Clutch My Heart Purse DIY

This was a small purse I got from a thrift store.

Just start sewing buttons anywhere you please. I went out and bought some specialty buttons to spice it up a bit. You can get a great vintage button multi pack from amazon here.

I love how my little clutch turned out ! Might not be luxury but it's unique and mine.  The color options are so endless ... vintage buttons = steampunk... oh that might be next.

Check out these 18 Purse Essentials for Everyday Needs. Make your life easier!

There are so many different options when it comes to style have fun!

Before I go! Have you been trying to achieve financial independence? 

Proofread Anywhere was created by the extraordinary Caitlin Pyle

Proofreaders consistently make up to $65 an hour and are able to work anywhere in the world. I’ve been following Caitlin’s money earning journey for years and she is the creator of Proofread Anywhere. Four years ago when she bought her first house with her earnings, I was enthralled with how she did it. It was all through proofreading, and she teaches us her exact ways.

This gig is obviously for a very specific type of person who LOVES to correct grammar, hates when authors use a comma splice, or makes note of spelling mistakes on a restaurant menu… it takes a certain “eagle eye” ability to be good at proofreading!

Ready to start your journey? Get free access to the Master Class Proofread Anywhere Webinar run by Caitlin by registering now. It’s a free way to see if proofreading is right for you.

My Go-To Resources

Credit Sesame I used Credit Sesame to lower my credit card debt and start saving money. I would have never been able to afford my car for cash, or pay off my debt without learning about my credit score first. Credit Sesame provides free service and a free credit score. Check them out to see how they can help dig you out of debt today. You won’t be sorry, I can’t believe how much they helped me.

Rakuten Coupons deals and cash back. When you’re shopping online if you aren’t stacking your savings, you’re losing serious money. Get rebates from 1%-20%+ on thousands of stores and get $10.00 for signing up. I won’t shop without Rakuten.

Ibotta! I save on all my staples from eggs, to paper towels, to coffee and even uber rides! With Ibotta you just snap a picture of your shopping receipt and match it with current deals available online. Get $10 just for signing up through The Rising Damsel. Redeem your first $10 by verifying a purchase from any of their stores. It’s an obsession. 

Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing There are tons of ways to make money on your blog. If you want to make money by promoting a company or product you need Michelle’s course Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. I didn’t actually start earning money from blogging till I took this course. Save yourself from frustration, Michelle has it figured out for us.

String and Pearl Wrap Bracelet DIY

Stash buster! You will need roughly 5 spools of embroidery floss or crochet string for this, an old plastic bracelet, beads and a drop of glue. String, beads and glue are always available at your local craft store or hit up Amazon's Craft Section

Start with a knot and wrap, wrap, wrap around the bracelet. When threading the bead center the bead, wrap string around the bead once, wrap around bracelet once. Center bead again and then wrap the string around the bead twice. Continue to wrap around bracelet till you are ready for your next bead. A dab of glue and you are done.

There are infinite color possibilities and I know none of us are missing for beads.

Vintage Appeal Necklace DIY

For this all you need is some simple jewelry hardware.  String your beads and attach them to your chain using jump rings. I got my beads on sales at Michaels for 90% off.  Rummaging through the bargain bins is worth it ! Determine how much you want the beads to separate from the chain by where you attach the jump rings. The slight vintage feel of these 90% discounted beads has me singing.

Buttons Up The Front Skirt DIY

My first thrift store revamp.  Basically, I cut the elastic out of my parachute skirt and used a fitted skirt as a guide.

I didn't want to get too crazy so I added an elastic band.  The buttons on the original skirt ran up the back of the skirt.  Seeing as I am a huge button fanatic I changed them to the front.

Seriously have had this project on my mind for the last year.  Feels great to have something accomplished and wearable... even if the buttons are off ... my patience factor and sewing don't get along.

What are your favorite clothes to refashion? So far I am sticking to skirts and straight lines.

