Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Snow White

Hi! This is my Chictopia Magic Mirror Contest Entry. It has already made its way into the Chictopia style gallery so I'm pretty excited. The entries with the most votes, favorites and shares win so if you could do any of those things, I'd be very happy! You can look at my Chictopia post HERE. Everything that I'm wearing is vintage or thrifted.

Interview with Lauren from Lauren Rose Jewelry

Hi! I have a treat for you today- an interview with the lovely Lauren from the etsy shop Lauren Rose Jewelry.

First, introduce yourself to my readers, Lauren:
Hi! I'm Lauren, I have a BFA in Fine Arts and Design from a college I have attended in New York City and am back in college working towards a masters. My style every since I was a child was casual, but as I grew into my style it evolved into a blend of edgy casual with a hint of girly flare! I think I grew into this style as I went to college downtown in NYC. A lot of downtown residents dress edgy, yet casual enough to be comfortable while walking in city. I guess I adopted that edgy casual style and made it my own with a hit of girly-ness!

Now, tell us a little bit about your etsy shop:
I am the owner of Lauren Rose Jewelry, an etsy shop, where I make handmade and personalized jewelry. A lot of my jewelry reflect my style, its edgy and casual and a little bit girly all at the same time. I use chain, stones, and metal to make necklaces, bracelets earrings and rings. If a customer finds something at my shop but wants to customize it with a different chain color, stone, or whatever they might imagine, I will create a one of a kind piece special for them! Prices range from 12 to 35 dollars, always free shipping in the USA, and I also always offer coupons!


Why/how did you open your etsy shop?
I decided to open my etsy shop because I LOVE to make jewelry! As an Fine Arts and Design major anything creative is what I enjoy! Etsy gives shop owner the opportunity to sell handmade goods and etsy gives customers the chance to purchase something special, unique, and just for them, which I love!


What motivated you to open your etsy shop?
I was motivated to start shop because I believe in my product. I think my jewelry is fun, and unique. I want to give myself a shot at doing something creative while working for myself. I find it very satisfying to know what I have accomplished is a result of my own hard-work. I also think it creates a better experience for the shopper. I am always so excited to speak with new people from around the world and love to specialize jewelry to their wants. I think customers enjoy buying when its something special just for them, or buying a gift they were able to specialize just for a friend or family member.

Do you have another job besides running your etsy shop?
Yes, I currently teach enrichment programs in the public schools in my area. I teach academic programs like math and creative programs like woodworking. I am also currently working on early childhood education masters.


What is your favorite type of jewelry to create?
My favorite type of jewelry to create is chain work jewelry. I like to create anything edgy but pretty. I also like to make jewelry that is wearable from day to night!

Where do you see your shop in 5 years?
I'm not sure where I see my shop five years from know but I know whatever stage it is at I will be having fun making all the jewelry! I hope to expand a little. Which I am starting now by getting professional photographs of my jewelry. The photographs of my current and unseen summer collection should be finished by the end of June.


Well that's it! Don't you love Lauren's work? You can check out her shop HERE.

Want to see your interview here? Become a large ad sponsor! Large ad sponsors receive a free interview with their purchase of a large 200x300 ad for only $8! Head on over to my sponsor page to check it out.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Weekend Photo Diary


Forever 21 dress, DIY flower crown


 Down by the lake with my precious yorkie, Bella


Vintage romper, Forever 21 oxfords, vintage bag and DIY turban headband


 Down by the dock for a quick photo


Sunglasses c/o Giant Vintage Sunglasses, Old Navy bathing suit, vintage scarf


Out in Louisa shopping. I tried not to spend any money but caved and bought some vintage postcards.


Don't forget about my giveaways!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Psychedelic Cat








Hi! Today, I chose to wear my new tank from Whimsy Tees. It has the most adorable psychedelic cat printed on the front. I styled it with trendy pastel shorts, a DIY flower crown and my tan Steve Madden flatforms for a relaxed boho look. I am not sure if you remember or not but a while ago, I received a tote to review from Whimsy Bags which I was very impressed with. Both Whimsy Tees and Whimsy Bags are run by the same lovely shop owner, Lesley. So it comes as no surprise that I am enamored with this kitty tank! The quality, the design, the service...all magnificent! One thing that is great about ordering a Whimsy tee or tank is that you will be less likely to run into someone who is wearing the same shirt as you. When I was younger, I remember wearing a Delia's tee to school and encountering three others that were wearing the same tee- yikes! So whether you are looking for a cute, unique tee or a fun bathing suit cover up, I would definitely recommend checking Whimsy Tees out! Use code TORI20 for 20% off! Valid for 2 weeks!

