Clothing Upcycle

With bleach pens, a bit of lace, or a dab of paint it's easy to turn something old and tired into something new. While it's great to donate used clothing, it's even better to refashion it so you get more use out of it. Or if you're like me and love thrift stores keep your eyes open for treasures that you can use for some of these fun DIY projects.

**All of these projects were found on Pinterest**

Tops

Idea from Etsy shop lillienoradrygoods

Bottoms

Cutoffs

Extras

Boot socks from old sweaters

DIY American Flag Converse

xoxo Gwen

Styling Kimono's For Fall

This summer we all fell in love with the kimono. Cut-offs, a crop top, and a kimono were the perfect summer outfit. Now as you evaluate your wardrobe for the Fall keep your kimono's at the ready. They will be the perfect outfit addition on cool days and can either add a pop of color, or anchor an outfit.

Summer Style

Summer styled kimono: crop top or a t-shirt with cut-offs and a kimono.

Fall Style

Fall styled kimono: t-shirt or a delicate camisole (for a dressed up version), skinny jeans, pants, or leggings, plus riding boots, booties, or even wedges. Statement jewelry and stacked bracelets are a plus.

xoxo Gwen

Sorority File: White Attire Part 3

The last post in this series covers the last bits you will need for your white attire (initiation wear). You can find the dress post here and the shoe post here if you missed those.

Make-up and jewelry may be worn, but must be minimal. This is not the time to experiment with your make-up or costume jewelry. Simple, natural, day-time make-up is acceptable. No dark red lips or eye shadows. For jewelry think simple. A pearl necklace and small diamond stud earrings are both classic options.

Necklace

This necklace is simple and classy, but won't break the bank.

Freshwater Pearl Necklace with Sterling Silver and Cubic Zirconia via Target $69.99

Earrings

Whether you choose to wear real or faux diamonds remember.....keep it simple and tasteful.

Perfect

Clutch

For the actual ceremony you will not be hauling around your clutch. However, you will need a place to stash a few items: your key(s), ID, sorority pin, lip gloss, gum or mints, and cell phone. Again think white, but since you will not be "wearing" it at the ceremony it could have metallic or colored trim.

My dream clutch $1,500

Don't Forget

*Nude pantyhose

*Proper under garments (beige colored panties and bra - white shows in pictures!!)

*Camera (most people just use their cell phone cameras) #selfie #sororitygirl

xoxo Gwen

Sorority File: White Attire Part 2

Just as important as the white dress is for ritual attire, shoes are equally important. They have to be comfortable, because you will be on your feet for an extended period of time. If you're anything like me you'll also want them to be fashionable. Flats are an option, however personally not for me. I never wear heels, but I wanted my initiation to be extra special so I went all out with the dress and heels. Just remember you will be wearing pantyhose as well so you might want to take a pair with you when you're shopping. If not, the pantyhose "socks" shoe stores provide when trying on new shoes should give you an idea how it will fit and feel.

The Shoes

Badgley Mischka 'Kat' Pump Now $150

BCBG Paris Gaminkha Patent Pump $49.95

Michael Antonio Love Me Bright Patent Platform Pump $39.95

Bandolino Courteous Pump $49.95

BCBGeneration Cielo Pumps Sale $59.99

Easy Street Passion Pumps $55

Again it's important to remember they should be white (not cream, ivory or off-white, etc). If you're not used to walking in heels there's no shame in practicing walking around your dorm room, the halls, your house, or apartment before the big day.

After you have your dress and your shoes you're one step closer to being ready.  Stay tuned next week for Part 3 to this series.

xoxo Gwen

June Hits & Misses

Hits

In no particular order:

Baby Lips {Coral Crush}*

Yes To Tomatoes blemish clearing facial wipes

Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer

Revlon Color Stay Under eye Concealer

Southern Tide Bed sheets*

Eleanor & Park {by Rainbow Rowell}**

Reef flip flops*

Paper Mache necklace (purchased at the Chrysler Museum)*

Breyer's Gelato {Raspberry Cheesecake}

All the fresh blackberries I have been able to pick from my backyard**

*Find a picture on my Instagram feed

**Find two pictures on my Instagram feed

Probably my #1 favorite pick of the month had to be Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. The book was absolutely amazing. It has been added to the list of my all time favorite books. Seriously it's that good.

