Think Outside the Cloth

How To Make A DIY Chain Cuff Earring

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Posted on July 16, 2015 by Think Outside The Cloth

Accessories and jewelry are my favorite thing to DIY, so I’m happy to share this DIY chain cuff earring! I was looking for some inspiration when I came across these DIY ear cuffs. I thought they were pretty neat because you can wear them anywhere on your ear, even if they are not pierced. I practiced making a few cuffs when I decided I wanted to glam it up, so I tried adding some chain. I love the way they turned out.

Continue reading for the DIY.

The Supplies

A ruler
Crafting wire I used 20 gauge wire
Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Chain
Earring hooks
Scissors

The Steps

Cut a 2 inch piece of of crafting wire, bend the wire in half. Repeat.

Cut 2 pieces of 11 inches of chain.

At the 5 inch point of the chain push the bent wire through. Repeat with the other piece of chain.

You should have two uneven pieces of chain hanging from the wire.

With the round nose pliers bend both ends of the wire inwards. Repeat.

Bring the chain forward to one side of the bent end of the wire. Repeat.

Take the flat nose pliers and at the half-way point of the wire begin to create the cuff by bending the wire around the pliers (as though you are folding it in half). Leave some room so that it will fit on your ear. Repeat for the other side.

Try the cuff on for size on the upper part of your ear. Adjust the wire until it fits comfortably.

At the end of the earring hook there is a small loop. Use the flat nose pliers and open up the loop. Bend the end of the loop towards yourself until it opens slightly. Repeat with the other earring hook.

Add the short end of the chain and then the longer end of the chain to the loop. Close the loop by using the flat nose pliers and bending the loop away from yourself. Repeat.

You’ve just made yourself some cool new ear pieces!

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DIY Paint Print Jeans

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Posted on July 8, 2015 by Think Outside The Cloth

Photo by Ljubomir Pavkovic

Fabric paint is a really great tool to work with, there are so many patterns and designs you can create to spruce up any piece of clothing. That’s why I was happy I had some on hand for these DIY paint print jeans.

I had put on these white jeans and I was about to head out when I noticed there were blue stains all over the back. I had accidentally stored them under a pair of dark wash jeans, so some of the blue dye had rubbed off on them, whoops! I was a bit upset that my white jeans were now ruined, but with a bit of thinking I knew I could DIY them into something new. Continue reading for the DIY below.

Photo by Ljubomir Pavkovic

The Supplies

DIY Print Jeans Supplies

Jeans
Fabric Paint
A Tray
Sponge
Paint brush
Tape
2 Garbage bags

The Steps

Lay your pants on a flat surface, take a garbage bag and pull it through the pant leg (so that the paint doesn’t soak through to the other side), do the same for the other leg.

Put some fabric paint on the tray and dip the sponge into the paint. Take the brush and evenly distribute the paint onto the brush.

DIY Paint Print Jeans 1

Take your sponge and press it paint-side down onto the pant starting from the bottom. Since the first application has fresh paint, press lightly and then gradually increase the pressure on the sponge.

Continue pressing the sponge down onto the pant until there is no more paint coming off the sponge.

Reapply paint to the sponge and evenly distribute with the brush. Again, press the sponge onto the pant.

Continue the last 2 steps until you’ve painted the front of the pants.

I decided I wanted to have a different colour around the pockets so I left the area unpainted. I added some pink paint to a brush and painted around the top part of the pockets.

Let the paint dry completely. Flip the pants over and sponge paint the backside of the pants. If you would like to add a second colour to the back pockets like I did. Leave the area unpainted. Let the paint dry completely.

Add the tape across the back pockets and then tuck the garbage bags into the pockets. With the paint brush paint the second colour up to the tape line.

Let the paint dry and then remove the tape.

DIY Print Pants 8

Voila, you’ve got yourself an almost new pair of pants.

-Shanel
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DIY Clear Tote Bag

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Posted on June 24, 2015 by Think Outside The Cloth

Photo by Kristen Berk

This DIY clear tote bag was inspired by the clear Hunter tote which I spotted while scrolling through Nasty Gal’s Instragram. A few days after, I had just finished putting on my new bed sheets and I was about to throw out the packaging when a light went off in my head. I realized it was the perfect base to create a DIY version of the clear Hunter Tote!

