Plan B: Dressmaker

Chances are, I'll be an unemployed college graduate come May. As much as I love hearing those happy-go-lucky stories about girls getting their dream job offers on the morning of graduation (Atoosa, I'm lookin' at you)—and as optimistic as I am—I realize that things like that don't happen in this economy.

If I do find myself with an empty schedule, I have already come up with something more productive than laying around my parent's pool re-reading a stack of my favorite paperbacks (which doesn't sound so bad).

I'm going to dust off my sewing machine and work my way through Built by Wendy Dresses, designer Wendy Mullin's new guide to "making a girl's best frock." That way, when I do find a job (or when I'm forced back to college to get a more practical degree) I'll have a closet full of new dresses.

Ruffled Feathers

Currently adding this fantastic ruffled necklace to the pile of diy ideas to keep me entertained during winter break (via Creature Comforts).

All Tied Up

I've been collecting DIY ideas to keep myself occupied during my month-long winter break, and I think this bow-adorned 3.1 Phillip Lim sweater would be the perfect start. Stylish and incredibly simple, this would work with any neglected cardigan and cast-off ribbon.

It'd be a nice alternative to upgrading the buttons on an old cardigan—a task I often start, but rarely finish.

What a Stud

I have more cable knit sweaters than I would care to admit, and that's just in my closet at college. I have no idea how many more might be uncovered when I head home for Thanksgiving in a few weeks.

The worst part? I'm still looking for more. (I want this cute cable-front sweater from Old Navy, and I want it in every color.)

The second I can catch my breath from school work, I'm going to take this incredible idea from American Eagle Outfitters, and give a slightly tough edge to my old preppiest favorites. I never thought I was the type of girl who could pull off a good grommeted stud, but combined with a touch of cable knit, I think I can do it— as long as I pair it with a hair bow and ballet flats.

Big Girls Need Big Diamonds

Like most girls, I adore collecting jewelry. Unlike most girls, I usually adore collecting it more so than actually wearing it. All of my shiny baubles and vintage jewels are stored in the depths of my vanity drawers, so I'm always leaving the house with bare wrists and naked neck because I never remember what I own.

Oh, the worries of a girl with too much jewelry.

If I owned this gorgeous framed jewelry holder, I'm almost certain I would remember to let my pretties come out and play more often, but I'm not about to spend $48 (that's five necklaces! six pair of earrings! a stack of ten bangles!). A crafty DIY is calling my name.

Doily Darling

I'm adding this adorable DIY doily tank to my post-exams pre-NYC to-do list. Jessica from What I Wore is the cutest, and if you don't follow her yet, you should!

Ruffling My Wardrobe's Feathers

Looking at this favorite image from the latest Teen Vogue, it's impossible to not feel inspired to sew layers and layers of eyelet on all of my camisoles. Would there be any better way to liven up one of my many bookish blazers and cardigans?

Has anyone pulled of a DIY of similar design? My only reservation is figuring out how to sew inflexible ruffle on a stretchy shirt. Ideas?