DIY Dr. Seuss Costume

This year for Halloween I decided to get crafty and make my own costume. After painting my American Flag shirt, I knew exactly what to do.  You can apply this technique to create almost any kind of shirt. For my costume, I wore white Lilly Pulitzer walking shorts, striped socks from Target, red TOMS, and a blue bandanna from Hobby Lobby.

What you will need: 

- A Plain Shirt 

- Acrylic or Fabric Paint 

- Medium Foam Brush 

- Small Paint Brush 

- Paper Plate 

- Newspaper

- Puff Paint

Step One: 

Cover a flat surface with newspaper or butcher paper, spread your shirt out flat on top.  Lay a paper plate in the middle of your shirt.  Using a small paint brush, outline the plate with paint.  To fill in the circle, I found that using a small foam brush helped to spread the paint evenly and quickly.  

Step Two: 

Once you have finished filling in, let it dry.  Acrylic paint is what I used for this project and it took only about 30 minutes to dry.  The only problem with acrylic is that the paint becomes hard and can be slightly annoying to wear.  I covered my shirt with two coats of paint, see photo.

Step 3: 

Use puff paint to write your message.  For me, my letters look better if I hold the bottle the amount a half-an-inch from the shirt and squeeze lightly.  

Step Four: 

Wear your new shirt with pride!

What is your costume today?

Last Minute Halloween Costumes

Halloween is tomorrow but you have been so swamped that you forgot to plan a costume.  Sound familiar?  The last thing you want to do the night before Halloween is shop for a costume.  Today, I have put together some outfit ideas using easy to find and every day clothing options. Each costume is based on a popular movie's leading lady! 

1. Snow White

Everyone loves an adorable princess.  For this costume, find flowing pieces in primary colors.  To help your friends guess your identify, find an apple inspired accessory or tell them to watch Disney's first full-length animated feature. 

Kaliko lace peplum top / Antonio Marras high waisted skirt / Jack Rogers toe thong sandals / Once Upon a Time silver pendant / Forever 21 headband

2. Breakfast at Tiffany's

Everyone has at least one Little Black Dress in their closet and here is another excuse to wear it!  In the 1961 classic, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey Hepburn plays New York socialite looking for love. Pair your LBD with a pearl necklace, black pumps, and your favorite classic earrings.

NIC+ZOE buckle dress / Karen Millen platform pumps / Pearl necklace / Marni clip on earrings

3. The Hunger Games

With one blockbuster movie out and another soon to follow, The Hunger Games is an easy Halloween costume.  Main character Katniss Everdeen, portrayed by the hilarious Jennifer Lawrence, is a spirited young woman who is fighting to keep her family alive.  Portray Katniss' strength by choosing pieces made of brown leather and do not forget to pull on your favorite boots.

MuuBaa leather jacket / H&M pants / Cole Haan boots / Pins brooch / H&M fringe shawl

4. Pitch Perfect

One of my all-time favorite chick-flicks is Pitch Perfect.  Starring Brittany Snow, Anna Kendrick, and Rebel Wilson, this film is packed with music, one-liners, and cute boys!  This costume is based on the uniform of Barden University's female A Capella group, The Bellas.  A dark colored pencil skirt, white button-down, and black pumps create the base of this outfit.  Add a matching suit jacket and color silk scarf to be aca-gorgeous!

NIC+ZOE sleeveless shirt / Franklin & Marshall blue jacket / Ralph Lauren Black Label skirt / Michael Antonio pumps / Matthew Williamson silk scarve

What are you planning to wear for Halloween? 

Inside the Bag: My Make-Up

Girls love to look their best and often use make-up to enhance their natural beauty.  One of the most important things about make-up is ensuring that each product you use is the best match for your skin.  I personal have sensitive skin and bad allergies.  It has taken me years to find make-up that does not cause redness, acne, or other problems.  While these brands might not work for you, I wanted to give you a sneak peak into my daily make-up bag!

The Bag:

I love my Vera Bradley make-up bag.  It fits everything perfectly and has a convenient built-in side handle.  I picked the Provencal pattern because it is bright and cheerful, perfect for early mornings!  Vera Bradley make-up bags are lined inside so it is easy to clean up spills.

