Punk Rock Pattern Smashing

“I’m With The Band”

Said me, never. But that doesn’t mean I can’t pretend like I am. I’d be lying if I said I never fantasized ’bout that Penny Lane life. The closest I’ve ever been to Band Aid status was when I snuck backstage at an AFI concert in high school. Hardly legendary…

I’m pretty sure my rockstar days are behind me, so I am resigned to just dressing like one. This jacket is one of my favorite DIYs, and it’s super easy. I recommend using a faux leather jacket rather than a real one—it’s much easier to sew through fake leather. Hit up a local thrift store for some pins and patches, or buy a few from my fave makers listed below. Spend an evening sewing (or for you lazy folk, use some safety pins for an ultra British punk look). And ta-dah!

Pro tip: spend a couple of bucks on some locking pin backs (aka pin keepers) to keep your pins from falling off. There’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve unknowingly donated a coveted pin to some lucky passerby.

Scroll down to see some of my favorite pin and match makers. Supporting talented makers and local artists is SUPER important to sustaining the creative community. Don’t buy the Zara/H&M/Forever21 rip offs!! If you haven’t heard the news, here are some links that discuss the controversy:

• Talking With Tuesday Bassen About Her Battle Against Zara
• Zara Accused of Copying LA Artist’s Designs
• Forever 21 Accused of Stealing Artist’s Designs
• H&M Slammed For Copying Artist’s Design

Photos by the lovely and talented Sarah Kuszelewicz.

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Jacket: DIY, similar here, here, here  |  Top: similar  |  Pants: vintage, similar  |  Boots: Asos  |  Hat: vintage, similar  |  Bandana: DIY, similar  |  Glasses: Warby Parker  |  Bag: vintage, Mansur Gavriel version here