DIYs & Tutorials

However, they never did my small frame any justice. That’s why, after a reader from my blog in Spanish requested a tutorial for turning pants into cuffed shorts, I decided to chop these off.  Here’s what you need:

As reference to the final length of the shorts, I used a pair that I already had with the length I wanted. I used a ruler and tailor’s chalk to make my first marking, on the wrong side of the pants:

Next, I marked 3 inches below my first marking.

This second marking is the line you will cut through. You can pin both sides of the pants together in order to cut them evenly.

Now, fold them upwards (still wrong side up) along first marking you made. Iron the fold flat:

Fold another half inch towards the inside of the fold; The result is a 2.5 inch hem. You can use the tape measure to make sure the hem is even, and use pins to keep it in place.

Now, the fun (and sometimes most difficult) part: sewing! Sew a straight stitch along the very edge of the fold.

Once you’ve finished sewing, your hem is officially done. Flip it towards the right side, heat press with the iron, and the backwards hem is now a cutesy cuff.

This is what it should look like:

The pink, dotted line is where the straight stitch is visible (inside the shorts). If the fabric is somewhat flimsy, secure the cuff by sewing the sides of it to the shorts, and maybe a few stitches center front and back.

I did it all with my sewing machine, but it can be hand sewn as well.

The final result:

Worn with thrifted corset and red blazer from Tiendas Carrion

Not frumpy enough for Annie Hall, but frumpy enough for some lovin’. ♥

Hope it wasn’t too hard to understand. Feel free to ask any questions!

This post includes a DIY ribbon bib statement necklace and a rant about the fun of shopping for handcrafting supplies in La Ceiba. I know, I know…there’s plenty of DIY statement necklaces on the www already, but this one’s pretty cool. Trust me.

Here’s the thing, there’s only ONE major supply store in La Ceiba, so when shopping it must be done expectation-free. What to do:

You make a TO BUY list to bring with you, knowing half the things you’re looking for might not even be there. In a way it’s good because it forces you to be creative. Once you’re there, you take a number. Stand behind the counter. AS MUCH AS YOU WANT TO JUMP OVER THE COUNTER DON’T DO IT. Browse quickly. Don’t make people wait! The ladies who will attend you are really nice, but it’s always crowded in there.

To-buy lists aren’t effective for me, though. I always end up buying random things because they stock up on really cool weird thingies (stored in food containers). If I’m lucky enough to catch them with my eye, THEY’RE MINE.

Draw the shape of your necklace on paper to use as the pattern. Place it over felt and cut two pieces. Buy ribbon and buttons or steal them from grandma’s clothing. I did a square shape with my ribbon, to fit my pattern, by flipping triangle shapes until it was formed into a square shape…I have NO idea how to explain this properly. Pardon me.

The rest is mad easy, I just hand-sewed a bead to the center of my ribbon square on top of the sheer ribbon strips and then on to one of the felt pieces.After that, I glued the other felt piece to the first one right after I had added the long ribbon that would be tied around the neck.

To finish it, I carefully zig-zagged them together with my sewing machine so I wouldn’t catch the ribbon, and it was dunzo. Ohhh, and don’t forget to slightly burn the ribbon edges before you assemble the necklace so they won’t fray .

My sis is keeping this necklace, she looks smokin’ with it…and she knows it! That worries me sometimes.

 As for my personal style, dark and gloomy days it has been. I’ve been going to a school where I have to wear jeans and flats and it’s poopy. On weekends I RUN back to my skirts…I literally run.

I haven’t even been able to do any thrift shopping lately, either. I did get these glittery gold á la Dorothy shoes for like 50 lempiras (less than 3 dollars) a loong time ago when shopping with Lutfi.

By the way, I went to the Fashion Week Honduras event last weekend and had a pretty good time, but I’m still debating if I should post about it or not. For now, I leave you with a Fall inspiration picture I took in front of grandma’s house…the sir was quite the gentleman. Hooray for tiny flower prints, earth tones and plaid, flat caps!

I posted something similar on Part I, but I’ve learned a couple more and figured I should share.  The subject thrills me! I’ll share some of my finds as we go. Take note, however, that I’ve only tested these tips in my town and I’m not sure if they can be applied anywhere else.

1. In most stores, items are priced at moment of request. So don’t be surprised if the salesgirl scans the item, rolls her eyes and then adds an “ehhhh” before the numbers.

Striped tee: thrifted. No big deal but I like it in all its faded glory.

2. Never EVER show excitement no matter how wonderfully the vintage Dior gown shines in the midst of dust, boxes and fraternity t-shirts! Bite your tongue if you have to! Why? Keep reading.

3. Barter, barter BARTER! Do business like you’ve never. If it doesn’t work the first time, pretend you weren’t even THAT interested in the item…point out the defects, perhaps even walk away! If you showed any excitement for the piece beforehand, prepare to do the ugly…pay full price ! If the price is still too high for an item that’s too “weird” (according to locals, anyway) leave it. Come back a couple weeks or months later and the item will still be there and…oh yes…in the 10 lempira (less than a dollar) bin! This last part at your own risk.

4. This should’ve been the first one: dress comfy. Flats, nothing too fancy or ostentatious. You’ll fall in the “This one’s rich, an eye for a top!” category if you do otherwise.

Velvet vest: thrifted. Necklace: vintage, gift from grandma.

5. Prepare yourself. For what? A serious arm & back workout, cockroaches (that might sweep up your arm at some point), soar throats caused by dust, and the occasional attitude from salesgirls.

 

Now, enjoy ladies! Enjoy the salesgirl’s grin as you pay for the hideous item she thought know one would ever buy. Enjoy knowing that she has no idea how good you’re gonna look in the silky Moschino skirt as soon as you fix the zipper.