The First Week of Thrifting

  I will be devoting the next two weeks on my blog to thrift store finds. I have friends that do not enjoy thrift store shopping for many different reasons. I love the challenge of finding a bargain or a unique item that no one else may own.  There are levels of thrifting. You have consignment shops, thift stores, Goodwill and Salvation Army,  and vintage shops. In Columbus, we have a chain of consignment shops called Clothes Mentor and Plato's Closet. Whenever I clean out my closet, I take my items to these stores. They accept everything from accessories to clothes to shoes.  These stores are quick to go through your items and I think they give you a fair price.  I then donate the items they don't accept to the Goodwill.  The Steve Madden shoes in the picture below are from Plato's closet. The coat below is also from the Ohio Thrift Store for a great price of $25.00. This particular store donates all proceeds to the fight against cancer.  A fantastic purchase, for an even better cause.  This has been one of my favorite finds, and even after dry cleaning it was less than $40.00. What are some thrift stores you go to?

Continuing Bright Colors

 3/4 -Sleeve Button -tab shirt Old Navy,  Green Skinny Jeans  Mossimo, Skinny glitter belt- Gap,
bracelet -J.crew-Similar J.Crew, Michael Kors Watch -Nordstrom, and Clutch is thrifted.

I love this pop of color. I snagged this bracelet at J.Crew a couple of weeks ago. I love wearing a lot of bracelets. Recently, I read wearing many bracelets can balance wearing a big watch. It was a little chilly that day, so excuse the goosebumps.
Have you been wearing brighter colors lately?

DIY-Neon Rhinestone Necklace

This week my posts are dedicated to bright colors. I wanted to have a neon rhinestone necklace, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money because it is a trendy piece.This picture makes the necklace look darker, but it is a great neon yellow. The cool thing about DIYs are you can make items you like for a very reasonable price.

Materials needed for this project are yellow fluorescent spray paint, clear gloss spray paint, rhinestone necklace, remnants of an old necklace, lightweight jewelry wire, wire cutters, pliers, and newspaper.

I purchased this necklace at the thrift store last week as a set for $6.99. I have great plans for the bracelet and earrings.(You may see them in a future post.) You might have a rhinestone necklace in your own jewelry box you can use.

Step 1 : Lay your necklace face up and spray the fluorescent paint. I sprayed two light coats, you don't want it to be caked on. After this dries, spray with the clear gloss spray paint. This coats the necklace and adds a shine to the rhinestones. I found the fluorescent paint dried in dull finish.

Step 2: The neon necklace by itself is very simple with a little funkiness. I wanted to add more detail, so I went digging in my jewelry box. I found this necklace, which I had never worn. On the necklace, I removed the ribbon that was attached. Then, it was ready to be assembled.

(Sorry about the shadow) Step 3 : I used the jewelry wire and tied the two necklaces together. I counted down 12 rhinestones from the hook, because I wanted to to have a longer look. Then, once you pulled the wire tightly with the pliers, cut with your wire cutters. Your necklace is finished and ready to be worn. I wore mine to work the other day and received many compliments. I see myself wearing it a lot in the summer with a tank and a maxi skirt.  I would love to hear what you think. Happy Wednesday!!!

Little bits of Neon

Starting from left: Shimmi Nicole Lace-Up Bandeau Bikini , Old Navy's Women's Cap-Toe Canvas Ballet Flats,H&M Yellow Jacket, ASOS Fluro Trim Across Body Bag ,Shourouk E. Vegas Crystal and Sequins Earrings,Rebecca Minkoff 'Neon Lizaed Small' Zip Around Wallet,Old Navy Girl's Faux-Leather Braided Sandals,Karen Walker Sunglasses, ASOS Fluro Skinny Belt

 Neon is definitely a trend for this spring. I love it, but I don't want to be one big bright neon outfit. I think the best way to incorporate neon into your wardrobe is in small amounts. In my wardrobe, I will be adding many neon accessories. I purchased a neon belt and earrings from ASOS. I can't wait to wear them. Do you think you will wear neon? I would love to hear what you think.

And the award goes to......

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to receive The Versatile Blogger award from my lovely friend Anne at  Heart and Soul. I was very excited because I can't remember the last time I received an award. I thanked her for including me in her list as I love visiting her blog and I would encourage you all to head over and have a read!!

