Casual Stripes {What I Wore Sunday}

Hi everyone,

How was your weekend? I was happy to get so much work done...a little sewing, a little redecorating, and a bit of reading, along with homework, of course!

This outfit is one of my favorites...it's so comfy, and yet suitable for wearing to church, like I did! I'm also loving this little crocheted vest that I thrifted recently--it's definitely becoming a staple!







Outfit details:
Shirt: Thrifted and refashioned (I just brought up the neckline a bit for more modesty)
Vest: Thrifted
Skirt: Thrifted
Boots: Amazon
Earrings: Fuego
Ring and Bracelet: Vintage, gifted

Have a lovely day!

Wire Necklace Tutorial

Hi everyone,

How has your week been? I, personally, am looking forward to the weekend! I've been on a bit of a crafting streak (I was in a bit of a creative rut after Christmas!), and now I have a whole list of things I want to start making and finish. Anyway! I have a tutorial for you today!

One of my new favorite stores is what my family and I have christened the "Japanese dollar store," though its actual name is Daiso. If you have one in your area, I highly recommend checking it out! Almost everything in their store is $1.50. They have a ton of crafty things too! Lace, beads, felt, and even fabric (though the fabric, as I've found out, looks really nice, but the quality is not the best). And I also discovered that they have 20 gauge wire, which is nice, pliable wire for crafts, and I love it for jewelry. Right after I bought it, I knew what I wanted to make. Have any of you seen those "love" necklaces that have been floating around lately? Like this one:




I love the look of these so much! I made one for my sister as her Christmas present, and attached a clay feather that I had made. She really liked it, and I loved how it turned out, so I decided to make one for myself, and I made up a tutorial to go along with it.(:




You'll need:
Some 20 gauge wire in the color of your choice
A necklace chain
Several jump rings
A needle nose pliers (though of you don't have one, you can just use your fingers)
A small decorative charm (if you like)
Scratch paper and a pencil
Wire cutters

First: Write the word of your choice (eg. Love, Dream, Believe). Make sure it's in the size that you want and that you'll have somewhere to attach the jump rings (I drew little swirls to hook them onto).

Second: Take your wire and begin "tracing" along the letters. Use them as a guideline for curves and turns. Your needlenose pliers will be especially helpful when you need to make a curve, swirl, or sharp turn.



Third: Trace along your letters until you reach the last swirl. Then, take your wire cutters and snip the ends, leaving about an inch or so left to work with. Make your final swirl, and you've finished your word!



Fourth: Using jump rings, attach a necklace chain. As you can see, I have the clasp connecting to the curve on the L, and the other end of the chain looped around the swirl in the E.



Fifth: (Optional) If you like, slip a small charm onto a jump ring and attach it to the base of one of your letters.

And voila! You have a charming necklace!



I chose to make the word "Live" for my own necklace, and attach a little cross. The meaning behind this may be obscure to some, but it comes from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, 1.21:
"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
When I wear this necklace, I shall ever be reminded of these words.


There are limitless possibilities to where you can go with this technique. You could just make a pretty swirl, or just one letter, say the first letter in your name! You could also do a short phrase.

Snow Day! {What I Wore Sunday}

Hi everyone,

How was your weekend? Mine was nice. It was relaxing, fun, and though I didn't get half of the crafty things I wanted done, it was good to unwind to the flash and whir of lightsabers (Can you believe that I have seen every Star Wars movie multiple times, but have yet to make it through the third one? I plan to remedy that, though the imminent ending depresses me...) and my copy of "The Hobbit." Yay! I'm also excited to get started on a short story for English...who'd have thunk I'd actually be excited about an English assignment?? When I can choose what I write about, I'm as happy as a lark. I had been dreading it for so long, as I had no clue what to write about, then this morning, my inspiration came, and I knew what to write. My best inspiration always comes on Sundays, which I think is no coincidence (Thank you, Lord!).

Now that I've rambled on and on...



This outfit is actually from last week, the day that the snow hit (it's nearly gone now, sadly). I had so much fun running about in the snow, taking pictures of everything that caught my eye, which was nearly everything. I don't know what it is about snow, but it just makes everything seem more beautiful. My little cousin was running about saying, "It's Christmas, it's Christmas!" and that is what it felt like. It just makes me happy, to the point of exuberance.





