Crochet Style Ideas: Free People

I don't normally go to the mall, but when I do, I'm always on the lookout for some fun crochet designs or DIY ideas. 

Every time I see something, I think to myself, I can make that. I think it might just be an excuse to not buy the item, or sometimes I'm inspired to try making something on my own. I've made market bags that are similar. Once I figure out how to add the top portion with the straps, I might try it out. Or make my own version. This is a tote or bucket style bag. I couldn't find the link on the website.

Tote or bucket bag (no link)

I love the back straps on this bra, although it might not give me as much support. Who knows, it's a great idea for all these open back shirts I've been seeing lately. Maybe I can make a crochet version? That's what I always say.

Strappy Back Bra

 Who needs back pockets on shorts, when you can have these embroidered? Make me want to put a needle design to all my jeans. I remember when embroidery on jeans used to be the cool thing...

Elsa Embroidered Shorts

Decluttering and reorganizing myself for the future

When I was younger and my parents would tell me to clean my room, I would say, "I wouldn't be this messy if I had my own home". I always thought I would have a minimal lifestyle. When I go to the store and I find something I like, I either say "I can make that" or "I can't buy this now because it won't fit in my room".

Then my boyfriend started looking at minimal home living, small homes, traveler homes and storage container homes, like the one above from James&Mau in Chile. *drool* One of the many amazing dream homes we could eventually build one day.

Now he is looking to buy a home. And it made me realize, one day I will have my own home to fill. What will I do then? I'd love to buy all the pillows and colorful patterns and figure out my own style. And once a family comes along, there will be more things to organize and declutter.

I first started hearing about the capsule wardrobe from Un-Fancy, a blog I stumbled on reading articles on Facebook. There are so many times I can think of when I purchase something I kinda liked, or I bought something my friends said looked good on me. But when I got home, I saw the outfit in a different light. Some clothes didn't fit the right way, or I would buy something thinking I would modify it and make something else out of it (I'm still holding onto a lot of old high school t-shirts to make something one day).

When I used to work at Starbucks, I had a section in my closet of black pants and polo shirts to choose from every day. I had a couple of khaki pants, but I couldn't wear too many white shirts because drinks would tend to spill on me. After leaving that job, I started collecting more colors. Now working at an office job, I have combined my wardrobes to include black pants and a bright colored shirt. And I could buy all the bright colored shirts I've ever wanted, but will I be wearing them more than once? This is why having a minimal set of clothes is a better way to go. I tend to go to my favorite clothing for work everyday anyways.

I have kept a lot of things I don't need or things that don't fit me. Every week, I have been taking a section of my closet or drawers and removed most of the old things like socks, old t-shirts, skirts I never wore, shirts that have shrunk, etc. I have kept most of these things because I think I will fit in them again someday. The older I get, the further Someday becomes. I'm working out, and I like the shape I'm in. I've already given away those old pair of jeans from high school, but there is still more I can part with.

There has also been a lot of changes in my parent's life, and they may be retiring and moving back to Chile. Who knows how long we all have left to live in the comfort of my parent's house. We've been living in the same house for almost 30 years, and we've seen demolitions and reconstructions over the years. But one day soon we will all move away. The thought of carrying so much junk I don't need made me decide to start giving things a new home.

I saw this video on tidying up your home, and I had to share it. I've been working on cleaning my room in a different way, not only finding a place for certain things, but wondering if I really need the item. It has changed my thinking to wonder if what I have makes me happy. I try to purchase items that I will use for a long time, but sometimes there are books or art supplies that sit on my bookshelf for years. Let's not talk about the two large containers of yarn hiding in my closet! I want to make sure I make something from it or I will give it away to someone else.

[Un-Fancy]

I remember my favorite outfit in high school was a shirt and jeans. It was plain but comfortable and clean. Too bad jeans aren't allowed in work, because I would wear them all day. But once I find a comfortable pair of slacks, I want to wear them all the time. Maybe I can get back to the simple basic wardrobe, but now I can add statement pieces and other colorful accessories. 

Going Natural - Sulfate-free, Baking soda and Apple Cider Vinegar

I've been on the hunt for a better hair regimen for a few years now. I wrote about my new hair adventure almost 2 years ago.

The Final Hair Change - For Now

I stopped making changes to my hair after that experience. I could never get the texture back that I was used to. I usually let my hair air dry, but it would always have this dry texture. 

Hair Adventure - Part 1

I am back to my natural dark hair color now, grey hairs and all. It took a year and a half to grow out the dried colored hair. My hair was getting better, but I couldn't find the right hair products.

I finally cut most of the colored hair off, and now it's time for a change with my hair products. 

