DIY: Queen of Hearts Halloween Costume

Who doesn't love to get a little crafty? I've been dabbling in the crafted arts since I was a young Duchess and have been having fun ever since! I find that working with my hands not only keeps me busy, but helps clear my mind! This post is meant to show you some crafts I have tried and loved, and I hope you love them, too!

ARE YOU AS EXCITED FOR HALLOWEEN AS I AM?! I can't believe it's a few days away! I have been planning my costume since September so trust me, it couldn't have come faster.  Since I am now of legal age, I am able to not only dress up, but go to the bars and party it up! This is a huge step up from last year, when all my best friend and I did was eat at a Greek restaurant and see Insidious: Chapter 2. That being said. since we can all go out my friends and I decided that we would dress up in the same theme: Alice in Wonderland.  Because I consider myself royalty, of course I am the Queen of Hearts!

My favorite part of Halloween is not just buying a generic costume, but finding different pieces and making my own costume up! I knew right away how I wanted to put my Queen of Hearts costume together, with inspiration from this Pinterest post. First thing I bought for myself was a black and red corset.  Next on the list was black thigh-high stockings, black shorts, red shoes, a black tutu, and, of course, a crown (I got an amazing one from Spirit Halloween that matched my color scheme).  But, when I put my costume together, I thought it felt a little plain.  That's when I decided to get creative and make my costume even better!  I'll show you step-by-step what I did to make my Queen of Hearts costume something I could be proud of!

DIY Part I: Socks

What You'll Need:

• A pair of black thigh-high socks
• Red heart charms
• Needle
• Thread

These socks are just perfect aren't they? The black bow is the perfect spot to add the charms for a nice little pop of color. And those charms...how perfect are they? There is even a little crown on them so it's literally perfect for the Queen of Hearts! I found them at the craft store (on sale!) and was ecstatic because oddly enough, large red hearts are hard to find!

Step 1:

Obviously you are going to be sewing these charms on the socks, so first things first is to thread your needle with your string.  Since I'm at school, I don't have access to my actual sewing kit so gray thread had to do (but you can't even tell so it's okay). 

Step 2:

You guessed it, start sewing on the charms! This was very easy to do because these charms had a half-circle back that I could use as a way to really get the charm to stay on the bow but also dangle.  I went over and over it about 7 times to make sure it was tight.

Step 3:

Voila! You're done! Wasn't that so simple and easy? Unless you can't sew to save your life, this is a quick DIY that can make any costume quirkier! All you need is a pair of socks and a charm that matches your costume theme...that's it. WHY AREN'T YOU DOING IT?!

DIY Part II: Tutu

What You'll Need:

• A black tutu
• Red glitter hearts (I found these in the crafts section)
• Fabric glue (clear)

Step 1:

First things first, start by taking one heart at a time and laying it on the FIRST layer of the tutu. This is important because you do not want the glue to seep through the layers, cause it to bundle. Do this before gluing each heart so you know where you want to place it before applying the glue.

Step 2:

Now that you know where you want your heart to go, apply the glue to the back of it and carefully place on the tutu (remember, FIRST layer). Hold your hand under the layer so that the glue does not stick to anything else. Press down for 5 seconds, and then move on to the next heart.

Step 3: 

Apply Step 2 all around the tutu until all hearts are used.  When placing them, I tried to alternate putting it high or low on the fabric so that it looked even and more natural.  Also, try not to push the glue so that it flattens around the heart, because it will show (I made this mistake a few times oops). But once you have hearts all around your tutu, you're done!  Like I said with the socks, you can use any color scheme and theme to make this match your own costume. And it just looks so good!

All done!

And there you have it! Your DIY Queen of Hearts costume is all done! And how stinking cute does it look?! Just a few little extras can really pull a look together, and if anyone tells you different then OFF WITH THEIR HEADS! ;)

What are you being for Halloween this year? Any tips on a DIY costume?  Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time my loves x.

Fall 2014 Essentials

Fall is my favorite season by far.  The leaves change colors, Starbucks brings out their best lattes, there is pumpkin everything everywhere you go, and it's the season of new TV shows (have you seen How to Get Away with Murder OH MY GOD)! I'm also a huge sucker for Fall holidays (Halloween this year is gonna be craaaaaazayyyy) and the perks of decorating that come with them! In order to get through these chilly months, I have a few wardrobe/accessory essentials to keep me in the Fall spirit!

1. Markus Lupfer Smacker Sweater: If there is one thing I love, it's items of clothing with kisses on them! I have been seeing this trend everywhere, and trust me, I've been buying more than I should be. I love this sweater because it's cute yet comfy and will keep you stylish as you keep warm!