The Cinnamon Bear

buy your copy here link

My favorite Christmas tradition.  This was originally aired in 1937 as a radio show.  It was especially popular in the Portland, Oregon area where my dad was born in 1942.  It has been a tradition for my dad and I since I can remember.... and maybe even before that.  My grandma originally recorded the radio show on 8 tracks.  My dad later rerecorded onto another 8 track so we could have a copy.  10 years after that he transferred those recordings onto cassette.  The scratching was absolutely horrific, the voices were barely audible and the music squeak and blared with every skip of tape.  My mom and brother refused to listen to it.  This left my dad and I with 26, 15 minute episodes. One for each day between December 1st- and Christmas.  So it went for years my dad and I happily listening while my mom and brother ran for cover.  Right around 2003 inspiration struck!  There had to be a copy somewhere online right?!!?!?  Lo and behold $25.00 for 6 cds of magical Christmas cheer!  At the time my dad bought a cd player that could hold 150 cds.  To this day there are 6 cds in that thing. You can also try Ebay for memorabilia.

The story goes, Judy and Jimmy are missing their Silver Star that belongs on the top of the Christmas Tree.  After the Cinnamon Bear teaches them to "degrow" they fly a golden airplane ornament into Maybeland to track down the Crazy Quilt Dragon who has stolen their star!  Many, many characters and songs and trials and adventure later, will they ever get their silver star back in time for Christmas?

I can't wait to go home again and listen to it!  Brings a huge smile to my face just thinking about it.

Work Wear Shenanigans

 

Outfit Details:
dress: Donna Morgan / tights: TjMaxx / shoes: Coach / earrings: Forever21 / sweater: Talbots / necklace: hand made diy / brooch: hand made diy / purse: Chanel

Okay, can we be serious for a moment?  Who gives away a vintage Chanel purse?!  WHO I ASK WHO?!  Well luckily that answer is my mom's friend.  I was gifted this purse in 2004.  I thank my lucky stars daily that women for a short amount of time thought it was no longer acceptable to wear gold.  I am not sure how old this purse is; I would guess around 20-30 years old though.  It recently broke, the piece of leather that connected the chain pulled out.  For a mere $20 bucks at a cobbler I was able to get it repaired like new!   A word to all you ladies, don't be afraid of the cobbler especially if you have a pair of shoes or a bag that is worth fixing.

Coach shoes are my favorite they are far superior to similar brands in the market.  I have worn Coach shoes for months, and months and months of walking and they remain intact, beautiful and comfortable.  You can really put some miles on those things I promise.

Have you been gifted anything that once was a faux pas, and has now made it's way full circle (at least in your mind) to something fabulous and lovely that you treasure dearly? 

Pin Curls and Flowers Outfit

Outfit Details:
shoes: Franco Sarto from zappos / jeans: Burberry Brit by Burberry / t-shirt: Camieu / sweater: Halogen from Nordstrom / scarf: thrifted / earrings: Forever21

Oh I adore comfy clothes! It wasn't exactly cardigan and scarf weather, but seeing as both were made of light material I got to indulge my love early in the season.  My pin curls normally turn out like bird's nests but I am okay with that.

This weekend I plan to go thrifting!! I am super excited.  If you have been following the blog awhile, you know that recently I have been having some issues with the local thrift stores falling short in many aspects, most of all selection.  Hopefully at this point there has been a complete overhaul and they are ready for me to scour every aisle.  If anyone wants to compare thrift finds tomorrow I would be happy to share!! Love all of you and keeping my fingers crossed on a lovely weekend for you too.

Flaunting a Kitten Nose

Outfit details
jeans: Lux from Urban Outfitters / tshirt: Banana Republic / sweater: thrifted / necklace and broch: thrifted

I am obsessed with brooches as I know many of you ladies are as well.  This has to be my absolutely most favorite brooch ever.  When my Mom was helping my Grandma Mimi go through some things in order to de-clutter, she found this little gem.  He is soft almost like a rabbit's foot.  I am totally in love with him

Shoe Stretching How to

I have big feet. Well size 10. Can I help buying super cute barely worn once shoes from a thrift store? NO!

Good lord were these uncomfortable.  Not normal, I can walk around for awhile then add a band-aid uncomfortable.... these were 10 steps to a blister, 3 band-aids later, limping around uncomfortable.  This of course is not to the discredit of Bass at all.  Their shoes are known to be supportive and wonderful.  You take woven vintage leather and 1/2 a size too small, never been used and you have my predicament.  I was determined to find a remedy!  After lots of internet research this is what I found worked best.

