RIP GOOGLE READER

Ahhh yes. It truly is the end of an era. Google Reader is shutting its doors to a world of blog and website subscription. Kind of annoyed by the news as I love my Google Reader to catch up on my blog roll, but at the same time excited to get back on to Bloglovin. And that is exactly where you will find A&D listed too :)

Bloglovin even have made it easy to transfer your blog roll on to theirs.

And if you are also a fellow blogger 1) Make sure you have registered your blog on Bloglovin and 2) Leave me the link to your Bloglovin below!  

So make sure you say your peace with Google Reader and switch over to (my preferred method of catching up on blogs) Bloglovin. Follow Amped & Dangerous on Bloglovin by clicking here.

xxx

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DIY CPR: SAVING MY DENIM JACKET

Excuse my grotesque thumb here. 

My hunt for the perfect denim jackets has stretched across not only time, but continents too. And I was adamant not to settle for a wash or style that I wasnt 100% happy with. And I was discriminatory - I searched for old ones and news ones in store. The one that came close was a Levi’s pair - but the boxy shape was just not working with me. But I finally found one jacket that ticked pretty much all boxes. Except for one tiny detail. This is the story of how I successfully saved one of my favourite denim pieces.

DIY ROLLED SLEEVE TSHIRT // PT. 1

I was recently inspired by a top in Glassons for this DIY project. Well, Glassons and some Tumblr  street style images. It's not my usual crazy full blown out DIY project - but I think this handy tip/trick  could completely change the way you look at a simple tee-shirt. I am psyched to show you guys how mine turn out - but first read on for the inspiration behind this particular DIY.

SPOTTED: DIY SHOE POM POMS

I spotted the lovely Eleanor today out and about in Brisbane rocking these beautiful shoes. Bright and colourful, they're summer accessories done right!

Eleanor picked up the flats from Sportsgirl and DIY'ed on the pom pom poms herself. Genius!

DIY DECEMBER // PAINTED DAISY T-SHIRT

A totally arty and grungified DIY for your DIY December post today. Super simple, and you could be as creative as you want :) Read on to find out this handy DIY trick. 

DIY DECEMBER // DIY CHRISTMAS GIFT TAGS

Another DIY December quickie for you today. I have a super easy how-to on customising your very own Christmas gift tags. Well actually this could translate to any kind of gift tags really. But in the jolly spirit, mine are for my Christmas gifts. 

DIY DECEMBER // INSPIRATION: GIVENCHY MENS SS12/13 GLADIATOR SANDALS

Yes, yes I know...another Givenchy (Riccardo Tiscci) inspired DIY. But I have just been so inspired from his latest Spring/Summer collection for Givenchy that I can't help but to re-create the looks. Following on from my Givenchy Rottweiler inspired t-shirt, this DIY is another SS12/13 goodie. The Givenchy Black Patent Gladiator Sandal with Gold Detailing (to be precise). Its a pretty simple one too. But the only reason I haven't been able to create this one is because I can't find a good base for it.

The sandals in this look is heavy, aqua like and very sports chic. I remember back in the 90s I used to have a blue pair not dissimilar to these (sans gold chain of course). And I searched all over the webeshphere for a similar pair. But I think I was just inputting the wrong term in search engines, 'cause Sports Sandals doesn't cut it apparently. However, just recently I have been spotting sporty sandals like the ones from the runway all over Solestruck, Asos and such. 

I have below some brilliant options for the perfect base for this DIY.

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8

HOW TO:

So then you see, its a matter of finding the right pair for you and getting some heavy duty chain links (this one for example, is perfect!) and strong adhesive. Put all of these together and you have yourself a pair of very chic guilded sandals. Super easy really, let those babies dry for 24 hours and start sporting some tres chic gladiator sandals!

Images: LivinCool.com • Riccardo Tisci

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DIY DECEMBER // SHARPIE MUG

I have been so into homewares lately, after re-decorating and organising my room and looking at all the pretty interior pictures on blogs, my little homebody self has been scouring for inspiration. And when I found this DIY from who else but the lovely ladies at A Beautiful Mess, I knew I had to try it. I'm not kidding when I say that there isn't much to this DIY. Anyone can do it. There is minimum cost, time and effort on your part but the rewards are plentiful!

Behold the DIY Sharpie/Permanent Marker Mug. Design your heart away!

DIY DECEMBER // INSPIRATION: SPLIT SKIRT

I love getting inspiration from street style and this one is one that keeps re-appearing on my Tumblr. Considering, the weather is hot and humid, and sometimes our sense of style can be hindered in the interest of keeping cool and breezy. So the split skirt is the perfect combination of being sartorially forward and not dying of heat exhaustion.

I'm sure you already know where I am going with this one. All you need for this DIY is to purchase some fabulous fabric scissors (Lincraft, Spotlight, Etsy) and a skirt that you are willing to slit up. The fabric scissors are key so that you get a clean cut and it will ensure that you don't fray the fabric as much. 

