The True Beauty Files: Day to Evening

March 5, 2012

{Top: TJMaxx (similar), Dotted Tee: J.Crew, Pleated Skirt: TJMaxx, Heels: Jessica Simpson, Tote: Mimi Boutique, Denim: Old Navy, Necklace: H&M, Flats: F21, Nails: H&M & Essie –Tour de Finance}

A girl walks into a TJMaxx for picture frames…..

She heads over to the shoe section (her first mistake) and faints to the floor over a pair of the perfect Guess pumps. As she recovers, her peripheral vision catches the perfect hue of emerald green. To her surprise, there is only one shirt left in her size….for 14$. She faints for the second time.

A girl walks out of a TJMAxx……with everything BUT picture frames.

(And this is why I never go in there.)

P.S. In the first picture I was on the hunt for the perfect colored denims for spring. (I took a poll on instagram. You will see my choice in the next outfit post;))

Style Word: Changing up a top from day to evening is convenient especially if you are traveling. I usually wear jeans and flats during the day. To dress it up and convert over to an evening look, just add some heels and a richer lip color. 🙂 How do you like to dress up a look?

Leave your modern modeste post links in the comment section for me to check out!

The True Beauty Files:

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

~ Audrey Hepburn

Style Files: Warm vs. Cool

March 2, 2012

{Left to Right 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 }

I think you have seen these colors battle it out for the #1 seed in my list of color loves.

I think its a dead tie.

What about you?

And a list of 5 fun links from around the web:

The lastest issue of RUE is a perfect burst of spring. These colorful smoothies were a fave.

Dipped Wooden Utensils DIY – simple and easy!

The coolest web design of the year.

This tote bag. Perfect.

Gabe and I are hoping for a large family. This will be the perfect table.

Happy March weekend!

DIY: Ombre Abacus Wrap Bracelets

March 1, 2012

I have been missing my accessory designing time, so I got out my supplies the other day and crafted away. I will be sharing a few accessory DIY posts in the next few weeks. If you are like me, its hard to find time to do even simple DIY projects. These wrap bracelets take minutes to do, and ANYONE can make them. They would make very fun birthday gifts for friends. (They reminded me of an abacus, hence the name.)

Supplies:

Leather cord in two tones

Silver Beads

(You can find these supplies at Hobby Lobby or MJ Trim)

Total Cost: 5$ Can make up to 8 Bracelets!

Steps:

1.Measure out your cord so it wraps 3-4 times around your wrist with enough to tie a double knot in the back. (This cord is very easy to knot and un-knot on your own.)

2. String along your beads of choice (make sure they fit the cord before you buy!), a couple beads in the center rows for an abacus effect. OR sets of three are a fun look too.

3. Wrap around the wrist and tied ends!

Hope you enjoy!

Take 3: Dress. Drink. Decor.

February 29, 2012

1. Trina Turk via Cupcakes for Breakfast.

2. With Style and Grace

3. Design*Sponge

Currently working on my little office space, and its looking similar to the room above:) Love to be surrounded by inspiration. If you try the drink, let me know how it is!

Happy Leap Day! Hope those who have birthdays today are celebrated 4x fold;)

*P.S. February was such a fast month! If you would like more information on March sponsor rates, email me!

Also, I drew a winner Monday night for the Shopkempt giveaway! #33 is the lucky winner! Congrats Renee!

Blog Takeover with Dallas Shaw

February 28, 2012

Starting a brand new series today on IHOD! Blog Takeovers will be featuring my favorite artists, designers, and bloggers who will “take over” IHOD for the day:) I got to know Dallas by helping her with some design work on her blog, Dilly Dallas. You may be familiar with her incredible fashion illustrations. Happy to have her work grace the space as the first takeover!…

(photos by Alison Conklin)

What is the inspiration behind your current work?

Still heavily inspired by the fashion industry.

This year you will see more of my personal taste show up in illustrations and the website.

Also inspirations from beauty and home design.

What can we expect to see from Dallas Shaw in 2012?

Many new collaborations in the works with some amazing designers!

Also, a new feature here on the website where you can purchase artwork.

(Website just launched yesterday!)

Find more of Dallas Shaw Here: Website | Twitter | Facebook

The True Beauty Files: Stripes + Brights

February 27, 2012

{Striped Tee: H&M (similar), Skirt: Gap (similar), Tote: H&M, Belt: H&M, Necklace: c/o BMB, Bracelets: Handmade by me, Gift}

Style Word: I re-mixed my tangerine accessories from last weeks post:) If a bright pink maxi skirt is too much of a color commitment for you, you can still add some into your look through accessories. For instance a skinny belt, tote, or statement necklace🙂

Up for Discussion:

Your vote for Worst/Best Dressed at the Oscars??

Best: I am not a fan of Gwyneth, but I have to say she got my vote with the stunning Tom Ford dress.

Also loved Octavia Spencer. She was beautiful and I was so happy she came out a winner.

I actually loved Emma Stone’s Dress, but it needed to be a different color….

Worst: Anyone who wore neutral. Come on its the Oscars! But that is coming from a girl her loves her bold colors;)

Although the Academy Awards seem to be the nation’s way of petting the Hollywood bubble, I have always loved seeing what the red carpet has to offer. Did you watch?

*Leave your True Beauty Files outfit post links in the comments section!

The True Beauty Files:

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

~ Audrey Hepburn

Style File: Marni for H&M

February 24, 2012

{see the full preview of the line here.}

Here are a few of my favorites from the Marni for H&M line. If only the pricetags were close to normal HM prices…I would be all over these bad boyz.

For those of you without one near by, never fear. H&M goes online Fall 2012! (or so they say…;))

Wishing you all a wonderful February weekend!

P.S. Danielle has a beautiful blog, Take Heart. She asked me to share Gabe and I’s love story. I was honored to be a part of the series. You can read it here.

P.S.S. You have till Monday to enter the Shopkempt 50$ shopping spree giveaway!