The Foundation:

I recently discovered Cover Girl's Clean Collection and it is amazing!  The foundation is easy to apply and incredibly light-weight.  I barely feel like I am wearing make-up.  I also love that there is a mirror inside because it saves me time when I am on the go.

The Mascara:

Almay is wonderful brand for individuals, like me, who suffer from allergies.  Unlike other volumizing mascaras that I have tried, Almay's leaves my eye lashes looking twice as big!  However, I have noticed that this product tends to clump easily. 

The Eye Shadow:

Just like Almay's mascara, this eye shadow is designed to be hypoallergenic. I love that each product is designed to enhance a particular eye color.  The three different shades compliment one another allowing your eyes to steal the show.    

The Moisturizer:

Applying and removing make-up day after day can dry out your skin, at least mine.  Burt's Bees has always made amazing products, and this Daily Moisturizing Cream is no different. I love the way this product soothes my skin each morning.  The cream is fragrance free and helps to keep my skin clean and fresh throughout the day.  Since I started using this product, I have noticed that I am plagued by fewer pimples, an A+ in my book!

The Blush:

If you have not picked-up on the trend, I love Almay products!  Much like their eye shadows, Almay includes a highlighter that perfectly compliments their blush.  I feel like a professional make-up artist when applying just the right amount of blush under the matching highlighter in one easy swoop.  I think I look pretty good, if I do say so myself.

The Remover:

No good make-up bag is complete without an easy to use make-up remover and in my bag, you will find another Almay product.  I love the feel of these oil-free towelettes and, most importantly, the way they make my face feel after each use.

What's in your make-up bag?

Sorority Life: Big/Little Reveal Outfits

In college my favorite holiday was a week,  Big/Little week that is!  In most chapters, new members receive four (or five) presents, one for each day of the week, from your mysterious big sister.  The week ends when you discover her identity during an exciting Sister Reveal event.  This year stand apart from your sisters, and look absolutely fabulous in pictures, with unique reveal outfits!

A Roaring Celebration

This year take a trip back in time to the Roaring Twenties to celebrate your little! 

Sleeveless dress / Badgley Mischka shoes / Brooks Brothers pearl jewelry / Diamond jewelry

A Celebration Worthy of the High Seas

Everyone loves a sailor cutie, why not make it a family affair! 

Rockabilly sailor dress / Tory Burch sandals / Blu Bijoux sailor necklace / Kate Spade nautical jewelry / LULU white hat

Wild West Celebration

Pull out your boots and dip your hats, its going to be a wild night!  



Red shirt / Hollister Co. hot pants / Ariat western boots / Mulberry leather bracelet / Lori's Shoes chain necklace / Cowboy hat

A Magical Celebration

Grab your wands and mount your brooms, reveal is going to be a magical experience! 

 

Jane Norman long sleeve shirt / Joie mini skirt / Pendant necklace / Clear glasses / Harry Potter Gryffindor Tie Harry Potter

A Celebration for the Win

You have picked your little, now it is time to show her how classy your family can be! 

Lilly Pulitzer pink dress / Lilly Pulitzer platform wedge sandals / Tiffany & Co. bracelets bangle / Morgan & Taylor straw beach hat / Lilly Pulitzer Hopeless Romantic Necklace

This is a Secret Celebration

Its a secret, can you keep it?  Your big cannot wait to see you! 

Oasis black cocktail dress / Alexander McQueen high heel stiletto / Make eyeshadow brush / Butter London nail polish

Have any ideas or pictures?  Leave them in the comments below!

DIY American Flag Shirt

Happy homecoming week from the home of the eagles!  Today is America Day and I would like to share my amazing creation with you.  Sadly I forgot to take step-by-step photos however, I will do my best to explain clearly.  It is a simple project that took me about 30 minutes to complete!

 

What you will need:

- A White T-shirt
- Painter's or Masking Tape
- Red and Blue Paint (see below for details)
- Star Templates
- Paint Brush
- Old Newspaper or Buchter Paper

What to do:

1. Cover a flat work surface with newspaper or buchter paper.  I keep all of the papers Michaels uses to wrap breakables in. 

