DIY Faux Leather Harness/Belt

I don't know about the rest of you, but I actually accomplished some things this weekend. Okay, not actually anything I needed to do, but some DIY projects I have had planned forever, including this harness I'm wearing. I wanted better pics, but despite the sun, it was freezing and windy, so I took my pics and got the hell back inside. I do however, like the way the sun caught the purple and pink highlights in my hair.

Blouse- thrifted; Leggings- unknown; Harness-DIY (instructions below; Shoes- Forever 21

* just realized that although red is my favorite color, this is maybe one out of two red tops i own- need to fix that :)

To make the harness, you'll need the following supplies:

I actually spent no money making this, as I already had the supplies. I used an old faux leather belt for the material, and the hardware I ripped off of an old handbag. I'm thrifty like that.

1. Measure around from one side of your chest, around your neck, to the other side. You want the harness to sit right under your bust. Cut a strip of your leather (or whatever material you're using) to the measured length. Sew each end to a metal ring as shown.

2. Measure around your back from one side to the other, the distance starting from one ring of the harness to the other. Cut a strip to that measured length and sew to each ring as shown.

3. You should now have the neck and back piece sewn like in the picture.

4. Measure around your front under the bust from one ring to the other and cut a strip of material a couple inches longer. Sew each end to a ring, then cut in the middle, but a bit off center. These will be your buckle and strap used to tighten the harness. Sew your buckle to one end, and punch or cut holes in the other side. You should now have a completed harness.

Now you can add studs, beads or any other decorative pieces you want. I added snaps, which came in a kit. Instructions to set the snap are below. You'll need the following supplies:

The snaps come in four pieces, but you'll only need the two shown above.

1. Punch holes in the desired location. I chose to set mine around the rings.

2. Insert the smooth side of the snap through the hole on the side of the leather facing outward when you wear it

3. Insert the the other snap piece on the opposite side of the leather connecting to the smooth piece

4. The kit comes with a metal piece with a concave center. Lay the harness with the smooth side of the snap face down on the concave piece as shown.

5. Insert the metal rod (included in kit) into the hole of the snap facing up. Using the mallet, strike heavily on the rod. Keep the rod straight when hammering, as you are essentially smashing the center metal hole down- if you move sideways, your metal will end up crooked.

6. Repeat as desired on remaining sides of the ring or wherever else you want the snaps.


There you have it, your own custom harness. As I said, mine was free to make, but even if you have to buy the supplies, this is still a fairly cheap project Most of the items can be found at craft stores, but be sure to look around your house for items to use first. Old purses. clothes or shoes can provide the material and hardware, even the snaps. Use your imagination.

If you enjoyed the post and found it informative (which I hope you did) and wish to share by reposting on your blog, Facebook or Twitter, which by all means I would be grateful for, just be sure to link back to here and give the proper credit. And be sure to check back often, as I have more projects completed/in progress to share later.



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Try to Follow Me

Top- given to me by my sis; Hat- Target; Boots- Urban Apparel; Leather Shorts and Jewelry- Forever 21

Please excuse my tired eyes and washed out expressions. Been feeling overwhelmed with things needing to be accomplished and work is piling up on me . . . mix that with only a few hours a sleep a day and you get the above. FYI though, those boots are so freaking comfortable I could literally wear them to bed.

And by reader request, below are some current shots of Lia, who in my total unbiased opinion is the cutest thing I've ever seen. She's smiling now and I swear I'm going to make her giggle any day now. Hopefully. Maybe she doesn't think I'm funny . . .

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Birthday Wishes

Another year has passed which means my inevitable birthday is fast approaching...can't believe I will be turning 28. Especially since most people still think I'm in high school. Each year that goes by reminds me that I am not immune to the effects of aging, a fact that rears its head when I go to bed at night and every muscle in my body groans simultaneously. Ah, adulthood.

So to ease the dread of adding another year to my life, I have compiled a little wish list of my current cravings, although realistically this list is a lot longer than I could possibly post here. I am indecision incarnate, so I had trouble narrowing it down. Nonetheless, here's what I have my eye on. Well, eyes, since I don't close one when I browse. They're arranged by order of longing.

