Now that Season 8 of Project Runway is underway, we get to see Nina Garcia on a weekly basis dolling out advice and critique to the challenged designers. As the fashion editor for Marie Claire (and formerly Elle magazine), Nina has the up-to-the-minute info on what’s hot and what’s not. And, she can disseminate a “look” and give advice on what works to be fashionable and stylish on a dime. So when her new book arrived here at DIYStyle, we were intrigued, but not surprised to see that she has now taken veritably every notable occasion and turned it into a “What to Wear” opportunity, conveying her pro style sense.

“Nina Garcia’s Look Book” with illustrations by the beloved Rubin Toledo hits the bookstore this week. An easy read, just like her previous books (”The 100″ and “Little Black Book of Style”), this one gives guidance for every category of life and style possible. With sections for work, dating, day, night, holidays, life events, weddings and dream travel she pretty well covers it all! Here are some of the topics (including some that will make you smile):

• The Sweatpants Trap: What to Wear when you work from home
• Come Fly With Me: What to Wear on a business trip
• Love Hurts: What to Wear when you breakup with your boyfriend
• The New Crew: What to Wear when you meet your new boyfriends friends
• For the People: What to Wear when you are volunteering
• Curtains Up: What to Wear to a Broadway play
• Reality Bites: What to Wear when you are single on Valentines Day
• Youth Gone Wild: What to Wear to chaperone a school dance
• Objection Your Honor: What to Wear to Jury Duty
• Matriarchal Chic: What to Wear to your daughter’s wedding
• On the Road Again: What to Wear when traveling 

All throughout Nina infuses us with her personality–laid back tongue-in-cheek humor and fashion tips, as well as the expected (per her other books) quotes and bits of wisdom from fashion icons and others that just make the book generally fun and energetic. Read the entire book cover to cover in one sitting or (like we did), just pick it up, turn to a section and start surfing around. Either way you will come away with what to wear guidance from the best fashion guru around. Just tell your girlfriends “Nina Says”!

Can you believe how excited were were at DIYStyle to find out that one of favorite St. Louis area fashion designers is a contestant on THIS new season of Project Runway! Lucky for us that we snagged an interview with him for DIYStyle long before PR got hold of him

Watch the video on our vodcast page (it’s Episode 52), and cheer Michael on when the new season of Project Runway starts on July 29th on Lifetime. Check out Michael’s page for PR to see his casting video and more. You know the Creative Chicks at DIYStyle and loads of other fashion lovers in STL and beyond will be rooting for him. You go Michael……..we LOVE you!

A girl can never have too much lingerie. And it’s even more fun to add to your stash when the goods are created by yours truly. So, our original DIYStyle Lingerie pattern (panty party anyone?) now has a sister…………tah dah……..check it out! Our first panty pack along with the Cami and chemise was styled a bit girlie. Sporty was more the theme here with a cute little halter and comfy beater tank, string bikinis and boy short. And, these pieces stitch up in a snap, just right for beginning sewers. DIYStyle for McCall’s 6128. Hope you have fun with this one…………….

Well it was inevitable. DIYStyle is located in the metro St. Louis area. Our DIYStyle vodcasts have included designer interviews from around the nation as well as several designers from our own backyard. SO, when we heard that local independent fashion, jewelry and accessory designers needed a place to showcase and sell their collections, AND we had the opportunity to expand into the space next to the DIYStyle Workshop we knew we had to take the leap! This Friday evening marks another phase for DIYStyle…..the opening of the new DIYStyle Boutique!

Excitement is in the air! We’ve been busy sprucing up the space, working with Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles ReStore (thank you Andrea!), and pulling ideas together to make a small space work for a showroom/boutique. If you are in the St. Louis area join us for our Launch party. You will get the chance to meet a few of the designers, shop their collections, and support local independent fashion.

We’ll also be carrying a few designer supplies, a section we hope to keep expanding as we grow the Boutique. And this fall we’ll add the Boutique shopping to the DIYStyle website. Let us know what designer supplies you are looking for and we’ll be sure to source and get them in. I know our BIG roll of pattern paper was a long awaited item that designers just cannot do without.

