Walls

One of my roommates just moved out, leaving me with an extra half a bedroom and a lot more space to decorate.  I was able to move my sewing machines into the room and take on some projects.  It was really hard to choose which ones, but I framed four of my Swissted posters (if you remember my post about the book, here) and made a DIY lighting fixture from a mason jar and an IKEA cord set.

The last poster, from Litographs, added the final touches to my new space.  I had published a previous post wearing my Great Gatsby t-shirt from the company, which you can find here.  The entire work of Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis is printed onto this poster.  I framed it and hung it above my bed.  As a huge literature buff, it is my favorite new piece.  Once I graduate in May, I will definitely be purchasing more posters from them to decorate my new flat.

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fashion tech

image via http://nicolekelnerdesigns.com

I don't really consider myself to be a tech blogger, but I love a good product, and am addicted to my iPhone and everything Apple.  A fellow student of Penn State, Nicole Kelner, has recently reached out to me and introduced me to her new innovation, the Smart Purse.  As well as being fashionable and convenient, the Smart Purse allows you to use your touch screen phone without taking it out of your bag.  Coming from someone who is quite clumsy, is constantly breaking and spilling everything in site, and loves a good night out on the town, I need this in my life if my phone is going to make it to its first birthday.

What impresses me most about Nicole is the fact that she taught herself to sew to make her design come to life.  Not too many people have that kind of dedication to their own ideas, and very little people have the talent and patience.

Right now, Nicole is running a campaign on IndieGoGo to produce the Smart Purse on a larger scale.  She is trying to raise $5,000 and has 17 days left to complete the goal.  You can check out the campaign here, and donate if you like what you see!

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Poser / Holographic PVC Clutch

roommate's Yankees cap

white faux leather vest from Forever 21

DIY clutch and ring

I feel like such a poser wearing this Yankees cap.  I don't really even care for baseball, let alone the team (I'm from Pittsburgh, and the Pirates aren't really anything to be proud of), but I do enjoy going to the games on sunny afternoons if that counts for anything.  The truth is, my hair looks like shit and I needed to cover up my oily roots.  

Anyways, I wanted to show you some new DIY projects that have been going on in my abode.  I bought some plastic PVC and holographic fabric yesterday while grocery shopping, and whipped up this clutch in less than an hour this morning.  My other roommate (not the one I stole this hat from) actually made me this ring from nothing but wire, eyeshadow, and hot glue.  Crazy, right!?  

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DIY: FU DOUBLE CK Sweatshirt

A couple days ago I posted about these SheInside sweatshirts that I've had my eye on.  I received a few comments warning me about SheInside's lack of quality and customer service (I don't have a personal opinion, I have never purchased from the site), and a suggestion that I should DIY the sweatshirt instead.  So, that's exactly what I did.  I made a tutorial explaining how I made the sweatshirt and even included the pattern I used for whomever would like to make their own as well.  The sweatshirt cost me less than $10 total, and only took about half an hour to come up with the design and make it.  I think it turned out very well and it was definitely worth it.

Quilted Skull-Print Wallet

I just finished making this quilted skull-print wallet as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend's little sister.  I am proud to say that I spent the last 3 hours before the world ends quilting. I actually designed this fabric myself and had it printed.  I can't wait to design some new prints for my Spring collection (which I really need to get started on...).

But enough bitching, Christmas is in 4 days (unless, of course, the world actually does end tonight, which it very well could judging by this terrible weather) and I am going home tomorrow for the holidays.  Can't wait!

UPDATE: 1.5.13 - The wallet is now available for purchasing in the shop!  Here.

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Down to the Wire

thrifted and upcycled top

oxblood skinnies by Bullhead Black (similiar)

gold sequin bangle c/o Olivia Welles Jewelry

black wedge sneakers by Glaze (similiar)

I've already crushed an entire bag of Hershey Kisses and a 2 liter of Mountain Dew today, which only means one thing...it's finals week!  And here I am, procrastinating through blog posts and Photoshop.  In between final reports and problem sets, I managed to sneak out and shoot a few pieces I've been meaning to get to.  This top is a DIY project of mine, taken from the thrift store and removed of all shoulder padding and old fashioned buttons.  I really like how it turned out, it's a perfect nineties hip-hop-esque top to go with my new wedge sneakers.  I never thought I'd be the type of person to wear sneakers with a heel, but I took the risk and they are my new favorite kicks (and surprisingly comfortable)!

This gold sequined bangle is a gift from my new friends at Olivia Welles Jewelry, and is so perfect for the upcoming season of festivities.  Their holiday collection is full of sparkly goodness, and can be purchased on sale at HauteLook.com until 8am Pacific time this Thursday, Dec. 20th.  Olivia Welles also donates 5% of the line's profits to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  Such a great way to give back this holiday season!

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My New Resort Shorts, II

I recently received a custom order for these minimalist, tailored resort shorts.  I love getting orders that compliment my own style so well.  The shorts hang so perfectly off the hip and can easily be dressed up or down.  I'm shipping them off to the Caribbean (jealous) where the warm weather will favor them all year round.

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Behind the Scenes: Revenge of the West Short

Revenge of the West Suede Shorts - here

I had an order to fill and thought it would be fun to take some behind-the-scenes shots of what I do on a daily basis.  These are my Revenge of the West suede shorts I designed and continue to make.  Available here in the shop.  

