I’m still getting over the jetlag from my recent trip to Tokyo, getting back into the daily routine, and getting used to it being light until like 9:00 at night here.  Summer’s right around the corner, it’s been amazing weather here, and I’m in the mood to air out my wardrobe, upcycle stuff that’s been sitting around, and tackle all those projects that have been on my to-do list for ages!  On my radar recently:

Refashion Files is a new daily refashion inspiration blog started by Jen of Tatertots and Jello and Amy of Mod Podge Rocks.  It’s a great source of refashioned projects from around the internet.  If you’ve done some crafty upcycling, why not submit your own refashioned project as well?

Speaking of refashioning, I’ve come across another amazingly creative blog!  Mostly focused on sewing, upcycling, and refashioning, Cotton and Curls has some great tutorials for breathing new life into your old clothes.  Try her beautiful draped Stand & Deliver Skirt to get your started!

Make your own shoes?  Sure, why not!  I CAN Make Shoes offers an easy-to-use downloadable guide to Making Your Own Sandals, for 6.98 pounds.  Also available: their guide to making your own Baby Shoes, soles, and insoles for the Make Your Own Sandals Guide ( a mere 2.98 pounds a pair).  And if you’re in the U.K.’s Hackney Downs area, you can also sign up for workshops on shoe-making (ballet flats, shoe designing, and shoe upcycling are also offered).

Mega-brand Gap has partnered with the online community Threadless to introduce T-It-Yourself (T.I.Y.) on their Facebook page – encouraging people to upcycle their old tees into fashionable items!  The first project in the series involves covering some boring old sandal straps with strips cut from a colorful old tee.  Just lovely!

Check out the beautiful Whitney and her recent creative project on her blog Freshly Given: a Greek Style Top refashioned from a maxi-skirt.  Just perfect for the summer days ahead!

This is absolutely amaaaaahzing: DIY Spiked Loafers by Chictopians Lipgloss and Black.  A whole lotta work – but just droolworthy results.  Kudos to those brave enough to attempt it!!

RunwayDIY posted a great DIY of those wavy-hem Stella McCartney MVP Shorts.  Sexy and classy at the same time – and I love her choice of appliques!

I have a fun and easy summer dress tutorial/upcycle in the works…and while researching how to do it I came across this video on sewing a Tulle Tutu from Youtube user Gristolin.  Beautiful, girly, froufy – and just perfect!!

If your project was featured above, feel free to grab a button and share the DIY!

If you have a DIY how-to or tutorial that you’d like to see featured on Chic Steals, please email me at carlyjcais at chic-steals dot com – and I’ll try to squeeze it in to one of my Links of the Week posts! (Tutorials/how-to’s with steps and photos included please! So everyone can share in the DIY goodness:-)

xoxox

Carly

-all photos copyright their respective authors; photo array by me-

~If you liked this post, please share it!~

Tags: