Royal Fascinators

This DailyCandy video has me intrigued. Hat maker Eugenia Kim shows us how to make quick and easy fascinators in this short clip.

My cousin Cindy (the one in S Africa) asked me recently what I thought of "fascinators" that the British ladies are wearing lately. Being that I am a maker of headbands and hair pieces, I'm obviously a fan of head wear in general. Lately I haven't been wearing much more than a bun on top of my head, but the upcoming nuptials might be an occasion to change that.

Kate Middleton is a frequent wearer of these feathers, and keeps it classy and fairly simple.

Inspiration can also be taken from SJP, and she definitely isn't afraid to go the extra mile!

Cindy's Shoes

So my cousin Cynthia is getting married this weekend as you know...

We ran into a bit of a problem (but not one we couldn't solve!!!) when we ordered these shoes with the intent on dying them gold to go with the wedding...

And the cobbler said that dying wasn't possible!!! Alicia and mom and I sat around trying to figure out what to do. There was this piece of gold raw silk sitting next to the shoe and I started to weave it under the loop at the top of the shoe...we all gasped...with lots of tedious stitching and tacking, (and a lot of help and direction from my amazing mom), this is what I came up with for the wedding shoes:

(photo cred: cousin Julie)

I suppose I just expanded the Artisann line into wedding shoes!!!

Last Minute Sale

So, last minute, I've decided to have a major sale on the Artisann. Get some last minute shopping (and stocking stuffing!!!) done in time for the holidays. I will close up Monday December 20th so please order by then.

Go to my site and shop with coupon HolidayCheer to get 25% off on all orders!!! Spread the love!

Brides

Just wanted to share some of my brides with you all!! Don't they all look amazing?

My cousin Erica..(taken by Julie)

Dear friend Laura (and I did all the bridesmaids' hair pieces as well!)

I love all the concerned faces as they bustle her dress.

(Laura's photos are via Josh Fowler Photography!)

Chrissy's friend...

(via Nine Photography!)

cute cake, too!

Just in time for the holidays..

Finally..I've pulled myself out of a longggggggg nap and revamped my etsy site. I re-took ALL the pictures with ALL the new pieces, and posted them up for all to see. Notice the second display spot? Oh ya...a big, tartan, fabulous bow band. You know I'm obsessed.

Spread the word, stop on over...grab one or two or ten in time for holiday gift giving!! :)

Weekend fabulousness

Is that a word? Who cares, it is now :)

image via the Sartorialist.

Julie and I are obsessed with this recent post. I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend...Virginia and I will be selling our crafties at a local bazaar today and we couldn't be more excited!!! What doesn't sell at the bazaar will be uploaded to my etsy shop (which is LONG overdue to be updated) in the coming weeks!!! Stay tuned on that.

Happy weekend!

How Tuesday: How to Celebrate Summer

I don't know about you, but I'm trying to make the most of Summer. Grilling, pool time, and cool treats. It doesn't matter whether you're celebrating the 4th or just getting family/friends together!

How to Celebrate Summer:

Eating:

1. Grill- I've been marinating chicken in spicy BBQ sauce and making sure not to over cook it. Throw some veggies on the grill with it too. My roommate and I also did kabobs with peaches, onions, peppers, and chicken and it was to die for! (click for recipe)

2. Drink- Margaritas and other frozen drinks seem to be taking over wine. (fine by me). I also like having decaf iced tea in the fridge with oranges and lemons.

3. Treats- Does anyone get DailyCandy emails? I just saw this Cuisinart ice cream maker and might have ordered one. Plus they come in adorable colors!

Doing:

1. Swimming- and by swimming I mean standing in the water holding my glass of wine.

2. Throwing a Frisbee/football/small child.

3. Outdoor movies- dying to try this, and we have it going on in the area I'm pretty sure.

4. Fireworks- out at the lake, or locally, especially on the 4th!

Wearing:

1. Nothing. Just kidding! What do you think this is?!

2. Light colors

3. Bathing suits+cover ups

4. Simple dresses

5. Cute accessories---need some ideas? Check out my shop!

6. Sandals

Spotted!

Girls in my headbands :)


lovely cousin Julie..


