Diary of a Third World Fashionista | A Personal Style and DIY Blog

DIY: Crop Top with Elastic

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:17:00 +0000

Missing from the materials: a large safety pin. A diaper pin works!

I've had this thrifted, vintage top for years now, but I've never been completely satisfied with the boxy shape (not the good kind of boxy). I decided to chop the bottom off and add some elastic at the hem for a crop top that wasn't too frumpy. Here are the steps:

1.) Fold up a new hem, which will be the elastic casing, leaving enough room for the elastic of your choice to fit. Place pins along the fold for precision when sewing. 2 & 3.) Sew down the new hem, but leave an opening as wide as your elastic. 4 & 5.) Insert the safety pin on one of the elastic ends and insert in the hem (casing) through the opening. Slide the elastic through the casing by pulling and sliding using the safety pin, until you reach the other end. When sliding it, make sure not to let go of the other end (the one without the pin). Otherwise, it will get lost inside the casing and you'll have to start all over again. 6.) Finally, overlap both elastic ends, sew down as shown in picture, and close the hem opening.

Worn with: DIY cuffed shorts, Earrings by Honduran designer Lutfi Janania & Deandri Helga booties.

I'll definitely be wearing this top more often now. Maybe with a sleek A-line skirt or graphic high waisted trousers. The skin bearing shorts are a little too much for my small town, so I'm leaving this outfit for hot days spent at home with the family.

Go on and chop chop your tops and show me what you come up with on Facebook! <3

But before you do that, lemme share a project I've been working on that's really close to my heart. If you followed TWF part 1, you'll remember my "fashion" education consists mostly of sewing courses in government institutions for troubled teenagers and struggling women. These sewing courses were less than promising and motivation in class was extremely low. This hasn't changed, and that's why I decided to create Seams & Dreams, free workshops with both creative and self-esteem boosting activities. Watch this video to find out what Seams & Dreams is all about (it's in Spanish, but I can assure you no translation is needed):

I've submitted this project for the Creative Diary competition for a scholarship to an IED school. It would mean the world to me if you voted or left a comment on the project by clicking here.

I admit at first I had no intentions of posting about it, but I was touched by messages from people who wanted to know how they could help and be a part of the workshops (It's currently just me with a little help from my sisters). Why not share it even more? It makes me so happy to know people are not only willing, but also eager, to help in any way they can. Thank you all!

♥,

Fabi

Skorts & Eva Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 02:41:00 +0000

I do love a nice skort for hectic days. I found this one in a 10 lempira ($0.50) box at a thrift store, but it was pretty torn up.

The darts were split open and a few buttons were missing. I brought it home and gave it a new life, with cute gold buttons and a shorter hem to flatter my vertically challenged frame.

By hectic days, I'm referring to the last weeks of school filled with exams and final projects. I've finally finished my Interior Design program (woohooo)! My dad snapped these pictures near a tire repair shop right before he dropped me off at school.

If you follow TWF on Facebook or Instagram, you prob already know about my cover for Honduran magazine, Eva. Thanks to all of you who sent me pictures of my big ol' face in magazine stands, it's all been so exciting!

I was shocked they would 1.) let me be on the cover in the first place, 2.) let Lutfi style me as he pleased and 3.) allow me to mention my online vintage shop, Bultique.com, despite the taboo surrounding the name*. Thank you Eva! ♥

Blazer: Lutfi Janania, Skirt: made by me, Gold hoops: Bultique.com, Necklace: Primark

Lutfi and I know that when it comes to styling, I can go a little crazy with the prints and he can go a little crazy with the accessories. Burgundy lipstick, humongous hoops, print on print...we really did it all. Here are some behind the scene outfit shots:

Left: Bultique top and earrings, Lutfi Janania skirt.
Right: Bultique two-piece (coming soon) & earrings, Zara belt & my own vintage choker.

Thank you everyone for being so nice to me, for all those sweet comments and messages. Things can get a bit lonely when you're into what I'm into, but your support makes everything much, much easier. :)

*Bultique is a Honduran slang word, used in a derogatory sense, that refers to second hand stores where things are found in "bultos" (piles) in boxes. No one would admit they went to a "bultique" without embarrassment...not until Bultique.com, of course. Hehe.

OOTD + Clutch Giveaway Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:16:00 +0000

I never really spend much money on clothes, I think I've made that pretteyy clear on this blog. However, there's something about interesting vintage pieces that just makes my heart melt and shell out the cash. I found this lovely denim jacket with tiny little studs and surprise pleats in a charity shop in London.

