Apr 22, 2015 | Life
I’m just kidding.
Though hybrid cars are not considered a steal per se, I felt slightly eco-friendly when I bought this one. I researched them thoroughly, decided on a Honda, and met with some private sellers and a dealership to find the perfect car for me (and my budget). I negotiated, said no to a lot of unnecessary extras, and ended up driving away in a used 2011 Honda Insight, the first car that I myself bought with my own money and of my own decisions.
In the end, the disposal of the batteries with their heavy metals, and the environmental impact of mining for said heavy metals, may not make hybrid vehicles completely “eco-friendly” in a true sense. They are cars after all. But when I think of the monthly savings in gasoline (38-43 mpg vs. my current Mazda CX-9’s 18-20 mpg) hybrids are very, very attractive to me (and my long commute into work and taking my son to school).
I bought it yesterday last night just as the dealership was about to close. It runs smooth and quiet and hums along and the engine turns off at inexplicable times. Plus, it’s gray. And I love it because it’s ALL MINE.
Huge changes are happening around here, which is why I’ve been unable to update my blog lately. I’m still here. I’ll be back soon.
Once I sell my 2008 Mazda CX-9 8-seater, which is all clean and detailed and ready to be put on Cragislist.
Happy Earth Day, friends! To change…for the more eco-friendly.
xo
Carly
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Mar 15, 2015 | Life
The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.
-Sylvia Plath
It’s been awhile, my friends.
I took an impromptu hiatus from this blog because I was hard at work on many other things.
My day job managing the online presence of Studio 3, Inc., posts in collaborations with brands that can’t go live yet, reorganizing and re-linking my entire DIY gallery (still a work in progress), planning out new content for Chic Steals, making jewelry and baubles to launch my line soon, working on videos with Uncommon Era, plus personal things threatening to reach out and swallow me whole…yup, it’s been a very busy March so far.
I’ve had to let a lot of things slide.
Plus being so busy has begun to make me doubt myself…is it worth it to be this busy? Am I doing to much? Should I lay any one of the above to rest?
Of course, with these thoughts circling in my head it has been hard to write about being creative. So I took a little time and put together this bit of typography just to flex those creative muscles.
Just because.
And I find, that if I can lay those nagging doubts to rest and just do something, regardless, I start to feel more creative, and back to my old self again.
How do you deal with creative block?
xo
Carly
Typography layout by me. Link, share & pin as much as you like! Share and share alike
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Feb 14, 2015 | Life
May you spend it with someone you love today 🙂
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you click and buy something through one of the links above. My full Disclosure Policy is here.
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Jan 30, 2015 | DIY, Life
1Â /Â 2Â /Â 3Â /Â 4Â /Â 5Â /Â 6Â /Â 7Â /Â 8Â /Â 9Â /Â 10Â /Â 11Â /Â 12Â /Â 13
Adding embellishments to pieces (crystals, studs, trim, iron-ons etc.) is one of the easiest ways to breathe life into your clothing and accessories and give them a whole new makeover. I’ve done a number of DIYs in the past that involve different materials and techniques (like my DIY Vinyl Eyelash Applique T-Shirt, DIY Sequin Trompe L’oeil Peter Pan Collar T-Shirt, and DIY Jennifer Behr Spiked Turban for example). I’ve found a number of tools are extremely useful in adding all those bits ‘n’ bobs (they save a ton of time!) – and here are my faves:
1. Hardwood Handle Awl
For poking holes for studs and screw-spikes, you need an awl. Period. This will make tiny precise holes (NOT slits like scissors) and the spike screw-thread will do the enlargening itself. Much better to cause as minimal damage to the fabric as possible. The hardwood handle allows for long usage without fatigue in your hands (and if you’re embarking on a large-scale studding or spiking project, you know exactly what I’m talking about!).
2. Chain Nose Pliers
For bending the studs teeth at the back, I always use pliers – though there are also stud prong press tools available for this specific purpose.
3. Creative Crystal BeJeweler Pro Embellishment Tool
For adding hotfix crystals or nailheads to your projects one-by-one: completely necessary for precision and beautiful designs.
