Tag Archives: style

How to refresh your old jeans!

April 30, 2013 By in love DIY Tags: , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments
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Before

I was sick of my only pair of skinny jeans looking faded and making me feel less than skinny. Black is slimming! Grey, not so much. So into the dye they went!

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Before detail shot

This may be one of my easiest DIY posts to date. Even if you’ve never journeyed into the wonderful world of tie-dye, you can figure this one out.

Supplies

  • Faded jeans
  • Clothes Dye (I’ve had good experiences with RIT dye, but this time I used Tulip.
  • Very hot water

Follow the dye manufacturer’s instructions since they may vary by brand, but check out the hints below.

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After!

Hint: I get the water even hotter than the package recommends. I don’t think water from the sink is hot enough to make the dye dark enough. I actually get the water to a very light simmer on the stove, then put in the dye and stir, stir, stir!

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After detail.

Also: Don’t wear anything you even remotely like when dyeing clothes. It may splash on you and it will never come out– that’s the point!

Have you ever dyed clothing?

love,
melanie

I want YOUR submissions!

April 26, 2013 By in love DIY Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

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Love Library wants your submissions! I’d love to see your best DIY, recipes and book recommendations. This little blog has had as many as 5,000 page views in a day, so this could be a great chance for you to get your work seen.

I am looking for posts with high quality, bright and beautiful pictures. I’m also looking for posts that encourage the DIY spirit and resourcefulness.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Shoot me an email.  I’d love to feature your work!

P.S. Don’t forget to comment on my Reader’s Survey. You could win a book!

love,
melanie

DIY Ombre Sunglasses

April 8, 2013 By in love DIY Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 5 Comments

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It seems like the ombre trend will never die, huh? Oh well. I love it and I’m not afraid to omber-ize everything– including my sunglasses.

Here’s the how-to:

sunglasses1Supplies:

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Step 1 (Optional): (Enlist your husband) to drill small holes into the ends of your sunglasses. This will allow the ombre effect to be carried to the ends of the sunglasses. If you skip this step, you will just have to end the thread earlier on the sunglasses and leave the behind-the-ear-part empty. (Fancy terminology, huh?)

sunglasses3Step 2: Place a piece of tape sticky-side up onto the back of the glasses. This makes the process much easier because the thread won’t slide around.

sunglasses4Step 3: Tie a knot on the end of the of glasses closest to the eye.

sunglasses5Step 5: Begin neatly wrapping the thread around the sunglasses. This is where you can be creative with the process and switch up your colors.

Step 6: End the thread by neatly wrapping through the hole drilled in the end of the sunglasses. Tie a knot and dot the ends with fabric glue for extra strength.

Step 7: Repeat on the other side!

sunglasses6Annnnnd done! We’re ready to hit the beach!

love,
melanie

 

 

 

Easy Before and After: Snow Boots

March 19, 2013 By in love DIY Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Boots_BeforeI know spring is on the way and I live in the south, but snow boots were a total necessity this year. For a couple of months, it seemed like I needed these boots every weekend. Normally, I don’t need snow boots, so I have a hard time justifying buying a pair of cute, new boots. I’ve actually had these boots since middle school!

I love the recent trend of colored laces, so I decided to do an easy, upgrade on my boots by replacing the old, worn laces with bright, pink neon laces.

boots_afterUpgrade! Wham, bam, thank you, ma’am!

Do you have David Bowie songs stuck in your head yet? Have you completed any SUPER easy DIYs lately?

love,
melanie

 

DIY Dolce and Gabbana Floral Sunnies

March 5, 2013 By in love DIY, love style Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

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Do you ever see something you want and you just can’t get it out of your head? That is how I felt about these sunglasses. It was irrational, but I after seeing them on Pinterest could not stop! I was a mad (and broke) woman desperate for a pair of Dolce and Gabana sunglasses. Knowing that my bank account & I are not friends, I decided to break out my trusty glue gun and get to craftin’!