I started hearing about sulfate free shampoos and conditioners. After my last coloring I bought Redkin Color Extender Shampoo and Conditioner. I liked the way my hair was looking, but it was expensive. I started going back to the Garnier Fructis products, especially liking the "Damage Eraser Reconstruct Butter". Before long, it was making my hair dry and waxy.

I started going back to sulfate free products. I did some more researching online, and I found the less expensive L'Oreal Sulfate Free products.   

I first went with the EverSleek Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner. I really liked this product, although I would use a lot more to get the clean feeling I wanted.

I still felt bad about using shampoo, so I tried the EverCreme Clensing Conditioner. I read some negative reviews on it when I started the search. I decided to try it, but I was wrong. It smells like wax, and I did not like the way it worked on my hair. It still made it feel dry!

All that drama led me back to DIY. I talked to some friends that told me how baking soda and apple cider vinegar does a pretty good job. I actually tried apple cider vinegar the first time I colored my hair, but the smell was overpowering.

I kept on searching for some measurements to use for the baking soda wash and apple cider vinegar rinse, and I stopped on this post from Mind Body Green. One part baking soda to 3 parts water, and one part apple cider vinegar to 4 parts water. I ended up using 1 3/4 cup of water with 4 tsp of baking soda, and 1 cup (8oz) water with 2oz of vinegar. That was it. 

I was so surprised how the baking soda/water mix actually cleaned my hair! I sprayed half of the small spray bottle of liquid and massaged my scalp. I went to the Ren Fest over the weekend, and I knew there would be some visible dirt/dust residue. When I squeezed some of the water out, I saw the dirt run off. When I rinsed with warm water, my hair felt cleaner!

Now for the apple cider vinegar rinse. Adding it to water cut the strong smell dramatically. I poured it on and rinsed with cold water.  I added some coconut oil to the ends and went to bed. 

This is my hair now. I straightened my bangs because they looked crazy (I'm still learning how to style them). But I only swiped the straighter on them for a few seconds. I'm loving that my hair feels clean, and it doesn't look too dried out. I didn't even put any mousse in it. I'll have to see how long my hair will last until I have to wash again. I heard the oil buildup might increase.

I'm going to continue using the baking soda wash and apple cider vinegar rinse. If I ever felt like using a shampoo/conditioner, I would continue using the L'Oreal EverSleek line. 

Have you tried the no 'poo method? How's it working out for you?

I have not been paid or compensated for any of the products mentioned in this blog post. I am just sharing my experiences.

Majestical Jewelry Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I am so excited to have a chance to review Majestical Jewelry today!

I received the box last month. Sadly, the corner top of the box was pushed in. At least the jewelry was safe inside the box. I didn't know what to expect. I wanted something colorful, but I was concerned if it was going to be too flashy and fake looking.

When I opened the box, I was amazed at how beautiful the necklace and earnings were. Lovely and elegant but not flashy and fake. It was perfect!

There was also a beautiful blue bag to store the jewelry and their business card.

I received it a couple of days before Valentine's day. I wore the jewelry to work and at dinner that night. I loved how elegant I felt!

We went to a restaurant with a firepit table surrounded by couches. Glad we had enough light to take a decent photo!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Pin To Win - The Year in Color: September

It seems that I have missed out on August and Glamour has jumped into September! Getting so close to Fall! At least they are doing my favorite color.

To be a part of this Pin to Win:

• Follow Glamour on Pinterest
• Repin from their board "Sponsored: The Year In Color!" 
• Hashtag #RevlonYearInColor 
• View your pin, copy the web address, and paste into the comment section of their Pin To Win pin.

For more rules visit their website http://yearincolor.glamour.com.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication.

Kate Walsh F'loved my Boyfriend Style!!

Remember when I decided to use my Polyvore account to create a Boyfriend Look for Kate Walsh's fragrance Boyfriend? Well, I was one of the 10 winners!

The sent me an email last week about winning, and I was anxiously waiting for this day. My entry was just posted on Kate Walsh's Official Tumblr today! CheckItOut! I'mSoExcited!!!

I linked this blog entry to:

Schick Quatro Pin To Win!

Vote and enter to win at PruneForJune.com. All you have to do is choose from one of the themes on the website and pin your favorite summer style. Then enter your pinterest board URL in the contest form online and you are entered! Get your friends and family to vote for your board, and you could win $2,500 in prizes chosen by the style bloggers! Click here to check out my entry, then make your own!

