Sunday Funday: DIY Nail Art

Alright ladies, I have a funky DIY for your nails today!

I spent 23 years of my life biting my nails down to the cuticle.  It was such a terrible habit.

(You can even ask Anthony.  I know he could tell you about it)

Lucky for me, a couple months ago I just stopped doing it.  Now I have long nails that I am obsessed with painting and keeping pretty.

Have any of you heard of or seen the Ciate caviar manicure?

               

I especially love the first picture there.  It looks like rainbow sprinkles.

When it comes to nail polish though, I'm a bit frugal.  I have spent more money on brands like China Glaze and Essie, but I personally don't see any great difference in their quality.

So I am definitely not going to spent $15 on one bottle of Ciate.  

To get a cheaper, at-home version, I actually considered dumping some rainbow sprinkles on my nails. After thinking about it some more, I realized the dye from the sprinkles will get everywhere and make a gross mess.  So I did some crafting research.  Pinterest led me to microbeads, which I know we carry at Michael's.  After my shift last night, I picked up a bottle and raced home to try my new manicure idea.

Here is what I used.

Essie - No Chips Ahead

Wet n' Wild - I Need a Refresh-Mint

Wet n' Wild - On a Trip

Recollections Clear Microbeads

I'm a huge fan of the accent nail, so I painted my ring fingers with the mint color and the rest purple. 

I did two coats of polish and let dry for about an hour, just to be sure they are completely dry.

Then, I painted a thick clear coat on my ring finger and sprinkled some of the microbeads on top.

(I did this over a plate so I didn't make a mess on my table).

I repeated that step on the other ring finger, and let dry.

I was worried that the beads were going to fall off my nails easily, so I painted a clear top coat over the beads to keep them in place.

This is what I ended up with.  I'm sorry for the poor quality.  

Microbeads are a terrible thing to get a good photo of.

I took this photo about 30 minutes ago, so the beads even stayed on as I slept.  I thought for sure I would have a bed full of beads and none on my nails.  

We'll see if the manicure lasts after a night at work.

So what do you think of the caviar manicure?

Is it something you would try?

Let us know!

XO

Christina

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Sunday Funday - DIY Color Block Tote

Hello, readers!

I have a lovely DIY for you today. Super easy and super cute.

If I didn't already mention it, I work at a craft store, so I'm always finding inspiration for new projects.

As an employee there, I also get to take classes for free. So my sister and I signed up for a Wilton cake decorating class. It starts next Tuesday and I can't wait.

After looking over the syllabus and supply list, I realized that I do not have an appropriate bag to carry my cake decorating supplies in. That is when the light bulb went on. Instead of spending too much money on a bag I am not crazy about, I'll just decorate my own tote bag. I am still loving the neon and colorblocking trend, so I combined the two together for this DIY.

I found my tote bag in the t-shirt aisle at Michael's. It's an off white color and was only $3.99 (*$2.39 after using my 40% off coupon). I started by taping off the section that I wanted to paint. I only had masking tape, so you can't see it on the bag, but you can see the ends of the tape. Use your imagination to connect the two pieces of tape.

I love neon pinks, purples, and especially yellow-greens (Have you seen my bathing suit?).

They make up the majority of my wardrobe and accessories, so I opted for a neon orange fabric paint.

I used Tulip fabric paint in Fiesta Orange. Not only is it neon, but it has a slight sparkle to it as well.

All I did was paint the bottom of the bag, under the tape.

After the paint dried and I removed my tape, I realized the bag still needed something.

Enter some gold sequin trim!

I hot glued the trim right where the off white ends and the orange begins.

Hot glue was kind of a pain to work with, so next time I think I will try to use fabric glue instead.

Here is a close up.

I absolutely love it! I'm not really a fan of orange, but it works really well with the off white bag and the gold trim. It is simple, yet trendy.

Most importantly, it will be the perfect bag to tote my class supplies in!

