Category: Style

Good Housekeeping, how to, Style

How To: Recover Patio Seat Cushions

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When I married Bryan, I inherited this adorable cafe table and chairs.  B’s mom lovingly, and carefully painted it bright red, and covered the seats in red and white canvas for us, and it was truly a great set.  But, years in the sun faded out the canvas, and then a year in storage didn’t do much for the fabric.  It was high time to recover the seats, especially since I have a little party coming up this weekend.

I am neither as good at, nor as equipped to cover chair seats as my mother-in-law (who owns a staple gun! I admire this woman so much!), and I am also cheap.  Lucky for me, I grew up watching Todd Oldham on MTV’s House of Style, so I know all about faking fabulous.  He used to do these great episodes about recovering chairs with old sheets, hot glue, and buttons.  I thought about that after a couple of weeks worth of me hunting for what I wanted on the internet failed, and I decided to hit up Ross and see what I could find.

What I found were three great, vinyl tablecloths for $4 each.  Just enough to cover the cafe table chairs, and give some new life to my other patio dining table and chairs.  Along with a roll of duct tape that cost about $2, I can spruce it up nicely.  Tonight, I worked on the cafe table.  Tomorrow night I’ll hit the bigger set.

I started with this Waverly tablecloth. It was felt backed, so I thought that would give the covers a little longer life.

 

I plopped a seat cushion down in the corner of the tablecloth (60″x120″ sized rectangle), and started cutting as though I were wrapping a Christmas present.

 

Those of you who have received Christmas presents from me will not be surprised to find out that I used an obscene amount of tape to secure the cover. I pulled and tucked, and taped as I worked for a smooth top of the cushion, and sides that were flat enough to fit into the chair rims. Duct Tape. Is there nothing it can’t do?

 

The finished product looked like this.

 

Thor gave the newly revived seats two thumbs-up.

 

I had enough tablecloth left to cover the glass top of the table, which has become smokey over the years. I tucked the tablecloth into the table frame, then went to work cutting around the edges like it was a pie crust.

 

And now, for $6, my little table is ready for the party. And when it’s said and done, I won’t feel bad about having to recover it because I only spent $6.
hair, Style

Days of Christmas: Holiday Have to Have–Easy Holiday Hairstyle

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Easy Holiday Hairstyle

Every time I wear this hairstyle, I get positive comments and questions about how it is done.  Without exception, someone has stopped me in public to ask, leading me to believe it’s a good look.  No one believes me when I tell them it is easy, and takes me fewer than five minutes to fix–in fact, this is my running-late-no-time-to-do-my-hair hairstyle.  And, with a little bit of hair jewelry, it is quite becoming for a holiday look.

You will need 2 hair elastics, a handful of bobby pins (depending upon how thick your hair is–I can get away with between 2 and 4), and an optional embellishment.  The embellishment I use in the video below is a little Scuncii comb I got at WalGreens.

What you’re doing is making two French braid pigtails on either side of your head.  But, instead of gathering hair from above and below the braid, you will only gather hair from below.  This way, the top side of the braid is “open”.  You tuck the opposing pigtail into the “open” side of the braid, pinning the braid up over the pigtail.  And that’s it.  You don’t have to worry about parting or anything.  Just grab some hair and get going.

The most difficult part is making the pigtails. If you aren’t used to French braids, that might take a little time, but it is well worth the effort to learn.  When you’ve got your piggies tucked in tight, you can wear the resulting half crown alone, or glam it up with any number of accoutrements.

My hair looks really fuzzy in the video, but that’s because it had been up in piggie braids all day…because I was running late this morning and didn’t have time to fix my hair 😉

Giveaway, holiday guest blog, Style

Days of Christmas: Holiday Have to WIN!!! Jewelry by June Bijou

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As part of today’s Holiday Guide, Win These Earrings!

The Gaby Earrings by June Bijou

June is one of those unforgettable people. You meet her and she makes an indelible impact on your life. Then you see her jewelry. Oh my word, the jewelry. For several years, June designed for brands and for her own June Bijou line in major department and apparel stores, but after having her first baby in 2008, she decided to scale back the operation to better suit her lifestyle as a mother. “Having it all” meant maintaining her art, but changing the way she did business to open up the time she wanted to spend with her growing family.

Now, with two little boys (and one big man!) at home, June has reinvented herself as a boutique jeweler, selling her meticulously crafted art directly to individuals, through her website and trunk shows.  You can “like” her on Facebook here.

When June and I reconnected (in a Barnes & Noble parking lot) last January, and she told me she was making jewelry, I expected to see pretty, Etsy-style crafts on her website. I did not expect to find fine metals and gemstones. I didn’t even know you could do what she does by hand! My first sight of her jewelry took my breath away. The collection features a variety of semi-precious, faceted gemstones and beads such as different types of quartz, jade, and various kinds of pearls. The metals, wire & chain used to craft this special jewelry include 14K gold filled, sterling silver, and vermeil.

Free shipping through December 15th.

Her collection is light and airy, and evokes white sand beaches as frequently as white powder slopes. What I am trying to say is that June’s jewelry would be perfectly at home on a sarong wearing supermodel in Ibiza, or a fox-furred socialite in Aspen, and you–at work, at play, at that glittering holiday party. It is amazingly beautiful and accessible.

These are a few of my favorites:

Green Garnet Almond Shaped Vermeil Rings
Vermeil Trio Disc Necklace. Look for the gorgeous matching earrings.
Bohemian Chic Earrings.
The Hope and Love Bangle. Would you ever guess that was handmade? So beautiful!

