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.

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}

Two outfits, one post

 I've been a little slow on the outfit posts lately. Mostly I just haven't felt that inspired. Not that these outfits are particularly great, but I felt good on both of these days. Contrary to how it may seem, I don't wear these shoes everyday. They are comfortable enough to, but I do switch it up!

 I also really dig this hairstyle for summer. I braided two pigtails, and then pinned them across my head. Looks so much cooler than what it really is, and I always get comments about it when I wear it like this. Plus, I like being able to put it up and then not having to deal with it all day. Low no maintenance is my style.

 Wearing Joe's jeans, Dolce vita flatforms, H&M top, michael kors watch, and thrifted necklace.

Not sure why I look so sassy in this photo. Dolce Vita flatforms,  forever 21 striped dress, Juicy sunglasses

 I love these shoes!

Hope you all had a happy Monday!

Join the club

Whenever I walk by Club Monaco I become overwhelmed by the urge to want to grab their mannikins and bolt. I don't think I've ever bought anything from them, but I constantly admire the pretty clothes in their windows and occasionally walk in to browse. This would seem like a sort of self-punishment, but It's more for inspiration- I can usually recreate their looks with stuff I have, of with items from cheaper places. Looking through their June-July lookbooks makes me just want to float in drapey dresses and shorts all summer, especially as the weather starts to heat up again. These are some things I'd like, if I was willing to spend the money. So I'll have to recreate it myself somehow.