Sweet Spot Sunday: DIY Canvas Portrait

I came across this wonderful DIY blog (A Beautiful Mess)  recently and I wanted to share it with all of you.  There are tons of great projects, many of which I plan to do myself, with easy to follow instructions.  I had heard about making my own portrait canvases but was never totally sure how to go about it.  This blog takes the mystery out of the process so I don't have to make a bunch of mistakes before (hopefully) getting it right.  I really love the aged affect of the finished product too.  

for step by step instructions go to abeautifulmess

What do you think?  I'm thinking I have a new idea for a few Christmas gifts this year!

Quote of the Week: Marilyn Monroe

image via alwaysmarilynmonroe 

Agree.  Happy Saturday, all!

~Lori

Freaky Find Friday

via filmofilia
In theaters October 5th

Halloween is coming and I am one of those who is actually excited to see this new Tim Burton flick, Frankenweenie.  I don't know why I am attracted to the macombre, the dark, the humorously morose but I am.  

via fast-rewind

On the other hand I don't think I want a version of taxidermied canine decor in my home.  I dropped into a local Salvation Army and I was struck by this little pup on the shelf: his punched in nose and hypnotic eyes along with numerous stitches (I don't think they are visible in the pictures) caused me to wonder just what sort of customer might buy this little pooch.  Then I thought of the movie Frankenweenie and for a moment I was terrified by the thought that this dog might be an attempt at...well...you get the picture.  Whatever the intent, it failed.  

There was another one of these (if you can image) but I got self-conscious taking pictures of these stitched up doggies.  I need to go back.  I can't deprive you all of such a fabulously freaky find.

Cheers--It's Friday!

Outfit of the Day: Skirt and Tank

Here is a really easy outfit that I put together since it is still so very hot outside, despite the fact that it is mid-September.  When you live in the desert, you know that the desert doesn't give a damn what month it is; it is going to be extremely hot, and then extremely windy, and then extremely cold because it is so extremely windy.

But I digress.  (I do like a tangent!)

I found this skirt at Forever 21 over the summer and fell in love with the color and the print.  I also like that it has a gathered waistband- built in belt!  I bought a different shirt to wear with this skirt, as I was, at the time, thinking ahead for school, but that shirt is long sleeved and it is much too hot for long sleeves right now.

So I decided I needed to pair the skirt with something a little more summery.  This black tank, which has a fun ruffle detail on the front, fit the bill just fine.  Add to that some gold bracelets and some black flats, and you have an instant outfit on your hands.

It has worked well for the weekends and even for a casual Friday work outfit.

Rebecca noted the cut outs on the flats mirror the pattern on the skirt.
(Damn, I'm so good, I don't even realize when I do things like that!)

Apparently, something over there caught my attention.

The shade is what caught my attention.

Apparently I am very happy that we moved to a shady
patch, and I am celebrating by standing like an off-kilter,
perhaps drunken, ballerina.

skirt:  Forever 21
tank: Marshalls, forever ago
shoes: tillys
bracelets: Dillards, Monsoon, vintage, thrifted

~Lori

Backyard Boutique 2

You may remember the first ever Backyard Boutique I posted at the beginning of the summer (see post) organized and hosted by my friends Kaley and Elizabeth.  I am so pleased that they gave us a second opportunity to take advantage of their amazing deals on items from garage sales and thrifts stores.  Not only are these prices unbelievably low but the items are often name brands and mixed in are authentic vintage pieces.  Lori and I scooped up some wonderful treasures at bargain basement prices.  Take a look!

Kaley explains the rules before the live auction.  I wish I had taken more pictures because you can't see all the items to the right.  There were tons of things.  All from the efforts of two woman (who have 6 boys between them, yes that's right).  Guess what else?  They home school too.  Their energy and ingenuity is inspiring.

Lori is ready to bid...

Here are just a few of the treasures I got:

Kaley knew that I like these federal style mirrors so she grabbed this one.  I was happy to take it off her hands.

 My equestrian style gallery wall in our office is coming along nicely now.

Speaking of equestrian, check out these perfect black leather boots!  They fit perfectly ( and I don't have to tell you how difficult it is to find knee boots that fit properly).