From now, through December 15, there is free shipping on any order, AND, June has offered The Outside Lane, the chance to give away a pair of her gorgeous Gabby earrings. Leave a comment about your favorite piece of personal jewelry here or at The Outside Lane on Facebook, and be entered to win!  “Like” The Outside Lane on Facebook for another chance to win.

holiday guest blog, Style

Days of Christmas: Holiday Have to Have–Stella & Dot Jewelry

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Today’s holiday tip comes from Fabulous Girl, Sibyl Tinguely.  Now, we all know that a σίβυλλα, or sybil, is an oracle, foretelling the future.  Our Sybil is an oracle of style!  As a Stella & Dot Stylist, she’s got the inside scoop on some really beautiful jewelry and accessories.  Frankly, I’m drooling over this guest blog entry so much, I’m going to have to wipe up my keyboard by the time I’m finished.  GORGEOUS!

Stella & Dot creates Celebrity Coveted jewelry that is both affordable and luxurious! Our jewelry is sold exclusively through in-home Trunk Shows. When a customer attends a Stella & Dot Trunk Show they receive expert style advice from a personal stylist, like myself. I give individual advice for each customer to help them style their own life with a custom jewelry wardrobe tailored for their lifestyle! Stella & Dot is also a social shopping experience. When a hostess has a Trunk Show she is encouraged to share her shopping experience in the comfort of her own home with her girlfriends! It’s a private shopping experience like no other.

Stella & Dot jewelry and accessories offer the perfect pieces to perk up your Holiday wardrobe with a little sparkle! In addition to our irresistible jewelry, we have launched a leather handbags and accessories line, as well! hb100mt_1_4.jpg
Our La Coco clutches were created to allow for versatility and customization for each of our customers. hb100bk_dust_bag_0000-1.jpg
These clutches allow you to attach brooches to your bag to create a different look with each outfit! hb102bk_1_5.jpgAnother bag that I am very excited about is our Waverly Three Way bag, which as the name suggests can be used to create three different handbags. Both items allow you to transition from day to night in style! sgjoy_2.jpg
Stella & Dot has also introduced a luxurious fragrance soy candle just in time for the Holiday season! This candle creates the perfect atmosphere for your own Holiday party, as well as for a Holiday party you will be attending this season. sg105aq_le_1.jpg
Also, just in time for the gift-giving season are our new luxury tech cases. sg103mt_le_1_1.jpg
Stella & Dot has created a signature iPhone and iPad case for all of the stylish ladies in your life! Another line that I am particularly fond of is our little girls and tween line of jewelry and accessories. During the month of December until the 21st select items from this line featured in our Spread the Love collection will allow you to continue giving after your purchase. Purchase one of the Stella & Dot Girls designs, and we’ll gift the same style to our Stella & Dot Foundation partner BuildOn, who will distribute to girls in need worldwide! What better way to give a gift that keeps on giving.
I would love to assist you with your Holiday needs this season! I truly enjoy using my expertise and passion to help each and every woman feel beautiful with my Stella & Dot jewelry and accessories. I have spent over 10 years in the retail and fashion industry and have finally been able to translate my experience and talents into my own business as a personal stylist! Nothing delights me more than to bring my fabulous Stella & Dot into someones home to allow them to experience the pieces for themselves. Looking for a little sparkle or a unique and beautiful gift this season? Please visit my e-boutique www.stelladot.com/sibyltinguely and e-mail or call me while your visiting and I can answer any questions you may have! Interested in having a Pop-up shop in your home for yourself and your girlfriends? Call me: 682-970-8456 to book a Trunk Show today and to find out about our amazing Hostess Rewards! Thinking of styling your own life with your own Stella & Dot business? E-mail or Contact me today to start earning Stylist Rewards!
XO,
Sibyl
Sibyl Tinguely
Stella & Dot, Independent Stylist
holiday guest blog, Style

Days of Christmas: Holiday Have to Have Blinged Out Jewelry from F.A.I.T.H.

the outside lane

Today’s shopping guide entry comes from Cheryl Massey.  She brings us some beautiful jewelry full of sparkle and shine for your holiday parties and New Year celebrations.  Thanks, Cheryl!
Do you like to volunteer? Are children’s charities close to your heart?  Last year, I was fortunate to meet a very special woman while I was volunteering for a new charity in Collin County, Texas, called Star Children’s Charity. This woman was so dynamic, fun, funky & absolutely fabulous that I wanted to know her better!
 
Much to my delight, I found out her name is Pam Hatchard and she is the owner & designer of one of the most innovative and truly generous direct sales businesses in our area–F.A.I.T.H. Jewelry.  What does that stand for?  “A Fabulous Adventure in Trusting Him!” The premise and promise of the company is to empower women to make a difference in the lives of others through the power of knowing God’s word and His plans for our abundance. And all of the bling made right here in Texas!  How could I resist?
 
And the jewelry is fabulous–filled with Swarovski crystals and exotic beads and so reasonably priced.  Check out one of our most popular items, hoops studded with glittering clear or black Swarovski crystals that you can add so many different charms to–charms that start at just $6!!
 
 
Pam loves to layer necklaces, too.  Look at some of these best sellers:
 
All Things Are Possible Necklace ($44) and Leopard Print necklace ($22). Add the layering chains ($56) and you can make a variety of looks! We have an online catalog with so many more pieces (over 800 in the line)–all so beautiful, you’ll want them all!
 
 
Contact me for more information about F.A.I.T.H. Jewelry and Star Children’s Charity. I’m now a F.A.I.T.H. Jewelry consultant and I’m on the Board of Directors of Star!
 
Cheryl Massey
Jewelry Consultant
F.A.I.T.H. Company
Phone: 214-808-8429
Fax: 972-562-4428
Email: ccmassey@aol.com
To order jewelry: www.faithco.net/cherylmassey

A Fantastic Adventure In Trusting Him