Back to work………we have a Boutique to open!

A sea of pink! That was the view, as we stood up on the balcony overlooking the ballroom at the Missouri Athletic Club. DIYStyle was honored to produce a fashion show for the St. Louis Susan G. Komen affiliate, at their annual Survivor luncheon. As the designs to be modeled filtered into the dressing rooms, and the over 600 women arrived downstairs came into the Art Deco Room, it was evident….Pink was the power color and theme for the day.

DIYStyle created the “Dreams to Design” fashion show to showcase Rejectamenta fashions that were inspired by breast cancer survivors and their stories, with student and alumni designers from Stephens College. These designs, collectively called  ”Breaking the Pattern” are made from recycled materials and are very PINK. In addition, DIYStyle created a special collection of T-Shirt Surgery designs from Race for the Cure Tees. Together, these unique collections had quite an impact on our “pink ladies” at their dessert reception Sunday!

We were definitely excited to have Heidi Glaus, from News Channel 5 as the emcee. Heidi had visited the DIYStyle studio and Workshop a few months ago, so our introduction was quite entertaining as she relayed the story of making panties and then trying them on (on live TV!). And so we started…..to the song “Halo”…………..and this model walked out on the runway:

And then these:

Matt our DIYStyle video producer did a wonderful segment with survivor interviews we did at the local Komen office, coupled with pics from last years STL Race for the Cure (did you know St. Louis now has the largest race in the country with over 65K participants!?). Yes Matt, you did bring tears to everyones eyes (he told me he would do that). This was actually our time for models to do a quick change for the next set.

And then the DIYStyle Race for the Cure, T-Shirt Surgery Collection walked (rocked) the runway….to the songs “I Will Survive” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”:

Talk about audience participation! Clapping, laughing, and rocking out to the music….everyone was having a fantastic time. And our models definitely nailed this show for all (thanks girls–you’re awesome!). And a special thanks to our A/V guy who mixed all the music, timed everything precisely (slides, video, lights)…our own Jon Cummins (yes nepotism here–he did a GREAT job).

And kudos to our talented designers!

Such a wonderful cause….we were SO pumped to do this show. The women inspired all of us, and I think we inspired them as well. “Dreams to Design” is hoping to be on tour in a city near you. Let us know if you have a Susan G. Komen related event where the collection can be included! And, watch for the video of of the show to be posted very soon.

Think Pink….and support your local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure! We’re walking……how about you?

Did I get you with that tag line? Free stuff is always good. And when it’s coordinated with following this new season of Project Runway it’s even better. Last week I posted a new blog contest we are having fun with at DIYStyle…..but only a few of you paid attention! So, I’m giving all another chance to join in the guessing game, to win FREE sewing stuff. Here’s how to join in:

Make your pick: Who is your winning designer of choice?

Post your choice here on THIS blog entry, and each week we’ll see who is still in the running, both on PR and in our little game here. You MUST post to this blog entry with your designer pick before the next episode airs this Thursday night-January 28th. Anyone who guessed correctly and still has their designer in the running at week 7 (there should be about 6 designers left at that point by my calculations!) will receive a free gift from DIYStyle (and courtesy of our great sponsors). We have assorted goodies in our stash including snips, patterns, thread, fasteners and more. Really this guessing game is just for fun………..but it doesn’t hurt to get a little gift for being right……..and bragging rights to boot!

 Now onto the last PR episode….

From Potato Sacks to Butt Cheeks!! Could you believe what actually walked down the runway in this show?! The challenge was innocent enough. Taking a potato sack and turning it into something beautiful (from the age old saying that any beautiful woman could look great even dressed in a potato sack). That was the beginning of some interesting sewing and design decisions, and ended up in a model walking down the runway in a creation that shocked viewers with the “skin display”.

In a way I feel sorry for the winning designer, because I think all the talk was about the poor decision (and design) from Ping. But, several pieces by other designers warrant discussion (besides her odd dress). The group keeps sewing away on the Brother sewing machines in the lab. Full up now….but not for long.