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My New "Resort" Shorts

Photos by me

http://etsy.com/shop/slowburnfastburn

I just finished designing and creating these high-waisted "resort" shorts for a customer.  They are probably one of my favorite things I have ever made.  I love getting custom orders that push me, as far as trying new silhouettes, using new materials, and just allowing me to realize what I am capable of.  I'm thinking about adding some gold detailing to these dreamily draped babies and making them apart of my Spring collection, just in time for the fashion show I am doing.  

I'm still waiting on more information about the fashion show (all I know so far is that it is in Pittsburgh and on my 22nd birthday) but I have a head swimming with ideas and I can't wait to get it all down and share it with you, my lovely readers.

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Lift Off

Photography by Billy Bessas

dress c/o Sugarlips

cleopatra wristlet by SBFB

black studded loafers from Modocat
^use code "slowburnfastburn" for up to 60% off^

Unfortunately, the weekend is already over.  I did manage to take out this little number for a spin around town last night.  This is the Neptune dress that Sugarlips Apparel was kind enough to send my way, and it is perfect.  The metallic, the color and fabric blocking, and the unexpectedly yellow zipper made it totally my style.  It was love at first sight.  I love sci-fi inspired anything, and this dress was all I could hope for.  The look was shot at one of the engineering buildings here on campus.  I walk past this neat cubicle-style wall everyday and thought it would be perfect for a shoot.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, I'm still recuperating from mine.  I have a pretty bad cold and my apartment looks like Kesha threw a rager in it, but nothing the magic cleaning fairy and a good night's sleep can't fix.

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Eliminator

zz top baseball tee vintage

bleached shorts diy

Finally a new post!  I have been so busy with school starting and my sister's wedding that I feel like I am losing touch with my blog and readers.  Hopefully I will learn how to better manage my time, as I haven't had to juggle blogging and schoolwork before.  This makes me realize how new my blog is and how grateful I am that it has become so successful in such a short amount of time.

Anyways, this is the outfit I wore to a fair near my hometown.  The tee is one of my dads from the 80s, and the shorts are the ones I had diy-ed and posted about here.  This outfit pretty much defines my style - a little diy, a little rock n roll, and pretty minimal.  As you can see, I'm also sporting my post wedding hair.  The humidity outside pretty much killed it, but I'm always a fan of second-day curls because they look more like waves.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and a happy Labor Day to all of my American readers.  I promise to keep these long breaks between posts to a minimum.

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More DIY: Bleached Denim

Since I'm too lazy to put together an outfit for you (mainly I don't feel like teaching my sister how to use my new camera), here is a little sneak peek into what I was up to today.  My best friend Natalie and I soaked up the sun and went crazy bleaching and dying.  Nothing really turned out as well as these vintage Calvin Klein jeans did, which will soon be made into some fab new shorts.  I haven't tried them on yet, so they may or may not end up in the shop.

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The Shredded Tee

Images via http://comebackkid.com.au/; http://stylehurricane.blogspot.com/; http://www.thelovelorn.net/

I'm feeling really inspired to create my own shredded tee and maybe put some up in the shop.  There is just so many ways that you can make them!  What do you think - would anyone want one?

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Cleopatra

Needing to chill a little after my car broke down yesterday (ugh), I sat down and sewed up this little number.  I adore it.  This definitely makes the top of the list of favorite things that I have designed and created.  The "Cleopatra Pyramid Wristlet" is made from vegan leather, has a gold zipper on one face, has a small pocket on the inside, and a strap to go around your wrist.

I just put it up in the shop.  The wristlet is $34.

I thought that working with leather would be a huge pain in the ass, but after making this wristlet, I realized that it isn't that bad at all.  I plan on designing a pair of leather shorts for the collection, something a little Haute Hippie Boxing Shorts -esque without the $395 pricetag.  Stay tuned!

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Skull Crop

Photography by Billy Bessas

Skull Crop Top by SBFB 
Thrifted denim shorts
Black studded loafers from Modocat (here - only $26.91 with code SLOWBURNFASTBURN) Bracelets DIY
Wayfarer Sunglasses by RanBan (here)

I'm so excited to debut the newest addition to my late summer collection, The Skull Crop Top.  This top is extra special to me because I actually designed the fabric that I made it out of, and it's eco-friendly!  It is made out of organic cotton that is so soft and extremely durable.

I am also debuting a new online store.  I am trying to branch away from Etsy and make more of an independent name for myself, so I am giving my new Tictail store a try.

I am selling this skull top as a preorder and you can only purchase it through my new store.  So if you're looking for a one of a kind piece that is perfect for summer and totally badass, mosey on over to the new store and preorder yourself a SBFB Skull Crop Top.  I am selling them for $45 (the fabric is sooo expensive) and all preorders will be shipped out August 22nd or sooner, depending on how many orders I receive.  Also, if you order a top and leave me a comment below, I will send a free gift your way - a studded friendship bracelet, just like the one I'm wearing here.  

I'm going to be away for the next couple days at a family reunion on the other side of the state.  Hope everyone has a good weekend and I'll be back Tuesday!

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Pink Roots with LuvAJ

If you're like my you've obsessed over these pink roots worn by model Wylie in LuvAJ's lookbook for Fashion Gone Rogue "Pink Lady".

The best thing I've heard all day - LuvAJ has created a video on how you can DIY!  It's so easy and such an awesome look!  I'm totally rocking it this weekend.

HOW TO: PINK ROOTS from Claire Thomas on Vimeo.
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