I'M BACK AT IT
and
I know some of you may be thinking "Finnnnaaaallllllyyyyy"... Am I right? 
Let me be the one to say (or type for that matter) that the feeling is mutual and IT. FEELS. GREAT. to be back. 
~
I've had two fun filled weekends of DIY-ing. 
The FIRST project, I decided to repainted my furniture and the SECOND, I upcycled a dress into a romper. 

I know you didn't visit The Color Tag for painting tips.... so I won't go into the deets about that but I will share my most recent upcylcing project 
&
 Boooyyy or, should I say, GIRRRRLLLL are you in for a treat!!!

 What You'll Need

1. A Thrifted Dress
(or a dress you have fallen out of love with) 

2. Needle and Thread or Sewing Machine

3. Shear Scissors 

4. A pair of shorts your previously own 
(I'll explain later) 

I apologize for not taking a before picture but this dress was meant for a grandma. The dress was ankle length and the exposed front slit was non existent... I'm not sure if brief description helps paint the before picture in your mind but I tried. 

In order to make the shorts, I cut below the elastic band and used a pair of previously owned shorts for the pattern. I traced the shorts, cut it a little bigger than desired because I didn't want them the bottom to be somewhat relaxed feel. 

After sewing the shorts together, I reconnected it to the elastic band. Lastly, I removed the stitching in the upper portion to add a dash of sex appeal.

Bam... the above the was created. 

I have learned from this DIY/Upcycling project to take pictures of each step. 

The next project two blazers to one... STAY TUNED

Anyone who loves to thrift, loves the endless opportunities thrift stores offer... but for a girl like me, it's just some things I will NOT thrift. 

                                                                                                                                                      Shoes For One. 

I have a hard time wrapping my head around thrifted shoes. Let's be honest, people are just nasty!  It's no telling what type of toe fungus the previous owner had before they decided to donate to a good cause Annnddd people wear shoes without socks ALL THE TIME. To be honest, I'm guilty of this (gives myself the side eye but, hey, they are in my closet which makes them mine... so no judgment there) The big HOWEVER is that this sweltering heat and the amount of sweat feet produce, closed toe shoes paired with sweaty feet simply doesn't paint a pretty picture in my head. Does it for you?

I've surveyed a few friends and follower and the common thread among them was that they are extremely hesitate about buying scandals. For sure, these shoes are wore without socks which circles back to my previous thought of who knows the sanitary level of the previous owner. 

 All this to say, I advise you to avoid thrifted shoes or, better yet, buy at your own risk. 

On a brighter note, there are many platforms available for you to purchase cute and fashionable shoes for close to thrift store prices and you don't have to worry about the previous owner... just you! My go to list... 

1. 6pm.com 
2. Nordstrom Rack 
                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                    
I think I'll leave you with this for now... Be prepared to read more at a later date.  


   

Have you noticed that every home has a fragrance associated with it? When I bake cookies and close my eyes, I find myself standing in my grandmother's kitchen. Since smell and memory are closely related, it was a must to create my apartments aroma. 

On my last thrift store home goods hunt, I was fortunate to find some candle covers. Very simple but necessary and noticeable addition to my loft. I thrifted a two piece opaque glass candle cover and it's ORANGE, which is my favorite color, for $3.99. 

As I was heading to the check out counter, my eyes fell upon the beauty below. I instantly fell in love with this colorful mosaic styled candle cover.  I truly thank the person who donated my now prized possession!!!  

                                        The black candle stands I purchased for $1.00 each at the local Walmart. 
                                                                                              
Even though my loft is still in the design phase, I am slowly falling in love with it every day. After a long day at work, I open my window to hear the sounds of the talented musicians, light all the candles and enjoy the smells that fill my space. The different lights radiating from each candle, especially the mosaic candle cover, adds to the relaxation process. Next time you're in the thrift store, I encourage you to find some candle covers that can spruce up your living space and add to your relaxing process.