DIY: Colored Bobby Pins

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I realize there isn't much to this DIY project, it's pretty self explanatory, but when I saw these lovely ladies with their colored bobby pins I knew I wanted to create the look and thought it would be a fun way to add a pop of color.
 

Chambray Challenge: 10 Ways to Wear a Chambray Shirt

similar chambray shirt / alhambra earrings / similar clutch / tiered skirt  / black clog sandals

This outfit pretty much sums up my spring wish list. I love the idea of wearing a wooden clog sandal with a bright skirt for Spring (and this bright yellow hits the mark). Because this outfit can be dressed up or down, it could be worn to so many different places. 

To see more looks from past weeks go here. 

  

Afternoon Snack: Honey Roasted Almonds

I'm always looking for a little snack in the afternoon, usually it's greek yogurt and granola. My sister-in-law recently introduced me to a recipe for homemade honey roasted almonds. They are the perfect snack come 3:00, however I must limit myself because they are pretty addicting.

What snacks do you enjoy? (I could use more ideas).

Honey Roasted Almonds (from cooks.com)

2 c whole almonds
1/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp water
2 tsp almond or vegetable oil

Place the almonds on a cookie sheet and put in a cold oven and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes until the inside of nuts are tan. Remove and set aside.

Mix together the sugar and salt and set aside. Then stir together honey, water and oil in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the almonds and cook until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and toss with the sugar and salt mixture. Spread out the almonds on wax paper to cool and harden.
 

Floral Pants: Two Ways

left: fitted unlined blazer / scalloped ruffle top / metal bar envelope clutch / coral pumps / floral pants
right: cross body bag  / similar necklace / vintage boatneck tee / tova patent sandals 

Last week I posted about floral jeans. I found these floral pants (which are a lot more bold) at H&M for only $15. I'm excited to dress mine up with a black blazer and colorful pumps or for everyday with a t shirt and sandals.
 

Pillow Pairs

top: crewel zigzag pillow / crewel prism pillow
middle: hayward silver pillow / coup pollen pillow
bottom: live love pillow / round velvet pillow

Sometimes I like a little change in my space and changing out pillows is a great and easy way to do it, plus it's a fun way to try mixing different patterns and textures.

What small changes do you do to update your spaces?

   

Chambray Challenge: 10 Ways to Wear a Chambray Shirt

similar chambray shirt / feather print sundress / khaya necklace / essie nail color in ole caliente / multi stripe canvas tote / trish wedge

We've worn the chambray shirt under a dress but how about wearing it over a dress? Wearing it over a dress is a great way to wear those summer dresses now. Finish off the look by adding in some different textures and a pop of color and you are set.

Splurge or Save

left / right

Yes, floral jeans (and patterned jeans) are everywhere right now. What do you think, would you wear floral jeans? How would you wear them?

Spring

Today is the first official day of Spring. We plan on making the most of our Spring by spending lots of time outside. When we moved to Minneapolis a few months ago I realized we were moving to the land of lakes, but I didn't realize it's also the land of playgrounds. There are so many great places to play with lake views all within walking distance of our house.
   

  

A Perfect Pair

necklace / dress

Recently, I started taking a typography class and we have been talking about pairing typefaces and fonts together. Some work well together and others not so much, the same idea can be applied to fashion. I love both of these pieces on their own, but together they are fabulous. 

What do you like to pair together?

  

Weekend

image from Emerson Fry

It's friday and 72 degrees outside. I seriously cannot complain. Have a good weekend and Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Some finds from around the web this week.

Leopard and Polka Dots together. I like it.

A good reminder to go for it. Sometimes we all need a little push to get us going.

Emerson Fry (formally known as Emerson Made) launches their new spring line, hello amazing!

A treat for summer

Love this DIY project.

These are on my summer wish list.

This collection for girls is adorable (might be a good thing I have a boy).
 

Chambray Challenge: 10 Ways to Wear a Chambray Shirt

transatlantic bag / crystal owl studs / Sperry top-sider authentic original / rope cuff bracelet / Steve Madden S1079 BRN sunglasses / utility pocket chambray shirt / stripe sweater skirt 

As a mom to an almost 2 year old boy I am constantly on the go chasing him around and like to wear clothes and shoes I can easily move in without looking sloppy. I love these bright colored Sperrys and the idea of a lightweight sweater skirt. It's comfortable, but still looks put together. Plus, there's always room for more stripes in my closet.
 

DIY Gold Dipped Necklace

I've had these black wooden beads (that I spray painted in a high gloss black) for quite some time now, so I decided to spray paint a couple of them gold and make into a necklace. I have a slight obsession with gold and black together, although this would look great in other color combinations as well.

p.s. stay tuned because I've got some other great DIY projects I'm going to be sharing over the next few weeks.
 

