DIY Infinity Scarf

I whipped up an infinity scarf, or as I also like to call it, a uni-scarf. Have you done this? Or thought about doing this? It has to be one of the easiest sewing projects ever. I was literally done in about 5 minutes. Maybe 7.

I happened upon this oatmeal knit scarf from H amd M, at the thrift store for $3. This would be the perfect opportunity to try sewing the ends together. 

I didn't care for (or need) the fringe on the ends, so I carefully cut it off. 

 Then I pinned both ends together.

And sewed all the way down both ends, with my sewing machine, using a zigzag stitch.

Voila! A regular old scarf turned infinity scarf in mere minutes. 

Side note: I wouldn't wear it with this particular outfit, it's just what I happened to have on while I was making it. 

Side note #2: Yes, my hair is actually as long as the scarf. Yowza.

Here's some more infinity scarf inspiration. You could make one out of any type of scarf, or fabric for that matter. Have a scarf in your closet you're tired of? Refresh it by sewing the ends together for a new look! You won't have to worry about tying, looping or configuring it - just loop it around and go.

Strapless Dress Turned Uni-Strap

This is the story of how I turned a strapless dress into a single strap (or uni-strap) dress. We have three weddings to attend this year, so I was browsing the dress department at JCPenney with a $10 off coupon in my purse. 

I spotted this pretty black and floral strapless dress and had to try it on. I fell in love with the floral design but wasn't 100% sold on it's straplessness (it kept sliding down too, which was a major no-no). Earlier, I tried on polka dot single-strap dress, and while I didn't like that dress in particular, I really liked the idea of one strap. That trend seems to be pretty popular right now. If only this dress had a strap. I looked at the price tag. With the sale price and my $10 off coupon, it would only be $17 (originally $50). Could I sew a strap for it? Should I try it? Would it look good? 


I bought the dress, hung it in my closet, and thought about it for a few days. I bet I could make a ruffly strap. Maybe even a ruffly flower or two. I picked up a 1/2 yard of black cotton fabric, almost an exact match with the top of the dress, and a pack of small silver snaps. I found some dresses online with the look I was going for.

This bride is Tia Mowry from Sister-Sister. Remember that show? 

I folded in half a 6 inch by 56 inch piece of the black fabric and sewed it together lengthwise. Then I turned it inside out, putting the seam on the back and in the center. This would become my ruffled strap. Then I scrunched and gathered it as I sewed it again down the center, creating ruffles. I went back over a couple sections that needed a bit more gathering. 

I tried the dress on and figured out where I would need to attach snaps to the front and the back. Then I pinned the strap in place. I used snaps in order to make the strap removable, in case I ever decided to wear it strapless. I sewed the two flat sided snaps to the interior lining of the dress, and the extended snaps to the strap. 

I did the same thing to the back. I lined it up where I wanted it to attach, pinned it in place, and sewed on the snaps. Man, I am pale.

I also sewed a removable ruffled flower pin to attach to the strap. I placed it where the strap meets the front of the dress, to ease the transition and look like the dress was made that way.  

Here's the finished strap with the flower in place. (I did not wear flip flops to the wedding)

And now on the dress. I love how it turned out! 

It totally made the dress. They should have made it like this in the first place!

I wore it to Ryan and Christina's wedding and it looked great. I don't think anyone could even tell that it was added! My husband even thought it looked good, so I know it passed the test :) 

I'm so happy I tried this and I'm really proud of the results. This is the first time I have customized an article of clothing in such a prominent way (and actually wore it). I feel like Brooke Davis (Clothes Over Bros...One Tree Hill anyone?).

One more look at the before...

And after. 


Ladies, if you've got any strapless dresses hanging in your closet that you'd like to give new life to, try adding your own uni-strap. It's not as difficult as you might think. And you might really love it!

A Purse Thing

Those of you that know me, know that I like purses. "Like" may be an understatement. Considering I have about 30 of them. Not an exaggeration. Is that completely ridiculous? Do I need to join a self help group? Purses are the ultimate accessory, in my opinion. I've been carrying one since I was about 7 years old, maybe earlier. I remember proudly toting around a pink and purple fuzzy caterpillar purse - with legs, when I was in Sunday school. I wish I had a picture of it! 


There's just so many styles, shapes, colors, textures and sizes. One week, I might want one that's big enough to carry a small convenient store. The next, I might want a tiny clutch that barely fits some cash and my cell phone. One day it's sophisticated and all business. The next, bold and trendy. A good purse can make or break an outfit. Who's with me? I know I'm not the only purse lover. I like shoes too. But you don't have to worry about a purse "fitting" like you do a pair of shoes. If there aren't any 7 1/2's left, you're out of luck. With purses, it's pretty much one size fits all! 

