major moment

 via Nasty Gal

i'm not sure if my closer approach to 30 is to blame, if i am reverting to my childhood, or if i am falling back into my country upbringing, but i am majorly into all things overalls and suspenders this year.  its a style that is so comfy and unexpected, but i am finding ways to work it into my wardrobe in so many ways.  my collection has grown into denim overall jeans, thrifted overall jeans made into cutoff shorts, overall canvas skirt, and now white suspender lace skirt.  excessive?  hell no, just my summer staple of 2012.  

some other fun options i'm eyeing here and here

when you love something...

buy 2 of them!  

I've really grown to love this year's wedge sneaker trend, but obvi can't afford the Isabel Marant OGs of the trend.  I debated getting a pair of knockoffs via ebay, and even bought a pair of Steve Madden knockoffs only to return them.  If I can't get the real thing, I'm not going to try to pull off something that is clearly pretending to be something it's not.  Knockoffs were ok when I was 20 years old, but are just a big no no as a grown woman.  So I found a wedge sneaker at Topshop that embraces the trend but isn't an exact replica of the high end brands.  I first got them in black and 10 minutes after trying them on purchased them in white.  They are now even selling them in pink and silver, but I suppose I'll stop at black and white...for now.  They are uuuuuuber comfy and look so cute with skirts, shorts, jeans, overalls- everything I'll be rocking this summer!

i heart jewelmint

I'm sure everyone is familiar with Jewelmint by now, but I have to say they constantly keep me well accessorized.  Easily a monthly go to for me, I find their pieces to be on trend, durable and a great value for the price.  Here are a few of my current faves.

 the Cinema Americano bracelet (far left)

 Urban Tribe necklace (with a studded DIY of my own)

Lioness and Polar Ends bracelets (top and bottom)

newsie shoesies

Recently got the Alexander Wang Tilda's for summer thanks to the amazing-ness that is TheOutnet.  I enjoy how squishy they look and crazy comfy they are!

DIY gel nails

Earlier this year I read about an at home gel manicure system called Red Carpet Manicure.  I invested in the entire kit and have been so happy with it!  I can easily go close to 2 weeks without any chips or dullness, where with regular nail polish I couldn't go one day without chips.  It's fairly easy to get the hang of- here are some of the fun looks I've tried with the system!

color blocking for nails

 Glitter gradient looks in various colors- I just used ordinary craft glitter mixed with a coat of clear.

 

Love the results I've gotten and overall it's well worth the extra investment to DIY!

chelsea bakes!

 super uber yummy mini lime cupcakes with lime cream cheese frosting

my first attempt at home made pierogies- potato, cheddar and bacon.  turned out delish!

DIY: The Girly Tee!

I came across a sweet Ramones t-shirt last week at my office- score!  Only problem was that it was a size 2X-Large...wah wah.  But fear not, I decided to bust out my sewing machine and make a stop to the fabric store after work to pick up some cute lace trim and got to work.

Here is the ginormous shirt in its original state (aka the size of my coffee table):

 I basically cut all the excess fabric away to make it a sleeveless, cropped shirt to fit me.  From 2XL to XS with the snip of a scissor!

I took in the sides, hemmed the raw edges and added some girly flair to the collar.  And here is now one of my favorite new t-shirts for the price of about $1!

(along with Steve Madden shoes, Free People cut offs and thrifted belt)