Versatile Blogger Award - Plus Get To Know The Girl Behind The Curtian

Most importantly I would like to thank Bethany Paige from Paige of Fashion (okay LOVE the pun) for nominating me for this award. It is one thing when your friends and family complement your blog but you enter a whole other ball park when strangers take time to call your blog out and say "Wow, I really like it." So, thank you again Bethany. (Seriously, go check out out her blog. I love it.) 

Now is the time for me to nominate 15 blogs that I think deserve this award. I don't think I can list 15 but here are a few that I love and I think you should go check out.

Caitlin O'leary from the Chic Street

Claire from the Fashion Teller's Notes

Aja from From Aja's Perspective

& Kooky Quirky Cute

Now time for me to tell you seven facts about myself.

1. I love impressionist painters. I think that their pieces are works of pure beauty. I mean the brush stokes, the color, it's all just beautiful. 

Pierre August Renoir painted Claude Monet

2. I have recently decided that I want to be a fashion designer. It's a long shot of a dream but I have never been practical with my aspirations. 

3. I have two dogs named Luna and Juniper, I love them dearly and they are the cutest dogs in the world. 

4. One of the things on my list to do before I die is to own a Valentino dress. I mean if I wasn't a poor college student and had an unlimited bank account I would own everything he has made. Each piece is a work of art. 

5.My biggest pet peeve is when people jump to conclusions.

"You jumped, of course," explained Canby. "That's the way most everyone gets here. It's really quite simple: every time you decide something without having a good reason, you jump to Conclusions whether you like it or not. It's such an easy trip to make that I've been here hundreds of times."

"But this is such an unpleasant-looking place," Milo remarked.

"Yes, that's true," admitted Canby; "it does look much better from a distance."

-The Phantom Tollbooth 

6. I love seeing the moon during the day, I think it one of the most beautiful sights in the world. 

7. I can be one of the most indecisive people you have ever met but once I make up mind it will never be changed. 

 

 

DIY Branch Jewelry Hanger

As my jewelry collection continues to grow I am always looking for new ways to store my it. I'm a very visual person so I like to have it all laid out and 90% of the time that means tangled in a pile on my dresser. So the other day when I was in a rush out the door, desperately trying to untangle a necklace I realized I couldn't continue to keep my jewelry this way. I needed a way to get organized and fast. So off to the internet I went! I found tons of cute storage pieces and while I didn't necessarily have a specific thing I wanted in mind, I just knew I wanted something to hang on my wall. And as I continued to look I realized that most of the stuff I was looking at I could just make. So I decided to save my money and get to work making something myself to hold my jewelry.

What You'll Need:
Embroidery Thread
Scissors (helpful for pulling apart the jump rings)
Chain
Two Jump Rings
A Branch
Two Thumb Tacks

Step 1.

Loop the chain around the branch and close it together with the jump ring. Repeat on the other side. 

Step 2. 

Begin to decorate your branch with the thread using as much or as little as you like. 

I chose to do less as you can see below. 

Step 3. 

Admire your work, tack to your wall and then hang your necklaces and bracelets on it. 

Don't forget to comment with questions, suggestions or compliments!

If I Had A Million Dollars - Ruche

Todays collage comes straight from Ruche.

1. Mystic Sky Necklace - $16.99
2. two is better square bangle set - $14.99
3. Coral Expedition Button Up Top - $32.99
4. Botanical Garden Skirt - $34.99
5. Sunny Days Wicker Purse - $36.99
6. Kate Bow Heels By Shelly's - $119.99

TOTAL = $256.94

Lace But With A Bit Of An Edge

High waisted denim shorts. Everyone loves them, including myself. I had to add a pair to my closet. So, after rummaging around Goodwill I found a pair of high waisted jeans. Not what I wanted but nothing a pair of scissors couldn't correct. After cutting my shorts and just before I was about to pick out the perfect fabric to decorate the pockets with, I had another idea. A while ago I was at hobby lobby and they were having a sale on trim, buy one get one 50% off, too good a deal to pass up, so I ended up walking away with some lace trim. While I was examining my shorts I though, why don't I attach some lace trim to the bottom of the shorts? Not only will I have a pair of high waisted shorts but the lace will give the bottom of the shorts an almost pendulum effect, other trend that everyone, including myself, is dying over.

