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Category Archives: diy

Ask Painfully Hip: What the heck should I do with all these oversized men’s shirts?

April 30, 2008 – 11:06 am

Hi Amber and Eve,
My dad was cleaning out his wardrobe and found a dozen button up shirts he didn’t wear anymore. He gave them to me but I don’t know how I could wear them or alter them to make them wearable. They’re pretty large. Do you have any tips?
Thanks!
Ronnie

hi ronnie!
amber and eve passed your question along to me, (because i LOVE to sew!), so i’m going to see what i can do to help you out here. (ps. how lucky are you to get all those shirts?!?! i’m jealous!)

ok, so i’ll admit that i did a little bit of a google search on the topic before i sat down to tackle it, and i have to say that i wouldn’t wish those search results on anyone. one especially fantastic message board was plastered with sentences such as “sow the sides of the shirt smaller and cut off the collier.” (i’m not even sure what a collier is on a shirt…) and fantastic fashion advice such as: “pop the collar, belt it with a wide neon belt, and wear matching pointy toed pumps and black leggings.”
frankly, i’m hoping we can do better than that. i don’t mean to offend anyone and their personal style, but i feel like that look is just… really over-done.

amber had a really awesome idea of cutting out around the collar (collier?) and turning them into poofy halter dresses. since i always have to take things a step too far, my reaction was, “yeah! and what if you left a strip connected to the collar, to make it a t-back?!” you could do this with or without the sleeves.

the main thing you need to figure out is if the shoulders fit. this is the key to wearing any over-sized top without looking sloppy (or like you’re drowning!): well-fitting shoulders. one of my favorite thrift store finds was this over-size silk blouse, that, believe it or not, is marked as an “extra small” because it fits small through the shoulders. (please ignore the walking cast on the foot i’m trying to hide!) because of the fit through the shoulders, i’ve been able to pair it with all sorts of things without looking like i was playing “dress up.” (well… my boyfriend strongly disagrees with that last statement, but i’ve found that the best response to that is “you chose me!!”)

if the shoulders fit, unless you want to drastically change the look of the shirt, you don’t have to do much sewing. if they don’t… well then it might take a little more effort. if you have any experience sewing, you can take the sleeves off, re-size the shoulders and arm holes, and then re-attach the sleeves. you can re-size the shirt by using your favorite fitting top as a pattern (be sure to remember to factor in enough of a seam allowance!). if you don’t really have much sewing experience, you will probably want to get someone to help you with this (or email me and i can give you more detailed instructions).

if you detach the sleeves, sewing them back on can be a lot of fun - you can leave them big and puffy, or tighten them up. you can leave them long, or shorten them to any length - even cute little cap sleeves. right now i’m having a lot of fun leaving the cuffs on, shortening the length to around the elbow, and then buttoning the cuff to make a puff sleeve.

to change the actual shape of the shirt, you can do all sorts of things - you could add darts in the side or vertically, and give the shirt a more feminine shape. you could also take the sides in a bit. you could sew a channel around the waistline a run a ribbon through it to create a draw-string.

styling the shirt is going to be even more of a chance to get creative. you could always go with the popped-collar pointy-toed pump/matching belt look, but i’ve been having a lot of fun trying different things - belt it high with a skinny belt, and then wear something loose and feminine underneath for spring - short bloomers or lacy vintage tap pants, tall white stockings and broken-in over-the-knee boots (or vintage woven flats?). i want to find a mini crinoline and create a very full (short!) skirt look. tighten it around your waist with a belt and roll the sleeves up so you don’t lose yourself in all that fabric! you could leave it loose and full and button a snug-fitting vintage vest over the top, or even try the corset-over-shirt look. one of the advantages to leaving the shirts loose is that you can then pair them up with very feminine pieces and not feel too baby-dollish.

Got a question? Ask Painfully Hip!

keep it green, Local Scene

April 11, 2008 – 1:16 pm

Hey Sacramentans,
Make sure you get outside (say what y’all want about Sacramento, but nothin’ beats our spring weather) tomorrow night for the Green Second Saturday Art Walk in stunning midtown (I’m not sure what they mean by “green,” I have a sneaking suspicion its just an excuse to party on Earth Day, what with the obviously unrecyclable glossy postcards that seem to be advertising it everywhere).

Considering all the pent-up winter blues everyone seems to be just starting to shake, I’m pretty sure its going to go completely unhinged! Besides an endless amount of parties being thrown, there’ll be “green-themed” local artist exhibits all over town and a “green” fashion show at Bows & Arrows including reinvented, screenprinted vintage couture by Trisha of Pretty Trashy, who sells her creations all over the planet and just launched her wicked online boutique!

