DIY: Using Distressed Chalk Paint

We all have that one piece of furniture that's just kind of there. You love the bones of it, but there's still a little something missing. Sanding it all down just to repaint it sounds like way too much work (ain't nobody got time for that), so it continues to collect dust while you secretly wish you could breathe some life into it.

That's why chalk paint is exactly what we've been waiting for. Not only is it easy to use, but it looks amazing without requiring you to be a perfectionist about every detail. (Trust me).

Caution: After you try it, you'll want to use chalk paint on everything from your window moulding to your kitchen cabinets. It's kind of addicting.

All you'll need is:

- white spray paint (optional)

- Annie Sloan's chalk paint

- Miss Mustard Seed's white wax

- sandpaper

- cloth of choice

Step 1: If you're painting a wooden surface, gently spray with white spray paint. Let dry.

Step 2: Using a brush, gently apply chalk paint to your object of choice. Let dry.

Step 3: Apply wax with a cloth (I used a t-shirt). Let dry.

Step 4: Using sandpaper, rough over edges to give a distressed look.

Told you it was easy! What piece of furniture will you refurbish using chalk paint?

DIY: Perfume Tray

The greatest ideas are often the simplest. When searching for DIY's to personalize your life, they can often seem complex... making us want to throw up our hands and go buy a mass produced version. I finally came up with the quickest little "project":

I recently treated myself to a pair of Miu Miu shoes that I found on sale. I loved the two-tone gold damask print inside of the box almost as much as my delicate patent leather sandals. So, I decided to turn the lid into a perfume tray. Easiest "DIY" ever!

Unexpected Beauty Secrets

I discovered the magic of this product one hungover morning. You know, that feeling when you down about five water bottles after a night out, but you still feel dehydrated - and your face feels stiff and dull. I knew regular moisturizer wouldn't suffice because my skin would just drink it right up. I wanted something to last through the night and renew my complexion, if you will. After searching through my medicine cabinet for a product that would work as a super-moisturizer, I decided to give Aquaphor a try. I hadn't used it since my last tattoo, which was pathetically 3 years ago. I loaded it on my face and immediately felt that ultra moisture my skin was craving. I woke up with a dewy complexion, and invisible pores. Truly a miracle product. I will be applying Aquaphor at night on a weekly basis, regardless or not of a hangover.

After trying it out and being completely satisfied, I thought it was a good idea to look up if putting Petroleum Jelly on my face was actually safe. Luckily, it is safe... and can be used a number of ways that will save you $$.

Perfume life - Apply some Aquaphor to the skin before spritzing on your perfume to elongate the scent of your perfume. 

Tame eyebrows - I'm super obsessive over my eyebrows. Even when I'm not wearing any makeup, I need to fill in my brows (using Laura Mercier Brow Powder Duo). I finish off my brows with Anastasia Clear Brow Gel to ensure that the hair doesn't awkwardly move during the day. Little did I know that $21.00 tube could be replaced by Aquaphor. I noticed no difference in my brows when applying the Aquaphor in replacement of Anastasia's product.

Dry cuticles - This is often an issue for me, and Aquaphor was an easy fix. However, what Aquaphor was lacking here was a nice scent, so I think I'll stick with my hand cremes for this one. I definitely recommend  this if you're sensitive to fragrances, though.

Smooth hair - Being in between hair cuts can leave us with frizzy locks, which ain't so pretty. Throwing your hair in a bun can be an easy fix, but if you're like me... I put together outfits based on how I'm going to wear my hair that day. Put (just a little) Aquaphor on your fingertip, and spread evenly to your other fingers. Gently dab your fingertips to the ends of your hair, giving it just enough to conceal the dead ends without looking oily. 

DIY: Paper Wall Garland

Materials: 5 ft. long rope (from Home Depot or any home store); Colored, decorative paper (we opted for brown, sheer turquoise, metallic silver & a shiny white); Paperclips (or Christmas ornament hangers); Colorful fabric; 2 nails; 1 hammer

Step 1: Take one sheet of paper, and lay it out flat.

Step 2: Cut the sheet of paper into long, thin strips.

 

Step 3: Take each strip, and evenly bend them over your rope.

 

Step 4: Secure into place by twisting with a paperclip.

(Repeat Steps 2-4 until your rope is almost filled up) 

Step 5: For a more fun look, take some colorful fabric and cut it up into strips. (You can use an old t-shirt, bed sheet, or bag. I used a Free People shopping bag.)

Step 6: When you place your fabric on the rope, do not secure it with a paperclip. Use a string of fabric to tie it into place.

Step 7: Stick 1 nail through each end of the rope and hammer it into the wall.

…And you’re done!!

DIY: Embellished Collars

Embellished collars have been popping up everywhere lately. Detachable collars are an easy way to add the sophistication of a collar, and the sparkle of a great necklace. Layering a collared blouse under another garment is an easy way to add visual interest to an outfit.

Embellishing a shirt of your own is an easy way to get the look for less. Check out what my friend Kelly & I did one night... and do it yourself!

Materials: Various iron on studs, iron, thin needle, thread, various pearls, and an article of clothing of your choice.

Step 1:  Lay out the shirt of your choice, and organize your studs & pearls in trays.

Step 2:  Randomly assort some studs. We recommend using different sizes and colors.

Step 3: Place the studs in place, and press down with a hot iron. Hold the iron on top of the studs for about 2 minutes. Repeat until as desired.

Ta-Da! You now have turned an ordinary t-shirt into a trendy, one of a kind piece!

PS- Congrats to the lucky Hear Cee Speak follower who won this shirt!