Style guru Erica Domesek‘s burgeoning DIY empire began as a “happy accident.” Crafty by nature, she was constantly helping friends to find economical ways to craft their own jewelry and style themselves on a budget. Her craft habit soon led to a blog, P.S. – I made this…, which soon led to a book (released in 2010).
Her ability to make awesomeness out of nothing (or out of very little) caught the attention of Helmut Lang and Roxy Quiksilver, for whom she has designed campaigns. She has collaborated with online hubs WhoWhatWear, Fashionista, Refinery29, and DesignSponge, repeating her mantra — “I see it. I like it. I make it.” — all the way.
Below, we caught up with her to do discuss crafting, the necessity of three jewelry closets, and dinner with Marc Jacobs.
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Barneys New York: How did you get into the blogging game?
PS I Made This: The blog was a happy accident. My good friend wanted to buy a necklace. It was $600, so I told her and two other friends to come over and I would show them how to make them. These friends continued to come over and we began to call it my “Craft Club,” and I thought it would be cool to start a blog to show others how to create things that make life more beautiful!
BNY: Have you always been so crafty?
PSIMT: Ever since I was a child, I have been obsessed with all things arts & crafts. I would create anything and everything at home, school, and summer camp. My mom would have to wash the walls—I thought they were my own personal canvas!
BNY: And how does all this crafting play into your personal style?
PSIMT: “E” is for eclectic! I like to mix textures, bright colors, and I am usually caught layering. This goes for accessories, jackets, everything. More is more for jewelry—I have three closets full. I typically opt for dresses over pants, and would reach for some sort of bold shoulder over sleeveless any day of the week.
BNY: What’s the “P.S.- I made this…” aesthetic all about?
PSIMT: Something that makes you feel like you could conquer the world. Feeling powerful in clothes and accessories (sans ego), knowing you will turn heads and prompt the question, “Where did you get that…” is the best. When I get to say back, “P.S. – I made this…,” it’s the best feeling ever!
BNY: What is your favorite item in your closet right now?
PSIMT: My new PS1 bag from Barneys New York! It’s the definition of on-the-go chic and goes with everything!
BNY: Do you have your eye on anything else for spring?
PSIMT: I really want to get a vibrant colored bag—something that screams “HAPPY.” I love the Bottega Veneta Large Intrecciato Hobo in lime green, and the small leather PS11. Or maybe the Derek Lam shoulder bag and Helmut Lang Bunker tote.
BNY: Which designer are you most into right now?
PSIMT: I am a HUGE Proenza Schouler fan. Sometimes designers color “outside of the box,” however, I find that the two simply create as if there is no box. Their use of color, patterns, and tailoring is phenomenal. It has been really amazing to see their collections grow and evolve year after year.
BNY: Which fashion guru would you most like to wine and dine?
PSIMT: It would be a package deal. If I could spend time with the dynamic duo of Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy, I would have anything from tacos in an alley to dinner at Per Se. The creative genius and the “man behind the man” have crafted an international empire that leaves me speechless. Their iconic brand has no demographic—it’s more of a psychographic—and I want to hear their stories, struggles, and the peaks and valleys they have been through.
- Photos courtesy of P.S. – I made this…
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