Summer Staples!

Hi all! I have some fashion insights to share today!

As Summer 2014 nears its end, I am trying to squeeze every ounce out of my summer-only wardrobe! That got me thinking...what can I really not wear again in fall? So I considered my summer staples. Now, many summer items can be repurposed for fall, but that is a-whole-nother post!

This year I have had 5 summer staples: the 5 S's of summer!
Shorts, Skirts, Sleeveless Tops, Sunglasses, and Sandals!

As for Shorts: 

The samples below have been my "Go To" options this year. They are all from Old Navy (Kind of my "Go to" Place for bottoms). They can be dressed up or down depending on the top and accessories. These particular shorts (unlike jean shorts) cannot really be worn with tights to winterize them... :( I really liked embracing the silky shorts trend, and they can be worn a bit higher on the waist to look even classier!

As far as Skirts go: 

there are 3 lengths acceptable to me (and my figure)

1) The mini:

With minis come certain rules. For instance, with skirts that have bright colors and patterns, keep the top simple, usually one color. Also, since minis are form fitting, make sure your top is loose (or you'll look loose...if ya get my drift...)

2) Midi length:
Okay, now that my addiction to minis is obvious, for the self-conscious, or mini-haters, long, flowy, calf-grazing styles are popular as well. These mid-length winners are retro and work best when that aspect is highlighted:

  

3) The Maxi: 
Ever-popular, I don't think this style is going away for some time! For summer, I really liked the brighter colors! Pleated, sheer, or jersey, maxi skirts are a casual and effortless way to put a little summer into your look.

Then there's Sleeveless Tops:

 A newer item that screams summer is a staple that I have integrated into my wardrobe: the sleeveless button down. Most that I've come across have been sheer, but being sleeveless, even the non-sheer materials are summery. Here's some ideas for those:

The 4th 'S' is Sunglasses!

Whether you're wearing shorts or a mini, a simple tee or a sleeveless button down, nothing says summer like a unique pair of Sunglasses! Whether a fun shape or color, Aviators or Ray Bans, modern or retro, your shades can make an outfit!

And lastly, Sandals:

The one accessory we most definitely lose for Fall and Winter is Sandals! :( I always have something jeweled, something braided, a black pair, white, gold, silver, and a fun color!

So, hold onto your limb-showing outfits, the awesome glasses, those glittery sandals, and make the most out of your summer wardrobe in August!

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Remember to keep it classy. ^.~

Style DIY: Glitter Pantyhose/Tights!

Found on Pinterest

I have had these glitter pantyhose on my Pinterest for a LONG time. I had to, had to, have them for New Years this year! They got SO much attention I had to make a Style DIY tutorial for the Glitter Tights/Hose I made and wore for New Years 2014! 

So I looked around, and found this tutorial from Moustachic (click to see her post):

She claims that she had a lot of fall out from her glitter, and it wasn't quite the look I was going for, so I decided to put my own twist on it! First off, I wanted black tights. So, I found some inspirational pics via Pinterest:

Also, I wanted glitter and CRYSTALS, like the first inspirational pic, to ensure lots of variety and glam. And rather than one tone, I wanted multicolor crystals. So here's what I bought:

• Mostly opaque black tights (Any kind you like)
• Loose Glitter (I got mine from Sally's Beauty Supply long ago in a Shaker called "Sally Girl *Sparkle Effects* in Sliver and Iridescent White)
• Swarovski Elements Flat Back Iridescent Crystals (Color: "Crystal AB" from Hobby Lobby) in 10SS and 16SS
• Any multipurpose Spray Adhesive that includes Fabric, Metal, and Plastic in bonding materials (I used Treehouse Studio Spray Adhesive from Hobby Lobby)
• An Industrial Strength Adhesive in a Tube (some say certain kinds of superglue or caulking tubes work well, but I wanted a strong adhesive that would dry clear! I used the tube labeled E6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive from Hobby Lobby in the model section. It's non-flammable and paintable - so I could color over any excess with a sharpie if it didn't dry as clear as I wanted.)
  

That's it! 5 ingredients! And the supplies minus tights cost me less than $10! (These tights are selling on Etsy and Amazon for over $100 and with these supplies you can make any number of pair!) 

So, you will need some other tools as well:

• A newspaper (or other large surface cover - I used wrapping paper. Teehee!)
• Tweezers, or I used needle nose pliers

Now we're ready to get started!

So, here's a pro tip: Spray the can off to the side until it sprays as a fine mist...I did not do this the first time and ended up with silly string-like globs of glue on my hose! Save your hose! Don't do this!

After figuring that out, the results are much better!

This is what I did:

1. I laid out the hose, and removed as many wrinkles as I could to ensure an even coating.
2. I kept the spray can in one hand, and the glitter shaker in the other. I sprayed the adhesive, letting the mist fall on the hose, then immediately lightly tapped the glitter shaker, holding it about a foot and a half above the hose. This ensures a more even application. The closer you get, the more it looks like a "galaxy" pattern.
3. I sprayed another mist over top of the glitter to help avoid fall out.
4. You can repeat layers of glitter to get a more even covering. I wouldn't do more than 3 layers of glue though, you don't want glue build up to dull your hose.
5. After each layer, stick your hand inside to separate the legs all the way to the feet.
   
6. Let the glitter base layer dry, then go ahead, without glue, and set your crystals on your hose in a random or a stylized pattern, like clusters, stars or starbursts. I went with a random all over pattern to stick with the inspirational image's look.
7. So, using your tube adhesive, pick up a crystal with your tweezers, apply a small dab of glue on the back and place carefully. Make sure to lift the hose and keep the back side separate so you don't glue your tights together! 

Here is the final look compared to the inspirational looks:

Even in the dark, the crystals showed up beautifully in pics, and my tights look a little grey, but you couldn't tell at all in person. I guess the flash caught lint. I was even more impressed after I friggin' WASHED them and the Glitter AND Crystals are still in place! 

I got A LOT of compliments and everyone was asking where I got them and how much they were. Pretty awesome that my answer was "I made them myself!" 

I wore these with a black fit and flare dress that had a sheer paneled top, and black booties, but you could wear them with pretty much anything because they are black and the sparkles are multicolor/iridescent!

Thanks for visiting The Day to Day Details!