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.