While I stood by this fence, a snowflake caught on my eyelashes...






Outfit Details:
Sweater: JC Penny's
Coat: Ross
Jeans: Fred Meyer
Boots: Amazon (I've been wearing these almost non-stop since they arrived)
Handwarmers: Knit by my mother
Scarf: Made by Me

And you can be sure that there are many more snow pictures coming! I couldn't cram them all into one post!

Have a lovely week!



Linking up here.

Stripes! {Fashion Saturday #3}

Hi everyone!

In some ways I can't believe it's already Saturday. It seems crazy that I'm already doing another fashion-themed post! But it feels nice to be busy. I'm hoping to finish my work early in time for a little crafting, which sounds heavenly right now!




I love stripes. I always have. In the battle of stripes versus polka dots, stripes always win for me (though I do love polka dots as well)! They're classy, flattering, and come in all sorts of widths and colors. This year I decided I didn't have enough stripes in my wardrobe, and began unconsciously buying boatloads (not quite literally) of striped shirts. Here are some fun stripey outfits!

Source: lookbook.nu via Victoria on Pinterest

Source: lookbook.nu via Victoria on Pinterest

Source: lookbook.nu via Victoria on Pinterest

Source: onceuponateatime.blogspot.com via Victoria on Pinterest

Source: kendieveryday.blogspot.com via Victoria on Pinterest

Source: lookbook.nu via Victoria on Pinterest

I love how stripes can always look classy whether dressed up or dressed down.

What's your favorite way to wear stripes?

I've been tagged!

Hi everyone,

I feel as though I completely vanished from the blogging world, and am returning after a year-long hiatus, though in reailty it's only been a few days. They have been a long few days, though. Snow makes everything seem to last longer, I think. We've had a bit of a blizzard here! It's unusual for us to have so much snow, and delightful, though also dangerous. The schools have been closed all week except for Tuesday morning, and there have been so many accidents! Wednesday I spent downtown, where the internet was sporadically on and off, then came home to find the power out. It came back (then went off again) and then the internet was out all day. I have not gone that long without internet access in ages! It was a harrowing experience, which I spent mostly worrying about not being able to submit assignments for my online classes (which, unfortunately, do not have snow days....).

Anyway! When the internet came back, I was excited to find that I had been tagged with a Kreativ Blogger award by Natasha!



If I tagged you, you have to:

1. Link back to me
2. Complete the below form
3. Award other blogs, and inform them
4. Share 7 random things about yourself

1) Name your favorite song:
Hmmm...so many to choose from! Right now, I really love "Abide with Me," sung by Haley Westenra. It's a beautiful hymn!

2) Name your favorite dessert:
This is another toughie...But I think it would definitely have to be my mother's ice cream cake, which she makes every year for my birthday.

3) What makes you angry:
Being interuppted while I'm working. There is nothing that infuriates me more, haha. My sisters will confirm this, as they have been the subjects of my wrath multiple times.

4) When you're upset:
I clean. When I am really, really upset I go on a cleaning frenzy (which is unusual, since I hate cleaning)! I also confine myself to my room, lock the door, and turn up the music.

5) What's your favorite pet?
My favorite pet is my family's little parrotlet, Pipsqueak. He recently learned how to say "I love you" and loves blowing kisses. Sooo cute!

6) Black or white?
Both: White for clothes, black for drawing. I can never choose between them!

7) Biggest fear?
Glossophobia. Hands-down. The fear of public speaking. I am also terrified of snakes.

8) Everyday attitude?
Contented. I try to make the most of whatever life throws at me.

9) What is perfection?
A day of relaxation, either by myself or with family. A day where I don't even have to think about my GPA.

10) Guilty pleasure?
Oh dear, there are so many! At the top of the list are chocolate and old movies.