Flatforms: Steve Madden
Shorts: Vintage
Tank: c/o Whimsy Tees
Flower crown: DIY

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Pretty in Pastels


Hi! I just love my little yorkie, Bella! She snuck outside for photos with me today.

Dress & cardigan: Vintage
Socks: Romwe
Oxfords: Forever 21
Sunglasses: c/o Giant Vintage Sunglasses

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Spring Dream




Hi! Just what I wore to school today. I would like to thank everyone who voted and faved my last Chictopia look onto the front page! Yes, the front page! You have no idea how excited I was when I saw my photo on the homepage; it's a huge honor.

Skirt: Vintage
Top: Thrifted
Flatforms: Steve Madden
Necklace: Givenchy

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Floating on a Dream








Hi! Today I opted for an ethereal look for a relatively casual Sunday. This morning my mom and I headed out for Rugged Warehouse, Ross and Plato's Closet. I was hoping to find another pair of flatforms but in gray to buy for under $30. However, I had no luck. We made an impromptu trip to the Dollar Tree after looking at the shoes in Rugged Warehouse and I was able to purchase more flowers so that I have more than just 2 or 3 flower crowns. Our last stop was Plato's Closet. I brought in a big bag of my clothing that I wanted to get rid of and waited while they determined what to buy. Out of the 9 things that I brought, they accepted 7 for about $21. Although that doesn't seem like much, I was ecstatic! Usually they pay less than $1 per item but this time they paid about $3 per item. Do you ever have any luck, buying or selling, at Plato's Closet?

Today, I also wore my new Romwe skirt. I won an $80 Romwe voucher on Galore Beneath the Stars a while ago and I used part of that credit to buy this skirt. It is a lovely seafoam green, pleated skirt that is high in the front and low in the back. To be honest, I expected more from Romwe. With raving reviews from bloggers, I thought that the service would be a little better. On April 26, I placed an order for this skirt and a galaxy dress. I understand that Romwe is based in Asia but on my order, it said I would receive my order within 5-15 days. When did the skirt get here? Yesterday! As for the galaxy dress, I have not received it. I emailed a customer service rep at Romwe the other day and as it turns out, they haven't even shipped it yet! There is no reason why it shouldn't be here right now. I contacted the people at Romwe and they were very sweet about it and are going to refund me for the dress. However, I would be hesitant to buy from Romwe in the future.

Skirt & socks: Romwe
Top & belt: Vintage
Flatforms: Steve Madden
Daisy crown: DIY
Sunglasses: c/o Giant Vintage Sunglasses

Help my look make it's way into the Chictopia style gallery by voting and favoriting it!

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Pink Cheetah Vintage Review & Giveaway



Hi! Becky of Pink Cheetah Vintage sent me this awesome Ganesh tote bag to review. I styled it with yellow pastel shorts, black heart sunglasses and a black button down for a casual day of shopping. Let me just say that this bag is the ideal bag to bring with you when you shop- it's so chic and can even double as a shopping bag for whatever purchases you happen to make! I plan on using this bag as my summer tote bag; it is roomy enough to hold all my beach stuff with room to spare! It retails at just $15 so if you are interested in purchasing one for yourself, you can do so HERE. Now onto the fun part- a giveaway! I was kindly sent a tie dye Buddha tote to give away to one of my wonderful readers. THIS is what the tote looks like. All you have to do is enter through the rafflecopter app below. It is mandatory to follow my blog and "like" PinkCheetahVintage on facebook to enter. Must be a resident of the continental U.S. Sorry international readers!

