DIY - Some of my favorites

I've spent the last few days getting things ready for our big wedding DIY weekend. I realized late last night that I didn't have a blog post for today.  Instead of not posting, I decided to give you all a post showing you some of my personal favorite DIY projects. 

Chain Detail Jacket - I love that just some craft store chain can elevate a jacket.  It was one of my early DIY projects and one of my favorites. I wear this jacket often.

Duck Tape Clutch - The reason I love this DIY is because you can use any color or style of duct tape you like.  You can make it your own.

Rock Lyric Tee - Inexpensive t-shirt, stick on letters, spray paint, and your favorite rock lyric are all you need to create this t-shirt. It's a fun and cool addition to your casual wardrobe.

Silver Oxfords - If you have a pair of old oxfords or can grab a pair at the thrift store, you can create these shoes in just a few hours. I used silver but you could use any color you like. Neon pink would be fantastic.

Minty Shades - Nail polish as paint? Yes! The mint green polish elevated these shades from boring to wow and this entire project was finished in about an hour.

Safety Pin Necklace - I love DIY because I can create a designer style necklace for $900 less than the original.  Maybe it's my life long love of punk rock looks but safety pins as jewelry are fantastic.

Metallic Skull - Home decor DIYs are the best.  I get bored easily and love changing up the accents in our home.  A $1 plastic Halloween skull becomes a cool home accent with a little spray paint.

I hope these favorites of mine inspire you to get creative.  I'd love to hear about any projects you create.

Inspiration - This Week's Pinspiration

You all know my love of Pinterest. It's been a great tool for wedding planning and I collect everything from style ideas to recipes on the site. For years I've torn pages out of magazines and shoved them in a folder. The favorites link on my Internet browser could use its own Dewey Decimal system. I save ideas, sites, thoughts and everything that inspires me. Pinterest is a dream come true. I thought I'd share with you, some of my latest inspiration.

Five fashion editors wore the same rock t-shirt, five different ways. I love the way it shows individual style but you all know I love mixing rock t-shirts all sorts of ways.

Great tip on accenting your eyes.  I love the step by step that you could use with any eye color and liner.

Cherry lime popsicles made fresh from real fruit.  These scream summer to me. I definitely need to make them pronto!

Four easy braided hairstyles.  With this crazy hot weather and my struggle to keep from cutting my hair off, I've been loving braids lately.

What's not to love about an ombre glitter manicure?  It's already on my list of, must try, manis this summer. The color options are endless.

This outfit is simple, fun and a great way to try neon without looking like an 80's flashback. Did I mention that I used to own a neon ski jacket?  Mixing neon with neutrals is a perfect way to try the trend.

This saying spoke to me as soon as I saw it.  I've been in relationships and had supposed friends who dulled my sparkle but not anymore.  Growing as a person has taught me to never let anyone dull my sparkle.

Do you have a Pinterest account?  If you don't, be sure to request an account. It's fun and a great way to collect your ideas.  Once you have an account don't forget to show me some love and follow me.  I'm in the process of  following all of you lovely folks who are following me.

DIY - Neon Recap

I realized that I've done three DIY's recently featuring neon. I thought I'd look back on them and let you vote for your favorite. I'm thinking of using your feedback to create another DIY soon.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Rock the White

The best laid plans... Originally I had planned to do an outfit post.  I loved the outfit I wore yesterday. It was a bit of an 80's flashback but also current.  I mixed black and white with neon colors. I was wearing a sheer maxi with an underskirt.  My Honey {msL} took some photos and when I began to crop them, I realized that my Spanx were showing in every photo, all the way to the top of my thighs!  Obviously, I was too eager to take photos an didn't take the time to check my outfit in the mirror.  Oh Well.  Here is a cropped shot, minus the Spanx.

Jacket - One Stop Plus (no longer available, similar here), Tank - Target (no longer available, similar here), Skirt - Nordstrom (no longer available, similar here), Necklace - c/o Stella & Dot, Kristin Biggs, Bracelet - DIY via Goodwill, Shoes - DIY

My sweet pup Blue joined me during pictures.  He was also featured this week as a Fashion Dog on my friend Vyque's blog, Fasshonaburu.  Since my outfit featuring bargain buys, DIY and Stella & Dot didn't work out, I decided to join the lovely bloggers on Long Distance Loving for today's Friday's Fancies post, Rock the White. Check out how I add color to my white after the jump.

Long Weekend Rewind via Instagram - Memorial Day

I took a few days off last week to extend the Holiday Weekend.  We had lots to do around the house since we are hosting a grad party for some close family friends.  There was a little fun time squeezed into the days, in the form of shopping, eating and laughing.  A bit of sickness hit on Friday and it wasn't pretty but we rallied on Saturday for some power washing and deck painting.

