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...

Outfit Of The Day: Biking at the Beach

Keeping it simple...

Tank: Madewell | Shorts: Free People | Shoes: Sperry Top-Siders | Bikini: J. Crew | Hat: J. Crew

Day and Night

It seems like everyone is always curious how you can transform an outfit from day to night. It's actually pretty easy so long as you choose the right pieces. The important thing to remember, is something that seems casual can almost always be dressed up (i.e. my tee below)....

DAY

Top: Vince | Shorts: Random find at Off 5th | Scarf: Madewell (old) | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Sandals: Random find at Loehmann's | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Jewelry: Madewell, CUSP, Rugby, Misc.

Keeping the shirt tucked out of the shorts makes for a casual weekend look. Pair it with a scarf, sandals, and fun bracelets and you're ready to go!

NIGHT

Top: Vince | Shorts: Random find at Off 5th | Necklace: Madewell (old) | Clutch: Michael by Michael Kors | Shoes: Kors by Michael Kors

::Transition::

Step 1: Heels. And they have to be 4" or higher. We are making a shift to evening folks.

Step 2: Necklace. A chunky/statement necklace is such an easy way to dress up an outfit!

Step 3: Quick Make-up. Do a cat eye and a fun color for your lip (I'm wearing "Rouge Artist Natural" by Makeup Forever). A colored lip is less tasking that having to do a full on smokey eye.

Step 4:  Clutch. A metallic is a great neutral for any outfit you want to dress up a little!

Easy enough, don't you think?

Well, I'm off to North Carolina next week but I will do my best to have a couple of posts!

Until next time.....