Hope you like it as much as I do.

And as always, if you make your own tote bag, show us what you come up with!

XO

Christina

@ChristinaLogozo

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Sunday Funday: DIY Studding

Hello again!

After a short break, I am back with some more DIYs.

I have so many things I want to make and show you, but I was swamped with moving and work this week.  So, I decided to revamp some summer items that were already in my closet. 

I bought a pack of studs for like $2 on eBay, and I have been dying to use them.

So I call this segment, Fun with Studs.

My sister bought me this sweet bathing suit from Victoria's Secret for the summer.

(P.S. You may recognize the style from one of Elle's previous posts)

As if the neon green color wasn't fierce enough, I decided adding some studs to the top was necessary.

The studs I have are super easy to use.  They pierce right through the fabric and then you push down 4 pegs in the back to keep it in place.

I didn't want to go overboard, so I just did a line across the top of each cup.

Now it is like a brand new bathing suit!  I'm in love with it.

I might even add another row or two.

Since this is one of the easiest DIY projects, I also decided to stud a pair of canvas shoes.

I bought these cuties for $6 at Target.  

They are the perfect summer slip-on, and they are actually really comfortable.  

Again, studs were necessary.  I added a few along the seam of each side of the shoes.

      

Now they are just a little bit more interesting, and no one else has a pair like me. 

So if you are looking for a cute way to revamp some old (or new) items in your closet, studs are definitely an easy, cheap, and stylish way to do so.

Hope you like!  See ya next week!

XO Christina

@ChristinaLogozo

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Magazine Monday - Spotlighting NYLON August 2012

I got my first issues of Nylon in the mail a few days ago, and I was so excited! I love how big the pages are and how many of them there are!

I had to spotlight this issue because, it's The Denim Issue - and we all know that's all I've been thinking about lately!

So let's page through this issue together and stop at my favorite spots...

I love this ad and I love the new Vans line! The Fall 2012 "Van Doren Series" prints will be featured on all of the classic Vans signature shoes. The prints created by the company's founders are fun, colorful, and can really bump up an outfit!

I had to stop at this ad for PacSun because it's the perfectly denim look with amazing brown suede booties! I love mixing browns with blues and this look is classically cool!

Throughout Nylon's pages, there are many denim options that will be big for the upcoming season. I had to stop at these wax coated denim numbers. They almost have a leather quality with the shine, but the comfort of denim paired with them! I think these could be a really good option as long as the fit isn't too bulky (denim is mostly heavy, after all...)

(Page 62)

I loved Janine Shaw's (of Denimocracy) quote "Denim is truly the most amazing fabric." I really never appreciated what denim has to offer until recently, and it's absolutely true! The strength and structure is has, paired with the dyeability of the cotton makes denim completely versatile and perfect for creating many looks! Denim continues to evolve throughout the seasons, and I think we're going to see the best denim yet in the next couple of years - mark my words!

(Page 74)

This look is perfection. I love the denim blanknyc blazer over a purple sheer and leather trim and collared Nicole Richie for Impulse shirt. Pairing that with black and white stripes Daag Goodman for Tripp pants and Payless black booties makes this completely affordable and effortlessly chic. I would not be afraid to wear those pants as a man! They're AMAZING! I love that it mixes heavy and light weights and dark and light colors creating the perfect balance.

(Page 104)

Now this was a fun little article that asked 3 designers to take a simple denim dress and create it into something new by DIY! My favorite is the simple, yet chic one on the right. It continues the theme of mixing lightweights with heavyweights, but making it perfectly balanced. The sleeves are cute, and add a romantic quality. I think the studded neckline doesn't make the look too hard and perfectly matches the rest of the outfit! I think this gives awesome inspiration for those that love DIY! Make a simple dress something more! Which one do you love best?

(Page 108)

This little spread is how to work denim into other areas of your beauty other then through fashion! Whether it's nails, or crazy eye lashes, or braided or dyed in your hair - denim is awesome!

