Category: Style

DIY hardware bracelet tutorial

A DIY tutorial is so much fun.  Do you love a fun hardware bracelet DIY as much as I do?  They are easy (well, usually), fast and stylish. The craft trifecta! I’ve been playing around with sequins, trying to make earrings or even decorate a shirt. But you know how they looked the best? As a bracelet. Lucky me.  So I have an easy tutorial for you to make your own.

DIY Sequin Bracelet

And you know my love of hex nuts.  My style resolution is to wear more accessories to jazz up my outfits, and combining tough hex nuts from the hardware store with girly sequins is a perfect combination.

DIY Bracelets with Sequins

Want to give it a try? Of course you do! Here’s the easy tutorial.

DIY hardware bracelet tutorial

Sequin Bracelet How-to

You will need:

  • Stretch Magic cord. You can find this at any craft store in the jewelry supply section. And this stuff is seriously magic. You can string pretty much anything on it to make a stretchy bracelet in no time flat.
  • Sequins. A lot of sequins. If you can find them on a string you’ll save yourself quite a bit of time. However, they don’t sell them that way at
  • >> find out more…

Stephanie Gerber

Stephanie Gerber is a mother of 3 who writes for pretty mommies on a budget. She shares stylish and crafty adventures on her blog Henry Happened.

How to make simple outfits more amazing

How to make simple outfits more amazing is so much easier than you think.

Sometimes all you have time to do, mentally and physically, is throw on a simple t-shirt and a pair of jeans. And guess what? That’s okay. We’re all busy and sometimes creating the perfect, pulled together outfit is just not high on our priority list. But there are some quick things you can learn how to do to make your everyday on-the-run outfit look more stylish. The simple key is to add one (or all) of these…

simple outfits

Accessories:

Loading up on amazing accessories is the best thing you can do for your closet. They’re the easiest solution how to amp up the simplest of outfits. Whether it be a colorful scarf, a statement necklace, or bold earrings, accessories are your friends. For this outfit, I started off with a simple gray sweater on top. The necklace was the perfect way to not only add interest to the look, but to also bring the attention up around my face.

how to make simple outfits amazing

Color:

Oh the wonders color can do. It just makes an outfit pop. This outfit started off as just a sweater and blue jeans, but I opted to bring in … >> find out more…

Amanda Holstein

Blogger at Advice from a Twenty Something, Amanda Holstein lives in San Francisco, CA where she writes her modern advice column for the everyday, stylish girl. She’s not your high-fashion guru, she’s your friend who knows about the sale at Madewell and who’ll actually tell you if that shirt doesn’t look good on you (someone needs to, right?). Besides blogging, Amanda works full-time at Federated Media Publishing, helping some of her favorite online publishers do what they love.

Must have accessories for winter style

You can have gorgeous style in the winter, it’s absolutely attainable.  While there are certain trends that go in and out of style each season, there are also key pieces your wardrobe has to have year after year. When it comes to the colder months of winter, the three must-have items on my list are a perfect coat, oversized sweaters, and chunky scarves. What should you look for in these essential winter pieces? See what’s on my style checklist below.

winter coats1, 23

The Goes-With-Everything Coat:

The most essential piece to invest in all winter long is that perfect “goes-with-everything” coat. One that’s not only warm and cozy, but also versatile in color and shape. If you describe your style as timeless, go for a classic trench silhouette. It’s perfect for all occasions and it’s figure flattering. If you like to air more on the trendy side, try something unique like a military cut. As long as you choose a neutral color, the coat will be a great versatile piece to have. And for those of you who like to go bold and chic, try a modern silhouette with an oversized collar. Their minimalist shape will work with … >> find out more…

Amanda Holstein

Blogger at Advice from a Twenty Something, Amanda Holstein lives in San Francisco, CA where she writes her modern advice column for the everyday, stylish girl. She’s not your high-fashion guru, she’s your friend who knows about the sale at Madewell and who’ll actually tell you if that shirt doesn’t look good on you (someone needs to, right?). Besides blogging, Amanda works full-time at Federated Media Publishing, helping some of her favorite online publishers do what they love.

Tutorial to make a clay pendant heart necklace

Make your own clay pendant heart necklace with this simple tutorial!  You’ll end up with a hand crafted, super cute heart necklace.

DIY heart pendant tutorial

Have you started getting ready for Valentine’s Day? You have less than a month! It’s time to start crafting! After you sign your kid’s name to a package of Cinderella Valentine’s because she refuses to use anything else, you’ll have plenty of time to figure out what to wear and make this simple clay heart necklace.

tutorial to make a clay heart pendant necklaceI recently discovered that you can gold leaf clay. It’s so easy and addictive. Make one of these and you’ll want to gold leaf everything, trust me.

tutorial to make a clay pendant necklace DIY Clay Heart Pendant: supplies to make your own

  • White polymer clay. Make sure you don’t get translucent by mistake. They look the same in the package but the translucent bakes up into a weird color. You only need 1 small package.
  • Gold leaf flakes. This stuff is so fun!
  • Gold chain. You can easily use chain from a old necklace too.
  • 1 jump ring
  • I thought it would be fun to add a skeleton key to the heart charm but you don’t have to. If you do, you’ll need a
  • >> find out more…

Stephanie Gerber

Stephanie Gerber is a mother of 3 who writes for pretty mommies on a budget. She shares stylish and crafty adventures on her blog Henry Happened.

