Fashion Illustration Friday: Autumn Whitehurst

Fashion Illustration Friday’s last post of the semester features the beautiful creations of Autumn Whitehurst, who’s beautiful creations are feminine and decadent. 

Check out more of her work below:

http://www.illustrationdivision.com/whitehurst/

To everyone who followed Fashion Illustration Friday, this is my last post, thank you so much for reading!

-DLM

Tues-D.I.Y: Lace-Covered Purse

This project from Studs and Pearls is great for spring and summer. You can use an old, cheap purse, or something thrifted, and add this for more visual appeal. 

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All you need is:

  • 1/2 yard to 1 yard of lace (you can also use scraps if they’re large enough)
  • Mod Podge or Tacky glue
  • Scissors
  • Paintbrush, Q-tip, something to apply glue with (optional)

The basic gist is you cut the fabric to the appropriate size of the front flap of the purse with a little extra to wrap around onto the underside of the flap. On the front (viewed when the purse is closed) of the flap, apply some of the glue or Mod Podge to the edge. Put the fabric over it and then turn the flap over and put the adhesive on the edge of the underside of the flap. Fold over the lace and secure. Allow 10-30 minutes to completely dry.

For further instructions, see the original project, here.

Happy crafting!

-MAE

Must-Have Monday: Floralia Detox

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It’s time to face the music: Floralia is over and exams are upon us. I didn’t want to be the one to say it, but someone had to. So now that we’ve all wasted away Sunday in mimosa and chicken nugget induced self-loathing, let’s take this Monday to detox and prepare for the week ahead. Finals are stressful, but don’t let them get to you. Take the time to care for your body and you’ll find you can actually be much more productive (and feel better all the while!). Wash your hands frequently, exercise, eat well, and be sure to get some zzz’s. It’s the final stretch, finish off strong!

Want to really kick-start your week? Check out this 24-hour DIY detox from Small Kitchen College and feel rejuvenated by Tuesday. 

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http://college.biggirlssmallkitchen.com/2012/09/beyond-the-juice-cleanse-best-ways-to-diy-detox.html

Good luck and happy (almost) summer!

What must you have this Monday?

-MLR

Ways-to-Wear-Wednesday: Nineties Nostalgia!

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For me, any references to the 90s have always given me a sense of warm nostalgia for the days of beanie babies, clueless, and my childhood. So, when I saw that the 90s were back on the Spring/Summer 2013 runways, I couldn’t help but think of this…

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but, if you want to try the trend in a more modern way (because, let’s face it, some 90s trends are best left in the past) check out this trend guide from ASOS. This summer, why not enjoy a little blast from the past and have fun in 90s inspired ensembles! 

- MM 

Tues-D.I.Y: More Sunglasses

Every year since I first came to Conn, I remember receiving a new pair of plastic sunglasses with my Floralia wristband. This project from I Spy DIY is another great way to jazz up your sunnies.

All you need is:

  • Various colors of thick thread or embroidery floss
  • Scissors
  • Sunglasses
  • Glue (optional)

To make the sunglasses:

  1. Wrap the first color of string once around the temple of the sunglasses, nearest to the hinge
  2. Make a square knot on the innermost side of the temple 
  3. If you want to secure it further, add a dab of glue to the inside part and then continue to wrap the thread around the temple evenly. 
  4. To switch to the next color, make a square knot between the old thread and new one so that it lays flat along the inner side of the temple of the sunglasses. 
  5. Wrap the new color and follow step 4 to switch colors. 
  6. To complete the side, make one last square knot.
  7. Repeat on the other side.

Happy crafting and have fun at Floralia this weekend!

-MAE

Must-Have Monday: Colorful Socks for Your Man

Whether you’re looking for a gift for your boyfriend, brother, or dad (Father’s Day is June 16th!), colorful socks are subtle statement pieces that can turn a style-phobic guy into a fashion forward gentleman without him even knowing it.

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Think your guy will need some convincing? Check out this Business Insider article about “Friday Socks,” the newest fashion trend to hit Wall Street: http://www.businessinsider.com/friday-socks-2013-1

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Like any article of clothing, style is personal. So keep that in mind as you peruse the many, many available options.

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Marc by Marc Jacobs Blue Striped Socks

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These Italian socks are made of 100% cotton and would add the right amount of cool peeking out from a pair of loafers or from under rolled jeans.

http://www.soxiety.com/products/striped-cotton-blend-knee-socks

Too much? I love these knit, super textured socks by Steven Alan.

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http://www.stevenalan.com/BROKEN-LINE-3/4-SOCK/80564,default,pd.html#cgid=mens-shoes-and-accessories-socks&start=0&hitcount=41

Still can’t decide? Let the Sock of the Month Club choose for you both! With twelve new pairs of fabulous socks, his feet will win best dressed all year long: http://www.sotmclub.com/

What must you have this Monday?

-MLR

Scrumptious Saturday: Floralia Fixins

With Floralia just a week away it is time to start planning.  Don’t settle for lukewarm Bud Light this year.  Instead, spice up your morning with a Bloody Mary.  Most liquor and grocery stores sell pre-made Bloody Mary mixes that taste great.  However, if you’re feeling adventurous, try this recipe for a deliciously spicy Bloody Mary (don’t forget the celery!)

