Thursday, June 30, 2016

"You're a Shining Star, No Matter Who You Are..."


It has been exactly one month since I last blogged and it's a little bittersweet. This will be my last post with Style My Way and what better way to go out than with a Tulip Twist! When Robin asked me if I would like to participate, I jumped at the chance. I wasn't really sure how I would conclude my blog and this seems fitting. A little star tank to symbolize my rising star with a new adventure.

So why am I no longer going to blog? Well, that's not really the case. I'm just closing Style My Way as a chapter in my life. I'm no longer this girl. A fashion blogger. A personal style blogger. A stylin' girl. I'm a mama who doesn't really dress up anymore, who rarely wears make-up (or showers), and I haven't been inspired or excited to blog about anything fashion related, as you can see from my very visible absence from the blog. When you are no longer inspired to share things, it's really no longer a fit. And that's where I am with Style My Way.


 This tank, however! Let's talk about a perfect fit. I'm obsessed with it and can't wait to style it all summer long. It's perfect for days at the zoo and farmstead. Over a swimsuit with cut-off shorts. And it would be cute on a date night with the hubs. I will always be a girl who loves clothes and will continue to preach that leggings aren't pants and that you don't have to wear gym clothes to feel comfortable! This tank is a prime example! This is what I wore to McKinley's first swimming lesson this week. At 10:00 in the morning. See, you can be stylish when just sitting at a picnic table!

 

 
 
This is the silliest picture ever, but it makes me so happy. It's truly who I am. Over-joyed to be living the life I am, to be doing what I love, and to be starting a new adventure!!

 

So what's this new adventure? Well, I'm still a Stylist with Stella & Dot and loving it! It's truly what I needed in my life to feel like I have a career that allows me to live the life I want to live. However, I need something else. I still need a creative outlet in my life. A place where I can share my style, my life, and my inspiration. And that is with a new blog! I am a mama. I'm a mama with style. A mama celebrating moments with my family. A mama who loves to have a "mama drink" from time to time. A mama who keeps her five year old busy with activities around the city. A mama who likes to craft and show you what I'm making. I'm simply a mama and I am ready to blog about it! And it's coming your way soon!

In the meantime, thank you for the years of support you've given me. Whether it was my personal style, rants about what I think is fashionable, my DIY projects that sometimes worked, and simply allowing me to share what I love. It's been a fun six years!

XO!
Andrea

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

My DIY - The Silver Glitter Oxfords

Do you remember these? I started talking about them back in early May, or possibly even April, and I did work on them. And once completed, it never stopped raining. I was never going to attempt wearing them in rain, considering the paint peeled, in sunshine, when just walking around. 

 

So I had the idea to glitter them in hopes of being able to wear them after three years of having them hide under the bed. And I followed the format I used when creating the glitter tennis shoes from Honestly...WTF. 

Here's What You'll Need:
Old Oxfords, A bowl for mixing, Mod Podge for Fabric, Coarse Glitter, Sponge Brushes, Blue Tape


I started by prepping the shoes. I removed the tassels from the oxfords. (And note the coffee mug. If you're doing this in the morning, you might need to add coffee to your "What You Need" list.)


Then I started taping off the areas of the shoes that I didn't want covered in glitter. You don't have to use blue tape. It's just what I had on hand.



Then it was time to start mixing. I started with the glue and added a couple of spoon fulls. Then I added the glitter. I mixed until all the glitter was combined and then assessed the amount. I added more glitter then mixed again until I got the consistency I wanted. Since I knew I wanted to really coat the shoes in glitter, I added way more glitter than glue.


From there, I started applying the glue concoction to both shoes. I let that dry completely and applied another. I applied another two coats after that, equaling four coats total.  I probably could have gotten away with three, but I added one more for good measure. (Note: It looks like a lot of glue right now and very little glitter. I promise, once the glue starts drying, all you can see is the glitter.)


And here they are!! The completed Oxfords! Obviously, I removed all the blue tape and added the tassels back on. I just figured I didn't really need to photograph those steps. That would be like watching these shoes dry....


I adore how they turned out! And the glitter/glue held up! I wore these all day yesterday and I even grocery shopped in them. You know that's a lot of walking around! I can't wait to get a full on outfit pic with them! 


What do you think? Would you make silver glitter oxfords? Let alone wear them? They just make a look pop! And, you definitely shine while wearing them!