Dyland (in tie dye) on her birthday (I made them each one as favors).

Custom order from Laura :)
And me in my signature dandelions! (photo by Julie Wilhite)

How Tuesday: How to Prep for the 4th of July

The holiday is approaching...and I know I'm ready for a break!

How to prep for the 4th...

1. Make a plan - whether it's a trip or beers & bbq, get something set.

2. Prepare some grub

- pico de gallo + blue corn tortilla chips=festive snack

- Miller Light, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Bud Light are just a few beers that are festive looking...Pabst being the most patriotic (but not as easy to find)

- Non-alcoholic beverages...red punch, blue punch, etc.

- American foods: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, burgers and dogs

3. Get the extras - Sparklers and Streamers

4. Get ready

- Shades and Sunscreen

- Bug spray for fireworks time

- Simple outfit for all day long (I'll most likely wear stripes because I'm obsessed...) (Maybe you need a festive headband???)

What are your favorite 4th of July traditions?

Featured Treasuries.

Thanks to those who featured ME in Treasuries this week :)
Happy Sunday!

Recent Treasuries

I've listed a few treasuries on Etsy. It's so fun and easy! A good way to get your shop known among other sellers and enter the chance for yours to be selected for the front page! What do you think?

If you notice the big fat red arrow on the second treasury, it's because it points to my sister's fabulous new shop! More details on that later, but you should definitely check it out now! Today is also Virginia's birthday!!! Yay Happy Birthday dear sister!

Happy Monday!

I did not get enough relaxing in this weekend. Please take me back a couple days, and I'd be very grateful.

Some cinnamon/spicey red/orange color for your day!

How Tuesday: Wedding Season Part I: Wedding Shower

Wedding Season begins! Don't panic. This doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. That part is very important to me since I'm attending 9 weddings this season (I'm in one, in town).

How to dress for and attend a wedding shower:
1. Note the theme of the shower-indoor, outdoor, picnic, luncheon, couples, or just ladies.

2. Bring a gift, and a date when invited to do so.

3. Wear a dress you already have, if possible.

4. Don't look better than the bride.

5. Don't outshine the bride at the shower.

6. Wear something classy-and cover up. No need to look like you're going clubbing.

7. Socialize with the guests and make sure the bride knows you're there for her.

The Gift:

1. If you are close to the bride and know her style, you can buy something personal and off-registry (I do this a lot).

2. If you are in doubt, buy off the registry. You can buy one gift for the whole wedding-or several small ones (shower, party, wedding day).

3. If you are invited to an out of town shower, order a gift online ahead of time and have it shipped.

4. Make sure the gift is wrapped with a gift receipt.

5. Include a card with a personal message to the bride (and groom).

Dress ideas:

(all under $50!!)

paired with....

paired with...

paired with...

paired with...

Modcloth is so adorable! I think I'm going to place an order...I'll let you know how it all fits, since I've ALWAYS been curious about this online shop!!

How Tuesday: How to Find White Jeans

Before moving on to the wedding circuit, I wanted to help Mitzi find good white jeans :) I sported my white denim twice last weekend so I thought it only fitting that this post be dedicated as such.

There are three ways you can go with this...

1. Shorts. White shorts are totally cute this summer. Make them Bermudas or make them Boyfriend, either is a good choice. I actually got mine at the Gap outlet in Roundrock for $10...my other thought was to crop an old pair (or a pair new to me from Buffalo Exchange) myself for less than $50. Great with wedges, cork heeled shoes, and just flip flops!

2. Skinnies. I have a pair of skinnies that are a bit cropped, which I think is perfect for summer and for white. Make sure they fit well...not baggy, not too skin tight. Mine are from Urban Outfitters last summer, which is always a good price point. Super cute with round toe heels, summer boots, or gladiator sandals.

3. The Trouser jean. Always a popular pick. Great to wear with a floral tunic or any bright colors. Great with your summer high heels and wedges.

4. You know what else looks good with white? Headbands! Haha. I love pairing colorful accessories with white. Try these on for size:

5. Final words? Be careful when you wear white on the bottom. Watch where you sit or lean and what you drink or eat! Other than that, rock it!