It's not just about looks either. I am actually very selective in choosing a handbag. There are things I like and don't like. Such as long adjustable straps. No thank you. Lot's of flaps and pockets on the outside. Not for me. I prefer one handle over two, but I make exceptions depending on the bag. I seem to gravitate toward purses that are square or boxy in shape, with an uncomplicated design. I like clean lines. Those long rectangular ones with a million pockets, bells and whistles are stressful to me. I want to stash my stuff inside and be able to find it quickly. Floppy bags are a challenge. I like sturdy ones with semi-ridged sides. Good pockets on the inside are fabulous. Especially the cell phone pocket and a zipper pocket. Sometimes I forget about the zipper pocket and find a few dollars or a long-lost piece of jewelry stowed away. It's like a surprise!


What is it about the handbag that makes me so fond? I guess it's the security of having stuff that you need/might need with you when you're out in the world. A wallet of course, somewhere to put your keys, ipod, coupons (because you know the moment you take them out of your purse, you're going to need them), dental floss, a pen and paper, lip gloss, a few bobby pins, maybe a small hairbrush, nail clippers/nail file, gum and mints. Perhaps it's the boyscout mentality of "always be prepared." That really should have been the girl scout slogan. I have been called "Mary Poppins" for having a wealth of handy items in my purse at times. I think I inherited this gift from my Mom. When I was young I LOVED looking in her purse. It was like a treasure trove of goodies. You never knew when those mini fold out scissors where going to be needed - you'd be surprised. She always has Mentos, Altoids or mints too.



A purse can reflect your mood or your personality. Just like the clothes you wear. If you're going to be seen walking around with something every day, don't you want it to to look good? Why not make a statement and have some fun with it? I must state for the record, that when it comes to spending money on purses, I am CHEAP. The reason I have about 30 of them, is because they were inexpensive. The clearance aisle is my best friend. I don't think I've ever spent over $30 for a bag, and even that was a LOT. $10 or $20 is my price range. I've gotten some cute little clutches for $4 before. Which means I don't feel as guilty about being a purse horse. 


Which brings me to the cherry red beauty pictured above. The latest bag to join my accessory family. I was shopping at Marshall's when I spotted this bag in white. I was drawn to the adorable oversize coin purse closure and unique shape. But I wasn't sold on the fact that it was white. I looked around and spotted a tan one with a different texture. Still wasn't sold. There was also an off-white. Couldn't do it. I walked around the rest of the store debating purchasing it. If only they had a red one. Or any other color. Sigh. On my way home I stopped at another Marshall's, just in case they had more in stock. Yes, I am that purse-crazed. Commence mockery. To my delight, they had a brown one and a mustard one. I was 99% sold on the mustard one. I circled the racks a few more times. Then I stopped in my tracks when I saw ONE red one. Hanging there. Waiting for me. My silent wish was answered! The price was right. The end. Even the kid cashing me out commented on what a great bag. Weird... 


What's my point? There really is no point. I just wanted to share my passion for purses. And see if anyone else out there shares my joy in finding a new bag and switching their purse contents into it. I admit, sometimes I get tired of carrying one around. Especially when it starts to get heavy. It's freeing not to carry one, yet alarming at the same time. Like when you're at an amusement park or a festival and you go without one. There's those moments of panic, like "Where's my purse?!?!" It almost becomes a right arm.


It's the little things in life :)

Fall Fashion

I feel kind of silly doing this, but our friend Patrick suggested I include fashion on my blog. Pat was Andrew's roommate in college, so their friendship goes way back. This one's for you Pat.

As I continue to embrace fall, and it hasn't stopped raining for days, I decided it was time to break out my favorite fall skirt, jacket and some boots. I received such nice compliments throughout the day, like "What great fall colors you're wearing." I did feel cozy and quite fall-ish. Despite the nasty weather outside.

Here's the breakdown, in case anyone's interested:

• Light Tan Corduroy Skirt - Old Navy
• Wine Colored Long Sleeve T-Shirt - Target
• Brown Sailor Style Crop Jacket - Kohl's. This jacket is one of my very favorite purchases. I have to limit myself from wearing it every week.
• Brown Boots - Goodwill. I haven't been this excited about a new pair of shoes in a while. I found a NEW pair of Tahari boots, in my size, at Goodwill for $7! Someone must have donated them by accident. I can't imagine who wouldn't want them. Finders keepers! And the best part is, they don't have zippers. I have issues with boots with zippers. I often stuff cotton balls into my boots with zippers so that they don't leave imprints on my legs all day. Such a problem. Apparently I have cankles. Or the boot makers think all legs are the size of arms, as Liz from Mable's House, pointed out. I'm right there with you Liz. You are not alone in your quest for good boots.
• Leather Purse - Vera Wang for Kohl's. This is probably the only Vera Wang item I will ever own. Thanks to the clearance rack at Kohl's, I scored this amazingly made purse, which originally retailed for $120. Are you kidding me? No. I got it for $30 a couple seasons ago.
• Gold leaf earrings (fake of course) - Beall's in Florida. $2. Man I wish we had one of those stores here.

So that's my first fashion post. We'll see if this is lame-o. Clothes are my weakness. I think I have always loved fashion and shopping for clothes. I am a bargain hunter, I will say that. My Mom taught me well.

How about you? Do you like shopping for clothes? Or do you dread it? Have you found any amazing deals lately? Anyone else identify with the boot dilemma? Do tell!