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz tomato juice
  • 1 1/2 oz vodka
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce
  • Celery salt
  • Ground pepper
  • Hot pepper sauce to taste
  • Celery stalk and/or pickle spear for garnish
  • Lemon or lime wedge for garnish

Mix well and serve over ice!  

Don’t forget to stay hydrated throughout the day.  Stock up on bottled water the day before and apply sunscreen regularly. 

Have a scrumptious saturday and a wonderful Floralia!

-RMR

Fashion Illustration Friday: Veronica Andrievskaya

Today’s artist is a French, self-taught illustrator who is currently based in London. Veronica’s work focuses on runway shows and uses different media to portray the current faces of haute couture. I love the simplicity of these works and the candid expressions they capture.

Check out her fashion blog to see more of her illustrations, as well as her photography!

http://veronandre.com/

-DLM

Ways-to-Wear-Wednesday: Stars in Stripes!

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This season, all lines (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal!) point to stripes! From Marc Jacobs to to Oscar de la Renta, stripes strode down the summer runways of many designers this season.  Look casual yet pulled together in class while wearing a cute striped shirt or wear a striped dress to a summer soiree! Be a star in stripes! 

- MM 

Tues-D.I.Y: HonestlyWTF’s Cross Stitch Sunglasses

Today’s DIY is a great find from Honestly…WTF that takes a pair of sunglasses with plastic lenses and makes them into these glam cross stitched beauties.

All you need is:

  • A pair of sunglasses with plastic lenses
  • A hand held drill and 3/64” drill bit
  • Needle
  • Scissors
  • Various colors of embroidery thread
  • Felt-tip marker
  • Nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol

For instructions, go to the DIY Embroidered Sunglasses project on Honestly…WTF.

Happy crafting!

-MAE

Must-Have Monday: Ring in Spring!

Spring is almost here, I’m sure of it. Despite the chilly temperatures, now is the time to prepare for warmer weather. As we all know, here in New England, it can go from freezing to scorching in a matter of days. Plus with Floralia and other end-of-the-year festivities right around the corner, you’ll need these staples on hand to keep cool in the heat at the drop of a hat:

Speaking of hats… whether watching a lacrosse game or sitting through Commencement (fingers crossed for a nice day!), you’ll want a wide brim hat to keep the sun out of your eyes.

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Tommy Bahama Ombré Sun Hat: http://www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Women/Accessories/Hats/PRD_TBL199/Ombreacute+Sun+Hat.jsp

Keep a powder sunscreen like bareMinerals SPF 30 in your bookbag at all times in case a professor decides to hold class outside. Apply it right over your makeup without worrying about smudging or a greasy face.

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bareMinerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen: http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0„20390991_20388136_20789158,00.html#20789158

An inexpensive sun dress is a must-have for every spring wardrobe. For only $39, this Rags to Riches frock is the perfect go-to for a long day of class followed by, say, dinner at Captain Scott’s.

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Rags to Riches “Glamorous” Knit Dress: http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=94542&vid=1&pid=921805002

Invest in a pair of low heel sandals. I have these bad boys and wear them on practically every occasion throughout the spring/summer (and even into the fall).

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Miz Mooz Women’s “Hilary” High Heel Sandal: http://www.infinityshoes.com/Miz-Mooz-Womens-Hilary-High-Heel-Sandal-2575.html

You should always have a bathing suit with you here at Conn. I know it sounds crazy, but for all we know it will be 80 degrees out next week and we’ll find ourselves right back where we started the school year, catching some rays on the green (or better yet, at Ocean Beach!). Hope to see you there.

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Hobie “One Fine Daisy” Hanky Top: http://www.bonton.com/shop/women/swim-shop/all-swimwear/bikinis/hobie-one-fine-daisy-hanky-top_575825.html

What must you have this Monday?

-MLR

Scrumptious Saturday: Throw a Barbecue

Barbecues are the perfect kick off to spring.  Fresh off the grill cheeseburgers and hot dogs are my go-to meal on Saturdays in the spring time.  This year spice up your barbecue menus with these delicious and easy appetizers. 

Apple Coleslaw:

Link to recipe below:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/wolfgang-puck/apple-coleslaw-recipe/index.html

Pigs in a Blanket:




Link to recipe below:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/neelys-pigs-in-a-blanket-recipe/index.html

Happy Saturday!

-RMR

Fashion Illustration Friday: Jay Fernandez

Today’s graphic fashion illustrator Jay Fernadez makes a nod to the Pop Art movement with his brightly colored, Lichtenstein-esque creations. Reminiscent of comic books and pin-up style ads, Fernadez utilizes primary color blocking, minimal shading, and seductive poses to create these vivid, eye-catching pieces.

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-DLM

Art-Loving Thursday: Selina Trepp-Artist Avoiding Painting

Selina Trepp, Eyes and Toes, 2011, goache on paper, 13” x 17”

While I was browsing to see what is going on in the art world, I found Selina Trepp an interesting artist. I was captured by her defining herself as an ‘Artist Avoiding Paining’. See more on Art21 Blog to know more about Selina Trepp!

-WYZ

Ways-to-Wear-Wednesday: 60s and Sunny Outside!

Now that spring weather is (almost) officially here, it’s time to get into another summer trend: the return of the 60s! The spring/summer runways featured all sorts of 60s style shift dresses, flower appliques, and more! Look for cute, retro prints and (for the full effect) pair them with a 60s style hairdo and a headband or sunglasses (pictured below). Enjoy the nice weather in 60s style! 

- MM