Now it is time for the rules....

1. Thank the person that nominated you, and give them a shout out on your blog with a link to their own.

2. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
3. Send the award to 15 other bloggers whose blog you love and appreciate, then let them know they have won the award.

The first rule is completed, lets move onto the second rule. Here are my seven random facts about myself.

1. I always give everything I do 100% effort, a trait that I try to instill with my children.

2. I drink way too many coca-cola sodas, but I love caffeine and it supplants drinking coffee.

3. I love the thrill of getting a bargain.

4. After a long day, my way to relax is to read or watch some television curled up on the couch.

5. My husband calls me a "busy-body", because I am always painting, rearranging, cleaning, organizing, and now blogging.

6. I have great family and friends. I think it is important to surround yourself with positive, genuine individuals. I have no place for negativity. Actually, the more you tell me I can't do something the more I want to accomplish it!

7. I love to make jokes and play around. I think laughing is the key to feeling young.

Now, Rule three,  I am going to pass my awards along to the following bloggers who I visit on a regular basis.  In favor of quality versus quantity, I chose 10 instead of 15.

1. Grace at Stripes and Sequins.
2. Adrienne at The Rich Life(on a budget)
3. Jentine at my edit 
4. Alice at Catwalk of words
5. Ashley at Ashley Nicole Catherine
6. Melissa at Issa Tchieu
7. Anna at Fash Boulevard
8. Rachel at Little Bits of Lovely
9.  Allison at absurdly peculiar 

10. Jackie at York Avenue

DIY- Polka Dot Bangles

I have posted these Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Hot Dot' Wide Bangles before. I love these, but they are $68.00 a piece, so DIY time.

I found two plastic bracelets at the thrift store for a $1.00. They had the characteristics I was looking for, same size,  and thickness. Materials needed for this project are two wide bangle bracelets, spray paint, paper, a nickel, newspaper, and two paint pens - cobalt blue and black. *I bought spray paint that adheres to plastic in black, cream, and clear.

Spray paint each bracelet.

**You could buy plastic bangles that are already cream and black, if you don't want to invest in spray paint.

I made a stencil by tracing a nickel. I tried different sized coins, until I found the desired size.

Trace the stencil onto the bracelet with a pencil. Make sure to have a pattern set in place before you start tracing.

Use the paint pens to trace the circles and fill in. The last step is optional, I sprayed the bracelets with a clear spray paint as an extra coating to deter chipping and fading.

Final outcome satisfies my taste for a polka dot bracelet.

I have had a very busy week and am looking forward to the weekend. I hope you have a great weekend and would love to hear what you think.

The Irony

This dress was a recent thrift store purchase of mine for $2.00. I thought this dress had potential and absolutely loved this print. My intentions were to raise the hem, alter the top, and pair it with a belt. Now, I just learned to sew, so I think sometimes my ideas overextend my ability. Well, I altered the top beautifully and then began on the hem. That did not turn out as well. I kept fixing it and cutting more off, fixing it and cutting more off (you have the idea). Well, after all alterations were complete, this dress has been turned into a fabulous shirt. The irony is, I love the outcome even though it wasn't what I had envisioned.

Shirt and purse thrift store, pencil skirt with belt -H&M, pattern tights and pumps - Target

***On Friday, I will be posting my DIY. It is still in the works. Also, next, Monday I will be starting my give away contest to celebrate 3 months of blogging.

Jason Wu For Target - 21 Days and Counting!

 Fashion Designer Jason Wu's line for Target debuts on February 5, 2012. I am seriously loving this line. His collection offers very colorful and feminine pieces at a very affordable price. This is probably, by far, my favorite Target collaboration designer.  I picked some of his pieces that I think would be great for any spring and summer wardrobe. (Hopefully some will be in mine). I would love to hear what you think of his collection.

Stripes for Spring

Sperry Boat Shoe- 6 p.m., Skirt- J.Crew: Similar : ASOS, Striped Shirt- Gap,

      Today is the first official snow day here. While the snow is beautiful to look at, I long for warmer days. I am grateful this past week was sunny and I was able to get out and take some pictures. I love this style pictured here. It is simple and classic. It can be worn day or night. Hope you guys have a great Friday and enjoy your long weekend.

