PFC #19: Trend Benders (and some AFD IDIM Adventures).

   
     I had this post set up for a different day but decided to use it as my Petite Fashion Challenge #19 post instead. It's a PFC and IDIM Adventure all rolled into one. The Challenge is hosted by Angie from Pandaphilia and here is what she has to say:

Trend Benders. Pick your favorite Summer or Fall 2012 trend and make it work for you, whether it's going all-out, incorporating it into a professional outfit or using it in moderation. For example - how would you bend this neon brights trend into something in sync with your personal style? Challenge yourself - you might even take something you think would never work on you and get creative! Extra brownie points if you can use your trend in more than one look.

    A huge fashion trend going on right now is prints, particularly printed denim. Many women absolutely go crazy for  polka-dots. I don't mind a little polka-dot here and there but I'm not head over heels for it. My weakness? Stars. I saw these Current/Elliot print skinnies and my eyes almost popped out of my head:

from Net-a-Porter

   But $218 for a pair of denim that is only a passing trend? Not likely. So I took it upon myself to do some DIY-ing. I took an old pair of denim (actually they are brand new, but I got them as a gift and have never worn them), a star print stamp that I purchased from eBay for ~$2, and a white ink pad by Versacraft purchased on Amazon:  

      Here are the jeans before:

After: 

   The process of stamping didn't take long. Just press the stamp into the ink pad with a good amount of pressure and then press on to the denim with your stamp. Make sure you practice on a scrap of paper to make sure you know how much pressure to apply on both the ink pad and on the item you are stamping. When done, iron over to set the ink. Use any color that you want. Gold would look amazing. I just used white.

   At first, I tried to make all the stars perfectly straight and lined up because I'm OCD like that. But after a few stamps, I realized that not only was it easier, but it also looked better if they appeared a bit randomly placed. Of course, do what you like. If you make a mistake such as put two stars too close together, you can simply scrub it away with a cloth and water and a bit of soap BEFORE you set the ink with the iron. So make sure you are happy with everything before you set! Now, if you only want the stamps to be temporary, don't set with heat at all, and it will all wash away with some water and detergent.

   And now for the photos you all came here for (denim had yet to be washed and worn so they were a bit stiff to peg so that it looked effortless):

Blazer: Talula by Aritzia Exeter Blazer (Size 0, Black)(similar).

Denim: Denim by Victoria Beckham (very old) (similar grey pair here)

Scarf: Love Quotes Knotted Tassel Scarf (Mallard).

T-shirt: AE Favorite V-neck T (size S, White)(similar version). 

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch (Silver).

Bracelets: Natasha Leather and Stud Bracelet from TJ Maxx, Unknown brand Leather and 
Chain Bracelet from TJ Maxx (see similar), Silver Bangle (similar here).

Booties: Jean-Michel Cazabat Viena Booties (Black suede, size 6).

Ring: Le Chateau (similar).

   Fun! I actually think I could have made the stars a bit closer together, but otherwise, they turned out pretty well. I don't usually partake in short-lived trends, but this will definitely help satisfy my obsession with stars for at least as long as the trend lasts. 

    I proudly showed my finished project to my dad asking, "Aren't these cool??"

   Dad: "Cool. But wouldn't they be cooler if the stars were maple leaves instead?!"

   Me:  =/ 

   Here is another version of star-print denim by AG as inspiration using smaller stars (or if you want to purchase them, they are on sale):

    Check out the other PFC entrants here!