The goal - new wardrobe. $365.

 Inspired by the movie 'Julie and Julia' the creative mind behind the blog 'New Dress A Day' made it her goal to forgo traditional clothes shopping for an entire year. Instead, she would limit her shopping to thrift stores or rummage sales only, and spend no more than $1 per day on a 'previously loved' item of clothing. New outfit, every day, for an entire year. That's 365 additions to her wardrobe for $365!! Her blog highlights the alterations that were made to each item to transform them into fashion forward treasures. I give this girl major credit...to be able to keep the creative juices flowing for this project even sounds exhausting!

 Check out the blog, http://www.newdressaday.com.

The efficient thrifter...

There are few things I enjoy more then shopping at thrift stores - if you're willing to be patient I promise you will find something that you will cherish forever.  But thrifting is truly an art form - something that can be perfected. If I don't walk into the store with a clear goal/list of items that I am seeking I usually get overwhelmed and leave empty-handed. I was so happy to see this post from bluebird vintage about thrfting tips and techniques from a pro. Check it out -

http://candimandi.typepad.com/heres_lookin_at_me_kid/2011/01/miss-james-of-.html

DIY studded clothing

 Ok, the purpose of this picture and link below isn't so much for the tutorial itself, but more for the idea in general. As in 'duh, why didn't I think of that before?'. And yes, there is a fine line between this concept and the tacky connotation of a bedazzler, but I happen to think these pyramid studs are super cool. And as long as you're not adding studs to your favorite item of clothing, what's the harm? I say go for it. I'm going for it.

http://psimadethis.com/post/308063797/im-mad-for-plaid-this-long-time-tartan

DIY ruffle top

I found this great tutorial on http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/05/how-to_one-shoulder_ruffle_shi.html for a one-shouldered, ruffle blouse. The tutorial seems simple enough to follow, and there is the possibility for endless variations.



http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/05/how-to_one-shoulder_ruffle_shi.html

Materials

 cotton T-shirt
Fabric scissors
Straight pins
Sewing needle
Thread in a color to match the T-shirt

Directions

Step 1: Lay your T-shirt on a flat surface and cut off approximately 3"-4" (depends on how long your shirt is, and how large you want your ruffle to be).

Step 2: Cut a curved asymmetrical line from one shoulder down to the opposite armpit. (Use an erasable marking tool if you need to draw a line to help with the cut.)

Step 3: Cut the bottom piece to create one long strip.

Step 4: Scrunch and pin the fabric strip along the asymmetrical neckline.

Step 5: Sew the ruffle strip using a sewing needle and thread, using small stitches all along the neckline.

Step 6: For a more dramatic ruffle, use a fabric piece from another T-shirt. If you buy a 3-pack, you can make several!

P.S. If your T-shirt is too loose under the arm, sew a few extra stitches to create a fitted bustline.



Fashionable Fridays.....

Featured on the always fashionable site, http://lookbook.nu/

The Perfect Holiday Dress?

This dress from Urban Outifitters rules the holidays this year! It could be the perfect dress for Christmas parties and/or (shhhhh, I won't tell if you wear it to both) New Years Eve! I love it. Now I just need a party to attend.....

perfect holiday dress



Hump Day Fashion Inspiration

Happy Wednesday....my first thought this morning was 'I only have to hear that damn alarm clock go off two more times!'.

As always, http://lookbook.nu/ is providing lots of fashion ideas.....and check out gal #2's sweater shorts!! Ah! I want them.



Unique AND affordable jewelry

I know I've mentioned this store before, but http://needsupply.com/ is really the coolest website. Typically I spend most of my time checking out their clothing, but their accessories are to die for as well! And their price range varies quite a bit, so regardless of your budget you'll be able to find something amazing - trust me. Check out a few of my favorite jewelry selections below!

horse ring $200

gold lions ring $140

gear bangles $63

tangerine ring $72

sharktooth necklace $72



Lipstick Beauty

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."
— Gwyneth Paltrow

Still determined to get out of this style slump, I'm focusing my attention on lipstick. I am without a doubt a lip gloss junkie - I have a seemingly endless supply scattered around my bathroom, purse, coat pockets, car...