Image Source: Nasty Gal Instagram

Ladies, you know the pain of having your bag feel like a big black hole that items seem to disappear into? You have to dig and shift your stuff around to find that one thing? That’s why I really love this bag! Because it’s clear I can see everything I no longer have to frantically search for my lip gloss. If you’re not comfortable with all the contents of your bag showing you can put a smaller purse or clutch inside the clear bag for items you want covered.

Here’s how I made it.

The Supplies

Transparent bed sheet case
2 Strips of material or ribbon
Hand hole punch
Marker
Glue

The Steps

On the top side of the bag I used the marker to draw a small dot for the location of the straps. I used the length of my thumb as measurement.

Using the length of my thumb again, I drew another small dot on the other side of the bag.

I repeated the last two steps for the other side of the bag, so there were 4 dots total.

I took the hole punch and punched a hole where each of the 4 dots were drawn.

I took a strip of material and measured it around my shoulder to see the best length for the straps, I made sure there was about an extra two inches of length (you have to knot the ends of the straps which takes away from the length). Once I had the length I wanted I cut another piece of material to the same size.

I pushed each of the straps into each hole on one side of the bag.

On the inside of the bag I triple knotted the end of the strap so that the knot could not fit through the hole. I repeated the same step for the other hole.

I took the straps making sure they were straight and I brought them over to the other side of the bag. I repeated the knotting process with the holes on the other side.

I added a dab of glue to the inside of the knot and glued it to the side of the bag. I held the knot to the bag for about 30 seconds. I repeated the gluing process for the other 3 holes.

I let the glue dry and that was it!

– Shanel

Divalicious 7 & Style Tips On How to Wear All White

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Posted on June 18, 2015 by Think Outside The Cloth

Photo by Vincent Dayrit Photography

All white ensembles are a classic fresh look for the summer months. I recently attended an all-white party for the Divalicious 7 birthday bash. Myself along with a few other local bloggers were invited to model an all white outfit from Toronto designers.

The event was hosted by DivaGirl Inc, which is an all female community dedicated to empowering women through fun and engaging conferences, events, and workshops. It was a great time! There were performances, vendors, henna and champagne. Here are a few photos from the event.

Continue reading below for my tips on how to stylishly wear all white this summer.

Dance performance by the DivaGirl Cabaret

Me getting some henna done while wearing beautiful Stella & Dot accessories. Photo by Vincent Dayrit Photography

Shop for Jayu accessory table

Bloggers being models for the day

With different shades of white and varying textures it can sometimes be difficult to pull off an all white ensemble. As long as you stay away from the red wine, all white outfits can be easier to pull off than you think. Here are some style tips for wearing all white this summer.

Mix up textures

Photo Eonline

Add dimension to your all white ensemble by mixing up textures. If you’re wearing something made of a heavier material like denim or cotton, pair it with a lighter material such as a linen or something sheer to balance everything out. Sheer materials also pair great with off-white items.

Matching Set

Photo People

If you want to make sure your all white outfit is on-point, invest in a matching set such as a tailored two-piece or matching top and skirt. You can always mix and match the pieces and wear separately. You can count on the set as a go-to source for when you need an all white outfit in a hurry.

Show Some Skin

Photo Express

If you’re comfortable with showing some skin, break up your all white outfit with a crop top and high waisted trousers or skirt. Ripped white jeans can also be a fun way to show a bit of skin and add texture. For the more reserved, clothing with sheer and crochet materials are another great option.

Add some accessories

Photo Daily Mail

Since all white ensembles are pretty much a blank canvas for accessories, use them as a way to dress-up or dress-down your outfit. Layering metallic jewelry can look really chic with an all white outfit.

Shoes, shoes, shoes!

Photo People

If you want to achieve a total monochromatic look and you don’t own white shoes, go with a neutral or tan coloured shoe to finish off your look. If you’re going to wear a darker coloured shoe go for a strappy style heel or sandals with smaller or light straps so it doesn’t over power the outfit.

How do you like to wear all white?