If you find yourself there, scope me out walking in the show! I love to meet you guys…

UPDATE:
I don’t yet have a head to toe shot (GORGEOUS VINTAGE BOOTS), but here’s the one photo captured of me walking in the show (credit)…

…AND my eyes are closed. Awesome.

By amber | Also posted in art, fashion, painfully indie, painfully personal | Comments (1)

Ask Painfully Hip: Spring Tips for a Tomboy

April 4, 2008 – 8:31 pm

Hi Amber,

My clothes were stolen from the dryer today when I was doing my laundry. It was almost everything I own and almost all of my good things that I wore out to lunches and dinners over the weekend. I have to go shopping this weekend to replace my dresses and jeans and sweaters, since it is still quite cold in England.

Do you have any tips for a tomboyish girl this spring?

Thanks, Morgyn

That is some tough luck. Petty thieves should be strung up by their sticky fingers. I’d be happy to help out a laddish lady in need, even if soon after this letter was written her lost wardrobe was recovered. PHEW! I’ll answer it anyway with my favorite boy-inspired looks for spring. Most of the time I like to dress girly but I notice that tomboyishness is my tendency when I really want to be comfy. Here are my top hip tips (click photos for sources).

Cigarette pants and jeans. Alter some old broken in thrift store jeans (colored or acid washed denim is what i’ve been looking for) into sexy tapered cigarette pants and capris (maybe roll them up a little) to wear with boyishly nonchalant oversized plaid shirts, comfy v-neck tees, crisp white button-downs, blazers, vintage floral tunics, chuck taylors, chunky boots or sandals.

Shrunken blazers and oversized cardigans. For chilly evenings and breezy days play with proportions and get thee to the boys’/petites section of your thrift store for tiny fitted blazers. The trick is to make sure they fit real good in the shoulders or they’ll look dumpy/butch. Then find an oversized cardigan with slightly fitted sleeves. Wear either with the sleeves scrunched up over girly dresses, tanks, and band tees with high-waisted short shorts, mini skirts or cigarette pants.

Masculine hats and accessories. I know it’s tempting to soak up as many precious rays as possible at the beginning of spring. (Believe. I’m a sun-worshipping California native who lived in the pacific northwest for 7 years!) but make sure you protect your youthful non-cancerous skin from the sun, everyone’s secret adulterous lover. Wear an old man hat, newsboy cap, fedora, or bowler (Brat Pack style) with practically everything. Seriously, it’s bitchin’ time: sunscreen disintegrates into nothing, even after only a couple hours and you know you’ll forget to reapply. Just wear a hat. Some grampa suspenders, fitted vest or a stripey tie couldn’t hurt either and are always good for a dash of schoolboy charm.

Thanks, Morgyn!

Hey hipsters, keep the questions comin!

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By amber | Also posted in Street Style, ask painfully hip, fashion, men's fashion, painfully helpful, seasons change, thrift stars, trend alert | Comments (12)

latest obsession: the high-waisted high-watered baggy trouser

March 13, 2008 – 6:11 pm

I don’t think I’ll be getting rid of my skinnies anytime soon, but lately i’ve been craving something slouchy, comfy and ankle-freeing like these high-waisted, obnoxiously pleated, high-water trousers. Especially loving them rolled up at the hem…

(from the most enviable blog de betty)

( it girl rag doll from wardrobe remix)

(everyone’s got a soft spot for piksi )

jasmin a on wardrobe remix

The best thing about these is that they’re a no brainer. There must be millions of them at thrift stores everywhere. Although i’m pretty sure you have to be a (previously pictured) certified hottie in order for these to be flattering, everyone needs a pair of slouchy, comfy trousers and I’m definitely gonna give these a try. They’re excellent shoe-shower-offers as well.

Painfully Hip’s “Major Hip Replacement” Clothing Swap in Chicago update!

Ok, so this is the way we’re hoping it will work with so many people (so far we’re expecting approx 30-50). Bring your cast-offs separated into 2 different bundles - Things You Still Sort of Love and Things You Really Couldn’t Care Less About Because They’re Off to the Goodwill Bin Next Week Anyway. On the way in the door, you’ll be tossing the latter into a big pile to be dealt with later.

