Getting cozy

Merino wool from Mcmullin Fibre Co.

While the weather is still not calling for cozier apparel any time soon, when I came across an unfinished scarf from the winter time, I was compelled to search for patterns for new projects as the temperatures start to cool down. Headbands, slippers, and slouchy hats have been on my radar the last couple of days, along with some pretty wool I've been scoping out on etsy. I love the colours above, but before I start anything new I have to finish that winter scarf I've put on hiatus. for now, here are some I have bookmarked for the future.

braided headband pattern here

High-waisted knit shorts tutorial here

Knit slippers here

Slouchy hat pattern on Ravelry.com here

Mittens that fold back into fingerless gloves pattern here

I only taught myself how to knit just last year. It's super easy, and I taught myself just by using Youtube videos. Here are some that I used to get started:

1, 2

DIY: Precious Gems

Being on a tighter budget these days has forced to me re-evaluate things that I already have. From the jeans in previous post, to these earrings, I'm trying to make use of what I have in the house and see what I can do with them. These were old prom earrings my mum had stowed away, so I grabbed them, a few bottles of bright nail polish, and a clear top coat and tried my luck!

I started off with these old earrings and three different colours. I think brighter works the best, and looks more realistic. I used China Glaze "Towel Boy Toy", Essie's "Miami Nice"(pink) and "Brazilliant" (Orange).

I used "Miami Nice" for the big jewel in the middle. It has quite a lot of shimmer, so I thought it would work best. I only needed one heavy coat of it. I then continued with "Brazilliant" and  "Towel Boy Toy", creating little blobs and sort of blending them in. They dry just fine this way, and you can always clean it up later! I then covered everything with a clear coat once it was dry. 

TIP: Make sure to paint around the edges. The stones are shiny and will reflect the colour everywhere, making it look like you've painted everything when you might not have.

And that's it! Super easy, and really fun too. I'll actually reach for these earrings now that they have a bit of colour. I also dipped a cotton swab into nailpolish remover to clean it up a bit (you can see they were a bit messy in the first photo).

Try it out! And show me if you do!

Tie Dye Denim

I mentioned in my last post my recent fixation with denim. I tried on a pair of Ralph Lauren bleach-dyed jeans but quickly inspected that they were something that I could easily do myself (that, and my internship this summer, while great, meant that I didn't really have the funds to purchase them that day anyways). I remembered seeing a tutorial by Honestly WTF and quickly ransacked my closet to find a pair of jeans I wouldn't mind ruining if my project went amiss. So, following their instructions, I grabbed the necessary tools (gloves, a rubber bucket, elastics, bleach, a pair of jeans), and set to work. It was super easy, but I would take caution: make sure you do it outside, or in a well-ventilated, clean space, because even when you are being super careful, the bleach does tend to get into the work space. Also, like they suggested in their tutorial for the sleeves of their denim shirt, I folded the pant legs into an accordian shape and then sort of crumpled the rest together. Be mindful when doing this-- some parts of my jeans were way more bleached than other parts because of the way I crumpled them. It looks cool, but I do wish it had been more even.

That's it really. It was super simple, and looks pretty freakin' cool. So give it a shot.

Seeing Red

 Even though I'm not ready to give up on bare legs just yet, it feels like everyone, including me, has denim on their minds. I've been seeing tons of coloured/printed jeans everywhere, denim shirts, shorts, new denim collections coming out, and tons of denim DIYs (I have one I'll be posting soon!). When I went out with my mom yesterday, I didn't have the intention of buying jeans, but when I saw these on super sale, I couldn't help it. Bright red, skinny, and coated, basically not my style at all,  but a picture of Rumi from Fashion Toast had me thinking I could pull it off without veering too far from my usual aesthetic. Until the temperature drops, though, I'll keep gathering inspiration. Here are some things I could see myself wearing on cooler days to come.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
*unfortunately, #'s 4 and 5 were found on tumblr so I dont have a link. If you know where they are from please let me know!

Sunday, Craft Day pt.2

Not sure what it is, but Sunday's always seem to be my craft days. I wasn't feeling too great today, but decided to go on Pinterest and find some necklace inspiration. This onee by Delighted Mama was the perfect fit. I didn't really stray too much from her tutorial (other than using different shaped beads and different colours), so check out her tutorial if you're interested! It was super easy and a lot of fun. I want to go back and get more clay now and try her other polymer clay DIYS. For now, here is my rendition.

My pretty beads in different shapes and colours

The beads all set out on the cooking tray with some parchment paper. She didn't specify to do this, I just did anyways. I also followed the baking instructions that were on my package of clay (since I used one different from hers), rather than what she prescribes.

The final result. The six in the middle were marbled by taking two colours together and just rolling them in my palms. For anyone who does this craft, beware! Wash your hands very well, or use vinyl/latex gloves- it picks up any/all dirt. Also, the gloves are good to get them smoothe, otherwise you get your fingerprints on them. Delighted mama has a tip for using polymer clay here

Photo dump

Summer has been wonderful these past few weeks and I've been trying to spend as much time outside as possible. I took two friends vintage shopping last weekend and the weekend before. These vintage suitcases were lined up outside a shop in Kensington Market, and below these shorts were found at USED on Queen West (a very cool new store over there, awesome jean shorts and button up shirts). Spent some time on a patio (nothing beats sangria on a warm day), attended a few BBQs, and just generally tried to stay outside as much as possible. So here are some photos that I will let do the talking.

{Awesome denim shorts at USED}

 

{bubbles in Kensington Market}

{sitting outside Queen West's Java House}

{pink lemonade cupcakes}

{DIY painted denim cut offs from this post}

{top UO, DIY painted denim cut offs, Joe Fresh shoes, old claire's necklace, hat from a market in Dieppe, France}

{Canada day Fireworks}

 {Friday night at the Drive In}

{Ready for the drive in with candy}

easy breezy

Skirt and necklace: thrifted; shoes, Joe Fresh; top, h&m; sunglasses and belt, UO
Just a short outfit post. I will be updating with some weekend pictures. I realize now that instead of wearing this outfit yesterday, I should have worn it today! Happy Canada Day everyone! I wore this to go downtown with a friend to explore vintage stores and to have some delicious Sangria at the Java House on Queen West. While their nachos aren't the greatest, their Sangria is so yummy and perfect on those hot days (and yesterday was certainly a hot day!)

This necklace is my new favourite. It has little animals on it like a giraffe and a rhino. I got it for $1.50 when Value Village had their 50% off sale. Best necklace ever. My list of animal objects/clothing is slowly growing. I have zero problems with this.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend and a happy long weekend to my fellow Canadians!