And there is a variety of ways in which you can slit. I am really digging the double slits - especially when paired with a delicate camisole. Or go original and just slit it Angelina style down the side. Make sure its your best side ;) Or you could go a step further and slit the skirt and add a zip like this Maurie & Eve piece (on the left worn by Sara, Harper & Harley).

TOP TIPS:

• THRIFT IT: If you don't have any of your maxis lying around, then head to your local thrift store or op shop and purchase a maxi (which will be in high rotation thanks to something called the fashion life cycle) and get cutting. 

• BE FAKE: You are going to get a much better result if the material of the skirt is synthetic - so polyster or viscose. As these guys don't fray as badly. This is so that you don't have to go back in and sew the seams. 'Cause seriously... who has time for that. 

• RUN A LITTLE GLUE: If you do happen to find a fabulous skirt but it looks like it is about to fray in its first wash, then what you can do is grab yourself some super heavy duty (water and temperature resistant) glue and paint a thick line on the seams, and this should stop the fabric from fraying. 

• TABLE TOP: Lay the skirt on your dining table (or floor) and make sure you fold a faux seam where you want to cut - this will ensure that you get a straight line through. 

• A LITTLE AT A TIME: Make sure you slit just a little at a time, and keep trying it on - until you get to the right height - which personally, I think should be mid thigh. 

So get slitting guys! This one is so easy, you wished you had kept all your maxis for this one.

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Images: Fashionising •  Song of Style • Chloe Resort '13 • Harper & Harley • Maurie & Eve • Chictopia • Modern Legacy •

DIY DECEMBER // DIY TRANSPARENT CLUTCH

'Nuff said. Click the pretty button to get to more pictures.

DIY DECEMBER // CHEAP & EASY USING $1 STORE PLASTIC ANIMALS

Sometimes you just have that feeling to create or DIY. I have a similar itch when it comes to thrifting too. After a short absence I need to bust out my hot glue gun and get creating! So this little DIY DECEMBER Inspiration is perfect for those crafty moments.

DIY DECEMBER // DIY CHRISTMAS CARDS & TAGS

December is most definitely a very expensive month for a lot of people. With Christmas around the corner, there are gifts to buy, food to prepare and party bon bons to create. So I am always trying to find a thriftier alternative to get into the Christmas spirit. And one of my favourite cost cutting methods are DIY Christmas Cards and Gift Tags! They end up being super original and unique too!

DIY DECEMBER // IDEAS: A BEAUTIFUL MESS' GOLD LEAF BOWLS

As part of my month long challenge of DIY December (read about that here) I wanted to share some of my favourite DIY Bloggers and their creative  projects. Today I wanted to introduce you to A Beautiful Mess. 

I absolutely Emma and Elsie from A Beautiful Mess. I find myself always heading to their blog for beautiful inspirations for the home and heart. They have such a unique aesthetic as well as some brilliant ideas to keep yourself busy and to keep the home beautiful. Everything from DIY Bar Carts to Hand Printed Pillows, Emma and Elsie's DIYs are super easy and very practical - especially if you are a new home owner :)

This DIY is super simple, you just need your hands on some gold leaf paper which you can get at most craft stores these days. And instead of buying new bowls or plates for this DIY, why not go thrifting and get some really unique looking ones at second hand shops or op shops. Its the perfect little DIY to spruce up the organisation of your jewellery pieces.

SO GET INSPIRED AND CLICK HERE FOR THE SUPER SIMPLE TUTORIAL.

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DECEMBER 1, 2012 // DIY DECEMBER

• 24 days till Christmas
• 21 days till the “Rapture”
• 30 days till 2013
• 1st day of DIY DECEMBER

We have a ton of milestones ahead of us now that it is officially the first day of the last month in beautiful 2012. And I am dubbing it DIY December (and I am 100% sure I am not alone in doing so) and will be aiming to dedicate December to DIY fantastic’ness. Regular programming will of course continue, but a heavy of dose of DIY will flourish the pages of Amped & Dangerous! From inspirations to tutorials, hopefully I can convert some of you to become DIY fiends yourself :)

There will be some excellent Christmas present ideas and some of my favourite DIYs from the internet as well as A&D’s past! This also means that I am challenging myself to post at least once a day for the whole of December - which I am very excited about!

Wish me luck! Always check to the A&D Facebook page for daily updates too! So make sure you like like like! :)

Look! Even Ri Ri is on board.
xx

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DIY GIVENCHY TSHIRT // PT. 2

Its been a long wait for the second part of this post, but I have finally finished and photographed my DIY Givenchy Rottweiler inspired t-shirt complete! For part one of this post - click here - where I discuss my three fashion inspirations, as well as the actual Givenchy t-shirt that really spurred me to make this DIY. I would highly recommend having a squiz at this post first, so you get an idea of what this DIY is all about :)

Read it? Alright, so lets get with it y’all.