 I have to say, this is my favorite purchase of the event.  Vintage, ankle- wrap, sandals in perfect vintage condition.  They are made entirely of leather, even the soles.  I have worn them a dozen times already.  Check out the color combination.

 How adorable is this little floral purse.  It is the perfect transitional summer to fall item.

 How about this olive green lady bag?  I love it so much.

These didn't quite fit Lori so I lucked out and get to keep them.  

I feel so special that Kaley let me look at her goodie bag of vintage pieces that she wasn't selling at the boutique.  I really liked one and she told me to 'make her an offer' so I got to take this little beauty home with me in order to create a few new looks...

What I like so much about this dress, beside the fact that it is pure elegance, is that it can be styled in numerous ways.  Here I just paired it with a casual belt and leather peep toe wedges and a double strand necklace.  It reads casual but still work appropriate.  I think it has that right summer to fall feel about it, too.

I got this grey wool jacket at the boutique as well.  Throw it over the dress and add a scarf and brown oxford inspired heels and I will be ready for the cooler days ahead.

Thanks again Kaley and Elizabeth!  We love our new pieces.  You really are fantastic bargain shoppers.

Outfit of the Day: Pencil Skirt

This has become one of my favorite outfits.  It looks pretty pulled-together, but also pretty casual.

 

A good pencil skirt can define your waist.  If you  feel like you don't have a waist,I'm here to tell you that you do.  And-- you can fake it with a belt.

Trust me on this: 9 times out of 10, your shirt looks better tucked in.  Not always- some looks don't need that polish to them; some looks scream for untucked.  Even

if you are not comfortable with your midsection, tucking in your shirt causes you to 

look more polished and complete, and a wide belt can accent what you have (or don't have).

A lot of the time, women (at least women I've known) feel the impulse to leave their shirt or blouse untucked in an effort to conceal a tummy they are not happy with.  What they end up doing is drawing more attention to it by creating another problem: a frumpy, boxy silhouette.  You don't want to look frumpy!  I don't want to look frumpy, though there are days where I may feel it.  Rebecca and I worked with a girl who wasn't happy with her current weight, and to compensate, she wore loose, baggy clothes.   She thought she would be uncomfortable in anything that showed off her curves.  Once we finally convinced her to add a belt to the smallest part of her waist to accent it, she quickly started to realize that you don't have to be a skinny little twig to show off your waist.  It is all a matter of proportion and confidence!  So tuck in that blouse, ladies!  Try adding a belt if you need to.  Show off your curves!  

skirt: thrifted (there are a lot of similar options on etsy)

shirt: Banana Republic, similar here

shoes: Coach, similar here

jewelry: thrifted/vintage

purse: kate spade

~Lori

Favorite Finds: Patch NYC for Target

If you have been to Target recently (in the past year) you will notice that there are boutique store offerings at a more affordable price.  Patch NYC is one of the boutiques that has collaborated on a collection for Target.  Designers Don Carney and Jon Ross established their first collection in 1997. They are known for their "attention to detail and unpredictable sense of color." You can see some of their pieces offered online and in the Boston area store here.

Here is an original art piece by the team.  They have been commissioned to create artwork for Anthropologie and the interiors of Barney's NY.

Their collection for Target incorporates the same elements that made them successful to begin with but at prices most people can afford.  What's not to love?  I also think the woodland theme is perfectly in keeping with fall trends.  Here are a few things you might just have to get:

cute little owls on books bookends
I have to admit that I would rather these didn't advertise the company, but I think they are super cute for fall in any little nook or shelf.

wood pecker candle holder

fox candle holder
These candle holders are probably my favorite things in the collection.  Why do I like them so much?  Well, not only are they charming as pillar candle holders, but they could be multi-purpose as cupcake stands for a woodland theme or fall theme party!  Wouldn't that be adorable?

owl taper candelabra

This would definitely set the mood at an evening gathering.  

feather serving tray
I see this as a great fall appetizer or desert tray.  Perhaps piled with stuffed mushrooms or baked apples?

fox bowl
I would use this as an accent on a table display filled with fragrant pine cones or even as a soap dish in a powder room.

wood pecker lamp with an awesomely corky lamp shade.
This lamp is so Bunny Williams esque.  It could go in any room of the house for a little whimsy.

deer cookie jar

I think this would make a perfect gift filled with home- made cookies.