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.

Marie Antoinette: The Journey

"It is in misfortune that you realize your true nature."

-Marie Antoinette

There is always another side to a story. With this in mind, Antonia Fraser's Marie Antoinette: The Journey takes a woman history has villainized and shows her naiveté and vulnerability. Born the fifteenth child of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, Marie Antoinette's childhood was sheltered while her education was often neglected.

Marie Antoinette married Louis-Auguste when she was 15 (he was just a over a year older) and the Palace of Versailles became her new home. Versailles is where life gets interesting for Marie Antoinette - an unhappy marriage, a gambling problem, and rumors galore. Since Austria was the traditional enemy of France, Marie Antoinette had an uphill battle from the beginning, although she was celebrated as the young bride and new queen.

Reading Antonia Fraser's book is a fascinating journey where rumors are more powerful than facts and where illusion replaces reality. While Marie Antoinette was not a perfect woman, she was not the vial caricature that so many people believe. She faced unbelievable pressure from a young age and was the scapegoat of a nation that was hurting and needed someone to blame.

I highly recommend this book if you wan to learn more about Marie Antoinette or French history. The book feels more like a novel than a stuffy history book and was, also, the inspiration for Sofia Coppola's pastry-filled film.

Things I LOVE Thursday

Making bowls out of vinyl records

4th of July parties

Fireworks

This Betsy Johnson Dress

Eating Princess Cake

Butterfly Garland

Reading the Sense and Sensibility

comic from Marvel

Biker Bomber Jacket from Madewell

Watching Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and

Sherlock Holmes

Anthropologie's Foggy Dawn Cap

Shopping IKEA

IKEA is like a furniture theme park: long lines, hours of walking, crying babies, etc. While everyone I know loves the all-day excursion that is shopping there, I will be the first to admit that shopping at IKEA is not my favorite thing to do. Sure, you can find tons of cute things at good prices, but can you find the emergency exit? No. I do not like shopping in a maze and hate that you have to walk through pretty much the entire store in order to get out. That being said, I went to IKEA last weekend and besides counting how many exit signs pointed to a wall and not a door, I, also, found some great design ideas. For instance, the photo above shows a lamp inside a hanging glass vase decorated with twigs and silk flowers inside. Then there was this bedroom with amazing toile wallpaper (Sherman Williams Toile in Book Belle Fleur). Finally, there was the inexpensive yet tasty food: Swedish Meatballs 5 for a $1 and Princess Cake under $2. I highly recommend trying both next time you find yourself trapped in IKEA.

Where are you shopping at this summer?

Summer Wish List

Due to the 90 degree weather, I am staying in doors and am, consequently, spending my time drooling over my virtual shopping finds. Sparkling blues and soft neutrals leave me itching to pull out my credit card; however, spending actual cash will have to wait for another day...

Bobbi Brown's Denim & Rose Collection Sparkle Eye Shadow in Denim

Thanks to its creamy base, this Sparkle Eye Shadow will make my eyes sparkle without ending up on my cheeks.

Lippmann Collection Nail Color in Across the Universe

It's so shiny! Available exclusively at Nordstrom, this nail polish reminds me of the Caribbean Sea while, also, feeding my sparkle addiction.

JustFabulous Harper

This pair of lady-like pink shoes caught my eye with it's sexy stacked heel and retro t-strap. If you are not a member of JustFabulous, you can join here.

All Saints Amka Trench Dress

I love this dress. So femme fatale.

J. Crew Panama Hat

Panama hats are popping up everywhere and ooze warm weather sophistication.

What are you wishing to buy this summer?

Summer Boredom Busters

Kelis - 4th Of July (Fireworks)

Happy early 4th of July! If the dog days of summer have you feeling bored and you don't know what to do, take a look at this list and do something new.

• Listen to the Sounds Of Summer - The Very Best Of The Beach Boys while washing your car.
• Put together a lookbook for your closet with the help of The Fashion Planner's Guide.
• Reread favorite childhood books such as The Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley Twins, and Nancy Drew.
• Act like a tourist in your town and visit your town's museums, gift stores, parks and other tourist traps. Don't forget to take lots of pictures!
• Go see a drive-in movie. Check here for a theatre in your state.
• Make homemade ice cream and have an ice cream social.
• Host a fashion swap party.
• Learn how to do the classic victory roll up do.
• Take tango lessons.
• Sew a dress.

Things i LOVE Thursday

My new tumblr blog

(mostly a collection of favorite quotes and video clips)

Rereading Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Pita pizza

(pita + tomato sauce + cheese + bake 10 min = yummy)

Watching Star Trek

Smoothies

Listening to "You and I"

Walking around the neighborhood