I’m super pleased about how this DIY turned out. It was super easy & so, so cheap!

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Step 1: Break out your supplies. You will need a pair of sunglasses (I found mine at the Dollar Store), a hot glue gun, rosettes, scissors and spray paint (optional).

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Step 2: (optional) I loved the look of the black flowers so I spray painted them. You could leave the flowers as is for a more colorful look. You’ll notice I enlisted the help of George for this one. He is way better at spray painting than I am. He also had the brilliant idea to tape the flowers to a piece of cardboard, so they didn’t roll around during the spraying process.

Step 3: Let the rosettes dry & heat up your glue gun. I also cut some of the “leaves” off the rosettes to place them closer together, but that is an optional step.

Step 4: Working your way inward, place a small dot of glue on the sunglasses. Put rosette into the glue and hold for 10 seconds or until cool.

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Step 5: (optional) Hit the beach in your fabulous new sunnies! You’re a doll!

love,
melanie

Books and Looks: A Look Inspired by Weetzie Bat

February 21, 2013 By in love books, love style Tags: , , , , , , , 7 Comments

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Jacket: Valentine’s gift from George; Pants: vintage; Scarf: Free People; Moccasins: Minnetonka; Belt: vintage

I want to get back into posting outfits again. It is so easy to just put on a giant grandma sweater and go to work. My lack of enthusiasm for dressing lately made me think: “What am I enthusiastic about?” And the answer is books. So I thought it might be fun to combine something I’m not so crazy for with something I am crazy for and create “looks inspired by books.”

Most recently I’ve been reading the YA cult-classic, Weetzie Bat. I have to be honest with ya’ll, I didn’t love Weetzie. In fact, I’ve read other Francesca Lia Block books before and I didn’t like those either. I think the plot moves too fast and there isn’t enough dialog. But Block’s books do have plenty of rich description– and Weetzie Bat is no exception.

My look is inspired by not just the main character, Weetzie, but also inspired by her best friend, Dirk, and the city they love, Los Angeles.

What inspires you?
love,
melanie

An Update and some Friday Love (on a Monday)

July 16, 2012 By in love friday, love libraries Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 4 Comments

A stylish library worker at the NYPL. For more library style, see link below or click on the photo.

I’m still not dead folks, just plum tuckered out. (That’s how we say tired in the south.) I thought I was going to get a chance to rest this summer,  instead I’ve been running around the state and country! But I’m trying to remind myself to be thankful.

I talked with my boss, so I can share the big secret now– I have a potential job opportunity! I went in for an interview last Monday. It’s a dream job in a larger city and closer to my family. I won’t find out the outcome for at least a few weeks, but I’m staying hopeful.

During my absence, I’ve come across so much web goodness– especially in the library field! And sometimes we all need a little Friday link love on a Monday, am I right?!

Aleph Molinari: Let’s bridge the digital divide! The digital divide is becoming the new literacy.

Handouts from ALA sessions in case you missed ‘em!

This video is a cute dedication to reading from the New York State Reading Association, sung to the tune of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep.

Office Style at the New York Public Library! So many stylish librarians and library workers!!!

That’s all I’ve got for today, folks. I have loads of cataloging and fall semester planning to do, so back to the salt mines!

love,
melanie

Love Friday: June 1st

June 1, 2012 By in love friday Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

As you read this I’ll be on my way to our state capital for a potential opportunity. I’m terribly nervous already and by the time I arrive, I’ll probably be sweating profusely. I’ll be rehearsing in the car and I’ll definitely appear maniacal to my fellow drivers. This is how it always goes. I worry too much. Everything will be fine. It’s just an amazing opportunity and I really want to do well.

Here’s some things that have been distracting me this week:

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This F. Scott Fitzgerald quote is particularly relevant today. Found on Piccsy.

9. Feather Love Photography’s shoot for Rue Magazine with pool-side recipes!

8.

Before there was Photoshop. 20 classic pin-up girls before and after on Buzzfeed.

7. 

