Delightful Digits

Is it just me, or has 2011 been the craziest year for nail polish trends thus far?  Maybe I’ve just never paid enough attention to this market, since I used to be perfectly happy bearing my natural nails for the most part.  Over the past few years, however, I’ve somehow managed to be sucked into the world of OPI, China Glaze, NARS and of course the occasional Wet&Wild polishes.  Clearly, I do not discriminate when it comes to the brands I’ll venture to try, no matter the product.  I can’t help it that I get sort of excited to  deliver a shopping bag to one of my customers only to hear them say, “Wow, I really love your nail polish!”   
I’m one of those crazy girls that will try any trend at least once, so the color of my phalanges tends to change drastically over the course of the week.  And make no mistake, I’m thrifty, and hate paying for something I can do myself.   No, you won’t see me rocking acrylic (acrylic = anti-trend) any time soon, but I do a pretty darn good job with my manis (I can’t lead you astray, I do get a few pedicures during the summer-  It’s a must when you wear 5 inch platforms to work some days).  Anyway, here’s a list of my top picks of the nail trends that are hot right now.  And yes, I’ve tried them all.

Image Photographed by Eddie Donlin of StudioD

1. Rainbow Sorbet.  Try a fruity shade in a soft, creamy hue.  Sorbet colors are whimsical and girly, but come in a ton of fun hues this summer, from yellows and blues, to feminine pinks and orange tones.  If you’re adventurous, try mixing a variety of  colors on your nails, creating a rainbow look!  I like Beauty Without Cruelty’s “Mermaid”, Essie’s “Mod Square, and “Scented Gum Drop” and “Electric 305” by Revlon.

image courtesy of http://pamperedandpolished.co.uk

2. Naked Girl.  Super sophisticated and trendy right now, barely there color creates a polished look that is timeless and chic.  The look can be personalized by selecting a shade from a color palate you love.  There are natural looking polishes available in peaches, whites, pinks, and tan shades.  I love this trend because it’s so versatile, and goes with any style.  Perfect for business, date night, or going to visit grandma.  You look like a lady. Try “Otherwise Engaged” by OPI or Wet n Wild’s “Sugar Coat” or “Otherwise Engaged”.

Image courtesy of http://www.splendora.com

3. Grey City.  This has been one of my favorite polish colors on my nails since I spotted Heidi Klum rocking a slate grey shade on Project Runway late last summer.  Needless to say, I immediately took some old white and black polished and concocted my own customized look.  Now grey tones are popping up in many of the mainstream brands, and are a perfect alternative to the black trend that has been here for what seems like forever.  Great transition color from summer to fall and all winter long!  Try Rimmel Lasting Finish Nail Polish in “Steel Grey”.
4. Bright Lights.  

Image courtesy of http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com

Add a little 80s flair to your style and paint your nails in an obnoxious shade of yellow.  Or pink. Or green. I guarantee you’ll get a flashback of rolled up acid wash jeans, scrunched aerobic socks and side pony tails.  Milani makes a sweet line of Neon Nail Lacquer in a ton of rad shades.  Try Milani’s “Totally 80’s” or “Techno Red”.  While it may not be a high-end polish, it’s always on sale at CVS and it’s made in the USA, yay!
5. Strong Metallics.  Love this.  If you are a fan of the gray, but want to add a little shimmer, try a pewter color on for size.  I’m obsessed with “Black Diamond” by China Glaze.  Golds are also huge right now.  They add some light to a summer wardrobe and can also be worn all fall and winter long.  Check out Milani Nail Lacquer’s “Gold Dust”.
6. Blue Claws.  I wear shades of blue on my nails throughout the spring and summer months that are lighter in value than a true royal  hue.  I love “No Room for the Blues” and “Teal the Cows Come Home”, both by OPI.  For the winter months, switch to a darker shade such Revlon’s “Not So Blueberry” or “Russian Navy” by OPI.  Navy is also another color that can be a great black substitute.  

