thursday latelies

Hello, Hello!


1) New 'do...just longer layers and a few inches chopped off. It has more movement and it feels sooo much better without those crunchy ends. bleh. Keep an eye out for the henna hair dye tutorial next week!


2) NARS Illuminator in Super Orgasm...nice name huh? Creates a gawgeous dewey glow, perfect for spring!


3) Warby Parker home-try on! woot woot! Help me pick out my next frames! I'm going for a retro, East coast vibe. Comment on your favorite!

Try-on order:

Huxley   ||   Colton   ||   Sinclair   ||   Miles   ||   Webb

Go visit Bex for more Thursday Latelies!


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dear spring

Blazer, gingham shirt {similar}, shorts, wedges: Aldo, necklace: express {similar}, bangle, vintage gold watch, belt: F21, nail polish

Dear spring,

I missed you. Obviously my pale skin has missed you too. I promise this time around I won't take you for granted. I'll bask in your golden rays, take time to actually stop and smell your blooming roses {which are over grown in my yard...promise I'll take care of that too}, and drive with with my windows down and not care what crazy things happen to my hair. Please stay with me longer this year. Summer and it's heat waves can wait...I hate it when my hair sticks to my neck anyway.

much love,

Kristina

for the love of creativity: {DIY} moss letters

I decided I needed something more spring-like for my front door, as my dried grapevine and autumn colored wreath just wasn't cutting it anymore. Yeah, I know...It's been up since Fall & didn't bother me all winter. Now that the weather is warmer we've been going on evening dog walks and I've had to be face to face with that drab wreath every evening while walking in the door after being around blooming buds, flowering trees, and the smell of fresh cut grass on our walks. I was totally over it. I'd seen large moss letters selling for more than $75 each in stores and had to laugh. No way was I paying that.

What you'll need:

• 1/2" thick foam board (or preformed craft letter)
• X-Acto knife or fine blade knife
• Spray glue
• Sheet moss
• Ribbon for hanging (optional)

Draw and cut out your preferred size letter, I went with 18" tall. I chose to make my own letter instead of using a preformed one from the craft because I couldn't find any large cursive letters, plus capital standard L's are kinda boring. Oh and foam board is only $3 compared to $10-15 for the preformed letters.

Next, lay out your sheet moss and spray the front of the letter with adhesive. Wait one minute and flip it over onto the back of the moss. Press firmly.

Spray the back of the letter with adhesive. After one minute, snip, tuck, and fold the moss to cover your form. Press firmly. Fill in any bare areas. My moss shed a little during the process so I sprayed my bare spots, waited a minute, and sprinkled the shed moss over the bare spots.

Here's what it looks like hanging on the front door. I like the simplicity of it since I have the additional elements of the numbers below it.

I'm wanting to make a mossy ampersand (&) for my mantel or bookcase. I want more of an organic quality around the house. Oh and more books too! I looove going to thrift stores and picking up the oldest most ornate books I can find. Definitely need more books. I'm just saying.

Thursday Latelies

Happy Thursday!!!


1) New blog design by Tabitha Emma! Check out her portfolio if you're in the market for graphic design, illustration, or even handmade goodies...she's so creative! Whatcha think of the new design?


2) Ugg Channing Boot won via I Spy DIY! Need cool weather back asap!


3) Philosophy Orange Pineapple Smoothie won via Anna's Life in Magazines! Perfect scent for this upcoming warm weather!


What have you been up to? Have you tried the Philosophy Smoothies yet? 


Go check out Bex for more Thursday Latelies!


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flats + platforms = flatforms

Flat wha? I've been seeing flatforms (flat platforms) pop up recently. Being a nurse I'm on my feet all day and on my off days I just can't do heels like I use to! Walking tall and not having to deal with the pitch of a heel or severe wedge sounds like a much needed break. So I like the concept of flatforms especially in sandal form for Spring but I'm having a hard time getting over how much they look like Herman Munster shoes! I've been doing some searching and I think I might be changing my mind thanks to these stylish ladies pulling off the trend without resembling the comedic TV monster. 

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I think these would actually be fairly easy to wear...literally more comfortable and easy to style! They'll take some getting use to, but hey I thought I looked funny in skinny jeans at first too and now they're my go-to! Check out here, here, here, here, and here for some great options that would go with everything!

How do you feel about the emerging trend? Going to ditch the pitch of a heel and give it a try?

P.S. Carly has an amazing giveaway for a Strozzi Ring going on over at Tea Cups & Bubble Baths! Check it out!

In the green

 clover ring, two finger ring, top, pants, clutch, wedges

St. Patrick's day is tomorrow...crazy how fast the year is going by and this warm weather already is really throwing me off too! I'm so excited to get to celebrate this year! What better excuse to wear green head to toe? I actually really like the combination of mint green and kelly green, it must be the mix between cool and saturated color that has me drawn to it! 

