DIY - Blah to Bad Ass Blazer

I've had this idea in my head for some time to add elbow patches to a thrift store blazer. Specifically, skull elbow patches. I spotted a few sweaters last winter with skulls at the elbows. I went searching for a blazer with skull elbow patches and couldn't find one. This DIY has taken so long because I couldn't find skull patches that I thought were perfect. Then I found these beauties. I'm not a fan of the cutesy skull. I want a realistic looking, bad ass skull. The patch was perfect and of course I ordered two. Then I set out to find the blazer. It had to be either black or gray, in a heavy fabric. I wanted wool but I would have accepted other options. The thrift store gods smiled down on me. I found it, a classic gray wool blazer, by a brand I love! I scored it at the Goodwill Store close to me. Here is the blazer, before.

The gold buttons just wouldn't work with the gray, silver black color scheme. I pictured a blazer looked sedate school girl from the front and girl who skips school from the back. I looked online and briefly considered skull buttons but I didn't want it to look like a costume. Only a crest button in silver would work for what I had in mind. I found several at my local sewing store but ending up splurging on the most expensive option. They were perfect. Since I'd only spent $5 on my blazer and $12 on my patches,  I could afford a little button splurge. Plus I found two coupons and ended up cutting my button cost down by about 40%! Yay for coupons!

I started by removing all of the buttons and finding thread that would work. I chose dark gray thread that I already own. You just need thread that is close to the color of the blazer. The patches were iron on. I also made sure I had thread for stitching on the patches. Elbow patches get wear and tear and must bend a bit. I thought the adhesive might not stay tight. After attaching all of the buttons, I ironed on the elbow patches. I decided after my first wear to stitch around the edges. The patches had already started to lift a bit after only one day. A few stitches helped me feel confident that they would wear well, long term.

It turned out even better than I had hoped it would. It's exactly what I pictured. Business in the front and Bad Ass in the back!

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Silver Shoes

Currently I own six pairs of silver shoes and frankly I want more. Yeah, I'm nuts. I wear most of them often. They are my go to neutral shoes. The pair that get the most wear are my silver oxfords. I LOVE them. So much so that they need to be resoled. I've searched for another pair but haven't found any that I like quite as much and are available in my size. I purchased mine over two years ago. They are so popular now that if you see a pair, you should grab them. I've found myself wanting some flats and a pair of dressy sandals.

 1 /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  7  /  8

I'm thinking that number four and number six are my next go to buys but seven and eight are also on my radar. Definitely color me obsessed with silver!

Happy Friday Real Girls!

On My Radar - Winter Basics

I've been a bit preoccupied lately with family and getting my new business started. My apologies for being MIA. I'm working on finding a balance for all of my fashion loves. Please bear with me. Today, I thought I'd share some of my favorite winter basics. I own a few of these and others are on my "must buy" list.

Over the last year I've found that my style is definitely evolving. I used to go for lots of sequins and printed stand out tops. Now, most days I start with some basics for my foundation and add great jackets, jewelry, and accessories. I've noticed that on casual days I reach for my jeans (loving my burgundy NYDJ pair) and a t-shirt or thin sweater. For work, I'm going for solid or printed pants and a solid top (blouse, sweater, or top). Adding eye catching jewelry and a statement bag is a must for me. I adore heels but this winter oxfords and classic boots have been my go-to shoes. They are comfortable for my RA and they keep my feet warm. They definitely aren't as sexy as heels but I've decided that if flats are going to be my staples that I will own great flats.

• Black Wrap Coat - I already own a tan wrap coat but it's long. I keep wishing for a black version and I love the collar on this one from Tahari but sadly, it looks like it's out of stock in my size. I guess I will be on the hunt for another one.
• Layered Silver Necklace - I love silver and this necklace is a new favorite, by Stella and Dot. It also comes in a gold and quartz version. You can wear the chains separately or together! Three looks in one. 
• Custom Engravable Cuff Bracelet - This bracelet is a fun take on a traditional monogram. You can get up to 14 characters and lots of different configurations. It also comes in gold and it's by Stella and Dot. The phrase on it is part of one of my favorite movie lines (from Terminator 2) and a personal philosophy. "The future's not set. There's no fate but what we make for ourselves."  As much as I love great fashion, it's what we do in those clothes that really matters.
• Bright Bag - A bright colored bag can add just the right pop of color to a solid outfit. The cobalt blue version of the Paris Market Tote by Stella and Dot is on my wish list. The leather is buttery soft and the Stella and Dot bags are made by the same company that produces bags for Marc Jacobs. 
•  Black Ankle Boots - Originally I intended to get a pair of zip up ankle boots. They will replace a pair I've had for ages, that I've intended to replace for years. Unfortunately, I didn't purchase the ones I spied in the fall, fast enough and now they are gone. As luck would have it Zara is having their end of the season sale. I scored these beauties the other day, as well as a pair of black pointed toe loafers with gold detail.

