DIY Nail Art - Baseball Inspired Pedi

As most of you know, and for those of you who don't, I am a huge baseball fan and I am serious Kansas City Royals fan! We moved to Kansas in 1982 and started attending games during the summer of 1983. We cheered the Royals to victory during the 1985 World Series, and even after we moved away for numerous years, we remained die hard fans. I've been back in Kansas City for seventeen years and continue to head to The K as often as I can.

So when I was approached by Julep to participate in their "summer DIY pedi competition", I didn't have to hesitate with my answer. I am a fool for contests, I love to paint my nails, I'm totally into nail art, and I'm all about saving some money these days by doing my own. With so many amazing products on the market, you don't need a nail tech. You just need these awesome tips from Julep, a steady hand, and plenty of time to create! Also, check out their newest nail polish color page!!

 This past weekend, we attended a Sunday afternoon game, and since my toes needed a fresh coat of paint, I decided to go for a baseball theme. The Royals logo above was my inspiration, and since the All Star game takes place tonight, it's only appropriate that I post this DIY tutorial today! Below are the colors I used:

Base/Top Coat: Sally Hansen

OPI: OPI Red

Essie: Butler Please

Revlon: Night and Degas

My own paintbrush

You will also need nail polish remover and something to clean your brush with like a cotton ball or piece of tissue. Remember this post?

I painted all of my toes with Butler Please, which is the perfect royal blue. And I love that it's Butler Please. We really need Billy Butler to step up to the plate in the coming weeks....PLEASE! 

Obviously the next step is to let them dry! Once that's done, I needed something to help me outline a circle for the baseball. I originally thought of using a piece of three ring binder paper. That circle would have been perfect. Or the reinforcer we used to use when that piece of paper ripped. Please tell me you remember those? Then I found this awesome stencil.

I made sure the circle was centered on my toe and then....

 

 I used the Degas white and put just enough color on the brush to help make the outline of the circle. And don't worry if your circle isn't perfect. You can go back in and clean up the lines with the Butler Please and your thin paintbrush. Trust me, I did just that with this one!

 While I let the circle dry, I moved over to the other foot and worked out the design for the KC. Let me tell you, creating the letters backward was tough! But, I thought they turned out pretty well. Again, I used the Revlon Degas, the thin brush is perfect for this kind of project, and simply took my time. And, once I had the letter down, I really tried not to go back in and mess with it. That can just make it worse.

 

 

Whenever I think of the letters K and C, I'm always reminded of the line from FRIENDS where Ross is taking a message for Rachel. "Is that like Casey at the bat or and the Sunshine Band?" Again, another baseball reference...

 

 

So while the KC and circle continued to dry, I just started designing each toe with a different pattern. I went with polka dots, chevron stripes, and stripes that were horizontal and vertical. And once the circle was dry, I went in on the stitches of the baseball. Those were a lot harder than I expected! Again, I made a few minor mistakes, but was able to easily clean them up with the tiny brush in the Revlon bottle.  

Instead of using the giant brush that came with the OPI bottle, I went for the very thin paintbrush. And I used tiny amounts of polish as I didn't want it to run or drip all over everything I had done so far. And again, take your time. Be patient and try not to go back over it too many times. 

 

And there you have it! The finished product post game. And my post game relaxation, while my son napped and my husband mowed, was putting my feet up, drinking an iced cafe mocha, and diving into my new Danielle Steel novel! It was a prefect end to a perfect Sunday afternoon.

What do you think of my DIY pedi? I am so happy with how it turned out. I'm having such a great time with this competition, and I'm already scheming on my next nail art creation. Stay tuned! I can't wait to show you what I've done and how you too can create it at home!

And in the words of my son, "Royals, clap clap. Royals, clap clap!" A die hard fan at three. I love it!

Better Late Than Never

 

Top: Anthropologie (similar); Shorts: Cynthia Rowley via T.J. Maxx (similar);

 Sandals: Sam & Libby via Target (similar); Hat: Target (similar); Shades: Prada (similar);

 Earrings/Necklace: Both BaublesbyAndrea; Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Raspberry Roast

I have had these shorts since last summer and I've never worn them. I honestly couldn't figure out how to style them. Trust me, I've tried every white top I could think of and I hated them all, until this one! I haven't a clue why I never tried it before, but better late than never, right? And, I really do love the mix of dots! I may never wear this any other way!

