Jul 29, 2014 | Fashion
Multicolor Crystal Ear Cuff: from Japan, similar
here
.
Striped Short Sleeve Top: JOA.
Striped Skirt: JOA. Mixed Media Bib Necklace:
DIY (
tutorial here), similar for sale
here.
Skinny Railroad Spike Bangle: Giles & Brother. Hard-Sided Blue Clutch: ASOS, similar
here. Silver Sequin Wrap Sandals: Old Navy (old, similar
here and get free shipping with
JUSTBECAUSE)
I just couldn’t stop thinking about stripes for Summer after posting my first Chic for the Week installment 2 weeks ago, especially when rendered in that gorgeous ballroom-length full skirt. So of course I snapped up a low-cost steal to fuel my stripe-lust: this JOA skirt from Shopbop. (more…)
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Jul 28, 2014 | Fashion
Welcome to another installment of Chic for the Week, where I share a couple shopping picks that have been on my mind lately.
Did everyone have a good weekend?
I had a blast at the Portland Bloggers’ Annual Picnic, and then took Lil Tot to a screening of Despicable Me 2 out on the Commons after dusk, eating buttery popcorn are laughing at Steve Carrell’s accent. It was a surprisingly fun movie!
And can you believe July is almost over??! This Summer is just flying by! Here are a couple items on my wishlist for the week:
1. Lately it’s all been about the juxtaposition between ladylike and edgy. These shark tooth-shaped ear cuffs
from Nasty Gal are just what the surfer babe in you ordered.
2. These Lola Coral Patent Ankle Strap Sandals would be a fab pop of color at the feet. (Wouldn’t they just sing paired with some trousers in a neutral color like black or tan?)
3. This Choies flowered sheath dress is so prim and proper – and I think it would look just as lovely paired with some flat and casual sandals.
4. I can’t stop thinking about this ASOS Leather Bag
; the shape is so fashion-forward, I love the handles…and it’s the perfect size for my laptop when traveling. GORGE!
Hope everyone’s having a great start to the week!
xo
Carly
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Jul 27, 2014 | DIY
Hello friends! Here’s an ombre nail art idea for you today to try out the next time you’re painting your nails.
I was wanting to update my pedi with something reminiscent of warm, starry night skies – which are so much more gorgeous in Summer. While everyone else is doing pastels or neons this season, I went dark and spangled, just like late July evenings with the sky dotted with fireflies and stars.
After prepping my feet according to this DIY Pedicure Guide (and using my favorite Spongeables Ped-Scrub Foot Buffer to scrub away any rough patches), I painted a clear base coat, and then:
- Painted one coat of a dark cobalt blue that had a small amount of micro glitter in it, and let dry. (The polish I used I bought like 10+ years ago, so if you’re looking for something similar now, this one is a close match.)
- Then I painted half of my nails close to the cuticle with the blue
- While the polish was still wet, I painted the ends with Estelle (black multi-glitter), mixing the polish where it met the blue. I let dry.
- Finally I applied another coat of Estelle at the tips to darken into black. One topcoat to smooth the surface and it was all done!
I love the dark and mysterious look to this pedi, and how it sparkles in the sunlight (and against my favorite silver sandals).
What other colors do you think it would be fun to mix into an ombre mani? 
(I tried sorbet blue and lavender in this DIY Ombre Sherbet Nail Art last year!)
Happy Summer DIY pedis!
xo
Carly
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Jul 25, 2014 | DIY
Summer is wedding season – and there’s no better way to save some $$$ than by DIY’ing certain aspects of your ceremony (plus it adds an oh-so-important personal touch to everything!) Here are some great ideas for some DIY Summer nuptials (many of which can be used instead for any fancy party or get-together on your calendar!):
Beautiful wedding invitations can be yours just by customizing this Kraft Paper printable from TheKnot.
Make your own gorgeous flowery wedding program with this free downloadable template from TheKnot.
A bouquet to hold (and eventually toss!) can be completely non-traditional, as evidenced by this beautiful succulent version featured on The DIY Network.
Personalized dcorations are a must, and this pretty DIY Tassel Bunting from Rae Ann Kelly can be customized with a special saying, your names, or your own newlywed monogram.
Make a custom banner with Martha Stewart‘s template that is the perfect backdrop to the reception, ceremony, or even on-the-fly candid shots.
Speaking of candid shots, it’s always great to set aside an area for beautiful couple photos to commemorate the occasion. This DIY Cloud Backdrop from A Practical Wedding is both unique and gorgeous.
Table numbers can be chic, sophisticated, cute, pretty, rustic, or just about anything else your heart desires. Here’s a gilded hand-painted version from Wedding Chicks.
A blooming monogram for the table adds a personal note of pretty. From Urbanic Paper Parcel Post‘s blog.
For napkin rings, these DIY Origami Diamond Napkin Rings from Brooklyn Bride add a touch of whimsy to your table.
Personalize the seats where the bride and groom will sit with these printable banners from Lia Griffith.
Another must-have decoration for a wedding: BALLOONS. This LOVE balloon backdrop is super-easy and totally gorgeous. By Jenny Van Summers, found here.
Create a DIY Aisle Runner with a special message to your beloved, found on Bridal Musings via Belle Amour.
2 large wooden puzzle pieces can be painted and used as your special bride and groom cake topper. Photo from Lover.ly by Captured Photography by Jenny.
Make your own Edible Photo Lollipops with a photo of the bride and groom as wedding favors. Tutorial from PhotoJojo.
For the final send-off for the new couple, Style Me Pretty has some great DIY Push Pop Confetti.
Hope your event is special, lovely, memorable, and DIY!
xo
Carly
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Jul 23, 2014 | Life
Hello friends! Long time no see! I’ve had a ton going on, and am dealing with some really difficult personal things. Perhaps I’ll be sharing soon – but not quite yet. I’m still soldiering through, though I still see no light at the end of this very long, immeasurably dark tunnel.
For now though, I’m back here on this blog again, sharing ideas and inspiration for affordable fashion and DIY.
Here’s a little quote for everyone out there who has ever had to deal with something that threatens to destroy everything, pull down the walls around them, and change life as you knew it forever:
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.
-Confucious
Photo by Fré Sonneveld. Layout by me.
xo
Carly
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