8.28.2012

3 Way Challenge: Ode to Peplum

Everyone knows peplum is all the rage right now and huge for Fall, which is a great thing might I add. It's flattering on literally every body type (covers up what is usually a big problem area for most).

Anyway, I got this top earlier this summer and, in all honesty, have yet to wear it. I bought it envisioning it dressed up but really want to be able to wear it regardless of where I'm going. So, I challenged myself to put it with different outfits so it will finally stop hanging in my closet! My ideas thus far...


DRESSED DOWN
Top: Random find at Last Call (similar here) 

Jeans: Blank NYC (similar here)
Belt: Topshop

Shoes: Madewell


WORK

Pants: Diane von Furstenberg | Shoes: Steve Madden 
Bracelet: J.Crew (old)




DRESSED UP
Skirt: H&M


Necklace: Random find at Off 5th (and gift from my mother)
I've done it! And doing this has only given me more ideas on what I can do with this top.

If you have pieces of clothing that never see the light of day, I suggest doing a challenge like this yourself. It's a great way to utilize your wardrobe!

Hope you're feeling inspired!



8.23.2012

Jewelry 101

I've recently been getting in to different types of jewelry making. I used to do all the hemp bracelets and such when I was a kid and my interest has made a resurgence. I tend to venture more on the simple and casual side when it comes to jewelry (if you haven't noticed). 

What I'm going to show you today is a super cute and easy to make necklace. It's a perfect casual, day necklace.

First you will need to pick up some items from your local bead store:

Gold chain (usually sold by the foot), a clasp, 4 jump rings, 5 colorful beads (these are 10mm in diameter), round nose pliers, wire cutters

Gold Wire
Step 1: Curl wire, making a circle


Step 2: Thread beads


Step 3: Make another circle after threading the beads and snip wire


Step 4: Cut the chain to desired length (Hint: if you like an 18" necklace, cut two pieces of chain about 8" long)

Step 5:  Open jump ring by twisting the pliers and your fingers in opposite directions


Loop jump ring through end of chain and close jump ring

:: Do this on both ends of each chain ::


Step 6: Open one of the jump rings at the end of one of the chains


Step 7: Loop the clasp through the jump ring you just opened


Close jump ring


Step 8: Open one jump ring on each chain and loop it through the circles you made on either side of the beads; close jump rings


Step 9: Wear and enjoy



It might take you awhile at first to get everything down. But don't get frustrated. After you make a few, you'll be able to do this in no time.


Hope you enjoyed this! More jewelry making to come in the future!

Have a wonderful day!



8.17.2012

Outfit Of The Day

On the way out...



Shirt: Nordstrom Rack | Skirt: J. Crew Outlet | Scarf: J. Crew | Shoes: Hi-Top Converse | Jewerly: Random beach finds, Jade bracelet from China (gift from my amazing mother!)


Happy Friday! Hope everyone has a good weekend!





8.16.2012

3 Way Challenge: Silk Button-down Blouse

I love being able to transform one piece of clothing into multiple outfits for different types of occasions. All you have to do is think a little outside the box....


Casual




Blouse: J.Crew | Shorts: J. Crew | Shoes: Converse | Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim | Sunglasses: Ray Ban | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I'm a big fan of the half tuck. It makes any top cool and casual. Pair it with some sneakers and you've officially dressed down a silk blouse.



Professional




Blouse: J. Crew | Pants: J. Crew | Belt: J. Crew | Shoes: Random Outlet Find | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Bracelets: J. Crew

Tucking the blouse in to a cute work pant and buttoning up the blouse a little more makes the outfit more appropriate for the office. Pair it with cute pair of pumps and you're ready to go!



Night Out


Blouse: J. Crew | Tank: Madewell | Skirt: Splendid | Shoes: Kors by Michael Kors  | Clutch: Rachel by Rachel Roy | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Necklace: Madewell

Night Out: Unbuttoning the blouse makes it act as a blazer for a fun, easy-going evening look!




Until next time....


PS...Sorry I'm not sorry for my J. Crew obsession.


8.14.2012

Proceed with Caution

When I was on vacation in North Carolina last week I got this awesome bracelet from a local Farmer's Market! I wanted to come up with a way to be able to take it on and off without having to tie and untie the bracelet every time I want to wear it. So, I decided to use a toggle clasp that I found at my local bead store...

Toggle Clasp


Before

After (sorry for the poor quality)



Step 1: I unwound the ties at the ends of the bracelet



Step 2: I put several middle strands through both sides of the loop at the bottom of the toggle



Step 3: I tied two knots around the toggle with the same two strands I put through the toggle in Step 2



Step 4: I tied the strands on the far left and right side of the bracelet with the corresponding middle strands twice to secure the knot tight



Step 4: I trimmed the excess string



Step 5: I used a lighter to singe the loose strands, insuring the knots to not come undone. Please, oh PLEASE, be so careful! A safer option is to use super glue. If you decide to use super glue, apply the glue directly to the knot, allow to dry, then snip the extra strings that are fraying



Now, You're all set to wear this once potentially permanent bracelet whenever you would like. Stack it with a bunch of bracelets or just wear it alone!




I hope this gives you ideas for similar friendship style bracelets like these. I would also like to give a special thanks to my aunt Duana for purchasing this bracelet for me!


Until next time...