Art Arena

Lately art has become more and more inspiring to me.  It commands it's own corner of my Pinterest and I love to see the many different mediums artists work with.  Seeing the change from classical pieces to the newer modern age also provides a glimpse into the ideals of society at the time.  I'll admit that I'm biased to more modern art, but it's impossible not to appreciate the sheer beauty of traditional works.  I believe art should make you think.  So, for every person, the perfect piece of art will be different because every person thinks different.  That being said, here are a few pieces that have really stood out to me. 

 

For more information about each piece, please go to my Pinterest @diydiaries/ The Fashion Diaries.

Kisses,
Anonymous

 

Fab Feature

It's been a while since I've done a Fab Feature, so here's one straight from Polyvore.

This Hello Sunshine Case ($40) has me dreaming of summer.  Even though the price tag is a little ridiculous for a phone case, the colors perfectly embody the season.  Especially that yellow.  It's blinding.  Usually I'm not a fan of such a bold color, but a dollop of it in a neutral outfit will update classic pieces for the modern age. 

In the center you'll see the case, surrounded by perfect pieces in the same color palette.  **WARNING: ONLY ONE NEON YELLOW PIECE PER OUTFIT OR PASSERBY MIGHT LOSE EYESIGHT WHEN LOOKING AT YOU**  I especially love the OFFWEGO License Plate clutch at the top center ($378).  Like the phone case, it's a little overpriced, so below I've found cheaper alternatives for both the clutch and the phone case. 

This Pennsylvania license plate bag might not have a cute saying, but it's authentic and only $140 (NOTE: HAS PREVIOUSLY SOLD, BUT SIMILAR CLUTCHES STILL AVAILABLE).

If you would forgive the watermarks, these three cases provide a (slightly) less cute, but still very fashion forward alternative to the case I'm featuring today.  The top choice is $27.84 and the bottom two are $2.96 apiece!

I hope this Feature has gotten you to love yellow!

Kisses,
Anonymous

Seeing Double

Yes, it's yet another new type of post for the blog! My Polyvore has been doing really well in the short time since I started it, so I think I'll bring my most common type of post on there, here to the blog.  The basic idea is taking one key piece and dressing it up or down.  I've featured a few of these boards in various posts, but now I'm making a specific post series for the pictures.  So, without further ado, here is "Seeing Double"

This first set contains the same pair of adorable leggings from Rare London (rarelondon.com, $16, Rare London Printed Atzec Leggings, found through Polyvore).  On the left is a much more dressed up version, with the blazer and higher end jewelry.  While these particular pants may never fly in some office settings, this look could be perfect for more casual places of business.  On the right, a much more punk look awaits.  For those of us who shy away from black and spikes (ME!) just get rid of the hat and bag and replace them with a more classic look.  You'll still look put together and casual, but this is proof little changes can change so much. 

 

When browsing various street-fashion sites, I am always seeing this Celine shirt pop up ($10, c2coffer.com).  On the left, you see it paired with upscale pieces, including this coral bag that's just to die for (even if it is a bit of a splurge).  To the right, the shirt is dressed down with ripped jeans and one of the cutest polka dot clutches ever (again, pricey)! As in the last set, switch out the necklace and the wash of the jeans for a totally different vibe. 

Holy lord, this sunflower crop top is one of my favorites I've found, mostly because of the price.  The left side look features my ideas on how to style it beauty wise (most of the stuff is from Neiman Marcus, but you can obviously find similar colors for cheaper).  The casual look features leggings, a trend I was hesitant to jump on to (Lulu's are cute, but underwear lines are tacky). However, with the right undergarments (please be careful, ladies, no one wants to see that), I think that leggings are an easy, comfortable style for a day off. 

And finally, two takes on this vintage poodle dress (price unknown).  Along with some beauty tips, both sides showcase quirky glam pieces, including this sarcasm bracelet and these adorable (and cheap) bow heels.  The spiky purse is an adorable way to punk-up an outfit too!
So, there you are, four pieces for the upscale environment or the casual day.  I hope you've enjoyed, and go check out my Polyvore profile (information on About This Blog).

Kisses,

Anonymous

 

P.S.  Check out this amazing link! Seriously genius ideas to DIY Anthropology style.

Changes

The above photo is one I made on my new account on Polyvore.  I'm starting to really get into online destinations for viewing and sharing fashion (and other inspiring things).  In addition to my Polyvore, I have my new Pinterest, which I have previously talked about, and I started a personal ShoeDazzle for adorable shoe viewing.  For information on how to find me on these sites, go to About This Blog page to my right.  Yes, to my right.  That's correct, I have completely redecorated the blog.  Instead of a very boxed in look, I tried to open it up and modernize it.  Do you like?  It's a more traditional format than it was, and is, in some ways, easier to navigate.  See, there is a necessity in life to keep changing things.  If you get too comfortable, you start to take everything for granted.  And while certain things, like your family or your very best friend, should stay as similar year by year as they can, it is important to continually innovate and re-do the small things.  Don't perseverate over it, but try not to get lazy when it comes to your life.  Make the effort to be spontaneous.  And, if someday, you find that perfect look that you love, then keep it exactly that way, until it's time to change again so that the look goes with the ever changing you.  Just a little sermon for you all today. 