 I'm composing outfits in my head, as I type this post. Hopefully, I will have some time soon to put up a few outfits post.

What are your go to winter basics?

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Oversized Clutches

I own quite a few smaller clutches, small vintage bags, and I have a collection of Whiting and Davis evening bags. However, when I am going out for a night to show or dinner, most times I reach for my larger clutches. The bag has to be big enough to hold my iPhone, my glasses, money, lipstick, and a few other items. My larger cell phone and the need for glasses has pushed me to need a larger evening bag. Because of this, I've become obsessed with finding interesting oversized clutches.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

A great bag can be a perfect compliment to your outfit. The selections above give me some dress up and down options for my outfits. I especially love the berry clutch at the top, from Asos. The color is just what I've been looking for in an oversized clutch.

Summer to the Max

Maxi dresses are one of my favorite summer, go to, outfits. They are just so easy to wear and a no brainer when it comes to styling. I think they are one of the most versatile items in your closet. By just changing your shoes and your accessories, one dress can be worn multiple ways, dressed up or down. I love all types of maxis.



Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

I was lucky enough to snag this caftan at the Goodwill spring trunk show. I'd been searching for a fun summer maxi. I had a flowy option in mind but at $6, it was an amazing buy. I'll be adding my new crystal green mirror Ray-Bans, these easy gold gladiators and a matte pink lip. All of  these items are all recent purchases and were great deals.



Click the photos above for buying informaiton.

 

A flowy, halter maxi is definitely on my summer must list. This one reminds me of the DC cherry blossoms. I'd pair it with my black Birkenstocks, sheer pink lipstick, and pink mirror aviators. I could also change out the Birks for heels and add some sparkly jewelry for evening.



Click the photos above for buying information.

 

If you're headed to a summer evening party, you could switch out your little black dress for a little black maxi. Silver flat shoes will be dressy but let you stand and chat. A sheer red lip says sophisticated in a easy summer way. Matching mirror shades will greet the sunset in style.

There are so many great maxi options, in every style imaginable. They work at the beach or at a cocktail party. I love them most because the look pulled together, with minimal effort.

Will you be wearing a maxi dress this summer?

Wishful Shopping - Casual Spring Chic

The weather is getting warmer. This week the DC area is supposed to hit 90. A little hotter than I'd like for spring but I'm still happy for warm weather. Spring has made me start packing away my winter duds and thinking about fun summer purchases. I did a little wishful shopping over the weekend and picked out a few items that I'd love to own.

Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

I've been in love with these copper flash Ray-Ban aviators since I first saw them. I love Ray-Bans and especially love the classic styles like the aviators. These are a fun new twist but still classic. This top totally my style, flowy, deep color and an embroidered skull. I own a pair of straight leg white jeans but I've been dying for a skinny pair. The rose gold Renegade bracelet has been on my wish list for some time. I'd pair it with the Tribute bracelet that I have already. My black and leopard slip-ons have both been getting tons of wear. This silver pair would be a great addition. A pink suede bag would round out this look and still be versatile. A fun but casual outfit for spring.

They are in VOGUE

Hi, my name is Deb and I love Birkenstocks ("HI DEB!). Luckily now I don't need a support group to unburden myself. According to VOGUE DAILY (July 29), Birkenstock sandals are back in. For me, they were never out.  Many fashion girls will cringe at this admission because they lump Birkenstocks in with Crocs and Uggs. My two trusty pairs are styles that are no longer available made in silver and purple python. They are my go to weekend shoes. I've walked many miles in them. I've walked beaches, shopping malls, outdoor concerts, tourist sites, even the streets and bars of Key West. The arch support is great for my RA (rheumatoid arthritis). I can wear them all day long. Heidi Klum created a line for Birkenstock. It wasn't until Céline showed a fur lined versions in their Spring 2013 show that the fashion world embraced these sandals.

My favorite pair.

I also own these.

The silver pair above is my go to pair. They fit my feet perfectly and go with everything. I don't have a shot of the purple python pair but I will try to remember to post a shot of them on instagram. The crushed velvet clogs are the pair I wear least but I love the rhinestone buckle and velvet. Somehow , in my warped mind, that helps the horrible shape.

Fashion girls and celebrities are wearing Birkentstocks. Eva Chen, the new editor-in-chief of Lucky Magazine, loves Birks.