Enjoy the weekend and be weary of the green beer...it'll sneak up on you :)

for the love of creativity: Anthro Spheres Necklace

I have a fondness for statement necklaces, especially ones that I can make myself and save $420 on. What?! Yup, I said save $420. I was recently flipping through the pages of the Anthropologie website and came across the Plentiful Spheres Necklace. It immediately caught my eye, the simplicity but bold statement (hmm simply bold?). I wanted it. I needed it. I had to have it! Then my eyes drifted downward to the price...$428! No way! What made it so expensive? It's made from porcelain beads, cotton cord, and a silk tassel. I knew I could make a similar necklace for a significantly smaller price tag. So began my mission...

What you'll need:

• Embroidery floss {$0.50}
• Suede or cotton cord 3' {$2}
• One 2 hole button (already had)
• 4 5/8" wooden dowel beads {$1} (found at Michael's in wood crafts section)
• 4 1/2" wooden dowel beads {$1}
• 1 1" wood dowel bead{$1}
• White puff paint {$2.50}
• White spray paint (already had)

Use the puff paint to create a pattern of dots on each bead. For easier handling, use a coordinating sized dowel rod to hold the bead. Once dry, coat with a couple of thin layers of spray paint. While drying, cut two 18" pieces of cord and 20 pieces of embroidery floss (2 3/4" in length). Fold the cords in half and fold the the floss over the middle of the cords.

Hold the floss tightly and wrap a piece around the top of the thread several times to create a tassel. To secure, loop the floss under itself and pull tight.

Tie a knot in the cords at the top of the tassel. Place the 1" (largest) bead on the cords and tie another knot on top. 

Separate the cords (2 on each side). Move 1/2" up the cord and tie a knot. Place a 5/6" (medium) bead on each side. Top each with another knot. Place a 1/2" (small) bead on each side and top each with another knot.


Move 1" up each side and tie a knot. Place a 5/6" (medium) bead on each side. Top with a knot. Move 1/2" up the cord and tie a knot. Place a 1/2" (small) bead on each side. Top with a knot.

To make closure: Move 8" up one side of the cord and tie a knot. String your button and secure with a knot. On other side, move 8" up cord and make a loop. Tie with a knot. Trim your ends.

What do you think, pretty close? Worth saving $420? I thought so too. And like always, feel free to pin it to Pinterest (just please link back to Simply Bold)! 

Do you have any new projects, tips, DIYs, or creativity you'd like to share? Link it up in the comments! I love to see what you guys are up to!

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warm vibes

Tank: UO (similar, similar) | necklace: J.Crew | clutch (similar)

jeans | wedges | vintage watch | DIY bracelet

Wednesday, Jake and I had our 4 year anniversary (say wha? 4 years?!). Because of my classes and work schedule we weren't able to celebrate until Saturday. I got super giddy thinking about how I wanted to dress up and have a romantic candlelit dinner. His only request: "please don't make me dress up." The weather was gorgeous so I decided on a tank and jeans to appease my love. Of course, with all the sunshine I decided a montage of color was the way to go. Ahhh, warm weather, lake view, seafood, and my honey buns. Perfection.

Spring Essentials

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15

Let's just say I was actually planning on doing something during my spring break, and that something involved soaking up sun rays, cool drinks, and lounging around. We'd also have to assume that I only attended college and didn't actually have an adult job. So, instead I'll be lounging on my back deck, with a cool drink, and soaking up sun rays on my days off. Oh wait...ok never mind. I guess those are my plans.

Well, if I were to be actually going somewhere on said "break" I'd be packing up some of these lovelies. Sigh. I am seriously loving me some of retro inspired pieces and the vibrant colors. Eeek the colors! I need! Speaking of needs...that retro floral bikini? Gaw-geous I say, Gaw-geous!

Do you have spring break plans? Do share...I'll live vicariously through you.

body & sole

I have always been and will always be a lover of oxfords, brogues, and loafers. There's something about the classic style and hint of masculinity that I'm drawn to. Loafers and skimmers are my go to shoes because they fit so easily into all seasons. When I think of oxfords and brogues (a wing-tip, more detailed version) I automatically think of fall and cooler weather. Not anymore my friends! This style has now found it's way into spring (and eventually into my wardrobe). The cheery colors, along with the top neon trend this spring has made way for a new spin on the old classic with contrasting soles and fun colors.

Oxfords:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Brogues:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

I think my favorite is #2 of the oxfords. Definitely the best look for the price and they'll fit nicely into my current wardrobe. What do you think of the contrasting sole trend? How about oxfords and brogues in spring & summer? Any favorites?