Crochet Crave

I love a challenging DIY project every now and then. Nothing beats that feeling of accomplishment... knowing that you made something pretty with your own two (manicured) hands. I learned to sew when I was younger but didn't pick it up again until a few years ago. I'm FAR from great, but it's still rewarding - not to mention a ton of fun to play around with my creative side. I recently picked up a few crocheted pieces to add to my wardrobe, one of my latest style obsessions, and briefly considered giving crocheting a whirl. Well, then I remembered my Mom trying to teach me to knit a few years ago... I wasn't the same patient student I once was and couldn't quite get the hang of it. Something tells me crocheting is a just a tad bit harder than knitting, so on second thought, I think I'll leave it to the professionals.

My FAVORITE Handmade Crochet Earrings from Buffalo Exchange. LOVE.

Vintage Crochet Drape Top

Crochet Cream Tights (because I'm not white enough as it is).

I totally wish I would have taken Grandma Rose up on her offer to teach me to crochet. My wallet might thank me.


XOX,

Loving DIY Layers...

Want to multiply your summer wardrobe? Get crazy with the scissors this season to mix up pieces you already own to create new looks! If you're like me, then you probably have drawers full of ol' tank tops... from jersey tanks to racer backs. And if you're a fellow mountain dweller, or anyone who lives where there are actual seasons, then you probably have ol' thermals, sweaters, or snug-cropped knits laying around that won't be getting much use until the sunshine fades.

Do you see where I'm getting at here? Double up these (modified) looks to double your wardrobe.

I saw this look on a fashion blog today, and now I am literally counting down the hours until I get home and create my own rendition!

Visions of old cardigans and flimsy racer backs are running through my head.

Photo Credit: fashiontoast

Hello... Am I the only one who thinks this "SoCal BoHo Street Look" is totally money?!

If you're not a fellow clothes hoarder, lucky for you, this steal-worthy look is still easy to create. All you need is an over-sized tank, and a thermal/waffle weave or fitted knit, cut up, to add some structure.

This tank from T by Alexander Wang is a perfect selection to drape under your cut-up creation.

T by Alexander Wang Jersey Tank

Snag a snug waffle-knit thermal from your local Target, and if they're no longer in stock for the season, American Apparel has a huge and affordable ($20!) collection. This one below is from their MEN'S selection, but sizes start at XXS (and you're cutting it anyway)!

American Apparel

Since the scissors are already out, why not get a little snip happy and see what else you can make?

I've been seeing overpriced cut-off jean shorts EVERYWHERE this season, and the first thought that comes to mind when I do is the summer after 8th grade. I remember sitting around with my girlfriends, cutting all of our old jeans, and then tossing them in the dryer over and over again (sorry Mom) to create perfectly fringed "worn" jean shorts. Why not be nostalgic and do the same thing with your outdated denim this weekend?

Photo Credit: We Heart It

Now with all the extra dough you saved, you can buy yourself some more accessories and shoes! ♥

XOX,

Sometimes I Make Things!

My best friend got married last weekend, and rather than sticking to tradition and going off some boring ol' registry, I decided to make her a special wedding gift instead. I had some beautiful Amy Butler fabric I had been DYING to use, and it all happened to be in my BFF's favorite shade... PINK.

I flipped through one of my favorite sewing books, In Stitches by Amy Butler, and found an adorable retro apron pattern that was just SEW stylish, and just so Liz.

Here is Amy's creation in the book:

And here is MY finished apron:

I just love the towel holder, which totally comes in handy when you're making messy meals. Red velvet cupcakes anyone??

If I were making this apron for myself (or for someone with a bold personality), I might switch it up and use the louder border material for the center... But my BFF is a little more on the conservative side.

Bows can never be too big, and the nice thing about this one is that it's long enough to wrap around and tie in the front. Sew cute!

The pocket was my favorite part, because this is where I made things really personal...

I printed 9 of my favorite recipes on cute coordinating note cards with adorable scalloped edges like these...

All in all, I absolutely loved the outcome, and I can't wait to make more for other dear friends.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Sklar...

May you live happily ever after!