Shop Your Closet: Kendi Strikes Again

Shop Your Closet is a feature where I find some inspiration and then go shopping in my closet to recreate it. This way I am exercising my creativity without spending any money.

This week's outfit comes from the amazing Kendi... again. I died when I saw this outfit. I loved the colors, the nautical feel, and especially the belt. Oh how I loved the belt.

This might technically be cheating on Shop Your Closet, but I searched and searched until I could find a similar belt. Then I could put together a similar outfit.

I love it! I like my way and my skirt better even then Kendi's! Eek!

Here's a close up so you can see my accessories a little better.

Shirt: Shade, Skirt: Down East, Shoes: Target, Belt: Forever 21, Gold Bangle: Forever 21, Chevron Bangle: Made by me.

What inspires you when getting dressed in the morning? Is it another blogger? A model? A room in your house? A magazine cover? Link it up below so we can all get inspired! Thanks to Madison Avenue for participating in the party a couple of times now!

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Craft Room: "Create" Garland

As part of my craft room redo, I made this garland to hang over my window. I love how it turned out!

I used the same process as I did with the Valentine's book page garland. You can click here for the instructions on how I made it. There are actually quite a few ways to make these pinwheels. Just do a Google search to find instructions if you don't have any wire on hand and don't want to do it the same way I did.

I used random scraps of scrapbook paper for the background. I will be making another garland or two to hang here as well so it will all come together better soon.

Hanging each letter individually was a lot easier for me than trying to string all the letters together to hang it horizontally.

Slowly, but surely, the room is coming along! It's all put together and usable now. I just need to finish all the decorations before I can show you the whole room!

What I Wore

It's Wednesday again already- and the last one of July at that! Welcome visitors from the Pleated Poppy!

Dress: Local boutique, Jacket: Target, Shoes: Walmart, Belt: Made by me

This is what I wore for last week's edition of Shop Your Closet. Check it out!

Shirt: Charlotte Russe, Shorts: Shade, Sandals: Walmart
I forgot to take an outfit picture on this day so this is the best I can do. It's what I wore on my surprise birthday date!

Jacket: Target, Tank: Kohls, Shorts: Calvin Klein thrifted, Shoes: Old Navy, Necklace: Charlotte Russe, Bracelet: Forever 21

The lighting in the picture isn't very good. I forgot to reset the white balance. I really am trying hard to get good photos but am not always very successful! You can't even seen my accessories at all!

Is it too much to wear the purple jacket with the pink shorts? I am really loving all the color.

My Birthday Weekend

As I told you yesterday, it was my birthday this weekend. I always have to party it up for days! I should have taken more photos but I am having memory card issues. Luckily, husband gave me a new one for my birthday.

Friday: Dinner with husband at Texas Roadhouse

Saturday: Harry Potter with husband

Sunday: Dinner at my parents (my mom made me a delicious Chinese dinner)

Cake and ice cream at my sister-in-laws for my nephew's (and my) birthday. My MIL got this cute cake for me.

Monday: Bike ride to a beautiful waterfall with husband.

That night husband took me on a surprise date. We went to an art exhibit that I had really been wanting to see.

Then we had dinner at a fabulous Italian restaurant.

We played mini croquet and ski ball which was a lot of fun.

Then we got ice cream (my favorite treat!) Isn't he the best?

Tuesday: Lunch with Grandma, Mom, Aunt, Mother-in-Law

I got a few gifts that relate to the blog... I got a photography book from a good friend, and a Light Scoop for my camera (as referred by Grosgrain Fabulous). I also got a remote for my camera to help with outfit photos but found out that my camera cannot use a wireless remote. :( I also got Jessica Quirk's What I Wore book which I am loving!

It was an amazing birthday! Thanks everyone, especially my amazing husband!

Happy Birthday...

to me!

Shop Your Closet: J. Crew Display

Shop Your Closet is a feature where I find some inspiration and then go shopping in my closet to recreate it. This way I am exercising my creativity without spending any money.

Last week I went shopping with Ashley and we went into the J. Crew store. They had a display of mannequins showing off the color blocking trend. They were using brightly colored tops tucked into equally bright shorts with colored belts.