7. You Crack Me Up.  Something new this season is top coats that have different effects such as a shatter or crackle look.  I’ve used actual crackle paint in the past on furniture, so it’s only natural that I would have to try this look as well.  I recommend painting your nails a light pink or peach color and trying OPI’s Black or Silver Shatter on top.  Fun look, but not for everyday polish. 
8. Glitterati Girl.  What can I say, I like glitter.   

Image courtesy of http://www.thelooksforless.com

Lucky for me, glitzy things are back in terms of  beauty, and your nails should be no different.  If pink nails are your thing, Milani’s “Disco Lights” is super a super chic shade that will make you want to hold a champagne flute, immediately after application.  Milani also makes a 3D Holographic line and a Jewel FX line both worth trying. 

Image provided by http://www.musingsfrommanhattan.com

9. Nutty Shapes.  Agh, thank you Lady Gaga!  No, I don’t intend to grow animal claws any time soon, but I do sort of love the new “almond” shape that’s becoming popular as of late.  I grew sick of square nails long ago, and am happy to see a different look gain some stance.  File your natural nails into a harsh rounded tip that almost creates a point.  Your nails should resemble the shape of an almond.  Try it out! 




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Travel Chic

image courtesy of http://penpaperplay.blogspot.com

It’s been a sweltering 90 degrees plus for much of the end of May.  I think it’s safe to say summer is here, alas.  The main thing I associate with this wonderful time of year is vacationing!  Every year I head down to the shore for a week filled with sun, relaxation, mindless reading, and as much seafood as I can consume.  And every year I come across the same problem.  What do I pack?! 

My goal for packing for a trip to the shore is simple.  Bring as many swimsuits as possible.  While I do try to basically live in swimwear throughout the duration of my vacation, I of course still want to look fashionable and put together.  I’ve put together a short list of must have items for all of the shore girls like myself out there.  These accessories are sure to keep you feeling cool and looking hot throughout the blistering summer months.

1. A Metallic Animal Print Tote.  Pick up a fun printed tote like this to carry all of your beach necessities around in.  They’re inexpensive, look great, and can be worn with anything.

2. Black & White Bangles.  Black & White is a timeless look that can be pulled off by any age and with any style.  These bangles will instantly add style to any bahama mamma.

Hat, Shoes, Bag, Sunglasses, Jewelry and Headband
found at The Purple Zebra.

3. A pair of Retro Red Shades.  A pop of color brings attention to the face rather than your bikini clad body that skipped the gym this week.  If, on the other hand, you want to show off that bod, put the pop of color on the suit! 

4. Chic Striped Wide Brimmed Hat. I can’t get enough of oversized sun hats.  Adding a black and white striped hat will make you look and feel polished, while keeping the sun off of that face and out of those eyes!

5. Cooling Sunblock. Using a cooling sunblock will make you actually want to reapply your ‘screen.  It refreshes  your skin and keeps those cancer causing rays at bay. 

6. Bold Printed Headband.  Headbands are all the rage these days (think 80’s throwback).  Keeping one of these in your beach tote is a great idea to get your hair off of your face on a windy day, or to clean up your act after catching some waves.

7. Metallic Gladiator Sandals. Sporting these instead of traditional flip flops will keep more of the scorching sand off of those pretty little toes.  They’ll also make you look a lot more fashionable!

8. An easy beach read. I don’t know about you, but when I hit the beach, I’m not trying to catch up on politics or solve any murders.  I’m looking for an easy, mindless read that makes me  laugh and allows me to escape.  My newest indulgence:  Lies Chelsea Handler Told Me.

