Leather Pockets, The Do-It-Yourself Version

The economy may slowly be getting back on its feet after two years of suffering, but that is no reason to forget all the DIY (Do It Yourself) tricks that we have learned. These tricks allow us to play with a current "it" item without having to land on (Paris ultra chic shopping street) Montaigne Avenue.

Fashion may have reunited with a certain classicism (relegating ripped jeans and tie-dye t-shirts to the has-been pile), but budding creators, capable of giving an ultra basic outfit a designer allure, should nevertheless have enough to keep them occupied this season.

We would bet that they are taking inspiration from the latest Céline collection, which proposed several models with leather patch pockets that could easily attract the DIY-ers. Nothing is easier for those armed with a sewing machine than to make a trip to the (Paris fabric market) Marché Saint Pierre, dig up some pretty imitation leather, cut it into large rectangles, then use them to embellish numerous little basic dresses.

In order to give these dresses a boost, we also recommend playing with contrasting colors: e.g., camel leather patch pockets added to a grey sweatshirt dress will give it a Wang-esque aura; licorice pockets will transform a sensible navy blue chasuble dress; chestnut tints will marry for better with bordeaux sweater dresses.

In other words, with a bit of dexterity and attention to detail, fashionistas who are good with their hands should be able to render trendy their sensible American Vintage dresses trendy by adopting an inexpensive style gimmick dear to one of the most regarded designers of the moment.