Ping at work and then the awful creation that caused the stir! Yes, you could see the model’s rear (how could Ping let that go down the runway…much less the producers. She should have gotten booted off for this one)

My favorites were Seth, Jonathan and Amy

In the end Pamela was the one that took the loss (still think it should have been Ping–am I getting too vocal here?!). And of course we can’t forget the winner of this challenge……….Jay! I absolutely adore what this guy did with burlap. As Michael Kors said, he thought the trim on the dress floated almost as if it were made of feathers. A far cry from a potato sack! Wonder what Jay will be able to pull out in the remaining challenges with actual fabric!

We’ve had a really interesting and fun year here at DIYStyle. So much happened in 2009, helping us grow in areas that I don’t think any of us Creative Chicks expected! We said goodbye to sponsors and hello to new sponsor partners, expanded our chicks on camera, opened the DIYStyle Workshop (added teaching “real live” classes and workshops), produced a successful fashion show for St. Louis Fashion Week, attended our first NY Fashion Week, and are slowly becoming part of the regional fashion and creative scene. There were 5 more DIYStyle for McCall’s patterns added to our line (kudos to the design and style know-how of Allyce and Melissa). In addition we created our Facebook and Twitter pages too. AND, Allyce graduated from fashion design school in May, and is engaged. Whew! It makes me tired just writing it all down like this.

With all of that I am sitting here wondering what IS next? What do you come to DIYStyle to experience? Our projects seem to be the number one place in our site for our visitors. What kind of projects are you looking for? Are there tips or techniques that you wish we had covered? Let us know YOUR wish list and ideas…..you might just see one soon on an upcoming vodcast or project. :)
There are SO many sewing and fashion related products out there……and some are a bit hard to nab. We are considering having some of our favorite things here in a webshop for our DIYStyle chicks. Let us know what your favs are so we can add them to the boutique!

2010 is right around the corner……..18 days and counting. We can’t believe this year has come and gone so quickly. DIYStyle has been SO lucky to have SO many friends, fans, and supporters helping us to keep up, and giving us that wonderful “shout out”. We’ve met so many cool people both in the fashion world as well as the creative arena. We are definitely blessed and want to thank each and every one of you. All of the Creative Chicks at DIYStyle wish you Happy Holidays, and (soon) a Happy New Year!

P.S. NEWS!!!! DIYStyle is looking to add more Creative Chicks to our on-camera team! If you think you have what it takes, are 18-34, have sewing and creative experience, are fashion forward, and live or can commute to the STL area, please drop us a line at info@diystyle.net! We’ll get you info about our open call and camera test we’ll be having in January at the DIYStyle Workshop!!

What a whirlwind at St. Louis Fashion Week! DIYStyle was so honored to present one of 6 shows for the fashion and style packed week. Our show was called LAUNCH–showcasing the DIYStyle Collection and the collections of 4 new designers, Connie Bourgeois, Allyce King, Maggie Laskowitz and Courtney Stiles. Each of the designers had not shown their fashion collections on the runway (besides fashion design school), so this was an opportunity of a lifetime for all of us! And it was at a super cool venue, Lumiere Place Hotel, attached to a premiere upscale downtown casino. STL Fashion Week staked out their big theater for all the shows………..we could not have asked for a better place in St. Louis to “Launch” these talented designers.

After months of preparation, designing, fitting, sewing, and organizing it all came down to the day of the show. Since the fashion show was scheduled for 1pm, our call time was SUPER early, at 6am……….not easy since most of us were still sewing away at 2:30am the day of!!! But all the models arrived (50 plus) in all, and all the volunteers (about 40), then the production team (director, lighting, sound) and all the make-up and hair artists. What a huge production, and it was so much fun to see it all come together. Now we completely understand (and appreciate) how much work and dedication goes into a professional runway show like this…….and we could not have done it without all of our teams both from DIYStyle, the volunteers and St. Louis Fashion Week! When the models started walking down the runway the adreneline was pumping, the music was playing and all flowed just beautifully!