The price wasn't as attractive but...who could resist? While my friends were losing their minds in Topshop, I was going nuts in charity shops and car boot sales!

This is pretty much my school uniform: skirt + tank + jacket + platforms. In fact, these shots were taken by my sister right before I went to my accounting class.

I'm kinda done with the green hair, by the way. I'm just reeeally scared to use any permanent dye and mess it up, I've heard so many scary stories down here! Any suggestions?

Denim jacket: vintage, Skirt: self-made, Faux fur bag: souvenir gift from Thailand, Shoes: Deandri nude Helgas.

And now, time to announce the clutch giveaway winner! I used a random list generator to pick the winner (I would've gone mad trying to pick one myself). And the lucky soon-to-be owner of the amazing clutch is:

azaria.canales@gmail.com

Check your email! As soon as I get your details I'll send the lovely clutch your way. :)

Thanks to all who participated, I really appreciated all the lovely comments. I promise there are more gifts to come for all my lovely readers.

♥,

Fabi

Update & Clutch Giveaway - CLOSED

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 03:13:00 +0000

Happy 2013 everyone! I'm back and yes, with excuses for why I haven't posted in a while, except this time they're reeally good excuses AND they come with a giveaway which will help you forgive and forget quickly. Here's a recap via Instagram of what I've been up to while gone:

1 & 2. Wearing a top c/o of He-bi and self-made skirt at Camp Cazanave, my mom's childhood neighborhood, where I spent Christmas playing old-school videogames, eating tamales and riding quad bikes. Ahh, bliss. 3. My friend Lutfi and I finally opened the first online vintage clothing shop in Honduras, Bultique.com. The packaging and stickers are the cutest! 4. Vintage fabric, ready to become something amazing for Bultique. 5. We recently moved, which inspired a bedroom makeover (on a budget, of course). Pictured: Vintage Ozz Franca painting, thrifted vases and Lutfi Janania earrings. 5. Third World Fashionista featured on new Mexican design magazine, FACERE! ♥

The launch of Bultique.com, a vintage shop I've wanted to open since I was like 6 months old, was a really amazing way to end 2013 and doing it with one of my best friends made it even better than I ever expected. We basically sold out on week 1, but we're already working on stocking up on gorgeous (and quite weird) things. I want them all! Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, a'right?

The shop is mostly in spanish because we are in Central America, but if anybody has any questions or would like anything shipped to the U.S.A., just sent us a message. :)
♥ ♥ ♥ Now...on to the giveaway! I'm personally obsessed with large clutches, so I figured I'd gift you guys a really nice one.

All you have to do is leave your email in a comment below, be from anywhere in planet Earth and (because there has to be a catch) likey like the TWF facebook page!

If you've been reading this blog for a while, PLEASE participate. I'd love if the clutch went to someone who genuinely likes this blog. :) Winner will be announced February 5th. Woohoo!

♥, Fabi
Edit: Giveaway has been closed. Winner anounced here.

Fuzziness

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:13:00 +0000

I'm sure you won't be surprised by this next statement: I'm obsessed with all things fuzzy. Almost all things fuzzy (I'm not too sure about the Celine SS13 shoes just yet). Here's my latest shaggy inspo:

Lara Mullen in i-D magazine, Chloe Sevigny and Alicia Silverstone who will forever be Cher Horowitz. All these on my Pinterest board!

Apparently, the way to wear your huggable rags is to go clean and simple on the rest of your outfit: sleek hair with a middle part, a bit of torso baring, an all-white ensemble with metallic accessories. Or just wear it with whatever the heck you like, as I did:

Top: (I admit it's) Forever21, Clip-on earrings: selfmade from buttons, Shorts: c/o Honduran designer Aldo Alonso Marcucci, Clutch and sunglasses: ASOS.

By the way, I can't believe TWF has reached over 1,000 fans on Facebook! I'm thinking there should be a thank you giveaway ASAP, don't you? Love you all!

♥,

Fabi

DIY| Basket charm necklace

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:52:00 +0000

I found these cute handmade mini baskets at my favorite craft shop in La Ceiba and their hanging potential made them perfect for a DIY necklace. Here's what I used:

You might not find these same exact baskets at your local craft store, but if you have a thing for quirky, this idea might open up an array of possibilities! The steps are easy. Just attach a ring to your dangly item, attach with another ring to your chain and add closure. So easy!
Optional: spray the baskets with a clear acrylic sealer for extra protection. :)

Worn two different ways:
1.) With a simple T-shirt for lazy sundays...