Because we didn’t want it to be too organized and we wanted the swapping to be more organic, we’re going to be swapping in a sort of bartering system. Example: you see that Fiona over there has the exact leather jacket you’ve been pining for? You may have to swap for 2 nice pairs of jeans and a floral sundress to get her to part with it, but to you it’s more than worth it. Or perhaps you’re lucky and she’s feeling generous enough to give it to you in exchange for a Pabst Blue Ribbon, you never know! So needless to say, there will be wandering and mingling, therefore laundry baskets (ideally labeled with your name) for easy carrying/digging through would be a good idea. So bring your best cast-offs for this part of the evening and take home what you don’t find a good replacement for.

Toward the end of it all, we’ll have an all-out (hopefully slightly enebriated by then) GRABfest with all the unwanted leftovers in a pile in the middle of the room. I suggest wearing a leotard or bathing suit under your clothes so if you’re bashful you can try things on right there without fear of nip-slippage (the loft is inhabited by some very sweet and non-creepy boys, so it’s possible there may be a few testosterone-laden beings wandering about - fair warning). But for the especially shy, there will be a bathroom/changing area. After the grabfest and most likely throughout the evening, we’ll be taking photos of all the best swapped outfits for PainfullyHip.com.

We will be providing rum-laden honeydew limeade, music, inspiring visuals and some snackage (nothing fancy), but of course you’re more than welcome to bring your preferred beverage if pink drinks (or in this case green) are not your thing (we understand - the Painfully Hip twins usually tend to be strictly beer-drinkers). We’re trying to make this as laid back as possible, so don’t start asking me about “rules.” Don’t forget to RSVP! Hope to see you there!

By amber | Also posted in painfully scene, trend alert | Comments (12)

check me out: DIY cigarette pants and monochromatic chic

February 22, 2008 – 4:01 pm

“j” reminded me that i was going to alter some 70’s bell-bottom cords ($2.50) into cigarette pants to wear with my delish electric blue thrifted pumps ($4). so i did. and they’re my new favorite pants.

before:

after:

I’m actually leaving to go camping in Joshua Tree National Park in about an hour, but i just had to throw on these pumps real quick for the sake of monochromity? monochromocrity? monochromicity? The shirt is a relic from my childhood that my dad designed for the tiny farming town we grew up in (it’s a painting of a cow and a sheep facing off, an illustration of healthy small town competition between Gardnerville and Minden, NV). The belt was thrifted for $1 and the flight bag was 25 cents (!) at a garage sale. So that makes the grand total for this outfit less than $8.

Have a great weekend folky ones. I’ll be back on monday night. enjoy the oscars (go p.t. anderson)!!

EDIT:
Wow, thanks for all the great feedback you guys! “Talented?” “Amazing job?” You’re just lucky you can’t see the inside of these. One word: Janky. I warned you there would be futzing! Seriously, I would do a tutorial but it would probably do you more harm than good. I literally just put them on inside out, pinned where I wanted to sew (my first mistake- i have pinpricks up and down my ankles now), and then just sewed them up in as straight a line as I could manage. That’s the beauty of altering cheap thrift finds, if you completely wreck it, what are your losses? …A bit of thread (more than I’d like to admit in my case) and a $2 pair of pants that you were never going wear anyway. So my advice is to just try to have fun with it and learn along the way. And remember not to punish your sewing machine for your sad lack of skills, it was only trying to help after all.

By amber | Also posted in check me out, fashion | Comments (27)

Another Sexy DIY Knitboy

February 22, 2008 – 9:52 am

Our closest readers surely remember this DIY Knitting Guy from a previous post:

My friend, Lil Higg shared this link and pattern with me:

And although knitting is so frustrating for me that it makes using those giant needles to gouge out my eyes seem like a preferable experience, how HOT is it to see a guy with nimble fingers and excellent taste?

Fabulous. Maybe TOO fabulous (if you know what I mean).

By sarah | Also posted in fashion | Comments (4)

Expect the Unexpected.

