The True Beauty Files: The "M" Word

January 23, 2012

(because my husband makes me do crazy things, by trying to make me laugh and loosen up. Thanks dear;)

{Sweater: Old Navy, Sequin tank: c/o Windsor Store, Denim: Old Navy,

Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar), Scarves: Gift, Reverie Market, Earrings: c/o Poshlocket,

Bracelets: c/o Poshlocket, made by me, Tote: Mimi Boutique}

STYLE WORD: Layering up your scarves can be a fun way to change things up. I used two similar tones and weaved together for an ombre look and feel:)

UP FOR DISCUSSION: The “M” Word

Does the word modest leave you with a positive or negative feel?

To be honest, I am always hesitant to use the word modest because it has seemed to be black labeled in today’s society. No one wants to be covered up, right? “If you got it flaunt it” seems to be a more appropriate motto these days. I wish this wasn’t the case. I think modesty is a lost virtue, that should be held up and esteemed alongside with your dignity. It doesn’t have to mean covered up, rather, to me its a reflection of knowing who you are, what you are worth, and dressing with both style and grace to accurately reflect that. This is what prompted me to start this series. I realize I am one of the few and far between who happens to think the more you reveal, the less likely people can perceive your true beauty. There is something of value when a women carries her confidence and self worth in high esteem, and chooses to wear those as her greatest features, so I hope this series can encourage women to do so!

Would love to hear your perspective on this! If you are linking up feel free to discuss with your readers.

To link up your outfit post:

~Enter your outfit post below, and in your post link back here by text or button! You have all week to link up:)

P.S. Its the last day to enter the a+ro sweater giveaway as well as the Velina facebook giveaway! Good luck!

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 File: Velina Lookbook + Surprise Giveaway

January 20, 2012

Let me introduce you to this fantastic new line on the block…

I have known Tina and Erica (two lovely sisters) for a while, and was completely intrigued when I heard they were joining creative forces to start their own line of jewelry, VELINA. Together they carry just about every talent you need to run a successful business. It did not surprise me that when they came out with their first lookbook, that it was compelling and completely breathtaking.

ABOUT THE DESIGNERS:

Tina is a young graphic designer; Erica, a young journalist. Together, with contagious spirits and strong sense of style, Tina and Erica knew they needed to find an outlet where their passion for design and enduring ambition could collide. This collision is what spearheaded the creation of VELINA.

{all images from the Fall/Winter Lookbook}

BEHIND THE NAME:

The name VELINA was chosen because it was their Italian mother’s nickname as a young girl. Tina & Erica believed this name was a perfect fit for their line, as it represents something special: both their family and where they come from.

Through each original piece, VELINA hopes to bring stylish designs — created with stones and charms from all over the world – celebrating the beauty behind diversity and the confidence found in self-expression.

You will want to keep up with this dynamic sister duet as they have just launched a men’s line and are about to launch their spring line as well!

FIND VELINA HERE:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

WIN A VELINA BRACELET OF CHOICE:

IHOD and VELINA have teamed up to bring you a surprise giveaway today exclusively for IHOD facebook fans! Head on over and see how you can easily win one of these beaded beauties for yourself!

DIY: Message in a Bottle

January 19, 2012

Will be sharing with a few DIY’s in the next few weeks that will hopefully help with your Valentine’s Day this year:) This Message in a Bottle doesn’t have to be only for the romantics. The fun thing is, whoever you give this too has no idea what’s written on the note, so you can make it as easy or as challenging as you want to get to;)

Supplies:

Small Glass Bottle (Found mine at Hobby Lobby for 2$)

Confetti (any kind)

Paper

Coffee

Paint Brush

1) Place the confetti at the bottom of the bottle (because confetti makes everything a tad more fun.)

I am pulling out an old trick I learned in school to instantly age paper…

2) Wet both sides of your paper with coffee (I used a cream cardstock), and place in the sun to dry.

