I’m always keeping an eye on the fashion blogs for accessories that I can recreate. My handicrafts of choice are crochet, sewing, and beading thus far. This crocheted necklace from street style blog 21 Arrondissement is high on my To-Rip-Off List. (Because inspiration bites, baby!) It’s basically a black doily.  I also love these crocheted ties from O Alfaiate Lisboeta.

It seems like handicraft only graces the high fashion crowds when it is iterated in the most modern, minimalistic ways. I still have a soft spot for handicraft that looks…. well, crafty! I like soft crocheted flowers and granny squares. This precious necklace makes me want to make one as a fairy crown to go with Nicole’s bubble crown. Then we’ll look cool in public together.

Even the ultra-country granny square that my grandmother taught me when I was seven has been co-opted for the high brow. Taylor Tomasi Hill had to turn her pants inside out and wear costume jewelry to rock this crocheted sweater from Christopher Kane’s Fall/Winter 2011 line.

I like these distinctly craftier looks from the same line on the left and House of Holland on the right. For me, the key to making handmade items pop is color choice. Modern and unexpected palettes can make hand-made goods look professionally designed.

The colors on this crazy necklace make me so happy. I love the drama! Plus, this necklace uses crochet + beading, which I have been dying to do.

Beaded crochet seems like the perfect romance between my skills, but I have been struggling to figure out the beaded rope for days now. Once I get the concept (if I get the concept), I’ll be able to do this:

Make the accessories you can’t afford.