2. Lay your shirt on top of the paper.  Make sure that the shirt is smoothed out.

3. Start by measuring a corner for the blue section of your shirt.  I eye-balled this for my project.  Tape off the section.

4. I recommended starting with the red paint because if you make a mistake, red is easier to cover than blue.  On that note, begin taping off the stripes.  Remember that the tape will keep paint away from the material it is covering so measure accordingly.

5. Now you are ready to paint!  I used red fabric spray paint for the stripes.  It was expensive however, I think it was worth it.  Not only was I able to paint each stripe quickly, once dried, the fabric paint has a softer feel than acrylic.  I used regular acrylic for the blue corner and it did not turn out as well. 

6. Once you have applied the red, it is time to add blue. First remove the painters that surrounds the corner.  Replace the tape so that it protects the areas around the corner from paint. I found star clipart on Google and printed out six.  I cut out each star and taped them down to the shirt.  Next, I painted over the edges over the stars to secure them to the shirt.  This helps you to paint clean lines. 

7. After you finish painting, remove all tape and templates.  Lay your shirt out flat in a warm and dry environment for 4 to 72 hours. 

If you have any questions, please ask me in the comments below! 

Inside the Bag: A night in the ER

About 3 weeks ago, I had to check into the Emergency Room for the first time.  I had never been in the ER or hospital myself however, I had spend the last in and out of hospitals with my mother.  That night I was too scared and stressed to think clearly.  Looking back now, there are a few things I would have packed or left at home so that I could have been better prepared for the 20 hours of exams, tests, and waiting.  In case you ever need to be admitted to the ER, or are accompanying a loved one who is, here are a few ideas of what to include in your ER bag.


1.  The Bag

I recommend a large tote to carry all of your belongings in, such as Vera Bradley's "Get Carried Away Tote" which you can purchase here.  The worst thing for me was trying to remember to grab all of my smaller bags whenever I went for a test or moved to a different room.  Choosing a bag with multiple pockets will help you stay organized and, hopefully, decrease your stress level. 

2. Comfortable Clothing

The best decision I made was to wear my favorite sweatpants to the ER.  They provided me with warmth, comfort, and modesty under my hospital gown.  Victoria's Secret Boyfriend Pants are my all time favorite.  They come in so many colors and can be purchased here.  Do you have a different brand of sweatpants that you love?  Be sure to comment below and tell me all about them!







3. Fun Socks

Keep your toes warm and clean while showing off your personal style through out your hospital stay.  Not only are they perfect for protecting you against germs, they are also wonderful conversation starters!  Some of my favorite funky socks come from Forever 21.  They sell socks with animals, polka dots, stripes, and more!  Find your perfect pair here!





4. Tooth Brush

One thing that I forgot was my toothbrush.  In the scramble to get everything we needed, somehow hygiene slipped out minds.  I also recommend hairbrushes, clean undergarments, floss, any prescriptions that you take regularly, and lotion.  After a few hours in bed, these simple items would have made me feel a lot better.  Target is one of my favorite places to stock up on essentials such as these.  Where do you prefer to shop?





5. Eye Mask

Last, but not least, is the BEST thing I brought with me to the hospital, an eye mask.  With all of the lights, noises, and stress, it was extremely hard for me to sleep.  My eye mask allowed to be to find peace and quiet while my family read magazines or watched television.  I highly recommend that you pack an eye mask.





Have you ever been in the hospital or ER?  What was some of the things you brought with you?

Tuesday Trends: Maxi Skirts

As women, we all have those days where we just want to wear our PJs and sadly, it is not always acceptable.  Thankfully, a genius designed the maxi skirt.  These skirts can be worn year-round and on multiple occasions.