DIY-Lace Applique Pumps- Inspiration Marc Jacobs lace-detailed pumps

I loved these pumps by Marc Jacobs in my Lucky Magazine and this gave me the inspiration for the following DIY lace appliqué  high heels. Marc Jacobs also makes them in flats, which would be fabulous. This project is easy and inexpensive and the outcome is great!!

Materials needed are plain pumps, scalloped lace (look in the bridal section at the craft store), foam brush, Mod Podge glue, E6000 craft glue, stick pins, and scissors. You can find pumps cheap at the thrift store or maybe in your closet.

Step 1: Make sure the surface is clean on your shoe and attach tape to the end of the lace. Then attach the lace to the seam at the back off the shoe. You can use the bottom of the shoe as a guide for placement of the lace. You will need to use a stick pin to hold the lace in place before you can cut the lace.

Step 2: Using your foam brush, apply the Mod Podge glue along the side of the pump. Make sure not to apply too much glue. 

Step 3: Place the lace over the glue and press down.  Next, apply glue to the edge of the lace at the bottom to help hold into place.  You will trim this edge later.  Then, apply Mod Podge glue lightly over the top surface of the lace. My lace has little rhinestones, so I made sure not to put too much glue over these, so they would not dull.

Step 4: Repeat the steps above to the other side of the shoe.

 

 Step 5: I placed the curved lace over the front part of the shoe to follow the curve of the pump. Then, apply with Mod Podge and use the stick pins to hold in place.  After the glue has dried, trim the edges of the lace.

Step 6: You will then complete the other pump. They will need to dry, but we still have a few steps.

To make sure the pieces are secure, I used the E6000 craft glue to attach the edge pieces.

You will use the E6000 craft glue on the edges by the sole to secure the lace.

Step 6: I love how the lace overlays the top of the pump, but I wanted it to have a stiffness. I applied Mod Podge to these parts of the lace.  I applied just enough glue to make these pieces curve.

I love the outcome of these shoes! I would love to hear what you think.

Dots and More Dots

Rust Polka Dot Print Skater Dress, Do It Made Top - Modcloth, bottom Polka Dot Sweater- Forever 21, Marc by Marc Jacob's Hot Dot Bangles - Bloomingdales, Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Dotty Snake Little Ukita' Faux Leather Crossbody Bag - Nordstrom and Polka-dot pencil skirt, - J.Crew

Polka dot material can be combined with any color to make a great outfit. I've found polka dot items that I think would be perfect in your winter or spring attire. I feel fabulous every time I have something with polka dots on. I would love to hear about what your have that is polka dot in your closet.

DIY: Embellished Metallic Bracelet

I  generally wear silver jewelry, the more the better. On occasions, I do like wearing gold. This metallic pyramid studded bracelet is a great combination of gold and silver. I adore this metallic patina look and have noticed this look on many accessories this winter. I love how this bracelet turned out.

Materials needed for this project are a wood bracelet, gold spray paint, silver acrylic paint,  pyramid studs, E6000 craft glue, foam brush, sandpaper, paper plate, scissors, and newspaper . I found my bracelet at a Plato's closet for a $1.00. I have seen many at the thrift store and you may have one lying around in your jewelry box. The  pyramid studs were in the scrapbooking aisle at the craft store.

Step 1. Make sure to sand your bracelet. This will remove any chipping paint and smooth out your surface .

Step 2. Lay your bracelet on newspaper and spray it with the gold spray paint. You may need more than one coat. It will need to dry thoroughly before completing the next step.

Step 3. Paint the bracelet with the silver acrylic paint using the foam brush. You will need to complete the next step quickly after painting the bracelet.

Step 4. Ball up the paper towel and lightly pat the bracelet. You want to make sure the gold can be seen while you are completing this process.

Step 5. The next step can be completed after the bracelet is completely dry. My pyramid studs were actually brads, so I had to remove the back with scissors.  The design I decided to create was a large stud, medium stud, and repeat. Apply the E6000 craft glue to the back of the stud and apply to the bracelet. You will need to hold each stud when applying for about 10 seconds or until the adhesive bonds the stud to the bracelet.  After the pyramid studs have dried, your new bracelet is ready to wear. I would love to hear what you think.