Recognize the boots? (They are even cuter in person!)

Also pictured my newly finished high waisted shorts with lace trim (I'm so proud of them!), double v-neck black shirt (a staple everyone should have in their closet), and my new favorite accessory.

So, I couldn't just buy the shoes, I mean really, when you are paying for shipping you might as well get your money's worth right? So, I also bought the Glamour Collar Necklace and of course I love it. I can't stop thinking of outfits to pair it with! 

So moral of this post? High waisted shorts are even better when you add a lace trim to the bottom (look for my DIY post on that in a few days), a jewel studded collar necklace is beautiful, buy a double v-neck shirt, and UrbanOG has amazing boots. 

DIY Decorated Box

While perusing Michaels, looking for inspiration for projects I came across these cute little one dollar wood boxes. I guess I should have started this post by saying I have a lot of little things, from earrings to buttons to unidentifiable little objects broken off from various things. And having so many little things makes it hard for me to keep organized therefore boxes tend to me my best friend. So I bought up a bunch of these little boxes took them home and began to decorate.

What You'll Need -
1. Wood Box
2. Primer
3. Paint
4. Printed Internet Images
5. Glue

Step 1 & 2-

Prime your box, wait for it to dry and then paint you box your desired color, may take a few coats (mine certainly did).

Step 3 -

Print out your image, cut them out, and then plan your arrangment on the lid before you glue.

Step 4 - 

Next you can either seal it by using glue over the top OR you can do what I did was coat it in metalic fabric paint. 

Step 5 -

Your done! And here is another box I painted just for kicks. Comment with any questions!

If I Had A Million Dollars - Lulu's

The next website showcased is the always lovely Lulu's.

1. Jen's Pirate Booty Tailfeather Bird Earrings - $45.00
2. Hop a Flight Teal and Coral Purse - $42.00
3. Soho Green Floral Sunglasses - $13.00
4. Catch the Wind Blue Cutout Dress - $44.50
5. Zad Chevron Crossing Cuff Bracelet - $16.00
6. Qupid Thesis 173 Mustard Angora Perforated Ballet Flats - $26.00


TOTAL = $186.50

If I had A Million Dollars - Fred Flare

So the first website where I found the lovely pieces below is Fred Flare. Awesome site which you should check out for items other than the ones pictured below.

1. Yellow Angular Cookie Sunglasses - SALE - $7.99

2. Crystal Cave Rock Ring - $20

3. Sheer Top Dot Dress - SALE - $49.99

4. Crocheted Leaflet Tights - $15

5. Jeffrey Campbell Lita Heels - $145

TOTAL = $232.98

How To Wear A Short Sleeve Button Up

On my post DIY Tank Sleeve Button Up I received a comment asking for some tips on how to style a sleeveless button up. (Sorry about the late reply!) So bellow are some tips on interesting ways to wear a sleeveless button up, I hope you find this helpful!

1. Front Knot
It is no secret that that showing just a little bit of skin either on your back or on your waist is a huge trend. Well you can accomplish this same look without spending 30 dollars or cutting a hole in your favorite t-shirt. Just take your button up, unbutton the last two buttons and just tie them in a knot raising the bottom of your shirt to rest around your belly button.

I paired this look with a pair of high waisted shorts, my favorite tan heals and (recognize the headband?) all together this makes for a 60's inspired look perfect for a casual day in the park. 

2. Tucked In
You can also always go the classic route and tuck it into a skirt, shorts, or a pair of jeans. This way is timeless and also key if you plan on wearing your button up for a work or formal occasion.

This outfit features one of my favorite skirts which, fun fact, was the skirt I had to wear for the brief time I went to a private school. I love this skirt, it can literally be worn with anything for pretty much any occasion. 

3.  Half Tucked In

This look is exactly what the title says, half tucked in and the other half not. In theory this might sound odd but trust me this look is killer.

4. Paired With A Bandage Skirt

This look is mainly used to showcase the classic untucked look which is always a timeless way to go. 

This look features one of my favorite skirts, a starry print bandage skirt from H&M and simple black boots from UrbanOG accessorized with handmade beaded jewelry. 

