Ripped Jeans | How To

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that I have been in the market for my perfect pair of ripped jeans for quite some time now.. Having tried on several pairs over the course of the last few months I've been left disappointed. I just want a rip in the knee. Is that too much to ask? You can get ripped thighs and the arse ripped out of them but not the knee?

Then I spotted these on ASOS only to remember.. My short legs. It is difficult enough to find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly let alone have the rips in the right place. These may fall perfectly on Miss Legs Eleven over on Asos, however it is likely that the rips would end up mid shin on me. 

So I got to thinking and decided why not give it a go myself? After doing a bit of research into it, I learned that the mass produced ripped jeans you can buy on the "high street" are actually created using a sandblaster (a machine designed to blast rust off of things using tiny particles of metal). Well I don't have one of those lying around..  I'll just have to make do. 

What I used:

• A pair of old jeans - avoid using elasticated denim as it just won't rip as well as the stiffer stuff. 
• chalk
• a scissors
• an artists blade or in my case a Stanley knife
• a tweezers
• a grater
• some cardboard

Now its time to DIY:

1. While wearing the jeans mark out the areas you want to rip with the chalk
2. After taking said jeans off, take the cardboard and put it in the leg holes under the area you want to rip. Taking the scissors make a little hole in the material.
3. Now using your artists blade carefully drag it along the the mark you made to make the initial slit.
4. Now taking the grater rough up the edges to give a sort of distressed look. I recommend using these side of the grater:
   
5. Once the edges are nicely roughed up and you're happy with them. Take your tweezers and pull some of the horizontal threads from both the top and bottom of the rip and pull them towards the centre. These will loosen the rip slightly and make it easier for you to bend your knee. 
6. Try the jeans on. See how they look, if they aren't distressed enough or need a little tweaking that can be done now. ( not while wearing them of course).

Here is my end result.. I'm easing myself into the trend with one ripped knee. If that goes well I may rip the other one.

If you are going to try it out whatever you do, don't rip a pair of expensive jeans. My jeans are just plain black ones from New Look. I think they cost about €19.00!? And they're perfect for it. I've about 10 pair of these bad boys - I just love them! They're the perfect fit for shorty mc short legs here. 

Happy DIYing.. I'm off to sit out in the sunshine comtemplating painting my bedroom some more!

Rebecca x

Ps: How NOT to rip jeans a la Kim Kardashian..

"My name is Rebecca and I love to shop.."

If 'Shoppers Anonymous' was a thing it'd be safe to say I'd have more than one person enrolling me. I don't know what it is about shopping but it gives me a sort of high.. A rush of excitement as I enter my pin (or click confirm if it's an online order). I know its bad, really bad! That is why as of today I am officially back on a spending ban.. No more shopping!!! 
I'm a "Beauty Blogger" primarily but I do have an unquenchable thirst for all things fashion related, if you follow my Facebook Page or my Instagram you'll already know this. Shoes being my biggest weakness. So, as of today I am officially back on a spending ban.. No more shopping!!! I can look but I cannot "purch".. 
To get me through the next few weeks I've compiled a list of my Pay-Day Lust haves to ogle at and if I'm good I may even have one or two or even all of these in my possession at the end of it.

1. I had to be almost dragged away from these pastel pink pointed toe courts in Zara today. I have fallen madly, passionately, hopelessy in love with them. I love that they have a chunky heel and the ankle strap makes them really comfy and easy to walk in. Paired with a tan, they are a Spring/Summer staple and they WILL be mine!! 

They are priced at €69.95 and available here.

2. Watches have become a bit of an obsession for me of late, they really do complete any outfit. The bigger the watch face the better in my opinion. I've been lusting after this Daniel Wellington one since Christmas. I love the distressed brown leather straps. 

It is priced at £159 and available here.

3. White skinny jeans, they are without a doubt a necessity in every girls wardrobe. I have a pair already but they gather at the knee and it makes me crazy. I love these ankle length ones from Diesel and the zip detailing just makes them. WANT!

They are priced at €168.55 and available here.

4. A kimono, I haven't found my perfect one as of yet but my hunt hasn't ended yet. They can be dressed up or down and they're the perfect alternative to a cardi for those warm summer nights. 

5. Satchels, they're so stylish and so practical.I have a few in my possession however they're all "high-street" purchases and now I want the real deal. This one from The Leather Satchel Co. is just screaming at me.

It is priced at €135 and available here.

6. To say I'm obsessed with my Mi Moneda is a slight understatement. It was an incredibly generous gift from my parents from my 21st birthday last September. They bought me the rose gold coin holder and chain. For Christmas last year I gifted myself a silver coin holder to add a second coin to my chain, of late I've been looking at getting a silver chain for my for the silver coin holder. I also need a few new coins as most of my were bought with the intention of wearing them in the rose gold one. Lilywho have so many, I want them all!! AND they offer FREE shipping to Ireland and the UK. I definitely see an order in the pipeline.

