summer scents.

top fragrances for this beautiful time of year.

1. jo malone -  wild bluebell cologne

bluebells, persimmon, lily of the valley & eglantine

[especially great for the summer because it's light, sweet & floral]

2. s & p factory - neroli

this is a beautifully simple scent that will take you from summer to fall 

[i like to combine it with #3]

3. issey miyake -  l'eau d'issey body lotion  

lotus, cyclamen, freesia, carnations & white lillies with amberseed & musk 

[layered with #2]

diy. stella mccartney resort 2014 inspiration.

kerry washington at the teen choice awards 2013 in stella mccartney resort 2014

i can't decide if i love this or hate this, but it looks super easy to diy.

all you need is a pale pink dress, some random bling to attach (old earrings, cut up a bracelet etc), 

beads to create the match stick and other shapes, and a few heart/lip patches that you can easily get on the internet. search for "beaded applique's" too, you will get more options. 

examples: 

crystal hearts

 heart appliques

lips patch

diy doughnut sweater.

enjoying a peach yeast doughnut at the doughnut plant on grand & essex today, 

contrary to my lackluster expression - it was AMAZING!!! 

supplies:

1 grey sweater/sweatshirt

(mine cashmere blend from uniqlo for $30)

1 standard piece of felt - pastel pink

various round objects to trace circumference 

safety pins for placement

an assortment of tube beads, sequins and seed beads

1 bead needle, 1 embroider needle

1 white skein of embroidery floss

i just learned the definition of the word skien***

A length of thread or yarn wound in a loose long coil

those wrapped colors of embroidery floss are indeed called skeins

MORE AFTER THE JUMP

flower district. peonies & roses.

diy leather collar.

materials:

thrift store leather to repurpose

black felt

e-6000 craft adhesive & wooden sticks

fabric scissors

black embroidery floss & needle

hook & eye for closure

8 swarovski 3240 sew on stones in jet black

& approximately 40 black tube beads

MORE AFTER THE JUMP

workshop. MOCA X Swarovski X HocusKocis

  Last month, I was so excited to teach my first workshop at the MOCA! Based around an exhibit showcasing chinese american designers, "front row" served as inspiration for a day full of DIY accessories & jewelry.  Making the day extra special, the super nice people over at Swarovski Elements were generous enough to help us out with some beautiful crystals to adorn and attach to our accessories. Here are some highlights from the event!