...or with a button-up for busy school days. The baskets like to dance all over the place, makes it kinda fun.

Now go on and start hanging random things on chains! Send me pictures of your DIYs and I'll make sure to post them on TWF's Facebook page. :)

♥,

Fabi

Dangerous flatforms

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:17:00 +0000

I don't get it.

The heel master has been put to shame, ladies and gentlemen. I bought these 4 inch flatform sandals thinking they were the perfect, comfy shoe for a school field trip. (Yes, yes, laugh.) Maybe it's because they're a little big, but these suckers are a life hazard! I tripped on them only about a million times making my ankles very unhappy.

I still wear them when I know I won't be walking for long. They're not easy on the eyes and they seem to multiply the size of my feet, but I adore them!

As for the rest of this outfit:

Heart print top is from Carrión. Carrión sponsors the spanish version of TWF, go check. It's a pretty big deal that a Honduran business believes in my blog (or in any, for that matter). ♥

Skirt: sewn by me about 2 years ago. Proof here.
Necklace: vintage, gift from grandma.

My fave pieces are starting to show signs of wear. Duh, I wear the heck out of them! I've already sketched up some basics to sew them up before the year ends. My closet is in desperate need of an overhaul, all the colors of my skirts are fading away. Haha!

Up next on the blog: Necklace DIY! :)
To be updated on new posts, follow TWF on Facebook or scroll to the bottom of this page and subscribe. Go go go!

DIY| Pumped Up Kicks

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 21:34:00 +0000

And by kicks I mean boring heels. I like classics, I do. But quirky is so much better! I bought a simple pair thinking "every girl needs a basic, slightly pointed heel" but they haven't really seen the light of day. That's why I bought these toffee/caramel-looking beads and knew exactly what they'd adorn. I leave you with an easy (and weird, according to my mother) DIY:

Make sure the needle is nice and strong, the flimsy ones will bend and make everything more difficult.

1. Place your beads where you want them to be, and draw around them with your chalk. This step is optional, you can wing it if you'd like (I did on the other shoe). Thread your needle and knot the thread ends.

2. You're now read to poke your shoe. Remember to start from the inside of the shoe, and a little above the center of where your bead will be. Insert your bead through the needle and thread. Now insert the needle back inside the shoe a little below the first insertion. This makes the thread less noticeable.

3. Repeat Step 2 several times for extra safety. You'll have to adjust the bead and thread several times. Be patient!

4. From the inside of the shoe, insert the needle a little above the center of where your second bead will live. Repeat Steps 2 and 3.

5. Make sure the beads are nice and tight, not going anywhere. Knot your thread. This last step can be a little tricky. I knotted mine close to the edge on the shoe seam OUTSIDE of the shoe, but below the beads. Place a dot of super glue on the knot aaaand dunzo! Be careful not to get too much glue on your fabric or it will stain it.

Results:

Don't they look chewable? Luxe-chewable, that is.

Hope you enjoyed! I'm sure you guys can come up with a million variations of this DIY. Send me pictures if you try them out, I'll post them on Facebook. :) My trip to the craft store was quite successful, so many more DIY posts to come!

♥,

Fabi

P.S. If my explanation of the steps was terrible and you have no idea what I was talking about, feel free to email me at fabi@thirdworldfashionista.com. Don't be shy!

Island Bliss Part II

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 01:11:00 +0000

On Island Bliss part 1, I shared a few pictures from my trip to Roatán. That same week, I took an overnight trip to Utila. My friends, I think it's about time I let you in on a very embarrassing secret: I. cannot. swim. This picture pretty much sums up my relationship with aquatic environments:

Posted on Facebook by an elementary schoolmate. And yes, I was tagged. -_-

The good thing is, I can enjoy the sidelines. So while the girls went out snorkeling...

...I Iaid on the shore browsing through a mag and chatting up an endangered creature, the Honduran national bird!

Wtzup? I'm a friendly Macaw.

I joined them on all other activities. We shared one bedroom (six girls, madness), spotted a swimming iguana, danced like madwomen, had tasty seafood for lunch, rode our bikes all over the island and convinced each other that our sandfly bites didn't look "that bad".

Outfit details (left): thrifted croptop, skirt is a gift from sister, dreadlocky hair c/o Utila.

