Let Me Upgrade You

Last week, I was thinking about how much I enjoy the extravagant things in life, things that often come with a hefty price tag.  However, since student loans will haunt me for the rest of my life, I am reserved to lead more of an affordable lifestyle.  And then, I saw a lightbulb, or in actuality, a pair of brooches.

Who can forget these? They're striking, memorable, and are associated with a giant personalized closet.  Miss Carrie wore them well.  As I was cleaning my closet, I remembered I had these.

They are fabulous statement making shoes, but they felt a little too trendy after the neon burst of this past year.  I wanted to spice them up a bit and turn fabulous into FAAAHBULOUS, Darling.

And here they are!  Clip some brooches on and voila!  What do you think?  I'm thinking I want to add sparkly brooches to all of my shoes!

DIY Balayage, Part 2

Here it is!

Final steps:
1. Leave it in around 20 minutes.  Always stay near a mirror so you can see it develop.
2. If one side develops faster, wash off the color with a wet washcloth.
3. When it's done to your satisfaction, wash out the color.
4. Shampoo your hair twice, follow with a toner and a moisturizing mask.
5. Enjoy!

Overall, I thought it was a rewarding experience.  While I've done the traditional boxed color experiment during college (maybe a few times), it was nice to be more in control of the process.   It was satisfying being able to put the money I would've spent into my savings account.

As with any experiment, I had a few difficulties.  Probably the most frustrating was working with my own head.  I couldn't see everything or sometimes reach to where I needed.  I was also pretty nervous.  I mean, it's my hair.  I'm very protective of it.  I was also terrified of it getting stringy or damaged if I left the bleach on too long.  Thank you for those nightmares, Youtube tutorials.

I would recommend doing it yourself with a few tips.  Always have someone around to help, even if it's just for  emotional support.  Always be in front of a mirror and watch the time!  Research!  Know what products you should use.  Know how long you should leave the color/bleach on for.  Watch videos, even the scary ones!  If you are new to getting your hair highlighted or colored, think about having a friend or professional do it.

Otherwise, have fun!  Don't be afraid to experiment!  I'm thinking next time I might add a few lo-lights.  DIY Balayage, Part 3?  Maybe!

DIY Balayage, Part 1

As you know, I live in New York.  Things can get a little expensive here (read: everything is expensive here). I've gone from hair stylist to hair stylist and salon to salon.  I've been charged $200-400 each time I get my hair done.  For one, it's extremely hard coming from having my hairdresser mom do it for free.  For two, it's an outrageous amount of money to spend regardless.  For three, I have so many other things I could use the money for, aka my savings account.

Because of this, I decided that I was doing the unthinkable: DIY.  I wanted to have more of a hold on my hair, as well as how much I was spending.  It was a win/win.  The supplies cost less than $15 and I had control of my hair.  Let's get started!

1. Buy supplies.  You'll need creme developer (20 or 30. I used 40 and diluted it with water), powder lightener (aka bleach), a color brush, a bowl, a comb, foils, a towel, and a spare tee).
2.  Comb your hair and put on a spare tee.
3. Mix your developer and lightener.  It should be a thick type consistency, but not like putty.
4. Pin you hair into sections.  Start at the bottom and work up.
5. Start coloring!

A little about my technique: I used balayage (pronounced bally-ahj).  It's a paint on technique rather than using foils or a cap.  I had been wanting to do this for a while since it creates a more natural, beachy look.  It's less calculated, so it looks really fun when you flip your hair as much as I do.

Stay tuned for part 2 to see the results!

DIY Dog Costume

There are lots of pre-made costumes out there for pups.  I could have easily put Coco in a lamb or lobster costume and called it a day.  However, I wanted to have some fun (read: I had no internet and needed something to do).  I was thinking about something that didn't require a real costume and that I could make with the resources I had at home.  Then it came to me: Pound Puppies!  Do you remember those? I used to have a few and loved them!

Here's what you need:

One large box (comparable to dog size)
Scissors
Tape
Dog accessories

First, tape the top to the bottom, if you're using a shoe box.  If you're using a large box, make sure the top flaps are closed.  Cut wide opening in top/front of the box to mimic an actual toy box.  I added hearts to mine with the leftover cardboard, but this is optional.  I then made the Pound Puppies sign and taped the accessories on the top back.  Put your pup in the box and you're done!  Please note: this costume is best for older or well-trained dogs.  A tiny, naughty puppy is only ideal for a few photo ops.

