tutorial.

Lots of people seem to be wearing bandanas on their heads lately. I've noticed many soccer players wearing them in the cooler weather to keep a little bit warmer on the field. If kids aren't quite ready to trade in their ball cap for a toque, then a snug fitting bandana under the hat should keep them warm. Choose your favorite piece of cloth or buy a bandana with your chosen pattern. Tying the bandana is a simple task that still gives many people difficulty. Learning how to tie a bandana will make sure you get the best look.

How to tie a bandana

1. Fold the bandana diagonally making a triangle
2. Position the flat edge at your hairline (or wherever you want it to sit)
3. Tie the corners at the base of your neck with a square or granny knot. Watch out for stray hairs!
4. Adjust the positioning
5. Tuck the corners in

It might take a few tries, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be putting it on in no time. Enjoy your new look, and remember, bandanas aren't just for cowboys anymore.

The stores are getting all their new winter coats in, and depending on where you live, it's almost time to bundle up. With so many beautiful coats it's hard to choose one that will suite you just right. I am forever noticing long sleek jackets on women and commenting on how attractive they look. When I get to the store and try that same style on myself, I look like a child in my mother's coat. Certain shapes are flattered by certain coat styles, and the wrong fit can highlight all the areas we're looking to hide.

Coat Check - Beat the chill with a coat that flatters explains which coats are right for which body shapes. If you have a pear shape figure, you'll want to look for a coat that balances out proportions. A belted trench will work well for you. You can find this cut in everything from khaki to fur; you'll have no shortage of style, just stick with the most attractive fit for you. If you have a boyish figure, you'll want to choose a feminine cut, with distinct lines that hold their own shape. A princess cut pea-coat or a 1940's inspired wrap coat will be stunning on you.

Have a look through their suggestions and consider which style best fits you. You can take their recommendations on cut, and translate it to fit your own personal style, be it sporty, classic or business. There is something for everyone, and since you'll be spending a lot of time in this coat, loving the way you look will make a big difference.