Style resolutions for the year 2013

style resolution for the year 2013New year, new resolutions and the perfect time to amp up your style. While setting a goal to lose weight or eat more veggies in the new year is great and all, there’s something just a little more fun (and less stressful) about setting goals for your wardrobe. Here are some style resolutions I recommend for for the year 2013:

style resolutions for the year 2013

  • 1. Wear more color!

Brighten up your daily routine of neutrals with pops of color this year. Not only will they brighten your complexion, but they’ll also brighten your day.

  • 2. Experiment with layering.

Especially in these colder months, layering is a great way to add dimension to an outfit and  stay warm all at the same time. Start with something simple like a chambray shirt over a striped t-shirt and work your way up. Soon you’ll be rocking a fur vest over a sweater, over a dress, over tights….you get my point.

  • 3. Shop your closet.

Mix and match items you already own in new ways. If you clean out your closet and reorganize it every few months during the year, it will help resurface items you may have forgotten about and spark your creativity.

Amanda Holstein

Blogger at Advice from a Twenty Something, Amanda Holstein lives in San Francisco, CA where she writes her modern advice column for the everyday, stylish girl. She’s not your high-fashion guru, she’s your friend who knows about the sale at Madewell and who’ll actually tell you if that shirt doesn’t look good on you (someone needs to, right?). Besides blogging, Amanda works full-time at Federated Media Publishing, helping some of her favorite online publishers do what they love.

3 ways to wear green eye make up in 2013

Wear some green eye make up this year, it’s on my the list.  You know, that New Year’s Resolution list you’re currently carrying around in your purse/sitting on your desk/in the notebook on your nightstand, and feeling guilty about?  How’s about you put some fun stuff on there, (losing 10 lbs doesn’t count as fun) such as:

learn how to wear fun make up in the year 2013.

3 ways to wear green makeup

As of course you already know, because you’re savvy and in-the-know, emerald green is the color of the year 2013.  That’s at least according to Pantone, (the color bosses of the universe) and that’s a-okay with me.  Green is one of the pretty great colors of the rainbow, and I personally cannot get enough.  We really don’t need to talk about the fact that my 3 main purses are varying shades of the color green, and that I own a whole host of green eye liners, eye shadows, and bright nail polish.

Me and green, we have a thing.

So how does my emerald green obsession help you with your resolutions?  Easy.  I’m here to help you step back from the ledge.

3 ways to wear green eye make up >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

Comments are off for this post

How to make it glitter shoes

// How to make it glitter shoes?  Yes, please! Have you been dying to learn how to make your own glitter shoes?  I won’t lie, I totally have.  Today new DIY fashion editor Stephanie has a great tutorial to teach us all how to do the greatest DIY in the history of ever: how to make your own glitter shoes. I’m squealing on the inside. – Allison //

do it yourself Glitter Shoes

Hi! It’s Stephanie from Henry Happened. It’s time to glitter it up, and I’ve been on the lookout for easy (and cheap) ways how to add sparkle and bling. And you know what looks way better with a coat of glitter? Yep, your basic black flats. Who knew, right?

Well, I guess my daughter could have told me that. She is obsessed with glitter shoes! In fact, we can’t get out the door unless she is wearing sparkly shoes. And she gives my new shoes two thumbs up.

how to glitter shoes

I went with a multicolored glitter for my black flats just so they would match whatever I happened to be wearing. But plain gold or silver would also look great. And don’t be glitter shy if your flats have a pattern – … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

Twelve New Year’s dresses for under 100

12 new year's eve dresses under $100

12 New Year’s Dresses for Under $ 100

 

For an event that only comes around once a year, it can be pretty crazy how much
money people spend on dresses for New Year’s Eve.  But you don’t have to spend a lot to find a quality party dress that you’ll be able to wear more than just one night.

I’ve rounded up 12 adorable dresses all under $ 100 that you can wear to
ring in the New Year, or to any other party throughout the year! Take your pick of dresses and lose that guilt – these frocks are totally affordable.

 

1, peplum dress, 2, sparkle dress  3, silver dress 4, metallic dress 5, brocade mini dress 6, gold dress 7, pleated tunic 8, bow dress 9, black lace dress 10, black tulle 11, copper dress 12, pencil dress

fashion blogBlogger at Advice from a Twenty Something, Amanda Holstein lives in San Francisco, CA where she writes her modern advice column for the everyday, stylish girl. She’s not your high-fashion guru, she’s your friend who knows about the sale at Madewell and who’ll actually tell you if that shirt doesn’t look good on you (someone >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

What can you wear to a holiday party?

party pants//   Holiday party time is officially here.  You’re probably all done with your office parties, but there are still plenty of holiday parties between family and friends, and plenty of New Year’s Eve parties on the horizon.  What can you wear to a holiday party?  New editor Amanda has 3 great holiday party outfits for you to think about as you get ready to party it up wherever you are.   //

 

LOOK 1:

what to wear holiday office party

// dress, tights, shoes, earrings, clutch, lips //

 

In my opinion, putting the word “office” and “party” in the same sentence is an
oxymoron, especially when it comes to your outfit. It’s not the easiest thing to get
dolled up for a party while still remembering you’ll be sipping wine with coworkers.
It’s confusing. So how do you combine these two worlds? Simple. Go with something
festive yet classy. Choose festive materials, like lace or sequins, and combine this
with a classy shape, like a pencil skirt or sheath dress. Not sure whether to wear
a dress, skirt, or pants?

Here are three doable options below that are fun and festive, yet still classy enough to break … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.