Pretzel M&MS.

You know the commercial for Pretzel M&M's where the pretzel jumps into the M&M creating something that's far superior and magical?  Well that is sort of what I attempted today.  I saw this shirt when I was shopping that was a lace tank top with a denim collar, and denim down the middle by the buttons.  Needless to say, I fell in love. However, we were shopping for some shorts for my boyfriend, and I had purposefully left my purse at home so I would not spend any money.  Plus it was $30.  So I decided to make my own.  I found a lace-esque shirt, as well as a denim shirt and fused them together to make the super shirt I had been hoping for.  I included a little DIY for y'all, so you can have one of your own.

Time: 1-2 hours (but I'm a putz)
Cost: $2 for the two shirts ($1.20 and $0.70 can you believe it?!)
Difficulty: Jedi Initiate
Materials: Scissors, Shirts, Sewing Machine, White Thread, Pins

So here are the two shirts that I used for this project.  It really doesn't matter which you choose, just make sure you like the colors together, the materials will work well in your machine, and that they are the same size.  If they are different sizes, the collars will not be the same size and you may run in to a pickle.  Before you start, remove the buttons from the lace shirt, do any ironing that may be necessary, and prepare your work space. 

Step One: Remove the collar/button area from the denim shirt

Step Two: Remove the top part of the collar from the lace shirt, and my top part I mean cut off the part that folds over.  You will be left with about a half inch of fabric.

Step Three:  Replace the white collar with the denim collar, place the remaining white part on the inside of the denim.  These should line up just about perfectly.  Insert pins around the collar and down the middle by the buttons or snaps.

Step Four:  Sew together the pieces that you have just pinned, starting with the collar to make room for adjustments.  

Now if you are going for a seventies vibe, then you can stop here.  If not, look forward.

Step Five: Remove the sleeves from the shirt, and pin the armholes at your desired width.  Mine ended up being around two inches

Step Six: Finish off the armholes by sewing the edge you just cut inward.  I had to add darts at the bust to make the sleeves sit correctly, but I think that just depends on the lace shirt you start out with.

Have you guys heard the Avett Brothers new song?  It's called Live and Die, and they released it from their upcoming album The Carpenter.  You know I'm a sucker for the Avett Brothers, and knowing I have to wait until September 11th for the new cd makes me about pee my pants.

Anyway, it's the song I can't stop listening to today: Live and Die/The Avett Brothers

  

The Sound of Silence

Great song. And what you have been hearing from me in the past month.  I am so very sorry, but I think when you see what I am about to show you, I will be on the road to forgiveness.  So, I moved into a new apartment with five lovely roommates that I adore oh so much.  More on them later.  But, unlike last year, we are not allowed to paint.  My room is an awkward off white, with hideous maroon carpet.  Yet, I was determined to make my room gorgeous.  Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the big reveal...

And the best part, is the amount of money, or lack there of that I spent on this piece of paradise.  Everything in this room was either made or thrifted.  A shout out to my spectacular boyfriend (and cohabitant), as well as his father, who understood my scatterbrained sketches and helped build the  combined desk, dress rack, headboard, etc.  Although they thought I was crazy during most of the planning process, who can argue with these results?? I never ever want to leave my room, but that is a good thing for you because that means lots of sewing, and I have some awesome clothing transformations coming up for you this week.  Maybe a few DIY's are in order for some of my bedroom treasures? Let me know what you want to make, and I'll tell you how!

Thanks for being patient with me.  I really appreciate all of you. 

Song I cannot stop listening to today:

Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?

This isn't the dress you're looking for...oh wait, IT SO IS.

You won't see any before pictures, and I'll tell you why: because I made this. Like, made it made it.  This lovely Star Wars material was a vintage bed sheet.  I have had it lying around for quite some time, but I had a limited about of fabric so I knew I would only get one shot.

Those of you who saw the sheet sitting around my house for months know how scared I was to start it.  As nervous as I was, I am pretty happy with the way that things turned out.  Therefore I am going to fill by day with Star Wars puns, and humming theme songs.  

Speaking of today, I will be quite busy doing my roommates hair and make-up.  This is the part where you think, wait doesn't she live with three guys?  Yes, I do.  But they are in the drag show tonight with a couple of their friends.  I am in charge of make-up and wardrobe and I am so excited!!  They are doing the mash-up of Rumor Has It/Someone Like You from Glee.  Their dance is awesome.  I will be sure to include pictures and maybe a video

...if you're good.

Song that I can't stop humming everywhere I walk:

A Weekend of Best's.