February 10, 2008 – 3:50 pm

Hey everybody! Thanks very much for your well-wishings this week. My fever finally broke so I am definitely on the up and up and should be back to posting regularly by tomorrow. In the meantime, Sarah will end the hip famine with this inspiring little gem of a post. Thanks so much, Sarah!
-Amber

What is it about street-style that makes people (like myself) compulsively check ten or more sites everyday? I believe it’s the quirk. The element you just do not expect to see. The new and innovative takes on a well-established tradition - which is what all fashion lovers adore most, is it not? Each season we wait with bated-breath to see the new collections put forth by our personal icons. Yet, all of this, this creativity and visual feasting, is now much more readily available on the internet. With daily updates from across the globe of real people taking sartorial matters into their own hands - who (for the love of fashion) could resist? Not I. Don’t get me wrong - there is still the art form that is high fashion and all the beautiful aesthetic outputs that results from it. But I can’t help noticing that girls on the street are inspiring just as many of the fashion forward these days as the runways. Perhaps these same girls are even inspiring runway looks. It’s those unexpected accoutrements and alterations - the dash of quirk - that makes street fashion absolutely perfect in its ‘imperfection’. And most of the modern designers considered significant use this element of the unexpected in their collections season after season. Case in point:

Moving in a zig-zag pattern from top to bottom and left to right: Miu Miu Carnival-esque, masquerader dress and a Reyjavik Looks’ girl’s seemingly DIY doll-face accessory . Suprisingly bright shoes with an otherwise somber look at Marc by Marc Jacobs and on Facehunter. And, lastly, inspired by the queen of sartorial-liberties Little Edie Beale, a look from John Galliano and yet another innovative Miss from Facehunter.

By Eve | Also posted in Street Style, fashion | Comments (2)

Ask Painfully Hip: an alternative to these so-called “thrift” stores?

February 4, 2008 – 7:16 pm

Hello Eve, Hello Amber!!!

A couple of months ago I was web surfing, and I stumbled upon your blog. I truly enjoy it, and it never fails to inspire me to come up with new ideas for my personal wardrobe. I am familiar with MANY thrift shops in my city. The only problem is, I live in the East Village/Lower East Side of Manhattan in NYC. My area, which was once a thrift store paradise, is now becoming trendier by the minute, and along with that, ridiculously expensive. Many of these stores have been around since before the 80’s, and are still standing, but they are no longer the same. These so-called “thrift stores” of 2008 are burning a hole in my wallet. Although I wasn’t alive in the 80’s (I’m fifteen years old!), my mother was, and she herself is a thrift store fiend. Since I have to earn most of my money on my own (which is not much), I can’t afford to purchase clothes that are pricey. I have also noticed that you have price listings for the clothes you are wearing in your pictures. Never in the past two years in Manhattan have I seen a pair of shoes as cute as your electric blue pumps selling for four dollars. I want to know where I can purchase interesting clothes in NYC for reasonable prices. What should I do?

Thank You darlings,
please write back!!

Your Truly,
Cassia.

Wow, what a pickle Cassia! I feel for you. One advantage in living in a small town is that the thrift store pickings are much less, well, picked through. Here are a few suggestions.

Get a friend with a car.

wardrobe remix

Organize a big naked lady party!

It isn’t as dirty as it sounds

Raid your parents’ closet. More than likely your mom has decided that her acid-washed mini skirt would look better on you. And maybe your dad will let you borrow his fedora.

Learn to sew! Reinvent the stuff you already have or use some cheap vintage fabrics to make a sundress!.

Almost forgot about Garage Sales! Check the listings in your local paper for garage sales around your neighborhood. Some of my favorite and most cheap finds were at garage sales. Especially watch for awesome costume jewelry and accessories. I found an awesome vintage flight bag and an amazing nautical necklace for 25 cents each!

Thanks for your email and happy thrifting, Cassia!

More Painfully Hip thrifting advice:

Ask Painfully Hip: How do you make great finds at the thrift store?
or
How to be a thrift star!

Pulling it Off 101: 4 steps to maximizing your wardrobe and completely rocking your own unique personal style

By amber | Also posted in ask painfully hip, fashion | Comments (6)

prepare yourselves for some stunning mediocrity

January 20, 2008 – 10:41 pm

I have a sewing machine finally (thanks, Mum)!! My perfect workspace set-up is complete! Any self-respecting graphic designer/fashion-blogger would be happy here:

Beirut

So get yourselves ready for some gleefully awful DIY. I can’t sew worth beans, but that ain’t gonna stop me! Ohmanohmanohman…!

By amber | Also posted in etc | Comments (12)

and the most painfully hip diy is….

December 22, 2007 – 7:07 pm

delilahpurple’s adorable necktie dress!
it was our first and most awesome entry. made completely out of Daddy’s neckties! she also made a sweet necktie clutch.
check her out, she’s supasweet!

she wins a $50 gift certificate from Lady Language, a copy of ‘ReadyMade’ from ModCloth, plus $50 in cold hard cash!
leave a comment, delilah, and i’ll send you the good stuff.
we love it!

you can see the rest of the awesome entries here!