WEAR | On The Fence

Top//Marshalls  Skirt//Nordstrom Rack   Bracelet//Thrifted  Belt//Mango  

 Roller Wedges//Anthropologie   Sunnies//Steve Madden.

I've been on the fence lately. Fall has clearly made her presence--with the Aspens changing to bright golds and burnt oranges, pumpkin flavored brews popping up all over Denver, Oktoberfest this past weekend, and the inevitable fall to winter chapped lips. Yet, my wardrobe and personal style still holds on to lingerings of summer. I love my boots, sweaters, and cozy socks, but I'm not quite ready. I've been on the fence as summer transitions to autumn, not wanting to part with my maxi dresses, bare legs, sandals, and short sleeves. So I'll hang on for another week or two. I'll milk this warm weather and get a few more days of legs free of tights, toes free of socks, and Vitamin D accessible attire. Am I the only one not fully ready for boots? (Maybe I'm really just not ready for cold days and snow. I'll blame the California in me.)

And then I found a dress

Last Saturday I snapped a photo of my recently purchased black dress, and many of you asked what the front looked like. It was only the second dress that I tried on, and I hadn't planned on finding one I liked so quickly after my little black dress "Pinterest shopping" last week! The cut of the back is what absolutely got me. But it doesn't hurt that the front is a flattering cut as well :).  Its a great addition to my wardrobe. I don't like buying things for only one occasion, so I always shop with the bigger picture in mind (can I wear this in the winter with boots and tights? with flats and a cardigan? on a date night? yes, yes, yes!)

Now the fun part of accessorizing. I'm either going to do a bright colored skinny belt with gold details or a thin brown braided belt. I've pretty much settled on nude wedges or low nude heels since I've been needing a new pair of neutrals in my wardrobe anyways. I found a pair of amazing Cole Haan leather heels in a camel color that feel oh so wonderful on my feet, but I have yet to decide if I'll keep them. I have huge buyers remorse, always! (Cost per wear versus Do I need these?) Any suggestions or thoughts on accessorizing are welcome!

Burlap Wreath DIY Close Ups

Most commonly made of pine gathered and fastened in a ring, the wreath has a history of symbolizing strength, as the evergreen lasts through even the harshest of winters. May we be reminded to stand strong like the evergreen-- living our lives as women of strength and dignity. Knowing we can make it through the harshest times to enjoy growth and new life.

This past fall, I made a wreath. It was posted so quickly amidst a blogging break and the Thanksgiving holiday, that you actually may have missed it. This little wreath never did quite get the love it should have. And since I've been lacking in the DIY department lately (which is probably bumming a lot of you out), I've decided its time to share the archived photos of when I put together this pretty burlap wreath. The tradition of wreaths and wreath making take root from the autumn and winter months, but I actually really like this particular one as a spring and summer wreath too. The chevron burlap and the white lace add a touch of lightness to it. Why make it stay in a box half the year, am I right?

This style of wreath is simple and easy to make, and would be super cute as decor at a bridal or baby shower. Or behind a door or chair back. It really can be made with any fabric of your choosing, even with brown paper bags as a children's activity. Originally, I shared this DIY over at Darling Magazine. Scroll down and enjoy some up close photographs and step by steps, and check out the original article here. Happy weekend, lovelies!

Lace and Doilies

Of course when I come to California, and have my mom and two best friends around, its inevitable we  stop in at a few of our favorite stores. I had yet to find the perfect lace pieces for Spring, that exude femininity, so I was delighted when I found some quality pieces on the sale racks at Anthropologie and Aerie. From Aerie, a linen and lace combo beach cover up, and from Anthro a bright cobalt lace skirt. 

Dainty Ribbon & Lace Tea Lights

I have seen others make beautiful candle holders with jars and lace, and I decided this fall I was needing some of my own. Hobby Lobby was having a 50 percent off sale when I went last week! Great timing, because all the glass jars and ribbons were a steal. I maybe only spent 5 dollars on the materials for this project. That, and this was my first ever project using Mod Podge. I know, I know, why have I never used it before?! I can't fully answer that question, but I can say that I will never look back, and that I will use Mod Podge for all my future gluing necessities. Be warned, this project makes your fingers sticky!

1.  Gather Supplies  2. Measure and cut your ribbon and lace to length   3. Cover the glass jar with Mod Podge  4. Place ribbon on jar, using your fingers or a q-tip to press it down   5. Apply more Mod Podge over the ribbon and add more layers of lace and ribbon to your liking   6.  Allow drying time. Set jars out to dry upside down with the mouth of the jar on the table. 

You can glue the ribbon and lace over the entire jar, however, I left the rims of the jars lace free so that I could still put the tin lids back on if I wanted. I like the mix of metallic and lace on the glass jars when they aren't holding lit candles. The ribbons I chose can easily transition into my Christmas Decor, without being overly "holiday" while they are out in my home during the fall. My favorite ribbon has to be the textured trim that has little pom-poms. Aren't those pom-poms so cute? And the way the texture gives depth and visual interest when illuminated by the tea light, so pretty!

 I think I may need to make a few more sets of these tea lights to give away as gifts, what do you think?

Guest Post: A bit of lace, a tank turned maxi, and doily details.

If you've been out and about this summer, you have probably noticed the maxi dress, lace, and jean being at the top of the fashion trend. I bring you a post with all three of these, all repurposed, and all completely doable (even for the basic seamstress!). My very best childhood friend Miranda has the most wonderful mom, who basically has so many talents when it comes to DIY (sewing and embroidery are her forté for sure). My personal experience with Nancy's sewing ranges from the sequined mermaid costume I wore as a preschooler to the hand handsewn lace garter I wore on my wedding day. The woman has skills. And I think it would be fair to say that any girl that loves fashion would be extremely blessed to have a mom who could look at a shirt/dress/shorts and an hour later whip up a new rendition on the old clothing item. Yes, Miranda, you are blessed! When Miranda sent me these photos of Nancy's repurposing, she commented that these are fun and easy ideas for the person like her that is trying to save and be ever so frugal (despite the temptation to spend on trends)! 

Worn in jean shorts and some lace: 

Feminine detail just perfect for summer.

{Shorts like these have been seen in stores for up to $80!}

Concert tee and vintage table doily: 

Cut and sewn into an airy Boho top. 

Three yards of fabric and a ribbed tank: 

Made in an hour maxi dress.

{Cut the tank in half, wrap the fabric around your empire waist to measure your size, sew the skirt, sew skirt to tank, and voila!}

Beautiful girl, beautiful clothes!

About Nancy, the woman behind the threads:  "I have been sewing since JR. high school. I used to go to Clarkdale {Arizona} in the summer growing up and stay with both sets of grandparents. I was around both my grandmothers who would sew all the time. My Dad's Mom made barbie clothes for me and my Mom's Mom taught me to embroider. They both sewed on Singer treadle sewing machines. Back then they had Home Ec in school. I love to make things, but have never made my own patterns, that  might be something I could try."