DIY Distressed Jeans to Cutoffs

Hi everyone!
It is officially fall! I know, I know, why am I posting a diy about a pair of shorts now, but consider this a possible project to wear during this transitional weather period! P.S. Autumn related posts are coming soon so get excited! So on with the DIY....

1. Length: To begin, simply put the jeans on and get an idea of how long you want them to be once they are cut. Specifically measure the inseam and outer seam. Take the pants off and measure the vertical length of your choice all the way around the circumference of each leg, marking with a pencil.

2. Style: Decide whether you want to roll them up or have a raw edge look. If you want them rolled, add 2 inches to the length and remeasure.

3. Cut: Now cut them and try them on to make sure it is what you want. (I usually do not do this but, for this pair I sewed the edge and then cut through it to make a thicker raw edge.)



4. Distress: Keep them on and start the distressing process by using a pencil to mark where you want the distress to be. Take an exacto knife and slice where you want slits. If your goal is to create a patch of the while thread of denim, make another slit above or below the original and sandpaper them. This should loosen the threads so that you can take a tweezer and pull the blue vertical threads out to reveal the horizontal white ones. You can also distress the hem of the denim with the sandpaper by rubbing the paper on it repetitively.

Note:

• The distress is enhanced through each wash and dry the denim is put through! 
• If you do not use somewhat "real denim" (very stretchy and jegging like) this won't work
• These could look a lot more distressed, however I wanted more of a subtle look!

xo, Paulina

Nanette Lepore - NYFW

Hi everyone!
I went to New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center! Yes, I had the amazing opportunity to attend Nanette Lepore's show this past Sunday. Marist College has a wonderful partnership with Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and awards their Silver Needle Award each year. Last year, Betsey Johnson was the recipient, and this year Nanette Lepore was awarded it. She put on a reprise right after her first show, solely for Marist fashion students and prospective students. The school did an amazing job, from handing out gift bags to holding a chic reception above Lincoln Center.

Imagine stepping out into the most high, creative, and exciting fashion scene. It's called NYFW. With loads of paparazzi, bloggers, celebrities, and street style watchers, Lincoln Center is hustling during this week and is extremely inspiring. Chosing what to wear was a bit time consuming because you know that everyone is looking at everyone else's outfits. Soooo, I decided to wear a floral printed jacket from Zara, a black tank top, a grey structured skirt, and blush cork wedges, all from Forever 21. I kept accessories to a minimum with a black, faux leather perforated clutch, and silver stud earrings. Surprisingly, I kept the entire ensemble to under $150 and still received complements on it!

The show was brilliant, which was inspired by the 60's in chic California. I loved the fact that I would wear any piece of the collection. It flowed beautifully and sent a surge of energy down the runway. Although the fashion was the best part of it, the makeup and hair styling had me aye-struck and ready to try it myself. The models wore white eyeliner with a double wing, heavy mod mascara, glowing skin, and skin tone lips. The eyes fascinated me because they immediately illuminated the face. Think California surfer meets South of France. The topknot that the models wore was the icing on the cake, truly making the collection effortless but completely put together.

Best part? When it was time for the final walk and the models, including Nanette Lepore's daughter and herself, congaed and danced their way back and forth on the runway, (I'm sure) making the entire audience feeling positive vibes and all dancey! I could not have asked for a better, more exciting time as my second New York Fashion Week experience!



xo, Paulina