– Shanel

Fun, Fashion & Friday Nights at the ROM

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Posted on June 10, 2015 by Think Outside The Cloth

Friday Night Live, or FNL for short is a popular event series hosted by the Royal Ontario Museum. Last week Friday I was invited to attend, and as a regular FNL attendee I’ve noticed a reoccurring theme; it tends to bring out a very fashionable crowd. With FNL’s weekly themes and the ROM’s beautiful architecture, it can be easy to understand why people come out ‘dressed to the nines.’ So you’re not into fashion? Don’t worry as there isn’t really a dress code, but with top DJ’s, performances, dancing, and bar and food stations scattered amongst the dinosaur fossils and exhibits, it definitely gives off a club vibe (minus the pretentiousness). FNL is an event that has something to please everyone because there so many different sights and activities. Here are some photos and a recap of my last FNL experience.

#FNLRom attendees Clark & Amanda looking very dapper

#FNL attendee Farah looking fashionable

Each Friday line-up includes a different theme that is incorporated into the events entertainment and exhibitions. Last Friday’s theme was Indigenous Now, which celebrated contemporary Canadian Indigenous Art through artists and performances. As my friend Kristen (Twenties and Fabulous) and I wandered around we were able to catch the very end of an improv performance by Indigenous theater artist, Theo. She was in full traditional clothing which she handmade herself over the course of 6 months. I really admired the intricacy and detailing of the whole outfit, which was lined with colourful beads, fur, and fringes.

Indigenous Artist, Theo on set

After Kristen and I finished chatting with Theo, there was another interactive Q& A style performance, which encouraged the audience to ask an Aboriginal woman questions they had about Indigenous culture. No topic was off limits, so the discussion was really insightful.

With all the action going on inside of the ROM, it can be easy to forget that you’re inside a museum. There is so much beautiful architecture and design in the building which makes it the perfect set up for a photo-op, which is exactly what Kristen and I took a moment to do.

Me striking a pose

Kristen & the ox

Next, we visited the ROM’s featured exhibition, ¡Viva México! Clothing & Culture. The exhibit showcases hundreds of historic and contemporary Mexican pieces from the 18th – 21st centuries. The pieces ranged from costumes, textiles, and embroidery. I loved the vibrant colours, floral prints, bead work and varying textures found throughout the outfits. After doing some reading, I found out the elaborate outfits hold a strong cultural significance. They were worn by Tehuanas woman in the 1920s to project femininity and to display national pride after post-revolutionary leaders rejected European values.

Tehuanas outfit, huipil (tunic), enagua (skirt), and huipil grande (starched lace headdress)

We also took a peak at the sarapes which are textiles dyed with all natural colourants from plants and insects. The main colours of red, blue, and yellow were mixed to make secondary colours. Some of the dying processes have been used in Mexico for over 2,000 years! I was so inspired by the artistry and creativity throughout the event, it made me really appreciate the skill and precision that go into making the items.

Colourful sarapes

After we finished gawking at the beautiful outfits, we made our way to the first floor where we danced and looked for our photos on the photo wall. The interactive photo wall displays photos in real time if you use the hashtag #FNLRom on your Instagram and Twitter. It’s always fun to see peoples varying experiences captured throughout the night. And you can’t help but get a bit excited when you catch a glimpse of your photo blown up on the wall of the museum.

As the night came to an end I decided to snap a few more photos of the well-dressed patrons, and this is how I was able to briefly meet another one of the artists, Summer Garcia. I ran up to her to compliment her on her outfit, and when we started chatting she mentioned that her exhibit Aasooke, was on display in the Bronfman Hall. Summer’s installation creatively combined photography, makeup artistry, and digital mixed media.

Artist Summer Garcia looking fashionably chic

There are only 3 more weeks left for FNL until it returns for the fall season. This Fridays theme for FNL is Toga Toga! Which is a celebration and sneak preview of the ROM’s newest exhibit, Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano. If you’re in the Toronto area and haven’t been yet I definitely recommend you check it out! You can find out more information about upcoming FNL events here.

– Shanel

DIY Fringe Ankle Cuff

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Posted on June 3, 2015 by Think Outside The Cloth

I’m loving all the fringes I am seeing pop up on everything from dresses, clutches, and shoes. Fringes are fun, flirty, and they can add cool movement and lines to an outfit.