Mike, I know you always have trouble buying me gifts, so I've done the work for you and couldn't have made it any easier. I would gleefully take any of these...and would express my gratitude in a way that only you would appreciate :) TMI? Perhaps, but that's how much I love these:



1. Senso Saure (also available in black) $189.00 buy at Solestruck

2. ASOS Harley Origami High Sandals (also available in brown) $143.44 buy at Asos.com

3. Style Nanda Lace Up Slouchy Sweater $66 buy at Style Nanda

4. Asos Trouble Lace Up Shoe Boot (also in gray, but sold out in my size on Asos.com) $78 buy on Ebay

5. Style Nanda Leopard Print Tunic/Dress $46 buy at Style Nanda


6. Rhinestone Step Trellis Ring $30 buy at Topshop

7. Quad Layerd Stone Stack Rings $30 buy at Topshop


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Strawberry Fields Forever

Sweater- ebay; Hat- Forever 21; Skirt- thrifted; Platforms- Jessica Simpson

I know, I'm not actually in a strawberry field, I just like the title and song. You'd probably cringe if you knew where I actually was, so I'll spare you the details.

Love this outfit I'm wearing. The sweater is pleasantly slouchy and off shouldered, and although the skirt is actually plus sized (I have a massive safety pin holding it together), it was leopard print, so you know I had to get it. And I swear this hat is the floppiest of all hats. I realized I had yet to wear it when I discovered the price tag still on it. I tend to do that- buy something then forget to wear it. But hey, it makes for a nice surprise later on.

Question: do you guys get sick of seeing all the outfit posts? I used to do a variety of posts, but it didn't seem like you guys were all that interested, so I've been sticking to outfits . . . I hate for you to think I'm that conceited and think all you want to see is me . . . so let me know otherwise what else you'd like to see.

I just read what I wrote . . . I sound like I'm illiterate. I'd change it, but can't seem to come up with the correct words . . . I think all the Valentines Day candy went straight to my head.

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90 Beats Per Minute

Jacket, rings and dress- Forever 21; Wedges- Topshop

Score beneaththeglass's contribution - fashion magazine by real people

Today's photos are courtesy of Mike. As usual he came through for me when I needed him, and he blew me away with these photos. I knew I kept him around for a reason. Of course, the day was not without it's problems, as the car's radiator (the "Merc" as we call it, it's a 1960 Mercury Cruiser) decided to take a dive today, so Mike had to fill it with water in order to get it to run so we could take photos with it. And he almost ran out of gas on the way too. But luckily we managed to get these shots in before the sun went down. He did such an amazing job that I had an extremely hard time choosing between them. I've included the rest in a slideshow, in case you guys wanted to see the rest. I'm entering these in Hypeed.com's "Valentine's Day" contest, so wish me luck. I seem to be including lots of vehicles in my posts lately- they make great props. I had the car specifically in mind when planning this post, and I have to say it came out just like I had hoped....thanks honey :) Have a great weekend everyone!

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Caught in the Headlights

Jacket- Target; Blouse- Thrifted; Shorts, Rings, Shoes- Forever 21

My outfit is somewhat reminiscent of the 90's grunge look- although perhaps a bit classier. Kohl and I shot these on the backside of a plaza which included a drycleaner... as we were reviewing the photos, an Asian couple came and entered the door I'm standing by (apparently they worked there) but not before shooting us bewildered looks. Not that I blame them, seeing how we were probably looking a bit suspicious hanging around the back of the building. I also got some weird looks from people at the gas station we shot at.... I guess people aren't used to seeing someone randomly taking photos under a streetlamp at night for no apparent reason. Good times.

Oh, and I had just dyed my hair burgundy to blend in my roots better, but then decided it was too tame, so I tried to dye it a bright purple. Now I have fuschia hair instead. Not that I have a problem with that, but I did it not too long ago, which is why I wanted purple. Can you tell I get bored with my hair? I'm lucky it hasn't fallen out yet. Considering bangs yet again.... thoughts?

*My sister and I have a new blog dedicated to home decor- please check it out! The link is on my sidebar. Thanks!

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