Some of the best DIYs around

Nowadays everyone seems to be getting into the DIY (do it yourself) mood.  Whether or not you are extremely talented/crafty most DIYs are simple enough to be done by anyone and if done right look great! We thought we’d put together some favorites for you that we’ve seen through out the past few weeks.

Accessories

Most girls have made friendship bracelets at some point in their life but these jewelry DIYs take it to the next level.

This braided brass hex nut bracelet found at {this is glamorous} is one our favorites because of the simplicity and the hardware look.

The only materials needed for this bracelet are 3 strands of twine cut into one yard pieces and 18 small brass hex nuts.  Once you have those supplies all you need to know how to do is tie a knot and braid.  For the step by step tutorial click here.

Scarves seem to be one of the most common DIY projects (probably because you can make so many different kinds out of many different things).  Right now the most popular type of DIY scarf seems to be the tshirt scarf.  You can cut up any old tshirt and easily make a very versatile scarf.

For some great step by step instructions check out this tutorial by Alana Taylor.  We also found a great video tutorial at Made this/Love this.

Tops Tops Tops

When we started looking at all the DIY tops we found that basically no one should ever wear just a plain tshirt again…it has so much more potential! Tshirts are being used to make some of the cutest DIY tops (and some amazing dresses but we’ll talk about that later).

Here’s a simple DIY tshirt project…

All that’s needed for this project is a tshirt and some scissors and voila you have a much more exciting tshirt.  For step by step instruction check out Welcome to the Good Life.

This is one of our personal favorite tshirt to tank DIYs:

 All that’s needed for this project is a tshirt, scissors, and needle & thread.  This works great for a tshirt that is a too big or you don’t really like the fit of.  Learn how at Crafterhours!

We could fill up the rest of this blog with just tshirt DIYs but we promise we will only do two more…

Dresses

Have an XL tshirt lying around that you don’t ever wear unless maybe its to sleep in? Why not turn it into a dress…this DIY literally takes no sewing or cutting and its surprisingly really cute.

 Tshirt Dress Video Tutorial by TheRayBabyShow

This video gives you three different variations for a tshirt dress…one even has pockets!!

 As the DIY designer in this video mentions you can pair this tshirt dress with a cardigan for a more casual look.

School House Cardi

Vest

Our last DIY is the Tshirt Vest…crazy simple and so cute!

 This is so simple all you need is a t-shirt and scissors. You even use the scraps you cut off the shirt to add form to the vest.  Here is the tutorial from Wobisobi: Style and Art, This and That.

So basically grab some tshirts and some scissors and make yourself a new wardrobe! Also let us know about your favorite DIY projects! Happy DIYing!

Then to Now- Ebay Vintage College Apparel

We all know that fashion is continuously changing.  Styles go out, new styles come in, old styles come back again etc.  We thought it would be interesting to take a look at some vintage college swag compared to what we see today. Remember all of these pieces you can find on ebay!

 

First we have a Purdue University vintage men’s satin jacket from the 1980′s.

 

This is a Swingster, gold and black satin jacket that snaps up the front.  While this particular jacket is from the 80′s this style is classic and is still being used by many college apparel designers.

 

 

 

In contrast, we have a modern day Purdue University pullover jacket.

 

Besides the obvious style difference you can also see the color scheme has been changed slightly.  The gold used in this jacket is nowhere near as vibrant as the gold used in the 1980′s jacket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next up is Iowa State.  Also from the 80′s is this Iowa State snap button jacket.

This is a back view of the jacket so the Iowa State is shown.  While a similar style to the vintage Purdue jacket, the coloring is really what screams vintage.

 

 

 

 

Nowadays an Iowa State jacket looks a lot more like this Element full zip jacket.

 

 

Here again you can see the color change that has happened over the years.  Both the “red” and the “gold” colors are very different shades now.  Keep in mind wear and tear on the 1980′s jacket but there is still quite a difference.

 

 

 

 

Last we have a Kent State Flock Print athletic sweatshirt from the 1960′s!

 

Besides being a little worn (which makes it so comfy) this Kent State sweatshirt is still very in.  We’ve seen a lot of styles lately who have been copying this older, but never dated, look.  The coloring might not be perfect but the shape and the very visible seams makes it fashion forward no matter the decade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally a more modern Kent State piece. This midweight full zip hoody can be find anywhere and for any school.

 

 

This hoody really is everywhere.  Something about its simple design and quality material makes it the perfect sweater to go to a game in or to hit the books in the library.  There is quite a style difference between this hoody and the sweater from the 60′s, but  I have to say I would wear both of them.

 

 

 

 

Which do you prefer?  Today’s gear or the vintage collection?

Also don’t forget, everything on this post can still be found on ebay!

Valentine’s Day Outfit Under $100

Dress $32, Coat $20.27, Shoes $26, Clutch $14

You don’t need to spend a fortune to look great for your Valentine’s Day date!  Here is a great look for under $100 and you might already have some of the pieces you need! Find a great dress, like this brazil halter dress from Warehouse for $32, and then just add a pair of sexy (but hopefully comfortable) black heels.  To keep warm grab a black coat, the one featured here is from Wholesale-Dress for only $20.27 and then just add a nice clutch.  We’ve chosen red because it is Valentine’s day but black or silver would work too.  Enjoy your date!