The Sidewinder ring is one of my favorite Stella & Dot pieces and I tried out a new confetti mani.  My neon cap toe shoes turned out better than I'd hoped.  Check out the easy DIY here. I managed to do a little thrift store shopping for wedding DIY glass and I hit the Talbots Outlet on Monday and grabbed some fun summer pieces for 75% off! I had fun wearing some summer colors via a Stella & Dot arm party.  I've been testing out some new hair do's, including this side swept, bobby pinned bang with waves.  Summer heat always makes me want a short and easy hair cut.  I'm fighting that urge. So I'm trying some ways to keep my hair out of my face and off my neck.  We spent Sunday and Monday afternoon painting our deck.  It wasn't fun but it does look good and I'm glad it's done.

What did you do over the weekend?

Frugal Fashion Friday - DIY: Cap Toe Flats

I just knew my obsession with cap toe shoes would lead to a DIY or maybe two. Sitting in my closet and on their last heel tap were a pair of gun metal flats. They were destined for the trash but I decided to try a little DIY love and give them a second life. Some spray paint would do the trick.

I started by collecting supplies.

SUPPLIES

Shoes
Pink Neon Spray Paint
Clear Glaze
Tape
Alcohol and cotton pads

I measured the toes of the shoes and taped them off. Then I taped off the soles in the front and the full shoe to avoid any paint spatter.

I cleaned the toe areas with alcohol. I used plain rubbing alcohol and allowed them to dry. This isn't mandatory but I think it helps the paint adhere better.

Then I sprayed multiple thin coats on the shoes until I achieved the color I wanted. I allowed the shoes to dry completely between each coat.

Then I gave each shoe a single coat of Krylon Clear Glaze. This protects the shoes and gives the toe a shiny finish.

I'm happy with the results. A Goodwill trip is on tap for this weekend. I'm sure there is another pair coming soon.

Happy Holiday Weekend
Real Girls!

 

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Cap Toe Shoes (metal and neon)

In today's edition of I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much (a quote from Kirby in St. Elmo's Fire), I will tell you all about my love of cap toe shoes.  Right now, I'm especially loving the metal cap toes and the neon cap toes.

The shoes above come in all price ranges.  The cap toe give pizazz to a basic pump or flat.  It makes a Mary Jane look more rocker girl and less school girl.  They come in every style and color, even some stripes and snake skin.  So many possibilities.  I'm not limiting my love to only heels. The flats are awesome too.  Of course I won't be purchasing a pair of Manolos anytime soon but I know with a little spray paint and some tape, I'll be creating a pair or two from some of the dusty shoes I have stored away.  Look for a DIY soon!!

DIY - Neon Clutch

As you know a fun day clutch has been the object of my desire for some time now.  All of the neon color combos have been calling to me.  The other day, as I was crawling home in traffic, I got a DIY brainstorm.  I love it when that happens!  It struck me that I already had the makings of a great neon clutch.  I just needed a few additional supplies.

Supplies
Two rolls of neon Duck Tape (I chose Neon Pink and Blaze Orange)  $3.49 each  (with tons left over)
                                                                                                          $2.00 used less than 1/3 of each roll
Zipper envelope (Up from Target)                                                       $3.24
Gold chain                                                                                          $2.24
Jewelry Findings (gold lobster clasp, jump rings)                                  $2.24  (more left for other projects)
                                                                                                           $  .50  used one clasp, 5 jump rings
                                                                                                           $7.98
                                                                                                       

I measured the envelope and then cut pieces of tape to cover each side.  I trimmed them on the edges and folded them into the seams.

Once the first side was covered, I took the piece at the bottom of the clutch and folded it over to the other side of the clutch.

I continued on side two but also added a handle on the second side.  I created the handle by cutting three pieces of tape of equal length. I folded each piece in thirds creating a smooth, sticky free strip.  Then I braided them together.  I placed the ends under the tape on the clutch base.  Then secured them with an extra piece of tape on the top.

I also decided to add a chain handle to create a hands free option for this fun clutch.  I attached a chain to the inside of the clutch. I also created a hook on the outside at the seam. I cut a tiny slit on the seam and secured the chain by feeding it through and taping it down.

The chain can be dropped inside the clutch when not in use and pulled out and attached when I need a shoulder strap.

The clutch turned out better than I'd hoped.  I love the side handle that I decided to add.  The addition makes it easy to carry. I wore it to the NOVA Fashion Week Luxe Lifestyle event.  A few ladies asked if I'd make them one. The beauty is, this DIY is so easy, anyone can do it.

Frugal Fashison Friday - Date Night Edition

Last Friday's post for Friday's Fancies was so much fun that I decided to join again today.  The theme is Date Night and this one is perfect for today.  My Honey and I are having a date night tonight!  We attend the local Unitarian Universalist Congregation and tonight they are having a movie and sing along night to The Sound of Music! I know it sounds corny but I think it will be great.  The entry fee is food for the food pantry.  There will be a concession stand where we can buy snacks.  It's a very laid back place and dressing up or wearing super high heels isn't necessary so I picked an easy outfit that's worthy of date night but a little on the casual side.