4. Dual Duty Plus Button Thread
TOTALLY different from regular cotton mercerized or polyester thread. Did you know? I didn’t for a long time – and I’d been sewing on buttons using completely the wrong thread for like FOREVER. It’s thicker, stronger, and more durable than the regular threads, so get this if you are sewing on any buttons or button-like embellishments.
5. Dritz Fray Check
You’ll need this as a double-security for the ends of trims that could fray when washed. If they can’t be heat-sealed with an open flame (like they have beads, sequins, or are mostly cotton) then add a daub of this on the ends to prevent fraying.
6. Chalk Pencil
Marking chalk set – I use this SOOOO much! I can mark with a different color than for the sewing lines or matching lines when making a piece, and it stays fairly sharp and accurate. I really love this little tool.
7. Dritz Curved Needles
For sewing rhinestones in settings (with sewing holes in the back) onto fabric surfaces easily.
8. Aleene’s Jewel-It Embellishing Glue
For gluing crystals or other embellishments that don’t have sewing holes. Not ideal, but sometimes you have to cut corners.
9. Leathercraft Pyramid Rivet Studs Setter
If you’re doing large-scale studding on leather this will save your hands from massive pain.
10. Martha Stewart Multi-Purpose Cutting Heat Tool
I use this mostly for the mini-iron capabilities. Not completely necessary (in a pinch I’ll just grab my regular size iron and be really, really careful) – but this works great for larger iron-on embellishments that don’t fit the Hotfix iron tip, and for small appliques. I don’t particularly like the hotfix tip (not enough options), but the cutting tip is useful for cutting stencil vinyl.
11. June Tailor Non-Stick Pressing Sheet (18″x18″ size)
For appliques and fusibles. You could also use a regular 100% cotton pressing cloth, but the non-stick one is better for fusibles.
12. Beadaholique Perfect Positioner/Jewel Setter Tool
Needed for rhinestone placement and setting. And when you’re going through a lot of stones in an intricate design, this will really cut your workflow time in half.
13. Variety of Machine Feet
Multi-foot set – if you’re doing embellishments that require a sewing machine (like adding ruffles, or leather pieces, or pearl piping) — you will need a ruffler foot, piping foot, or Teflon foot to deal with these different materials and make the whole process faster. (the pack pictured is for low-shank machines)
And of course a screwdriver for tightening screw-spikes, a lighter for heat-sealing trims, and a pair of scissors for cutting.
Need more Must-Have Tool Sets? Check out my Must-Have Tools for Sewing DIY’s and my Must-Have Tools for Jewelry DIY’ing!
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you click and buy something through one of the links above. My full Disclosure Policy is here.
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Jan 4, 2015 | Fashion, Life
Gold Hoop Earrings: Claire’s.
Hi-Lo Sweater Knit in Gosh Garnet: Old Navy, c/o Clorox. Quartz and Epoxy Gold Leaf Necklace: Handmade by me.
Edison Cardigan
: BB Dakota. Tabbed Clutch: Lagunamoon (Japanese; old).
Solitaire Ring in Rose Gold: Shashi.
Skinny Jeans in Rub a Dub Dub: Blank Denim NYC. Quebec Zippered High Heel Booties: Sam Edelman (hard to find now,
available on eBay or
here or
here in a similar style).
I’m trying out Marsala, PANTONE’s 2015 Color of the Year, and I have to admit, it’s not too bad. 
I can get into a rich, deep burgundy when paired with overall neutrals, like my favorite soft greys and blacks. Add a bit of impact with a similar lip color, dark around the eyes, and it works. It still reads Fall/Winter to me, so time will have to tell if I can incorporate this into a more Spring-y ensemble. Like an Iron Chef Fashion Challenge. Except with…kidneys.
Even if you’re not ready to jump on the Marsala bandwagon yet, I’m sure you still have dark, rich colors in your wardrobe that you want to keep looking dark and rich all year round, wash after wash. (For me it would be my beloved charcoals, blacks, and navies that I’m most concerned about.)
Laundry photo by Ryan McGuire.
[Tweet “Faded clothing = definitely not in fashion. #fashiontip #clorox2”]
That’s why Clorox has developed Clorox® 2 Darks & Denim, formulated with 2x the color boosting power and removes 4x more stains than are removed with pre-treating. Plus it won’t cause fading of your beloved darks.
