Nov 21, 2013 | DIY
So next week is the big turkey day – and if you’re spending it at someone else’s home sometimes you want to bring along something to thank your hosts. Since you’ll be saving all that time not having to make the dinner itself, why not create a lovely gift that shows both your creativity and your appreciation for the holiday? Here are some ideas for some great DIY gifts to bring with you to the Thanksgiving dinner:
DIY DECORATED STORAGE BOXES

Everyone could always use more storage, and beautifully-decorated boxes show your thoughtfulness. Left to right, clockwise: Decorative Boxes, Fabric-Covered Boxes, Faux Malachite Boxes
DIY SUCCULENTS AND PLANTERS

Succulents are a low-maintenance plant that look adorable presented in groups. Left to right, clockwise: Tiny Pinch Pots for Kids, DIY Terrarium, Gold Succulents in Origami Geometric Planters
DIY MINI CANDLES
Candles are a welcome addition to any home, especially ones that smell delicious or look beautiful. Left to right, clockwise: DIY Mini Pumpkin Candles, Modern DIY Candle Votives, DIY Satsuma Candle
DIY TABLE LINENS

Handmade table linens are a unique representation of one’s unique style – and you can use a variety of objects as stamps. Left to right, clockwise: Potato Stamped Napkins, Stamped Table Runner, Apple Stamped Napkins
DIY DRINK COASTERS

To add to a festive table, you could make some coasters – adding paint or decoupaged photographs for a personal touch. Left to right, clockwise: DIY Photo Coasters, Personalized Coasters, DIY Leather & Cork Coasters
DIY SERVING TRAYS

For a perfect presentation, a serving tray is just the ticket. Touches of gold or punched cork make these look especially chic. Left to right, clockwise: DIY Painted Tray, Punched Cork Serving Tray, DIY Metallic Gold Leaf Tray
DIY DRY BAKING MIXES

Any cook would love a starter mix for some favorite recipes, and these are all fabulous ideas to add to a well-stocked kitchen. Left to right, clockwise: DIY Whole Food Dry Mix Recipes, DIY Spice Mixes, DIY Hot Cocoa Mix and Homemade Marshmallows
DIY PAINTED UTENSILS

Painting plain wooden utensils and bowls is so hot right now – and it adds a pop of pretty color to the table and kitchen. Left to right, clockwise: Painted Neon Utensils, Neon Spoons, Dipped Bowls
DIY FLAVORED ALCOHOL

If your hosts enjoy a little drink from time to time, it might be superb to gift them with a delicious flavor of homemade spirits. Left to right, clockwise: DIY Rhubarb Liqueur, Infused Vodkas, DIY Coffee Liqueur
DIY WINE BAGS

To present your thoughtful bottle of homemade alcohol (or high-end wine!) to your hosts, package it in your own homemade wine bag. Left to right: No Sew Felt Wine Bag Tutorial, Recycled Jean Wine Bag, C Wonder DIY Kit
Also! Use the many lovely labels from Lia Griffith for your packaging and tagging for all your gifts – and watch your hostesses’ faces light up with joy upon receiving your gifts!
Do you have any go-to hostess gifts that you always give during the holidays? Please share in the comments below!
xo
Carly
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Nov 20, 2013 | Fashion
Emilie M. is an online handbag brand featuring beautifully-designed vegan leather handbags for an affordable price. Offering a number of different colorways for each design, pieces retail for an average of $50-$150, and are referred to as “an investment piece without the investment.”
I was sent the Shelia Satchel with Double Shoulder Strap in Ivory/Black ($85), and the Natalie Shopper ($80) in Blue to review. When I received both, I was quite surprised at how light they both were (usually handbags tend to be fairly heavy, even ones using manmade leathers.) But regardless of their weight, both handbags were constructed strongly, with the edges properly coated and sealed, the handles strongly-attached, and the stitching impeccable. Each piece also comes with a large metal M bag charm that adds to the high-end look (though I wish you could actually choose your own initial rather than it being the Emilie M. branding!).
I love that the Sheila Satchel is in trendy black-and-white colorblocking with gold accents, and the detachable (and adjustable) shoulder strap has a sliding protector for your shoulder on it. (See the bag in action here in my latest outfit!) Both bags are fairly roomy and structured, so can definitely protect all my essentials easily. Given that they are constructed of man-made leather, I will still have to see how they stand up to daily wear and tear, though so far they seem to be doing well.
For the woman in your life one of these handbags could be a wonderful holiday gift – especially if your favorite lady prefers eco-friendly materials but still wants a high-end look.
Plus, the brand is offering a great deal next week: for a week beginning Black Friday (Friday, Nov 29), you can get 40% off site-wide and 60% off clearance items sitewide!
Also, if you want to round out any handbag purchase with a 5-piece “Essentials Box” (pictured above: a kit including a cross-body wallet, umbrella, scarf, cosmetic bag, and key chain), it’s only $25 additional (normally $155). (A wonderful way to add to your handbag gift – or the items could be split up for stocking stuffers! That folding umbrella is super-cute with a little ruffle – check it out here.) Definitely check out all their handbag styles (14 different styles, not including faux ostrich or crocodile versions as well) below:
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I received both the Sheila Satchel and the Natalie Shopper from Emilie M. for review purposes. I have not been compensated otherwise for this post. The above are my honest opinions. For my full Disclosure Policy, click here.
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Nov 19, 2013 | DIY
Big jewelry straight out of the 1980’s is having a HUGE moment this year. The bigger, the better – covered with plexi and acrylic, chunky bold shapes, and glittering rhinestones – anything goes right now. I saw these earrings for sale in a store during my last trip to Tokyo this Summer – and decided to DIY them with some materials I already had on hand. Clear acrylic for accessories is hard to come by – so I just repurposed an old photo-frame for my main material. Here’s how:
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Nov 18, 2013 | Fashion
MURUA is a mass retail brand focusing on feminine details within contemporary trends. With their A/W 2013 collection entitled “Cubic Art,” the brand attempts to combine modern materials, patterns, and techniques into wearable dimensional art. Produced by fashion magazine darling and It-girl Momoko Ogihara and founded in 2006 by the MARK STYLER company (also backers of EMODA – see their latest lookbook here), the brand can be seen throughout popular fashion magazines and is considered the go-to clothing line for young fashionistas in the know.

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Nov 16, 2013 | Fashion

Rose Gold Safety-Pin Earrings: House of Harlow.
Rose Gold Flathead Screw Chaplin Stud Earrings: Gorjana & Griffin. Double-Bar Necklace: Forever 21 (similar
here).
Guinea a Minute Dress in Mustard: c/o Shabby Apple. Rings:
DIY Pretty Pearl Ring, Forever 21 Cat Silhouette Ring, Double Bar Ring, and Double Cross Knuckle Ring.
Sheila Satchel with Double Shoulder-Strap: c/o Emilie M. Cone-Heel Slouch Booties: Fergie. (similar
here or
here.)
November has definitely arrived in Portland, bringing blustery, cold winds and showers, showers, showers. I am bundling up daily, shivering beneath my heavy coat and scarf that I keep on even at home. (more…)
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