Collage Mirage

I can't get enough of collages. You try telling me you don't want to make a collage after staring at these lovely pieces of art. I think I may make some to hang on the walls.

I'll share them on the blog if I go through with it. Enjoy!

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Get the Look: Giles Spring 2013 RTW

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Adoring these Giles Spring 2013 RTW looks. The striped shift and sequined collar in the first photo are amazing. I really like the gathering and cut-out skirt in the second. What I'm most inspired by is the way that these two dresses were styled: simple with a punch!

It's so easy to put together an outfit inspired by these two. Throw on a dress (I picked a shift with an eyelet/cut-out pattern - a combination of the photos above!) and pair it with a collared necklace, statement sunnies, Oxfords or creepers, and a bold lip!
 By the way, everything below was under $50 - click the photo to see where they're from!

Stealing Street Style #1

I've come up with a new series that I'm pretty excited about. When I'm out, I often see people wearing amazing outfits, but I soon forget about them because I didn't capture a photo. I've decided to start documenting the specific outfits that catch my eye, and I'll recreate them here with similar items to inspire both you and myself.

The girl who was sporting this outfit caught my attention with the jacket. I've been wanting a similar one for a while now, and I'm always curious to see how others style them. 

Now I know the use of leggings as pants is a pet peeve of many. If that's you and you're not down with the leggings, substitute them for black skinnies.

I think this is a good lazy day outfit, what about you?

Finish What You Once Started

How often do we start something with so much enthusiasm, only to give up or forget about it soon after?

I recently found this blanket I started to crochet when I was nine and decided to continue it. I mean, what better a time to make this little patriotic blankie than July 4th? Not many 18 year-olds can say they know how to crochet these days. I kind of forget how to do it, and I may decide to turn it into a scarf or a headband instead, but oh well.  It's trial and error, baby. 

It feels really gratifying to work on something I once gave up on. I think that's a good thing to keep in mind.

Today, I challenge you to finish something you once started.

Happy 4th to my fellow Americans!

xoxo, Jen

15+ Ways to Wear Head Scarves

Do you ever buy bandanas and head scarves thinking you're going to wear the crap out of them, only to find them at the back of a drawer three months later?

I'm guilty.

Or maybe you're just looking to get more use out of the scarves you wore to keep warm in the winter.

Guilty again.

Here's a little inspiration if you're in a head scarf rut like I am.

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Basic bun + head scarf combo. Check out the lovely Keiko Lynn's tutorial on how to tie it.

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Gather hair into low ponytail. Pull some fringe out to frame the face and then tie the scarf at the base of your neck.

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Go for the rockabilly look with pin curls, a bun, and a bandana tied in a knot at the top of your head.

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Here Emma tied her scarf in a knot over her hair tie and let the ends hang over the sides. Go for the messy pony like she did, or make it sleek and straight for a preppier vibe.

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Brigette Bardot's updo is given a boho twist by tying it straight back from the forehead.

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To get Nicole Richie's head scarf look, put you hair in a messy half-up bun. Tie the scarf at the base of your neck and let the ends hang free.

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This head scarf is wrapped around the head many times and is finished off with a sweet rosette pattern. Click the link above to find out how to tie it. If the rosette isn't your thing, just tie it in a knot.

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Solange Knowles ties her scarf into a turban. Shirley B. Eniang has a great tutorial on how to tie a scarf similar to this, it's at about the 7:40 mark.

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The turban headband look is adorable and can be worn so many ways. Hair down, hair up, bun, ponytail, braid. Anything goes! Tutorial is in the link above.

And if that wasn't enough inspiration for you, Free People has two really great videos that you may enjoy.

How to Style Scarves by Free People - my favorite is the scarf incorporated in the side braid

Ways to Wear Scarves in your Hair - the first one is really unique and pretty, so make sure you check it out

Get the Look: Mermaid

I have been fascinated by mermaids for as long as I can remember, so it isn't really a surprise that I've embraced the look of beachy hair, flowy clothing, and light ocean blues and greens.

Some mermaid-spiration for you:

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Beachy waves are a necessity for any mermaid look. If your hair is already wavy you can just wake up and spray it with a salt and water mixture. Some of us aren't so fortunate. Here are two youtube tutorials I've found helpful for creating perfect beach hair: curling wand and heatless. For a little something extra, add some well-placed mini braids throughout your hair. Don't be afraid to pull them out a bit and make them messy!

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Check out the colors used on these two Alberta Ferretti beauties. Seafoam green and a light blue, almost periwinkle. Think sheer, flowy fabrics and sequins.

As far as makeup goes, natural is key! Use a tinted moisturizer or BB cream (I use this) and keep your eye makeup simple. Skip the lipstick and go for a clear gloss or balm. Add some bronzer to your cheeks for a sun kissed complexion and you're good to go!

For an easy read by the pool, pick up a copy of Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown. It's a twist on the typical mermaid tale and I flew threw it last summer. I still find myself thinking about it. Give me all the killer mermaid stories.

Leave me a comment if you have any mermaid-related book/film recommendations!

July Inspiration

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