Misses

Barefoot's Spa Professional Exfoliating Polish - Influenster sent me a coupon so I could purchase this product at my local Walmart free of charge. While I enjoy testing a product I always feel bad when I do not like a product. The only positive things going for this product is the price and the scent. I have used almost the entire tube now and will not be repurchasing.

My picture (Norfolk Botanical Garden)

xoxo Gwen

Sorority File: White Attire Part 1

I think I can speak for every young woman out there when it comes to finding and deciding what to buy and wear for sorority recruitment and beyond. It's high on the list of questions asked of those who have been through the process already. You can search YouTube, Google, and blogs for what to wear for sorority recruitment and you will find tons of ideas.

What to wear {Sorority Sugar}

Sorority Rush Style Guide {Lauren Conrad}

Your Complete Guide to Sorority Rush {Her Campus}

Sorority Recruitment Outfit Ideas! {Caitlin Bea}

Sorority Recruitment Outfits! College 101 ep. 2 {MissTiffanyMa}

You get the idea there are tons and tons of outfit ideas.

To me that's the easy part because everyone will be wearing something they feel comfortable in and fits their personal style (or they should be)! The hard part is the ceremony attire. White attire can be either a dress, skirt, pants, and/or blouse that is all white and of proper length and coverage. I struggled finding my dress. You can read all about it here. Fall recruitment and Spring recruitment may vary on what you decide to wear (pants or a dress) but for the most part it's usually a dress.

You may not be thinking about it right now, but you absolutely should! Whether or not you decide to go Greek having a perfect white dress to add to your wardrobe is always a good thing! The key things to remember are: it has to be white, it should be in good taste (not casual), & no colored trim. Finding white (not cream, neutral, off white, ivory etc.) can be tricky that's why I suggest looking now.

The Dress

Lord & Taylor BCBGENERATION Draped-Pocket Dress SALE $69.99

Guess Short-Sleeve Scalloped Lace Dress Now $62.24

Modcloth Pitching Perfectly Dress $74.99

Modcloth Gift to be Graceful Dress $54.99

Lilly Pulitzer Alden Lace Tunic Dress $178

LULUS Exclusive Net Worth White Dress $45

Hopefully this gives you some ideas of dresses that can work for ceremony attire. Good luck finding the perfect dress and stay tuned for Part 2 coming later this week.

xoxo Gwen

Summertime Essential: Sunglasses

Saturday marked the first official day of the summer season and I could not be happier. Fall and winter were rough this year. There were quite a few snow days, missed days of school, and work.

Although sunglasses are typically thought of as a summertime staple they need to be worn year around to protect your precious eyes from serious damage. There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC, however only the UVA and UVB rays can reach the Earth's surface. While sunglasses can help you protect your eyes (and add a bit of style) it is important to remember sunscreen as well, even on cloudy days.

Check out this information sheet provided by The Vision Council.

Now the fun part... shopping for the sunglasses. Make sure the ones you buy block both UVA and UVB rays! There are so many styles, colors, and price points. I noticed at my local Wal-Mart they had some cute summer styles for $5. So no excuses!

AEO HEART-SHAPED SUNGLASSES $15.95

Free People Rococo Sunglasses $18.00

Marley Lilly $36.99

Target $12.99

Ray-Ban's (price varies)

I'd love you see what style of sunglasses you are sporting protecting yourself with this summer season.

Tweet me at @gb_shortcake or Instagram me @lavendermud.

xoxo Gwen

May Hits & Misses

***I have decided to title my "Favorites" of the month Hits & Misses (from now on). As much fun as spreading good news about my favorite products is, there are also products that were definitely not my favorite. These will be the "Misses" and of course my "favorites" will be referred to as "Hits".