Seven Random Things:

1. I can't read music to save my life, despite being in choir for three years.
2. I am usually a very reserved, awkward-type person.
3. I love reading classic novels.
4. I love debating (despite my glossophobia).
5. I dream of going to Venice during Carnival
6. I adore history
7. I plan to homeschool any children I may one day have

(Wow, I need to work on beginning less of my sentences with "I")

Thanks for the award, Natasha! Now, I tag,

Julie
Lexi

Have a lovely day, everyone!

Fashion Saturday...Slightly Belated

HI everyone,

How was your weekend? Mine was a relaxing one; I finished my homework early on Saturday, then was able to go out shopping for craft supplies, then on Sunday, I took the day off from schoolwork to play in the snow -- the first of the season! Then, something very odd happened. I typed out this entire post on Sunday night, which was already late, got it finished, clicked post, viewed it on the blog to make sure everything looked ok, then went to bed. Today I noticed that the post was gone! Vanished but for the title! I think it may have something to do with Blogger updating their interface...
Anyway! Here is the post in its entirety!





'Tis the season for layering! I used to look at layering as throwing all my warmest clothes on on top of one another, but in some ways, layering can be an art. It can add the perfect touch of style (and warmth!) to an outfit.

Layering can be...

Source: amandabethonline.blogspot.com via Victoria on Pinterest

Comfy...

Source: tumblr.com via Victoria on Pinterest

Stylish...

Source: lookbook.nu via Victoria on Pinterest

Elegant...

Source: lookbook.nu via Victoria on Pinterest

Classy...

Source: lookbook.nu via Victoria on Pinterest

Cozy...

And, most importantly...

Source: katiespencilbox.com via Victoria on Pinterest

Layering can be fun!

Aren't those layered tights ingenious?? I love coming up with new ways to wear old clothes. It breathes a new life into them, and the possibilities for remixing are endless!

Have a lovely day!

What I Love Wednesday

Hi everyone,

How is your week going so far? Mine has been one of relief, since my workload for school seems to have gone down immensely, I was so frustrated after having a hard first week, but I prayed hard, and my prayer was answered! I've actually been able to relax a little.(:

Now, here are a few things I've been loving lately:



This hairstyle:

Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Victoria on Pinterest

This sweatshirt makeover:

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Victoria on Pinterest

This necklace, made out of various odds and ends:

Source: funstuffcafe.com via Victoria on Pinterest

This ring tutorial:

Source: artfire.com via Victoria on Pinterest

This scarf DIY:

Source: watchmedaddy.blogspot.com via Victoria on Pinterest

What are you loving this Wednesday?

What I Wore Sunday

Hi everyone,

In the list of goals for the new year that I did a week or so ago, I mentioned that I wanted to get better at taking outfit photos so that I could do more outfit posts! Last year, when I did my first fashion week challenge, I learned something very important; less really is more. You don't need a million accessories to make a lovely outfit; something as simple as a t-shirt and jeans can look amazing. Style should come naturally, not be forced.

It was a lovely day yesterday, and perfect for taking pictures. I chose a spot with lots of green as the perfect picture-taking spot.


This outfit is incredibly comfy. I love the feel of this oversized sweater paired with my favorite maxi skirt.





Details:
Sweater: Thrifted, Maxi Skirt: Ross, Boots: Thrifted, Ring: Made by me, Necklace: A Gift


Linking up here.

Have a lovely day!

Memories of Spring

Hi everyone,

How is your weekend going? While last week was incredibly stressful for me, this weekend has been a time to relax, unwind, and finish putting the last touches on my creative writing homework (I think I did a pretty good job creating a character that any reader will thoroughly dislike...). Then tomorrow I get back to work.(:

It was a gorgeous day today, the kind with purple clouds and spaces of clear, blue sky. I got a glimpse of the mountains and my breath caught. It's rare to see them so clearly.
It's rare to see the sun around here, actually! Especially at this time of year. It makes me wish spring would come that much sooner.

Blythe, of the wonderful blog Raindrops, is hosting a photography contest under the theme of "life." Life makes me think of spring, when all the flowers start to bloom, and the trees are decorated with fresh, green leaves. These two photos are from spring, perhaps of last year or the year before. The colors always make me happy.

I hope you enjoy them!







Have a lovely day!