DIY Headband

Headbands are awesome. I love them and when I was sorting through my hair accessories I found I had a surplus of plain headbands that I haven't worn, well probably since middle school. So instead of throwing them out I have come up with a plan to repurpose them.

What you will need:

1. A plain headband, cheap ones can be found CVS

2. Fabric

3. Glue

4. Any embellishments you wish to use, I will be using gold fabric paint.

Step 1.

Get out your glue and literally just attack your headband with it and then just stick it to the fabric.

Step 2.
Attack the inside of the headband with glue and then just begin to wrap the remainder of the fabric around glueing when nessecary. Tip, try and make it so that the edges are on the inside of the headband, you can trim the fabric if you need to.

Step 3.
Now you can either stop here OR you can choose to add some embellishments, because come on, who doesn't love embellishments?

Step 4.

I decided to just keep it simple and add some gold metallic dots with fabric paint all the way around the band.

And ta-da! You have a brand new headband to add to your collection!

All About Boots

Okay. So I have an obsession and I am not afraid to admit it.
Boots.
Lately all I have wanted to do is spend money on boots.

The shop that I currently believe has the best collection is urbanog.
I LOVE this place, they have great prices and even greater products.

Currently on my wishlist (and a product I think I am going to end up buying) are the Qupid Priority 12 Cowboy Ankle Bootie.
Seriously,  so cute, I just love the little heel! And what I love the most about this boot? It's only 26.50! I mean just imagine how cute these would look with a skirt/shorts paired with tights or even just your favorite pair of jeans!
Yeah, I think I am going to have to end up buying these.

DIY Tank Sleeve Button Up

As you know I am a big fan of button ups but during the summer they can get a little hot, so solution?
Tank sleeve button ups!

I went to Goodwill the other day and found a button up with such a beautiful print on it. But the selves made it look to western for my taste so, here is my tutorial on how to cut off the sleeves cleanly, you know, so it looks like you bought it that way.

Step 1. Find a shirt.

2. Pick apart the seem at each sleeve. A small pair of scissors works perfectly, be careful not to rip the fabric. 

3. For good measure I suggest you run the very edge of the sleeve through the sewing machine or hand stitch it, to prevent fraying. 

4. You're done! And now you have a brand new summer shirt!

Tomorrow I will post pictures of my outfit pairings with this shirt, and if you end up doing this DIY please comment and post pictures, I would love to see how yours turns out!

Of Monsters and Men

Now, reviewing music is not what this about. Not because music isn't beautiful and magnificent but because when I was looking at other blogs for inspiration and advice I noticed that a lot of blogs cover everything under the sun. I didn't like that. It was too confusing and made it hard to determine what was important and what wasn't. So, I decided that if my blog was going to be anything it was going to be simple.

But this band, Of Monsters and Men, there music is beautiful. It's poetic and romantic and each song sounds like a fairy tale. Go listen to them. They are the type of band that makes you just want to lay in a field and do nothing but feel the wind blow past you.

To make this relatable to my blog I looked to their music video, Little Talks for inspiration. (A beautiful, artistic video.) So here is my tutorial on how to get the Little Talks look.

Make Up

Upper Lids - Tenacious Teal Color Tattoo

Lower Lids - In Brown Lasting Drama

Lips - In Warm Latte Colorsensational

Dress - Goddess Dress Coral

Now, to top off the outfit find some feather accessories and get creative about how you wear them, and while you're figuring that out listen to Of Monsters and Men. 

DIY Repainted Heels

So, I have this pair of plain white heels and I have grown bored with them and what better way to stop being bored with them than to paint them.

Step 1. Find a white pair of heels or shoes.

Step 2. Apply painters tape.

Step 3. Pick out two colors.
(For paint either use fabric paint, found at  Michaels or acrylic paint, brand called basics, also found at Michaels.)

Step 4. Paint. Starting with your first color.
(I chose beige (color 1) and red (color 2))

Step 5. Wait 15 minutes and then remove the painters tape. You want to be sure that your paint isn't runny so when you remove the tape the lines stay nice and crisp.

Step 6. WAIT AT LEAST 30 MINUTES! You may think that the paint is dry but wait anyway. the next step involves placing tape on top of were you have already painted and if it is not completely dry the tap will peal the paint off the surface and you will have a mess on your hands.

