Handmade Sequin Shorts

I am COMPLETELY in love with these black sequin shorts I designed and got made in Shenzen. They are so fun! Don't they just scream 'let's go party!!'. Couldn't help dancing around the bedroom when I had them on... (ignore my ridiculous starfish-like dance moves...) They are a similar style to the lace ones I also got made and blogged about yesterday- with a high paperbag waist and belt loops. I chose a small square sequin as they aren't as shiny as round ones, in an attempt to keep them a bit low key. Hands up if you want a pair? (would be perfect worn with some eye catching tangerine lippy - need to get onto that asap!)

wearing: handmade sequin shorts, perfectly soft white tee from some random japanese brand, zara boots.

Perfect DIY lace shorts

Got my delivery from the tailor on Friday (yay!). The tailor got all the things I designed bang on - so happy. I have been wanting a pair of lace shorts for so long - but never found the perfect ones (within my price range). I chose the cutest lace and got them to put in belt loops so I could add a little ribbon belt. I am in love. Can't wait to show you all the others things that came. (ps. I know getting things made by a tailor isn't exactly DIY, but oh well).

Wearing: handmade shorts, vintage camel silk tee, mango boots

Chinese Trippin

Another trip up to handmade clothing mecca Shenzhen on the weekend with a friend. It was soooo exhausting! It is honestly one of the most full on things you can do (it was my friends first trip up there and she was visibly wilting after a few hours). Spent a while with our tailor getting a few things made including a camel blazer, and two pairs of high waisted shorts (lace and sequins) and a few other things. The fabrics they have there are so amazing, I could wander the fabric market for hours. Everything will be delivered in a week and I'm soo excited!

Shiny and Bright

Gala, you have inspired me to get a pair of rough sequin shorts like these made next time I am in Shenzen (the list for trip number 3 is growing verrrry long!). At least now I know what I am going to get made out of the racks and racks of sequins. I am also endeavoring to make your amazing spiked belt.

I am also addicted to these amazingggg silver sequin pants below. They definitely make the list also.

Images: Inside Am-lul's Closet, sequins fabrics in Shenzen, Yeojin Bae via Honestly wtf

DIY The Perfect LBD?

I'd like to introduce you to one of the fruits of my first visit to the tailor in Shenzen. Nothing too out there on my maiden voyage. Thought it best to test the waters. The search for the perfect little black dress has been a long and arduous one. I must have about 10 black dresses in my wardrobe (I was banned from buying them for a while there) but none of them are that perfect dress that works in any situation and will take you from work to a party to a dinner to your divorce court proceedings with ease.When I went up to Shenzen recently, I decided it was high time I got one made in the shape, style and fabric I wanted. Having obviously done a lot of hands on research on the subject of black dresses, it wasn't hard to come up with this one. It has really nice paneling on the front and a lovely cinched in waist. Will probably wear it with sheer spotted or opaque tights for work. It's such a lovely shape I'll probably get it made in a few other colours and a longer version too.

Post update: in response to your comments and emails - the dress is a silk crepe material with a light horizontal pattern and it has a V back with a bronze exposed zip. I chose the fabric in the fabric hall and then drew up the pattern at the tailors using a couple of examples (pics and dresses I had with me). It took a week to get made (its perfect). I'm looking forward to showing you the spoils of my last trip once they are ready.

Wearing: Handmade dress, reiss mesh heels.

Wardrobe Rehab - Stocking up on basics and essentials

I love how many of you have been inspired to rehab your wardrobe. Check out my six steps to wardrobe bliss in the right hand column if wardrobe rehab is new to you. Remember my post about basics and essentials and how important they are as the foundations of your wardrobe? Well I did an epic trip with a girlfriend up to Shenzen on the weekend, a Chinese border town known for its amazing fabrics, tailors and shopping, and thought it a perfect opportunity to tick off a few things on my list of basics and essentials that I need. Here's a sneak peak at the inspiration for my order. Can't wait to show you the result! I also picked up a few things that I'll show you shortly.