Boys walking home from school, getting scolded at by random lady in tiny french braids. Islanders are tough!

~~Illegal~~ fireworks for carnival night!

The reason why I have so many pictures of the trip is because Kirsis was willing to carry Betty Canon wherever we went and snapped most of the shots on this post. Thanks Kirso!

Next post shall be a DIY! Suscribe (scroll to the bottom and type in your email) so you can get it right in your inbox!

♥,

Fabi

Road Stop

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 07:38:00 +0000

I spotted this adorable family selling delicious corn tamalitos while they waited at the side of the road for their ride to be repaired.

I asked if they'd like to take pictures with me and they all happily accepted. The momma scolded her oldest daughter into tying her hair up (she refused, as you can tell), then prepared to strike a pose as her second son joined us.

Getting them to smile in front of the camera was quite the challenge! Momma bear likes to pose like a boss: straight face, crossed arms. If you can't beat'em, join'em!

We took a few more shots until the bus driver let us know they were ready to go. They packed up my tamales and then hopped back on the bus through the back door, mom with a little help from her kids. ♥

Dress & earrings: vintage, Sandals: department store, Seahorse pin: Primark.

I don't know if it's a cultural thing but, in my house, whenever you acquire new things you then have to give a couple away. However, there are several pieces in my closet I've never been able to get rid of. This hawaiian print dress is one of them. It's the easiest thing to wear in tropical weather and ruffles are my addiction!

My sisters seriously mocked me for this photo, claiming it looked like a telenovela scene. I couldn't get them to stop singing the Marimar song...can you really blame them, though?

Thalía in Marimar

Anyway, here's a shot at a variation of my typical, daily eyeliner, thanks to Pinterest. So many good ideas out there, I need to change things up a bit!

Next post: Island Bliss pt. 2.

I'm still picking out pictures of our Utila trip (friends are gonna kill me), there are so many to choose from! See my previous post, Island Bliss part 1, HERE.

♥,
Fabi

Island Bliss Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 05:22:00 +0000

These are a few pictures I took on my visit to Roatan island (a one hour ferry ride away from La Ceiba) a couple of weeks ago. They aren't the best because I'm a baad blogger, annoyed by the thought of carrying my camera around. My sisters were even more annoyed when I'd ask them to, but who can blame them? Roatan is paradise. :)

Sister no. 3 has red hair and freckles and likes lipstick and gladly accepts my hugs. Sister no. 2 hates pictures and would smother me in my sleep if I dare post them, so don't expect to see her on my blog. :(

Lamps in our cute bungalow.

Portraying uncivilized behavior.

Fancy cocktails served in beer cups? Yes please!

Cousin Joanna is the hotness. She likes to smile and nap in random places. I gave her an ini mini makeover which you can see HERE and has hyped up the girly factor ever since!

The only bummer of our trip? A main road was under construction. :(

A few days after returning home I hopped on another ferry to visit a second island with some of my bffs. My hair went all dreadlocky on me and I was attacked by sandflies there...those pictures you do NOT want to miss. Next post!

♥,

Fabi

P.S. I'll finally be catching up on emails and comments this week! :)

Perks of being a TWF

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 07:53:00 +0000

Found this Moschino Cheap and Chic skirt for realzz cheap at a thrift store. So cheap I almost felt bad for paying so little. Funny thing is, if it were a Gap or Old Navy skirt then I would've been charged a fortune. "Es americana!"

The length makes me look somewhat matronly and shorter than usual, but who cares. Bring on the man repelling!

On being featured and stuff:
Even though I feel flattered to be given any sort of attention, I suck at self-promotion.
Last March (yep, about 4 months ago) I was featured on much read Honduran magazine, Estilo. I never thought this would happen because Estilo is all about fancy ladies in Louboutins and baby showers that cost more than my house, so it was a huge compliment to be asked to do this.

It was fun. I said things like "it's time for me to buy a pair of Karen Walker sunnies" but I haven't because DANG, so much money for a pair of sunnies my little brother could easily sit on.
Other than that, I shared my love for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Chloe Sevigny, print mixing, vintage jewelry and how much I identified with paranoid Oliver from Submarine.

Hooray for shameless self-promotion!

♥,

Fabi

P.S. Vacation pictures coming up soon!

