May 22, 2013 | DIY
Awhile ago I posted some photos of a dress I made for my Labor Day Party – which was nothing more than a sheet cut apart and sewn together artfully to make a finished dress.
I made it from a light chambray-colored sheet I found at my local Goodwill, cutting it apart in a way to utilize the finished hems. 
It’s breezy, nautical, and chic – a perfect way to end the Summer…or commemorate the START of Summer on Memorial Day!
So what I made it for Labor Day…I think it works equally well as a breezy dress no matter what the day – so I’m wearing it for my Memorial Day barbecue too!
Whether it’s Labor Day, Memorial Day, or any other day, this pretty dress with cascading ruffles can be customized to any style depending on your sheet and your use of trims; mine is a chambray sheet with striped grosgrain ribbon trim and rope ties; you could also do a white sheet with lacy trim and satin ties for a completely different look!
Any questions on the pattern/instructions – let me know! I’m happy to help:-)
Happy DIY’ing!
xoxo
Carly
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May 20, 2013 | Fashion
Formerly known as Jelly Garcia Premium Wear, The Dress & Co Hideaki Sakaguchi was launched in 2002 by Japanese designer Hideaki Sakaguchi. In 2009 he re-launched the label internationally, showing the collection at Tokyo Fashion Week. Taking the concept of classical bourgeois and producing clothing that speaks to both culture and passion, Sakaguchi is known for mixing tough textiles like canvas and tweed with softer linens and crushed cottons, incorporating masculine accents and closures to his pieces. Many pieces are gather-able or able to be worn in different configurations. I’ve featured one of my favorite dresses EVER from the brand (from when it was Jelly Garcia Premium Wear) on my blog here.
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May 19, 2013 | DIY
Wow, that title looks weird when you write it out like that;-) But there’s really no other way to describe this!
Have you noticed that over the past year or so, there have been a ton of women’s tops that highlight the boobage area? Like this one, this one, or this one, for example. Perhaps Wildfox started it off with their double ice cream tees back in 2010. (I even made a similar DIY Ice Cream Applique Tee inspired by that very trend!)
However, I wanted to make something with stark contrast, that was a little slick and a little sweet at the same time. Sleepy eyelash eye masks have always been a favorite of mine, so I decided to re-create that effect onto a T-shirt, with some shiny vinyl PVC. It’s adorbs (and yes, highlights the chest area, LOL). And if you have a sewing machine, it’s so easy. Here’s how:
You Need: (more…)
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May 17, 2013 | Fashion
photo by Beth Mitchell
Welcome to my 2nd installment of F.I.L.L.! Last week should have been my second, but alas, the day got away from me with a dr.’s appointment that ran over-time, an ill-timed meltdown from the Lil one, and other obligations that took over my day, so I never got around to posting it. It was beautiful in Portland here last week (like Summer!), though this week has defaulted back to chilly, drizzly May days. I’ve been inspired by all the Springtime greenery about – the garden Lil Tot and I planted is beginning to sprout, I’m working on a number of DIYs I can’t wait to share with all of you soon, and I have a couple collaborations in the works that I’ll be rolling out in the next couple weeks! Exciting things are on the horizon…
So here are some links that have caught my eye this past week:
Dream It: Inspiration & Creativity
Wintergarden is a beautiful photoshoot done underwater with the talents of photographer Beth Mitchell and designer Begitta. Check it out!
Happiness graffiti and 8 ways to brighten your day from Oprah will have you smiling in an instant, no joke.
Feeling like you’ve lost that mojo? Check out 5 Ways to Stay Creative and be re-inspired!
Buy It: Shopping Picks
Is Brika.com the new curated alternative to Etsy? Their aesthetic is beautiful, and I’m loving every piece of jewelry made by this artist. Anything triangular is in my wheelhouse! (though that sounds like a contradiction in terms…)
I’m coveting these to add to my pants collection. The perfect blend of print and greenery – beachy and chic!
On first glance I thought this was a golden thong! Not quite as racy…or painful, guaranteed.;-)
On a totally different note, these shoes may just be the next generation of hologram. Dark and lovely indeed.
Make It: DIY
Prom is in the air, and these DIY Prom Ideas from Threadbanger should help you with putting those final touches on the perfect outfit.
DIY duo Limberlina are really cool. Check out their blog for some must-do projects!
This is an adorable McQueen Feather Peplum Tutorial from Youtube user Lookunderhere (skip to the 3:26 mark for the tute). I love it…even more with cruelty-free ostrich and turkey feathers from Etsy and Ebay.
Live It: Lifestyle
I’m obsessing over coconut oil lately, and this DIY Hair Conditioning Spray with Coconut Oil looks super-easy and so good for your hair.
I’d love to install a Mini-PC Floating Desk in my redone office. (Even though I’m on a Mac.) Super-chic.
This is so helpful: 4 Easy Ways to Tell if Clothing is Made Well from 24Savvy.
