This upcoming fall season has my craft-tastic radar working on overload. It’s clear there are some front-runners for fabulous and easy updates inspired by my design crushes. Anyone who can tie a bow, handle a glue gun, owns a trusty pair of scissors, and has a hotel sewing kit can tackle these easy projects which will help you feel fresh for fall. Bows, chunky chains, and fierce fur are three severely coveted trends that are screaming to be reinvented and recreated. P.S.- get involved.

BOWS: The ultra femme topper has a new twist. Whether you have a dainty date or a fall fete, there’s no reason you shouldn’t tie one on. For a refined stem, opt for multiple thin bows, a la Louis Vuitton. Tie thin patent bows around your heels in a contrasting color. Space accordingly. For a bolder bow, take note of Tory Burch’s oversized edition. Tory’s Oxford lass gets flirty this season with a modern take the classic bow. To create this look, reach for an ultra wide ribbon or a scarf to tie around your neck in a bow. Let the ends hang freely and get creative with all colors and patterns.

CHUNKY CHAINS: Expect the unexpected. Experimenting with jewelry is a must, especially in the name of chain. Get inspired by YSL’s metallic choker, and create a version of your own. Purchase plastic chain at any bead or trim store. No pliers necessary, the chain will snap together. Use silver metallic paint to cover chain with a foam paint brush, adding dark details with black nail polish on edges. For the luxe bohemian lady, look to Marni’s crocheted jewels. Braid, weave, and knot colorful yarn through chains links, creating vivid rows and patterns. Keep in mind, messy is the new clean- so have fun with it. PS- for the more experienced crafter, feel free to take to your knitting needles and have at it.

FIERCE FUR: Fur trim is getting wider and wider, and so are our eyes. Impossible to look away, the rich texture screams to be noticed in the most elegant way. This trend can be from your head down to your toes. Adding a hint of fur to any look for fall and winter is a #winning in my book. Oscar de la Renta’s woman hails from the land of Chicistan and rocks the fur halo. Reach for faux-fur material (available a most fabric stores), and adhere a wide piece around an ear warmer using safety pins for a needle and thread. Donna Karan’s fur trimmed boots are another lust-have. Update a pair of black boots by adding wide fax-fur trim at the top. Pin or stitch fur to a high pair of thick socks (make sure they are taller than your boots, and simply slip on before wearing the boots. This creates an illusion furry boot, without really piercing your boots.

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