Escape the Heat

The summer heat has been brutal this past week, and I think I'm developing a case of cabin fever due to my inability to get past the front porch. Rumor has it that the heat will continue to scorch us for at least the next week, and that has got me thinking about creative ways to escape the heat while getting out of the house.

• Go Ice Skating

The coolest place in town is the one that is always frozen. Might I suggest ModCloth's Blue Raspberry Ice Pop Dress worn over some leggings for this icy adventure?

• See a Movie

Gather some friends and make your own double feature. Why not wear Lulu's Natalie Wood Black Romper while catching up on the movies you've been meaning to see?

• Read a Book at the Library

An air conditioned building full of books sounds like a good way to spend a day to me. Why not impress the librarian with your fashion smarts by carrying Kate Spade's Pride and Prejudice Book Clutch while checking out the latest must read.

• Create Your Own Cupcake Tour

Google all the cupcake shops and bakeries in your town, and cruise around looking for the best cupcake. Obviously, you must sample the offerings at each stop. Might I suggest ScarletCraft's Fresh Cupcake Sweetheart Dress for this occasion?

How do you escape the summer heat?

DIY Earring Photo Frame Holder

I meant to post this tutorial a couple of months ago, but silly me forgot to post it. This is a great way to display your earrings while working them into your room's decor.

Supplies:

picture frame

door screen or heavy mesh

exact-o knife or rotary cutter

scissors

hot glue gun

glue sticks

Step #1

Remove the glass and use a knife or rotary cutter to take off the back of the frame so that you get this.

Step #2

Using the glass or filler paper from the frame, cut a piece of mesh to fit into your empty frame.

Step #3

Place the piece of mesh inside the frame and make any adjustments so that the mesh is flat against the inside of the frame.

Step #4

Hot glue the mesh to the frame. You may want to use pins or a popsicle stick to press the mesh into the glue.

Step #5

Let the glue cool then flip the frame over and hang your earrings on the mesh.

Now you have a pretty way to display your earrings!

How to do a Photo Shoot on the Cheap

These days it feels like every successful fashion blogger is able to post professional level photos thanks to designer wardrobes, photographer boyfriends, and SLR cameras. Sadly, these are not things your average American girl has access to. I am especially saddened by the lack of photography loving of-course-I'll-let-you-play-dress-up-and-take-your-picture-everyday-boyfriends available in the Midwest. Perhaps they are only available on the coasts? Despite these setbacks I became determined to do my own photo shoot. I recruited my mom as photographer, commandeered her bedroom for use as a studio, and turned into an overly critically diva whenever artistic differences arose. Through all this I learned that a) point and shoot cameras get the job done, b) a pound of makeup and a fancy dress make anyone look better, and c) a sense of humor goes a long way.

Here are some other tips:

1. Gather inspiration

For this photo shoot, I wanted on old Hollywood glamour feel, so I looked to photos of Elizabeth Taylor for inspiration.

2. Shoot against a solid colored wall

To get a studio look, shoot against a solid colored wall. Try using walls that are off white or even peach colored to give a bit of glow to your pictures.

3. Use natural light

Golden hour is the perfect time for outdoor shoots as wells as indoor shoots where you are using windows as your main lighting. All of these pictures were taken indoors using the sunlight streaming through the window. It takes patience to wait for the light to hit just right, but the results are worth it.

4. Fix it in post

Don't worry about being perfect. A flaw here and there makes a photo more interesting, and many issues can be fixed later by cropping and retouching.

5. Play with filters

I edit most of my pictures in iPhoto and love playing with different effects. One of my favorite effects is the antique filter which gives pictures a softer look.

DIY: Tie One On

While looking for inspiration for a DIY idea, I came across some ribbon and rhinestone trim and decided it was time to tackle the ribbon jewelry trend (see Jessica Simpson's Ribbon Bangle). This very simple DIY calls for:

12" ribbon (or enough to tie around your wrist and still slip off)

6" rhinestone trim

scissors

needle

thread

Step #1

Place rhinestone trim on top of the ribbon and make sure the trim is centered. Sew the trim onto the ribbon by stitch in between each rhinestone.

Step #2

Tie ribbon ends together making sure you can still slip the bracelet on and off.

diy: Denim Skirt

No need to spend money on a denim, cut-off skirt when summertime is the perfect time to cut up your old pair of jeans and make a cute skirt yourself. In about an hour, you'll be ready to head out the door!

Supplies

1 pair of jeans

scissors

pins

sewing machine

Step #1

Cut your jeans in half above the knee. Next, slice open your jeans following the seam.

Step #2
Using a bottom leg you cut off in step one, cut the pant leg in half along the seam then repeat for the other side. Even off the edges so that you have a rectangle.

Step #3
Flip jeans inside out and cut off extra material around the seam so that it is easier to sew on.
Step #4
Turn jeans right side out and pin rectangle into the inseam of the jeans. Sew in place.

Step #4

Turn jeans inside out and starting from the bottom seam, pin extra material together so that it hangs straight down. (You want to get rid of the extra material from the seat of the pants.) Then sew straight down leaving about a 2" slit in back.

Step #5
Cut off any extra fabric.

Step #6
Cut skirt to the length you want then wear and enjoy.