Safety First

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 07:59:00 +0000

I love visiting Tegucigalpa (the Honduran capital) for various reasons. One of them is the weather. I can wear black you guyyys! And not sweat like a pig you guyyys! I'm not even sure if my blouse looked decent with the ruffle skirt, but I just had to wear it and closed to the last button. La Ceiba's so hot and humid, gives ya Monica Geller-at-the-Bahamas hair...

I ended up looking very business-ready on top and very clown meets aztec on bottom. Worksh for me!

Mirror sunnies: ASOS, Sheer blouse: gift from momma, Skirt: DIY here, Clip-on earrings: vintage, from grandmotha

I fell in love with the Archduchess Platform (from Free People) ages ago, and saved up while waiting for them to go on sale. And on sale they went! Muahahaha!

By the way, I was browsing through my old posts and my heart ached for a very specific reason: I reeeeally miss taking pictures out on the town. Unfortunately, La Ceiba isn't nearly as safe as it used to be. I hate saying negative things about my country, but the situation reflects on my blog and I really feel the need to share it. A big camera + posing in heels is recipe for getting mugged, and I obviously don't like exposing my younger siblings (aka TWF's photographers) to danger. We used to hear stories of tragic assaults and kidnappings, but now they're hitting closer to home. It's a shame, because my country is truly beautiful and what inspires my outfits; I love sharing it with you guys! I hope this changes soon, but til' then please forgive me for flooding this blog with bland pictures taken in private neighborhoods. Better than shutting the whole thing down, right?

This is why I'm extra excited about a trip I'm taking and will be blogging about. I promise LOTS of pictures! Here's a preview:

Thank you for your lovely comments! :)
♥,

Fabi

One-step DIY| Plastic Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 03:21:00 +0000

Last year, I fell in love with this Christopher Kane clutch in all it's squishy glory. This year, a whole bunch of lovely, clear clutches popped up everywhere. Everywhere but in Honduras, hehe.

source

When I found this makeup bag at a department store I immediately knew what it would become. There's only one simple step to this DIY: cut off the straps!

You might not be able to find the exact cosmetic bag, but I hope it motivates you to keep your eyes open at all times for potential DIY projects. They're everywhere!

Another idea? Add studs or spikes on corners!

White cat-eye sunglasses: ASOS (first ASOS purchase wopeee), Necklace: vintage, gift from sister. Earrings, vintage from grandma.

The verdict: I like how sleek the clutch is, but there's an understandable reason why this will NEVER become a trend in my country: safety issues! You might as well tape a "mug me" sign to your forehead. If you want to try it out, I suggest placing your phone and wallet into a pouch so they won't be exposed to the world. Gotta be street smart these days!

♥

Fabi

P.S. I know it took me a while to post, but I recently enrolled in an Interior Design certificate program and it's been taking a lot more of my time than expected. To be honest, I enrolled because I figured it's the closest thing to fashion I can find and I needed some sort of creative escape, but I'm really enjoying it. My mood boards, however, consist of Jil Sander, Celine, fabric cut-outs, etc. But I bet you already knew that. :)

Mall Finds: Swimming trunks

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:25:00 +0000

Being a fashion lover around here sure puts the right side of a brain to work. You know the drill: one mall, very few shops (most sell the discounted leftovers from the U.S. of A. stores), trends show up years later, etc. And I mean, c'mon, as fun as thrifting can be there's nothing like le smell of le new.

This is the first of a series of posts about items found in unexpected places which, in my case, includes malls.

Item: Swimming trunks.

Where? Beachwear section of the only legit department store in Honduras, Tiendas Carrion.

Their potential was hidden by the tacky pink & blue options (I say tacky, but I'm sure someone else could make them work). My sister convinced me not to buy them but my stubborn self returned for them the very next day.

The polka dots reminded me of the cute Commes des Garçons pouches & wallets, but the shorts were less than a 10th of the price...under $7!

To make it less beach and more sunday lunch, I dressed them up with platform heels and a white button-up. Good enough for siblings not to feel embarrassed about taking my pictures in public. :)

Shorts and button-up: Tiendas Carrion, Glitter platforms: Wild DNA, Round sunglasses: Amazon, Necklace: vintage

♥,

Fabi

On fire!

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Sun, 27 May 2012 07:08:00 +0000

La Ceiba has been incredibly hot these days, having to wear clothes is painful!

I wanted to wear something easy that wasn't jersey, so a cotton romper was le tolerable thing to wear.

Threw on a jacket for when I felt vulnerable in public places. Both are thrift finds…the romper I've had for ages and the jacket's print and odd boxy shape made me go HUBBAHUBBAA when I spotted it at a rack at a market.

