DIY

Hello Blue Rebel

Love this monogram “KTR” necklace (that resembles my blog logo) but I love it even more since it’s a gift from my dad… Someone else who wears monograms fabulously is one of my fave SF blogger, Atlantic-Pacific, who’s style is impeccable! If you haven’t, make sure you check out her blog.

One of my favorite trend this summer is high-waisted studded distressed denim shorts (that’s a mouth full :). I was looking everywhere from ebay to the usual online stores like NastyGal, ShopBop and UrbanOutfitters, but the ones I really love were well over $200, which I don’t think is worth the price IMO…esp if it’s something that can be made at home.

[Photos by NR]
 
Top: BCBGMAXAZRIA Emma button down silk chiffon blouse
Shorts: DIY (see below for tutorial)
Glasses: Giorgio Armani / Necklace: Gifted / Shoes: Christian Louboutin Very Prive
Purse: Milly Allie Clutch
Bracelets: (from top) Michael Kors ‘Collections’ two-tone link chain pave bracelet (similar here), Jest Jewels, DIY wrap bracelets, Rachel Roy friendship, Bar III neon bangle

 

I was in UrbanOutfitters last week and saw a bunch of “one of a kind” distressed shorts. After inquiring, a sales associate told me those particular shorts were jeans that’s “renewed.” My Translation: Those shorts were denim jeans purchased from thrift stores (or other various vintage shops) for under $10. Then they were cut, distressed, and now selling for $100+.

If I was short on time, I probably would gave in if the exact style and color I wanted was available in stores, but they weren’t… so I set out on yet another DIY adventure to make these babies…and the end result is below. Do you love it?

in DIY / Outfits  by KTR 37 comments

Petite Fashion Challenge #15: Chic Pin-spiration

I’m excited to participate in my 3rd Petite Fashion Challenge #15 (PFC) and this month’s challenge is hosted by Long Live Classy. Check out her blog to see the list of other participants.

The Challenge: “Find a pic of an outfit you love on Pinterest, and re-create it the best way possible!”

I remember falling in love with Carrie Bradshaw’s green mint tulle skirt in Sex and the City, so as soon as I read the challenge details I knew exactly who’s outfit I wanted to recreate! After checking online for a similar skirt with not much luck, I decided to create my own… Two days of ‘trial and error’, eleven yards and 6 layers of tulle later, please say hello to my little creation!

Every girl needs to own a tulle skirt. They are playful, feminine, and so much fun! Best of all, it’s one step closer to feeling like a princess! Carrie’s outfit was my inspiration, but I wanted to add my own personal touches…

From the start I knew I wanted these photos to be taken on top of a hill, somewhere filled with greenery, nature and a bit of a view. We were in Pacifica and came across this beautiful spot. Even though there was a small hill to hike (if you’re wondering, I switched shoes lol), when we reached the top it was perfection.

[Photos by NR]
Top: BCBGMAXAZARIA Nydia rope trim silk top
Skirt: Mint green DIY tulle skirt
Shoes: Colin Stuart ankle strap sandals
Headpiece: Ficcare double arch headband
Bracelets: Spikes from Ebay / H&M green & pink bangle / DIY wrap bracelets
 

I love these fashion challenges because it gives me an opportunity to be creative and pushes me to think outside of the box. It’s the same reason why I started blogging and the same reason why I enjoy it so much.

The getting dolled up part is always fun no doubt, but it’s the creative ideas surrounding the execution in making an image look “outside of the ordinary” is what I’m most fascinated with. That’s why creations such as this, this and this constantly inspires me. Sadly I don’t have the equipment and manpower for many of my sometimes impractical ideas but maybe one day it’ll come to life on my blog… :)

Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you’re having a wonderful day! xo

in DIY / Outfits  by KTR 66 comments

Flower Power

“Find the guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or stay awake just to watch you sleep…The one who turns to his friends and says, “that’s her.” – Anon

NR captured this awesome pic of a bumble bee trying to get him some sweets at the gorgeous Gamble Garden in Palo Alto.

When I was younger, I used to have a few items I loved to wear. Some of them are stripes, polka dots, and plaid, and because I love the pieces so much I would wear them all at once. The kids in school used to laugh at me saying I was weird. I never thought I would grow up wearing something so similar… I guess I’m still that weird kid. :) I only wish I have a “before” pic to show you. It would be really funny.

  [Photos by NR]
Top: C&C California mini gingham shirt
Shorts: High-waisted BCBGeneration linen shorts (old, similar here, here, and here)
Jacket: Floral Aqua Blazer
Shoes: Zara fuchsia pumps
Purse: Express polka dots clutch – if anyone is interested, I’m selling this clutch
Accessories:: Earrings: Kate Spade//Necklace: Forever21//Spike bracelet: Ebay//Friendship bracelets: DIY//Flower Broach: Forever21

 

I have been on the hunt for a nice floral statement piece to add to my wardrobe but I didn’t think I would fall head over heels for this Aqua blazer. The colors are vibrant, the flowers are purple & pink (my two fave colors) and it’s ultra girlie. I had some fun reliving my childhood days by mixing floral with plaid and polka dots. I added a purple flower broach to the clutch to tie it to my outfit. When mixing prints, the thing to look out for are similarities in color schemes. Even when prints are all different, the similar hues can tie everything together.

Don’t forget to enter my Giveaway to win a free Turquoise Necklace and Earrings Set. Ends Monday, March 12th!

in DIY / Outfits  by KTR 26 comments

Sunny Delight

“Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.” – Mark Twain

[Photos by NR]
 
Top: Poplin Twist Front Halter Blouse from BCBGMAXAZRIA (similar here)
Skirt: H&M
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Swing Black Shoulder Bag
Hat: Straw Fedora (similar here)
Shoes: Charles David
Cage Ring: H&M

I came across this “sunny” flared skirt from H&M the other day and was immediately in love. As you can see, I can’t get enough of bright colors these days. The only problem was it was slightly loose in the waist. Too lazy to pull out the sewing machine and didn’t want to wait 4 days for my seamstress to fix the problem (I’m an Aries, and we are very impatient), I decided to do a quick D-I-Y. A needle, thread, a pair of scissors, an iron and 7 minutes was all that was needed to slim and turn this baby from a size 4 into a 2!

Tutorial: How to change the size of your skirt in a few short steps

in DIY / Outfits  by KTR 4 comments

Lady In Blue

“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are “blue,” and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.” – Lyman Frank Baum 

 
Dress: H&M
Belt: Lodis Leopard Print Belt from Nordstroms
Earrings: Nordstrom (currently on sale)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson Leather Camel Pumps
Shades: Prada Butterfly Frame
Lipstick: M.A.C (color: Girl About Town)
 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend so far. I wanted to post some pictures of a recent fab find!

I stopped by H&M the other day and saw a really cute lace and jersey cobalt blue dress. The dress had an attached matching blue tank which I thought took away from the beauty of the lace because the two coalesced into one. Therefore, I decided to do a little D.I.Y:  The tank was cut out and traded for a nude cami. I like this look much better because I can now see the details of the lace. A leopard belt and gold earrings were added to complete the look!

:: Style Tips ::

Like anything in life in my opinion, too much of anything is never too good, and too many accessories can make an outfit look cluttered. Since the lace details was already a statement in it’s own right, and I was wearing a waist belt and statement earrings, my neck and wrists were kept bare to balance out the look.

 

in DIY / Outfits  by KTR 2 comments