Button down & shorts: vintage
Tote bag: c/o PinkCheetahVintage
Oxfords: Forever 21
Sunglasses: Unknown

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, I just got a pinterest! I would absolutely love it if you would follow me- I'll follow back! Check it out HERE.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Pastels & Skulls


Hi! Today I mixed two of my favorite things together- pastels and skulls. I loved the girly yet edgier look that was produced. Sorry for not posting since Sunday. This week there is AP testing and SOLs at my school so my notes have been keeping my quite busy. Hope you all have been having a lovely week!

Top: c/o Punkalife
Collar: c/o Oasap
Sunglasses: c/o Giant Vintage
Shorts & bag: Vintage
Sneakers: Converse

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Frolicking in Pastels





Hi! Thanks for voting my last look into the Chictopia style gallery; I love you guys! Today, I chose to wear two of my latest obsessions- pastels and a daisy crown. I haven’t been a big fan of pastels in years past but I have really enjoyed frolicking about in pastels this year. I think that I owe some of that newfound appreciation to the Louis Vuitton spring/summer runway show. If you haven’t seen it yet, you need to check it out! It is simply astonishing.

Sunglasses: c/o Giant Vintage Sunglasses
Shorts, white top and blue top: Vintage
Shoes: Forever 21
Daisy crown: DIY
Floral bag: DIY

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Meadow Mermaid



Hi! Today, I styled my outfit around my mermaid skeleton tote sent to me courtesy of Whimsy Bags. I paired it with my weekend uniform of denim shorts, heart sunglasses, a vintage top, oxfords flats and an interesting headpiece. I must say that I am very impressed with Whimsy Bags. In fact, Whimsy Bags is one of my favorite sponsors. They let me choose any bag to review and I choose this mermaid skeleton tote. However, it was near impossible to make a choice as to what bag I wanted. Whimsy Bags has so many incredible bags that cater to everyone's style. I have my eye on the "Vintage Sewing Machine" tote for this coming fall. What I like about tote bags is that they are extremely versatile. They serve a multitude of purposes. Use the bag to lug your stuff to the gym or use the bag when you are out shopping instead of using a plastic bag and help save the earth. Students (or teachers) can use tote bags to carry around all of their books and school supplies. There are so many different ways to use totes that I am not even going to try to list them all. I was very impressed with the quality of the tote Whimsy Bags sent me. The bag is made out of a thick canvas and retains its shape very well unlike Forever 21 tote bags. The print is also superb quality and extremely cute! The totes range from $8 to $14 plus shipping. Another thing that is nice about Whimsy Bags is that they will ship anywhere in the world. Whether you are just looking for a beach bag or looking for a trendy tote to complete your wardrobe, I would most definitely recommend buying from Whimsy Bags.

Tote: c/o Whimsy Bags
Blackberry headband: DIY
Shorts & top: Vintage
Sunglasses: Unknown
Oxfords: Forever 21

Boho Fairytale Giveaway

DIY Flower Crown




Hi! Today, I whipped up a little DIY post for you. If you regularly read my chicblog, you may notice that I have really gotten into flower crowns. I wear them multiple times a week! I have DIY-ed a blackberry crown, pink flower crown and daisy crown. Now I am going to share how I DIY-ed my chic headpieces so that you can easily have one for yourself.

Level of difficulty: Easy
Supplies: Wire (can be bought from the Dollar Tree), scissors, a ruler (optional), pliers (also optional), and a bouquet of fake flowers (can be bought from the Dollar Tree also).
Cost: Less than $5
Steps:
1. Gather supplies
2. Cut a piece of wire that fits around your head. I doubled mine up for more support.
3. Cut flowers off the stems of the bouquet.
4. Cut approximately 4 inch strips of wire.
5. Wire the flowers onto the wire headpiece using the 4 inch strips of wire (I know I am saying “wire” too much, I hope it’s not confusing)
6. Add as many or as few flowers as you would like to the headpiece.
7. Voila! You just created your own bohemian headpiece for less than $5! For a more finished touch, use small pliers to finish wrapping the wire around the headpiece.

Hope you all enjoyed this little DIY! Would you like more in the future? Also, if you need help with this DIY, feel free to message me. I am more than willing to help! Don't forget to enter my Boho Fairytale giveaway!