Jewelry Storage and Display DIY

So I had this really old cork board that I used as a jewelry holder for a few months but as you can see I didn’t even peel off all the old stickers (probably 10 years old). This  was just a quick fix for all of my long necklaces and a way to keep my stuff from getting tangeled.

Then I went on Pinterest (what did we ever do before it), and I  found this idea from Two Twenty One to take fabric and use brass pins to cover any pin board. SO love this idea. After searching other ideas I figured that this was the best idea and most likely to work out for me. So I went to my local dollar store to get the brass pins which this project took most of the container (I believe it was a 200 count container). I bought a fabric that I liked this one is sky blue with white daisies on it. I ironed the fabric and cut it to size leaving about a 2 inch boarder then I took the pins all the way around (it hurt my fingers after a while). I then took regular push pins and organized them in a way that made sense for my jewelry. I think this is a good craft idea for non crafters (like me) this project maybe took me a few hours and would be a nice project to do while watching TV or getting a friend to come over and help you out. Then you could also have fun trying on the jewelry and coming up with different combinations.

I think the final product is great and I am not horrified to have to look at it and keeping my bracelets and necklaces out like this makes it easy to find and keeps me out of “jewelry ruts”. I would love to hear your jewelry storage/display ideas or what your results are if you tried this. 

Since first taking these pics I have added more jewelry and you can see there is still plenty of room to add more. 

e.l.f. Eye Palette Review

I have recently discovered e.l.f. (eyes lips face) cosmetics. I bought the Little Black Beauty Book Python Edition in warm from Target for $6.00 (according to Targets website you can still pick out the palette in store but not online) this palette is not available on eyeslipsface.com but they do have other sets that seem very similar.

I wasn't sure what to expect since I had never purchased anything from this line but I was drawn to the colors since they are mostly neutrals with a few pops of color. I couldn't bring myself to spend around $50 for other neutral eye pallets on the market so this e.l.f. $6 price tag is perfect. If you already have a lot of makeup you don’t need to feel guilty adding more to your collection, if you are just starting out with makeup the colors are a great base collection and will provide a lot of opportunity to play.

While some of the colors aren't the most pigmented and there is a little fallout when applying I am really impressed with this pallet and e.l.f. There is a great amount of dark colors for the outer V of the eye and the crease. The bright colors such as coral, peach, and turquoise show up really well and are so fun to play with. If you are like me I don’t want a large pot of eye color because I like to play so much so the small size of the eye shadows are really great also you don’t need to feel bad if you don’t like the color or it is not that pigmented. There are also a lot of similar colors which I don't mind since they do show up different enough and can add more depth to an eye look. 

A few tips to make this pallet really work for you: use an eye shadow primer first, tap excess product off of your brush before applying it, and gently tap the shadow especially really dark colors.

Since getting this pallet I have been trying to find out what else is good by this brand. If you have any suggestions of other great e.l.f. items I should try please let me know. 

Picture courtesy of Target.com, This is the Little Black Beauty Book Python Edition: Warm $6

Plus Size Styling

      Sorry for not updating in forever. I had a big move in the end of May and summer classes that have just ended. I hate it when blogs aren't updated on a regular basis, so I am going to try and keep this thing going. Classes just ended I have about 3 weeks off until fall semester starts. One of my class projects really has me feeling inspired now.

      Our final project was to style our own photo shoot. Previously I took a class where I worked as a team to style 2 different shoots, but all on my own was a new experience. I found a great location in my hometown, I cute little garden that's inside a park. When I was a kid and they first started the garden it was really small, now it has developed into this gorgeous garden with lots of cute benches, trees, and flowers. Anyways so once I found my location I decided my theme for my photo shoot would be what I imagine wearing to a proper garden party. Think skirts, dresses and lots of floral prints.
      I begged my sister to be my model (not really she said yes right away), dug through my closet and all my jewelry and I came up with what I think are some great looks. The original concept for this project was to take vintage and modern and mix them together. That is why skirts and dresses came to my mind because I feel like we dress so casually now. So on a sunny Sunday morning my sister and I rose early to head to the garden before the park got really busy. We had to traipse back and forth to my car and restroom a lot for my sister to change.
      I think the project turned out well. and I am now excited to keep pursuing styling. I am hoping once a month to create a styling photo shoot.

Tanesha Featured in June's Glamour

Tanesha in her coral blazer! 

http://girlwithcurves.tumblr.com/post/22584173851/glamour-feature-june-2012-issue

Glamour asked Tanesha what her favorite blazer was, she told them it is a pastel coral. Everyone needs a blazer, but black can be boring. You really don’t want to be boring in the spring and summer. Choosing a colored blazer doesn’t have to be just for the spring and summer so it doesn’t have to be too trendy.

