Passion for Pastels

Pastels have taken over this spring season, just like art-deco era architecture shapes Miami Beach or an impressionist brush paints the canvas at a local museum. I've always been fascinated by the soft hues of pastels, the clean expression and muted statement.
April is almost over, yet I'm still shopping for pastels and here's what makes up my must-buy list:

1. Ralph Lauren iPhone 5 case $34; 2. Cambridge Satchel $145; 3.Adia Kibur necklace $75; 4.Tibi Velocity Jeans $265; 5.Jean-Michel Cazabat Geometric shoes $265; 6.Maison Boinet Belt $135;
7. Judith Jack sterling silver ring $295; 8.Michael Michael Kors frames $99

Look of the Day. Spring forward

Finally, my #fabricproject No.11 has come to life! The color block dress I initially sketched here had to be slightly  modified to add extra shape to the dress. But overall, I was happy with the result.
Last Sunday we moved the clocks spring-forward and the first day of spring has arrived with first signs of awakening. Pastel tones of my outfit tuned in with spring forward mood and enjoyed the warmth of sunny day.

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Dress+Jacket:designed and sewn by me| Shoes:Ivanka Trump|Belt+Frames:Vintage|Necklace:Kara Couture|Ring:Vintage|Watch:Michael Kors

#NYFW Women's Color Trends Fall 2013. Part 2

Do you like autumn trees dressed in bright shades?
If so, next Fall will bring a plethora of autumn leaf color  to the fashionistas' wardrobes. Just as the leaves change in autumn, Pantone predicts the consumer will be able to change their looks to create moods from sophisticated and structured to lively and vivid. So, lush shades of green and blue are juxtaposed with mystery and richness of purples, reds and orange, rounding it with glamorous brown and mysterious gray.
Which are your favorites?

Left to right: Nannete Lepore, Rachel Roy

Left to right: Kelly Wearstler, Herve Leger

Left to right: Charlotte Ronson, Joy Cioci

Left to right: Bibhu Mohapatra, Pamella Roland

Left to right: Lela Rose, WHIT-NY

Left to right: M.Patmos by Marcia Patmos, Trina Turk.

  Left to right: Yoana Baraschi, Ella Moss

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Image courtesy:WeConnectFashion

#NYFW Trend Radar Fall 2013. Part 1

The buzz of New York Fashion week has subsided, leaving a digital footprint on Style.com and other web outlets. Overall, I drew a conclusion that this season was outerwear driven with literal references to 90s era of exaggerated style, liberating feminine spirit and strengthening it with statement coats.
I spotted these 3 trends which I believe reflected in most collections, offering compelling designs and a liberal approach.
Which trend is appealing to you?

Model images via Style.com, editing by DC2NYCo

DIY Valentine Card

Dear friends!
Valentine's Day is tomorrow and again we will fill our hearts with love, embrace our loved one in happiness and celebrate the moment of shared feeling.
I remember we used to make Valentine cards in middle school and then presented them secretly to fellow classmates, my creative juices were flowing back then. Now I want to create a fun yet special card for someone special in my life. So, I found this adorable "Love Hearts in a Jar" on Etsy, and I couldn't pass the chance to make it and share this easy tutorial.

You will need:
1.Brown paper card and envelope (available at Michaels)
2.Baker's twine
3.Pastel paper heart shapes (available at craft stores)
4.Adhesive foam pieces
Also, you will need print template from here

Beaded Follies

As the city of New Orleans is getting a facelift, hotels in French Quarter get revamped before the famous Mardi Gras festival. One of the luxurious lodgings and a historic landmark, Hotel Monteleone, received a real makeover on its restaurant walls in order to celebrate the hotel's golden era. Ziegfeld Follies portraits from 1920s and 1930s were intricately beaded by a commissioned artist Binka Rigava and the result is just stunning! Swarowski crystal beads applied to the portraits create a magical effect of glimmer and seductiveness, leaving a unique impression.

All images via here

DIY Utility Bracelet

Recently, I discovered a wonderful "utilitarian" jewelry line that inspired me into creative handcrafting again, to embellish  those wrists, hiding among layers of coats and sweaters. A true eye candy under an inconspicuous name "Ropes of Maine"  gained exposure among celebrities and power-bloggers alike for its bright shades and bold design.

Photo Courtesy "Ropes of Maine"

I thought I would create a bright bracelet and sport it this cold winter and let the spring mood reign in my accessories.

You will need:
1.Tailor's scissors
2.Embroidery Floss
3.1ft Paracord (similar here)
4.20mm chunky jump ring (similar here)
5. Gold  lobster swivels (similar here)
6.Lighter
7.Sewing needle