Get your FILL every Friday!
xo
Carly
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May 16, 2013 | Fashion
I’m quite obviously having a huge neon moment. Neon and brights seem to evoke the best of warm weather: sunny Summer days, lazy vacations, and fun. Neon looks especially fresh this 2013 by pairing it with white: a bright neutral to offset the eye-searing color pop. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces going into this season:
1. Flowing Sarong Trousers, $79.90 and Studded Clear Tote, $19.80 / 2. Power Play Blazer, $78 and Triangle Collar Necklace
, $25.46 / 3. Jack by BB Dakota Intern of Honor Skirt, $40.99 and Santiago Neon Watch, $75
4. Chinese Laundry Joyride Ankle Cuff Heels, $93 and What a Sight Mini Skirt, $10.95 / 5. Caroline Baggi Neon Green Punky Bracelet, $85 6. Release Sunglasses in Wizard White Jade
, $25 7. Aldo Bergeron Clutch, $40 and Factory Neon Stud Earrings, $16.50
How do you feel about neon? Too youthful, too crazy, too 80’s? Or can’t get enough? Let me know in the comments section!
xo
Carly
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May 15, 2013 | Beauty, DIY
I ran out of my old deodorant awhile ago, and was wondering what to do about it. I had been hearing a lot about “natural” deodorants, and wondered if they worked any better than store-bought. With all-natural ingredients and no aluminum, they are undoubtedly better for you. I found some links to various recipes here, changed some ingredients to create a stick-type product, and decided to try my hand at making my own DIY version. Here’s how:
Recipe: (more…)
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May 14, 2013 | Media
Last week I had the pleasure of attending an event celebrating the release of Studio Choo‘s The Flower Recipe Book
at West Elm in Portland’s Pearl District. 
Leading the event were authors Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo of Studio Choo, a renowned floral design studio in San Francisco. 
They provided tons of tips and tricks for creating beautiful floral arrangements, including creating a bed of greenery at the mouth of the container for the larger flowers to sit on, cutting flowers so their heads would sit right at the container rim, and planning the arrangement around a few key blooms. 
The wealth of greenery and gorgeous blooms available to us was breathtaking: enormous peonies, sweet pea, daisies, liliacs, ranunculus, and tulips dotted the benches at West Elm in a carpet of pinks and reds. 
We all walked away with a beautiful arrangement we made, a West Elm container, a pair of shears, and a signed copy of the Flower Recipe Book from Jill and Alethea. It was a fun night of learning and a great way to DIY a floral centerpiece for my dining room table.
If you’re interested in flower arranging at all and are looking for a lovely book to help guide you (as well as jam-packed full of breathtaking photos, a stunning coffee table book in its own right), The Flower Recipe Book provides over 40 step-by-step “recipes” to create your own perfect arrangement, as well as longevity tips and tricks and a host of unusual and tips and tricks to gorgeous arrangements.
xo
Carly
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May 13, 2013 | Fashion
What could be more iconic and representative of Portland than The Portland Collection, utilizing fabrics from Pendleton’s Northwest Mills? Produced entirely in the United States, the collection has been garnering acclaim since launching in 2011. The independent design team of Nathaniel Crissman, Rachel Turk, and John Blasioli created a Fall 2013 collection utilizing desert tones in solids, plaids, and three jacquards drawn from Pendleton archival blankets.
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May 11, 2013 | DIY
Mother’s Day 2013 is almost upon us…how are you doing for finding that perfect thing for that special woman in your life? Flowers, chocolate, a handmade card expressing love, even a thoughtful gesture can go a long way in showing her how much she’s appreciated! If you’re looking for something to give, here at the very, very last minute, are some Mother’s Day Gift ideas to DIY for that lovely lady:
DIY Vintage Photo Throw Pillow with Freezer Paper
Try using a treasured photo of Mom’s, family photos, or a snap of you + Mom together, for an extra-special way to preserve memories.
DIY Paper Gardenia Bouquet
Real flowers wilt and die…a bouquet of these will last forever! Love the Scrabble tiles anchoring the bouquet, adding a personalized touch.
DIY Geometric Paperweights
These are super-chic and can totally be customized for Mom with a coat or two of paint, glitter, or tape.
DIY Geometric Triangle Art
Or how about this pretty piece of Washi Tape Triangle Art for Mom? The end result is amazing and all you need is a little tape.
Pleated Tote Tutorial
This tote could be made in Mom’s favorite fabric (or even in fabric printed with family photos – see #1). Of course there are a ton of DIY Bag and Tote tutorials out there on the internet if you’re looking for a different style…this site offers a great roundup.
DIY Perfume Locket
Making perfume is surprisingly easy…and a solid perfume locket allows the wearer to carry it around all day, refreshing as needed. You can get all your supplies at your local natural foods store, and fill a locket…or a necklace vial…or a ring…or a compact case…the possibilities go on and on!
DIY Chevron Patterned Party Tray
Find a pretty fabric – and glue it to a tray for a whole new look. (You could even decoupage it with Mod Podge instead of using an acrylic sheet to make it permanent!)
(Hint: If you’re looking for a low- or no-cost alternative gift, Moms also really appreciate a meal made for the family by their partner, kids taken care of and put to bed, and a long, uninterrupted bubble bath all their own…without any little floaty toys or random kidparts and splashes in it. Just sayin.’ 😉
Do you have any favorite Mother’s Day projects to share? Add them in the comments section!
Hope you and all the mothers in your life enjoy a wonderful and relaxing Mother’s Day!
xo
Carly
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May 8, 2013 | Fashion
White S-Pro Titanium Necklace
: Phiten. Neon chain-and-coin necklace: MOUSSY (from Japan), similar
here. Faux druzy turquoise ring: Target, similar
here. Neon LS shirt: Forever21, similar
here.
Casio Women’s White Whale Digital Sport Watch
: Baby-G. Photo-print Bodycon Pencil Skirt:
DIY (
tutorial here). Hard-Sided Geometric Case: ASOS (similar
here). Silver strappy sandals: Newport-News (old), similar
here.
The days are heating up here in Portland, and I’m dreaming of a big, scooping heap of Salt & Straw Blue Cheese & Pear ice cream. (more…)
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