(Page 122)

I leave you with this great spread of classic denim called "Canyon of Dreams." This is how I think of denim - in the country, perfectly American, classically cool. Adding the new modern sentiment to classic denim design is really fun and keeps the evolution of denim rolling. Denim will always be cool in casual wear - and I'll make sure of it!

Pick up this great issue of Nylon now! It's awesome - especially if you're obsessing over denim like I am!

What are your favorite features in this issue? What other magazines are you currently reading?

@Anthony_Carmen

[ Images courtesy of Nylon ]

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Special Post - Links a la Mode July 27th

We're so excited to be included in this week's IFB Links a la Mode! Check out Christina's great DIY article and the other great posts in the links below!

~-~

Edited by: Emily of Sugar & Spice

It’s strange to think that while here in the UK we’re finally basking in a little sunshine, some places are entering Autumn (Fall!) and Winter. This week’s posts reflect the two hemispheres with posts on Fall trends and beach essentials. What a better time to be experiencing a little of summer in the UK as we welcome the Olympics to London this week! And did you know it’s the 66th birthday of the bikini? Plus, whether you’re shopping the sales this week or shopping away the blues, there’s a guide for you here:

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: July 27

1. A Minor Obsession: How to wear brocade
2. Anthony & Elle: DIY glitter shoes
3. Bespoke Baroque: How one item can begin to change your life
4. Best Of Bklyn: 5 things to do in 5 minutes to look 5 times better
5. Chic Black Chick: How to wear the Fall trends
6. Classic Glam Blog: DIY Nautical Knot Rope Necklace
7. Crisis in Denim: Retail Therapy
8. Elegant Idiosyncrasy: A close-up look at styling a shoot
9. The Fashionistyle: Celebrating 66 years of the bikini
10. Fashion-opolis: The Art of Sale Shopping
11. Favor the Brave: Embracing simplicity
12. Girl in Betsey: Summer pieces and how to wear them in the Fall
13. Life.Style.Flash: A few honest thoughts on blogging
14. Madly Chic: An Interview with Project Runway contestant Joshua Christensen
15. Pish Posh Perfect: 10 Essentials for the Beach
16. Room 334: Some personal rules for blogging
17. Soffs Blog: The Swinging Sixties
18. South x Style: Five cheap ways to upgrade your look
19. Style Chain: The Formula to the Perfect Arm Party
20. The Style Confessions: How to shop successfully for clothes
21. 
    

SPONSOR:

Follow Shopbop Coupons: Linkedin, Youtube, & Twitter, Nellie Partow, Sergio Rossi,ThreeFloor, Sonia Rykiel, Ash, Bags, Sandals & Boots

~-~

Thanks Emily!

@Anthony_Carmen

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Sunday Funday: DIY Betsey Johnson Mismatch Earrings

It's that time of the week again!

I hope you are excited for another DIY project, because I have a good one for you today.

Also, I would like to apologize in advance for the terrible quality of my photos.  

The old camera I have and lack of lighting in my apartment do not mix together well for nice photos.

Anyway, I was at the mall earlier, strolling through Macy's, when I came across a Betsey Johnson jewelry display.  I had to stop and look because I absolutely adore how funky, yet beautiful, her stuff is.

This is the pair that caught my eye.

I love that they are mismatched, but are still clearly a pair that belong together.

With this inspiration fresh in my mind, I took off to Michael's for supplies.

I found the jewelry making section there to be lacking though.  I couldn't find any charms I really loved.  Plus, the ones that I did find would have cost me way too much money, even with my employee discount.

Then, I remembered that Walmart has a small jewelry making section too.  I was surprised to find a ton of charms and sparkly things I liked there.  I ended up purchasing two sets of charms, seen below, and a diamond chain.  The strand of pearls on the right is from Michael's.  

(Sorry I forgot the pic of the chain!)

I even used bits and pieces of old earrings that I had, but no longer wore.

