DIY Outfit – Paisley Maxi Dress

Continuing my springtime boho theme, today's DIY Outfit is a Paisley Maxi Dress. I've had maxi length skirts and dresses on my mind for a few months now and obviously just can't get them out. One of the perks of a maxi skirt is it keeps you a little warmer than a short skirt which means it will be easy to wear starting in spring and going through summer and and fall.

DIY Outfit – Lace Tee

Spring is the perfect time for pastels, lace and all things sweet. Today's DIY inspiration is a simple t-shirt made from a bold, large scale floral lace (see more detail picks here). If this was in my closet, I'm sure it would get a lot of wear throughout the year. It could easily be styled for Fall/Spring as shown here or worn with a shorts or a skirt for the summer months. Add a scarf and boots and you could even wear it in winter. Read on for how I would make this top a DIY reality.

DIY Outfit – Pleated Floral Maxi Skirt

Today's outfit inspiration combines two of my current obsessions – maxi skirts and wild floral prints. It's very 70s bohemian but the pleats give it polish and the hyper bright colors make it very modern. The pleated skirt has always been one of go to DIY's. They're so easy to make and so very classic. I even have a tutorial and worksheet so that you can make your own pleated skirt.

DIY Outfit – Zip Back T-shirt

In my moodboard yesterday, I shared my love for a decorative zipper. I love an unexpected back detail almost as much as a cool zipper accent. Today I have another inspirational pick that combines both of these elements. Our inspiration top is super cute and trust me it's super easy to DIY yourself. Read on to see how.

DIY Outfit – Drapey Top and Leggings

I love this casual, cool outfit of a drapey top and patterned leggings. It's easy to wear and super easy to sew yourself. Even better, I've found free patterns so it won't even cost you a lot of money. And that's the best kind of DIY, right?

DIY Outfit – Gold Crinkle Party Dress

I love the holiday party season. The dressing up. The cocktails. The mulled wine. The dancing. The cookies. And there is no better reason than a party to make yourself a new dress. Even better if it's something sparkly and fun like today's inspiration – the Eleuthera Tunic from Anthropologie. If you're looking for more inspiration, check out my big party dress roundup.

How to DIY Jodhpur Pants

By now you probably know that I rather like funky pants. You know, the pants with little extra somethin' somethin'.  I'm not afraid of harem pants or printed pants. So, if you're wondering if I like jodhpurs, then you know the answer is a resounding "Yes please". Read on for how I would DIY this look. If you're looking for a last minute Halloween costume, just add some riding boots, helmet and a plaid jacket and you're ready to go.

DIY Outfit – Pencil Skirt and Boxy Top

Yesterday I shared a moodboard full of pencil skirts and sweaters. An outfit that I think might become my new go to this winter. I particularly love this outfit from Madewell with the boxy sweater top and basic pencil skirt. These basic shapes would be very easy to DIY. It's just the kind of thing that I want to fill my closet with season after season.

How to DIY a Fluffy Cardigan

Yesterday I showed you some sweater weather inspiration. So today, I'm veering from my usual sewing DIY inspiration to explore knitting. I don't do as much knitting as I used to partly because it's so warm all year round in LA and partly because sewing is so much quicker. But every once in a while I dig out the needles and get clicking.

DIY Outfit – Flared Skirt and Jacket

Sticking with my black and white theme for the week, I chose this gorgeous outfit from 3.1 Phillip Lim's Spring 2014 collection as today's DIY Outfit inspiration. I know it's spring right now and I'm working on a fall wardrobe but living in Los Angeles, my wardrobe changes very little from season to season. A light jacket or sweater is usually all I need during the cooler months. So, an outfit like this is one that I could wear almost year round.

