Shiny and Bright

I have been feeling so motivated lately. Motivated to work out, to be creative, to re-decorate, to go back to school, to blog, to see my friends...I can't stop and I don't wanna! I have been going through a lot of changes lately and normally I don't do well with change but this time I am welcoming it. Today, the weather was perfect. Sun was shining and it wasn't too hot or too cold. Maybe my sunny demeanor made the day a little more bright but I'm okay with it. 

Outfit details: Shirt, Jacket, Jeans, and Belt- GAP Shoes- Rampage Necklace -Tres Chic Boutique in Ocala, Fl

She Wore It Then, I'll Wear It Now...

Audrey Hepburn and The Striped Shirt. 

I love a striped shirt. They are so damn preppy and I secretly love prep. I don't think anybody rocked a striped tee better than Audrey either. She was the princess of prep and I often try to channel her when dressing myself.  

I think a good long sleeve striped tee can go with anything. I paired it with a high/low skirt for a little twist on evening wear. This would be a darling outfit for cocktails. 

Outfit Details: Shirt: Gap Skirt: American Eagle Shoes: Sugar

I also love a striped shirt for daywear. I love this scoopy navy blue striped shirt because I can also use it for a Nautical look. With this mint green skirt and yellow flats it becomes a sweet little spring day outfit. 

Outfit Details: Shirt&Skirt: Urban Outfitters Shoes: Gap Glasses: Ray Ban

Thanks for the inspiration Audrey. Us gals never get sick of copying you. 

DIY Long Beaded Necklace

So in the last few months I have been trying this whole "following my dreams to be an artist" thing and while its the most amazing feeling in the world to do what you love every day it also comes with a lot of sacrifices. Like a steady salary for instance. So this year with being a starving artist and the state of the economy I have decided to give mostly handmade gifts this holiday season along with a few small etsy purchases and thrifted treasures. Handmade gifts can be just as special if not more so as store bought gifts. I love a handmade gift because it is so special and unique and so much care and love went into making it. I have put together several easy thoughtful gift projects that are all under $10.00. I know I am not the only one having to make sacrifices this year but I didn't want to miss out on gift giving all together because I really enjoy giving the people I care about presents. Its one of the ways I say you are special to me and care about you and I'm so glad you're in my life. You can join me in making this cheap winter solstice even better than if we'd all won the Lottery or at least a more meaningful close second :)

DIY Long Beaded Necklace

Supplies Needed: Scissors, fishing line or bead chord, small beads, large bead or gem, ribbon, and hot glue gun. I purchased my beads and ribbon from Hobby Lobby and the other supplies I had on hand. If I have to go to the craft store to buy something I ALWAYS bring a coupon or wait for a sale. In this case the beads were on sale already at 50% off and I used a 50% off one item coupon for the ribbon. Craft stores like, Joanne's, Hobby Lobby, and Michael's almost always have some kind of promotion or coupon running in the weekly paper or online. If you take the extra time to print/cut them out you'll save yourself a ton of money. NEVER EVER PAY FULL RETAIL!! Craft stores can really be a rip off. 

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut a long piece of fishing line and tie a sturdy knot on one end big enough so the tiny beads can't slide off. String your beads and statement gem. Tie the ends together in a sturdy triple knot and trim the excess ends. Cut a small strip of your ribbon and place under the knot. Add a small dab of hot glue and tie the ribbon in a knot around the glue so that the necklace won't break. Trim the excess ribbon and voila! You're done. Easy and cheap yet still pretty. I love long necklaces and wear them frequently. I think they make excellent winter fashion accessories because they look so cute with sweaters. 

 If you make any projects from this blog I would love to see how yours turn out. Add it to the Homemade Holidays board on on my Pinterest. 

xo Kirsten

Etsy Loves

Having chronic insomnia can sometimes leave you with nothing to in the wee morning hours. I have been spending a lot of time on etsy browsing and adding pretties to my favorites. Its dangerous because now I want to buy all of these things!

1.) I want this camera so so bad I can't stand it!

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2.) Anonymous Bear Leggings belong in my collection.

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3.) Danny Brito Junk Food Princess pillow. I need this because I am the junk food princess. This would be awesome on my bed.

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4.) I need these giant pink gems on my ears. 

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5.) These are so beautiful.

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6.) I love Irene Renon's beautiful artwork.

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7.) I love soft feminine pieces like this t-shirt.

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8.) I am definitely going to get myself one of these chalkboard skulls.

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9.) These are so pretty.

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10.) This crown was made for me and my unruly hippie locks. 

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Does anyone have a bag of money lying around that they don't want? I'd be happy to take it off your hands for a little esty shopping spree. 

Love, Kirsten

Monsters Don't Scare Me...

 

Dress: Target, Sweater: American Eagle, Flats: Gap, Necklace: Anthropologie, Glasses: Ray Ban.

"Rainy days and Mondays always get me down..."

I'm still recovering from my crazy weekend. Mondays always bum me out. At least I got to wear my new shorts!

Shirt: JCrew, Shorts: BDG, Belt: Target, Sandals: Jessica Simpson, Sunglasses: RayBan


xKirsten

Spring (fashion) Fever

Its a new season and naturally I need some new pieces to update my wardrobe. It just so happens that I pretty much threw out everything I owned in the recent purge and I really am in need of some clothes. I have been online "window shopping" carefully deciding what new things I will be purchasing. I do this because I am a girl on a tight, I mean tight, budge(abreve for budget). Taking the time to asses my current needs and ask myself important questions ensures that I'm not throwing money away on anything that isn't going to get a lot of use. The questions I ask myself are: 

 1. what are my needs? If you already have it in that color or you really don't need it put it back on the rack.

2. When/to what occasion will I wear this? You might really love that slinky sequined number but if you have no where to show it off then its wasting space and its potential in your closet. 

3. What other things will this go with/how many potential outfits? If it really only looks good the one way then chances are you won't wear it as much, and again I like to get my money's worth. 

Here are some of the things I am thinking about making mine...

1. I definitely want a pair of bright colored high wasted shorts. I love the vintage look and will wear the crap out of those. I like the Urban Outfitters BDG high rise 5 pocket short.

2. I have been wanting a pair of Tumbleweeds sunglasses forever! 

3. This T shirt would be perfect for my work wardrobe modcloth.

4. Lots of flats are always a staple in my closet and these look so comfortable. 

5. I want a new clutch, something small to go inside my purse with the essentials. I like this chevron one.

6. I will wear this skirt forever. Jcrew

xKirsten

Tuesdays are for Sno-cones...

It is only the beginning of April and it is already sooo hot here in Florida. Sno-cones make the best after school snacks on days like these.

I'm definitely regretting the decision I made to wear pants today but they sure do look cute. My hair went into a bun almost immediately because of the heat. Thank goodness for flavored ice shavings. 

Outfit Details: Shirt: Old Anthropologie, Pants: Gap, Shoes: Target, Bag: Target, Sunglasses: RayBan.

stay cool,

Kirsten