DIY: Studded Leather Scarf

Bonjour, my friends! Has it really been that long since I posted? Jeebus! School has been getting more and more intense and with my job, and my second job, and this and that... aaah! I decided I needed a break and took some time for myself and my blog, which I feel I have abandoned quite a bit. I have been checking other classmates' blogs and apparently that's something normal when you study at Parsons. *enter sad face here*

Anyways, I've got a quick DIY for you guys. Since I've been away for a bit, I decided I'd treat you guys with an original design of my own. Ever since I first went to Mood for the first time, I've been holding on to an amazing creme leather hide I bought and a packet of studs. Call it my first little splurge at Mood, if you will. I went back and forth thinking of ideas on how to use this deliciously smooth leather. I went from draping it and making a quick skirt to using it on a blazer/coat/thing (so professional!), but I was worried about compromising the irregular qualities of the material which I absolutely loved. I didn't want to loose any of the hide shape and I wanted to show off the material as best I could, so I played around with it for a bit and finally realized that maybe it's just perfect to use it as a scarf. I would do little change to the material and it would be something different as I myself have never seen a leather scarf before. I toyed with the concept of an infinity scarf but again, I'd loose quite a bit of the organic form so I just turned it into a regular panel scarf. 

I decided to name this scarf the Kelly scarf. My dear friend Kelly passed away last week so decided to channel my energy and finally made this to pay homage to her. She was like a mother to me so I'm glad I went with the scarf so she'll keep me warm during my first New York winter! I think she would have liked it very much.

Anyways, let's get started!

You'll Need:

1 Leather hide (Each runs for about 48" X 36" and depending on the size between $30-$45)

Fabric scissors (not the same as paper scissors)

Pins

Ruler or measuring tape

Thread

Studs

Tailor's chalk (not shown here)

Sewing machine or needle

Step 1: Lay down your hide and measure out the center of the piece. Cut irregularly down the center as to mimic the outer border of the hide. You should be left with two long pieces. 

Step 2: On the widest end of each of the panels, with your ruler or measuring tape mark down a line using your tailor's chalk and cut down along the line. It should leave you with two panels with an even border each. 

Step 3: Measure out 3/4" for seam allowance. Mark again with your tailor's chalk and pin down both panels facing right side in (the two soft sode will be facing each other in the fabric sandwich leaving you with both rough side facing outwards). You'll sew along this line. 

Step 4: Prep your needle or sewing machine and sew along the marked line removing needles as you go. Since this is leather, you might want to go slowly with your sewing machine because it's a thicker material. Maybe loosen up the tension between stitches for some smooth sailing. 

Step 5: You should end up with something similar to this. I evened out the edges at the ends of the seam. At this point you could leave it as is but if you want to take it to the next level, stud it! I decided to sew an additional seam on either side of the central seam just to add a bit of interest and have a guide for the studs. Remember to sew rough side facing the machine feed or else it will get stuck on the smooth side! To add the studs, stick them through the fabric and with a butter knife, simply push in the little metal clasps inwards towards the stud cone so they won't bother or scrape you.

And you're done! See? Easy! Isn't that chic? Now, a few pointers you should keep in mind:

1. Light colored leather does stain with water and your body oils so remember this when you wear yours. If you're like me and like it scruffy and with some wear, by all means go for it! If not I suggest you use a dark colored leather. I'm planning on making this in black too!
2. The rough side of the leather will shed a bit so don't be surprised if you all of a sudden wind up with little leather bits here and there. I suggest wrapping this up around your neck and keeping it there so it won't go all over the place.
3. Play around with it! Today in school I used my scarf both wrapped around my neck and simply hung over it with the studs hanging from my back. People thought it was actually part of my creme colored blazer! The studs are a really cool surprise detail so flaunt them!

I suggest you try it out and see! You can can most certainly use other materials, but the simple construction of this definitely calls for leather (in my honest opinion). Remember to follow me on Instagram (LilaLane), "like" my Facebook page for new updates and follow me on Tumblr! Also, feel free to leave any suggestions for posts you'd like to see. I've got a few good suggestions lined up so I'm hoping I can get those rolling some time soon. Until the next time! See you soon! 

Birthday Glitz!

Don't let the title fool you. It's not my birthday. That was a while back. I did get something cool from my boyfriend on my last birthday though. Sequined fabric! I'd seen it with him while fabric shopping but couldn't afford it at the time because it was quite expensive. So, he got me the last yard left for my birthday and it was not until today that I took up the project to make a simple scoop neck loose fit blouse with it at my sewing class. The week before I also finished stitching up a little tube skirt that goes nicely with the top. I was planning to do a sweater type top initially, but when I laid out the pattern, there wasn't enough so I ended up scrapping the sleeves, modifying the shape and coming up with this simple, yet statement worthy top. Anyways, I think this might be even more versatile so I'm good. I'm really happy with the results and now I can't wait to make more stuff! 

Also, I though I'd share with you guys the ways I'd use this top in extremes. By extremes I mean a clean, professional, work appropriate look vs. a more playful party look. Obviously the top shown below isn't mine, but it's the closest I could find. Some work and all play!

