Frugal fashionista

doesn’t everyone want to be chic and cheap at the same time? “Do It Yourself” fashion is certainly one place to cut corners! DIY style is always fun because when someone asks you where you got your latest accessory you can just respond: “Oh, this old thing? I made it!” Shock and admiration from all! New York-based blogger Erica Domesek has perfected the art of thrifty styling in her blog and book, both titled “P.S. I Made This.” Erica sees something she likes on the runway and instead of forking over thousands of dollars for a designer label, she simply makes it herself. Providing step-by-step instructions, her followers are also able to recreate the season’s biggest trends — on a budget.

So, for you, devoted readers, I have attempted to try one of her fashion projects — the turband (turban + headband). This accessory was one of the simplest DIY projects I came across when looking through Domesek’s blog. While it is simple to make, big time designers (from Prada, Armani and Vena Cava to Jason Wu, Issa and Andrew Gn) were rocking the turband in their spring 2011 runway shows. The turband had its first fashion moment in the ’40s, resurging again in the ’70s. And now it is back better than ever!

Domesek’s version was more of an ear warmer for winter, so she layered a thin scarf overtop of a long knit sock. Instead, I just looked in my basement and found two different swatches of fabric I liked. After lining up the two pieces, all I had to do was knot them together and fasten at the back (either sew or tie — for more of a hippie look). No matter what you do, be creative and have fun — fashion is supposed to be about experimenting and expressing yourself!