Jacket - Newport News Boxy Tweed Jacket $69

Top - Old Navy Sleeveless Cowl Neck Top $14

Jeans - NYDJ Boyfriend Roll Up Cuff Jeans $88

Shoes - Nine West Punchy in Pewter $59.99

Bag -Target Xhilaration Neon Yellow/Green Clutch $19.99
Necklace and Bracelet - DIY Neon Yellow bead necklace and bracelet (from Goodwill)
Lipstick - Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Fuchsia Fever $7.49
Canned Goods for the Food Pantry - Find Your Local Food Pantry

I have a black tweed jacket that I added chain to.  It was a fun and easy DIY (details here).  Before I added the chain, I hardly ever wore the jacket. Now I wear it often. I love simple tees with interesting details, like this cowl neck. I have quite a few pairs of jeans. They are only two brands, Lane Bryant and Not Your Daughter's Jeans (NYDJ). I love NYDJ jeans because they fit my pear shaped body really well.  I never have to worry about them riding too low in the back. They have just enough stretch and they come in tons of styles.  They are more expensive than other brands but worth it because they retain their shape and color wash after wash. I just got these shoes at DSW. I wasn't able to find them on line in the pewter color but they are great shoes and I'd consider buying them in almost every color. I got them for less than $30 because of DSW certificates. Obviously I love this bag. I've featured it in two posts in a row. Guess that means I've made my decision about my clutch buy. The necklace and bracelets aren't in the collage above but you can see them here in my DIY post. They are a fun addition to the neon trend and were so easy and inexpensive to make. I've been wearing this lipstick constantly. The pink color is so much fun and a great spring alternative to red.

Did you know that one in six people in the United States go hungry every day?  With the economy in such a rough place, food banks need help more than ever. They are terribly depleted and need money and food.  They also need volunteers. Please consider helping out your local food back. 

I hope you all have a fun date night planned soon. A date night doesn't have to be a date with someone romantic, it can be a date night with your friends.  Have a great weekend.

HAPPY FRIDAY REAL GIRLS!

In the Clutch of Spring - Picks Under $50

I find myself wanting a new spring clutch but since we are saving for our wedding, my monthly budget for fashion purchases is $50 or less. My criteria for this new clutch aren't difficult. It has to be big enough for day, be a fun color or a neutral and most importantly it can't cost more than $50. I found some great options.

1) ASOS Hand Slot Through Clutch - $36.36

2) Target Xhilaration Yellow/Green Neon Patent Clutch - $19.99

3) Baghaus Urban Expressions Large Envelope Clutch in Light Gold - $35

4) Forever 21 Embellished Tribal Clutch - $27.80

I love all of these for different reasons.  They are definitely on trend.  I love the hand slot on the ASOS clutch and its turquoise shade is perfect for spring.  The Target clutch has extra room thanks to the fun double design. Neon is everywhere right now.  The Baghaus clutch could carry me from day to night and thanks to the metallic finish it would go with everything I own.  Tribal designs were all over the runway. This embellished clutch from Forever 21 does the trend without making you look like you are on safari. 

I love them all. Now I have to pick just one... 

Frugal Fashion Friday - DIY Guest Blogging

Happy Friday!  Today I'm guest blogging over at the DC Goodwill Fashionista!  I subscribe to the DCGF feed and read it daily.  There are so many great tips and posts from DCGF and other guests bloggers. I always find something new. Today my post is about the neon trend and how I turned some inexpensive jewelry into a trendy item with just a little spray paint.  Me and spray paint? Go figure!

Shirt - Talbots via Goodwill, Jeans - Lane Bryant, Shoes - Romantic Soles (from my sister, no longer available), Bag - Target (no longer available), Bracelets - Goodwill DIY, and vintage, Earrings - gift, Necklace - Goodwill DIY

My outfit today is really simple.  One of my favorite "I don't have to think about it" combos.  Rolled jeans, flats and white shirt always makes me think of Audrey Hepburn.  I thought it would be a perfect canvas for the bold neon jewelry.  

Now click on over to the DCGF blog and check it out!!

Happy Friday Real Girls!!

I'm Obesessed Thank You Very Much - Neon Accessories

In the 80's neon was a huge trend. It was everywhere.  I even owned a pair of neon pink tights and some truly horrid neon blue mascara that I wore constantly. The neon trend is back again. I won't be reliving the mascara but we all made bad fashion choices in high school.  Come on, you know you did too. I do still love a pop of neon in accessories.  They are a fun way to wear the trend without looking like an 80's flashback or a fashion trend victim. Accessories are a simple way to introduce some color to your outfit and try out the trend without having to dive in too deep.  Neon next to black or white is a stand out.

Neon accessories by Real Girl Runway

You all know I don't believe in spending a ton on trendy pieces. They usually aren't something that will stand the test of time.  You'll be tired of them in a season or two. Finding those trendy pieces for less is key. The necklace is the most expensive in this lot but that's because I couldn't include the necklace I really love in this collage (stupid Internet programs). Below is a necklace made and sold by  Colorblock Shop on etsy.com. This is only one of some fantastic neon pieces listed. You have to check them out. Necklaces are made to order and this one sells for $36. It's such a fantastic piece and it's affordable.
  

Do you like the neon trend or are you going to skip this one?

Neon Accessories