I am not a Robot

I mentioned this song in one of my first posts, but here's the music video. I am obsessed with this song, I've been listening to it for months now and it never gets old. I have to hear it at least once a day to feel alright.

It's kind of a weird song when you listen to it at first, but I love the lyrics. It talks about how it is ok to have emotions and feel things and be vulnerable. Sometimes I let myself put up a guard when dealing with friends or in relationships because I don't want to get hurt or give up control of the situation. But that's no way to live!

"Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go." -- Herman Hesse

The power went out at my house the other day and since I couldn't see enough to read, I decided to paint! I'm no artist, but I enjoy experimenting on cheap canvases.

Isn't he cute?? Also, ironic :) Love that.

More Pictures from San Diego

This is the twin sister to my last post. Also, It's dedicated to my BFF Heather and her cute animal blog! :)

I love animals so much! When I went to the San Diego zoo a few years ago, I wanted to take all the pictures I could get of my favorite animals. It was really hard with those dumb cages in the way. However, I did get some decent ones and looking at them now makes me want to play with a baby panda. Seriously, they are so cute!

Does anyone else get the urge to just let all the animals out of the cages so they can roam free?? :(

Old Photos

I have been wanting a Polaroid camera for a long time, like seriously since I was a kid. I thought they were so cool, you could see how a picture looked almost instantly! haha Even now in the age of digital cameras, I still think Polaroids are awesome. They are so unique and have a sort of dusty, old feel to them, which I love. Maybe I'll save up and get one this summer...

Anyway, even though their style is unrepeatable in my opinion, I was inspired by looking at old Polaroids to edit some of my old pictures to have a "dusty, old feel." These are some pictures I took a few years ago on a beach in San Diego. Looking at these makes me want to go to the beach this instant!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I'm 21 today! I can't believe it. I still feel 16... who am I kidding I feel 12!

Well, to honor today, I have a tutorial for you all! It's my very first one, I made it up all by myself. Impressed? You should be! Just kidding, it is super easy and lots of fun!

This tutorial is for a bubble skirt. I love bubble skirts! They are fun, flirty and perfect for hot summer weather. I reconstructed a long skirt to make mine, but you can make your own from scratch as well.

Step 1: Find an ugly long skirt at a thrift store.

I like this pattern but boy does it look hideous on me as is. Don't worry, there is potential in everything! This skirt is actually perfect to transform into a bubble skirt because it has pleating in the front and is gathered at the waist in the back. This translates to nice and flowy!

Step 2: Sew an old slip on the inside of the skirt, right against the hem of the waistband.

You don't have to use a slip, you can use any old skirt, or even sew a simple round tube that fits around your waist. It's not going to show so the color and pattern doesn't even matter.

Step 3: Cut the slip so it hits about mid-thigh. Yeah, it's short, but your bubble skirt will be much longer, don't worry!

Step 4: Cut your skirt however short you want it. To measure that, put the skirt on and fold it up till it hits where you want it to fall. Measure how much extra fabric you need to cut off (The edge of the skirt will be sewn to the bottom of the slip, creating a "bubble." Just trim off enough of the skirt so that it hits where you want, but still has enough length to create the bubble).

Step 5: Turn the skirt inside out and tack the skirt to the slip. Start with one in the front, one on each side, and one in the back. Then tack in between each of those points. Then tack between each point again. Then do it again and again and again till basically there are no more open hole between the skirt and the slip. Or, close enough to no holes. :) Tacking is a little tricky because there is more skirt fabric than slip fabric, but that's ok, that's what makes the skirt bubble! It'll look a little messy, but it all turns out sweet.

Step 6: You're finished! Wear it around and be hot stuff this summer. Bubble skirts look awesome with tights, too, so it's perfect year-round.

Thanks to my little bro for taking these pics! They are on our roof. It was kinda scary the wind was blowing so hard and the sun was really bright. But I like the look, and the view was awesome.

 This is what summer makes me feel like.

