Pool Time
Another DIY T-Shirt Upcycle
I love the feel of cotton jersey t-shirts, but alas, some of them end up in the back of my drawer because of a stubborn stain that I just can’t get out. But that doesn’t mean that it needs to be the death of the tee – here’s another way to upcycle that comfy shirt and get more wear out of it.
The T-Shirt Bracelet
1. Cut three strips off of the tee, equal length…then put a stitch or two at the tops of the strips to hold them together (You can add a piece of embroidery thread here too for some extra color & texture)
2. Gently pull on all three pieces so that the material curls up slightly
3. Start braiding the t-shirt strips together – if you’ve added embroidery thread just braid it with one of the jersey strips
4. After you’ve braided the strips, figure out what length works for your wrist and then cut the excess material off
5. Secure the two braided ends with a stitch or two just to hold together
6. Take a scrap piece of the tee and wrap around the ends of the braid, then stitch up and invert the scrap piece so that the stitches are now on the inside and not visible…You can add a dab of hot glue to further secure the braided ends of the bracelet underneath the scrap covering
Voila!
And you can make the bracelets thinner or thicker depending on how wide you cut your strips of fabric in step 1. This is really a very basic t-shirt idea but it can be jazzed up with beading, zippers, chains, etc…
Happy t-shirt upcycling…again!
Semi-Annuals Are Here!
Ahh, this time of the year is like Christmas for some of us…the sales are THE BEST that they’re ever going to be and if you’re a savvy shopper you can score some major deals. A lot of brands are advertising sales at this particular time of the month but take a closer look at their actual sales. The stores that are giving an extra % off are where you are going to make out like a bandit. Right now LOFT is taking an extra 40% off their sale items, Saks is in the middle of their consolidation sale and Anthropologie just added 300 “fresh cuts” to their sale racks.
I think a great way to stay within budget during this time of sale frenzy is to really be on the lookout for specific pieces that you need for your wardrobe – pieces that are classic and will last into next fall/winter. It’s pointless to purchase a trendy, faddish item at a great price and never end up wearing it. Sales can be luring, wooing you to buy, but try to stay focused on the task at hand – classic pieces at a killer price.
Are You A Diamond?
Just a short post with the help of polyvore for all you Diamonds out there – if you are diamond-shaped (your waist is larger than the bust and hips) here’s a great set for you. Style tip: balance your bottom half by adding interest and volume to your top half – that could be through a ruffled top, a structured colored jacket or a killer necklace. And not for anything, but that mint DVF top is pretty amazing! :)
Never Too Early for Nautical
Who doesnt love Polyvore? Its like a candy store for fashion lovers!
Here’s an early spring ensemble with a nautical flair…
2013 Trend Alert – Which is Right for You?
Happy New Year! This is always an exciting time for stylists as it screams new and fresh on the fashion front. What is everyone wearing for spring? What are the hot colors? What textures and fabrics are top of the list? It can be a bit daunting to try and navigate your way through the newest trends and then have to figure out which you can actually pull off – so…..to help out a bit we have collected some top trends for 2013 and some pretty fun ways to incorporate them into your everyday wardrobe. Lets trend it!
1. Metallics
I think metallics are such a great way to dress up any outfit, but this spring they are stealing the scene in casual wear, check out these sneakers from Asos shoes that will add some bling to any outfit:
If this isn’t really your “speed”, try adding a metallic as another accessory to your outfit - like a cool Michael Kors clutch or some fab nail polish seen here:
2. Greens
The green palette is making quite a statement this season – shades ranging from mint to emerald are being spotted everywhere. Women with darker hair look stunning in a more jeweled-toned shade, these dresses from Michael Kors, Vera Wang and Reem Acra hit the mark:
For an option that is a little more affordable, here’s a sweet dress from LOFT that won’t break the bank at about $80 or accessorize with this bubble necklace from J. Crew for $70:
3. Bold Stripes
Ok, these guys are EVERYWHERE and I couldn’t be happier! I absolutely adore stripes! They scream nautical, classy, timeless and effortless to me. I think this trend could be my fave for this season. If you are full-figured then stay away from horizontal stripes as they could make you appear larger – opt for diagonal or vertical stripes which are instantly slimming. If you have a boyish body type then horizontal stripes could give you the illusion on curves – so go for it! I love stripes on skirts, camis, tees, blouses and blazers. They can be equally as eye-catching on smaller accessories like scarves and bags, too, though. Here are some great options from Banana Republic to choose from:
This diagonal striped tee is only $39.50
Striped skirt $89.50
The ultimate striped trench for $198 – major!
Dont be afraid of multi-colored stripes either…this little number is from Anthropologie for $148
4. Lace
This trend can be so, so feminine and chic but can quickly cross over to racy and risqué pretty quickly. A tip for keeping it classy – if the lace is of a sheer texture then underlay it with an appropriate cami, it will look positively Grace Kelly-ish and leave a little to the imagination!
Loving this cardigan from Banana, drooling over this lace cuff from Stella & Dot for $98 and this lace skirt from Jolie Moi for $29:
So what’s your favorite trend for the season? Which will you be sporting this spring? Remember, make the trend work for your personal style, no need to wear something just because its “on trend” – make sure you love it and have fun with it!
Stuff My Stocking
Well, shoppers – 13 days left for you to purchase those perfect gifts for your loved ones and friends. The holidays just seem to creep up on us every single year, no? Every year in October I repeat a mantra to myself …I will be done shopping by December 1…and, uh, every year, I do not even BEGIN until December 1. Oh well, I guess as long as the shopping is done by the 25th we’ve completed a major accomplishment!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE stocking stuffers- I would rather get smaller gifts in my stocking than one big gift…I’ve always been that way! What has been your favorite stocking gift that you have given or received? If you still have a “stuffer” on your list that you need to buy for here are some of my top picks with a little help from some of my favorite sites and stores.
1. Love this Knotty Ring, $14 from
http://www.shop.cheek.ie.com/
2. The Little Dictionary of Fashion Book, $19.95 from
http://www.shopbop.com/
3. Kate Spade Hello IPhone Case, $40 from
http://www.katespade.com/
4. Precision Cutter, $6.99 from
http://www.thecontainerstore.com/
5. Cabledrop Cord Clips, $9.99 for 6 from
http://www.thecontainerstore.com/
6. Tipping Teacups, $20 from
http://www.uncommongoods.com/
7. Glitter Case, $22.50 from
http://www.jcrew.com/
I.AM.IN.LOVE.WITH.THIS!!
8. Painted Amaryllis Measuring Cups, $38.00 from
http://www.anthropologie.com/
Oh, the possibilities are endless when talking of stocking stuffers…hope you get inspired by this little list and maybe pick up one of these for yourself! 