It's one of those outfits without much of a story or inspiration behind it, but please understand, the heat is giving me mental indigestion! And making me say things like "mental indigestion".

This is me not standing ma hair in ma face.
Shoesies: Jellypop Extend Platforms, Romper: thrifted, Jacket: thrifted vintage

How do you feel about posts without much content? Or do you just like to browse through pictures, anyway? Tell me, tell me! :)

♥,

Fabi

Mini makeover: Joanna

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:24:00 +0000

I do head-to-toe checking out of pretty much any girl I see. Not in a perv old man kind of way, more of a "what would I make her wear" way. I'd dress my sisters, but they both have a defined style and are very obstinate about it. Diana lets me have a say every now and then, but now and then is not enough! The latest victim of my sartorial desires is my sweet cousin who's currently visiting from California.

Victim: Joanna banana

Age: 20

Style: Summery, denim shorts, simple tees and sandals.

Time it took: Aprox. 8 minutes

She says: "I don't wear bright lipstick because it makes my lips look too big."

I let her stay in her shorts, but paired them with a vintage, peplum blouse, platform heels (the only ones that fit her, but happen to work great) and a chunky necklace.

To prove a voluptuous pout is the shizzle, I used my fave orange lipstick by NYX (citrine) on her. Prett-eyyy.

Top: vintage, Shoes and necklace: Primark, Shorts: her own.

A quick & easy change but she looks amazing, doesn't she? :)

♥
Fabi

Photovenus

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Sun, 06 May 2012 09:48:00 +0000

Long time ago I went downtown to a small photostudio get my grad picture taken. The old wooden house covered in religious decor left me somewhat curious, so I returned to find out more.

I lied and told the lady I needed pictures for a fashion school application. If I mentioned my blog, Andy Warhol or my love for old things, I would've looked like a complete moron. It was the only way I could convince her to photograph me wearing shades and a floral headband.

She made me walk into a room covered in not-so-white bed sheets behind a not-so-white curtain. I sat in front of two bulbs ready for my Warhol-esque black & white face shot.

As she tilted my face over and over, I asked her a million questions and quickly found out she'd taken pictures of my aunts when they were young. Don't know why I squealed in excitement; It's a really small town! Her hesitation turned into satisfaction: "you'll look like an angel". She pulled out her cute, vintage Pentax camera and pressed the shutter button once.

Her mom opened the little studio in 1954 and it's been up & running ever since. Unfortunately, the house now has a huge "FOR SALE" sign and the studio's future uncertain.

I wore a vintage tent dress I fixed up long time ago. I can picture the lovely old lady wearing something like this a few decades back. :)

Floral headband from craft store, Sunglasses: H&M, Dress: vintage, Platform heels: Luichiny

The imposed "angelic" posing, grey tones and black sunnies resulted in an unflattering shot Warhol would probably disapprove of (or love for its artificiality), but the experience was completely worth it. :)

'Til next post!
The intrusive doggie and I hope you have an awesome week.

♥

Cig pants

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:04:00 +0000

This is a pants outfit post but truth is, I hate pants.

I blogged about how I would make an effort to wear them more often, and the public announcement has been haunting me. This led me to analyze: why such intense negative feelings towards practical trousers?

I used to wear them plenty. In fact, I have proof from when I started my first blog (TWF part 1) back in 2007. Embarrassing flashback in 3…2…1…

Is that supposed to be a wink??

Pants haven't completely vanished from my wardrobe, but I only wear them when I go thrift shopping, traveling, when it's too cold to shave (whoopsies) and when I'm sad.

I still don't have a clear reason for this, but here are a few possibilities:

My hips are not the same ones I had when I was 16.
I have a reeally hard time finding the right fit or...I'm too lazy to try them on.

Maybe I wore them so much they bored me.
They're too easy to wear, I like a challenge.
I'm traumatized by the ultra low hip huggers and cropped tops that took over department stores and made my dad's life miserable when I was a teen.
And last but not least, it might just be a stage.

I really hope it's just a stage! Pants, especially jeans, are soo easy to wear and...safe! I went for a hint of 50s in this outfit so I wouldn't feel too out of my element: cigarette jeans, bun and gingham hair tie (still not popular in my country, thank goodness), kitschy heart bag...

If you notice, I got some more green in my hair. Most is hidden in the bun my little sister had to teach me how to do (shame on me).