Some work and all play! by desiree-velazquez-rodriguez featuring straight leg pants

Racer back top
$27 - windsorstore.com

D G one button jacket
$665 - stylebop.com

Miss Selfridge jersey skirt
£12 - missselfridge.com

Balmain straight leg pants
$872 - stylebop.com

Haider Ackermann platform wedge
$1,380 - monamoore.com

Brian Atwood heel pumps
$645 - mytheresa.com

Balenciaga studded handbag
$2,685 - balenciaga.com

Prada flap handbag
£895 - flannelsfashion.com

Michael Kors yellow gold jewelry
$250 - michaelkors.com

Betsey Johnson chain jewelry
$45 - betseyjohnson.com

Jamie wolf jewelry
$1,400 - barneys.com

Here's the Skitch: Fendi s/s 2012

Smart, practical and calculated. These are some of the words that can describe s/s 2012's Fendi inspirational woman for this collection.

Now, I'm not huge on the Fendi style. As you guys might have figured out, I tend to incline towards more eclectic fashions, or classics with a bright twist but there are quite a few things that really called to me about this collection. I think the thing that really caught my attention about this collection was the inspiration. If you know who Rita Levi-Montalcini is, you know she's a neuroscientist who received a nobel prize in 1986 for medicine/physiology. That's quite a different inspiration for the fashion industry! Usually inspiration comes from really graphic, artistic places for most designers so it's quite interesting that Silvia Venturini Fendi had this catch her muse. 

How does this all play out? Well, in my opinion it's actually what fashion should be all about. Fashion should be something that alludes to all types of people in creative industries, fashion, science, education, i.e. everyone. This collection is great for all types of women in any kind of working industry. It's practical, academic and versatile. Everything from the multi-functional detailing in the clothing to the mad scientist twisted styling evoked that. Lagerfeld (Karl Lagerfeld is the creative director for this Rome established fashion house) wanted to switch up the usual dress after dress collection people were used to and give them something different: daywear. The collection was an interplay between womenswear and menswear to give the taste of what a professional woman might leans towards to when choosing her professional attire. But that wasn't limiting to just a singular backbone to this collection. This is professionalwear with a fashionable taste. Little details in prints, fabrics, proportions and construction came in to play on that and thus revealing a delicate balance in counterpart to the structured elegance this collection portrays. Like Tim Blanks from Style.com said:

"OK, this is the world of science as viewed through the prism of fashion, but one still feels compelled to sign on as a mature science student at the nearest university."

Personally, I love what the collection's about and as you might have figured out, my favorite element of all was the makeup. Probably because it's the most eclectic element of this runway show to me (kind of sad it got covered up by their eyewear, but Fendi eyewear is a staple element), but there were some things that personally didn't call out to me. Well, maybe just one: the embroidered eyelet detailing. Don't get me wrong, it's interesting and it reminds you of that geometrical/molecular feel to the collection, but to me it screams "I'm so 90's and I'm not moving any more forward than that!". To me it gave a wrong message to everyone like if it were depicting a scientist that can't be fashion forward which is kind of the opposite of the whole given message. I don't know. That's just my opinion. You guys can tell me otherwise and it would be fine. Contrary to that, I like the colorful studs. It does bring that scientific taste, but it's much more relevant to the times. Classic little satchels adorned with that: awesome! Of course, the versatility of every piece is a huge plus. Also, I'm quite smitten with the tan colored hooded jacket shown below (also the look I illustrated for this edition's Skitch). 

All in all, I think you guys should head over to Style.com and check out the collection yourselves. I'd love to hear your take on it and share your thoughts on it! Here are some of my favorite looks and details from the collection:

Pictures via Style.com

Hello professional life!

Fashion Internship Interview Attire at Erika Peña by desiree-velazquez-rodriguez featuring aldo bags

Diane von Fürstenberg bodice dress, $498
Forever21 jacket, $28
ALDO peep toe high heels, $80
Aldo bag, $60
Forever21 spiked necklace, $5.80
Forever21 fish hook earrings, $1.50
Milani Liquif'Eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencil | Walgreens, $6.49
Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss by Urban Decay (Official Site), $20

Hey guys! Guess what? I interviewed today for a fashion internship at Erika Peña and I got it! I start on Wednesday! I'm so excited! Why am I so excited? Well, I'm definitely not excited for my agenda. Poor thing! With my job at Forever 21, this internship, my sewing classes, my gallery expo and the boyfriend... I don't know how I'll have any time for myself anymore! I am excited though because I will get to work behind the scenes in a fashion company, so I'll get to learn how the industry works, what's going on behind the glitz and glamour and what it takes to move along a flourishing business. So, I scrunched up this Polyvore set to show you guys what I wore today. Lately a lot of my friends have come to me for interview suggestions, so I thought I'd make this idea board and share my personal tips and pointers so you can get an idea of what to do and how dress for an interview. I also had a professor in college that was like a mentor to me in all that is personal presentation in the job industry (¡Gracias, Millán!).

