We’re always looking for ways to make our outfits next-level special this time of year, so we asked our women’s design team to show us a few DIY tricks. Go ahead and try them at home—they’re way less complicated than that fruitcake recipe you’ve been thinking about.
The Gold-splattered Chino
Supersimple and kid friendly—the 7-year-old daughter of one of our designers gave us creative direction for where to put the paint!
- Grab a pair of chinos and lay it flat on top of a covered surface (or somewhere else you don’t mind dripping paint).
- Splatter and brush the chinos with gold acrylic paint. For a more authentic look, think about where you might naturally get paint if you were actually painting (like where you wipe your hands).
- Let them air-dry for about 30 minutes.
The Embroidered Chambray Shirt
These stitches are inspired by “sashiko,” a Japanese mending technique that’s often used to patch up kimonos.
- First, the elbow patch: With a pencil, trace an oval shape around the elbow of a chambray shirt. (The pencil will come off when you wash it, preferably by hand.)
- Using a ruler, trace evenly spaced lines across your oval.
- Go over the lines you created with a needle and thread, using a simple “in and out” stitch. Try to hold the fabric flat while you do this to keep it from bunching.
- Now, the pocket: Use your pencil and ruler to create a grid of little X’s.
- Stitch one X at a time. And remember, kind of like handwriting, everyone’s stitch will be a little different. Imperfection is part of what makes it look good!
The Bow-wrapped Shirt
This also works as a quick styling trick. Just put on the shirt and follow the instructions, skipping step three.
- Start with a collared shirt buttoned all the way up to the top.
- Take a grosgrain ribbon (bonus points if you grab one off your present!) and wrap it underneath the collar so it hangs evenly on both sides.
- Stitch the ribbon in place on the back of the shirt, underneath the collar.
- Tie a bow in front, just like you would tie a shoe.
- Trim the ends of the ribbon to the length you want them, cutting at an angle (it looks better and helps prevent fraying).
It’s convenient to just casually fold something before tossing it into a drawer or on a shelf, but taking the time to fold your clothes neatly can free up tons of space in your closet. Learn how to properly fold your clothing and you will find yourself with extra space in no time.
If you have a tiny closet, you are probably used to piles forming on your closet floor. Keep this space clean and functional with a shoe rack, neatly stacked boxes or a row of baskets. Find what works for you and make sure your closet floor never becomes a dumping ground again.
If you have any empty spots on your closet walls, attach baskets or hooks to the walls with nails or removable adhesive strips. The baskets can be used to store purses, shoes or even folded clothes. And hooks are the perfect place to hang jewelry, a favorite scarf or ties.
Those over-the-door shoe organizers can store way more than just shoes. Hang one over the inside of your closet door and use it to store neatly folded scarves, gloves, jewelry, lingerie or anything else small that you need to make room for.
Many closets are fitted with a single rod for hanging clothes, one that’s tall enough to hang any garment. But if your wardrobe allows, consider layering a second rod underneath the first. If the majority of your clothes are shorter in length—think blouses and shorter skirts—you can spread the load across two stacked rods and leave your closet more full but less tightly packed.