Here’s a bunch of the pics from backstage.

We opened the show with a tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness. Each of the designers created these art to wear fashions, and DIYStyle did T-shirt surgery with Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Tees. These definitely had an impact with the audience (with the models walking to Beyonce’s Halo song).

Next up was the DIYStyle Collection, showing styles from the pattern line with McCall’s, our vodcasts.

Then the collections of each of the featured designers were ready to go. First was Conjetta by Connie Bourgeois. Beauty meets the Biker!

Next up was ML by Maggie Laskowitz. Cute, bouncy, yet elegant dresses.

Stiles by Courtney Stiles was next. Beautiful cocktail, evening wear and bridal.

Allyce King Designs by Allyce King closed our LAUNCH show, with Hamptons style resort and swimwear.

For more pics from the show, check out our Facebook page. There are pics of most all of the models, and even more behind the scenes takes. Thanks to all of the STL Fashion Week crew for all the neat photos! And, check out vodcast episode #66…it’s a quick look at the runway show! Now, we’re ready for next season………….what 4 designers will be “Launched” in the Spring show?!

The Nicole Miller show is definitely one of the main fashion shows I wanted to attend at NY Fashion Week. Between the rain and loads of people, the wait was definitely worth it after all (waiting is the tough part for the shows–you have to get there super early).

If anyone can design timeless fashion it is Nicole Miller. Truely wearable clothes for all ages. Nicole Miller is one of my favorite designers that I hope to meet personally some day soon. Here were some of our favorites from the show on Friday. Notice the biker styling on tops, along with the print in piecework fashion in the dresses. Prints were in the blue/black/grey family, most looking hand dyed. Lots of slimmer pants with detail at the hip. I could wear most all of this collection…………

Exposed zip, biker style. Black everywhere in this collection.

Prints laid in almost piecework style. Flowing style with the print creating a slimming illusion.

Pretty shine with neat design lines to break it up. Lots of sheer too for tops. Love this smoky grey top with the silver blingy skirt.

The tucking and origami shape defines several pieces in this collection. For more pics and the video from the runway show check out Nicole Miller Spring 2010 Collection.

DIYStyle’s first show at NY Fashion Week was Rosa Cha (yes I will always remember THIS show–my first runway show in Bryant Park !!). He designs some of the most amazing swimwear I have seen. For Spring 2010, they showed lots of lattice work, exposed zips on cover-ups & tops, polka dots… grey/blues, black, yellow & orange. The play of stripe with the dots, and the orange and yellow intertwined together in the weave of the lattice work on several of the swimsuits was striking. Rosa Cha certainly brings a fashion edge to beachwear. I love it !!!

Love this back zip in this beach dress. And the contrast stitching design.

So retro, polka dots…….

Stripes with black, sexy “edgy” nautical

 Check out Rosa Cha Spring 2010 collection. Swimwear’s certainly haute here!

I actually got to watch this week’s episode last night! After a LONG day running around NY, Allyce and I were exhausted and fell into bed pretty late (by my standards anyway). Too cool that I could still watch this episode….the time change (CST to EST) helped immensely to be able to catch this weeks antics. BTW, New York is SO cool (despite the rain). We are here at the beginning of Fashion Week, and there is definitely a building of anticipation as the shows really fall into full swing today and the rest of the weekend into next. We’ll be backstage and watching Nicole Miller this afternoon and evening and try to catch a couple more shows if we can this afternoon. Then it’s onto Alice + Olivia tonight. Need to eat my Wheaties to keep up the pace (gives new meaning for running in heels)!

Back to this week’s PR episode. Not anywhere near as much drama as last week, but the designers did pull out some neat looks for their models. The challenge of designing something their models could wear to an industry soiree was a great idea, kind of turning the tables on who was making the design choices.

