DIY: PUZZLED

The other day I came across a box of puzzles pieces that I had used for a stopmotion video project last fall, I then thought to myself: 1. I'm never going to actually do this puzzle again 2. I'm pretty sure more than a few pieces went missing anyway 3. What can I do to not feel bad about just tossing these?

DIY PUZZLE PIECE EARRINGS:  You know by now (if not, give a quick scroll through my blog) that I have a minor obsession with metallics, especially gold. Gold accessories to be exact.  Here's how I did it:

This project was a great excuse to finally buy the metallic spray paint I've always wanted. I'm in love with it and it truly does dry in less than 15 minutes like it states on the can.

Old, sad, and lonely puzzle pieces.  I opted to use different shaped ones. This puzzle is an ocean scene, how exciting!

Jump rings, Fish hook earrings (granted they are a lot more "brassy" than my gold spray paint but I had these already in my toolkit)

1. Go outside, ya fool, you're gonna be spray painting

2. From failed experience I suggest painting the backsides of the puzzle pieces first (the non-glossy side) since the paint will go on more even and doesn't matter as much anyway since it won't be seen much!

3. Once the backs are dry, flip over and coat the fronts of the pieces.  I had to do at least 3 coats to get it even- don't be afraid to really saturate them since the paint should dry pretty fast.

4. After completely dry (I waited about 3 hrs just to be safe), punch holes in the tops of each piece close enough the edge that a jump ring will work.  I used a small hammer and nail to do mine, but I'm sure there are more precise ways as well!

5. You'll want to use two jump rings to connect the puzzle piece to the fish hook earrings so that they face the front.

6. Put them on, feel fabulous, and enjoy the endless questions like "OMG, where did you get those!?"

XX ALEX

CATHOLIC SCHOOL GIRL

+ Vintage letter jacket: my old man's!

+Vintage Lacoste sweater: Rockstar & Rogers, Manhattan, KS

+Ralph Lauren pleated plaid wrap skirt: Goodwill bins, Portland, OR

+Gray Doc Martens (knock-offs): Walmart

WRAP IT UP

Last minute shopping? (isn't that a given?) Last minute gift wrapping? Here are a few ideas to use things you may have or easy things that will give your gifts a little more personal feel.

Although this could look a little more festive, I'm happy to share this little idea with you to give your Christmas gifts a little homemade feel.  I've had a few of these "Christmas tree air-fresheners" in my car that have long-since lost much of their scent & i thought what better way than to use them as gift tags!  I took a blank mailing label and cut it to size to cover the original labels.  I never get anything other than the Black Ice scent but using the evergreen/pine ones would be more festive and along w/ looking nice it'll smell nice, too!

 It's always almost impossible to disguise a wine bottle--they're usually just sitting in a gift basket or have a ribbon tied around their necks.  For this I took an old cable knit glove (you could also get new ones to include w/ the gift) and put the "middle finger"of the glove over the top of the bottle. I then tied together the thumb and pinky and then the ring and index to create a braided/rosette look.  To make it more festive I ran outside and snagged a few sprigs off our cedar trees and added them to the bunch. voila!

This one is the simplest, and maybe the cutest.  Instead of using boring stickers or tags to identity who the gift is for...use a picture of them!  To unify, I decided to make my images black and white.  This can be a great way to bring up family memories and events by including old family photos.  Be creative-- cross out and circle people in group photos, or be specific and cover up everyone but the person getting the gift with bows!

HOLOGRAM

Look what I found....*_*, and what I could not pry myself from as I grazed around the rest of H&M this weekend-- A HOLOGRAPHIC PURSE.  If any of you are making your way to my blog from my personal tumblr, you already know the obsession I have for all things holographic.  It will definitely be my new going out carry-all and is the perfect size for such occasions!  Also thought I'd throw in an oldie-but-a-goodie with the fuzzy leopard chain purse.  Both are great to accessorize a sleek and simple or monochromatic look. 

LAYER LUST

Strongly influenced by the Man Repeller herself I took to my closet to recreate the look and revive my faith in the greatness that is LAYERING

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1. Look at this humongous flannel shirt. I am in a sea of shirt, and I am surely drowning. Steal your (hypothetical) boyfriend’s shirt for a day and curl up in his arms.

2. You can do pattern on pattern; do it, I dare you. Combining stripes with plaid is a safe bet for this fall, and are two things you’ll be sure to see a lot of in the coming months. Also think about the textures and thicknesses you’re working with...switch it up, just like your patterns!

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3. Two layers are for sissies, you didn’t think we weren’t going to half-ass this, did you? Throw on a loose T or a short sleeve sweater to add yet another layer of interest.

4. At this point you’re probably feeling a bit uncomfortable, wondering where your boobs have gone under all that fabric, and what you should do to take a few steps in the opposite direction of “I look like a little boy”.  Heels will automatically “fem” up the look. Bling yourself out with pearls and pink jewelry, or you can also go a little bolder with your makeup to offset the outfit.

MIX-MATCHED

I've been really into the idea of combining bold prints with bold prints and taking from what I have in my closet to do so. The mixing of prints was really big this spring/summer with floral so why not explore further...into the future?  I think it's great to throw the most ridiculous things together that don't really go at all...it creates a drastic push and pull and very unexpected look which I'm all for.
xx
Alex

Lace Leopard dress (Rodarte x Target)
Space Skirt (Homemade...thanks to my momma!)

WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET

I finally invested in a new wallet, in due time seeing that my last one had a velcro closure (I KID YOU NOT). 

 I love the size of this thing. Yes, it's a little on the "husky" side of things, but my philosophy is "the bigger it is the less likely I am to lose it".  The wrist strap is also another lifesaver- I hate lugging even the smallest of purses around so this little beauty is truly the perfect ratio.  The inside opens up accordion-style allowing you to sort your things and keep cards, receipts, and money separate and organized and easy to find (in theory).  I like that the tassels are easily detachable because tassels come and go...

I got mine at TJMaxx for about $20, I think you can get the latest model from Deux Lux here for $65.
(bottle opener keychain from a souvenir stand near Leicester Station in London...I bought about 5 or 6 and gave them out to friends...I should have gotten more!).

Au revoir,
Alex