Hurricane Inspired Bracelet

On Friday, we took a trip to the local hardware store to get hurricane supplies.  We have the big "home improvement" stores but I'm partial to the locally owned hardware store. It reminds me of my childhood and trips with my dad. Also, it's always easy to find someone to help you and they always have the greatest items that you don't find at the big stores. We went in to get extra rope and bungee chords to tie down items in the yard and on the deck. I grew up in a coastal area and even though I live a little farther inland now, I still believe in preparation. 

We went to the aisle that contained the rope. As we were picking out the practical options, I couldn't help but notice a big spool of purple, blue and yellow braided rope. All I could think of where the cool bracelets created by Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs.

We got the hurricane supplies we came to pick up and I just had to have the purple rope too. When I turned around to leave the aisle, I saw a huge section of clasps and hooks. There were so many of them in all sizes and types. I had to grab a few of those.

Supplies

• multi-colored rope
• hooks or clasps
• wire

Using the supplies that I had and the inspiration of the more expensive bracelets, I spent time during the hurricane working on a few bracelets. I measured out the rope to make a double wrap bracelet. I cut the rope and sealed the ends by heating them with a lighter.  Folding one end over, I wrapped it with wire making an open loop.  The clasp I chose had a closed loop on one end.  I fed the other end of rope through the clasp and folded it over. Then using the wire I wrapped the end.

The designer version bracelets cost $20 and $150.  The supplies I purchased cost $15.  I already had the wire and I still have enough rope to make many more bracelets and another clasp. Even if I only made two bracelets, they only cost $7.50 each. A huge savings for a fun and trendy bracelet.

Frugal Fashion (Beauty) Friday - Gold Sparkle Nails

A while back I saw Deborah Lippman nail polish in Boom Boom Pow popping up on websites and blogs all over.  It appeals to my love of sparkles and I could see it as a fun layering option, like I saw on The Looks for Less.  Jennifer has great manicures and I love the look of nude polish under the sparkly gold.

photo credit: The Looks for Less

Here's the catch. Deborah Lippman polish is $20 per bottle!  That is crazy. I am a nail polish junky and I refuse to pay $20 for any polish. I knew there had to be a less expensive alternative.




$20 per bottle


I found it!  Milani Jewel FX in Gold is a much better deal! At only $4.99 a bottle it is a better alternative for me and gives the same effect.

$4.99 per bottle!

Here is my result...

Total cost for polish (Wet n Wild and Milani) $6.98.  Savings of  $13.02. What do you think?

The Best Example Ever

Today is a themed post for the Feminist Fashion Bloggers group.  Our theme for the day is dating and relationships.  It’s a happy coincidence that today is also my parents’ 48^th wedding anniversary.  They are such an amazing example of a loving, caring, and solid relationship.  My dad passed away February 15, 2009.  I miss him every day.  I’m sure how I feel is nothing compared to how my Mom feels. 



Always laughing

  

My parents had a wonderful relationship.  My mom always said they were best friends.  My dad said that he couldn’t remember life without my mom. In fact they have known each other since childhood.  They began dating their senior year in high school.  As of December of 2008 (just two short months before my dad died), they had been together as a couple for 50 years.  It’s a lifelong love story and the strength of their relationship is something I try to emulate every day in my own relationship.  I asked them both, at different times, what the secret was to staying together and loving each other for all those years. Here is what they said:

Mom’s Advice

• Make sure you like spending time with the person you choose.  Passion and hot sex only get you so far.  You can’t live your whole life in bed.
•  Relationships aren’t always perfect.  They take hard work and you have to work on them daily.
• Don’t try to change someone.
• Pick your battles.  Not every argument is important.  Sometimes you just have to let the other person win.
• Find someone who makes you laugh.
• Be partners.  Working together gets you through the tough times.

Dad’s Advice

• Love is important but like is more important.  When my Dad asked my grandfather for permission to marry my mom, my dad said that he loved her and wanted to marry her. My grandfather said, “You love her but do you like her? Liking her will keep you together."
• Any qualities or habits that bug you early on will irritate you a million times more as the years go by.  Make sure they are things you can live with.
• Make time for each other no matter how busy you get. 
• Pick someone who has the same values as you.
• A person who is smart will challenge you and make you want to be better.
• Find someone you can have fun with.