One of the outfits was composed of dark purple shorts, a light purple top (or maybe it was vice-versa) with a yellow belts. I am not a fan of purple and yellow together (long story). Ashley commented on the outfit, but I wasn't sure I liked it.

(I am pulling a face at all the mosquitoes swarming us!)

Later, when I got home, I was looking in my closet at this favorite dress and the J. Crew outfit came to mind. I put it together and actually liked it, despite the horrid colors. I wore this outfit to church.

Dress: Local boutique, Blazer: Target, Shoes: Walmart, Belt: Made by me

What inspires you when you get dressed? Link it up and show it off!

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Bracelet Week: Stacking

In this addendum to Bracelet Week I want to explore the trend of bracelet stacking. I really love it!

(photo from Glam Shop Online. These bracelets are only $8.50 with free shipping!)

I've been looking around the web for info, tips, and advice on bracelet stacking. It seems that there's only one rule for it:

There are no rules!

But if you are like me and still want some advice- here are the tips I have gathered. Take them or leave them. Sometimes they work, sometimes not.

1. Mix different textures of bracelets.

2. Mix different styles (casual with dressy) and sizes.

3. Only wear on one arm.

4. Be careful with color- not too many colors, use contrasting colors, go monochromatic.

5. Notice the order- mixed up or smallest to largest?

6. Make sure they are comfortable and not distracting for you.

7. YOU like it!

There's a lot of conflicting advice from different sites. If you want links to where I found these "tips" check out my Pinboard.

If you are more of a visual person- here are some photos to inspire you.

The first four are from Kendi, my style icon.
I love the pop of blue against the warm colors of the outfit.

Some of the bloggers I read get too worked up about about being matchy-matchy. I think the matching bracelets and belt look beautiful.

This chromatic outfit looks so great with all the varying shades of blue and textures in the jewelry.

I like the gold, neutral bracelets against the brightness of the outfit. I think this is a great way to wear this trend without looking over the top.

Jentine at My Edit just barely did a post on thrifting this trend.

This example is from Rebecca with an R. I like the separation of the colors and the brightness of the bracelets against the muted shirt.

In this last example, Ana uses an eclectic mix of bracelets for a fabulous combo.

I don't own a huge variety of bracelets to have a go at this trend but this is one attempt I made. I am trying to slowly add to my collection. I made a few bracelets for bracelet week. I bought a great bangle for a good deal at Forever 21 the other day (can't find a photo on their website, sorry) and have been asking for bracelets for my birthday.

And... because my birthday is so darn close I am really REALLY tempted to order the above bracelets. Ack! I have already spent a lot of money this month! Just say no, Aubree!!!

Everybody Everywear: Thrifted

I am rather new to the thrifting scene so I don't have many treasures to share. I did recently pick up these shorts and I am loving them. They are Calvin Kline and I got them at Savers. I have worn them three times lately.

I've been having white balance issues lately.

I also got a yellow and white striped banana republic shirt, red puffy vest from Gap, and a cheap little no name plaid skirt that will be great for going to back to teaching school in the fall.

Check out My Edit for some great thrifting tips. Seriously. She has good advice. It's really easy to get carried away in a thrift store. She helps you keep your head and make smart purchases.

Check out Everybody Everwear to see what everyone else is wearing that they have thrifted.

Craft Room: Quick and Simple Vintage Inspired Spools

As part of my craft room makeover I made some really simple vintage inspired spools to hang necklaces and headbands and stuff on. Want to make your own?

Save a bunch of cardboard ribbon spools.

Go to KMcKay Designs and download the spool printables. Print on your choice of paper and cut out.

.

Glue to the top of your spool. If the hole is only on one side be sure it is exposed on the back so that you can hang the spool on the wall.

When my room is finished I will hang them on the wall.

They will not only be decorative but useful for hanging up necklaces that are waiting for customers to take them home.

These could work in a bedroom for jewelry, scarves, headbands, and other accessories too. Obviously if you want to hang up something heavier you should use wood, not cardboard.

Have fun!

I finally got the painting done today. Long story short, we ended up having to paint all the bead board and chair rail too. But it's nice and shiny bright white now so I am not complaining.

Shop Your Closet: Plain T

Shop Your Closet is a feature where I find some inspiration and then go shopping in my closet to recreate it. This way I am exercising my creativity without spending any money.

Taking pictures of yourself is hard.