HOMEMADE BAILEY’S IRISH CREME! via The Cupcake Project. I had no idea!

6. Stop the Snobbery! Why you’re wrong about community colleges and don’t even know it. Love this article seen via In the Library with the Lead Pipe. Although my experience as a librarian at a community college hasn’t been quite so rosy, I can relate to the sentiment of this article.

5. 

This lovely veil is by Twigs and Honey on Etsy. I’ve been trying to decide if I’m a veil girl or if I should go with just a hair piece for the wedding. Thoughts?

4. I know it is another coffee-related recipe, but damn, I love the stuff! Cappuccino Pops!

3. 

Modcloth’s Nine to Fine Stylebook is super cute. It makes me wish I put more thought into my work clothes!

2. I don’t need to buy ANYTHING right now, but these MiH Jeans would look awesome on me. Have I tried them on? No. But I just know it!

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And whenever I’m nervous or sad, I look funny videos of kittens and Damn You Auto Correct. It never fails to make me feel better. The top 25 is gold!

Wish me luck!

love,
melanie

Love Adventure: Philadelphia!

May 22, 2012 By in love adventure Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

This past weekend, George and I headed up to Philadelphia. George had drawn the poster for the Ride to Skate event and he wanted to sell a few prints. We were technically there on business, but we had plenty of time for pleasure too. Here’s a couple of snapshots from our weekend.

I had to take a picture at Love Park.

We ran… ok, walked… up the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Rocky was seriously fit.

I broke the Liberty Bell!

George skating at Ride to Skate.

And he sold a couple of prints…

It’s been hard to come down from the travel high. I didn’t have to cook, or clean, or do boring chores for 3 days. I had some amazing food and hung out at (gasp!) an actual bar. The trip definitely made me miss living in a bigger city. But que sera, sera. I had fun, had some new experiences and saw some new things. I’ll move back to a big city soon.

Have you ever been to Philadelphia?

love,
melanie

Love Fridays: May 18th

May 18, 2012 By in love friday Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Today I’m on my way to Philadelphia for the Ride to Skate event. I’m relieved to be taking a mini-vacation with George. We’re trying to make wedding planning as stress-free as possible, but it is difficult to juggle both planning, full-time jobs, side-projects and house work!

I’ve never been to Philadelphia before and I’m excited to do a few touristy things– like visit the Liberty Bell.

Enjoy the web goodies!

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I broke my french press Wednesday night. At least it gives me an excuse to buy this gorgeous model!

9. I have high hopes for this new show from Mindy Kaling.

8.

I find so many good ice cream and yogurt recipes online. This turquoise ice cream machine is so tempting!

7. This bathing suit from ModCloth has the cutest print ever! And it’s reversible!

6. 

Recipes and resources for gluten-free living from the Kitchen.

5. Keep it simple with these 12 uncomplicated summer cocktails from the NY Times.

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I’m mildly obsessed with idea of styling jewelry on cats – as seen in Sweetheart Lane’s Etsy Shop.

3.  This ’40s style wedding dress by The Vintage Wedding Dress Co. is stunning.

2. 

Reagan Library puts 900 goats to work. I did my internship here and I would have loved to see goats every day on my drive up the mountain!

1. Scarlett Johansson addresses tabloid articles about her weight.

“Since dedicating myself to getting into “superhero shape,” several articles regarding my weight have been brought to my attention. Claims have been made that I’ve been on a strict workout routine regulated by co-stars, whipped into shape by trainers I’ve never met, eating sprouted grains I can’t pronounce and ultimately losing 14 pounds off my 5’3″ frame. Losing 14 pounds out of necessity in order to live a healthier life is a huge victory. I’m a petite person to begin with, so the idea of my losing this amount of weight is utter lunacy. If I were to lose 14 pounds, I’d have to part with both arms. And a foot. I’m frustrated with the irresponsibility of tabloid media who sell the public ideas about what we should look like and how we should get there.”

Preach, sister.

Hope your weekend is full of adventure!

love,
melanie

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