Rihanna is taking the ripped denim summer trend into fall by pairing with tights (in this case fishnets) underneath. I thought I wrote a post on this during the summer when I first read this would be a fall trend, but I couldn't find it, so apparently I didn't. Anyways, I LOVE this look and it is definitely a DIY look that you can create for yourself.

So, I finally got around to making a couple of DIY projects inspired by current trends.

Rodarte-Inspired Leggings

The first is a spin on Rihanna's Rodarte leggings following Tiffany's instructions at Six Six Sick.

Instead of trying to create an imperfect pair of laser cut leggings by hand (this is the most meticulous project ever because its really hard to make each diamond identical and perfect), I chose to just do a couple of bands of them. So, if you're a little more conservative, you may want to try something more along these lines than the full cutout. I left the back alone. I really like the way they turned out (and the shorter time it took), and although I was just able to squeeze in only one wearing this season on a cooler evening, I'll be bringing them back in the fall. I may take some time in between now and then to do some more cutouts since I still have my stencil, but the perfectionist in me may not let me...





Bleached denim jeans

Next up, I decided to bleach some jeans using the instructions posted at Denimology. Unfortunately, I got the bright idea to take pictures as I went AFTER I finished, so I tried to duplicate how I scrunched the jeans to get this effect.

1. I started with a nice pair of dark wash denim (you'll have to use your imagination) and scrunched one pant leg from the ankle up and secured vertically with a rubber band.


2. Then I did the same with the other pant leg.


3. Then I scrunched them together horizontally and secured with a third rubber band.


4. After 2 hours of soaking in the bleach mixture and adding even more bleach (because I grew tired of making trips back and forth outside to check on them), I pulled them out of the bleach mixture, removed the rubber bands, and threw them in the rinse cycle.


And voila:



I was surprised that they turned out having a more two-toned tie-dyed effect rather than a splotchy bleached out one (you never know what you're going to get with these type of projects), but I'm assuming that's because they were of a light wash denim that was dyed dark in the first place. But, I do appreciate that they look a little different.

Last year, I spoke about the cutoff trend, and the re-emergence of them this year seems to have sparked a little controversy about whether or not they should actually be back. The difference between this year and last year is that now they are truly cut off jeans. Sooo in the spirit of Recession Chic, you can create these from a pair of jeans that you no longer wear. I love the DIY!

Or, if you're feeling the need to splurge (that's a nice way of me saying "waste your money"), you can buy a pair of Current/Elliott's at Singer22 for $187:


Yeeeahhh, pass the scissors please..

Cutoffs: So Last Season, or Spring Must-have? -- The Cut: New York Magazine's Fashion Blog

I am so tired of reporting on what Rihanna is wearing, but the fact remains that she is wearing something pretty much everyday that keeps her style a topic of conversation. Sooo without further adieu:


Rihanna was out in Gramercy Park yesterday wearing this interesting ensemble. I love the jacket and the gloves, and I do like the leggings (although I'm surprised of the pairing with the denim shorts), but I think that this is truly an outfit for a celebrity to wear. Could anyone just wear this outfit...and get away with it?

Update: I did a little research on these leggings and they are from Rodarte's Spring 2009 show. So, if you likey, you can either get a pair for $920 at Opening Ceremony or if you're poor and crafty...ahem, like me, you will transform your oversaturated and played out shiny American Apparel leggings like Tiffany did at Six Six Sick Girls. Thanks Tiffany, you are a genius!

Last month, I featured both the new ripped and tie-dye denim trends.

Denimology instructs us how we can make your own less expensive pair:

First up, bleached out skinnies with added rips. Childhood Flames has created a great pair with bleach and sandpaper. First up, either scrunch the jeans and put in a bucket of water with a little bleach in (try 5 parts water to one part bleach), and leave for about an hour. The better made the denim, and the darker the shade, the longer it will take to bleach out. Rinse with water (some people recommend vinegar to stop the bleach acting on the denim) and dry. Then attack with sandpaper if you want rough rips (and some pilling on the denim), or just nick a hole with scissors and rip with your fingers. The rips will fray more when you wash your jeans, so best to start small.

Yay!!! I'm definitely going to try this (w/one of my soon-to-be retired pairs) so I'll be sure to post pictures of the results.