HOW TO REMOVE DEODORANT STAINS FROM DARK CLOTHING
I don’t know about you, but I’m always getting white deodorant residue on my dark tops when I put them on – which leaves me scrubbing furiously in the morning with a pair of pantyhose to try and remove the most visible. But when it comes time to wash you want to remove every last trace of deodorant lest it start to build up on your fabrics (yuck!). You can apply liquid Clorox® 2 Darks & Denim directly to the deodorant stain and rub in. Wait 3-5 minutes (don’t let it dry on the fabric), then wash immediately in the hottest water recommended on the care label with detergent and additional Clorox® 2 Darks & Denim based on your load size.
HOW TO REMOVE OTHER TOUGH STAINS FROM DARK CLOTHING
For tough stains, like wine coffee and grass, be sure to pre-treat. First, remove the garment: do not treat clothing while wearing it. Remove all loose dirt from the fabric and blot wet stains with a clean absorbent cloth. Apply liquid Clorox® 2 Darks & Denim and rub it in. Wait several minutes – don’t let it dry – then wash with like colors.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR DARK DENIMS FROM FADING
I love me some dark denim, but sometimes the faded look is not what I’m going for. Though I wash my dark jeans much less than my light, faded jeans, when it comes time to wash I will bundle them all together to save water, and use Clorox® 2 Darks & Denim for the load. Plus I don’t dry my dark jeans in the dryer; they are all air-dried, and come out of the wash looking just the same as when they went it (especially important for brand-new jeans where the dye runs!)
Hope that gives you some pointers on how to keep your dark colors – including the controversial Marsala – just as deep as the day you got them! Do you guys have any tips for keeping your darkest darks perfect?
Do share in the comments!
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I was sent an Old Navy top from Clorox to incorporate into a post. I have not been compensated in any other way. The above opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you click and buy something through one of the links above. My full Disclosure Policy is here.
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Nov 17, 2014 | Fashion, Life
FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. To read my full Disclosure Policy, click here.
‘Tis the season to shop (and save!) and ModCloth has you covered with extensive Gift Guides for everyone in the fam. Which one appeals to my bargain-hunting, penny-pinching self the most? That would be their Gifts Under $20 Guide, and here are a couple of my favorite picks therein:
1. There’s a Map for That Necklace in Gold, $19.99. How unique is this beautiful necklace of the world?
2. I Could Pee on This and Other Poems by Cats, $12.99. For every cat-lover, there’s also a long-silent sufferer of feline whims. Delve into the mind of your furry companion with this cute book.
3. Grab a Bite Socks, $9.99. Kitschy, cute, and fun (love the little fins sticking out). Take the bite out of frostbite with these footwarmers.
4. Open Air Outing Circle Scarf in Black, $14.99 (25% off!). I’m in the market for a new neutral scarf, and this ribbed black one looks chic and understated enough for work.
5. All That Shimmers iPhone 5 Case, $14.99. Bring on the bling in this glitter-motif iPhone case (without leaving a train of DIY glitter behind you).
6. My Pet Octopus Hairclip, $9.99. You caught me: I have a secret thing for octopuses. (Of any genus, hence octopuses.) This hairclip would be perfect for my weird penchant, but not quite as high-maintenance as owning an actual octopus as a pet. Which some might consider cruel due to how shy and intelligent the octopus is.
7. Why You’re So Awesome Book, $11.99. Why you totally are! LOVE this fill-in-the-blank book to give to your favorite someone. Heartfelt – but not in an icky way.
8. No Conquest Ring in Silver, $12.99. I have this ring. I adore it – I get compliments every time I wear it! Very Game of Thrones meets Robert Lee Morris.
9. Galaxy You Later Night Light, $7.99. This night light is just gorgeous, and is kind of reminiscent of the Sparkle Star Galaxy Fabric I designed for Spoonflower. (Extra points for sewing up some coordinating pillows, covering a lampshade, or even making a comforter cover out of that fabric for a full-on Galaxy-themed room!)
Happy Shopping (and mega-saving)!
xo
Carly
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