Moving On

I have been working the past week or so on these silly white jeans. Bleaching them worked awesome, and I was excited to take them in and make them fit. However, after hours and hours of working on them, I think it's time to count them as a loss and move on.

I definitely got them to fit a lot better than before and if you just glanced at them you wouldn't notice anything wrong. But, they just don't feel comfortable and I feel like if I sit down the seams are going to pop right out. That would be a horrible disaster. Also, the button fell off. :(

Well, I did learn a few lessons from this project. The first one was how to take in the waist band of pants/jeans. I followed this tutorial, and let me tell you, I did an AWESOME job on that part. It's really simple and doesn't take too much time and looks very professional. The second lesson I learned is that even though you could refashion and sew everything, does not mean you should. You have to take into account the amount of time and effort you will be putting into the garment, and if you would actually wear it. In this case, I'm thinking I would be better off buying some white skinny jeans from a store, rather than making my own.

All in all, it was a good experience and I learned a lot. I think i will try modifying pants in the future, but just to work on my sewing skills. Also, I think if I wanted to make skinny jeans again, I'd use a pair that I already have and love, then use them as a guide to get the measurements and cut right, sort of how I did this blouse.

Here are some pictures anyway! Recognize the shirt? This whole outfit is bleached! I just cut the sleeves and length where I wanted it, no sewing necessary since it's a knit and won't fray. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy.

30 Day Shred

Do you know who Jillian Michaels is? She's a beast... in a good way, of course! She is one of the toughest personal trainers on the show "The Biggest Loser." Now, I've never seen the show, but I have seen pictures of the results, and man are they amazing!

Jillian also has her own work out dvds! I started them this past year at school. I love work out dvds, they are so much nicer than having to go to the gym, although sometimes they are kind of lame and don't really do anything for me. BUT, Jillian's are amazing. I've heard nothing but good reviews from those who have used them and they really make you feel good.

I started doing her '30 Day Shred' and let me tell you, it's kicking my trash... and I love it! No pain, no gain. It's super fast, only about 20-25 minutes a day. It's circuit training, so it's super effective in that short amount of time.

Now, you can buy the dvd (which is well worth the money, actually) or you can cheat like me and just read the instructions online for free :)

There are 3 levels, and I am half way through the first level (I'm going to spend 10 days on each). Maybe I will even weigh myself and see if it makes a difference... but probably not. I'm very anti-weighing-yourself. I think as long as you feel healthy and beautiful, it doesn't matter what you weigh. Usually I feel my best when I am in good shape, so it works out anyway.

So, try this work out some time! It's a great way to get in your daily exercise without having to leave your house... oh and there's barely any equipment needed (I use a blanket for a mat and I have used heavy objects instead of weights before).

What is your favorite work out dvd or training plan?

Nail polish

This past year or so, I've been really good about painting my nails. And by good, I mean I take off my nail polish when it starts getting chipped, instead of leaving it on to just grow out or eventually flake off. I also repaint them promptly. Maybe this isn't so healthy for my nails, but... heck, they look cute!

Here's something I've been doing a lot during my nail polish revolution. I paint my ring finger a different color from the rest of them. It's sort of a color block idea, but for your nails. (Color blocking is totally IN right now) :) I got the idea from Rihanna.

Photo Cred: Google images

Thanks girrrrl! hah.

A lot of people ask me why I do this. My answer is: because it looks awesome. I don't have a reason... well, that is, until I read this post, on a wonderful blog called Moorea-Seal.

Although I love to paint my nails for the beauty and fashion aspect, painting them to remind you of your weekly goals seems like a grand idea to me. Fashion, which in my opinion includes nail polish, can be such a strong statement of what you believe, who you are and how you are feeling. Yeah, sure, you can throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that you don't think twice about. But, you can also put on your favorite pair of skinny jeans that make you feel beautiful, and a bright yellow shirt to show your inner happiness.

This summer, I'm trying to make all my outfits say something. Nothing profound, if only to say "I am confident. I am beautiful. I am fun-loving." These are three things that I want people to know about me, but more importantly, these are three things I want to believe for myself. Everyday I can be reminded of these ideas and hopefully by the end of the summer, along with a new wardrobe, I will have increased love and belief in myself and my capabilities.

