DIY Inspiration; Helmut Lang

I went looking for a photo of this Helmet Lang Blazer today, as I have plans to attempt one of my own and while looking I found so many great pieces full of inspiration.  Though I'm sure my work will never be quite this tidy, Knit cut outs and Asymmetrical hems here I come.     

Austere Xo

 

Cut outs and Cut Backs

I'm a big fan of simple DIY projects that make an otherwise ordinary item stand out. So when I saw this photo from Fashion Gone Rogue on the Spell and Gypsy Collective blog I new these unique but simple cut outs were going to shoot to the top of my DIY list. As soon as I find the perfect shirt to alter you can expect a DIY tutorial to be posted.

Prudence

Photo from FGR and Spell

DIY: Easy Backless Shirt

It would be hard to not notice the backless trend that is everywhere right now and not only is this a great trend that I am a huge fan of but it is also extremely easy to turn into a DIY project.

What you will need

1. A simple stretch shirt. (The one I used was from Forever 21)
2. Scissors
3. Measuring tape
4. Washable marker

How To

1. 
   Cut off the collar of the shirt. To make sure you cut the collar evenly measure and mark one inch from the collar on each side and going around the front of it.
   
   
   
2. I wanted a really deep backless shirt but you can choose however deep you would like your shirt to be. On the back of the shirt make a mark where you would like the shirt to be cut to.
3. Carefully cut the back of the shirt out, making sure that both sides are even. If unsure of how much to cut always lean on the side of caution. You can always cut more out but you can't add it back on. 
   
    
4. Once you have the shirt cut to your liking you are done! The shirt will slightly curl along the cuts, if you want to avoid this you can hem the shirt using a stretch stitch. Wear and enjoy.
   
   
   
   Prudence

Something Else

If I had to choose one brand and one brand only to live and breath in, day in and day out, it would be Something Else by Natalie Wood.  Its super stylish yet incredible wearable and filled with DIY inspiration.  Something else is the edgier, more mature and luxurious brain child of Australian designer Natalie Wood.      

Images from Something Else's Autumn/Winter 2012, Summer 2011, and Spring 2011 collections.  Check out the rest of the line (Here)  And more of Natatie Wood's work as creative director of the Australian surf skate brand Insight.

Xo Austere