Silvana's NDAD Creation

Prom season is right around the corner and I fell in love with this piece sent in by Silvana.  She crafted it for her stunning sister and I think you're going to all be obsessed just like me!

My baby sister had her very first high school dance this year.  Of course we had to make her the most fabulous outfit ever!!  Our other sister took her shopping at a local thrift store and found this dowdy original.

The shape and style was quite sad, but it was made of beautiful teal dupioni silk.

The sisterly love is incredible!!  Time to see what Silvana did...

I removed the skirt, altered the bodice, made an open back, and reattached the skirt a bit higher, giving it full pleats.

With a little styling and some inexpensive accessories, she was red carpet ready.

The entire outfit, down to the extra flats in her little clutch for when her feet got tired, was under $20.

What a glowing gal!!

I don't know if I love the dress or the fact that this was a total family affair more?!  The fabric on this dress is delicious and the color is incredible!  You're totally right Silvana, the styling is perfection and your sister had to be the best dressed gal at the party...also the fact that this all ran $20 is just everything!  You're going to have to continue to send in the pieces your make for your sis because this one is a total home run!

Evil Fr-eye-day

I'm totally obsessed with all the evil eye jewelry out right now.  I actually received a bunch of beaded bracelets from my Turkish aunt who brought them back from Istanbul years ago.  They're fab and I wrap them around my wrists on the regular, however the rhinestoned ones have caught my eye! From this gorge House of Harlow bracelet...

...to this chic Baublebar one...

...to this decadent Judith Ripka ring that's to die for.

To avoid spending beaucoup bucks, I went the DIY route!!  I found some lookalike costume charms on Etsy for a fraction of the above prices...

...and got into a jewelry making mode!  Let's make JEW-LER-REE, JEW-LER-REE! I wanna make JEW-LER-REE, let's get into JEW-LER-REE!! (...to the tune of "Let's Get Physical".  So sorry, it got stuck in my head and kept repeating and repeating and repeating...)

I started with some Darice chain and an assortment of clasps from my jewelry making stash.

I took my charms that arrived safely from China...

...and started connecting!  I took my chain and attached one end of it to the charm with a jump ring.

I measured my wrist and cut the chain in two spots with my metal cutting tool.  One end will be where the clasp is connected, and the other end will connect to the other edge of the charm.  The free end will then have the other jump ring, which will be where the bracelet is clasped together.

Post- snip, I added another jump ring to the end of the chain...

...and had my DIY bracelet ready to wear!

Yeah, I think I'm obsessed with this bracelet that cost around $1.50 to make, total.

Yep, that's right $1.50 total.  I can't wait to layer this piece with other bangles!!

Since I have a bunch of extra charms, these will make fab birthday gifts for girlfriends, including one of you gals out there!

Yay for handmaking one for a special winner out there in the blogosphere!!  Leave a comment below if you'd like to be included in the random drawing that will happen next Friday, 4/12.  To tie into the theme of the evil eye, what would you like the bracelet to ward off?  I'm going with negativity on all fronts.  From me being too hard on myself to the naysayers to the rest of the not-so-good stuff that seeps into our lives.  I think that's a good way to kick off Friday - keep in the good, ward off the bad.  Thanks bracelet :)

Wednesday Giveaway

April is Earth Month, so I figured that it would be awesome to kick it off with a little green giveaway! I keep reuseable bags in my car to have on hand for all the trips to Trader Joe's and the farmers market I make - my trunk has a stash!  I love carrying my loot home in them instead of using the paper and plastic options at the checkout, so up for grabs today is a fab eco-friendly bag by WeBe made from recycled agriculture sacks!

This size is perfect for quick trips to the store and is super durable, lined with fabric, inside pockets and a zipper closure.  This bag used burlap coffee sacks and the cotton palm tree/hammock fabric up top feels like vacation!

To enter, leave a comment below of one of your favorite things that you grab at the market and a winner will randomly get picked next week!  Aside from the basics, I always feel like I'm at Trader Joe's snagging their chile covered dried mango.  I've become obsessed with it and it's the perfect snack for me when I can't decide whether I want a sweet or savory treat.  (PS, I love hearing what other people's favorite TJ items are because they're usually different from mine and it's always so hard to branch out!)

Update on past winners...congrats to JennyRose (Paris clutch), Kit (sparkle nail polish/Tarte mascara), Ginia Magers (shamrock bracelet), Annie (LoopNYC wristlet), and Emily Bobo (rose goodies)!!