Whew. That is what you call a tangent! Back to nail polish. I like nail polish. A lot. And I'm going to adopt Moorea's idea and every time I paint my nails, have a goal in mind and work on it the whole time my nails are painted.

What do you do as a reminder of your goals? What are some fun nail polish techniques or designs you like to do? Please do share!

Black to White Jeans, and a Quesiton for You

Hello! Sorry for the lag in posting. I have two excuses! One, I started working full-time and just don't have as much time to do fun things (bummer!), and Two, I broke all the needles on my sewing machine, so I have to wait to buy more (woops!). But don't worry, I still have lots to do and I'll get those needles soon.

Before I start, go visit my friend Lesa's blog post. She did it for me!! She's a funny gal with lots to say on lots of fun topics, so read all her stuff while you're at it!

Ok, back to business: I found my very first pair of skinny jeans in a pile of clothes to donate to the thrift store. I was sad because I really loved them and the only reason I had them in that pile was because they got white paint on them (they are black jeans). Then something amazing happened. A stroke of genius, inspiration, whatever you want to call it... but I had the thought to bleach them! I did the same thing I did over here, but this time I had to do the process about 4 times at 45 minutes each. Woof.

Silly me, I didn't take a picture before, but here's a picture of a seam which I removed (more on that later) so you can see the great contrast in the before and after with these jeans. I was really amazed they got so light!

Well, I was really excited and I tried them on and...




They didn't fit. Not even close! They were HUGE. Like, 3 or 4 sizes too big! Ok, so either I lost a LOT of weight in college, or something about the bleaching made them get ginormous. I have a hard time believing either. So, it's still a mystery!

I was sort of bummed, but then I remembered this post from C&C, and I got more inspiration :)

But, until I get more needles, I can't finish them :( Here are the before shots, though, so you can admire the bleach's job.

 SEE?? HUGE!!

I am in need of some new music. I love my Pandora stations, but I'm getting a little tired of the same songs over and over. Please, comment below and give me suggestions! :)

Headwrap made from extra fabric

Remember this post? Remember I said I had something else in store from the extra fabric?

Well here it is! (I realize this secret may have been ruined by my header pic... oh well!)

I made a headwrap with the extra scraps leftover from my dress to blouse reconstruction. I'm not gonna lie, I used to think headwraps looked absolutely redonkulous, but after a while they started growing on me and I decided to try it out one day. I used a fabric belt that came with one of my old dresses and wrapped that sucker around my head and what do you know... it looked cute! Also, headwraps are perfect for those days when you wake up late and don't have time to shower. No one will know ;) (oops, guess my secret is out!)

All I did was:
1. cut two long strips, equal widths

 I'm sorry it's so blurry! I thought it was fine on my camera, but now I can obviously see this picture is so blurry it makes me sick! Can you say glasses??

2. sew the short ends together to make one really long strip of fabric
3. fold in half and round off the corners to make a nice edge

 Yikes, this one is blurry too. :/ But, you get the idea.

4. sew the long edges together to make a long tube
5. flip inside out and sew the open end shut
6. wrap on your head and be the coolest chick in town!

This was fun to make and also super fast. So if you have any extra fabric from another project you did, or a fabric belt from an item of clothing, try it out! Comment below and tell me: True or False, Headwraps are awesome and I do/will wear one! Tell me why :)

chop chop!

Well I found these lovely white jean capris at the local thrift store a while ago. I didn't really like them, but they fit and I knew I could do something to make them acceptable.

I chopped 'em. Right above the knee. Sorry I didn't take a picture before I cut and sewed the seams, but you get the idea!

I was too lazy to look up how to do a good-looking legit jeans seam, but I think this will work well. I just cut them, did a zig zag stitch to keep it from fraying, and then folded it and did a straight stitch.

Now they look a lot more updated and are perfect for summer!

Also, this sweater is the whole reason I wanted white jeans. Love it!