Since DIYing fringes involves a lot of cutting I decided on a simple DIY fringe ankle cuff. Doing this project made me wish I owned a shredder so I could shred fabric to make fringes on command. I would add fringes to everything!

This DIY fringe cuff pairs great with gladiator style sandals or heels. Here’s what you’ll need.

The Supplies

Fabric
Scissors
Ruler
Pen or Marker
Glue gun
Velcro

The size of my fabric was 6 inches high and 9 inches long.

The Steps

First, I measured the fabric around my ankle making sure there was an inch overlap. I cut off any excess material.

I folded the material in half, and used the pen to mark the half way point. I then drew a straight line across the middle of the material.

I cut the material in half so I had two sides.

I drew a line that was ½ an inch wide across the top of the material. The line was the point I cut all the fringes up to.

You can cut your fringes to whatever size you like. I used the width of my thumb as a guideline and I began cutting the fringes up to the drawn line.

DIYFringeCuff3

Repeat the last two steps for the other side.

Cut 1 inch pieces of both sides of the Velcro. Glue one side of the Velcro on the front side of the cuff.

Turn the cuff over, and glue the other side of the Velcro to the opposite end on the back side of the cuff.

Repeat gluing on the Velcro for the other cuff.

Wear it!

Shoes: Material Girl

-Shanel

1 Year Anniversary & Some Exciting News!

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Posted on May 14, 2015 by Think Outside The Cloth

Today is one year since I started Think Outside the Cloth! Since I’m all about celebrating life’s little milestones I decided to throw on a DIY party hat and have cake. I also have some very exciting news! I will be hosting a bloggers networking event with two other great bloggers, Kristen (Twenties & Fabulous) and Stephan (Why I love Toronto). The event aims to unite those in the blogging community and I’m very happy to be apart of it.

This post will be a little different than the usual as I’ve decided to share some background about why I started this blog. I’ve always been a creative person at heart. As a child I loved drawing, creating, and doing odd things with clothes. As I got older that part of me faded into the background as I focused on school and work. A while ago I remember my father telling me “Shanel, one thing in life is KEY, Keep Educating Yourself” and that stuck with me. It’s taught me to always keep learning. Go to bed a little bit smarter than when you started the day, and with whatever you’re doing, or experiences that may happen in life always try and learn something from it.

Before starting this blog, I felt like I was caught in a repetitive routine of life, and I wasn’t growing or learning. I came up with the concept for this blog in December, 2013 while in the shower. I started thinking of DIYs and content, but it wasn’t until 5 months later that I actually got my gears in motion and started Think Outside the Cloth. There were many times where I questioned myself and made excuses; what if no one reads it? I don’t have a good DSLR camera, my pictures will suck! Is this stupid? I was also a bit hesitant, as the Internet is such a huge space. With creating and sharing content I feel like it’s putting a piece of myself out there, and with that there can be judgment. I brushed away all those thoughts and decided to just start and do it! I came up with the reasons of why I wanted to do this, and as cliché as it sounds I really do it as a way to express myself, and to execute the ideas that float around in my head. It’s taught me that whenever I’m doing a project and my mind becomes clouded with negative thoughts to just remember the mission, “the why.”

I’ve learned a lot since starting this blog, and I can’t say it’s been easy, there’s a lot that goes into making a post but I really like doing it. It really makes me respect bloggers who regularly post and share content. Think Outside the Cloth is definitely a work in progress, and I hope to continually improve it. If you’ve been delaying on starting or doing something remember why you want to do it, and just go and do it! No BS or excuses! If you really want it to happen you’ll find a way to make it work :).

Here are some of my most read posts:

DIY Body Chain

DIY Strapped Bandeau

3-Step DIY Crop Top

Thank you to everyone who’s provided me with feedback, liked, commented, and shared posts! Stayed tuned for more DIYs, fashion tips and tricks.

-Shanel

Style Tips On How to Wear a Scarf

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Posted on May 5, 2015 by Think Outside The Cloth

Now that Spring has arrived, it’s finally nice to use a scarf as an accessory rather than as a tool to guard my face against the cold. Scarfs are a great way to add a pop of colour and texture to an outfit and there’s so many fun and different ways to wear them!