 

Celebs and fashion girls seem to favor black and in some cases silver or white. The styles they are wearing are Arizona, Gizeh, and Monterey.



Click above for buying information.

They aren't the suede hippie shoes that you remember. They come in fresh colors, metallics, and patent leather. For me they are comfortable flat shoe alternative. I always select pairs with something special. If you're looking for more than just basic black, QVC has some fun styles. If you're looking for bargains (prices range, $80 - $120), Birkenstock Express has the answer.



Click the photos above for buying information.

 

Birkenstocks, do you love them or hate them?

NOTE: This post is a nod to all of my Birkenstock loving friends. You know who you are, KP, SP, AL, LL, and many more. :)

Everyday Jewelry

My jewelry armoire is filled with tons of great jewelry. I love to mix up my look but there are pieces I gravitate toward daily and those I wear every day without fail.

Silver bangles that belonged to my Mom, white gold link bracelet (one of the first gifts {msL} ever gave me) that I never take off, a watch (I have a silver, a gold, and a rose gold in similar styles.)



My engagement and wedding ring.  I never take off my wedding ring.

My Stella and Dot Renegade bracelet (c/o Kristin Biggs) is my favorite bracelet. I wear it almost every day.

My monogram necklace (a gift from {msL}). I wear it often.

Do you have favorite jewelry pieces that you wear ever day?

Racing Stripe Manicure - Using a Sharpie

A few months ago I discovered a fun new way to add art to my nails...metallic Sharpies! I've done a few different manicures using my metallic Sharpies. I just pick a solid base, I prefer creamy colors, instead of frosted colors but I am going to try lots of options.

I chose L'Oreal Paris, Not a Cloud In the Sky as my base. The pretty aqua color is perfect for spring. Then I grabbed my silver Sharpie. I also have a gold and a bronze version.  The gold would have been great too. I snagged my Sharpies at Target in a 3 pack, one with each color.

The reason I love using a Sharpie instead of polish to create art, is the F#@! factor.  If you screw up and say F#@!, all you need to do is wipe your nail with alcohol and start over. You don't have to repaint your base color!

I decided to only do one nail this time.  I wanted racing stripes and I had a few extra cups of coffee, so my hands weren't as steady as they should be.  Two tiny stripes on my ring finger completed the look. I added top coat and I was finished.

 

As you can see the ridge in my nail, creates a bit of a wave but I still like the effect.  I've also done bronze hearts on a nude nail and gold dots on navy nails. The possibilities are endless. 

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Mirror Metallics

My love of silver and other metallics is no secret. I even painted a table silver. A pair of bedside tables are next. I'm especially in love with mirror metallics.  I love how they stand out, make a statement but still go with everything.  Metallics are neutral.  You would never think of whether or not you can wear a silver or gold necklace with a specific color top or dress.  It's the same with a metallic shoe or bag.  I wear my mirror silver oxfords constantly and I'm dying for a pair of flats or a cute low heel.

Click above for buying information.

You can even wear silver mirror nails. I love the version by Jamberry. I did a review of them in September. I love that they last a long time and don't dry out. You can get several manicures from one set of Jamberry nails.

More mirror metallic items are on my want list.  I'm loving the ankle strap low heels and the mirror clutch.

Moment of Lust - Valentino Rockstud Ballerina Flats

Shoes are hands down my favorite accessory. They look great, always fit and you can change the feel of an outfit with the right pair of shoes.  Even Marilyn Monroe said, "Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world."  Since spotting the various versions of the Valentino Rockstud Ballerina flats, I've been in love.  These shoes fit my personal style to a T. They are tough but pretty. The perfect combination. At prices ranging from $595 to $1,595, they aren't in my budget. The Ballerina flats and the ankle strap flats are my favorites.

While doing some online window shopping this week, I spied these beauties at Forever 21.  They are almost a perfect duplicate for the Valentino flats and they are only $24.80!  They come in three basic color combos, black and tan with silver studs, nude and tan with gold studs, and pink and nude with gold studs. I wondered if they would look good in person. I snagged a pair on Saturday at my local Forever 21 store.  There were only 3 pairs left in the whole store and only one was in my size. I got the nude and tan with gold studs but I'm going to order the black and tan with silver.  They fit great and they'll go with lots of outfits. SCORE!

Here I am sporting the pair I snagged.

Springtime Wishes

Another busy week full of work and wedding.  I'm pulling together posts about our amazing wedding ring DIY and about a fun fashion event I attended on Sunday.  I'll have them up soon. In the meantime I thought I'd share a few of the items on my spring wish list.

