HowTo: Spring Into It; DIY Bunting

There are not many activities I love more than a fresh room update, especially in time for spring. This time, inspiration from my British background struck, leaving me with a modern version of the Union Jack bunting that is simple to make and brightens up any room just in time for the warmer weather.

 First, gather all of your supplies. You will need triangular pieces of scrapbook paper of varying colours, string, tape, sticky tac or something else to stick to a wall that is non-damaging, and scissors.

 I used these pieces of paper from a Martha Stewart paper necklace-making kit I found in my house, but you can just cut scrapbook paper of your liking into mutiple long triangles.

Next, I chose the patterns I wanted for my bunting. I chose a dark and light blue pattern to compliment my room and then added a pop of surprise and 'springy-ness' with light orange and pink triangles. Then, you want to measure with your string the length you need it to be based on your wall, then cut it and lay out your bunting pattern on it, not attaching anything yet. 

Once you have perfected pattern and spacing for your bunting, attach each piece to the string. I folded tape over the back over the string to the front to secure my bunting. Then, you want to add one small piece of sticky tac (or whatever you are using to stick your bunting to the wall) on both ends of the bunting.

Hang up your bunting in your desired wall space and there you go! Simple decorations that will liven up your room just in time for spring. I put mine over top of my desk, because the wall was very unimaginative and drab before. Hope you all spring into this DIY!

xoxo, G

HowTo: Upgrade From Loungewear to Luxewear

Ever had the desire to stay in your pajamas all day, no matter what is happening? That question did not need to be asked since I know what you will say: every day of my life. Contradicting (respectfully) Lauren Conrad's negative approach towards sweats outside the comfort of your home, I have a simple way of converting three 'lazy day' pieces into outfits for school and formal events that make you look like you've never owned a sweatshirt in your life! So no matter where you go you'll be comfortable, but look like you are quite the opposite.

Piece #1 - The Dressy Sweats

H&M, ~$15

 I found this gorgeous pair of "sweatpants" browsing through H&M sale racks (a brave endeavor, I know). I fell in love with the exposed zipper detailing and edgy black & white pattern. I have a constant internal battle between the comfy and the fashionable, and this quenched my thirst for both. But how do you turn this loungewear into luxewear? Keep scrolling.

School/Everyday Outfit

American Eagle (both)

 I kept with the basics to upgrade my dressy sweats. I added a denim button up with stud detailing around the collarbone over top of a basic tank top with a simple pocket. I would tuck in the tank and roll up the sleeves to create a chic/edgier look, but you should customize to your tastes.

Formal Wear Outfit

Jacket - Next, Tank - American Eagle

 Okay, I will admit that I do not own this breathtaking jacket - it is my mothers. But in my defense, I do not even own a black tailored jacket (eek, I know, a closet essential). I thought the zipper details complimented the zippers on the sweats, and I love the buckle latch at the neck. I kept it simple underneath, but I wish I owned a Céline tee to pair with this outfit.

Piece #2 - Chic Sweatshirt

Marks & Spencer U.K.

 I found this on my trip last year to England for 7 pounds, thinking "why not?". I am glad I did, since not only is it comfy (in the sweatshirt way), but it can also be turned into an extremely versatile and stylish piece!

School/Everyday

Jeans - Hollister ~$30 on sale

 I paired a simple pair of dark-wash jeans from Hollister with this shirt, since we want the statement necklace to stand out. If you prefer a scarf in a colour such as seafoam green or a more understated necklace than this one, go for it! I would tuck in the front of the shirt slightly to give it more shape.

Necklace - Aldo $18

 This necklace is a favourite of mine. It goes with just about everything, including the previous outfit and the next. You may have seen it in my last entry (check it out - it is the post below this one).

Formal Wear Outfit

Skirt - Aeropostale

 Believe it or not, I found this tube skirt at Aeropostale in the States last summer. I was not even planning to go into the store, let alone find a perfect skirt! I may have underestimated fashion at Aeropostale. It is very classic, and I think matches perfectly with the rest of the outfit.

Skirt - Garage

If you are looking for a bit more 'oomph' to your ensemble, try this sequined tube skirt from Garage. It adds texture and dimension to an outfit some would consider fairly plain. I prefer the other outfit because I like one statement piece at a time, that being the necklace. But no matter what, always pair this top with a tight skirt. The sweatshirt-structured top needs to be complimented by a figure-hugging bottom to give it shape, otherwise you WILL look like you came right from your bed.

