cute DIY bracelet + how to use a calotte

Today's post is a DIY on a cute preppy ribbon and bead bracelet. It's super easy to make and looks great in a stack

from left to right:
what you are learning to make today, hand made, forever 21

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What you need:

• 1/4 inch ribbon 2-3 times the size of your hand
• elastic the size of your hand plus about 5 cm
• pliers (chain nose works best but any one will do)
  
  
  

 

•   Pearl beads of your choice (about 5mm in diametre)
• 2 callottes (optional)
• a clasp of your choice (optional if you are using elastic)
• a needle

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This first part is if you want to finish off your ends neatly and make it look more professional. You don't have to do it, but I recommend attempting it even if you are not crafty. It really isn't that hard. If you chose not to do this part, simply tie a knot at the end, leaving room to tie on the clasp/ tie the ends together and skip the next photo.

Thread on the callotte as shown and tie 1 or 2 knots at the end to prevent it from sliding off.

 Squeeze the two round parts of the callotte together as shown. That's it! You've just finished your ends and look at how neat they look.

Skip this step if you opted not to use a callotte.

 Thread the eye of the needle about 4 cm down the other side of the elastic. Thread the needle through one end of the ribbon.

 Thread one bead onto the needle and fold the ribbon over as shown. Repeat this step until you have about an inch short of your desired length. 

The easiest way to thread on the beads and ribbon is to not push the beat and ribbon down but simply push it off the needle just enough to thread on another bead. Does that make sense? It's hard to explain.

What it should look like when you have the length you want.

 To finish the bracelet, simple add your other callotte and connect the clasp. (Depending on the clasp you may need a couple jump rings.) If you didn't use a callotte, tie a knot at the and and then tie on your clasp.

When I was making mine I forgot to take into account the callotte and clasp and ended up making mine a bit long. To make up for that, I just attached the two callottes together and left out the clasp since it's elastic anyway.

how to wear leggings (under shorts, dresses and skirts) 2013 edition

Leggings, how can such a simple article of clothing be so difficult to style? However so, it is, so I'm going to break it down for you the way I like to style leggings.

I want to start off by saying that whatever you wear leggings with, you butt MUST be covered so that we see no panty lines.

I like capri leggings with tunics and short dresses.
If you ask me, you can wear ankle leggings with anything, dresses, skirts, tunics, I love it.

Shorts will be shorts and I really only like shorts on its own, or if its cold and you really miss your shorts, with tights. I suppose you could get away with leggings if you tucked them into boots.





Denim leggings are a touchy subject. Some say you can wear them like normal jeans, some say you can't. I am victim to wearing mine with a top that didn't cover your butt, but in my defense it was colder than expected and it was denim so it's thick.
Denim leggings could be worn with an ordinary top but the top should be loose fitting and longer than an average top (about mid-butt and long enough that it covers your hips when you raise your arms).
Denim leggings are skin tight so a tight top with it is a no-no unless you are going to work out. (Who works out in denim?)
That being said they look best with a tunic.

I think if you own one pair of leggings it should be a pair of denim leggings as they are the most versatile. They can be work like jeans with a long loose top, with a flowy tunic and can even pass as extra warm leggings under a dress.
Denim leggings are fairly inexpensive and can be picked up almost anywhere. I got my black pair at Macy's for between $20-$30.

I hope this post helped clear up the styling of leggings

(P.S. Jeggings (jean-leggings) and denim leggings are the same thing. I just really hate that word)

earth-conscious fashion

Bows, Cupcakes and babies

 

Let’s go to the beach, each Let’s go get away

that was one weird book I was reading!

My brother with all of his bake and sharks. Don't worry, he didn't eat all

On Monday I didn't have school, so what else would my entire family do but head to the beach! The water was cold but we all had a blast. It was nice to see a lot of my family members that don't live here.

Tankini top: Lands' End
Bikini bottom: Lilly Pulitzer
Dress: J.Crew