1.  Maxi Your Shopping Trip

Lucky Brand chevron pattern shirt / J Crew jacket / H&M long floor length skirt, $40 / Tory Burch sandals, $265 / Lilly Pulitzer tote bag

2. Maxi Your Girls Night Out

J.Crew j crew shirt / High low maxi skirt / High heel stiletto / J.Crew mint green jewelry / Tory Burch earrings

3.  Maxi Your Saturday Afternoon

Boohoo t shirt / Doublju black stripe maxi skirt / Kate Spade taupe ballet flat / Kate Spade black woven handbag / Kate Spade pave bangle / Collection XIIX knit loop scarve

Wednesday Wellness: Yoga Attire

I have recently become a fan of Yoga. It helps me to relieve tension, clear my mind, and increase the flexibility of muscles I did not know existed. Similar to my views on studying, I believe that if you are in an outfit that makes you feel both adorable and comfortable, you will succeed. Of course trips to the gym should not be synonymous with walks down the runway. I always chuckle at individuals on the treadmill that are continually fidgeting with their shorts or re-positing their shirt. You know what I mean, we have all seen them. Your goal at the gym, especially during a Yoga class, should be to listen to your body's ques, such as pain or discomfort. Below you will find some easy gym worthy outfits.

1) Beat the Heat 

In the summer months, you can break a sweat simply walking to your car, particularly here in Florida. When taking Yoga in the heat, be sure to drink plenty of water, bring a cute towel to dry off with, and do not be afraid to show some skin. Warm weather is also the perfect time to mix bright colors and try new up-dos.

J Crew top / Victoria's Secret activewear shorts / American Eagle Outfitters hair accessory / Monogrammed beach towel / prAna 'Maha' Yoga Towel / Victoria's Secret Water Bottle

2) Stretch in Layers

As the weather cools for fall or slightly warms in spring, be sure to wear layers or pack extra clothing items to keep your body warm at the beginning of class. Loose long-sleeve shirts layered over tight tank tops are easy to shed once you start to break a sweat. Do not forget that drinking water is still important during the cooler months!

American Eagle Outfitters t shirt / Butter / NIKE activewear top / Tory Burch sandals, $265 / Vivienne Westwood Anglomania handbag, $435 / Remington white headband

3) Kill the Chills 

Once again, think layers!  Monogrammed sweatshirts, long yoga pants, and comfortable tees are perfect for killing your chills. TOMS help to keep your feet warm before class and give them plenty of room to relax after.  Winter blues mix well with neutrals and prints and try low ponytails or half-dos to keep your neck warm. 

Lilly Pulitzer top / Red sweatshirt / SO yoga activewear / TOMS flat / Oakley tote bag / American Apparel hair accessory

Have any ideas about what I should feature on my blog? 

Comment below! 

Tuesday Trends: Pink is the New Black

Every October America remembers those who have been touched by breast cancer. Large companies including Lilly Pulitzer and Essie have created products to raise money and awareness for the disease. We can all play a part in finding a cure this month by wearing pink and spreading the word. Here are a few outfit ideas:

Think Pink on Campus: 

Every student knows that when you are sitting in class all day you need to be both cute and comfortable. This October, thinking about incorporating pink into your outfit through fashion forward accessories including statement necklaces, aviators, and ballet flats. I believe that the best way to study is to feel good, physically and mentally.

Lilly Pulitzer top / Tory Burch snap pants / Tory Burch fuchsia ballet flat / Lilly Pulitzer jewelry / J.Crew aviator glasses

Think Pink in the Office: 

This outfit is perfect for the office, a meeting with your professor, or even for a family brunch.  Pick a mixture of soft pastels such as ivory, mint, and pink to look clean and sophisticated. Great accompanying hairstyles include high ponytails and sock buns.  

J.Crew polka dot collared shirt / J.Crew red wool skirt / Jack Rogers sandals / J.Crew green bib necklace / J Crew bracelet

Think Pink on the Weekends: 

After a long week of school or work, a girl needs time to wind-down. A loose button down, fresh manicure, and cuffed jean shorts is the perfect outfit for running last minute errands or grabbing ice cream with your cutie. Don't forget your large tote to carry all of your essentials and a pair of Kate Spade earrings to finish your look.

Frank & Eileen button front shirt / MOTHER shorts / Kate Spade pink leather purse / Kate Spade bow stud earrings / Coach / Essie nail polish

Think Pink at Homecoming:

One of the most loved fall events for high school and sorority girls is the homecoming dance. This year spread awareness while dancing the night away in the arms of your crush. Complete your look with pink ribbon items such as a necklace or ring. 

Dress / Charlotte Olympia silver shoes / White House Black Market bracelet / Ribbon necklace

How will you be wearing pink this October?