If the idea of wearing head to toe color is too much for you, just add a pop of color. An unexpected way to do this would be with a blazer. Wearing neutrals is how most people dress and the way to get the most out of your wardrobe. Having a few pieces that are fun colors such as a blazer or a t-shirt is how to stay fresh and stay on trend without leaving your comfort zone. If you buy one piece that is in the seasons hottest color which right now it is in the coral/tangerine family. Might as well buy a piece that can be worn many different ways such as a blazer. Which can be worn to work, casually on the weekend and dressed up for date night. 

I love the idea of a coral blazer, thanks for the inspiration Tanesha. 

Congrats to Tanesha for being featured in Glamour Magazine. Love it!! See more about Tanesha in Glamour here. 

How To Find The Perfect Special Occasion Dress

Tanesha Awasthi in a midi dress 

http://girlwithcurves.tumblr.com/post/22379363459/pretty-midi

Dressing for a special occasion can be very intimidating especially if you are not comfortable with your size to begin with. 

Take some advice from Tanesha and find something that fits you well. The navy midi length dress she is wearing is flattering for many reasons. The silhouette is perfect for any curvy girl, fitting the most closely at the smallest part of the body which is typically under the bust. Having a belt or other detailing at the smallest point will bring attention there instead of other areas that you may want to camouflage.  Finding a dress with interest by the face is a great way to bring attention up. Choosing a darker color can help you feel confident, but you don’t always need to choose black. Navy is a nice alternative to black also choosing a print is great. 

The length is nice to because ending the dress around the knee area is faltering and most likely comfortable to wear. Most importantly find a dress that makes you feel good and confident. On you special day you don’t want to be fidgeting with what you are wearing or unsure. Find the right dress for you and own it! Finding this dress may take time but finding inspiration online before you head out the stores may help. 

Take a look at Tanesha's blog for ideas on dresses you may like, she has a lot of good ones that you may like as well. 

Dressing For The Ever Changing Springtime Weather

More about this spring time look from Tanesha Awasthi 

I know I have the summer on my mind but it is still spring time where I live. Half way through the day the temperature changes by about ten degrees. This time of year dressing for any weather is necessary. Light layers are the way to go. Take a basic top (that would be look fine on its own) on top of that pair a light weight cardigan. To add more excitement to the look add a printed scarf.

If you run out for lunch during your break you can peel off your cardigan and the scarf if need be. In the morning when it’s cold having the scarf tied around my neck would be great but by the end of the day having it tied might not be necessary or if the weather really turned warm tying it to your bag might even be a better option. A cardigan that zips or buttons is wonderful option because if the wind picks up or the air conditioning is blasting you can cover up more or vice versa. 

Tanesha has taken a cute top and put a light weight cardigan and topped the layering off with a brightly printed scarf. When layering and working with prints it is always best to keep the bottoms simple. Tanesha is wearing a basic pair of jeans and sandals. I think if you take this inspiration you can easily turn this look into your own and make it appropriate for the different occasions you may need to layer in. 

Visit Tanesha's blog at http://girlwithcurves.tumblr.com/

Hot Trend: The Maxi Dress

Image care of Tenesa Awasthi from 

http://girlwithcurves.tumblr.com/post/22252427360/curvy-girl-maxi-dress-guide

The maxi dress is still a hot trend, so for this season Tanesha found maxi dresses for any occasion you might have coming up. What makes the maxi dress such a popular selection to other dresses is the ease they project. There is also something a little glamourous about a maxi dress even it is just simple solid colored cotton.

The selections that Tanesha found are a maxi for a wedding. This selection is a gorgeous turquoise with a high-low hemline.  This choice would be perfect for a beach wedding or any other casual wedding for the summer.

The date night maxi dress is a one shoulder with an elastic band around the waist. The dress also has a very cute print. This maxi dress is just the right amount of sexy for a date night but still easy to not seem fussy or high maintenance.

Wearing a maxi to the office can be a very hard thing to find. Finding a maxi dress that has a three-quarter length sleeve makes this trend work appropriate. Adding a colored blazer or sweater would make the look more professional and help cope with the air-conditioned offices.

The casual maxi dress would probably be the easiest to find. Select a maxi dress that is flattering an in a fun color. I love that this dress found by Tanesha has a little bit of a cap sleeve making less poolside and more out to lunch or to a movie.

The last event that a maxi dress would work is for the prom. This dress features a high-low hemline and an embellished waistband. If you are going to where killer shoes why not let people see them?

The weather is getting warmer and slipping into an easy dress like the maxi sounds like the best outfit. 

See Tanesha's blog here.