Will You Design Your Own T-shirt?

Yes, is men t-shirt again! If you are fed up of buying a T-shirt which it seems that every other person you see is wearing, good news is that clearly shows you have bought a fashionable one. However if you want to stand out from the crowd and perhaps make a fashion statement then perhaps you should consider designing your own T-shirt.

You’ve probably seen outlets that allow you to do just this when you have been on holiday, but for one reason or another you didn’t find the time to venture into the shop. Now you can create your own design and have it incorporated into a T-shirt for you online.



Some sites have design templates which you can start off with, you choose a T-shirt from one of their designs and customize a template. You can use clipart or you can have a design copied for you from a photograph. You need to think about how many colors your design will need, (4 are usual but less is cheaper) which colors you want and the style of T-shirt. You can get T-shirts made to your design for under $20, but again it depends on your choice of design.

You can also get iron-on designs, but these will probably not last as long as designs that are printed on the fabric. Some sites online offer you next day delivery and allow you to draw your own design online or to upload photographs or to use templates and describe what you want. You don’t have to be an artist to design your own T-shirt .

It’s not just T-shirts that you can have your own designs printed on either, hoodies are popular as well as jeans and numerous other accessories. You can start with free clipart designs and add your own comment, and choose the font you want on your T-shirt.



You can say whatever your want on your T-shirt as the design companies do not censor comments. You can be cute, cheeky, flirty or downright obnoxious; whatever best goes with your character, or your mood.



So what are you waiting for? Go online and design the T-shirt you have always wanted, but never been able to find in the shops.

What are Top 5 Men Leather Accessories in 2011?

Leather is strong and durable and the fashion accessories for men in 2011 have utilized prime cowhide for belts, bags, tri-fold wallets and shoes and sandals. There are also really comfortable suede leather shoes which come in a range of colors and which are fun to wear. Some designers have come up with colored bags which look more like bags for females than men and have prompted some adverse comments (Balenciaga for example) but they are worth investigating if you want to bring out the feminine side of

your nature.



1. Mens Leather Shoes

We know most of us like sneakers. but leather dress shoes are still in for 2011. Every man has to wear shoes at least to the office, and now for 2011 there are beautiful classic men’s oxford shoes from top fashion houses, which are designed to be both stylish and comfortable. There are leather low-tops trainers from sportswear companies such as Puma, and is you check out the range of shoes in leather or suede online which are designed by the top fashion houses, you will see what there is on offer. If you can’t afford their prices then at least you will have an idea of what is fashionable and be able to look for cheaper deals on your high street or in your shopping mall.







 

2. Mens Leather Sandals

For summer, gladiator sandal is the hottest sandal design and Dior Homme have come up with gladiator sandals with cotton socks for those who just can’t go without socks. They retail at ₤530 and are made from the best leather.



3. Mens Leather Belts

There are a whole host of leather belts to choose from and they come in a range of styles and colors. There are some very stylish belts with purses which may be the answer if you don’t have pockets and don’t want to carry a bag.



4. Leather Bags for Men

Apart from the colorful ones already mentioned there are the satchel bags for men which are generally made from cowhide. These are stylish versions of the old school satchel and are worn over one shoulder. They are minimal understated designs with two buckles and inside zips to secure your possessions. These leather satchel bags are designed to use instead of the traditional briefcase and make a lot of sense given that you

have your hands free to carry a mobile device if you don’t want to put it in your satchel bag. 

5. Tri-fold Leather Wallets

Finally, there are the tri-fold wallets in leather for your money, credit cards, ID cards and photos; the classic men’s accessory.



What else? Share with us your top chic leather accessories for 2011.  

too stinkin cute.

I mean, need I say more?

image found at pintrest

Fashion Community: Hackett London to Help Victims of Japan's Tsunami

As part of efforts to support Japan, Hackett has launched a limited edition polo shirt to help the victims of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, with all profits being donated to The Japan Society "Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund".

The polo shirt has been designed with traditional Japanese embroidery of the cherry blossom which is an emblem of love and affection. The declaration of ‘Hope’ is stitched on the polo in English and Japanese characters, highlighting the belief in a positive outcome from such a disastrous and tragic act of nature.



The polo shirt will be available in store and online from the end of April, with the option to pre- order in Hackett stores worldwide or you can register yourself here.

Buy Jewellery for your Love One at Bargain Price?

There are many online sites which sell designer jewellery to the individual customer and to retailers. You can shop on online sites that advertise themselves as wholesale designer jewellery suppliers, even though you may not want to buy a lot of wholesale jewellery. You can always check out reputable sites and look for the type of designer jewellery that you like; there are sites which specialize in Italian glass jewellery, or Austrian crystal, those that specialize in Tiffany or designer jewellery and those that sell antique-style jewellery with stones such as marquisite featuring in the items to give them the Victorian look.