This week I found the blog My Edit, via Kendi Everyday. Both ladies had worn plain white t-shirts with skirts. I thought it was cute so I tried it out. I don't have a solid colored skirt and couldn't tuck my shirt in due to the nature of my skirt so my outfit isn't quite as polished. I'll have to try this style again some other time.

I want to give a shout out to Daneal who is my one and only friend who has linked up with me. She designed an outfit based on the Yellow Bird bag by Vera Bradley. I happen to own that bag! Check out her blog, Living Outside the Stacks and see the outfit here.

Do you have some outfit inspiration to share with us? Link up below! Have a great weekend!

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Garland Video

I am up to my elbows (literally- there is a big spot on my left elbow) in green paint as I attack my craft room walls so I don't have much to share with you right now. So I am posting this video that shows some great tips and ideas for making cute garlands. I will be using this as inspiration to make a garland or two for this craft room make over.

What I Wore

Hi, friends. I spent most of last week at Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah so I only have a couple of outfit pictures to share today.

Dress: Target, Shoes: Payless

I really love this dress, I just don't know how to style it, but thankfully I think it looks good plain. It is a faux wrap dress so it comes with a tie- therefore I cannot wear a belt with it. I can wear a trench coat when it's cold and switch up the shoes but that's really all I've got.

Shirt: old?, Sweater: Charlotte-Russe, Pants: Old Navy, Shoes: Target, Bracelet: Made by me, Belt: Forever 21

I really love this belt. I bought it for a particular outfit that I was trying to copy from Kendi, but the stars haven't aligned yet for me to wear it. I am trying to come up with different ways to wear the belt. How did I do? My dad said it was a cute outfit.... : )

I hate dressing in the summer. It's so lame. Especially this year where a few of my shorts don't fit anymore (no, Mom) and I don't want to buy new ones so I am limited. I can't layer much because I don't have a lot of lightweight pieces, and I am home alone or outside working/working out a lot so I don't feel the need to get dressed. This is why I dropped out of 30 for 30. Is it fall yet?? I know I mentioned this yesterday already, but I am ready for fall clothes and back to school shopping!! Bring it on!!

As always, linking up with the Pleated Poppy!

Craft Room: It Begins

I cannot believe how fast summer has gone by. This has been the fastest summer yet. I always start out the summer with this grand vision of what it will look like. I have all sorts of goals and plans for "the best summer ever." Then I reach the middle of July and I realize that school is going to start again soon and much of what I envisioned hasn't happened and I am about out of time. So I immediately turn my attention to fall and do the same thing. But with fall, I am usually able to have the season I want. It's my most favorite season and I start itching for it right after the 4th. I even spent time online today looking at lookbooks for 2011 fall fashion.

But I am getting off the subject. One of my plans for the summer was to redo my craft room. Rather than the semi organized (until it's not) hodge podge of randomness, I want to make it a designed and decorated space. It was supposed to be done in June. But due to illness, classes, vacations, etc. it's July 11 and I just started today. Better late than never.

So this is what I am starting with:

It's a disaster. And I hate the yellow. I chose it, but I hate it. When we first moved into this house the walls were hot hot hot pink so I painted over them with this pale yellow. I do not like it at all. So today I cleaned most of the stuff out of the room to be ready to paint.

I'll give you some teasers on what I am doing:

The color I chose is Rolling Hills by Behr.

I have a pin board with ideas on decorating.

I'll keep you updated. Wish me luck!

(Wahoo! 400 followers! I am flattered! Welcome!)

Shop Your Closet: Video instead

There is no "Shop Your Closet" today as I am away from the computer celebrating summer right now. Instead, watch this video for some great tips on designing outfits based on interior design. What's more Shop Your Closet than that?

Handmade Gift Exchange

I participated in the Handmade Gift Exchange over at Craftaholics Anonymous. I was lucky enough to be partnered with Courtney from Crafty Project Girl. This is what I got:

Two chalkboard coasters

A book cover in just the right colors

And this beautiful green scarf just because she is nice. It looks just like the green scarf from that movie Confessions of a Shopaholic!

I sent Courtney a Blooming Sash belt and a pair of earrings. I sure hope she liked it. I loved my gift. Thanks Courtney! And thanks to Linda for hosting!