How to Wear: Colors that Wash You Out

top: Emersonmade / bottom: atlantic pacific

Do you have colors you like but aren't flattering on you? If you're like me, there are colors you would like to wear, but unfortunately wash you out when you wear them. One of my favorites is mustard yellow, but unfortunately when I wear a mustard yellow top it does me no favors, and I can't seem to pull it off. Here are a couple of tips I use to pull off colors that wash me out.

1. Wear the color on the bottom. If it doesn't work up top, put it on the bottom. Most of the time the problem is when the color is close to your face and hair. If you put the color further from your face such as with a pant, skirt, or even shoes it will be more flattering.

2. Wear something inbetween your face and your top. If you have a top in a color that washes you out, but still want to wear it, try wearing a scarf, statement necklace, jacket, or collared shirt, in a color or print that is flattering on you. Once again you will create a space between your face and the color making it easier to pull off.

3. Wear a bolder lip. Sometimes adding a brighter lip color will bring more color and attention to your face and make you look not so washed out.

 Do you have any tricks for colors that aren't flattering on you?
 

Summer Sandals: Main St. Strap Sandal

This past weekend the temperature here was in the high 60's (unheard of this time of year for Minneapolis), although I was not complaining one bit. It made me think I may be wearing summer sandals sooner rather than later. I love a flat sandal for everyday and these ones would be a great choice.

See more summer sandals here and here.
 

Weekend

What are you up to this weekend? Tonight my husband and I are heading to a new restaurant with some friends. I love trying new places and eating out without a toddler in tow. Here are a few pictures of what we've been up to lately which has consisted mostly of staying indoors, working on design projects, and finding ways to stay entertained this winter (if you follow along on Instagram, these may look familiar).

Hope you have a good weekend.
 

Chambray Challenge: 10 Ways to Wear a Chambray Shirt

utility pocket chambray shirt Old Navy / AG skinny jeans in jetsetter wash Bloomingdales / gold bar bib necklace Bauble Bar / lancome rouge in love lipstick in midnight rose Nordstrom / pieces ninel skinny belt Asos / global crossbody clutch Target / Jeffrey Campbell regina wedge in khaki nubuck Nordstrom

Today's outfit is to prove you can wear denim with denim. I think the key to making it work is choosing denims that are different shades and find ways to break it up (such as with a bright belt). I also am in love with these shoes. I first spotted them on Jordan's blog Oh Happy Day. Not only do they look extremely comfortable, but they would go with everything (plus, they come in red and black).

What do you think, would you wear denim with denim?
       

Trend: floral

I'm totally crushing on these floral looks by MSGM.   

How to Wear Neon

Here is the start of a new 'How to' series where I will be sharing my ideas and tips on style. First up...

left / middle / right

Last summer we saw a bit of the neon trend, however this summer neon is back in a big way. Are you onboard? While you may not think this trend is for you let's talk about how you can pull off the neon trend and not look ridiculous.

1. Small doses. Very few people can pull off a head to toe neon look. Remember, when it comes to neon, a little goes a long way. Try a t-shirt peeking out of a jacket or cardigan OR a skinny belt.

2. Use accessories. When introducing a new trend always start with accessories. It is the easiest way to introduce the trend into your wardrobe. Changing out accessories is also a great and inexpensive way to try new trends.

3.  Pair with Neutrals. Think about wearing neon with white, black, and nude (my personal favorite). It will make the neon pieces pop and keep the overall look balanced.

4. Find Classic Pieces. When you find classic items in a neon color with structure such as a blazer, pencil skirt, or trenchcoat the overall look instantly becomes more sophisticated.

Okay now it's your turn, how do you wear neon?
 

Summer Sandals: Nola Braid Heels

How about a little color block for your feet this summer? These braided heels by Seychelles would be the perfect pair. You could wear the neutral ones with prints and brights, while the bright pair would work great with a neutral outfit or that little black dress.

Which pair is your favorite?

If you missed last week's summer sandal, see them here.
   

Weekend

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Enjoy your weekend.
   

Chambray Challenge: 10 Ways to Wear a Chambray Shirt

cafe capri in wool JCrew / gold crystal mix necklace Bauble Bar / utility pocket chambray shirt Old Navy / bleecker blazer Piperlime / leopard print skinny belt The Limited / nude slingback pumps Macys

We are half-way through the chambray shirt challenge. The good news is I still have many more ideas to share. I decided to go a little more classic this week and show how you can dress up the chambray shirt. Here is my office appropriate version picking staples that should be in every woman's wardrobe including: a black blazer, nude shoes, and something leopard.