Remember when you were a kid and you spent summers making friendship bracelets and reading Judy Blume? Well, this week, we have a slightly elevated version of that. Slightly. You know that pile of T-shirts you’ve been hoping to donate for the last year or so? Now’s your chance to wear them in a whole new way.

Say hello to summer’s most versatile accessory. These upcycled bracelets can be stacked with colorful enamel bangles for work and cocktails, or worn on their own for beach weekends. You could even weave in chains, studs, or charms for an of-the-moment look.

Once you get a rhythm down, the process will speed up. For the details on this braid, visit New York City blogger Lana Red – she’s broken down the steps in a helpful diagram. Not in a particularly crafty mood? Try a (super easy) traditional braid with multiple colors woven in.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

Would you add these T-shirt bracelets to your stack? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala, then check out our Rue How-To column every Wednesday.

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Sometimes, being bad just feels good – and it’s a sentiment that’s never more present than in the fashion world. From provocative ad campaigns to sartorial gambles, when it comes to this industry, the edgier you are the better. Just check out a few of our favorite bad boy designers (and try not to swoon).

Marc Jacobs: Jacobs introduced his namesake line in 1986 and went on to become the youngest designer ever to win the CFDA Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent.
Bad-Boy Cred: Known as America’s bad boy of fashion, Jacobs boasts over 30 tattoos (one being SpongeBob) and constantly makes waves at Fashion Week with his use of unexpected models and backward runway shows. What he’ll do next is anyone’s guess.

Alexander McQueen: The late McQueen’s first collection debuted in 1994 and was bought in its entirety by fashion editor Isabella Blow. After the designer’s untimely death in 2010, Sarah Burton took over as the new Creative Director.
Bad-Boy Cred: McQueen dropped out of school at 16 to pursue a career in fashion. He was known for his unconventional designs and runway shock tactics. Case in point: during his S/S 1999 show, model Shalom Harlow stood on a turntable while robots spray-painted her dress.

Jean Paul Gaultier: After working for Pierre Cardin and Jean Patou, Gaultier set out to create his own womenswear line, and his first couture collection debuted in 1997. From 2004 to 2010, he served as the head womenswear designer of Hermès.
Bad-Boy Cred: His nickname is “Enfant Terrible,” which translates to “terrible child.” In 1990, the designer – known for challenging the standard views of fashion – collaborated with Madonna to create her infamous cone bra.

Nicola Formichetti: An Italian/Japanese fashion director and editor, Formichetti is most widely known as the new artistic director of DIESEL. In 2010 he was awarded the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator.
Bad-Boy Cred: The motto of the man who created Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress? “F*** fashion, because I love it so much I want to destroy it and start again and keep it fresh.”

Shop our favorite bad-boy designers with our Bad Boys of Fashion: Featuring Alexander McQueen Boutique, which opened Wednesday, April 24, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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The blazer is a classic closet staple – one women stole from men, and then wore better (sorry, guys). Today, this wardrobe essential comes in a bevy of styles. So to help you find the fit that suits you best, we’ve broken down the three most popular cuts (and thrown in a few styling tips, too).

Our 10 Ways to Wear: The Blazer Boutique opens Wednesday, April 24, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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Space-dying – also known as dip-dying – is a technique used to give yarn a multicolored, tie-dyed look. The dyed colors repeat themselves on a single strand of yarn in segmented patterns. When the yarn is woven, the repeating colors produce unique and unpredictable horizontal stripes. These patterns are often made with coordinating shades for a slightly subdued look, while contrasting colors can be used for a funkier feel.

Known for their knitwear, Italian fashion house Missoni has the design down pat – space-dyed chic has been one of their iconic looks since the 70s. To work this pattern into your wardrobe, start slow with a scarf then move on up to an oversized sweater or knit dress.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

Want the lowdown on fabrics and more? Follow our What Are You (Really) Wearing? column every Tuesday.   

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It’s a fact: a girl can never have too many shoes – but if that closet (or oven, or what have you) is getting a little crowded, clear out some space – by any means necessary – and make room for these three additions.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

What are your favorite shoe trends for spring and summer? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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When it comes to curve-hugging numbers, the goal is to show off your shape – not your panty lines. Luckily, with Hanky Panky’s 4811 thong (or what I like to call my little lace lifesaver), there’s nothing to detract from the allure of a slinky number. The secret to the 4811’s undergarment invisibility? Well, that lies in the careful calibration of the underpinnings – something designer Gale Epstein achieved by trying on each and every prototype herself (talk about dedication).

Check out just what makes the 4811 so comfortable and, most importantly, invisible. Then go ahead and buy yourself a tight dress, just to test it out.

Watch Hanky Panky’s Sizzle Reel to learn more about the history and making of Hanky Panky underwear >

College basketball season may be over, but since we’re fairly certain Louisville is still celebrating their triumph, we figured we’d share a sports-related victory of our own. It all started with a simple Rue college basketball bracket pool. Ten bucks to enter (optional, of course), and the Associate with the winning bracket could donate it all to the charity of their choice – with a 100% match from Rue La La.

The result? Out of nearly 200 brackets and countless charities, Assistant Buyer Michelle F. won it all for Autism Speaks, a leading organization dedicated to funding the research for treatment, prevention, and awareness of autism. In her own words:

“I chose Autism Speaks because of the work they do for the autistic community and the families that need support. My parents go to the autistic gala every year and cannot speak more fondly of the positive and heartwarming work that raising money for the foundation does as well as how many families it affects. I also have to say that I received some really positive emails from my Rue La La coworkers, many that said how much they appreciated the donation because they have a cousin/sibling/child that has autism. With so many great charities to pick from I felt like these emails supported my choice.”

For more information on Autism Speaks, please visit autismspeaks.org.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

Do something different for your bracket this year? Share it in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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A big trend for spring? Leopard print nails. I particularly love Lindsay Lohan’s fun spin on the typical leopard manicure, so I decided to create a bright version of my own. Check out the DIY steps below.

What You’ll Need:

• White nail polish
• 4 – 5 colorful nail polishes
• Scrap paper
• Mechanical pencil
• Sally Hansen’s Nail Art Pen in black
• Clear top coat

The How-To:

1. Paint your nails with two coats of the white polish and let dry.
2. Place a dot of colorful polish on a piece of scrap paper.
3. Dip the tip of the mechanical pencil into the polish and place a dot on each nail.
4. Repeat steps 2 – 3 for each polish color.
5. Once the colored polish is dry, use the black Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen and outline the sides of the colored dots. These outlines don’t have to be perfect (or, should we say, spot-on – sorry, had to). Also add some black spots to any empty white nail space.
6. Apply a clear top coat to finish.

By Carolyn Schultz, Staff Writer

Want more mani how-tos? Check out our weekly Mani Monday column. 

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Sure, cooking may seem exceptionally daunting at times – but that’s where these tried-and-true culinary tips come in. (Take note.)

• Leave the root in while dicing to hold the onion together.
• Store residual bacon grease in glass (not plastic).
• Frozen couscous will stay good for up to three months.
• Blot meat before browning so it doesn’t steam – and does crust.
• Clean the coffeemaker with a solution of white vinegar and cold water.
• Let an apple pie cool at room temperature for two to three hours before cutting.
• To avoid making a mess while mixing, always use a bigger bowl than you think you’ll need.
• After filleting a fish, use lemon juice to remove the odor from your hands.

Our Rue Cooking School Boutique opens Monday, April 22, at 3PM ET.

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Today at 2:50PM ET, Rue will join President Obama and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick in observing a Moment of Silence to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Our hearts remain with this tough, beautiful city.