OBSESSED: Clogs

I'm having clog filled dreams these days! Wooden soles, studded details, the whole enchilada. I really want a pair of clog sandals with an ankle strap like the red Lotta from Stockholm clogs in the top row. I'm nervous about buying online because I'm not familiar with clog fit and sizing, but I never see cute clogs like these in stores. Anyone have any tips on sizing or where to buy in person? Share them in the comments!

xoxo,
Michelle

ROUNDUP: Weekly Links 1/15/12

Here's what I'm rounding up this week:

Phrenology Pin Cushion

Sometimes you just need to deviate from the classic tomato, am I right?

Cuppow Lid for Mason Jars

Take your Mason jars to go with this super simple and innovative lid insert.

Barbie Parts Jewelry by Margaux Lange

So that's where she's been! Barbie is back in our grown up lives, 
but this time she's fallen to pieces.

Easy Sock DIY

Just use some embroidery floss and a needle to make some 
new little friends for your ankles.

Revlon Color Stay Nail Polish

A manicure that lasts 11 days? We'll see about that, but with the track record of 
their Color Stay pencil and liquid eyeliners I have high hopes.

xoxo,

Michelle

STYLE: OOTD

I am a houndstooth junkie. - it’s one pattern I really don't mind falling into. I’ve always been drawn to it and over the years I’ve accidentally built a pretty hefty houndstooth collection. I think if I wanted to I could dress in head-to-toe houndstooth (dare me?), as I have sweaters, shirts, heels, bags, necklaces, belts, headbands and more in my beloved graphic pattern. There’s just something about it; part studious British undergrad, part bold Mod, this pattern is timeless, cool and works for literally everyone.

I thrifted this houndstooth cardigan from Savers for around $4.00 last summer and now that there’s a definite chill in the air I finally get to wear it! Paired with a simple, super comfy jersey knit dress that I may or may not own in 7 DIFFERENT COLORS (hint: the answer is ‘may’) I’m in heaven.

I've been wearing this lipstick a lot that I got as a gift from my Nana! 

It's her shade and I can see why. Love That Pink by Revlon.

Also can I just say that grown up pigtails are the best? Yes, I suppose I can. Low and behind the ears with a little teasing is fast becoming one of my go-to looks as my hair grows out and I couldn’t be happier about it. Hannah posted a great how-to on this look over at xojane.

Dress: Target

Cardigan: Thrifted

Tank top: Old Navy

Leggings: Target

Boots: Rampage

Silver Bangles: Forever 21

Yellow Bangle: Vintage

Do you like pigtails on adults or is it a little too ‘creepy uncle’ feeling for you? Also, please tell me you own a single item of clothing in multiple colors so I feel slightly less crazy…

xoxo,

Michelle

BEAUTY: Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips

For months now I’ve been eyeing the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips, laying in wait like a lion stalking its prey for the price to drop at all. I don’t delight in handing over my hard earned cash for much of anything, honestly, unless I feel like it’s a real value and at $10-$11 a pop these strips didn’t seem like one to me. I know it’s like paying for a manicure, but, uh, I won’t pay for those either.

When I spotted this pack of neon yellow polish strips at my CVS for 75% OFF (about $2.50) I decided it was time to see what all the fuss was about. For those who haven’t tried them yet, here are my thoughts:

First, here’s what comes in the package as well as a 

few other items you’ll want to have on hand:

The directions are pretty simple and aside from having to cut down some polish strips they’re pretty easy to apply. I was surprised at how nail polish-y they were (that sentence sounds stupid in so many ways). They aren’t like cheap nail stickers, they’re actually like real polish, just in thin nail-shaped strips. Ahhh, I get it now.

I like to stretch a product as far as I can (even at 75% off I still want MORE!) so I only used half the provided nail polish strips by cutting them in half the wide way with scissors and reshaping where needed. My nails were short enough to do this, but it might not work for super long ones. The pack is divided into two vacuum sealed pouches so I presume they’ll dry out eventually if you open both. They smell like real polish too, which was weird.