10-Step Manicure

I love getting manicures, but for least at $15 each time, it adds up.  These days, I have been doing a lot of manis at home to save money and make sure I get exactly what I want.  Here are my steps:

1. Remove your polish.  I use store brand acetone remover and cotton pads.
2. Cut & trim your nails.  I have a Bath & Body Works manicure set.  Remove any jewelry you may be wearing.
3. Soak your nails in warm water.  You can add bath salts along with a liquid soap to soften the nails.  It's good to grab a hand towel and paper towel at this time.
4. Add lotion to soften the cuticle.  I use Eco. Vitamin E. flower serum.
5. Push your cuticles back.  If you feel comfortable, you can cut them, but definitely take caution.
6. Exfoliate with a body scrub. Mine is homemade with olive oil and raw sugar.
7. Moisturize your hands. I use Manor Hall 100% shea butter.
8. Add a base coat. (I actually cheat and use a top coat as my base.)  I use Sally Hansen UV top coat.
9. Polish with your choice of color. I'm using Veronica by Jason Wu for CND.
10. Add a top coat and you're done!

Necklace Display DIY

I must admit, it's a little embarrassing to call this post a DIY because it was ridiculously easy.  Then again, any of the DIY projects I post are going to be super duper easy and won't require 8,000 tools or materials.

PROBLEM: I have lots of big statement necklaces that end up smooshed together, which is not ideal for many reasons.

SOLUTION: Let's make a necklace display to keep them organized and shown off like pieces of art (like I think they are)!

TOOLS: You'll need a cork bulletin board (I got mine for free from the boy.), acrylic paint (Color of your choice.  Mine was black. Duh.), paintbrush, and thumbtacks. Shania Twain and Destiny's Child Pandora radio station optional, but I find that it increases productivity and general joy.

METHOD: Place the bulletin board in a safe place with room for moving.  If you have little puppy and live in a tiny apartment like me, this can be quite a challenge.  Grab a paper plate or something are you willing to discard to place the paint.  Then, you just go at it!  You can use you hands if you are nostalgic about finger-painting, but if you're a clean freak, I would go with a paintbrush.  It's as simple as that!

  

It took me 30 minutes to completely paint and about 90 minutes to dry.  I did one coat because I liked the look of some of the wood and cork showing through.  It will give you a rustic look, especially if you don't finish the edges.  I couldn't be happier with the outcome!

What do you use for jewelry storage?

Ruby Red Slippers

The other day, I saw this DIY idea and it literally took over me (Seriously, I was scouring Amazon for glitter that very second).  Glitter shoes?  For me?  Oh yes!

My own ruby red slippers!

Although I love the gold (which I may DIY at a later date), I love the idea of a red glitter pump.  How did I do this, you ask? Follow me!

The goods.

You'll need: Glue, Glitter, Paintbrush, Nail File/Buffer (or you can use sandpaper)

The originals.

1. File/buff the shoes.  They'll get a distressed look and you may get some dye on you (only temporary).

2. Mix a little cup with glue and glitter.  I didn't use an exact proportion, but too much glitter will cause the mixture to get dry.  Try to avoid that.

3. Paint your shoes!  As much as you'll want to load up with gobs of the mixture, don't.  It will get runny and lumpy, believe me.  Paint a thin coat, let it dry a little, and repeat as many times as you find necessary.  I did about 3.5 coats.

No one wants lumpy shoes.

All in all, it took me about 2 hours, but it was time well spent.  I am usually terrified of DIY because I have a penchant for destroying things, but this time it was very relaxing and therapeutic. And I feel a tad bit closer to Dorothy from Wizard of Oz, especially with all these natural disasters coming our way.  Everyone be safe!

If anyone wants a pair (of your color choice), email me with your request!

Tom Binns Teaser

I just wanted to give you a glimpse into the start of my Tom Binns DIY.  As you know, I've been a little obsessed with Ear Bling.

Anne Klein just got a makeover.

I can't wait to wear these babies!

PS-Just a little FYI, since tomorrow is the big day (B-day), I will be taking off on a little adventure.  Have no fear! For I have lined up some great posts to keep you company while I'm away.  Don't be sad! I'll be back in a jiffy!

PSS-Don't forget to follow me via Bloglovin'!