On one of the first warm days of the year my friend Kristen (check out her blog here) and I went for a walk and I brought my collection of scarves along. I discovered they are not only great to style, but also fun to take pics and play with.

Here are some style tips on how to wear your scarf this spring and summer.

Wrap It

Wearing a scarf as a head wrap can be a great style addition to an outfit. It can also double as a handy accessory for when you’re having a bad hair day.

To get this look, I took the scarf and wrapped it around my head starting from the front. I crossed the ends of the scarf in the back and brought the ends to the side of my head. I twisted the loose ends into a bun and secured with a hair tie.

Belt It

Throw a scarf around your shoulders and secure with a belt. I love doing this during the warmer months because it looks like a vest and adds another light layer to the outfit. Let the loose ends hang, this can look super cute if your scarf has fringed ends, or tuck the ends into the back of the belt.

Double It

How to wear 2 scarfs

Take your outfit up a notch by wearing two scarves at once. Use two scarves with varying colours or patterns and twist them together and wrap them around your neck.

Handle It

Enhance and add a touch of colour to your darker toned purse by wrapping a scarf around the handles of your purse. Simply tie a knot at one end of the handle, wrap the scarf around it and tie a knot at the other end.

How do you like to incorporate scarves into your outfits?

-Shanel

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Before & After: DIY Gold Headband

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Posted on April 21, 2015 by Think Outside The Cloth

I channeled my inner goddess and decided to create a gold headband out of a belt. I had this gold link belt sitting in my closet for a while and I never quite found the right outfit to pair it with so it went unused, until now. A DIY gold headband is pretty simple and if you don’t have a link belt you can always substitute with a gold coloured chain.

Headbandcover

Here’s how I did it.

The Supplies

Wire cutters
Gold link belt or chain. If you are using a chain make sure the holes in the chain are big enough to fit the elastic through
Gold coloured elastic*
Scissors
Glue

*You can purchase from a fabric or craft store.

The Steps

I took the belt and measured it around my head. I left about 3 inches of space in the back for the elastic.

I used the wire cutters to cut the belt to the length I wanted.

Now it’s time to add the elastic. I looped the elastic through one end of the belt.

I looped the elastic all the way through so there were two sides. I measured the belt with the elastic around my head to ensure it fit comfortably. I then cut the elastic.

Where the loop began I tied a knot around one end of the belt.

To make the elastic stronger I began twisting it.

I twisted until both ends of the elastic had an inch left. I tied a knot to secure the twist making sure there was still space at the end of the elastic.

I tied the ends of the elastics around the other end of the belt and cut off the the excess. I added a dab of glue to secure the knot.

Voila!

-Shanel

5 Style Tips on How to Wear Coloured Jeans during Winter

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Posted on January 5, 2015 by Think Outside The Cloth

During the colder months my wardrobe can sometimes be a bit drab. I tend to wear a lot of black and grey, while items like my coloured jeans shift to the back of my dresser. I came to this realization a few weeks ago when I met with my friend and fellow blogger Kristen (check out her blog Twenties and Fabulous). She was wearing a nice pair of coloured jeans, and they looked great.

Coloured jeans are a great statement piece for any season. It’s all about keeping your outfit in proportion since brighter coloured pieces are typically associated with spring or summer. You don’t want to look like your ready for a picnic when it’s the middle of February.

Here’s 5 tips on how to style and accessorize your coloured jeans during winter.

Chunky Knit Scarf. This is a great way to winterize your outfit and add layers when the temperature starts to plummet.

Image source

Over-sized Sweaters. Neutral coloured sweaters in black, grey, cream etc. balance out coloured jeans, while keeping you warm in style.

Image source

Hints of Leather. A top with leather accents, a leather vest, or accessories help chic up the look and add a wintery feel.

This top from Rudsak’s would pair great with coloured jeans.

Image source

Fur it up. Nothing says winter like fur. Add a faux fur vest, scarf, or clutch to your look.

Image source

Over the knee boots. A great winter accessory. Coloured jeans with over the knee boots add a hint of colour and a sexy edge for a fun winter look.