Over this past weekend, besides seeing the best concert ever, I also had the pleasure of spending some time with my best friend ever.  Meet little miss Katie, or as I lovingly call her, Trina.  We are so different, but we compliment each other so well.  She settles me down, and I force her to be a little more crazy. 

...but she is moving far far away.   

This coming fall, she will be relocating to California to work on her doctorate because she is wicked smart and amazing.  I will miss her quite terribly, but maybe not as terribly as this guy in the photo's.  Meet her boyfriend Brett who will be heading the opposite direction to New York.  I thought it would be nice when I was around to take some photo's of the two of them, so that they would have some to put in their apartments next year.  Here are a few of my favorites...

As you can tell, my favorite ones are mainly of Katie laughing, because it makes me so happy to see her happy.  Oh well, I know our friendship will survive the distance.  It has for the past four years.  Already planning my trip to California to visit though! 

I have nothing to wear.

I think you all know that is a lie.  My closet is overflowing with clothes.  Actually my room is overflowing with clothes because I broke my closet...because of too much strain.  But, this weekend is a monumental occasion for me, and I don't know if I have anything monumental to wear.

Song: Styrofoam Plates, Album: The Photo Album

Why such a big deal, you ask?  Because this weekend I am seeing Death Cab for Cutie in Milwaukee!!

Song: We Looked Like Giants, Album: Transatlanticism

Now, before you get all judgy, and write it off as "emo" music, (that word is so 2006) allow me to explain something.  I have had a love affair with Ben Gibbard's music since I was fourteen.  For eight years, he has comforted me with his brilliant lyrics seemingly describing my thoughts, celebrating my successes, and nursing my heartbreak.  

Song: Crooked Teeth, Album: Plans

I think that fanatic may be a kind word to describe my obsession with Death Cab.  And I will not apologize for this obsession!  Other things I have loved since I was fourteen include my family, and push-ups.  (The dessert, not the exercise obviously).  That's it.  As you can see, not much has made the cut.  

Song: Bixby Cannon Bridge, Album: Narrow Stairs

Is there any music that has stood the test of time for you?  Because it is just that GOOOOOD?

Song: Some Boys, Album: Codes and Keys

And the best part?  I get to share it with my favorite person! Alex and I are leaving shortly, and we get to see some pretty awesome friends on the way.  I will be sure to take loads of pictures of our adventure.

Have a wonderful weekend darlings, I'll just be out fulfilling a life long dream.

Does this braid make me a Padawan?

So for those of you who don't remember or who managed to make it through unscathed, being able to french braid is like currency in middle school.  All of the girls who could french braid got invited to all of the best sleepovers because everyone wanted them to do their hair.  Coming in a close second were the girls whose moms knew how to french braid, who somehow had time to do their hair every morning before school.  Then there was me...who came to school every day looking like Julie of the Wolves. 

This wasn't for a lack of trying.  I knew that the perfect french braided hair was the key to popularity, success, and most likely love.  So I toiled in my room for hours attempting to practice on all my doll's I pretended I didn't still own.  And to no avail.  I couldn't figure it out, nor could my mother or my sister.   I was convinced that it took a real live Rumpelstiltskin to be able to french braid.

Which is why I am proud to announce to you, 10 years late, I have been blessed with the magic fingers!! I have finally figured out the enigma that is the french braid.  Due to this, I have walked around campus all week with my hair styled like a 12-year-old.  You know why? Because for the first time in my life...I can.

Look at me now ladies, I bet you all want to be my friend.

I scored this shirt for 99 cents at a thrift store and it still had it's original Daytons tag on it.  It has to be at least 40 years old.  I adore it.  And the 1950's travel case is my new favorite thing, and I think it's going to be my new sewing basket...which I desperately need.  Just ask my boyfriends needle trodden feet.

Lady Crush: Nancy Sinatra

"It's a hectic, crazy life. You're not like a shoe salesman, who can get rid of his wares. You're stuck with a product - yourself."

-Nancy Sinatra

I can't imagine what her life was like growing up with Frank Sinatra.  In addition to her mother, Nancy Barbato, her stepmothers included: Ava Gardner, Mia Farrow, and Barbara Marx.  Just knowing one of those people would be crazy, but having all of them in your life is insane!

It's interesting to see how she transformed to fit the sex icon image that was given to her.  The short skirts, blonde hair, and classic go-go boots made her into a style icon.  Women all around began dressing like her.

She was never taken seriously as an artist.  She once said that she was never allowed to grow because her albums were more to look at than to listen to.  I feel as though she is so misunderstood, and I love her all the same.

Isn't this music video spectacular? (These Boots Are Made for Walkin'-Nancy Sinatra)