But lipstick is a different story. Lipstick always seemed to be for sophisticated women. Women who carried expensive bags and wore high heels, and never ever got caught with any pet hair on their expensive coat! Women who bought separate, fancy lipstick holders. But perhaps I'm wrong? Maybe everyday gals can pull off lipstick too? We shall see. Check out these pretty pouts for inspiration. And the last photo....ahahaha! I just love it.

we can't all be this cool

(but we can certainly try)
from http://lookbook.nu/#more

who wears short shorts?

Seriously. Sequin, lace, and suede??? Madewell continues to taunt me with their incredibly styled shorts. Sure, sequin shorts may not be ALL that practical, but dang it all IWILLFINDAREASONTOWEARTHEM!!!

Sequin Shorts

http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/PANTSSHORTS/shorts/PRDOVR~34734/34734.jsp

Lace Shorts

http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/PANTSSHORTS/shorts/PRDOVR~35209/35209.jsp

Suede Shorts

http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/PANTSSHORTS/shorts/PRDOVR~34992/34992.jsp



braids upon braids

Converse Leather Shoes!!

I'm not a shoe girl, I'm really not. I find a pair that are comfortable and wear them until they absolutely fall to pieces. However, I think these leather Converse sneakers from Urban Outfitters are oh so cool, so I had to share them. Wouldn't they go with just about everything you own??

Link to UO's website here

Who be stylin'? You be stylin'!

Some additional style inspiration from http://lookbook.nu/

Glam loungewear

i love this photo from http://becauseimaddicted.net/. this is going to be my new saturday loungin' outfit...

DIY Hipster Scarves

Do you have some old t-shirts laying around? Need a new scarf to keep you warm during these increasingly cool autumn days? Well lucky for you, Method Home recently featured a DIY tutorial on how to make your very own scarvesusing only a scissors. The full tutorial can be found here but for those of you who are just interested in the nitty, gritty details, I've included them in this post.

1. Grab some cotton t-shirts you don’t wear anymore.  Larger sizes tend to work better as do non-ribbed shirts with no side seams. small logos on the shirts work fine, too.
2.  Grab a pair of fabric scissors if you have them, otherwise any scissors will do.
3. Lay the shirt out on a flat table in front of you.
4. Cut the hem off the bottom and put it aside.
5. Cut the shirt into 1-1 1/2 ”  horizontal strips all the way up to the armpit.
6. Grab 3-4 shirt strips in both hands, and gently stretch them out. the strips will naturally curl into themselves.
7. Once you have done this with many of the strips, it is time to get creative.  Try draping them, wrapping one end with excess fabric, combining colors, braiding them, attaching beads, pins, old jewelry, etc.

Top 3 Online Clothing Sites....

I'm a mess when it comes to shopping...I get overwhelmed quite easily and usually end up leaving the store empty handed or with something that I most likely didn't need (or really want). As I result of many wasted Saturday afternoons I've mastered the art of virtual shopping, and after much research these are my three go-to sites.

MADEWELL

For their effortlessly cool (yet hip) clothing. Their clothes are made well, are always super soft and comfortable, and last forever. I'm currently saving my pennies to buy a pair of their suede shorts; I'm pretty sure those shorts will safe my life.

NEED SUPPLY

For their funky dresses, sweaters, and jewelry. This site has much more, of course, but I am a HUGE fan of their dresses, and bonus....they're actually affordable!

LOFT

For classic pieces, wear to work clothing, and their JEANS. Trust me, I am a denim guru, and these jeans are THE most comfortable ever. Period.

stylin'...

DIY Slasher Scarf

Always on the hunt for easy DIY projects, I found this gem of a tutorial on the lovely a beautiful mess blog. To discover how to make your very own slasher scarf, click HERE.