The week before our wedding {msL} and I will be going to the courthouse in DC to get a legal marriage license and take our vows in front of the Justice of the Peace.  You see we live in Virginia where our marriage will not be legally recognized.  Luckily for us we live close to DC and Maryland where marriage equality is in place. Laws and minds have come so far but there is still a long way to go. Please support marriage equality in your state.  Hopefully one day soon our marriage will be recognized in every state. I want a pretty dress to wear to the courthouse and I love this polka dot dress from Coldwater Creek.

I've been waiting until after the wedding to make any changes to my hair.  This is killing me. I change my hair often and I'm sure I'll be doing something like adding an ombre look or cutting it shorter.

I wear my flats much more than my heels.  My flats are starting to look a bit old so I'm on the hunt for fun new flats I can wear all spring and summer. These mirror silver flats from ASOS are great. I love the pointed toe and the ankle strap.

A leather skirt has been on my list for some time.  Leather is hot this spring and I'm going to get myself a great skirt.  Pencil skirts just don't work on my curvy body. This full style is perfect.

Crystals, pearls and skulls, FANTASTIC!  One of my favorite things is to mix tough with pretty.  This statement necklace is a dream for me in that department.  I definitely need this one on my wish list.

My handbag collection is a bit nuts.  This spring I'm planning a closet clean out. I'll be purging the bags I never use and replacing a few of them with classics that I'll use often. This tan tote from Zara is the perfect replacement. It's large enough for work but sleek and polished.  The tan color will go with everything this spring.

What items are on your wish list?

Recent Purchases - Fashion, Fitness, and Organization

Lately, I've been really trying to keep my purchases to a minimum.  All of our extra money is going toward the wedding and saving for our upcoming Honeymoon.  I've limited my fashion purchases to items that have been on my must have list.  I'm also working on accomplishing some of my goals for organization and expanding my exercise routine. Then of course there is the wedding. I'm carefully curating my purchases to meet these goals and not to break my budget.

Two things that have been on my must have list for some time are a foil print sweater and low heel pumps.  I found this fantastic foil print sweater at Kohl's for only $34!  That's a far cry from the over $100 sweater I originally fell in love with.  I know it will be in heavy rotation until warm weather arrives.  I love heels but my Rheumatoid Arthritis makes it hard for me to wear high heels every day.  I've found myself gravitating toward all of my kitten heels (about 2" high).  They satisfy my urge for heels but are low enough for me to wear all day without pain in my feet and ankles. These adorable red bow pumps from Talbots were a steal at only $26.

I've set a few goals for myself this year.  An important one was decluttering our home and making it more organized.  I've been slowly cleaning out drawers and cabinets and organizing the remaining items with storage boxes and bins.  I've purchased some from Target and quiet a few from the dollar store.  Another big goal of mine was to take up some new forms of exercise.  I've never been a runner but decided to sign up for a 5K. It's not the first choice from someone with joint issues but I am never one to shy away from a challenge.  The Color Run is a fun way to do a 5K.  I'll be making a tutu to run in and running with some friends.  I needed some cold weather friendly running gear for training, like this jacket.  I grabbed it on the sale rack at Target.  I also needed a new pair of running shoes. These are ASICS, my favorite brand.  I'm using an iPhone app to get ready for the September run.  It's called C25K.  It's a free app. There are quite a few out there but this is the one I'm using. You start out with a combo of running and walking. The app synchs with your music and beeps when you change from walking to running and then back.  It's great.

There are also quite a few things on my wedding list.  Things like additional makeup items I need and items to wear.  I sprung for a really expensive bra a couple weeks ago. I've also been searching for a pair of fancy flats to wear, in case my heels become too much.  I found these gold sparkly flats and love them. Even better they are on sale at Talbots.com for only $20.99.  I've read great reviews of Urban Decay Primer Potion.  People swear by it as a way to make sure your eyeshadow doesn't fade.  Even long wearing eye shadow fades on my oily eyelids.  I really hope it lives up to the hype. I will keep you posted. 

Have you made any great purchases recently?

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Foil Print Sweaters

Late summer I started spying foil print sweaters online.  Since I love all things metallic, I can't resist them.  {msL} and I have a joke when I'm distracted, we always say, "Shiny things?"  Something shiny caught my eye and I was distracted.  Of course it's really my ADD issue but it makes us laugh.  So back to sweaters.  See, I told you, shiny things.  They are pretty, can be worn with a skirt or a pair of jeans and they dress up an every day outfit.  I'm especially in love with the cable knit style that is both pretty and tough looking. There are foil print sweaters in every price point and every color.