Making a Splash

Model Dana Cerreta, photographed by Eddie Donlin of StudioD

Let’s face it.   Swimsuit season is here, whether we like it or not.  If you’re anything like me, and occasionally skip the gym for a double dip of peanut butter ripple, every little tip helps when searching for that perfect summer swimsuit.  There are quite a few factors to take into count when shopping for this sassy little number, so I’m going to break it down as painlessly as possible (if there is such a thing).

photo courtesy ofwww.ulta.com

Get your bronze on.  It’s almost impossible to look even remotely attractive in any swimsuit with translucent skin.  While I don’t recommend baking yourself with UV rays, I do suggest using a product with a self tanner in it to create a killer faux glow before your bikini shopping excursion.  There are a few great salons and spas in the area that offer spray tans, and even some mobile airbrush tanning services!  If you’re more of a do-it-yourself gal, try one of the many drug store or department store remedies.  They make everything from wipes and sprays, to gels and lotions.  I’ve tried a slew of them, and my favorite cheapie is L’Oreal Sublime Glow.  It’s inexpensive, gives a gradual tan over the course of a few days, and leaves a sweet shimmer behind. 

Shop for your shape.  Get familiar with thy body shape.  Figure out which type you are by comparing your figure to the definitions below.  This will become very helpful in determining the color, cut, and coverage of your suit!

Fruit Body Types.  Image courtesy of http://marcmaker.blogspot.com/

Pear:  Basically you’re a “hippy” gal, meaning your hip measurement is greater than your bust measurement.  Consider wearing a print on top in a fun bandeau style top, and a solid on the bottom to balance your shape.  A high waist bottom will create a slim waist and cover your bum in one shot.  Plus they are super trendy right now.  This can be done with a two piece or a tankini.  If one-pieces are more your speed, think about buying a color-blocked suit that has a brighter color on top, and a dark color on the bottom, to draw attention away from your hips! 

Apple: The Opposite of a pear shape, an apple usually has broader shoulders, a larger bust, and a rounder midsection.  Some apples have narrow hips and slim legs!  To hide a tummy, choosing a swimsuit with rouching around the midsection will do wonders.  Another solution is to choose a one piece with a blousy top.  If you would rather a two piece, try a tankini top in a solid color over a bottom that hits at your natural waist, creating a smooth waist line. 

Banana:  If you commonly get mistaken for a 12 year old boy like me, you are probably a banana, meaning you’re straight up and down with almost no curves whatsoever.  You may have an athletic build. You’ll look the best in a suit with a bright or printed top with an underwire or molded cup to enhance your bust line, and a bold bottom with high cut legs to create the illusion of some hips.

Hourglass:  Sometimes considered the ideal body type, this shape has almost equal hip and bust measurements with a smaller, defined waistline.  Lucky you, while the rest of us are trying to look like you in our swimsuits, you’re already out sunbathing.  Choose a supportive top such as a halter and a scoop bottom in a matching hue.  If you want to accentuate your curves, go bold or printed.  To downplay them, stick to a dark solid.

image courtesy of
http://pzrservices.typepad.com/vintageadvertising/

Think Lingerie.  What do you wear on a daily basis that you wouldn’t be caught dead without?  If you must wear an underwire, or really need a full coverage cup, why would shopping for a swimsuit be any different?  If you know what works and what looks good on you in the bra department, look for similar styles when shopping swimwear. 

When it comes down to it, nothing helps more when it comes to shopping for swimsuit season is feeling confident in your own skin.  We can’t change the shapes we were born with no matter how many kickboxing classes we attend, but at least there are ways to shop around our shapes!  Now it’s time to hit the beach!

Renew, Recycle, ReT-Shirt.

..... continued from The Press Enterprise column from 3 July 2011.....

I have been wearing my own designs since grade school, when I started making purses out of my old blue jeans and scrunchies (yes, those horrible fabric covered hair elastics that exploded in the 90’s) out of any fabric I could find.  Thankfully, I’ve graduated to more complicated designs since then, but I still love the idea of transforming my antiquated apparel into something fresh and new.  Who doesn’t want to be eco-friendly these days, anyway?