 

Kisses,

Anonymous

Summer Has Arrived

Wow.  What a day.  Well, today I said goodbye to a lot of people I care about more than I can describe.  I won't go into detail, but it's a pretty big change that has finally arrived.  Everyone was in tears, and even though I felt miserable, I couldn't bring myself to cry.  Maybe because I feel that it's not the end.  We'll still keep in contact and make the effort to see each other.  But deep down I know some things will never be the same, and none of us will be as close as we once were to those who are going different routes.  It's hard to describe.  Anyway, maybe it's this foolish optimism that kept me from crying.  Or maybe it's the sheer fact that I still can't grasp that summer has arrived.  I can now wear light dresses because it's getting hot out there.  I have more time on my hands, and that means I can go outside and explore.  I can delve into DIY's and sit at home and catch up on recorded shows.  I can barbeque, and yes, I can write.  So, you'd think summer coming would've been something I was looking forward to, awaiting.  But the truth is it's been at the back of my mind for so long, because I've been dreading this date as well as hoping for it, that now that it's here, I don't feel it's real.  It's all so crazy, but I guess I have to except that there is no going back in this life.  So here's to moving forward, and a one week break from the grind. 

 

I like the boards you can create on Polyvore.  This one's something I did showing how to dress up and dress down the same piece. 

 

Another Polyvore board

 

Fabulous shoes courtesy of shoedazzle.com.

Shoe Dazzle find. 

Tees from Polyvore.

Kisses,
Anonymous

 

Fab Five

For any of you who don't read Cupcakes and Cashmere, I hereby order you to get your butt on that site right now.  It's my all-time favorite blog and when I'm too busy to keep up with every writer I enjoy, it's the one constant on my reading list.  Anyway, there is a post Emily does once a week called Five Things, and I feel that it really ties together the blog and keeps us in touch with what she's doing/ craving at the moment.  So, I've decided to be a complete copy-cat and hope it comes off as flattery.  Because it is.  I friggin' love that blog. 

 

 

Adorable idea for downward hanging balloons, just add a marble before blowing up.  Thank you Pinterest!

 

The ombre skirt is perfect ($69, Kardashian Kollection, Polyvore)

 

One of my favorite candies, which I may or may not have consumed too much of last night

 

Crazy eye makeup on Into the Gloss

 

It was crazy to realize I actually know the owner's of Hanson's cakes, the people who made Kim K.'s wedding cake.  How had I never heard about this before?

 

 

So there's my first Fab Five.  Hope I didn't disappoint!

 

Kisses,

Anonymous







Trending: Teal and Lace

 

Last I went to an event that mandated dress somewhere between formal and daytime.  While some made the mistake of going a bit over the top, pretty much everyone elected for simple summer-y frocks mixed with heels and jewels to dress them up.  My dress was teal strapless, covered in lace, and sporting an understated high-low skirt.  I felt absolutely amazing in it, and the fact it was only $45 helped.  I bought it while across the country from my home, so I was fairly surprised when I walked in to find the trend had followed me.  Almost every girl was decked out in shades of teal, white and black, and the overwhelming element was lace.  While I don't regret wearing the dress since I do believe it stood out in certain ways, not becoming a cliché during a trend is important.  Therefore, here are some important ways one must be careful to still stand out while merging with the crowd.

 

1) Make sure you're wearing a style that fits you perfectly.  Just because everyone else is raving about it, that doesn't mean it's the right choice for you.  If you are going to follow the trend, make sure you wear it best.

 

2) Make sure it is a little different.  Instead of being teal or lace, my dress was one of only a few that actually combined the trend.

 

3) Don't buy it at a popular store.  This can lead to the absolute worst thing possible: wearing the same dress as someone else.  Wearing things that are similar is fine.  But two of the same dress makes yours a little less special.  While we obviously can't help others buying our dress, finding your clothes off the beaten track will up your chances of being one of a kind

 

4) Accessorize it in a unique (but still classic) way.  For example, my theme was Tiffany's, so I wore all Tiffany's jewelry and did my nails up to look like the boxes (although I didn't have enough time to complete them). 

 

So, there are some simple ways to follow a trend and still stay unique.   Now, I think it's important to point out that with day to day clothes, one shouldn't put so much effort into being the only one to have an item because there is such a wider range of selection for daytime versus a specific event.  I hope this helps you as we move into the summer season!

Kisses,

Anonymous