DIY Outfit – Calico Girl's Dress

When I first started sewing, I was often drawn to the calicos and the quilting fabrics. In fact I still have loads of them in my fabric stash. I still love them today but tend to avoid them when making clothes for myself. I just don't find a lot of opportunity for wearing something so sweet. But children can get away with such cuteness, which is why it is so fun to shop and sew for them. Today's DIY inspiration is a sweet little calico dress perfect for Fall.

DIY Outfit – Lace Inset Top

As soon as I saw this t-shirt with inset lace, I knew that I had to make my own version. I love the casual look of the t-shirt combined with the fanciness of the lace. It dresses up what would otherwise be something quite ordinary. Today I'll share the inspiration and a basic how-to. Make sure to check back in tomorrow to see my results.

DIY Outfit - 90's Inspired Floral Dress

This week is 90's floral flashback week on the blog. Before I started really looking for these 90s inspired florals I didn't realize how much was out there in current fashion. If you're a lot younger than I am or just have a shoddy memory, you might be wondering what makes it "90's inspired". Well, today's inspiration dress has the small floral print on a black background, short hem length, loose fit, scoop neck and short sleeves. It would be even more "90's" if the waistline was raised a few inches to make it a babydoll style. Are you feeling the lure of the 90s yet? No? Watch this video and you'll at least have a good chuckle.

DIY Outfit – Silk T-Shirt and Shorts

I love this simple, chic silk t-shirt and shorts outfit. It's very understated but still really beautiful and elegant. This is the kind of weekend outfit when you want to be a little dressy but are maybe feeling a little quirky and don't want to wear your "been-there-done-that" sundress. The silhouette is simple and even with the luxurious fabric, this would be a pretty easy outfit to DIY.

How to DIY – Inspired by The Parent Trap

So this DIY inspiration might be a little better suited to Halloween but I when I think of summer time camping I can't help but think of the Parent Trap. I love the movie The Parent Trap so much. And I'm talking the classic 1961 version. Yes, the Lindsay Lohan version has its merits but it's a copy of the original and in my mind you can't do any better than that. I watched the movie for the bajillionth time this weekend (on VHS – yes, I still have a VCR :) and it honestly holds up. The camp scenes are some of my favorites. The antics those girls got up to – the canoe tipping, the honey, the skirt cutting. Before long they make nice, discover they are twin sisters and sing one of the funnest duets in movie history.

How to DIY – Animal Print Tunic

Yesterday, I shared a moodboard of Not Your Average Animal Prints. This dress fits that bill completely. Navy and pink leopard print? Definitely not average. And I love the mix of small and large scale in the pattern. I also really like the design of this dress. The longer sleeves complement the short curved hem quite nicely. The design is very simple and would be quite easy to sew yourself. You could probably start this in morning and have it ready to wear that night.

How to DIY – Polka Dot Dress

Yesterday I shared my essential summer accessories. Today I have dress that in a classic design and pattern that will match practically anything in your wardrobe. Flattering princess seams, a fitted waist and gathered skirt make this and easy-to-wear and easy-to-DIY classic that you are sure to wear year after year.

How to DIY a Wrap Back Dress

This week's theme is Sea Green and I found this amazing lace green with a super sexy wrap back. It's a pretty simple silhouette with a waist seam and set in elbow length sleeves. This is a great dress to DIY because the alteration is simple and you could control how deep you want the the back. It's not too revealing because it has sleeves and the hem extends past the knee. But the back provides a nice little surprise and the peek-a-boo lace on the sleeves is sweet, pretty and not at all demure.

How to DIY an Eyelet Tank Dress

The only thing sweeter than pink has to be pink eyelet. The circle motif eyelet and simple tank style dress is perfect for a sunny summer weekend. Pair it with a sunhat and flats for day or heels and a cardi for a casual evening out.

How to DIY a Gold Stripe Dress

This body conscious gold striped dress would be so simple and fun to make, not to mention fun to wear. It's the perfect dress to wear out for a summer night on the town, soaking up the late summer sun, maybe enjoying a glass a sangria and a platter of paella.