I'll see this outfit as a step ahead in conquering my pant-phobia.
Top: H&M, Hair tie: Primark, Pants: Jade, Bag: Carboot sale

♥
Fabi

Edit: I now have a formspring! Ask me shtuff.

Tourist in Heels

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:34:00 +0000

Easter week (aka Semana Santa) is almost coming to an end. While everyone is flaunting bikini bods with piña colada in hand, I've spent it with my family in the middle of nowhere watching movies and overeating. The least I could do is a friendly parody of a tourist through an outfit...

Source of inspiration:

Hawaiian shirt: check!

Khaki bottoms: check!

Something heavy around my neck: check!

I skipped the hat because I didn't pack any and changed the typical chunky, leather sandals & socks for snake print platforms. Forced tied the top for minimal midriff exposure and voilà!

We decided to escape town for a bit and run down to the mall to enjoy the A/C + window shopping, and my outfit seemed to be prime material for mockery. I wouldn't have noticed if my enraged (so cute) 8-year-old cousin wouldn't have informed me: people were pointing & giggling at me mercilessly! Was it because I was missing a hat? Hehe

Top: thrifted gift, skirt: self-made, Chain necklace and earrings: vintage from grandma, Sunnies: H&M

My cheesy tropical outfit is an ode to tourists and my way to wish all vacationers a happy weekend!

♥

Fabi

Practical Pink

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:20:00 +0000

My type of button-up shirt: Pink, surprise cut-out in the back, long trail to cover the boot-ay and affordable price tag. This one was all that, practical with the right amount of girly.

Wore it with a thrifted skirt I got for almost nothing and faux snake skin heels.

Top: Honduran department store (Carrion), Sunnies: H&M

The blinding earrings will soon become an extension of my earlobes since I can't get myself to take them off me. My friend Lutfi designed them. Pretty rad-iculous, ey?

They're from his latest collection so if you want to take a look, hit him up on Facebook. I went to see his show last weekend, had a blast and got to meet many sweet blog readers. This is the only decent picture I have of what I wore:

Thrifted top, vintage snake choker, skirt made by me.

Thanks for the photo Abraham, Rosa and Shadia!

I know I promised to share details of my tv interview, but I don't wanna bore you with such a long post. I'll leave it for the next one!

♥

Fabi

Newsboy

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 02:36:00 +0000

A few years ago my friend Geral gifted me a vintage newsboy hat her mom had found in a thrift store. I've been wanting to wear it but could not get one image out of my head: J.Lo circa 2002. Not that I have anything against Jenny from the block, but it certainly wouldn't feel like myself.

Finally got around to wearing it with leopard print and glitter hoping to look more 70s than early 2000s, less country and more disco. Not sure what category this outfit falls into, but I kinda like how it confuses me.

Went to my mom's hometown, El Progreso, for an interview about my blog at a local television show and took these pictures on my way back home. We stopped at what seemed like an abandoned stable and as I "posed" for the shots, we were greeted by a guard and his very. sharp. machete. Might've been the glitter heels that convinced him I wasn't a criminal, but he gave us a smile and let us proceed. :)

Dress: thrifted, hat: vintage, shoes: Wild Dna, Deer and snake rings: Primark

I already have my eye on one of the bf's flat caps for an outfit inspired by this lovely man (picture from an old post):

Yeee-ahhh!

More about the tv interview on next week's post!

xo,

Fabi

Daisy Daisies

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 02:41:00 +0000

I spotted a cute ol' lady having lunch at the only shopping mall in La Ceiba. She was wearing a cute yellow dress with an orange floral print...seemed as if she was ready to head out to church. Reminded me of an old Jill Stuart dress, one of my first "big" thrift finds. Wore it with a skirt over it and hear yee a walking garden inspired by the cute ol' lady:

This outfit got me more stares of confusion than my hats ever have! I provided quite the entertainment but the colors made me so happy.

Dress: thrifted Jill Stuart, Necklace: vintage from granny, Lipstick: Citrine by NYX (from Tiendas Carrion), Shoesies: Fahrenheit.

xo,

Fabi

Pictures were taken by little sister, Diana. Thankyou Nuna!

DIY| Circular ruffle skirt

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:31:00 +0000

I bought this bandage skirt at our local department store, Carrion, only to regret it soon after. The price was good and the fabric nice & thick, so I figured it would be great for lazy days. Not really. The risk of unintentional knicker exposure was waaay too high.

