Frugal Friday - DIY Reupholstered Chairs

Happy Friday! I hope everyone enjoys their long weekend. I think we will definitely hit the pool, since these temperatures are hotter than ever. This past weekend, I came across these four cloth chairs for $50.00 at the thrift store. I actually have been wanting chairs similar to these, but I didn't want to pay an arm and a leg for my kitchen, where they will get spilled on. When I was at the store, I told the sales clerk they were great. She said, "they would be great if you could reupholster". I thought well I can't, but at 50 bucks I could give it a try. I definitely didn't like the original material on it, but they were solid and sturdy. I am so pleased with how they turned out and if you want to reupholster a chair maybe then this DIY will help.

Materials needed for this project are scissors, material(you will need to figure amount), staple gun, staples, nail head studs, hammer, tape measure, screwdriver, patience, and time.



First measure your chair seat and back to figure out yardage. I needed 5 yards. Lay material flat and cut pieces for seat and back of chair.

Second, cover the material over the seat. Make sure the material is tight and lined up with your pattern. First, staple the sides and trim as needed. I did not take off original material. I think that is getting way to crazy for a beginner.

Third, for the front of the chair I pulled the fabric over and stapled. For the chairs legs, I used a screwdriver to push the material up evenly.

Fourth, pull the material down tightly to cover the staple. Staple the material on the bottom.

Fifth, starting the back of the chair. Staple the material to the bottom of the back. Then, staple the material as seen in the photo. You want to make sure that you leave the longest piece of material to  fold over.

Sixth, the sides were the part of the project that took the longest. You will need to fold over material and hammer in the nail heads. I made sure these went through the wood, so they were secure enough to hold the material. I used 12 nail heads on each side. Also, cut over the excess material, so to get rid of the bulkiness.

I also added two nail heads to the front of the chair.

Lastly, I reapplied the black material that came with the original chair. It gives it a finished look and hides at the staples and material.

The first chair took the longest, but after I figured out the steps, each chair took a half an hour. These chairs are my favorite new edition to our house. My kids enjoyed doing their homework here this week. Well, as much as kids love homework.

Have you ever tried to reupholster? Have a great weekend.

My Go-To Piece

Hi everyone, I hope your week is going well. I don't know about you guys,  but I already can't wait for the three day weekend. This past weekend I worked on a DIY, so be sure to look for it this Friday. My post today features my H&M animal print pencil skirt. I loved the combination of two different animal prints, leopard and snake skin, with a worn look. I am sure you guys know this info, but in case you haven't heard H&M now has online shopping available for the U.S.  I am really excited about this! I paired this skirt with my favorite AE chambray shirt.  Someone once told me that a necessity in a closet is a great white collared button up,  I think for me it's a chambray shirt. It's always my go to piece especially for fall.

What is your go-to piece?



Linking up at Monday Mingle , The Pleated Poppy, and Style Elixir .

Bootielicious

Hello everyone, I hope you are having a great week. This post is dedicated to booties. Probably not the kind you are thinking about, but the shoe. I am so happy that this trend is continuing this fall. Booties are very versatile and can be worn with almost any outfit. One difference I have noticed in booties this fall, from previous seasons, are the shaft tends to be shorter. The top of the boot shaft hits right at my ankle. I snagged these cute Mossimo booties from Target for $9.99. These booties from Steven by Steve Madden are almost identical looking, but not in price. Definitely check out Targets' clearance shoes, many of them are great for fall. Not sure again why these are on sale in the store, but regular price online. Have a good rest of the week.

Mossimo Karis Studded Wrap Ankle Boots

Do you like to wear booties or prefer another style of boot?


Linking up at The Pleated Poppy, Style Elixir, and Transatlantic Blonde.

Back to School Shopping

Hi everyone, I started back to work this past week. So, between that and getting the kids back to school items there wasn't anytime for blogging. My kids had a great time picking out school supplies.  My son is so pumped that he is getting his own desk in first grade and doesn't have to sit at table like in kindergarten.  I love at his age it's about the little things. To start the school year off, I always buy my kids new school shoes, but I have trouble with starting in middle August buying a lot of new clothes. Most of the stores are selling their fall merchandise, but it is still to hot for these clothes. So, I buy a few items that can transition into the fall with them. I wore this outfit on one of our school shopping excursions. One of my favorite outfits includes a pair of worn out skinny jeans with a simple white tee. I paired it with a cute Peter-pan style necklace that my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas. For you ladies that commented that you loved seeing my eyes, this photo is for you. Even though it was overcast my eyes are so sensitive. So, you can just call me squinty.

What kind of items do you buy for back to school or transitioning into fall?


Linking up at Visible Monday, Monday Mingle , and Funday Monday's Linkup.

Friday Finds- Leather

Happy Friday everyone. For this Friday's finds, the focus is leather for fall. I will be focusing on fall trends in my future posts. Then, you will have time to find these trends in your price point and a few thrifters may even get lucky enough at the thrift store. I actually came across this dress on my husband and I 's past trip to Indianapolis. It is designed by Max Studio and was in the clearance for $20.00 at Marshall's. I took it over to my husband to ask if he liked it and he said,"the 80's are calling". I told him this leather dress would be great for the fall and he says, "alright Pat Benatar."  So, I knew this dress was for for me, who doesn't love to have that LBD on hand.

Max Studio leather dress- Similar, Mossimo Leopard Flats- Similar

Leather Dresses for 2013 fall designed by Altuzarra and Alexander Wang

Alexander McQueen

Do you have a favorite piece of leather clothing?

Linking up at Style Elixir, The Mrs. & the Momma, and The Pleated Poppy.

A little getaway

Hi, I hope everyone had a great weekend. You might notice I have a new hair color. I must say it's different, but I love it.  This post has to do with attire when you are traveling.  Especially when the traveling includes a lengthy car ride. I like to feel comfortable and still stylish in case we stop along the way. My go to travel outfit includes a knit top and maxi skirt.  I want something that is travel friendly and won't wrinkle. Both of these items I snagged at Marshalls.

Tribal Knit Maxi Skirt- Similar, Blue Tank- Similar

This past week my husband and I went to Indianapolis to see a Chelsea soccer game. You might remember that we went to a game last summer in NYC. I think its great that they have International soccer teams come and play in America.  While we were in Indianapolis, we stayed at The Canterbury Hotel, which was built in 1928. It is a very quaint hotel in the middle of the city, so we were able to park and walk to the stadium, restaurants, and shopping.  

The game was fabulous, we got to see all of our favorite players in the match and we won! We had the best time, just getting away for a short time.

What is your go to outfit when you travel?


Linking up at Visible Monday, Monday Mingle, and Funday Monday.