Inspiration: Duo Tone Hair

February 20, 2012January 15, 20122 Comments

Maybe it’s the unseasonably warm Chicago weather – but I feel like I’m in need of some spring reinvention prematurely!

Back in late December I went to an Aveda salon to get asymmetrical ‘melted’ highlights and am loving the look. The plan is to eventually start playing with the blonde/caramel pieces by adding some manic panic electric hues.

And since hair is on my brain I wanted to share this adorable look that I happened upon on Pinterest. I love the stark contrasts of the two shades and may venture down this path at some point. For now I’ll rock my current do but will keep this bi-polar one in mind for the future.

DIY: Love Patch

February 15, 2012May 27, 201214 Comments

I don’t know what it is – my perpetually dry skin, humidity-free heat, or just the dullness of winter – but my elbows have become sand paper tough and the results are showing on my sweaters. I am rubbing holes into sleeves every which way I turn!

Rather than scrap my favorite cardigans, I’ve begun to bust out the old fashioned elbow patch, but with a modern twist. Using vintage lace fabric scraps, some embroidery thread, and elbow grease (no put intended here!), I stitched my way to some swanky tear-proof sleeves that are now turning heads.

In just 15 minutes you too can add a bit of whimsy to otherwise unsightly holes. Follow the pictorial directions below for a fabulous way to mend your most beloved knitwear and sweaters to get them through the season. Continue reading →

DIY: Book of Love

February 8, 2012February 6, 2012Leave a comment

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s time to reclaim the concept of celebrating those you love by skipping the call of consumerism and gifting handmade! And if your looking for something that’s sentimental yet stylish, try your hand at the pictorial tutorial below to see how you can give someone the key to your heart: Continue reading →

Finds: I Heart Pinterest

February 6, 2012February 17, 2013Leave a comment

Talk about inspiration – what do you do when you need a mid-morning perk up, a late night dream inducing, or a snowy day time lapsing? Hit the web for some new-found ideas, thoughts and musings of course!

In an ode to all the recent finds that make my heart go pitter-patter – I dedicate this post to my current love affair: Pinterest

Styling: Wanderlustings Lust

January 30, 2012January 28, 20123 Comments

I absolutely adore Caitlin Peters of Wanderlustings! Not only is she my craft fair collaborator extraordinaire – she’s also the brains behind the exceptionally beautiful line of jewelry and the blog that goes with it. Imagine my delight when one of her recent posts featured my “No Sweat” upcycled sweater! I love the way Caitlin layers the piece with a delicate white lace undershirt and pencil skirt. The cowboy boots are a nice touch too! It makes the top perfect for lounging and wearing to the office.

Inspiration: Vintage Ochre Skirt

January 23, 2012January 8, 20121 Comment

I heart things like a maniac on Etsy and am also now a super Pinterest user. Between the two I collect image upon image of beautiful fashions, unique clothing, and inspiring outfits. But when I found this adorable corduroy skirt on Astral Boutique’s Etsy something made me stop. Maybe it’s the super cute over-sized bow in the model’s hair. Or perhaps it’s the breezy white blouse combined with the bold color of the skirt. Or maybe it’s a combination of all of the above! No matter the reason – I simply had to share this photo as it instantly brought a smile to my face.

DIY: Chocolate Chip Malt Cookies

January 20, 2012May 15, 20124 Comments

It was just two years ago that I discovered malt. How could this delicious flavor additive have eluded me my whole life?! In ode to the scrumptious sweetness of the powder that made Ovaltine a hit with children for decades – I wanted to share the following recipe which will have you salivating with delight. Bake and enjoy! I did!!!