I figured I'd add trusty ruffles to keep it PG13 and show you how I did it. Before you panic (flashback to the 90s denim skirts with a flimsy ruffle at the hem), Mary Katrantzou did it on her latest collection.

Mary Katrantzou AW'12 style.com

What you'll need:

A skirt

Fabric (I used 1 1/4 yards for 4 large ruffles)

Needle & thread

Measuring tape or ruler

Chalk to mark fabric

Paper

Pen or pencil

Scissors

Pins

Measure the length of where your ruffle will be sewn. If your skirt stretches, like my knit skirt, make sure to measure it stretched out. Thiswill be the circumference of your inner circle. Divide this measurement by 6.28. The result is the RADIUS.

For example, if your stretched out skirt measures 13 inches, 13/6.28=2.07 radius. Now, cut your fabric in two, for two ruffles. Fold one of your pieces of fabric into four. Lay on a flat surface and pin it to keep it moving. This is when you'll use the RADIUS measurement. Observe:

Hold the tape measure from the upper corner (technically, center of fabric), and pivot as you mark the radius measurement all around. This is your inner circle. For the outer circle, measure the length of ruffle + hem and seam allowance from the inner circle all around. Cut through dotted line. The result will be a donut shape. Repeat the process for a second ruffle.

Once you've cut both your donut shapes, sew a security seam around the inner circle. This will keep the ruffle from stretching out. Carefully snip all around this inner edge, as shown in picture. Join both ruffles at the sides and turn.

Your ruffles are now ready to be sewn to your skirt. Place them upside down, right side of fabric against the right side of skirt. Pin at center and at side seams.

As you sew down your ruffles, make sure to stretch your skirt. Otherwise, the thread will break as you slip it on. Hem the ruffles and you're done! These are the actual, much larger ruffles I used for my skirt right before sewing them together:

If you notice, my ruffles are double and joined at the hem to avoid the annoying hemming. I also added 10 inches to the circumference to gather the ruffles for extra volume. This is optional. The final result:

Now go all Valentino on your clothes rufflin' them up!

Skirt: Carrion, Rope necklace: COS, Tiger shoesies: Wild DNA

Any questions or suggestions? Feel free to ask!

♥

Fabi

P.S. TWF is now on pinterest!

Inspiration: Wilmer Murillo

noreply@blogger.com (ThirdWorldFabi) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:29:00 +0000

In Honduras, if someone opens a successful baleada stand, it won't be long before eight more open on the same block. Harsh, but true. That said, in any existing art form there are trend followers and trend setters; Wilmer Murillo falls in the latter category. Many copy his work but the way his work evolves is only proof that he is the shizzle.

One of his earlier pieces, Tookoon and the Book of Love

His illustrations? Cute, melancholic robots and imaginary creatures that are subtly creepy in a good way. He gets so much online press & collaborates in so many different international projects, I sometimes have a hard time believing he does it all from tiny Honduras. I asked him a few silly questions:

What is your usual breakfast?

Pancakes and coffee.

How do you picture yourself at the age of 80?

Preferably dead (I don't wanna live so long!)

Monokrith

Funniest comment you've ever received about your work?

One day a girl told me that my characters look pretty similar to myself. I

still can't believe that... do I really look like a robot?
Jackie O' or Marilyn Monroe?

Jackie O'.

The Jetsons or The Flintstones?

The Jetsons, please!

Favorite place in the whole wide world?

My favorite place is wherever I can stay with my favorite things and people.

What do you think about crocs?

I don't like them. (hooray!)

Krooglium

How would you react if you tripped and fell in front of a huge crowd?

I would say "I'm so stupid!" and couldn't stop laughing.
Where can we find & buy your work?

On my website (www.wilmermurillo.com), it includes my showcase, store and

some freebies. Thanks so much!

Isn't Wilmer a sweetheart? Anyway, I could't post this without an outfit inspired by his art/interview. Turned out my closet lacks half the colors he uses (I'll make sure to change that). I did end up wearing a "litmus" color top á la Krooglium and a skirt I made inspired by Judy Jetson.

Top: thrifted. Skirt: self-made. Shoes: Nine West.

Go team Jetsons!

I posted about this skirt on my spanish blog in July of last year. I used one fabric, all wrong side except for the center panel. Easy to make and very...intergalactic?

Thankyou Wilmer for such a fun interview. Make sure to check out his stuff, spread the word, make him even more famous.

xo,
Fabi