Before a College Dance

It’s such great advice from two people who know how to make a great relationship work and last.  They had such admiration and respect for each other.  My mom is a strong independent woman and my dad loved those qualities in her.  They both had great careers and were successful professionally. They enjoyed their life with each other. Together they raised two strong independent women (my sister and I).   

In the spirit of fun and fashion, here are a few pictures of Mom and Dad at their fashionable best.

I’m spending the day with my Mom.  I know it’s not an easy day for her.  She’ll be missing my dad so much today and I don’t want her to be alone. Hopefully, we can have a good day and smile about their happy times.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Mom and Dad!

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Shirts with Cut Out Shoulders

I've seen shirts with cut out shoulders on lots of websites and blogs lately.  Since I firmly believe that shoulders are the thinnest part of a woman's body, I think it would be flattering on everyone.  It's a fun look and definitely one that anyone can rock. They come in all styles from denim to sheer and even in tees. The sheer styles are the ones I love most.  Prices are all over the board from $35 - hundreds. I found some looks that I love and had to share them. I am sensing a trip to the thrift store and DIY coming up very soon.

What do you think?  Would you wear a shirt with cut out shoulders?

Every Girl Needs Some Sparkle

I got this skirt in the spring. I was thrilled to find it because I thought it was no longer available. One of my favorite bloggers, Sarah of StyleIT was wearing it in a post and I thought it was fantastic. It was no longer available on the website and I thought it wouldn't be mine.  Luckily, during a shopping trip with my mom I found it on the sale rack at Avenue for only $9! I wore it a few months ago to a fundraising dinner, all dressed up with a tuxedo jacket and heels. I love the skirt so much that I had to wear it for day. I couldn't let it collect dust in the closet waiting for a special occasion. Sparkle always brightens my day.

Shirt - Converse One Star for Target, Skirt - Avenue, Shoes - Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's,
Belt - Target, Earrings - Gift, Bracelets - JewelMint and Saks off 5th, Ring - JewelMint

I caused a bit of s stir in this outfit. During the day I had someone comment on my sparkly skirt, everywhere I went. It definitely makes you feel good to get positive comments about an outfit or part of an outfit. When I got home, it had started to rain and I rushed to get photos before the downpour started. I just couldn't let this outfit go by without sharing it with all of you.

L to R: Sienna Bracelet - JewelMint, Stud Cuff - Saks off 5th, New Wave Ring - JewelMint

I wanted to toughen up the sparkle with some hard jewelry. I've had the studded cuff for a while and love to stack it with other bracelets.  The Sienna bracelet is one of my favorite JewelMint pieces and the New Wave ring is one of my latest JewelMint acquisitions.

How do you spice up your every day outfits? 

Do you want your own New Wave ring or Sienna bracelet?  Or would you like to see some other great JewelMint pieces? If you have never ordered from JewelMint before you can get 50% off of your first piece from JewelMint with the special link and code below.

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Frugal Fashion Friday - Designer Fall Lookbooks

In the past couple weeks retailers have been releasing their designer lookbooks.  Designers used to issue look books in order to generate sales for their lines. Thanks to the world of blogging, facebook and twitter, lookbooks have become a new way to generate buzz for fashion lines with the public. Designers that used to only create high end lines are now creating affordable lines at retailers like, Kohl's, Macy's, JC Penney and Target. There are quite a few but I've picked my favorite lines. I've also picked two of my most coveted looks or items from each line.

Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's - I never thought I'd see the day that Karl Lagerfeld would do a low priced line. The items are classic Lagerfeld.

Missoni for Target - The bright colors and patterns of Missoni are all over this fashion and home line for Target.

Nicole Miller for JC Penney - Nicole Miller's collection for JC Penney is full of easy dresses, fun patterns and colors.

Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's - New to the Kohl's family of designer collaborations is Jennifer Lopez. There were so many great looks in this collection it was hard to choose two.

LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's - Short skirts abound in this collection.  I love some of them but I usually only by the tops and shoes.

Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's - Vera's line for Kohl's is one of my favorite designer collaborations.  She is a master at layering.  I love her extra touches like tulle and rosettes. Her shoes and jewelry are always fantastic. Even better, many of the items in this fall line will also be available in petite and plus sizes.

Easy Weekend with Flair ala JewelMint

When I was younger I would haul ridiculously large suitcases with me for weekend getaways.  I'd take a ton of clothes and only wear a few items. Years of travelling, hauling my own suitcase and TSA restrictions have turned me into a traveller that can pack for a weekend in a small carry-on bag. That means easy to pack items, double duty clothes and accessories to spice up my looks.

You all know my love and obsession with JewelMint. I love their jewelry. Every month I have to decide how many of the new pieces I can afford.  When my friends at JewelMint offered me the chance to choose three of their amazing pieces to style for a weekend trip, I jumped at the chance. Inspired by the Egyptian influences in some of the July pieces, I picked a ring, earrings and a necklace.  The pieces I chose were the Scarab ring, Isis earrings, and the Farrah necklace.  One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is a vintage scarab bracelet given to me by my dad and the Scarab ring is a modern take on that bracelet.

When choosing the items to style, I wanted pieces that could be worn together or separately and I love the possibilities in the Farrah necklace.  I styled three looks using all three pieces. Since I received my new jewelry I've worn them toether but I've also worn these stand out pieces alone at various times. 

For a day time look I paired a simple white tee with a flowy skirt, scarf and sandals. The JewelMint pieces compliment the look and give a little bit of an Egyptian touch.

Tee - Old Navy, Skirt - Lane Bryant, Scarf - Goodwill, Sandals - Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's



Combining a halter style tankini, a sarong and the JewelMint pieces, I created a chic look for a pool party or the beach. I decided to wear the Farrah necklace as a bracelet to give the look a bit of a different flair.



Takini - Target, Sarong - Beach shop in Key West





Farrah Necklace as a bracelet, Scarab Ring - c/o JewelMint



  

Inspired by the caftans of Morocco I chose a comfortable maxi dress for an evening look. I added some strappy wedges and the JewelMint pieces but tied the Farrah necklace as a bit of a choker.

Farrah Necklace as a choker

I have a special offer for you my dear readers.  Do you love these JewelMint pieces or want to see more? Compliments of my friends at JewelMint, they are offering you 50% off of your first piece of JewelMint jewelry, for one week only! 

You'll take a quick style quiz and then you'll get personalized recommendations from JewelMint stylists. They have great new pieces each month. Every piece of jewelry is just $29.99 which includes beautiful packaging and free shipping.

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Using easy to pack pieces and great jewelry, I created three outfits for a weekend trip.  The beauty is that some items can be changed up depending on your plans. How do you pack for a weekend getaway?

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Vintage Inspired Glasses

Luckily for most of my life I've had good eyesight. It wasn't until I started working on computers daily that I began wearing glasses often.  Then as I got older, I've had to have glasses for reading. Growing up, I always wanted to be cool or what I thought at the time was cool.  I wouldn't have thought that the glasses I'm obesessed with and loving today were cool (back then).  You know the ones, the black wayfarer style synonymous with guys wearing pocket protectors. My dad had a pair back in the 50's and 60's, when he was an engineering major.  I can't help it, I love them. I'm obsessed! I found a great pair of reading glasses at Loehmann's but I need a pair in my own prescription.

Even celebs have gotten on the the bandwagon.




I'm sure I can find any number of frames at a local optician. In the interest of doing good with my purchases, I'm planning to try Warby Parker.  Their glasses are affordable, at only $95 per pair. They will even send five pairs to try on at home for free!  The best part of Warby Parket is that for each pair of glasses purchased, they donate a pair to someone in need. Their vintage inspired frames are fantastic! 

Here are a few of my favorites...


Crosby

 

Fillmore

Winston

Once I get my prescription, I'm headed right over to the Warby Parker website to order my glasses to try on at home.  What do you think? Would you wear this style or pass?



Note: I wasn't compensated by Warby Parker. I just love their glasses and their mission.