Overall, just remember; you don't have to leave those sweats(& shirts) in the comfort of your home or fitness centre. Put them to good use with the right pieces and accessories. Loungewear can be turned luxe, and now you have proof!

xoxo, G

HowTo: Fix, Improve, and Create Jewelry Yourself

Every girl has a love/hate relationship with jewelry. Lets face it, it's never truly going to vanish (that is, unless companies find a way to sell cheap jewelry made of titanium). But I have a simple way to fix necklaces or bracelets, a simple way to modify old necklaces, and a simply way to make your own jewelry. Being an extreme saver, I will find any way to get out of spending money, whether its spending countless hours on a failed attempt at salvaging pieces or buying the cheapest pieces possible (yes, a terrible habit, I know). But instead of spending those hours, try minutes. And that "bad" cheapy habit needn't be considered bad anymore. These DIY's will guarantee quick, cheap, and easy success! Here is what you need:

Sewing or sharp scissors, separable metal hoops, an unwanted necklace, needlenose pliers, and wire clippers(optional)

#1. The Quick Fix

Most girls think that once a necklace or bracelet breaks, it has reached the end of its (generally predictably short) life span. If I believed this, my jewelry collection would be merely a pile of rings and earrings, otherwise known as the unbreakables. Luckily I don't, and I have a way to make you stop believing that too.

$18, Aldo

I lent this necklace to a good friend for a dance, and it came back in two. I didn't mind, since I knew that this fix would take approximately thirty seconds of my time.

 Step 1

 First, separate the ends of the hoop with the needlenose pliers, and loop it into the place where the broken hoop was.

Step 2

 Then, place the other part of the necklace/bracelet into the hoop, and close the hoop by squeezing it together on both sides with the pliers.

 And now, you are finished with a necklace/bracelet in one, seamless piece.

#2 The Upgrade

Lets be honest, girls. We all have that jewelry piece from several years ago that we cannot believe we bought. Perhaps it was the influence of a current trend, or simply a push to try something new. But no matter the reason, you now ultimately regret it. Instead of throwing out that so-called piece of "outdated/unstylish trash", you can modify it at an extremely minimal cost of several metal hoops and nearly effortless elbow grease.

Accessorize, U.K.

This is my "ultimate regret" jewelry piece. I love the shorter section if the necklace, but the gold-dusted feather drama which I considered 'trendy' a year ago is now looking depressing and tacky. Here is how I got rid of it.

Step 1. 

Firstly, you want to find where you want to separate your necklace. Mine was just one large loop with the part I wanted on one end and the part I did not on the other. So, you find the part of the necklace where you want to split it, ensuring the essential clasp is on the side of the necklace you are keeping.

Step 2.

Once you have found the place you would like to divide the necklace, take your needlenose pliers and separate the hoop to take it off, or you can simply cut it off with wire cutters if they are available to you. Repeat with the other side of the necklace. Your wanted & unwanted pieces should now be separate.

Step 3. 

Finally, open a chain hoop with your needlenose pliers and loop it into the end of one side of the wanted necklace, then take the other side and loop it into the opened hoop. Close the hoop and you now have an upgraded necklace!

#3. The Creation

If you have an fancy old shirt with some beaded detailing at the collar, skip the trash bag and head for your jewelry box. With my simple method of creating a necklace out of a dressy but unwanted piece of clothing, you have a gorgeous necklace without the hefty price tag.

Step 1.

 The first step is fairly straightforward. Cut away the part of the top where your beaded neckline is. My  "necklace" was easy to detach, but not all will take several seconds. Persist!

Step 2.

The top I was using had its halter strap (holding it up) attached to the beaded "necklace" part, so I had to remove the straps. Untie the knots holding the adjustable halter together, then proceed to undo the remaining knots. (I had remove decorative wooden beads from mine as well)

Step 3. 

Next, I take your unwanted necklace and find the part of the chain where the decorative part of the necklace ends and the basic chain begins (If you have a basic jewelry chain already, you will only need to cut/open one hoop and proceed to step four). Open the hoops that divide the two parts of the necklace, separating it into two.

Step 4.

 Now open a chain hoop with your pliers and loop it into wherever the end of your necklace is. Repeat on the other end. 

Step 5.

Then, add the end of the unwanted  necklace to the chain hoop and squeeze the hoop closed with the pliers to ensure the necklace does not fall apart. Repeat with the other end of the necklace.

Voila, you are finished! You now have a beautiful necklace that cost next to nothing to make. You may notice that I added two of the beads I took off in an attempt to conceal the wires, but I removed them afterwards because I did not like the effect they had on the necklace. Hope you enjoyed these DIY's, and that they not only extend the life of your jewelry, but add to your collection also!

xoxo, G