Firecracker....BOOM!

Top: Old Navy; Shorts: DIY (similar/similar); Sandals: Tory Burch (similar); 

Hat: Standard Style (similar);Necklace: BaublesbyAndrea (coming soon to Etsy);

 Shades: ULTA (similar); 

Lip Color: Ruby Opera L'Oreal Extraordinaire (c/o PeopleStyleWatch)

When I was a little girl, I owned an enormous pair of red pom-poms and would chant the following cheer "Firecracker, firecracker, boom, boom, boom!" So it's only appropriate that I chant that cheer while posting about my Fourth of July look. 

I couldn't believe how gorgeous the weather was for our Fourth of July. We had temps in the mid 80s and the three of us spent the afternoon at Deanna Rose. It was a perfect day. And so was this outfit! Can you believe how perfect this fabric is for getting into the red, white, and blue spirit? My mom and I bought the fabric so long ago and it was literally laying on the floor of her sewing room. I immediately knew it had to become shorts! I found the top at Old Navy while shopping for a cute patriotic shirt for McKinley and I made the necklace the night before the fourth. Nothing like whipping up a look in less than 24 hours!

 

Another BaublesbyAndrea creation that will be coming to my Etsy shop soon. I'm loving the mix of fabric beads with other textures. I can't wait to keep playing with this concept!

Even though these shorts were my go-to Fourth piece, I know they are going to be booming with possibilities all summer long!

What I Call Casual Chic

 Top: LOFT (similar); Jeans: LOFT (similar); Sandals: Sam & Libby via Target (similar); 

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt (various colors);

Necklace: BaublesbyAndrea (Coming Soon); Shades: Ann Taylor (similar); Earrings: Gorjana; 

Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Raspberry Roast

There are so many things I love about this look. I love how easy and laid back it is, yet chic enough for dinner with family and friends. I'm calling it casual chic.

 I have admired this top for a while now, and thought it was sold out, until I shopped the LOFT top sale. And there it was! I immediately added it to my basket and checked out as fast as I could. I am loving the distressed jeans with cute tops for evenings out. It's a great way to incorporate my laid back style with some of my cute tops that I would normally wear with skirts and pants.

 

 

Then there is the necklace. I am so excited about this one. It's a new piece from BaublesbyAndrea that I literally created right before wearing it! I just couldn't wait. And it will be available on Etsy soon! (FYI, it's a made to order piece.) 

Happy Monday, everyone!! Hope you had a fashionable long weekend!

BaublesbyAndrea on Etsy

I am so excited to announce that my BaublesbyAndrea store on Etsy is now open for business!! I've been working my fingers to the bone over the last several weeks creating new pieces that I'm so excited to share with all of you! Since my last jewelry venture, Shoe Girl Designs, my creative streak and sense of design has really evolved. I'm using newer techniques, chicer designs, and more intense materials. Most of these pieces are new, but there are few old SGD things as well. I couldn't let them go, right?

I have been drawing inspiration from pieces that other bloggers wear, retailers that I love, and what I would personally wear. If I'm not going to wear it, I'm not going to sell it! I will continue to create new pieces, replenish fan favorites, and bring you all the details here first! 

My dad has graciously accepted the non-payed position of my in-house photographer and he has done an amazing job! He has captured the essence of each piece, accenting the texture and color, in such unique and artistic ways. I think we have such complimentary esthetic views and make an incredible team! Glad I have him on my side and in my new online store! 

With all that being said, here are a few of my favorite pieces and photographs that my dad took! 

 

 

 

What are your thoughts on BaublesbyAndrea? Will you tell your friends? Will you make a purchase? I can't wait to see what the future has in store and what my creative juices will produce. I sure hope you stick around for the journey!

Happy Monday!

Black, White and a Bauble

Jacket: Levi's (similar); Top: Ann Taylor (similar); Shorts: Target (similar); 

Flats: Halogen via Nordstrom; Necklace: DIY (Baubles by Andrea coming soon); 

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt (various colors); Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs

This entire look was created around the necklace! This is one of my latest designs. I've been working my little fingers to the bone getting new pieces created for my future Etsy store. Here's hoping it's up and running by next week! Check back here for all the details. I'm so excited!

I am huge fan of black and white. It's so crisp, so chic, and so cool for summer. I've been working on my tan as of late and I love how white looks against that amazing summer glow. I added the denim jacket for our trip to the grocery store. I freeze in the air conditioner and frozen foods section! The added pop of color with this coral bag just brings it all together.

 

Baubles by Andrea

Several years okay, when I had all the time in the world, I started a jewelry business. I designed and made my own pieces and my company was called Shoe Girl Designs. I had a booth for several years at the Overland Park Arts and Crafts Fair, held home parties, sold on consignment at a local retailer and another in Jefferson City, MO, and worked with clients on specific pieces for gifts or personal wear. My girlfriend Julie even helped me create catalogs. I had personalized gift wrap, business cards, a banner for the art fairs, shopping bags, and the sweetest display pieces found at various antique stores. But, like any "home based business", there came a point when it was time to call it quits and I've always had amtiny piece of regret.

Lately, I've been rethinking my jewelry business. I've been rounding up all my old tools, beads, visiting local bead stores, and researching an Etsy account. I'm kind of jazzed at the prospect of creating again. I've made pieces here there. Some for me, some as gifts, some for local charity events, but nothing terribly consistent. Until recently! As of this week, I'm on a mission! I've made several pieces over the last couple of days, but I find it takes me so much longer than it used to as I have a little helper! There are little fingers constantly digging through the contents, asking if he can have certain beads for himself, or throwing strings of things all over the den. I have to wait for naps or after he's in bed to work. However, when I do get the time, I'm loving what I've done so far.

I work with various stones, sterling silver, gold, wood, and chain. I make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and the occasional ring. At times, I become obsessed. At times, I become frustrated. At times, I'm in total heaven. I absolutely love being, what I consider, a jewelry designer and maker. Here is a little taste of some of the pieces I'm working on right now.

I have to say that this is my favorite so far! I'm loving the blush tones mixed with copper, topaz, and stone. This would look amazing with paired with my Tori Spelling spike necklace!

 I love statement necklaces, but they can be pricey. I've been playing with this one for several days. I just can't seem to create what I've got in my head with the beads that I already have. I will make this work and it will be gorg!

When I saw my mix of white beads, which is typical as not all things get put back in their proper place, I had an idea for a silver and white piece. I thought it would really pop against all the bright colors for summer. And, if I have some sort of tan this year, I love the way white looks against sun-kissed skin!

So that's what I've been thinking about lately. I thought about posting this as a Dream to Reality, but I've already lived the reality. Now, it's just taking that original business and turning into something bigger. Something more profitable. Something more chic and sophisticated! Stayed tuned readers. Soon, you could be wearing a Bauble by Andrea! It's gotta ring, don't you think?