beading | Frivolous Universe

CROCHET as High-Fashion Handicraft (Inspiration Bites!)

By: Bethany Walter

19-06-2012

I’m always keeping an eye on the fashion blogs for accessories that I can recreate. My handicrafts of choice are crochet, sewing, and beading thus far. This crocheted necklace from street style blog 21 Arrondissement is high on my To-Rip-Off List. (Because inspiration bites, baby!) It’s basically a black doily. I also love these crocheted ties from O Alfaiate Lisboeta.

It seems like handicraft only graces the high fashion crowds when it is iterated in the most modern, minimalistic ways. I still have a soft spot for handicraft that looks…. well, crafty! I like soft crocheted flowers and granny squares. This precious necklace makes me want to make one as a fairy crown to go with Nicole’s bubble crown. Then we’ll look cool in public together.

Even the ultra-country granny square that my grandmother taught me when I was seven has been co-opted for the high brow. Taylor Tomasi Hill had to turn her pants inside out and wear costume jewelry to rock this crocheted sweater from Christopher Kane’s Fall/Winter 2011 line.

I like these distinctly craftier looks from the same line on the left and House of Holland on the right. For me, the key to making handmade items pop is color choice. Modern and unexpected palettes can make hand-made goods look professionally designed.

The colors on this crazy necklace make me so happy. I love the drama! Plus, this necklace uses crochet + beading, which I have been dying to do.

Beaded crochet seems like the perfect romance between my skills, but I have been struggling to figure out the beaded rope for days now. Once I get the concept (if I get the concept), I’ll be able to do this:

Make the accessories you can’t afford.

Comments

priorities, priorities, priorities……..

By: Anna D.

12-06-2012

Anna

When I was growing up, my mother was the great defender of prioritization – done your homework? cleaned your room? washed your hair? No task to small or too great – all must be accomplished in a timely fashion.

As a result, I am now a master list maker – daily, weekly, monthly…business, personal, potential. When I stray from those lists (or worse, neglect to make them), work life goes asunder and I skip happily off to lala land.

Every few months, I meet up with a group of women in the same line of work as me, and we share tips on how to keep oneself above water and swimming forward. I found our last meeting particularly useful, as it was all about finding ways to work more efficiently. Some suggestions that stuck with me:

1) Start your day by looking at your list of things to do, and no matter how long the list may be, just select 3 items to complete. If you finish those items in good time, select 3 more. Then call it a day.

2) Limit your email checks to 3 – 5 times per day. Don’t let that constant stream of emails distract you from your tasks.

3) Build “cave days” into your regular work routine, and don’t allow anyone or anything to keep you from completing your goals for that day.

On the day I took these pictures, I had a mini cave day. I set aside 4 hours alone in the Story Story Night office to complete 3 very important items on my list. With those tasks finished, I had about 30 minutes to take these photos with my computer cam before heading off to yoga. Priorities!

Speaking of, this is truly a priorities-based outfit. While not the most flattering frock (I feel a bit like a spokesmodel for the Stylish Stork in this getup), it is hopelessly comfortable and makes my bicycle commute an easy one. And as a bonus, all I had to do to prep for yoga was kick off my shoes and whip off my dress. How’s that for efficient use of time!