  Look at those cute buttons. Also, this picture was an accident, but I sort of like it!

What is your favorite thing to wear in the summer??

Dress to Blouse Reconstruction

This is one of the dresses I found while shopping at a local thrift store. I loved the fabric, but not so much the shape or the giant pocket on one side.

I gave it a little trim! Following advice from another fashion blogger, I used a shirt that I already had and liked the fit of, then cut around it, as sort of a make-shift pattern. If you do this, make sure to leave a little bit around the edges for the seam allowance.

  (like my toenail polish??)

After that, I just sewed it up and finished off the seams with a simple turned in edge. It only took about thirty minutes to do the whole project. I've been needing new shirts, this will be perfect! And the pocket is still there, just not as huge and weird... perfect for carrying my everyday essential: vanilla mint chapstick. (I'm seriously addicted to that stuff)

Also, I used the extra fabric from the bottom to make something else just as great. You'll have to come back for that, though!

Obsessed

This is the song that was playing when I was trying to think of a cool name for this blog. It really doesn't have anything to do with vintage clothes, photography or fashion, but I like the word obsession.

I get obsessed with new things I want to try or new music I hear. Usually I get bored quickly and forget about it, though. But I'm trying to be less flaky with my hobbies. Which is why this blog exists! I'm obsessed (for now) with vintage clothes, thrifting, and reconstructing. I'll probably get tired of it some day... but for now I'm going to give in to my obsession and document it!

Also, I love this artist. Marina and the Diamonds is from the UK and I love her witty lyrics and unique voice! My favorite song of hers is "I am not a Robot." Go check it out!

What are you obsessed with??

Bleach project! Plus new old shoes.

This is a dress I used to love, but have grown tired of recently. 

Isn't it sad how you can love a piece of clothing so much at one point, but eventually end up hating it? The love fades suddenly and it sits, lonely, in the back of your closet next to the sweater Grandma knitted you 5 years ago. Even though you never wear it, it stays there as a sort of reminder of the good times you had together. *sigh* Just like an ex-boyfriend...

Anyway, there's now hope for you and your neglected clothes!! It's called bleach.Yeah, crazy hardcore, right?

I could not believe this when I saw it, but it's true. It works. And it's a fun way to change an old piece of clothing into something you love again! What can I say, I believe in second chances.

I followed all her techniques: I started by mixing about 20 cups of hot water with 2 cups of bleach and added the dress. I stirred the dress around in the sink about every 5-10 minutes to make sure it was getting an even coat, and I left in to soak for about 20 minutes. You can watch yours and just take it out when you like the color! I rinsed it out and soaked it in cold water with salt in it for 10 minutes ( I don't know why... that's just part of the instructions!). Then I washed it like normal (all alone, just in case there's residual bleach). 

My next step is transforming it into a flowy shirt. That'll be for another post, though!

In other news, I thrifted these beauts this weekend at a local thrift store. They are very 80s-esque 3-inch heels and I love them! 

PS- please excuse my veiny feet and also the fact that I am wearing yoga pants with heels. It's been a busy day. (But, aren't those rocks pretty??)

Are you going to try bleaching one of your old pieces of clothing?? Tell me about it!

Here we go!

Welcome to my blog!

I've tried blogging before, but I really had no inspiration and thus, it died quickly. 

This is my second attempt. You know what they say, second time's a charm! oh wait...

Anyway, I was inspired by this blog here, plus a few other fashion bloggers. This wonderful woman reconstructs the ugliest clothes into the most fashionable, unique pieces I've ever seen! While I won't be doing quite as intense of projects, I'm going to try out some of her techniques and see what I can do to spice up my closet. Also, I am going to become an experienced thrifter so I can get legit vintage clothes for cheap. I'm tired of looking like a poor college student in jeans and sweatshirts. Time to dress like a grown-up! 

I'm going to keep myself busy with this, practicing my photography, finding new music, and working on my ukulele playing skills. Yes, the ukulele is a great new passion of mine and I hope to master it someday. Stop by often and leave me some love (aka comments) and ideas for what I can make or do or talk about!