The Tiny Closet

So!  Last week, I made a wool poncho and debuted it a couple days ago.  It was cool.  You know.  It was very plaid.  Anyway, I tried again :)  

This time, I used a stiffer fabric.  I wanted something more dramatic like dupioni or tulle - but warmer: 

I went with felted wool...  In cobalt!

 poncho: Tiny Closet / belt: Zara Man / denim: Benetton / heels: Aldo

accessories - cuff: Nordstrom / cage ring: H&M

As much as I love black, the original ensemble I had in mind was leather pants and black booties, but I wasn't in the mood to be predictable.  So I chose cognac, nude and sandblasted denim colors to coordinate with this blue!

I really like the croc print on this Zara Man belt.  Ooo, that texture with this felted poncho!  And of course, gold really was the only accessory choice in my mind for this.  Maybe because I'm obsessed with gold jewelry :)

So I am much happier with poncho #2!  

What do you think??

Aaaand, a few ladies wanted to know how this super simple poncho was made.  I felt a quirky iPhone-staged tutorial was in order!

I didn't have enough wool to show you how I made this in full size so I made a miniature version of the poncho but also used my mannequin in parts to show you how to measure the poncho for length and width.  I am not P.S. I  Made This nor a pair and a spare (I'm obsessed with both though!) so bear with me!

This is my first tutorial.  Shall we begin?  Okay:

Step 1.  You Will Need...

2 yards of material / scissors / measuring tape / needle and matching colored thread

Step 2.  Measurements For Your Poncho

The poncho itself is one piece of material.  So since it's one piece, hang your measuring tape over your shoulder, placing the start of your measuring tape where you wish the front of the poncho to hit you.  Note the inches where you want your poncho to end in the back and voile, you've got the length of your poncho.

Next, hold the start of your measuring tape from elbow to elbow, going up over your shoulders.  Now you've got the width of your poncho!

With the length and width of your poncho, you are now ready to cut your material.  And yes, it's just a big square.

Step 3.  Cut Your Material

Now we get into the miniature part of the tutorial.  I like the edges of my poncho to be rounded so that it doesn't look like a blanket and it drapes better.

This is a model of the poncho laid out flat.

Step 4.  Create Neck Opening

You may have chosen the front of your poncho to be a different length than the back.  I made my front shorter than the back.  So cutting your neck opening on the poncho depends on those two lengths.

Step 5.  Measure & Cut Neckline

In order to make that huge collar that you see on both ponchos I've shown, the neckline can't just be a slit.  You will need to measure how wide your neck hole will be.  

If you're not sure, you can easily measure the neck hole of a sweater or top that you own.

 

Step 6.  Create Collar

Time to sew!  You may sew by hand or use a sewing a machine.  The collar I've made is 14 inches (2') and then I crunch and fold it over.  Of course, you can make your collar as long or as short as you wish.  

Step 7.  Finishing Up!  Attaching Neckline

If you do want to have a large folded over collar, you will need to sew it onto the poncho inside out.  This is so that when you fold it, the folded side will be the correct side of the material, hiding the seam.

Lastly, you will then attach the collar onto the neckline of the poncho!  

You can hand sew this or use a machine.

If you haven't seen the first poncho, click here

It's been drizzling all day.  Like it does.  A great day to sit inside and talk about belts!

Okay, a friend of mine asked recently if I could help her find creative ways to wear belts.  Specifically in an office environment.  Um, totally.  What I love about belts right now is the fact that, thanks to hit shows like Mad Men, belts are sliding their way up to the natural waistline and cinching us to a more classic, ladylike silhouette - a trend that should never go away.  As well, belts are making their way outside outerwear again, and very becomingly buckling in thicker materials like coats and cardigans.  Very fresh and stylish things happening.  And plenty of ideas to choose from!

Shall we get started then?

Let's start with simple.  The traditional duo of dress and belt:

Okay - I love sash style belts.  For those of us who gravitate towards wider belts but don't always like a big buckle staring right back at you in the mirror, I like this bohemian take.  Plus, with a knot instead of a notch method, you can customize just how fitted or loose you wish your cinch to be.  Tie it any ol' way you want, baby.  I also like the idea of using a scarf or thick textury ribbon for a more romantic style.

And what about wearing belts over our coats and sweaters?  Belts worn over outerwear can bring eccentricity, drama and sophistication to an otherwise too casual, or shapeless look.  But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

Are you maxed out with belts yet?  No?  Me neither!  My all time favorite way to wear a scarf is actually tucking it into my belt.  Gorgeous.  It's a glamorous effect really.  Like you're simply oozing with luxury and class.  And then you can also take the style down a notch (haha, get it? - you see what I did there?) and make it more casual simply by the clothes you wear.  Here are some examples:

So, there you have it!

A variable plethora of belt styles to run to your closet and try.  Don't have many belts to choose from?  That's the beauty of these accessories - cheap ones can still look stunning with the right outfit.  If you're going out on a limb, hit up your local vintage, thrift and budget stores - they're usually treasure troves.  And look forward to seeing me in more belted outfits.  I love wearing belts in the Summer!

Don't forget to leave a comment!