This leads me into the first little How-To tutorial, on what to do with your old t-shirts!  Everyone has an abundance of t-shirts, but if for some reason you don’t, head over to Goodwill or Salvation Army for some sweet vintage looking tees.  One of the easiest things to do with these t-shirts, is to make reusable tote bags!  Let’s face it, plastic grocery bags are not ideal, and most of the shopping bags the stores sell upwards of $1 are lackluster to say the least.  Follow these simple steps to create your own stylish recycled tote bag, and you’ll be itching to get grocery shopping!

EASY TOTE

what you'll need: old mens t-shirt, scissors, needle & thread (or sewing machine) 

1. Using a clean t-shirt of your choice, turn the shirt inside out.  I opt for men’s tees- you’ll get a much larger tote bag!
2. Right sides together, pin the front and back of the shirt together along the bottom hem and stitch closed, from side to side.  You can also use a needle and thread if you don't have access to a sewing machine! This will create the bottom of the tote.
3. Cut the sleeves off of the shirt, leaving the seam where the sleeve was previously attached.  This will allow the handles to be reinforced.
4. Cut the neckline out of the t-shirt.  The more you cut from the neckline, the larger the opening of the bag will be.  If cutting isn’t your thing, feel free to use a circular object, such as a plate, as a template.  Place half of the plate over the opening of the shirt and trace the plate with a marker.  Cut along the line for a perfect opening.
5. (optional) hem all cut edges of your tote.  This step is optional since t-shirts rarely fray, and some people enjoy the distressed look of the cut edges of a tee!
6.  Turn right side out and enjoy your tote!

RUFFLE TANK

what you'll need: old mens t-shirt, scissors, needle & thread or sewing machine

1. Hang your t-shirt on a hanger, or lay flat on the floor (whichever way you feel more comfortable working).
2. Cut across the width of the t-shirt 6" up from bottom hem of shirt.
3. Cut across the width of the t-shirt 4" up from bottom of shirt  (you'll end up with two pieces of fabric that are already sewn at the sides, which we will make our ruffled layers from).
4. Cut sleeves off t-shirt, and down the remaining length of the t-shirt (cutting off side seams- you should end up with a rectangular piece of fabric with only a neck hole cut out).
5. Put the shirt over  your head, and mark your neckline, and where you would like the arm  holes.
6. Stitch sides of tank closed starting from the bottom of the shirt, and making your way up to the start of the arm hole.
7. Place the 4" fabric on top of the 6" piece of fabric that we cut from the bottom of the shirt (this should allow the 6" piece to peek out from the 4" piece two inches.
8. Turn your t-shirt inside out, and mark the tee 2" up from the bottom opening all the way around the width of the t-shirt
9. Baste the 4" and 6" fabric sections together, without backstitching (or do a long stitch without a knot at either end if you are hand sewing).
10. Pull on one of the strings so that the fabric starts to gather, creating a ruffle!
11. Once you've pulled the strings enough on the ruffle that it becomes the same width as your tank, stitch the ruffle to the marked area 2" up from the bottom of the shirt all the way around the tank.
12. (optional) Hem all cut edges of your tank.  This step is optional since t-shirts rarely fray, and some people enjoy the distressed look of the cut edges of a tee!
13. Flip tank right side out and enjoy!

ADVANCED TOTE

what you'll need: old mens t-shirt, scissors, sewing machine or needle & thread

1. Lay your t-shirt flat on the ground
2. Figure out what part of the t-shirt you would like to use for the tote.  Mark the area with a piece of chalk that you would like to use (the one shown here is approximately 15" x 24").  I like to make the tote the width of the original tee, so that the side seams are already sewn for you! 
3. Cut through the front and back of t-shirt, across the width of the tee.  You will end up with a rectangular shaped front and back of your tote, which is still stitched on the sides if you used the full width of the shirt.
4. Turn rectangular piece inside out, and stitch bottom closed.  Flip right side out
5. Use remaining pieces of t-shirt (from bottom area of t-shirt) to create handles.  Cut two 4" strips from the bottom portion of the old t-shirt.  
6. cut one of the side seams off of the strip.  This will make longer pieces to make the handles.
7. stitch handles to front and back of tote.   
8. (optional) hem all cut edges of the t-shirt for a more polished look.  This step is optional since t-shirts rarely fray, and some people enjoy the distressed look of the cut edges of a tee!
9. Go shopping and enjoy your tote!

