STYLE: OOTD Black, Green & Leopard

This is the third leopard themed outfit post in a row so I should either work to switch it up or fully embrace my leopard loving soul. Spoiler: it's probably going to be the latter. Leopard on!

Dress: Old Navy

Leopard Blouse: Old Navy [also worn here]

Cardigan: Gap

Tank Top: Forever 21

Leggings: Forever 21

Purse: TJ Maxx

Belt: Dots

Heels: Target

Ring: DIY by me

Necklace: DIY by me

xoxo,
Michelle

DIY: Easy Beach Coverup From a T-Shirt

Normally I spend my vacation watching everyone jaunting around in amazing leopard print or floral swimsuit coverups while I'm wrapped in my Cinderella beach towel (I'm very cool), but this year I decided to finally plan a fun coverup BEFORE I was already by the water. Foresight is amazing! To keep it easy, cheap and simple (after all, I'm just throwing it over my wet swimsuit) I wanted to work with a t-shirt. I also wanted it to match the shape of my suit to avoid weird tanlines. Here's what I came up with:

What You Need

Oversized T-Shirt (mine was fluorescent yellow)

Another T-Shirt(s) (to cut up for the straps)

Sewing Machine or Needle & Thread

Scissors & Sewing Pins

How To Do It

FOLD: 

Lay your oversized t-shirt flat. Fold in half lengthwise so that armholes match up.

CUT: 

Cut off the sleeves, making sure to follow the curves and remove seams. Remove the neck, cutting straight across just below the lowest point of the collar.

SEW: 

Open the t-shirt back up and lay flat. Fold the top inch of the new neckline down on the inside and pin. Sew along this line. You can finish the hem nicely, but...eh, it's summer. This makes a channel for your strap.

STRAPS: 

Cut strips of your other t-shirt (I used 2 - blue and pink) about an inch wide (it's easier to fold it a bunch and then cut). This will give you loops so cut the loops to make a strip. Tie the ends of your strips together to form longer strips. The goal is 3 strips about 4 feet long. When you have that, tie the ends of your 3 strips together and braid them. It helps to pin them down and work slowly to avoid tangling.

FINISH: 

Thread the braided strap through one of the channels you created at the neckline, looping through both in a "U" shape and ending with 2 loose strap ends on the same side.

WEAR: 

Turn the t-shirt sideways so that the armpit is over your chest and the loose strap ends are in front. Tie the straps behind your neck and TA-DA - coverup! You can also wear it the "right" way and just tie the straps over one shoulder.

I added a pink ruffle to mine afterward because everything is improved by a pink ruffle. I hope this is clear but I would be happy to clarify or answer any questions that you have!

xoxo,

Michelle

DIY: Braided Bead Necklace

I seriously dig braids - braids in my hair, braids in the straps of my dresses and now braids in my jewelry. This simple DIY is easy to create and super fun to wear, plus it's a unique look that's so simple it can complement any look. It also makes a great DIY gift (this one was!) because it has a nice "finished" look. Here's how you can make one too:

What You Need

Beads, Chain Cutters, Jewelry Pliers, String, Chain, 4 Jump Rings, 

1 Clasp, 6 Crimp Beads, Scissors, Beading Needle (optional)

How To Do It

1. Cut 9 equal lengths of string for your beads and string them (using the optional beading needle if you want) until each strand is equal in length. Separate them into 3 groups of 3 strings and tie a knot at each end of the group, making sure the knot is as close to the end bead as possible.

2. Slide a crimp bead over a knot until the knot is inside the bulbous part of the crimp bead. Knot again and again over the original knot to make a larger knot, still inside the crimp bead. Shut the crimp bead with the jewelry pliers. Repeat on both ends of each strand.

3. On just one end of the necklace, curl each crimp bead around a jump ring with the pliers. 

4. Time to start the braid! It's helpful to pin the end of the necklace to a pillow to keep it steady. Separate the 3 groups of 3 strands and braid to the end. Once the braid is finished attach the crimp beads to a jump ring.

5. Attach a length of chain to each jump ring and finish each end with another jump ring. Attach your clasp.

xoxo,
Michelle