Hits

Beauty

These are amazing. I picked these up on a whim and absolutely love them. The scent is great and one wipe is enough for both arms and legs. Definitely not a lotion replacement but great for a quick touch up, or after a day at the pool or beach. Great to pop in your purse. I will definitely repurchase them!

The hit here is the foot file. Simply said it actually works! Can be used on wet or dry feet. I have used it both ways and both work great. I do have rough skin on my feet and this made my feet soft, smooth & ladylike. And the results last.

I purchased this blush stick in the shade Pink Fever (2nd from left) and it is the perfect summer shade for me. Nice pink color with shimmer to get the dewy summertime beach look. It seems like there is a lot of product and it will last awhile. A little goes a long way. 

I absolutely LOVE this product! I used it a lot this month. Great scent, nice texture. Perfect for people with naturally wavy or curly hair to define and separate waves and curls. Looks like you just spent the day at the beach. Summertime must have.

Another summertime must have in my opinion. I have found that the spray works better than the lotion variety because I am less likely to miss areas. I have used this several times when I have been in the sun for prolonged periods and I have not burned.

This shade (China Flower #080) is a great summery color. A mixture between red and coral it adds a pop of color to outfits. It also has a scent which I am assuming is supposed to smell like China Flower but reminds me of roses or rose water. It's not a heavy scent but it's definitely there and quite lovely. Bonus: it only requires one coat for the perfect coverage.

Fashion

Stacy's Got Greek

To see mine check out my picture on instagram. 

My sorority rain jacket by Charles River Apparel has my sorority letters on the back and my name is embroidered on the front. It's the classic solid pullover style. It has drawstrings at the hood and hem, elasticized cuffs, and can be folded up into it's own pouch pocket. Has saved me from a few downpours lately.

Lifestyle

Marley Lilly promotional stickers

See mine posted on instagram here and here.

Little Words Project friendship bracelets

Check out their instagram here and then check out my DIY version here.

Food

I usually end up buying cereals that are on the sweeter side. Cocoa Rice Krispies, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, etc. For some reason this looked good and I bought them. This is now my favorite cereal hands down. Usually cereals like this I tend to eat dry, but this cereal is seriously so good with milk. I love it so much I changed out of my pj's on a lazy weekend morning to make a grocery store run because I was out. This was the 3rd box I finished this month. They have 2 other flavors, but again I have a sweet tooth so I went for the brown sugar.

Banana Chips. I have tried these in the past and have not thought twice about them, but this month I have purchased 3 bags of them. So crunchy, so satisfying. I think I might be obsessed. Deep fried I am assuming so maybe not so great for my health, but better than cupcakes all the time. Right?!

This was a first time purchase and I am so happy they caught my eye. It's a whole hazelnut in chewy caramel with chocolate hazelnut filling and chocolate on top. 

5 pieces for 210 calories.

Misses

"Non-abrasive sloughing lotion with peppermint oil exfoliates and sloughs off unwanted dead skin cells for smooth, soft skin." I wish! This product is a total fail. I do not think one single dead skin cell sloughed off. I tried on wet and dry feet. Instead I use as a regular foot lotion after using the foot file. I forget how much I paid, but I am positive it was too much for this product.

I saw some reviews on this "brush" and having natural thick curly hair I was really excited to try it out. It claims it's the Tangle Teezer. It does nothing a normal comb can't do and was much more expensive. I use it just out of the shower to comb through my hair but I am more often reaching for my wide tooth comb instead. Tried on wet and dry hair and not impressed.

As embarrassing as it is I just fail at eye liner, especially the liquid stuff. I love the look of a simple "cat eye" but I can't seem to get the technique to work. I need to keep trying and I think a good product would help me achieve the results I want. Maybe it's me and not the product.

Still to be determined I suppose.

Quite a few random things this month. I started a sticky of things that I used again and again and by the end of the month I had a quite a list. Hopefully one or two of these products you have tried and loved, or you will purchase and love them as much as I have. What products are you loving as we head into summer?

xoxo Gwen