1.  Find a pair of super thick socks.  Wet them in the places that the shoe is uncomfortable.  For me it was the heals the tips of my toes and the width (um everywhere?)

2.  Squeeze your wet thick socks into the shoes.

3.  Blow dry on high, all the spots that need attention for around 2 minutes.

4.  Walk around as long possible.  I would recommend til the socks are dry.

That's it!  The moisture plus the heat allows the leather to reform to your foot creating a custom fit.  I had to do this twice due to the ridiculousness that I started with.

All in the name of vintage cuteness!  I hope this is helpful to you.  I still have 3 pairs of vintage shoes I need to do this to ha.  When will I learn?

Before I go! Have you been trying to achieve financial independence? 

Proofread Anywhere was created by the extraordinary Caitlin Pyle

Proofreaders consistently make up to $65 an hour and are able to work anywhere in the world. I’ve been following Caitlin’s money earning journey for years and she is the creator of Proofread Anywhere. Four years ago when she bought her first house with her earnings, I was enthralled with how she did it. It was all through proofreading, and she teaches us her exact ways.

This gig is obviously for a very specific type of person who LOVES to correct grammar, hates when authors use a comma splice, or makes note of spelling mistakes on a restaurant menu… it takes a certain “eagle eye” ability to be good at proofreading!

Now, how much can you make as a proofreader? Well, since I’ve been a Caitlin fan for a long time I happen to have a couple friends who are in that industry, and it turns out — quite a lot! There are some proofreaders earning over $40,000 working for themselves and loving their jobs. Completely free of office walls.

Leverage skills that you already have by starting a proofreading business! The handy webinar will quickly let you know if Proofreading is the right direction for you.

Ready to start your journey? Get free access to the Master Class Proofread Anywhere Webinar run by Caitlin by registering now. It’s a free way to see if proofreading is right for you.

My Go-To Resources

Trim – Bill Negotiator Will negotiate bills with credit card companies and potentially get them lowered. Trim will also ensure that your subscriptions are cancelled across all your accounts. This is a full money-saving system for free. Tryout the Trim Bill Negotiator today and see how much you could be saving! 8 Million dollars was saved for users last year alone.

Ebates Coupons deals and cash back. When you’re shopping online if you aren’t stacking your savings, you’re losing serious money. Get rebates from 1%-20%+ on thousands of stores and get $10.00 for signing up. I won’t shop without Ebates.

Ibotta! I save on all my staples from eggs, to paper towels, to coffee and even uber rides! With Ibotta you just snap a picture of your shopping receipt and match it with current deals available online. Get $10 just for signing up through The Rising Damsel. Redeem your first $10 by verifying a purchase from any of their stores. It’s an obsession. 

Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing to earn money blogging. There are tons of ways to make money on your blog. If you want to make money by promoting an affiliate, you need Michelle’s course Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. It was an invaluable resource to me despite 1,000+ hours of research on how to earn. The money didn’t actually start coming in till I took this course. Save yourself from frustration, Michelle has it figured out for us!

Anthro Inspired Bracelet using Clipon Earrings DIY

What do you do when you score a huge amount of clip-on earrings from a garage sale? You turn them into bracelets is what. Whenever I see jewelry that looks like it should be expensive I add an extra $20.00 and think of anthropologie. I love that store, but the prices can be a little shocking. You can make bracelets out of absolutely any material you want. I choose gold chain because I am seriously lacking all things gold.

1. Bend the earring clasps backwards. This creates the perfect canvas for your creation.

2. Use a very small amount of hot glue to glue the earrings together.

3. Hot glue a small amount of felt to the back of the earrings.  This will keep the clasps from scratching at your wrist.

4. Attach chain.  You can add wire as well and then wrap floss around the wires for a different look.

This is so easy.  I am not sure about newer clip on earrings, but the old school ones generally have little holes punched into the back.  This is the perfect place to tie a knot, add a chain, crochet the ends together, or even leave free for brooch flare.    

After finishing this diy, I decided that more is always better. Since I had some additional clip-ons, they got glued on too. Use the same technique as above, just glue on in opposing directions.

