DIY | Leather Chain Crossbody Bag Strap + Turn Any Clutch Into A Crossbody!

*Disclaimer: This post is brought to you courtesy of Endlessleather.com. I received samples of their products in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and are in no way influenced by their company. 

As promised, this is my second tutorial for Endlessleather.com! I purchased this lovely Kimchi Blue crossbody purse from Urban Outfitters but within a few months, I got frustrated because the chain began to kink up. I couldn't figure out how to fix it so I opted to replace it entirely. Sadly I couldn't find a strap that I liked, so I DIY'd my own with some chain and flat leather lace! This is a great project if you're frustrated by kinked chains, chain straps that dig into your shoulder, or simply find that your crossbody is too long for your liking. I'll also teach you how to make an instant crossbody out of any clutch!

Photo credit to Urban Outfitters | my kinked chain | DIY crossbody strap!

DIY | Sizing Down Rings

So I've got a bit of a thing for rings (as you can probably tell from here). Similar to my beef with bangles, size 6 is often the smallest size that rings are sold in (shooting eye darts at you F21...). Of course, I would conveniently be a size 5. Today, I'm going to show you a quick fix for sizing down rings. Unfortunately I haven't got magic to make rings bigger so you'll have to consult a jeweler for that!

Note: I intended this as a quick fix for costume jewelry! More expensive rings (ie wedding rings) should definitely be professionally resized.

DIY | F21 Earrings Upcycle

I feel almost guilty calling this a DIY since it's so simple. In my Labor Day Shop My Closet post, I mentioned that I wanted to change these $3 F21 Rhinestone Angel Earrings because they were seemed too flashy for my taste and were a bit too heavy for my lobes.

From this...

$2.99

-drumroll-

FASHION | F21 Labor Day Bling

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Forever 21 to review their products...although that'd be nice :P I'm just sharing with you the things I've purchased. 

From my Instagram; no camera right now :(

Monday holidays are the best (can I get a woot-woot for free shipping?). I love shopping at F21 but anytime I come within 100 yards of one, I just want to silently back away. I dread shopping there now because 1) its sheer size is so overwhelming, 2) there are far too many people, 3) pseudo-OCD me would comb every rack just for the sake of being thorough. These days, I prefer to shop online.

I ended up getting the following seven items (clicking on the caption/price brings you to the item website, all images from F21):

GUIDE | General Shopping Guide

Hi everyone! Here's a guide that I've put together detailing how I personally prep for shopping to maximize efficiency :)

Real (Physical) Shopping

Changing Room 101 aka Pre-Shopping Prep Uniform. I always run into the problem where I struggle with squeezing in and out of my skinny jeans and skillfully maneuvering 'round the teeny dressing room without falling over while balancing a million hopeful additions to my closet.

-Easy-on, easy off. Zip-up jackets or light cardigans, loose tops without buttons, and comfy/loose pants/jeans that aren't too tight (leggings are good, skinny jeans are the worst...). Elastic-banded shorts are even better (weather permitting), because you can try on dresses and see how they will look without taking off your bottoms. And last but not least, comfy/loose dresses!

GUIDE | Favorite Places to Shop

I received a couple requests for where I shop on a budget, so I've compiled this list of the places I most frequently score deals. The best way to catch deals is by signing up for their e-mail newsletters; they sometimes e-mail you exclusive coupons!

I don't necessarily always buy things from the stores listed below; sometimes I go on their websites just to find DIY inspo :) I've provided links to almost all of the stores listed below plus any relevant tips so click through to check them out!

What are some of your favorite places to shop at for deals?

Fashion

Aldo (lovely shoes, sale section is great)

ASOS (FREE SHIPPING = my favorite, both ways!)

Charlotte Russe (they have "Happy Hours" on Saturdays with all kinds of deals)

Claires (they often have 5 items for $10 or somethin go of that sort in store)

Cotton On (cheap basics)

Etsy (crafty handmade goodness, full of DIY inspo!)

Express (lovely business casual styles)

Forever 21 (online flash deals = 21% select items daily)

Foreign Exchange (awesome sale section...I've scored stuff for $3!)

G-Stage (store has good deals, similar to F21-styled clothing)

Gmarket (Korean E-bay-like market. Loooots of stuff. There are YouTube vids on how to shop from here)

Gofavor (decent selection of jewelry from China, free shipping @ $15!)

H&M (recently launched an online site! I get most of my blazers from here. Good variety of stuff, a little more expensive)

Icing (similar to Claires)

Inlovewithfashion (lovely trendy dresses)

Karmaloop (unique trendy clothes)

Marshalls (love!<3 you never know what you're gonna find!)

Nasty Gal (unique, pricey items)

Newlook (interesting British site for fashion)

Romwe (good selection of trendy clothes)

Ross (ditto Marshalls)

Papaya (ditto G-stage)

TJ Maxx (ditto Marshalls/Ross)

To February (lovely Korean jewelry)

Tobi (similar to Nasty Gal)

Urban Outfitters (somewhat overpriced for the quality imo, sale section ftw!)

Wet Seal (trendy casual clothes)
Windsor (pretty dresses and trendy casual clothes)

YesStyle (Asian fashion destination! Many things are "one size" or "free size" so check out the measurements before you order.)
YesWalker (Asian shoes + bags, BOGO right now)

-Thrift stores (what what what...)
-Asian boutiques
-Discount fashion stores

GUIDE | Fashion Budgeting

To replicate the look above: PJs | Slippers | Glasses

If I had the choice, I'd be traipsing round town in my comfy memory foam slippers, nerdy wire glasses, and floral PJs (the not-so-cute kind too). Unfortunately, that's not really socially acceptable in the middle of the day...

It's always been comfort >> style for me and if those two categories ever overlapped, it was by happy coincidence. However, I've decided now that I'm in the working world that I've got to stop dressing like a weather-appropriate slob and put in some effort to look halfway decent.

When it comes to clothes, I'm a huge fan of classic, versatile pieces: neutral colors/nudes, blacks, whites, grays, and navys. What's best about this is that you can play up with different statement accessories that make each outfit unique such as an inexpensive patterned scar, dainty necklace, for a bright, eye-catching purse.

Take a look at my guide and create your own budget before going shopping (see my shopping guide here) according your own personal style. I found that a classy, practical, and inexpensive wardrobe can do wonders for your confidence.

*This is by no means a conclusive guide for everyone; this is just how I shop personally :) Use your best judgment and splurge a little once in a while!

Fashion Budgeting