Logan’s creation was dubbed “the smurf” dress (I think he said that, not Tim!) during his critique. I did think the idea of doubling the lace on the top to mute the flower pattern was a pretty good trick, even though it did turn out a little heavy. Neat fashion design tip though to tuck away for a future DIYStyle project. Ra’mon is working on the “flower” that topped his dress. I think this is kind of an “old” 80’s Oscar look, but the judges seemed to like it.

Althea’s stitching the sheer that became that tank top. Evidently the judges loved this, since she was crowned the winner of this challenge. It was cool, but I don’t think it was THAT unusual. I really thought the dress Epperson created was the best for getting attention at the model party that they attended. Those strips pieced on the sheer stretch was pretty awesome.

Allyce and I were somewhat amazed at the judges comments and how harsh they were on some of the designers. And our friend Qristyl was “out” for her black cocktail dress, that got some nasty review. We thought the dress was cute, but not enough to make her model stand out at the important industry event. Boo-hoo……….we still think you are great Qristyl!

Keep watching for our posts from behind the sewing machines, with a little help from our friends at Brother!

 ****And, stay tuned for more posts from NY Fashion Week!!!! Hoping we don’t get too drenched.

Gossip Girl has become the absolute go-to show for the latest fashion tips and trends. So much, that designer Anna Sui has decided to create a line inspired completely by the show to sell at Target stores nationwide. There has been so much speculation whether or not this line is going to be pulled or not. Rumors were swirling that Target execs weren’t keen on the idea of supporting a line which is inspired by characters who are into drugs, sex and partying. BUT, after all of this “gossip,” Anna Sui and Target spokespeople have given official word that it will INDEED be hitting stores on September 13th. No word on whether the garments will actually appear on the characters of the show. I could care less if the collection was featured on the show! The clothes are to die for either way.

I’ve looked through all of the pieces and I can’t pick just one favorite. Whether it’s Blair, Serena, Jenny or Vanessa; I love them ALL! I’m so happy someone thought to do this line, especially at a store like Target! Here’s a little peek…

I also found this flyer on the CW’s website. So if you live in New York, you can be one of the lucky ones to see the collection EARLY!

That’s all for now! XOXO

Did you watch last night? What drama! We were waiting for Qristyl and Epperson to start duking it out any minute…….you know they say oil and water do not mix–same thing goes with two seasoned designers who have strong personalities. I’m so glad Qristyl hung in there, but barely by a thread (we’re still rooting for you girl). Talk about a nail biter. If those sewing room walls could talk……….I can only imagine what happened off camera. And then Ra’mon and Mitchell. What exactly happened there? I about fell out of my chair when they were announced as the winners of this surf look and avante garde challenge. Then Mitchell was out (he really needed to go last week) even after their team won the challenge.

Speaking of the Project Runway sewing room, DO WE HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU (yes I know I am shouting…..I’m just excited!)! Sometimes it’s really nice to have friends in high places as the saying goes. Our “little birde” has access to EXCLUSIVE pics taken in the sewing room, so you can see some of the contestants designs (and maybe antics) in progress EACH and EVERY week! So, DIYStyle talked them into giving us first dibs (some arm twisting may have been involved). You get to see them here FIRST each Friday, after the episode airs on Thursday. The new blog thread will be PR Behind the Sewing Machines. So let your fashion friends in on our coup, and start dishing with us and them as the weeks snip away until the winner is chosen. Here’s our first batch!

Christopher hard at work at the Project Runway serger

Runway fashion sewn by Ra’mon that captured the win!

My personal favorite design from last nights show. Louise sewing on the bodice of the dress that resulted in this beautiful avant-garde fashion look!

By now I’m sure you have figured out who our inside buddies are……Brother of course! As the official licensee of the sewing machines for PR, they have the inside scoop. Way cool :)

It’s FINALLY here! That much anticipated season of Project Runway that almost wasn’t. Unless you have been under a rock, and don’t follow fashion, Project Runway has moved from Bravo to Lifetime after several months of duking it out between the networks. But as they say, good things come to those who wait……….and tonight the Season 6 premieres!!!