This will curl up the edges. I did a second coat just around the edges for extra effect.

3) Write your note, roll it up, and place in the bottle.

You can always add washi tape around the bottle, do sprinkles instead of confetti, stick a rose in the jar along with the note, etc. Personalize it the way you think your loved one will most enjoy:)

Here are some additonal Valentine DIY’s you can find from the past few years:

Playing Cards Valentine
Be Mine Box
Printable Envelope

P.S. Thank you for helping me vote on a new header! The new one will be revealed up on the blog tomorrow!

Take 3: Dollops of Spring Color

January 18, 2012

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{Sources: 1. 2. 3. via pinterest}

*Will be making some changes to the blog in the next few days so if you see any funny business that is why;)

Giveaway! Taylor Cable Sweater from a+ro!

January 17, 2012

So excited to have such a fun giveaway to start off 2012!

a+ro is a contemporary knitwear line that combines chic comfort with superior quality at an affordable price point. Fresh from their Fall 2011 launch, a+ro sweaters are already a favorite among celebrity moms such as Jessica Alba and mom-to-be Jessica Simpson that you can buy at sites such as Bloomingdales and Revolve Clothing.

You can see how I styled my Taylor Open Cable Sweater in yesterday’s post! I am telling you, its the softest sweater I now own. I have worn it 7 days in a row. Not kidding. It has gotten me through this cold week in GA:) I am so thankful to a+ro for sending one over AND letting me give one away to one of my readers!

To enter to win one of your own Taylor Open Cable Sweater valued at 150$ (must be an IHOD follower or subscriber):

1) Like a+ro on facebook, and leave a comment letting us know you did so!

(check out the album full of celebrities in a+ro wear!)

Additonal Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

2) Tweet about the giveaway.

3) Share the giveaway on facebook.

example tweet: Just entered the #giveaway over @inhonorofdesign for the Taylor Sweater from celebrity loved a+ro! http://bit.ly/zRIrK8

Giveaway open to international readers, and will run through next Monday night!

Best of luck!

Color Files: Gold Rush

January 13, 2012

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. / 7.

{via Jcrewing}

Snow flurries hit Georgia this morning!

I am perfectly happy being snuggled inside with my little ones all day:)

Happy weekend!

Will be back Monday with a new True Beauty Files link up post!

Rachel Bilson Inspired: Rhinestone Trim Shirt

January 12, 2012

I saw this cover of Rachel Bilson for Nylon Magazine, and thought it was such a fantastic ensemble. She is one of my favorite fashionistas because she pulls everything together so effortlessly without ever revealing too much. This shirt is a really easy DIY that doesn’t take much time, and is a great statement piece to add to your wardrobe:)

Since this is not a shirt that will have much life span, don’t go and use your nicest white button down.

Your Supplies:

White Button down or polo (mine thrifted for 4$)

Black Ribbon (I used a wider grosgrain ribbon that best fit the trim of my shirt)

Multi-shape Rhinestones (I used two packs from Hobby Lobby for a total of $3.50)

Hem Tape

Glue Gun

Total Cost of the shirt: 8$

Now being a crafter I had the ribbon, hem tape, and glue gun so you can calculate cost accordingly.

Steps:

1.) Pre-measure your ribbon along the front side of your shirt.

(I singed the edges of the ribbon to prevent fraying.)

2) Place hem tape along the edge (avoid button holes so that the shirt can still button), and iron the ribbon over to secure. If you don’t have hem tape, hot glue would work.

3.) Place rhinestones in random order along the ribbon using hot glue until you reach the end of the shirt. If you don’t plan on wearing it untucked, only place them till you reach the waistline.

Style your shirt the way you wish and you are done!

There are so many color options you could do for this if you wanted to create a different look. Please not e that this shirt will not endure the washing machine and would need to be hand washed!

Totally easy and fun to wear! Be sure and share your photos on the IHOD FB page if you try this project! I would love to see them!