Before & After // London Fog Trench Coat

 A few weeks ago, I thrifted this perfect dove gray London Fog trench coat. I used to steal my parents trench coats when I was younger to play dress up. I liked to pretend that I was a detective, okay? Jeez. Now I have my own. I couldn't resist the color of this coat and, for $6, it was a bargain. This is a perfect DIY for Fall fashion.

 This was a very simple alteration. I wanted to shorten the jacket from full length to knee length because it complements my dresses better. I used a ruler and some chalk to draw a line straight across the outside of the jacket to make sure I made an even cut. I ended up only removing about 7 inches of fabric, deciding to make a wide double hemmed band across the bottom (which took the hem line up another 3 inches or so). I folded the cut edge twice and pinned it in place before using a simple straight stitch to create the new band at the bottom.

 I love altering thrifted pieces to better suit my style. It's fun to work from scratch sometimes, but these projects are rewarding because they tend to be pretty quick and simple.

Gunn & Swain

 Summertime is the best time. Sunshine days and lightning bug nights. It just doesn't get much better than that. This year has been a bit of a curve ball, but I'm feeling incredibly grateful for the people in my life and the connections I've made and that is making this summer that much sweeter. On another note, I recently impulse bought this blanket from Gunn & Swain. I couldn't resist the colors! It's the perfect blanket for picnics and cloud watching.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Top, H&M // Shorts, DIY // Boots, Vintage via Nifty Thrifty // Hat, Thrifted // Blanket, Gunn & Swain

Stencil Sweatshirt DIY

 In a few weeks I'm going on a beach vacation with my family. I am dreaming of sunshine, ocean waves, and warm (sand beneath my toes, the beach gives a feeling, an earthy feeling. I believe in the faith that grows And the four right chords can make me cry.) Third Eye Blind just gets it. But I digress. Here is a relatively simple and customizable (my favorite!) DIY. You will need: posterboard (or some other thick paper), a plain sweatshirt, an exacto knife, fabric paint and brush, a ruler and a pencil. I thrifted my sweatshirt to save money and in case I hated how this project turned out, but I don't. This sweatshirt turned out awesome!

1. Figure out what you would like your stencil to say. Pinterest is a good place to look for ideas. I went with the dream life, vacation mentality, but you do you.
2. Decide how much of your sweatshirt surface area you want to paint, and cut a coordinating sized piece of poster board. I had scraps of poster board lying around so I had a few different pieces.
3. Use a pencil and ruler to plan out the spacing of your stencil. I had five lines of text so I made my letters  about 2.5 inches big with a quarter inch of space between each line.
4. Draw out your block letters on the posterboard. I free handed mine so they aren't perfect, but I like the slightly messy look.
5. Use the exacto knife to score the letters. You may need to go over them several times. Make sure you do this on a hard surface. The letters should be easy to pop out when you're done. Depending on how much text you have, this is a bit time consuming so you may want to do it in stages.
6. Place cardboard or folders in between the front and back of your sweatshirt to protect against any leakage.
7. Tape the corners of your stencil down on the sweatshirt then get painting! Just follow the instructions on your fabric paint for how to set it and wash it.

 I really love how this project turned out! I'll admit, I was skeptical as to how well my stencil would hold up, but it did a great job. I'd love to do another stenciled sweatshirt, but maybe of a ship this time, or a cute animal silhouette! If you decide to try this DIY share your photos!

Keepin' it Cozy

Sweater: Thrifted, Dress: Kohl's, Spandex: Gift, Socks: Target, Boots: Modcloth, Hat: Thrifted

 It seems that Mother Nature has decided that fall really is here. It's been quite chilly. The last few nights the heat kicked on in my room automatically. Of course, not before I was half frozen anyway. I can't believe it's almost Halloween. Which means it's practically November. Which means the holiday season is basically already here. It's madness!! I haven't even accepted that it's fall yet and winter is almost here. I'll probably be in denial straight through spring until summer sets the world right again. For now, cozy sweaters and dressing in layers is my concession to the cooler weather. And leggings. Because pants are just too restrictive. I can't sit indian style or all bunched up and cozy in pants. So leggings it is!

Layers!

 This is my tunic in action! Perfect by itself or layered under a sweater. Wears especially well with tights and boots which is pretty much my favorite Fall wear...or anytime wear really. Follow me on bloglovin' or 'like' me on Facebook! I'll love you forever.

Tunic: Handmade, Sweater: Thrifted, Tights: Sock Dreams, Socks: Target, Boots: Minnetonka, Purse: Thrifted

Hats Off

Shirt: DIY, Shorts: DIY, Hat: Thrifted

It's so difficult to find the right hat. More often than not it is better just to go without, even though they are fun accessories. I used to wear hats a lot when I was a kid, but since then not so much untilllll I found this hat while visiting thrift stores with Zach! It was a stroke of luck! I really can't resist trying on hats even though I tend to look just plain silly in them. And so I spotted several rows of hats and commenced the parade of trying them on and flaunting them for approval when we both spotted this gem. It was calling my name! It is perfect for adventuring. I am in love.

Goose Picnic

Outfit Details:: Dress worn as shirt, thrifted; Sweater, Target clearance years ago; Shorts, thrifted; Shoes, Target last summer; Bag, Target years ago; Belt, Garage; Bracelet and Hat, gifts

 These photos are courtesy of my boyfriend, Zach (above). Isn't he the cutest? :) We had breakfast/lunch in the park the other day with some goosey friends by the pond. It was overcast and a little chilly, but perfectly lovely just the same. I also wore the dress (top) before here.

Lace loves Floral

Sweater: thrifted, Dress: thrifted, Shoes: Modcloth

Our weather was really weird the other day! The sun was out, but it kept raining on and off and it was quite blustery. I'm so glad I caved and bought these boots from Modcloth. I'm a sucker for lace and booties. Put them together and my willpower doesn't stand a chance. Thank goodness :)