Little Flowers

Outfit Details:

dress: Talbots / belt: Thrifted / necklace: Thrifted / bracelet: Thrifted / shoes: Me Too

I have some beef right now with the clothing industry.  It is true that my shape has fluctuated through out the years, of course whose hasn't?  There is such a crazy emphasis and importance on size in this country that it is just sickening.  It is being proliferated in every single aspects of our lives... commercials, people, clothes.  Point in case, my boobs have gotten bigger and my feet have gotten smaller.  These are things that should not really change in size until you are prego.

When I was in high school, I absolutely could not find shoes that fit.  I was a size 11+ in any dress or casual shoe.  In athletic shoes I actually had to buy men's shoes.  This of course is until recently where now I can buy 10s easily.  Not only can I buy 10's but I can fit into 9 1/2s as well.  What the hell is that?

I don't care what size I am.  I don't care what size I have to buy.  But it would be nice if I could know which size rack to look at when trying to run in and out of stores.  

Anyone else experiencing this completely ridiculous sizing change recently?

Modge Podged

I managed to absolutely massacre my desk with crafts, glue, nail polish, oh scratches who knows it looked terrible ! Something had to be done! One giant jar of modge podge later we have this.

I went to local thrift stores and picked up every vintage children's book I could find. In addition I also found a coffee table book that highlighted beautiful women from the 50's-70's. I picked all my favorite pictures and armed with a pair of scissors went to town.

Once you have all your pictures modge podge a gigantic collage over the surface of your choosing. I finished with a coat of gloss.

My only complaint is that modge podge dries sort of sticky. Not really sticky ... but ehhhh I am super anti anything sticky, scratchy, gooey, dusty etc. I am probably a little more critical than most when it comes to this. Any of you have this problem with modge podge or am I nuts? 

I am happy all is sealed, but I will probably buy a cut piece of glass in the future. Hope you are inspired and vow to only ruin books for art.

Size Recognition and Body Awareness

Outfit Details:
necklace and bracelet: NY&co / sweater and tank top: Nordstrom's Rack / shoes: Bass, thrifted

Rachel from The Nearsighted Owl has put together and amazing linkup that highlights being proud of your size.  Not only does she motivate people to be comfortable with their bodies, she too is one of the most confident looking, beautiful women I have had the pleasure to meet through the blogging world.  Her page is definitely a daily read for me. 


I, like every woman can say that I have battled with my body.  In the recent few years I have learned to be happy with it.  I can say that my eating habits have most definitely changed since I fought with my weight.  Craving salad is something that I NEVER thought would happen, not to say I don't still eat plenty of cheeseburgers but my weight has become a balance of comfort and happiness.  I hope that you visit her site and indulge in the inspiration that she radiates as I have.  Thank you to all the other beautiful women who have also inspired me through this linkup.

I Saw Red

Outfit Details:

t-shirt and dress: Nordstrom's rack / belt & necklace: Thrifted / shoes: Coach (seriously got these on double sale for around $15.00)

For the nails I painted them Sally Hansen's Diamond strength polish in Honeymoon Red. To get the glitter effect I simply poured glitter on my nails and then sealed them with a top coat. Easy. This kind of outfit is what I am most comfortable in. What is your go-to outfit for comfort and style? 

Thrifting Tips

Here is my little guide to thrift store shopping.  It is tried and true (well at least for me).  The amount of amazing finds within your grasp ….well they’re countless. 

Scope out your stores. Places like the Arc have 80% of their merchandise on sale on Saturdays.  If your thrift store doesn’t have a discount day, go ahead and ask when they restock their shelves so that you get first pick!

1.  First thing is your gear.  Make sure you are comfortable.  Slip on shoes are a must in case you want to try something on.  I also like loose clothing; if something is an “iffy’ find I won’t try it on if I have to win a gold medal in gymnastics to get out of my outfit. 

2.  I always start in the nick-nack area.  There are some great finds hiding in here.  My attention span is a little short to save this section for the end.  Be aware of what you need in your house; but more importantly what you don’t need! Ceramic cats are tempting but not when they are the only type of decoration in your house.