There are dozens more on this wanties list but I fear if I go on much more, I'll add another dent to my bank balance or end up in tears.. 

What is on your lust have list at the moment?

Cracking Christmas gifts for HER

I absolutely LOVE Christmas and I cannot wait for it this year. I think what makes it that bit more exciting this year is that my gorgeous G-Momma Sheilagh is home from Australia and I haven't seen her in over a year. Needless to say a few Pinot's are well overdue!! Three and a half weeks.. Eeeek!!!

Over the past few weeks I've been getting messages on Facebook about gift ideas. So I decided to compile a list. Quite a few men have mailed me for ideas - which of course is very nice to see. Aren't you all very lucky ladies? 

Before getting to it in detail, these gifts are the pricer ones. THE BIG GIFT if you will. If you are looking for cheaper gifts/ kris kringle presents/ stocking filler ideas. I have a post dedicated to that if you would like to click HERE you will be taken directly to it. However if you are looking for THE BIG GIFT, than please read on for some giftspiration for the lady in your life. Of course if there is a budget friendly option out there I'll be sure to mention it!

I have to start with my favourite of all the gifts. The Mi Moneda. Mi Moneda means "my currency" and that is kind of what it is. There are dozens of different coins, holders and chains and they can be mixed and matched to your hearts content meaning it is almost completely unique to the wearer. It is also the priciest gift I have on the list because each piece has to be purchased seperately. The coin, the coin holder and the chain. 

I was lucky enough to get one as a gift from my parents for my 21st birthday this year and I am completely obsessed with it. The Mi Moneda is also a firm favourite among the celebs with the likes of Rihanna and Vanessa Hudgens donning them.  

They come in three colours silver, gold and rose gold. They are available from Keanes. The prices are as follows;

Coins range from: €18- €55

Coin holders range from: €65 to €125

Chains range from: €62.50 to €140

This is the one I got for my birthday. I received 2 coins with it. A rose gold dream catcher and a smokey gold glitter coin. I'm so obsessed that I'm treating myself to second coin holder and a new coin or two for Christmas.  

Not the cheapest gift I will admit and I know some budgets will not be in a position to stretch to almost €300! 

However, I wouldn't be me if I didn't have an ace up my sleeve, would I? A little birdy told me that there is a cheaper alternative to the Mi Moneda. Just as chic, just a little more budget friendly. They are called 'Emozioni' and as of today Michel Jewellers  in Cork stock. Prices start at €24 for the coins or you can pick up a 'starter pack' including a coin holder, a coin and a chain from a very reasonable €120!!

 Here's a sample of the Emozioni coins. Again they are available in silver, gold and rose gold.

My second gift recommendation is a watch. I am a massive fan of some nice arm candy and what completes a look better than a chunky watch? Whether its River Island or Michael Kors, you can do no wrong.

 

 I have this River Island watch in Rose gold and I am forever getting compliments on it. Priced at €37 it's a steal.

 

If you're looking to splash out a little why not opt for a Michael Kors watch? Prices start at €129.

Next up is the handbag. You know that thing us women carry  around all day? We can be seen rooting elbows deep in it for something or other. You know that saying "Everything but the kitchen sink"? It's not a lie, we carry our lives around in these things. All of our worldly possessions. So why not treat the lady in your life to a new one?

The Michael Kors Jet Set Tote is available is loads of colours and comes in 3 sizes. Again it is one of the pricier gifts. Prices start at €220, they are available in Brown Thomas. 

River Island have great Tote bags as well so if Michael Kors hurts your head. How about this little beauty from River Island?

 

It comes in a varity of colours and is quilted meaning she'll be bang on trend. Priced at €40 you could stretch to a matching purse too!

Now we all know us ladies like pretty things, but enough of those for now. How about a much deserved break? Whether its a spa package to treat her to some well deserved pampering or a weekend away in a European city. These presents go down a treat. 

Spa's like Inchydoney and Fota do couples retreats so you can treat yourself while you're at it - You know you want to!! These can be quite expensive, however there are regularly deals on the likes of groupon and living social so keep an eye out. If not for Christmas, the anniversary is always looming..

Lastly, how about flights? A city break? I'm not saying book them for St.Stephens day. Off peak flights are really reasonable as is accommodation. It also gives you time to save a few pennys for the weekend away. Maybe it'll be your first trip away, maybe it's a regular thing either way it's a great gift idea and one you can both benefit from. Flights to Paris for Christmas? Imagine her excitement? 

So there you have it, my gift guide for her. I am aware the some gift are a bit pricey but there are always alternatives. Hopefully it has helped and if need anymore help and/or inspiration please don't hesitate to ask. I'm only too happy to.