These go on just like you’d think – start at the base and smooth over your nail. Then just file off excess with provided nail file and smooth edges with provided wooden stick and – voila! – at home manicure!

Please ignore my haggard cuticles.

I was pretty pleased with the result, mostly for the density of color. I’ve found it’s hard to get a really opaque yellow and getting other colors this dense usually takes several coats which all have to dry, which is boring.

 

I thought the result was equivalent to the effort I put in, which was moderate. It also took about the same amount of time as putting on a coat or two of regular polish to apply. In the future I probably wouldn’t take the time to do this for plain colors but I totally think it’s worth it for all the cool patterns they have (I’ve got my eye on you Leopard Print, Houndstooth and Girl Flower).

 

Definitely fun to play with and a decent result – or even a great one if you are more diligent that I was with these. I’ve seen a bunch of the plain colors marked down lately so it’s a good time to grab them, but for a pattern wait for the regular BOGO 50% Off sales at the drugstore and get two awesome patterns! Just ‘cause I’m cheap doesn’t mean you have to be!

xoxo,

Michelle

ROUNDUP: Weekly Links 1/8/12

Here's what I'm rounding up this week:
Thousands of Stickers for Thousands of Kids

This art installation allowed child visitors the chance to add a sticker or two until the exhibit became completely covered in multi-colored goodness.
Edible Shot Glasses

Finally, a way to drink cocktails without those pesky shot glasses getting in the way.
My Fridge Food

Don't know what to make for dinner? Tell My Fridge Food what you have in your kitchen and it will tell you what meals you can make.
Lisa Simpson Smart Girls Bedding

Cozy up with the thinking girl's icon Lisa Simpson under this "Smart Girls Are Cool" bedroom set.
Vintage ET in Drag Earrings

Capture an unforgettable moment in extra terrestrial film history on your ears!


xoxo,
Michelle

DIY: Sweater Guard

Any chance I get to add a little vintage inspired flair to my wardrobe is a chance I will gladly take. I love the look of sweater guards (or sweater clips as some may call them) and making them yourself is surprisingly simple. I have a couple DIY sweater guards in my collection and since I tend to see my retro loving momma eyeing them with envy, I decided to be the world's best daughter and make her one for Christmas. 


Sweater guards are great to keep your sweater on your shoulders if you want to really delve into the vintage thing, but they also serve the purpose of a necklace when hung from the top of your best cardigan.There are soooo many ways to make your own DIY sweater guard (using vintage clip on earrings is a great choice) but for illustrative purposes, I'll show you how I made this particular one. 
What You Need

2 Buttons

2 Alligator Clips (with holes at base)

Length of beads, chain or an old necklace
2 Jump Rings
Short length of chain
Jewelry Glue
Chain Cutter
Jewelry Pliers


How To Make It

1. I had an old white beaded necklace which I cut a strand from using my chain cutters to get a nice short length of beads perfect for a sweater guard.

2. Next, cut two short lengths of chain and string one length through the hole in each alligator clip. Add both ends of the chain to a jump ring, but leave the ring open.

3. Also add the length of white beads to the open jump ring and close the ring using jewlery pliers. Repeat on the other alligator clip.

4. Add a line of jewelry glue to the back of your button and place the top of your alligator clip into the glue. Hold in place until set. Repeat on the other alligator clip.

5. Let dry and you're done!

Clip those sweaters! :)


xoxo,
Michelle

ROUNDUP: New Year's Edition

In honor of one of the most popular new year's resolutions (and one of my favorite subjects) I'm dedicating this week's roundup to cool and useful organizational products and projects. Here's to a neater 2012!


Door or Wall Mounted Jewelry Organizer

Hang it or mount it, this jewelry organizer has a spot for literally everything.
Modular Modern Desk Organizer

Simple, sleek and changes up to meet your needs.
Magnetic Shelving for Your Fridge

Duh! Where have these heavy duty magnetic shelves been all my life?!
Craft Room Organizers from Tin Cans

Don't toss those cans - hang them up or line your drawers!
Grass Charging Station

Hide those unsightly cords while adding a touch of the outdoors.


xoxo,
Michelle

ETC: Happy New Year!