3.  The next section to go to is the accessories. Be aware of QUALITY!  I can’t tell you how many fake Chanel bags I have seen.  Also know your brands when you go thrifting.  Does a thrift store employee know to mark up a Coach bag to $20.00?  Most definitely. Do most thrift store employees know what a Yves Saint Laurent bag is?Most likely they do not.  My best thrift find was a YSL bag in mint condition for $10.00 circa the 70's or 80’s.

Never ever skip looking at the belts.  You might find something awesome.  Or more importantly you may find a vintage Christian Dior belt for $5.00. Feel for quality.  You don’t have to look at every belt, but definitely touch every belt.  The difference between genuine leather and pleather is uncanny.  You feel real leather; you check the brand and BAM Vintage Christian Dior in your closet.

A scarf is the perfect accessory for any outfit.  I have yet to find a high-end scarf at a thrift store.  Though they are so perfect to use as a summer top or even some pretty scrap cloth.  Don’t take this section for granted.

4.  Now we get to the meat and bones of the thrift store.  The clothing!! Look at absolutely everything. Leave no muumuu unturned. Try on everything you find even remotely cute.  It might not all fit due to the difference in sizes over the years, however have a 100% chance to make something amazing by up-cycling any piece of cloth you find.  Look for silks, leathers, and chiffon, nice woven fabrics and business suits.  Thrift stores are also perfect to find fashions that you may not be comfortable buying or even wearing yet.  Not wearing something that cost $5.00 is a lot less of a mental burden that something you spent $50.00 on.  If you are looking to make a collar for a shirt take a look in the men's department instant collar to diy.  Leave no clothing section unturned.

5.  Personally I have had better luck with garage sales for furniture rather than thrift stores.  There is always a chance that something is hiding there though.  It is also rather easy to paint a lamp and buy a new shade to create something perfect for your home.  With all the different paints at the hardware store now it also makes it incredibly easy to refurbish a piece of furniture.  That perfect end table could be right in front of you with a little work.

6.  Never ever forget to look at the jewelry.  Costume jewelry is usually plentiful.  Even if its broken you can re-purpose most of it.  Earrings can be made into magnets, brooches and even buttons.

7.  Look at umbrellas !!! Seems weird I know.  Recently I found a broken Burberry umbrella.  $5.00 and a seam ripper later, I have about 1/2 a yard of Burberry checked fabric to add to anything my little heart pleases.


Here are some of my favorite finds.

Main thing to look for with YSL is that the "Y" lines up perfectly

The one on the left is from my grandma 1940's.  The one on the right was just a great find for the wall.

Sweet little deer making a friend.

This makes me happy.

Above my flat screen ... modern meet vintage.

Hopefully these tips will at least get you started with thrifting. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find something because chances are you will be inspired by something in that huge store. Most of all just enjoy your time there.

YSL exhibition

Denver was absolutely graced with the Yves Saint Laurent exhibition. I have to admit that I have the patience of a 5 year old. Luckily this exhibit kept every sense working in overdrive. From the amazing flowing material, to the creation of the woman's paint suit, I had no idea that such an illustrious designer had such a rich life. While walking through the exhibit you could transport yourself to Paris, France; this was aided by the French videos and interviews given by Yves Saint Laurent. Hearing the language and the accents while gazing at some of the most influential fashion designs was a gift to the mind and eye. I left feeling inspired, and with a new appreciation of YSL, tutorials to come based on this experience.

image is from DenverArtMuseum.org. Please have a look at the website and go to this exhibit. You will not be disappointed.

Thrifted Re-Vamp DIY

Years ago I was sooo lucky to get a pile of vintage earrings from etsy for a mere $5.00. They have been sitting in a craft drawer till now. No more of that! I also had a broken watch... Seems like the perfect recipe for a revamped vintage bracelet.

First find some sort of bracelet with a working clasp.  I used wire cutters to remove the watch portion.

These are some of those lovely earrings I bought.  Bend the clip-on portion all the way back so that the earrings lay flat.

Fit the earrings together in whichever way you would like.  If you do decide to use the clip-on portion as I did, it does add extra support to the piece.  Hot glue the pieces together.  Add a piece of felt if your bracelet has no place to attach a jump ring or something of the like.

I looove how this turned out. So relieving to finally use some things that have been sitting around for far too long. Cost is free as long as you use that junk in your drawer. Hope you enjoyed.