Step 7. Begin painting with color 2.

Step 8. Once you have finished with color two remove all the tape and go back around the shoe and correct any smudges or spots you might have missed.

Step 9. Repeat on the other shoe.

Step 10. Marvel at your new pair of shoes and find an amazing new outfit to pair them with!

Lace for a Summer Day

Yesterday I ventured to my local Goodwill to stalk up on some basic pieces for some DIY posts I am planning when I found the most beautiful vintage lace shirt. It is gorgeous and the perfect summer piece.

This light lavender drop-waist dress is a piece I have had and loved for a few years now from Urban Outfitters paired with my new Goodwill lace top. I paired this outfit with the yellow flats to contrast with the pale colors of the rest of the outfit and to add a pleasing pop. And how can you have any summer outfit without a pair of sunglasses? Well this cat-eye pair works perfectly with the vintage looking outfit. 

Closet Staples - White Button Up

Closet staples. Those basic pieces that everyone has in their closet. But even though everyone has them, people are unique and have the beautiful ability to make them look completely different.

The white button up is wonderful because it is light enough for the summer, able to be layered during the winter, comfortable enough to just hang out with friends, and professional enough to be worn to work or a job interview.

Here are just two of my favorite summer pairings with my white button up. 

This is my white button up paired with a patterned Forever 21 which sits on my hips with the shirt tucked in. The necklace is this wonderful thick gold chained necklace with a bunch on different types of peppers and coins hanging down from the bottom. I love this necklace, its a little odd but, honestly, that is why I love it. I always roll the sleeves up during the summer to help fight the heat but also because I just love the way it looks! Recognize the shoes? The tan suede ones again. I love them the are perfect for the summer and also perfect for me because they don't have the biggest heel and for someone who isn't great at walking in heels these are absolutely perfect. 

A white button up paired with navy blue high waisted shorts? Honestly what could be prettier? And falling in with Rosie the Riveter lets also add a bandana to the mix. The clutch is actually a piece that I made and I will be doing a post on it later this week (recognize the fabric? ) And finally paired with a cute pair of ankle boots with a small heel. Heels seem to be turning into another part of my summer staples. I'm not great at walking in them so what better time to practice than over the summer?

So, in conclusion, add a white button up to your closet you won't be disappointed. 

DIY Short Pockects

I got the idea for this tutorial while I was scrolling through Wanelo looking at all the pairs of shorts I couldn't afford. Like these (So cute!) ,

Unraveled -$80.00

Hooked yet? I am. And if I wasn't a poor college student I would buy these in a heartbeat but I am and I have resorted to making my own. 

Step 1. Goodwill**

Go to your local goodwill. If you like the cut off look I would suggest buying a pair of jeans and cutting them off yourself (this is what I will be doing so if you are not sure how to cut them correctly I'll show you). But, if you are just interested in decorating the pockets you can just buy normal shorts. 

This is the pair I found at Goodwill,

L.E.I. - $5.00

**This place is amazing you can find SUCH good pieces for so little! So go down to your local Goodwill and look around. A suggestion to keep in mind, don't go in there looking for anything to specific because odds are you won't find it and you will spend all your time looking for it and miss something great. So go there, find great pieces, and keep an open mind. 

Step 2. Finding a Good Fabric

Again, look around at goodwill and keep an open mind, you will know the right pattern when you see it. If you can't find what your are looking for at Goodwill, Hobby Lobby has an excellent fabric selection! And they always have a discount coupon or a sale so before you go check their website for coupons.

Here is the fabric I found at Goodwill,

$2.00

Step 3. Cutting your shorts.

The best way to get the length you want is to get a pair of your favorite shorts and use them as your measuring tool. 

You can do this by matching up the inseam of your jeans to your shorts. 

Then, with a rulers assistance, use a piece of chalk or a pencil to mark where you want your shorts to end. 

Next, take a good sharp pair of scissors and cut along the lines you have drawn, making them as straight and even as possible. 

Don't worry about the chalk lines, they will wash off easily. 

Step 4. Pinning the fabric.

Getting the fabric to the exact size is very important. 

Step 5.

Just outline the edges with the sewing machine and repeat on the other side and you are finished!