Tuesday, 30 April 2013

diy stud bracelet



Material: 
- studs (purchased from esty)
- thick thready with elastic 
- scissors

This project is relatively easy.  The hardest part about this project is finding the studs.  I'd highly recommend purchasing from the link provided.  The lady I worked with in China was fast and efficient.  Happy DIYing!

Step 1: tie a small knot at end of thread
Step 2: thread the studs, measure what length fits you best
Step 3: tie several knots to tie the bracelet. I'd recommend leaving some slack, this way the studs will lay correctly.


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Wednesday, 24 April 2013

green is for money

Dress: The Limited: Blazer: The Limited: Heels: Boutique 9: Bag: TJ Maxx: Watch: Michael Kors: Jems: Lia Sophia: Glasses: Chanel
Life in the corporate world, we have these wonderful things called "Quarters".  We live, breath and die by these dates. Every year is split into four quarters and each quarter comes down to $$$.  I thought it was only appropriate at we come closer to the end of the month, I remind everyone to bring in the money!  

This is one of my favorite dresses to wear to the office.  The color is beautiful and eye catching.  Typically I wear it with a belt, but today I felt like I'd keep it simple with the gold accents pieces and animal print heels.  

Do you make a color splash in the office, or do you stick with the black and white theme? I'm such a fan of black and white!
 
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Tuesday, 23 April 2013

venturing out

Top: Express: Skirt: Banana Republic: Shoes: Zara, Handbag: Coach

Summer time in San Francisco is the best time of the year! It starts to get "hot"and a little less windy.  Today I ventured out of my typical spot and headed to Presidio area in San Francisco.  The housing and landscape in this area is breathtaking.  I can only imagine the view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the houses.  

The last few weeks I've been doing a lot of evaluting of my closet.  I sell a lot of clothes on Poshmark and I thought with the move to NY in a few months, it would be a great time to "spring clean".  During my cleaning I noticed a few trends, I love peplums and I need more colorful tops. This being my top shopping initiative, I found this beatiful peplum at Express.  They have several other colors, as well as white and black.  I think I'll have to purchase a few more to make it though spring.  The top is wonderful becuase it can be worn with a skirt or pants.  When working in an office, you always have to consider clothes that will convert between skirts and pants and to everyday outfits.  

What do you think about black and white for spring? Are you as excited as me!!! Yippee!

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Monday, 22 April 2013

spring white

 

Dress: Banana Republic, Blazer: The Limited: Heels: Bottega, Handbag: Coach, Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs

Oh....the beauty of spring! The green grass, beautiful flowers and extra longs days! This dress from Banana Republic has been one of my key pieces in my wardrobe.  When I don't want to wear black, I do the opporsite and typically pair it with a blazer.  It's a simple outfit that works in the office.  Like I tell my coworkers when I wear a dress to work...today when I woke, I just didn't feel like wearing any pants ;) This is always a great conversation starter.

Hope you're having a good start to the week!
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Friday, 19 April 2013

diy lace skirt






The skirt before it got a makeover!
You'll need an old skirt, lace fabric, scissor, seam ripper, pins, ruler
Step 1: Steam rip sides of skirt.
Seams are ripped on each side.
Step 2: Lay lace over skirt.  Make sure the lace is longer than the skirt.  Cut lace to fit skirt.
Step 3: Pin lace to skirt.
Step 4: Sew lace to both sides of skirts.
Step 5: Trim ends of lace.  Do not cut lace at top of skirt.
Step 6: Cut lace along zipper. You will have raw edges. Use a zigzag stitch along zipper to secure. The top of lace, iron and sew along top of skirt.
 

Hope you enjoy the tutorial.  Lace is one of the most popular trends for spring.  This is an easy way to incorporate lace in your wardrobe for $15! My khaki skirt is from Banana Republic.  I was going to sell it online, but I figured I could revamp the skirt.  The lace was purchased at Joann's.  Make sure you take the skirt with you, so you can measure how much lace you'll need for your project.


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Thursday, 18 April 2013

ombre hair

Top: Jailbird peplum by olivia j, Skirt: The Limited, Shoes: Clear Heels,



For several years I've been taking a survey on "Should I highlight my hair".  After several failed attempts (because my friends are so kind).  I decided that my hair was "fine" dark brown.  It wasn't until my trip to DryBar...I met LeAnne.  She was listening in on a conversation I was having with my girlfriend who also was getting a blow out.  We were talking about ombre hair and if it was still in style.  My stylist confirmed ombre hair is still in style and people are still getting it done! Woooo Hooo! After 3 weeks later I made an appointment and BAM! I have color in my hair.  My mom and friends are delighted.  I didn't add a lot of color, because it was the first time I've colored my hair in 15 years, so I opted for a small change.  LeAnne did a great job with the cut and color! 

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Wednesday, 17 April 2013

diy ombre lace trim shorts


What you'll need to ombre: old pair of jeans, bleach & a spray bottle



Before
Step 1: Cut one leg to desired length (I cut a little longer to test what length I liked best)
Step 2: repeat to other side

Step 3: Test pant leg you cut. Soak pant leg in warm water. 
Step 4: Mix 1/2 bleach and half water.  Spray on leg to test denim. 
Tested pant leg. 

Step 5: Soak shorts in warm water. 
Step 6: Spray heavy amount at the bottom of the pants and slowly make your ways upward.  Remember to do the same in the back of the pants.  I had a fan to help dry the shorts and see faster results.  I had to do this a few times. 

Step 7: After desired amount of ombre is complete, rinse out bleach. Afterwards, put in washer and dryer.  

Step 8: Cut shorter, if desired.  

Step 9: Cut both sides to same length. 

What you'll need to add lace: dry ombre shorts, pins, lace and a sewing machine (can be sewed by hand). 

Step 10: Turn shorts inside out.  Pin lace to inside of shorts. 
Step 11: Sew lace to shorts.  Make sure to use a zigzap stitch.  This will keep the jeans from fraying upward and securing the lace on the shorts.  Repeat on both sides.  Cut excess lace. 

Completed! Your own DIY ombre lace trim shorts! 

These shorts were inspired by a friend who was going to Coachella.  We have several DIY nights.  I brought over my sewing machine, we found our favorite bottle of red wine and we begun making our projects! These shorts were inspired by a pair she saw at Urban Outfitters.  They turned out great.  Good luck.  Let me know if you have any questions.

A few tips: make sure you do this in a ventilated area.  To speed up the process, use a fan or put these out in the sun to dry faster. 

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