This pin-to-win is made possible by:

Decades of Fashion

Decades of Fashion by silvercchile featuring yves saint-laurent

Green mini dress / Yves Saint Laurent vintage tuxedo, $295 / Warehouse , $62 / Vintage tea dress / Off the shoulder mini dress / Yves Saint Laurent yves saint laurent

Woolite Dream Summer Outfit

Woolite Dream Summer Outfit Challenge! by silvercchile featuring a floral bikini top

AX Paris summer maxi dress, $46 / Calypso St. Barth fringe shirt / Short shorts / Topshop floral bikini top / Sigerson Morrison / Vera Bradley travel duffle bag / Hipanema friendship bracelet

I am a part of Crowdtap.com, and they offer mini surveys and challenges for points to win prizes every month. This challenge is from Woolite, to showcase your idea dream clothing style for summer. I finally have a reason to use my polyvore account more!

I love colors, and summer brings out the variety in me. It gets hot in Florida, so I can wear move light and loose clothing. I could not wear clothing like this to work, but adding color to my business attire make it feel like summer as well.

I linked this blog entry to:

The Final Hair Change (for now)

Last night I went back to my stylist friend to add more brown tone to the top of my hair, so that the lighter colors could show through.

So here is the final progress:

Last month

Last week

Now

I feel a lot more comfortable now with the brown tones than the blondish in my hair.

The funny thing is, I started getting used to having lighter hair. Maybe next month I will add more blond to the tips or more highlights overall. Everyone says once you start coloring you can't stop, and I think it's true now!
(But I won't go extreme and dye my hair to a crisp. My hair is already naturally big!)

I even got the bang I wanted. I'm a really happy camper now! No more hair crisis! All I have to learn now is how to style it. That means more Pinterest tutorials and Youtube videos for me!

Now to grow my hair longer and practice putting waves in it (thanks to Fashion, Love & Lauren for the great tutorial!)

 

I linked this blog entry to:

Pin To WIN - The Year in Color: June

Feels like May was the longest month. Maybe it was because of the Memorial day weekend. June is tomorrow, and that brings another Year in Color from Glamour and Revlon. THis month's color is my favorite: Fruity Coral!

To be a part of this Pin to Win:

• Follow Glamour on Pinterest. 
• Repin from their board called "Sponsored: The Year In Color!"
• Hashtag #RevlonYearInColor. 
• View your pin, copy the web address, and paste into the comment section of their Pin To Win pin (click here).

 For more rules visit their website http://yearincolor.glamour.com/

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. I find cool giveaways to enter, and I share them with you!

Hair Adventure: Part 1

I say this is part 1 of the "adventure" because she needs to do some touch-ups on my hair this week.

I am getting used to the color. It is something completely different than what I thought it would be.

Let me stop talking and show you:

This is how my hair looked when she cut it last month.

Here is what my hair looks like now.

After looking at pictures of my new do, it's not looking as bad as I thought. It is a lot more brighter, but not like the picture (I figured it wouldn't be). All she needs to do is define the darker roots and cut the bangs shorter. 

This is what it looks like when I washed my hair this morning.

We'll see the difference once she adds the bangs.

Everyone else is liking my new hair. Guess I have to get used to it. And I hope my hair gets past this crunchy phase soon. Any suggestions on a good conditioner?

I linked this blog entry to:

New hair adventure

I've been wanting to do something different with my hair for a while now, but I didn't know what to do with it. I also did not want to do something too extreme or shocking. Now I'm getting tired of it.

Last week I wanted to chop it all off and do something crazy, but after I put my thoughts together I decided not to. Especially if I decided to go to a salon and a stylist I did not know.

So I am deciding to keep the length of my hair (give or take an inch), but I want to try ombre coloring with a side bang.

This is what my hair looks like now:

My hair is a little overdramatic, mostly big and wavy. I've been coloring it dark brown lately. I remember having it a lighter brown color and loving it, especially when it was summer time.

I've decided to color my hair the way Mila Kunis has it, with the bangs from Vanessa Hudgens.

What do you think? I should be getting this done this Sunday! I'm really excited about it!

I linked this blog entry to:

Billboard Music Awards styles: Kristian Aadnevik

I don't write about style that often, but I promise I like it! I'm still trying to work on my own style, so most of the time I don't have time to look at other outfits. But I did get to glance at the Billboard Music Award photos.

Did anyone else see that Jennifer Morrison wore the same outfit as Selena Gomez did in her new music video? I was just scrolling through pictures from the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, saw this outfit on Jennifer Morrison:

billboard.com

Right after I looked at the pictures, I decided to finally watch Selena Gomez's music video:

justjaredjr.com

The dress is from Kristian Aadnevik's Autumn/Winter 2013 collection.

...And it looks like Perez Hilton already saw it, too.