Friday, May 31, 2013

Boho Weekend

Excuse me while I strike an odd pose, but trying to show off the sheer volume of my hippie jeans is a bit difficult! Not only do I want to share this outfit, but also a necklace I just completed. Details below......


Citizens of Humanity Wide Leg Crops - Anthropologie (seen previously here)
Peplum Top - Daisy Rae Boutique
Gomax sandals - Zulily
Necklace - made by me (seen previously here and here)

By now you know that I love statement necklaces, as well as doing inexpensive DIY versions when possible. It's been interesting to see what statement necklace designs have become the most popular and most mass produced. For instance, J. Crew's bubble necklace and abstract bib can be found everywhere now. As well as Anthropologie's Stormy Sea necklace, which is what I based my design on. I had been thinking this would be a fun necklace to make for quite some time, but it wasn't until I found these drops on clearance at Michael's for $1.99 that I finally decided to do it. I had to buy 3 packs, so my investment was $6 since I already had all of the other materials at home. I love how it turned out and I can't wait to start incorporating it into some outfits. The turquoise color is probably my favorite color, so it won't be hard to match it up! 


Saturday, May 25, 2013

Songbird on a rainy day

Necklace that I made to match Anthropologie's Songbird Circle Skirt. Sometimes I feel like I get a little carried away with my "matching". But it's fun and almost like my own little personal challenge! I loosely based this design off of the Mixed Alloy necklace. I made my own decoupaged beads with music paper, and then strung them up with some other large round pearls, metals, and sky blue ceramic beads.

 Taking the outfit pictures was probably more of a challenge than the necklace! It was one of those days where it rained on and off. After work, I ducked into a new location I found and while I loved the industrial look to it..... gah! those legs and skirt are blinding and could not be fixed with photo editing.

 So then I ducked into another place I often go (under a bridge) and while I enjoyed the wind effects, the coloring was still off.
 So, I went back to one of my tried and true spots: the stairwell to the garage I park in. Going against the window certainly brought out the details in the skirt, but then everything else was too dark.
 I do really like this one though, just not for getting the best details of the clothes.
 Ahhh, finally just enough natural light to balance it all out.
 The one I submitted to Effortless Anthropologie


 And then the sun came out! Oh, how I would have liked to have played around more. But, I had to get home to my family. Even though this was a frustrating situation at first, I ended up enjoying the experience as I continue to learn about lighting and editing with such simple equipment!

Monday, May 20, 2013

A peacock and an outfit...








The Spring into the Arts event on Friday night was wonderful! I was busy the entire night, saw good friends, met new people, and made some great sales. The only downside to working your own location, is not getting out to see the other artists. There is a team of chalk artists, whose gorgeous creations mark the sidewalks until enough rain washes them away. Since I work downtown, I was able to admire the handiwork today after being told there was a peacock! Love it! And while I was out, I decided to take some outfit shots as well.

Dress: Bass outlet from a few years ago
Jean Jacket: TJ Maxx
Red Wedge Mary Janes: Sears
Monogram Necklace: personal collection

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Lost in Time


Where does the time go? How is it that I've been married 11 years? How can my little boy be 2 already? Things have been so busy lately, I find myself ticking things off my list so that I can move onto the next. Trying to stay organized and prioritized! All the while, remembering to stop and enjoy the little things and special moments - like the lovely sun on this beautiful morning.....

Floreat "Lost in Time" skirt - Anthropologie
Mossimo "Lindsay" Wedges and skinny belt - Target
Elle Blazer - Kohl's
Black tank - Old Navy

Friday, May 17, 2013

Last Minute






Tonight's the night! Spring into the Arts, and of course I had to come up with a Peacock Fairy appropriate outfit. Somehow I think you know that's not too much of a challenge for me. The maxi dress and lime wedges are pieces I've had for quite some time, paired with my new chambray shirt. I am wearing one of the necklaces that was recently published in Jewelry Affaire. It is currently for sale on Etsy, and will be for sale this evening as well. The matching earrings already sold.......

Last night, I whipped up some last minute necklaces and earrings. Collar necklaces are right on trend and I've had this idea to make some out of tin for quite some time. I must say, I am a bit in love with them! Especially the emerald lace printed one. Emerald is the color of the year and lace is such a popular material right now.

I've got a good variety of tin cuff bracelets on hand. I got that awesome wire peacock on clearance at Hobby Lobby for $7. He has so many display possibilities. Owls and birds are a no brainer when it comes to earrings.









Wednesday, May 15, 2013

New Work

LOVING this statement necklace, with a touch of tin...

Long necklace with tin accent.....

Owls with tin tummies!

LOVE how these tin earrings turned out!

Tin heart earrings
I am prepping for Battle Creek's annual Spring into the Arts this Friday evening. Spring into the Arts and Fall into the Arts have been the only two shows I've been doing lately, being that I work full time and have a little one. These art walks are a ton of fun and always draw a good crowd!

Recently, I have been focusing on either statement necklaces, or simpler pieces with a focus on upcycled tin. I am really enjoying what is coming out of the studio. If you are local, I hope to see you..... the event runs from 5-9 and I will be at Elwell Salon. Grab a map and check out all of the awesome artists, musicians, and yummy food!

I'm planning to do a big Etsy update once the show is over. If there is anything you are interested in purchasing, just contact me!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Lace Dress: Afternoon & Evening





Lace is all over the place!
 
I knew I wasn't going to invest until I found a piece I totally loved. And luckily, I didn't have to invest too much at TJ Maxx which is where I found this hi-lo maxi dress. It reminds me of something I would see on the sites of Anthropologie, Free People or Lucky Brand - but for much more. It is going to be so versatile for me as I can think of a million ways to accessorize it with various belts, jewelry, jackets, sweaters and sandals.
 
Case in point, I took these pics on the same day. During the day I had on a jean jacket and booties, and in the evening when I was playing with my son in the yard it was warm enough to ditch the jacket and go barefoot. It's been fun too, experimenting with picture taking (lighting, poses, etc...) - I just love the sunlight in the evenings!
 
Lace hi-lo maxi dress: TJ Maxx
Jean jacket: TJ Maxx
Booties: Sam Edelman "Vanna" via eBay
Necklace: Lucky Brand