I know before the winter is over I will have more than one in my closet.  What do you think?  Do you love foil print sweaters too?

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.

MonoChrome Polka Dot Mani

I can't resist doing Google searches for fun new manicure ideas and new manis are always popping up on my Pinterest feed. I've seen lots of polka dot manis lately and wanted to try out doing one with my silver Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen.  I bought this pen a while ago and frankly, I haven't used it very much. What did I have to lose? If it looked terrible there is always polish remover nearby.  A subtle design was needed, since I have to work with clients this week (government clients).  I decided to go for a  monochromatic look with gray and silver.

 I started with Revlon Colorstay basecoat.  Then added three coats of Maybelline Color Show in Audacious Asphalt.  After that dried I drew in the polka dots with the Sally Hansen pen.  My left hand definitely looks better than my right.  But the right is pretty good.  I'm sure I could get the same look with nail stamping but I don't have a great polka dot stamp. Then I finished with two coats of top coat.

Natural Light

Office Light

It turned out great and I love the monochromatic look.  It's fun but subtle. More colors are definitely in order.

Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Bracelet Giveaway! - CLOSED

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

I'm sure you've all seen me wearing my all time favorite Stella and Dot bracelet, the Renegade Cluster bracelet. It's the perfect combination of tough and pretty.  I LOVE this bracelet and I wear it constantly. Several months ago I had the good fortune of meeting Stella and Dot Stylist Kristin Biggs at a NoVA Fashion Week event.  Until that point I had only seen Stella and Dot jewelry online.  Kristin introduced me to this fantastic line of beautiful jewelry.  Many months later Kristin is not only my Stella and Dot Stylist, she's also my good friend. Blogging has brought so many fantastic people into my life. Kristin has generously offered to give two Real Girl Runway readers the choice of a silver or gold Renegade Cluster bracelet!

Stack it or wear it alone, this bracelet is so versatile and it's fun.  I promise it will become one of your favorites too. Enter today and tell your friends.  The giveaway will end on November 19. 


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HAPPY FRIDAY REAL GIRLS!

DIY - Console Table Redo

This little console table was one of my very first new furniture purchases, ever.  Originally the table was a plain waxed pine with a matching mirror.  The mirror is now hanging in our guest bath and it's painted gold.  Several years ago, I painted the table black (as you see below) and replaced the wood drawer pull with a nickel one.  This weekend I decided it needed some new life and a little fresh paint.

 

First, I patched a dented corner with a little wood putty.  Then I sanded it and wiped down the whole table.  I've always wanted a mirrored piece of furniture, like these.

I didn't have any illusions that silver paint would give me a mirror like finish. I just wanted a similar look. I snagged two cans of Metallic Silver Krylon paint at our local hardware store.  Since I was covering black paint, I knew it would take more than one coat and possibly more than one can of paint. I also decided at the last minute to paint the drawer pull black.  The nickel finish wouldn't look good with my silver console and I didn't have another drawer pull. 

A few hours of painting, drying, two cans of paint and I feel like I have a new table. If I decide later that I want the black table back, it's easy to change. Who knows maybe it will be another color in the future, red maybe?

Have you ever used some spray paint to give a piece of furniture new life?

Inspiration - Silver Accents

My love for all things silver is pretty obvious.  I've done many posts with silver jewelry.  I always gravitate toward silver over gold. I just love the way it sparkles.  Here are just a few of my silver loves and inspirations.

Thrifted Watch Band Turned Bracelet

DIY Upcycled Tray, Spray Painted Silver

My Stella & Dot Alexandria Necklace

DIY Silver Skull

ASOS Paris Metallic Pointed Heels only $20.44!

Coolest DIY Silver Leaf lampshade from Design Sponge

DIY Silver Leaf Chest from Little Green Notebook

ASOS Spike Stretch Bracelet

My thrifted tray and after Halloween sale, skull became great home accents.  A thrifted watch band has become one of my favorite bracelets. I'm in love with my Stella & Dot Alexandria necklace (c/o). It's in regular rotation and I get compliments every time I wear it. A pair of silver pumps are on my list and these are on sale for only $20.44 at ASOS!  I love simple DIY projects and this black and silver shade just that. Some silver leaf will transform a blah black shade. There is a brown buffet sitting in our dining that I bought via work list serve many years ago.  I've been debating about what to do with it and couldn't decide. Then I spied this silver leaf DIY on Pinterest and I knew I'd found the solution. DIY here I come! I can't resist a spiked bracelet. The gunmetal version is one of my favorites and I definitely need to snatch up the silver one too.

What's your favorite accent color?