With Milan and Paris yet to come you can take this as part 1 of DIY inspirations from AW12 Streetstyle. As usual I have been scouring the streets for inspirations for my next projects – and have found plenty. If you haven’t got any DIY projects on the list for this weekend (scarily I have 9 planned, not sure how that will go…) why not find some inspiration here?

| Denim chaps style jeans. Not on the top of my list but  inspiration worthy none the less |

This project has been on my mind for a while and I’ve been searching high and low for the right raffia bag. I finally found one and got to work making the perfect colour blocked oversized market bag. Exactly what I needed for filling with fruit, veggies and flowers on my Sunday afternoon market run. Ok so I have to tell you – this project has to be one of my all time favourites.

You need:
- Raffia straw market bag

- Neon yellow and white spray paint (non-toxic!)

- Masking Tape

- Newspaper

1. Using masking tape, about 20cm up from the bottom of the tote mark off a straight line, below which will be spray painted yellow.

2. Go around the whole of the bag with the tape making sure to stick it well and keep a very straight line.

3. Using tape, secure newspaper over the whole top of the bag above the tape line, so that its protected from paint.

4. In a well ventilated space, turn the bag upside down and spray paint. I used a light coat of white paint first so that the yellow would pop when I applied it. The trick with spray painting is to apply a number of light coats rather than a single heavy coat. That way you won’t have any drips and the colour with be nice and smooth.

5. Leave to dry overnight. Finish the bag with pom poms or tassels of your choice.

Done and done.

When I was back in Australia recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Ascot Hats workshop, where they make the most mindblowing hats. These aren’t stuffy or boring race hats – but serious statement pieces that are practically wearable art. It was so fun to see all the different projects in various stages of completion. The amount of effort and work that the owner Pam  puts into every design is out of this world, and really shows in the quality. I love how easily they channel on-trend details into every project. Leopard print, sculpted lace, Marc Jacobs-esque polka dots and tulle pom poms had me itching for the olden days where women wouldn’t be seen without a hat. Let’s bring that back! They also made a mickey mouse hat for me last year (seen below) which has to be one of my most treasured possessions.

Check out  Ascot Hat’s other works of art over at their blog, facebook page or email them directly on pcameron@ascothats.com.au.

Btdubs – the very very cute lady in the pics above is the talented Milly Ziesemer, who has put her fashion line Ziesemer (started at the tender age of 17) on hold while she finishes studying fashion in Sydney. This girl has extraordinary talent and is seriously one to watch!