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The Working Closet

with Susan Wagner

The Working Closet is your source for the best of what's hip and fresh in fashion and beauty. Susan Wagner keeps you up-to-date on trends and offers tips and tricks for making everything in your closet truly work for you.

You can also catch Susan over at Friday Playdate.

Budget chic: The Working Closet gets crafty

Categories: Flickr pool, basics

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The t-shirt is a staple of all our wardrobes; it goes with everything and can be styled a million ways. Tees are easy to find and easy to wear, but your basic tee can get boring fast, especially if you’re pairing it with jeans every single day. And despite it’s versatility, let’s be honest — a tee is not dressy clothing.

Unless you fancy it up a little. Or a lot.

Wednesday November 4th

How cute is this tee? And you can make it at home!

An embellished tee is an easy way to take your ho-hum uniform and turn it into something special — without losing anything in terms of ease or comfort. But embellished tees can be expensive, and there’s no real reason to spend a fortune on a tshirt.

Thanks to Amanda from The Tipsy Society, you don’t have to! (That’s Amanda, pictured above — isn’t she adorable?) Don’t you love her t-shirt? We certainly do! And now you can have one just like it: Amanda has posted a super easy tutorial for making your own ruffled tee at The Tipsy Society (check out today’s “$50 Fridays” post for tips on how to get the “Glee” look for less).

You’ll need a few things to make this tee: “a tee (any neck will do), approximately 2 yards of ruffled or pleated ribbon or blanket/quilt binding, pins, and a needle and thread (you could definitely do this on a sewing machine as well).”

Follow Amanda’s easy directions and soon you’ll be at Step 6: “Step back and admire your work.” I like that step.

Still feeling crafty? Mighty Girl Maggie Mason embellished a vintage cashmere sweater, in imitation of a J. Crew jacket. Her tutorial makes this project sound like something even I could manage (which is saying a lot, you all). A project like Maggie’s or Amanda’s is good if you’re worried that ruffles and flowers are a passing trend — decorate a tee rather than splurging on an embellished jacket or sweater. Chic, easy, and totally affordable.

Not feeling crafty? Pins are a nice alternative. Choose a pin that is lightweight and won’t pull your shirt askew; simple silk or velvet flowers are a nice option. Cluster an odd number together for a corsage look, or opt for a single oversize bloom for a pop. Browse around on Etsy for options, or check your local department store.

And once you’re done embellishing your tee, post a photo in The Working Closet Flickr pool! November is a great month to take pictures of your clothes, girls. Really.

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