OK. The first thing you've got to think of when choosing your outfit for the interview is what kind of company or employer would you potentially be working for. Is it a very reserved and formal company? A more creative one or a very hip and stylish one? That could pretty much set the breaking point for the entire outfit. In this case, I was interviewing for a designer so I had to show that I am indeed very much interested in the latest trends and my personal appearance. Erika Peña's company aesthetic circles around the colors black and gold (a combination which I am very keen on lately) so I decided I should somewhat incorporate that color scheme into my look to catch her eye a bit. I used my go-to little black faux leather sheath dress from BCBG Max Azria (not shown there because I couldn't find it on Polyvore, but check it out here. It's the first one shown. I actually got it on sale for $100 a few months back for my graduation.), and I layered over it a creme colored blazer from Forever 21 that I actually got on sale for $21. I decided to give my look a kick with my Aldo leopard pumps and accessorize with a gold statement necklace and little pyramid stud earrings. The clincher: my new Aldo satchel purse in black and gold which I actually got on sale for $45. Most of these pieces I had laying around in my closet for the longest. I've had those pumps for a good five years already! Classy, timeless, and on a budget.

Based on the type of company you'll dress for, you also have to remember to always give your attire a little personal twist. I did this with my jewelry. Studs and spikes are my thing but I did it in a very classy and toned down way. I also did so with my makeup. When you do your makeup, keep in mind that it can certainly make or break you. Since I was interviewing for a creative and fashionable company, I decided to do my trademark cat eye but give the look a twist with a red lip. I used NYX Matte lipstick in Merlot ( It's not shown there. It's a darker red than the one posted above.) and let me tell you, these lipsticks are TO DIE FOR. They are eternal on your lips, they don't bleed and their color will stay as pungent 4 hours later as they did when you first applied it. I used my new Urban Decay Pocket Rocket lipgloss in Jesse and Milani's Liquifeye Liner in black which is my go-to liner. 

So, here's the run down:

• Stick to classic color palettes and neutrals with a personal twist on your outfit for any type of interview. If you're going for prints, make sure they're a bit muted and simple. Crazy prints can scream... well, crazy (regardless if you aren't).
• You can add touches of color with your accessories or one piece of your outfit. Maybe add a bright sleek scarf, a  color block blouse underneath your blazer or a bold color detail on your purse.
• Keep your makeup clean and simple. Neutral shadows or barely there makeup is the right way to go. Don't experiment with your makeup for these things that day. Stick to what you know and keep those lips classic! Same thing with nails: no neon greens or crazy attachments on your nails, please!  Also, make sure the nail color isn't chipped. That could say you're forgetful and don't pay attention to detail. If it's easier, just keep them in a skin tone color or no color at all. A clear, glossy coat should do.
• If you're going to go sleeveless, don't use spaghetti straps or expose too much skin. Always make sure it is a wide strap and take any piece that you can use for covering up your shoulders just in case. Blazers are a great way to go. It kind of gives your potential employer a look into ~the future~. A nice, structured cardigan might work too. You never know who'll be interviewing you and their take on style.
• If you're going to use a dress like I did, make sure it is a reasonable length. A few inches above the knee is fine. If you wear a shorter skirt, a dark stocking could do the job. The trick is to balance your top half with your bottom half or vice versa.
• Under any circumstance, DO NOT wear jeans to ANY interview. It doesn't matter if it's Saks, Zara, Express or even Panda Express! Jeans scream lazy, tacky and clueless. It doesn't even matter if they're dark wash or black. JUST DON'T. You want to show that you clean up nicely and can manage a polished look. That can be a real deal breaker a lot of times. A nice, clean trouser, skinny or straight legged pant should give you that professional look. You can look like a million dollars with little money! You just have to plan out your attire and be on the look out for great deals. 
• Another NO-NO: open shoes. I don't think anybody wants to see your feet exposed (eek!). Closed shoes are spot on. A classic pump looks great. The only exception would be a peep toe pump. It's barely showing anything. Keep those piggies well tucked! If you don't want to risk the pain, some flats will do you good. You can play with color with your shoes too!
• In terms of the actual interview, always practice potential Q&A's before hand. 
• Always ask the interviewer if it is necessary for you to bring any additional documentation with you. 
• Research a bit about the company you'll be interviewing with before hand. You never know if any surprise questions related to that might pop up in the interview!
• Confirm your interview the day before just in case the interviewer has had a change of plans. It also show's you're looking forward to it.
• Always show up 15 minutes before your interview. It demonstrates that you're incredibly interested, you're punctual, and it could help you out in advance like it has done for me. I've interviewed many times before others and before my appointment because I've arrived earlier, thus helping me snag the job. Don't make a photo-finish entrance on an interview. Don't go ahead and show up an hour early either, just with a few minutes in advance so both you and your interviewer settle in and prepare. 
• Take a deep breath, relax and go!

I hope those pointers help you guys out in your endeavors for the right job. I know these tips have helped me loads when it comes to job hunting!