2. Kettlewell Infinity Scarf: The color of this scarf is "deep claret" and honestly that just makes me love it even more. The deep, purpley reds that come out in Fall are absolutely gorgeous, and I think this scarf as a pop of color with a gray sweater would like ravishing! Scarves a staple to every Fall wardrobe, and this scarf would be the perfect addition to any closet.

3. YSL Rouge Pur Shine Lipstick: Dark lips are a MUST for Fall! I literally count down the days to when it is acceptable to wear dark lipstick again.  This color is a gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon red (I'm a wine lush I know) and would complete any look with pizzazz.

4. Chloé  'The Marcie' Tote: I have been lusting over this bag for months. Gray is a top trend this season, and this bag makes such a bland color look good. It is just so chic and classic that I feel like it can never go out of style! So if you're looking for a bag that will last you for seasons to come, I recommend this one.

5. Frame Denim Skinny Jeans: The only jeans I wear are skinny jeans and these look like a great addition to my wardrobe. I love destroyed denim, but these have just enough distress to make them look effortlessly cool and not at all trashy. Black goes with everything, so of course black skinny jeans are a Fall staple! Plus I feel like half of One Direction may own a pair just like this...hmm...

6. Kate Spade Trench Coat: I LOVE COATS! I feel like that is why the colder months are the best -- you get to wear adorable outerwear! This Kate Spade coat would go with any look, day or night, because it has amazing details.  Look at that black lining... it gives such structure to an otherwise normal coat, and the pattern inside is so fun!

7. H&M Tights: What is a cold weather wardrobe without tights? Wearing them underneath a dress, a skirt, or Hell even leather shorts, can put any look together. Black is a must, but this time of year it is also acceptable to wear colorful tights, too (channeling Blair Waldorf anyone?).

8. Boohoo Penelope Floral Swing Dress: Dark florals are all the rage and I'm obsessed with them (groundbreaking). I do like this pattern more in dresses than anything else, because with tights and boots you have the perfect Fall look. But, I do think that a dark floral scarf or something would be cute, too, so just mix it up!

9. Alexander Wang Chelsea Boots: CHELSEA BOOTS! Need I say more?? These boots are the hottest thing in footwear since middle schoolers discovered Uggs. I love them. I want 400 pairs in every color. Being 5'9", I usually don't wear much of a heel because I'm already tall enough. But I rock these boots like an Amazonian woman because they are too good to pass up! Plus the heel isn't that high, it's the right size to make that perfect *clack* when you walk on hardwood. If you don't already own a pair of these buy some. RIGHT NOW OKAY?!

10. Kate Spade iPhone 6 Case: I had to put at least one item pertaining to the latest phone craze in here! I'm still in the past with my iPhone 5, but as soon as I fork over the money on the new iPhone I am also going to splurge on this case for it! I have a problem buying phone cases, but I know that this one will keep me happy throughout the season.


What are your Fall 2014 essentials? Does it involve pumpkin? Let me know in the comments below!


Until next time my loves x.

September Favorites

I cannot believe September is already over! My final Fall semester of college is flying by and it's thrilling yet terrifying. Next thing you know I'll be graduating! But with the end of the month comes my monthly favorites! I love September because Fall is in the air and everything I love starts coming back to the stores (pumpkin, and I mean pumpkin). I'm sad this month has ended, but I am so excited because October is my favorite month of the year!

Beauty Favorites

Palladio Brow Pencil ($6) -- This is my new favorite brow pencil. Like I am literally in love. I was using Revlon for a while, and discovered this one helping my best friend find a new brow pencil. It reminds me a lot of the Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil ($21) but at a third of the price. It goes on so smooth and lasts me all day! This just makes me so happy because I feel like bold, beautiful brows put every look together, and this pencil makes my brows fabulous! You can find it at your nearest Ulta or online here.

Tarte Rainforest After Dark Colored Clay Eye & Cheek Palette ($38) -- To say I'm obsessed with this palette is an understatement.  Not only does it have Tarte's amazing clay eye shadows, but it also includes a blush, bronzer, and highlight! The colors are perfect for a natural look, but also allow you to play with them to get the ideal "Girl's Night Out" smokey eye. And the packaging is just gorgeous. I mean a gold snake? LOVE it! I consistently use this and my Too Faced The Chocolate Bar Eye Palette ($49) on my eyes because why should I use anything else? You can find it at your nearest Sephora or online here.