 

 The Top: Before and After

 

I am so into hats this summer! I've always loved hats (seen here and here) but I've been wearing them every chance I get this summer. They are the best accessory, aside from sunscreen, to ward off the sun from your face. And, they are just a great addition to every look! Consider that a PSA for sunscreen and fashion. 

Happy Monday!

Dream to Reality: A Madewell Tote

I am no longer in the diaper bag phase of my life, but that doesn't mean I'm not still toting around a ton of stuff! It's amazing what all a toddler requires in addition to all the other stuff that I need. It seems like it's a lot! I've been relying on some trusty, over-sized handbags to get me through (see here and here for examples), but I think it's time to break down and purchase a large yet chic tote. It's like a minivan transition, which I swear I'm never making!

When looking for the right tote, or a simply sleek version, look no further than Madewell! It's like they are the holy grail of totes! I mean they have a webpage and a hashtag dedicated to them! Check out the photos being taken of the coolest, hippest totes on the market here. 

I honestly can't decide which one suits me, my wardrobe, my little guy, and all of our stuff the most. I have to say that I'm pretty much falling for the navy one, but I do love the Transport Tote which seems to be the fan favorite among bloggers and fashionistas. Take a look at my favs below.

Top Row: 1/2 (on sale)/3

Bottom Row: 1/2/3

So, if you had to make my decision to carry one of their iconic totes, which one would you choose? I hope to make one of these a reality soon and have mine appear on the infamous #totewell page! 

Happy Friday!

XOXO

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!

A Floral Shift

Dress: J.Crew Factory; Heels: Stuart Weitzman; Clutch: Anya Hindmarch for Target (similar);

Bracelets: J.Crew (similar/similar); Earrings: Gorjana (similar); Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Raspberry Roast

Last night I attended a blogger/media event for Chuy's on the Plaza and had the most wonderful evening! My friends Caitlin of Gussied Up and Jana of Jana Style Blog were there as well and we ate, drank, laughed, ate and drank some more, and met some really great people! I had one of the best summer evenings to date! Follow me on Instagram to see all the amazing food and drink photos from the evening!

I was invited to the event by Caitlin, thanks sweet friend, and didn't have a clue what the evening had in store. And because of that, I wasn't really sure how to dress. You should have seen my bed before I left. I think every piece of clothing, that was appropriate for summer, covered every inch of the bed! Then I remembered this steal of a deal shift dress. I have coveted the top for so long, but never took the plunge, and I'm so glad I waited. This dress is everything! (Did I mention it was on sale and an additional 60% off?) To complete the look, I threw on gobs of gold jewels, darling nude shoes, and a simple clutch.

 

 

After the event, Caitlin, Jana, and I took advantage of the evening light to grab some blog photos. Thanks to Jana for taking these!

West Coast Girl

Sweatshirt: J.Crew Factory; T-Shirt (layered): Gap; Shorts: J.Crew Factory (various colors);

Sandals: Sam & Libby via Target (similar); Shades: ULTA (similar); Hat: Standard Style (similar);

Necklace: Jane Basch (similar)

Last week McKinley and I completed our third summer parent/tot swimming lesson and Joel took the day off to be a part of the final lesson. He took pictures during class and cheered McKinley on as he took to the big boy slide for a ride on Mama's lap. And, as a celebration for "passing" the class, we took a mid week family outing to the zoo. And, for the second day of July, it turned into a chilly afternoon! I was super excited to have a chance to wear this darling nautical top!

I picked this sweatshirt up a couple of weeks ago at J.Crew Factory when my mom and I took McKinley to lunch at The Legends. I love that it lists all the amazing beaches of the West Coast, some of which I've had the honor of visiting, and a couple I hope to reside near one day! I am big fan of nautical, remember this darling J.Crew Factory find, and I love pairing navy with green. Such a cool combo! And, you can't go wrong with an awesome Panama straw hat! A perfect accessory to any summer look!

 

 

I just can't tell you how happy this top makes me! I've always said that I'm an East Coast girl, and I am at heart, but the West Coast has been calling my name for the past year. And, if I can't be there in person, at least I can be there in spirit....or in fashion spirit!

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!