DIY GIVENCHY TSHIRT // PT. 1

There are three words that are key to this post today.
Sublimation, Floral Motifs (okay technically two words here) and Givenchy. My DIY have been powered and inspired by all three trends as I attempt to make this tshirt from the Givenchy Fall ’11 (Rottweiler) Collection.

Three huge trends in one DIY, read on if you dare.

DIY PAINTED RHINESTONE NECKLACE // PT.2

Woop Woop. I really cant help but smile when I see this DIY, because its so ridiculously simple and easy, that literally ANYONE could do it. Seriously people, if you have been hesitating.. you really need to try it.

As I mentioned in my post last, I was inspired by Tom Binns and the Mr. Dannijo collection for this DIY. But more accurately, I was walking around the city mindlessly (waiting for my bus) and found this necklace from Collette Accessories - it was 50% so I paid $5 for it. Five whole dollars! I was ecstatic. But it was too simple for me... I know, I know.. super rhinestone necklace, and here I am calling it simple. It just needed some oomph. So I knew it was the perfect necklace to try this DIY.

DIY PAINTED RHINESTONE NECKLACE // PT.1

It really shouldn't be a surprise that I am big lover of bright colours, and even bigger lover of accessories. Bright, blingy accessories. You know the rule "Look in the mirror and take one thing off before you leave the house". Not a fan. No offence C.Chanel, but I like my jewellery layered and completely covering. 

Man Repeller X Dannijo - The Mr. Dannijo Collection

So when I learnt of this special DIY trick of painting rhinestones, I seriously couldn't wait to get this shizz going. I have chosen to go with Tom Binns and Dannijo for inspiration. And boy oh boy is this a bright one :D

I was first introduced to this idea of painting rhinestones / coloured rhinestone from a friend at work - when she was showing me the new styles from Tom Binns. I thought they were absolutely beautiful. And they really reminded me of the Man Repeller X Dannijo collection. I am in the process of saving up for this little bright beauty - I cant wait to see if I can get my hands on it when I'm NYC. 

Russin Harpers Bazaar's Miroslava Mikheeva Duma in a Tom Binns (and an amazing Jacket!)

I definitely did not invent this method, there are so many amazing (!!!!) painted rhinestone jewellery DIYs on the internet. Style Edition was also inspired by Tom Binns and created this amazing replica; similar idea with this A Pair & A Spare tutorial, but Geneva uses spray paint; Bows and Studs makes a beautiful ombre effect necklace here; and finally (and this one if my favourite) Swellmayde makes choker style necklace using a combination of Sharpies and spray paint. 

So stay tuned amped & dangerous people! I cant wait to share with you this super simple, super cheap and super pretty DIY! 

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IMAGESMan Repeller • My own collage from Pinterest images • The Front Row View

DIY EMBELLISHED CLUTCH // PT.2

Yayyyyy Part Two of my DIY Embellished Clutch! I have been so excited to share the full DIY since posting about my inspiration here. I am super happy with the way it turned out - so much so that I am already thinking about making in other sizes - great gift idea on a budget!!!.




Just some notes before we get started though. I chose to glue my trimmings on to my pencil case as opposed to stitching them on. Of course if you're handy with a sewing machine, I would advise you to go in that route. But unfortunately, not only do I not have a sewing machine, I posses no sewing capabilities what-so-ever. I know, shocker! I do think it works brilliantly just with glue too, but if you're paranoid about the trimmings falling off then:
a) get yourself some Super Strength Glue! or,
b) get friendly with a sewing machine/needle and thread.

ON TO THE DIY!
Click the read more button to get yourself embellished!
#thatclutchisosfetch

LATEST VENTURE: BIG CARTEL

First of all, Happy Anzac Day fellow Australians.

So. I bit the bullet and took advice from some very encouraging friends and opened up an online shop for a lot of my DIYs. So shop on through to A+D SHOP for some Neon Hardware.

I have been obsessed with hardware and industrial materials, and the way this looks against quite bright and contrasting neon colours. So I have been experimenting with different DIYs from the internet and some from my own imagination. I have had so much fun with this whole process that I actually went the full hog and started working on a digital look book - which is what we have below here.

Feel free to share this link to other neon accessory lovers. And as the look book's manifesto says:
ENJOY, SHARE AND BE INSPIRED. 

Update**** Interestingly enough, I was featured on The Thousand website today in regards to these neon jewels. Very very very flattered. For that article, have a read here.

Wish me luck on this new adventure. Its going to be a short and sweet - as I am not planning to do it for the long run - ie. ALL THESE PIECES ARE ONE OFF'S AND UNIQUE :) For any information / queries - get in contact! All my social media links are on the left hand pane beside this post.

Have a good rest of your week,
Talk to you soon.

Even more recent update*** I will be selling my wares now on Etsy as well. So click here for that link.

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