Fashion Favorites

Charming Charlie Shapely Cluster Earrings ($10) -- These earrings are gorgeous.  I'm such a fan of huge statement earrings, and the purple, blue, and white in these earrings scream Fall to me.  They go with pretty much anything, especially a LBD for a night out.  I love Charming Charlie because their jewelry is so cute but not expensive! Buy your own pair here.

Pink & Pepper Rapper Riding Boot ($70) -- Does anything scream Fall is coming more than riding boots?! I love wearing boots because they look fabulous with leggings and a sweater, skinny jeans and a sweater, or tights and a dress! I found these beauties at DSW and was so excited because I have been wanting a pair of riding boots for so long.  I got the Brown/Chocolate color and they are so comfy and cute that I can wear them all day in class or walking through vineyards (did that this past weekend in Palisade...amazing)! Find your own pair at your local DSW or online here.

Music Favorites

Steal My Girl by One Direction -- Yes, I am that girl. 21 years old and I am still obsessed with a boyband. But you know what? I don't care. Those boys are damn sexy and they're harmonies make my heart melt.  I actually just got back from seeing their Where We Are Tour in El Paso, Texas (9 hour drive from Colorado...why) and I don't regret it one bit. Harry Styles even pointed at me in the crowd so...haters gonna hate. Now this single was just released on Monday, and it's off their upcoming album Four. Their first single off the album, Fireproof, I actually don't care for and was weary as to what to expect next. Thankfully, I was not disappointed. Now, this song does start off very different from their past hits, but the chorus is so catchy I dare you not to sing along! Listen now here.

Ugly Heart by G.R.L. -- Another obsession of mine is girlbands (hello, the Spice Girls were LIFE!).  My friend Nicole showed me this song and we probably played it on repeat 20 times.  There is a sick ukulele in the background and it's so upbeat and happy! This is the perfect song for girls like me who have fallen for the hot guys who turn out to be real assholes in the end. There are some amazing high notes and even though I'm not the best singer, I still try to match all of them! Take a listen and watch the fun video here.

18 by 5 Seconds of Summer -- Again, I'm that girl.  But to be fair, they aren't just the opening act for One Direction ( and their replacement). These four Australian cuties write all of their own songs and even play the instruments to back it up! This song, 18, is my jam even though I'm no longer 18. It's funny and super catchy and the perfect song to dance around in your underwear to (not that I've done that what)! If you don't think the line "she's got a naughty tattoo in a place that I want to get to // but my mom still drives me to school" is the funniest and cutest thing ever you can leave. Listen now and fall in love here.

TV Favorites

How to Get Away with Murder -- OKAY BUT HAVE YOU SEEN THIS SHOW?! I know only the pilot has aired so far, but I am freaking hooked on this show. There is nothing I love more than shows that make you think (LOST fanatic over here) and I love how much drama was thrown into just one show! It has some of my favorite people including Viola Davis (you know her as Aibileen Clark in The Help), Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas in Harry Potter), and Matt McGorry (hot guard Jon Bennett in Orange is the New Black). I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who haven't seen it, but so much crap went down that I was on the edge of my seat by minute two! I can already tell this will be my new Fall drama, but I am looking forward to seeing what Gotham has to offer.

Selfie-- I was able to see the first episode of this on Hulu and I fell in love.  The main character reminded me of myself, sans the selfishness and lack of empathy. I was laughing out loud from the very beginning, and I already want the two main characters (Karen Gillan and John Cho) to hookup because they are precious.

Food/Drink Favorites

Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha -- It's back. And I'm in love. While I do enjoy a nice Pumpkin Spice latte every Fall, the Salted Caramel Mocha has been gaining my interest lately.  I think it's the combo of salty and sweet that drives me wild. I order mine non-fat with lite whip, but girl Summer is over and Winter is nearing, enjoy that full fat if you want!

Brie Cheese -- Here's something you didn't know about me -- I hate cheese.  Now, melted, ooey-gooey cheese on pizza or quesadillas is good, but cold cheese makes me want to vomit.  I don't know what it is, I just can't stand it.  Maybe it's the smell? It doesn't matter, I hate cold cheese.  But, I've recently discovered the wonder that is brie.  Maybe it's because I'm preparing for my graduation present trip to Paris, but I decided to be bold at CostCo a couple weeks ago and buy a wheel of brie.  I let it sit out on the counter to get soft, and then spread it on a baguette and oh my God...IT'S SO GOOD! Plus I'm in a wine class for school, and brie with wine just goes amazing together so that has been my treat for when I need to relax; brie, baguette, and Chardonnay!

What are your September favorites? Anything you're dying to try or can't wait for? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time my loves x.