 I am a long time Project Runway fan, as are most of the Creative Chicks here at DIYStyle. And now we have even one more reason to anticipate and watch each episode as the challenge unfolds. We will be rooting for one of the contestants, a former St. Louisan AND a Stephens College fashion design alum (that’s Allyce’s alma mater too)! Qristyl Frazier is THE designer we will be on the edge of our seats cheering for…………….you go girl!

I had the pleasure of meeting Qristyl yesterday when she was here in STL, and she is a savvy, super likeable and uber talented designer. It’s so fun for us to have one of the designers on the show we can directly relate to, and follow through all of the (sometimes unreasonable) design challenges that are dolled out to them. I know what you’re thinking, NO she could not divuldge any secrets! You’ll just have to watch the show each week to see what happens. You can be sure we will. We’ll also plan to meet up with Qrystal on her next trip in, and interview her for DIYStyle. Stay posted.

Brother USA is one of our sponsors for DIYStyle, and you can be sure the designers will all be watching that clock in the workroom that bears their logo as well as using all of their sewing machines that outfit their space. We are so thrilled to have them as part of what we do at DIYStyle and their connection to Project Runway. One of my very favorite models we use on the vodcasts is the Project Runway LB6770, a sewing and embroidery machine that comes with it’s own rolling case branded with the Project Runway logo (It’s really cool……….we take them everywhere for our DIYStyle events and parties!)

So, it’s definitely time to “get your sew on”, whether spurred on by the inspiration of Project Runway, or one of the affordable and fantastic Project Runway sewing machines from Brother USA.  Let us know what you are creating. We love to see!

It is so exciting to announce that after seven months of hard work MegsCouture.com is now open! You have all been following me through the long process of getting my own online business started by reading of some of my major landmarks along the way. Of course, like any other business, this one will be growing and changing in it’s first couple of months. Nothing is perfect the first time around. I am anticipating trying some other directions in terms of marketing and even the feel of the site so that I can better reach my target audience.

For those of you that haven’t been following along, MegsCouture.com specializes in girls clothing and accessories from toddlers to age 7. All of our products are hand made in the United States and are “eco-conscious”. We take every step to recycle, reuse, and reduce during product production as well as using recycled goods in the office.

We will have more helpful hints on this and other ideas on our blog MegsCouture.

Here are some of the Spring looks from MegsCouture.com!

It’s almost that time of year! School is starting again. And you know what that means…back-to-school SHOPPING! Now, even though I am a 22 year old senior in college, I probably shouldn’t be getting this excited about school shopping. But, I am. For me, school shopping for college is WAY more fun because I can actually shop for clothes! I don’t have to wear a private school uniform anyyyyy longer. Unfortunately, I hate to say it, but I really am missing my plaid skirt. But I am in luck! Plaid is BACK and bigger than ever. I have been seeing it absolutely EVERYWHERE. Whether you want to prep it up or grunge it down, either way will work!

Plaid has been popular for the majority of the summer. Paired with a great pair of distressed jeans, it can be a great go-to outfit. Just take a peek through your boyfriend’s closet for some inspiration and maybe borrow a shirt or two! He’ll never know. Whether it’s a boyish fit or a more feminine fit, you’ll definitely look cool and casual. Heritage1981 and Forever 21 have both of these styles in tons of options.

Gossip Girl has always been known for showing the classy, more sophisticated way to wear plaid on the characters of the show; very school-girl chic. The trend will definitely be moving on into the Fall. YAY! The Twilight inspired line from Nordstrom featured on InStyle’s website shows an amazingly hot plaid jacket that is PERFECT for this season. It’s also EXTREMELY affordable! I’m loving it for sure.

Target and Anna Sui are working together to create a Gossip Girl inspired line that will be available in stores and online on September 13th. I don’t know about all you other fashionistas but I’m counting down the days on my calendar! NY Mag has released the look book here. The plaid ensemble below is inspired by Serena’s chic style. How fabulous is it?! Be on the lookout for this line because it is going to fly off the racks.

All of this chit-chat about plaid has really given me the urge to dig out my school uniform! I’m off!