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DIY Summer Fashion

Summer is almost here! You know what that means? Summer fashion DIY projects! Let's welcome the summer sunshine and ditch jeans and long sleeves with these seasonal do-it-yourself clothing refashions, from sandals and shorts to skirts and more!

The sheer amount of summer-centric shirt and blouse DIYs is tremendous. Of course, the sheer amount of DIY projects in general is enough to drive any craftsperson to insanity (how will you ever find the time to attempt them all?) So, I took it upon myself to sift through the masses and pick out a couple of DIY must-tries, if you will. The first is this adorable crochet tank called the "keila" top (as seen in photo 1). The pattern is available for free on ravelry.com, and is super easy to make.  If crochet isn't your forte, all you need is some fabric, crochet doilies, and some crochet trim, and you're all set to DIY this DIY. Want something a little less elaborate? I've got you covered (as seen in photo 2). Aren't the floral patterned bows adorbable? Sewing is a must in this DIY-- it's not only pretty straightforward, but it's totally worth it. You might even be able to pull it off without a sewing machine if you’re handy enough.

What's that? You're not handy with a sewing machine? Would rather leave the needle and thread firmly stuck in that red tomato thing? (it's called a pin cushion, my dear). Then take a look at this (as seen in photo 3). This waterfall skirt was made from a maxi skirt-- just cut out the front. All you need are a pair of good ol' scissors. You can also create a super high fashion look from a pencil skirt by adding fringe (as seen in photo 4). Literally just glue the fringe on in layers-- you'll be amazed with the result. Where do you get fringe, you ask? You can make it yourself or you can buy it ready to go from Walmart or any store where they sell fabric and ribbons. If you're determined to sew, you can make these (as seen in photo 5). These lace shorts are SO CUTE. You'll need to buy the lace, but other than that, you're ready to go. You could even glue them, much like the fringe skirt above.

You know it's coming. Look at you, scrolling to the end of the article in hopes of finding this section. Fine, fine... let's talk about shoes. Yes, shoes; or perhaps, more appropriate, sandals, flip-flops and slip-ons. Shake up any pair of sandals with these detachable front ruffles (as seen in photo 6). Are these not pure genius? They can be any color you like, of course, and you can choose to make them less dramatic, if that's what suits you (translation-- less ruffles). Looking for other ways to update the sandals already taking space in the back of your closet (you know--where you left them last summer)? Try adding a ribbon bow, removing the cheap flip-flop strap and replacing it with braided fabric, or beaded cord. You can even add glitter if that's what inspires you (as seen in photo 7). Not sure how to make cute bows? We've got you covered-- check out this cute picture tutorial. Want a pair of sandals that are pure diy? No messing around? Try these gladiator sandals (as seen in photo 8)?

Want some other ideas? You could always try tackling barefoot sandals. These are cute and strappy, and come in a variety of styles and materials -- they look cute, and are definitely a summer-only trend. Try matching them up with shorts.  You can try one of the gazillion shorts tutorials out there-- so many it's hard to even keep up. Who knows-- maybe they'll even get their own article.

Photo Credits: 

Photo 1: Handy Kitty. (n.d.). Keila top. Retrieved April 1, 2015, from Ravelry website: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/keila-top

Photo 2: Design your t-shirt and make a stylish summer shirt. (2013, May 29). Retrieved April 1, 2015, from FUN AND FASHION HUB website: http://funandfashionhub.blogspot.com/2013/05/design-your-t-shirt-and-make-stylish.html

Photo 3: DIY FISHTAIL SKIRT | FREE PEOPLE COLLABORATION. (2011, October 13). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from A Pair and a Spare website: http://apairandasparediy.com/2011/10/diy-fishtail-skirt-free-people-collaboration.html

Photo 4: San. (2014, February 17). Flapper Fringe Skirt – DIY Tutorial. Retrieved April 1, 2015, from Beautiful Shoes website: http://beautifulshoes.org/flapper-fringe-skirt-diy-tutorial/?fid=0

Photo 5: Lace shorts,high waist ombre lace shorts,lace denim shorts by Jeansonly. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from Wanelo website: http://wanelo.com/p/5767345/lace-shorts-high-waist-ombre-lace-shorts-lace-denim-shorts-by-jeansonly

Photo 6: Tintari, M. (2009, May 23). DIY RUFFLE SHOES: REMOVABLE RUFFLES FOR YOUR SANDALS, FLATS OR HEELS. Retrieved April 8, 2015, from Love Maegan.com website: http://www.lovemaegan.com/2009/05/diy-blue-ruffle-shoes-removable-ruffles-for-your-sandalsheels-flats-wedges-pumps-stilettos.html

Photo 7: Top 10 DIY Trendy Sandals for This Summer. (2014, May 28). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from TopInspired.com website: http://www.topinspired.com/top-10-diy-trendy-sandals-for-this-summer/

Photo 8: DIY ALEXANDER WANG INSPIRED GLADIATOR SANDALS. (2013, May 30). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from A Pair and a Spare website: http://apairandasparediy.com/2013/05/diy-alexander-wang-inspired-gladiator-sandals.html

References:

cute DIY bow tutorial. (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2015, from Pinterest website: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/537054324290231392/

Design your t-shirt and make a stylish summer shirt. (2013, May 29). Retrieved April 1, 2015, from FUN AND FASHION HUB website: http://funandfashionhub.blogspot.com/2013/05/design-your-t-shirt-and-make-stylish.html

Handy Kitty. (n.d.). Keila top. Retrieved April 1, 2015, from Ravelry website: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/keila-top

San. (2014, February 17). Flapper Fringe Skirt – DIY Tutorial. Retrieved April 1, 2015, from Beautiful Shoes website: http://beautifulshoes.org/flapper-fringe-skirt-diy-tutorial/?fid=0

DIY FISHTAIL SKIRT | FREE PEOPLE COLLABORATION. (2011, October 13). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from A Pair and a Spare website: http://apairandasparediy.com/2011/10/diy-fishtail-skirt-free-people-collaboration.html

DIY Tutorial DIY lace shorts. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from Bead and Cord website: http://www.beadandcord.com/clipper/kara.davison.1370042/diy-shorts-11182/55656.html

Lace shorts,high waist ombre lace shorts,lace denim shorts by Jeansonly. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from Wanelo website: http://wanelo.com/p/5767345/lace-shorts-high-waist-ombre-lace-shorts-lace-denim-shorts-by-jeansonly

Get SEQUINED (28 photos). (2012, July 13). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from The Berry website: http://theberry.com/2012/07/13/get-sequined-28-photos/w

Tintari, M. (2009, May 23). DIY RUFFLE SHOES: REMOVABLE RUFFLES FOR YOUR SANDALS, FLATS OR HEELS. Retrieved April 8, 2015, from Love Maegan.com website: http://www.lovemaegan.com/2009/05/diy-blue-ruffle-shoes-removable-ruffles-for-your-sandalsheels-flats-wedges-pumps-stilettos.html

Top 10 DIY Trendy Sandals for This Summer. (2014, May 28). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from TopInspired.com website: http://www.topinspired.com/top-10-diy-trendy-sandals-for-this-summer/

How to DIY Sexy Barefoot Sandals Tutorial. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from Fab Art DIY website: http://www.fabartdiy.com/how-to-diy-sexy-barefoot-sandals-tutorial/

DIY ALEXANDER WANG INSPIRED GLADIATOR SANDALS. (2013, May 30). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from A Pair and a Spare website: http://apairandasparediy.com/2013/05/diy-alexander-wang-inspired-gladiator-sandals.html