Steve Madden and Two Ten Footwear Foundation

Wendy and Steve Madden gave $1M to Two Ten Footwear Foundation late last week as a completely unrestricted gift.

Two Ten Footwear Foundation was founded in Boston in 1939 as a way to financially help individuals in the shoe market who had fallen on tough times.  After WWII requests for assistance were coming from all over the nation so Two Ten began expanding its efforts.  In addition to financial help to people in the shoe industry, Two Ten also has a scholarship program to help children whose parents are in the shoe industry afford college.  Two Ten also provides counseling, community resources, and networking. Click here for more info about Two Ten.

Steve Madden has worked with Two Ten in the past and is just happy to be in a position where he can give back to such a great organization.

Steve Madden is quoted saying

“I’ve met so many great people and been lucky that I love what I do, I’ve been given this lucky break, and we’ve done very well — better than I should have — and I just want to give back”

The Maddens, Photo Cred Harvey Bilt

The generosity shown by the Maddens is an inspiration to all.  It’s wonderful to see people who are doing amazingly well make a great effort to help others.  For more information on how to donate to Two Ten Footwear Foundation click Donate.

Two Ten Footwear Foundation information found on their website twoten.org.

For more information on Steve Madden’s donation clickhere.

Still trying to decide what to wear for the Super Bowl?

This evening one of the biggest sporting events of the year will be being viewed in homes everywhere across the US.  Still not sure what you are going to wear to your friend’s viewing party? Trying to rock a new look for the party you are hosting?

Well if you are one of those people who doesn’t own any Patriot or Giant clothing, here is a great way to cheer on the team of your choice without spending a bunch on NFL wear.  Also for those of us who are more interested in the commercials than the game, both teams have similar color scheme so you really can’t go wrong!  Here are some wonderful outfit ideas put together but the great people at College Fashion (www.collegefashion.net) http://www.collegefashion.net/shopping/outfits-under-100-stylish-super-bowl-outfits/.

Here is a great outfit to wear if you are pulling for the patriots.

Jeans- H&M Squin Jeans $12.62

Tank- this tank is no longer available on the H&M website but here is a close substitute for $12.95

Cardigan- Abercromibe & Fitch Dawn in Navy $35

Shoes- Old Navy Faux-Gem Ballet Flats $24.94

Bangle- Forever21 Medieval Filigree Bracelet $2.80

Beaded Bracelet- Forever21 Flower Charm Bracelet $2.80

Nail Polish- Forever21 Ravishing Red Nail $2.80

Earrings- No longer available but here is another close substitue found on JCP.com for $12

We are loving the idea that you can put together an adorable outfit for the Super Bowl without spending a bunch of money on NFL gear. You can probably find all the pieces you need in your closet.

Don’t forget to take a look at the Giants outfit College Fashion has put together!

http://www.collegefashion.net/shopping/outfits-under-100-stylish-super-bowl-outfits/

 

Win Our Favorite Products in February!

Can you believe it’s February already? Maybe it’s the crazy warm temps or the fact that VDay is exactly 14 days away, but we’re feeling the love this month and to celebrate we’re giving away our favorite School House products. Every Friday in February, we’ll give away an item hand-picked by our staff to our FB followers just for answering questions about YOUR favorite must-have products of the moment. From beauty to shoes, we’ll be getting your opinion on the best products out there and sharing some of ours in the process.

Plus, if you sign up for our newsletter this month, you’ll automatically be entered in a drawing to win a complete School House suite – yoga pants, t-shirt, zip-up hoodie and cardigan. Don’t you just love February?

If you haven’t yet, like us over on our Facebook page to get started and don’t forget to check us out every Friday for your chance to win!

Garland Shirt Company (AKA Brooks Brothers)

Brooks Brothers is an iconic brand with a surprising Made in USA story. Their classic cotton oxfords and polos are crafted in our home state of North Carolina, just 100 miles SE of our headquarters in Durham. Recently, our team visited the factory and its amazing outlet store, and came back with more than some cute heels and tweed blazers; they had a renewed faith in our mission to create quality American apparel.

The team-oriented culture at the Garland Shirt Factory is one we’ve dreamed of ever since we officially launched nearly three years ago. A diverse factory where employees are respected for their craft and care more about the end product than a paycheck. It’s what we envision for the 21st century American garment manufacturer. It’s the pride we have when we watch one of our School House cardigans or tees being made. It’s what get’s us going every morning.

Check out this quick 5 minute video and see why you won’t find many oxford shirts in the Garland outlet store (hint: they’re not making many mistakes!)

New Glasses for Emily!

Hey Everyone!

Which pair of glasses should our AMAZING designer Emily buy? Use your fashion sense to help Emily pick the right pair!

Show us your best holiday outfit and win!

If you haven’t already, be sure to submit your favorite holiday outfit you wore this year for a chance to win a FREE School House shirt! Check out some of our favorite holiday outfits http://www.seventeen.com/fashion/tips/holiday-outfits-1207

Show us your best holiday outfit!

If you haven’t already, be sure to submit your favorite holiday outfit you wore this year for a chance to win a FREE School House shirt!