RACERBACK TANK

what you'll need: old mens t-shirt, elastic, scissors, thread, sewing machine

1. Hang your t-shirt on a hanger, or lay flat on the floor (whichever way you feel more comfortable working).
2. Start cutting.  If you like to go for it, start by cutting off the sleeves completely, and continue to cut all the way down the sides of the shirt.. Now, if you open up your t-shirt, you basically have a rectangular piece of fabric with a neck hole cut out of it.
3. Put the fabric over your head, and determine armhole size, as well as the type of neckline you desire.  If you don't feel comfortable "eyeballing", use some chalk and mark it up on the underside!   
4. Cut along your chalk lines creating a new neckline, and racerback shape for the back, or get the courage up to start cutting freestyle.  
5. After determining the armhole size, stitch side seams closed from bottom of t-shirt to armhole opening.
6. Put your t-shirt back on, inside out.  Using a piece of thin elastic, measure around your natural waistline so that the elastic is cinching in the t-shirt.  Cut elastic to this length and mark where your natural waist is on the t-shirt
7. Stitch one end of the elastic to the side seam.  Wrap elastic around t-shirt, and stitch the other end to the side seam where the two ends meet.
8. Holding elastic taught, follow your chalk markings along the t-shirts natural waist line and zig zag stitch the elastic to the t-shirt all the way around.
9. (optional) Hem all cut edges of the t-shirt for a more polished look.  This step is optional since t-shirts rarely fray, and some people enjoy the distressed look of the cut edges of a tee!
10. Turn right side out, and enjoy!

CAP SLEEVE TEE

what you'll need: old mens t-shirt, elastic, scissors, thread, sewing machine

1. Hang your t-shirt on a hanger, or lay flat on the floor (whichever way you feel more comfortable working).
2. Start cutting.  If you like to go for it, start by cutting off the sleeves completely, and continue to cut all the way down the sides of the shirt.  I also cut approximately 4" off of the bottom hem of this shirt. Now, if you open up your t-shirt, you basically have a rectangular piece of fabric with a neck hole cut out of it.
3. Put the fabric over your head, and determine armhole size, as well as the type of neckline you desire.  If you don't feel comfortable "eyeballing", use some chalk and mark it up on the underside! 
4. After determining your armhole size, stitch t-shirt side seams closed from bottom to the opening of your armhole.  If you don't have a sewing machine, using a needle and thread would work just as well!
5. Put your t-shirt back on, inside out.  Using a piece of thin elastic, measure around your natural waistline so that the elastic is cinching in the t-shirt.  Cut elastic to this length and mark where your natural waist is on the t-shirt
6. Stitch one end of the elastic to the side seam.  Wrap elastic around t-shirt, and stitch the other end to the side seam where the two ends meet.
7. Holding elastic taught, follow your chalk markings along the t-shirts natural waist line and zig zag stitch the elastic to the t-shirt all the way around.
8. (optional) Hem all cut edges of the t-shirt for a more polished look.  This step is optional since t-shirts rarely fray, and some people enjoy the distressed look of the cut edges of a tee!
9. Turn right side out, and enjoy!

The key to success with these projects is to have fun with them!  You don't have to be a whiz behind the sewing machine to do some of these easy recycled craft projects.  None of these projects require that the edges be hemmed, you can absolutely leave the edges free for a more distressed, easy look!  Get creative and feel free to adapt these ideas into your own!  Now go find a dude's old tees are start cutting!