The black piece at the top has the earring back, so I started with that and then worked my way down.

Now, I am not a jewelry making expert by any means, so I'm sorry if you don't really understand how I put my earrings together.  I will do my best to explain.

All of my charms, beads, and chains are attached to each other using jump rings.

They are just little metal circles that are pulled apart and closed back up to link your designs together.

So basically all I did to make these earrings was link my jewelry pieces together using the jump rings, and a small pair of jewelry pliers too.

In the end, this is what my Betsey Johnson inspired earrings came to look like:

I love the idea to make earrings like these because anything goes.

You can use any charms, chains, and beads.  As well as colors and shapes too.

You can easily make these to match your own personal style.

Before I leave you today, I just thought I'd let you know that Sunday Funday with me comes early next week.  I will be out of town and computer-less next weekend, so I'll be posting my next DIY project sometime before then.  And if you are a fan of glitter and sparkle, you are going to LOVE the next project.  

So make sure you check back later in the week for some more DIY fun.

And as always, if you try any of these projects at home, don't forget to show us what you come up with!

XO Christina

@ChristinaLogozo

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Sunday Funday - DIY: Wood Bead Necklace

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

I'm back with another DIY.

This time I was inspired by this Kate Spade New York Rosewood Dot Necklace.

It could be yours for $90.99 on piperlime.com, but I'll show you how to make a cuter (at least I think so), way cheaper one.

I started by hitting up Michael's for some wood beads, paint, and a chain.

I wanted bright, neon colors so I went with Martha Stewart acrylic paint in Party Streamer, Marmelade, Meadowlark, Granny Smith, Beach Glass, and Indigo. The paints were on sale for $1.39, but I had a coupon for an additional 15% off.

To put the necklaces together, I used Bead Landing jump rings and lobster clasps, Beadalon chain, and what I call fishing line. Any clear type of string will work.

String the beads onto the fishing line, and tie the ends to the chain. Attach the clasp to the jump ring, then the jump ring to the chain, and TA-DA! You have yourself a pretty, wood bead necklace.

I couldn't just leave you with the necklaces sitting on my coffee table, so I wore one out to dinner tonight.

Hope you like it!

Until next time.. happy crafting!

XO Christina

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Sunday Funday - DIY: Dip Dye Continued

First off, thanks Christina! What a great post! I'm so excited you'll be posting here and there on great DIY projects!

Anyway, my Twofer Tuesday post really inspired me for the entire week. It reminded me how much I love dyeing and playing with color! I got a few shirts and played.

Rit dye has always been good to me, so I bought a bunch of dyes for playing. I've used both the powder and the liquid, and I don't notice much of a difference. Either works fine!

I work from 2-10pm during the week, so I would spend my mornings running around and then making dye baths in my kitchen sink!

The first shirt I wanted to try different colors, so I started with a lighter teal color for the middle. I left the shirt in the bath for around 20-25 minutes (stirring in between). Once that was done, I cleaned the bath, and made a new one with a royal blue for the bottom. I followed the same steps as above, but left the shirt for a bit longer, so it would really take the color in. The results can be seen below!

The second shirt, I wanted more of an ombre effect. I also wanted the dye to be higher on the shirt. I used a black dye (which smells very weird and like you're inhaling cancer...) because I had never played with it before. For the lighter gray, I dipped the shirt in the dye for less than a minute, and pulled it out quickly. Then I put a little less of the shirt in, let it sit (and stir a bit) for about 5-10 minutes. Finally, I pulled out more of the shirt, and left the bottom in for about 30 minutes so it would take in a lot of dye. It worked out great! I love that shirt!

Remember to wash your clothes separately so they don't ruin the load! I hand washed both of these afterward until the water ran clear.

Anyway, these quick examples show you how easy it is to dip dye and play with your clothes to make them something more special! Dye is super cheap and super easy to use! Go play and show us your results!

A.Carmen

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