If you have a retail site or a traditional shop or stall in a market, then this is a very cheap way of buying stock. Alternatively you might just want to buy items for yourself and friends and family, and sites allow you to do this, although you should remember that the more you buy, the cheaper it will be.



Some sites sell jewellery from Thailand and China and these are probably the cheapest online sites. However you can get gold and diamond jewellery items including anklets, toe rings, body jewellery for piercings, whatever you want is out there. All you have to do is go through the online catalogues and put items in your shopping basket or cart.

When you get to the checkout your purchases will be calculated and you will be asked for contact details and your preferred payment method. You can choose to pay through PayPal or any other online method or take advantage of drop shipping services.



Drop shipping is a way of protecting your payment; you deposit money in a third party account and this is released when you receive your goods. You should consider which way you would like to pay and only give out your details on sites which are secure. This is shown in the bottom right hand corner, usually and the symbol to look for is the lock.

Shopping online is now more secure than it used to be so you can be fairly comfortable about not being ripped off. Take a look at some of the sites that offer wholesale jewellery and pick up some real bargains.

Man Fashion: 5 Simple Ways to Choose the Right T-Shirts

It’s mens fashion T-shirt time again, but before you dash out and buy any of mens fashion T-shits, consider what to look for in choosing them. They are very versatile and durable if you choose wisely, and it is better to pay a little more so that the T-shirts you buy will last the whole season at least.

1. First of all, check that the color suits you, or if you are buying for a man, then think about the colors that suit him rather than the ones you like. If he has auburn hair, he might not look good in a flame red T-shirt, for example. 


2. You should also consider the color from the point of view of its color fast properties. Do a small test by wetting a finger and rubbing it on the T-shirt. If the color comes off onto your finger, it will lose its color rapidly and will always have to be washed separately by hand. If it accidentally gets into the washing machine then you will have a minor disaster on your hands. You could not test this if you buy from online store, but you can rely on reputable brands.


3. Buy colors that reflect the heat rather than those which absorb it, so white is a good choice and pastel shades, beige or pistachio green, not black or dark blue. You don’t want to be any hotter than is necessary. 


4. Check the stitching to see how firm it is. If it looks flimsy, then you will have a repair job to do after wearing and washing the T-shirt a couple of times. 


5. Last and most importantly, is to try it on and raise your arms above your head.

If the T-shirt rides up and leaves a vast expanse of flesh between it and the belt- line, then you need a bigger size. If you have swathes of material bunched around your waist, when you do this, then clearly it’s too big, unless you want a really baggy mens fashion T-shirt.

Of course there are always rugby shirts and tank-tops for men, although the former is usually made from thicker cotton than the T-shirt, and the tank-top doesn’t suit everyone, and it doesn’t protect the vulnerable skin at the top of your arms and shoulders. Mens fashion T-shirts are the better bet as they don’t go out of fashion and are easy to wear.

the help.

I just finished reading "The Help" last night. I must admit that it was a really great book that was hard to put down. I loved being able to imagine what life was like in the early 1960's in Jackson, MIssissippi. It was really amazing to think that most of the women who had "hired help," were not too far from my same age.  It was painful to imagine what these  women had to go through, just because of the color of their skin. It's even more strange to imagine that this was still going strong in my parents early childhood. It all seems so long ago to me. 


Anyway, I loved the book and found it very inspiring. I would for sure reccomend it!!


Now I am in search of my next read. Any great books you have read lately? I would love some reccomendations!

Home Projects.

About 2.5 years ago, I saw this lampshade at Anthropologie...

I loved it so much but it was WAAAY over my budget. I think it was $75. I just could not justify that at the time. We were living at my parents while saving to buy our house and I knew there was no way I could fork out that kind of mula for a lampshade! So I tried to make a duplicate...

Here is what I came up with...

I thought it turned out pretty cute.  So when I saw this pillow at Anthropologie.... I had the same thought... I was sure I could duplicate it! It was almost $90 at Anthro...

I am currently in the process of making my Anthro-pillow look-alike. It's not done yet, but I thought I would just give you a sneak peak...

PIctures to come!!

juicy goodness.

Today I ventured out to the mall. Two mommies, two toddlers and an 8 month-old. Needless to  say it was nothing short of eventful. What are we going to do when we each have 3 kids? Never go to the mall. That's what!!

Anyway, we survived... and had a great time. The stores were oozing of juicy goodness. Here are a few of my favorite finds!! 

I managed to escape only buying the foundation, gel eyeliner, and a cute new pair of earrings. {not pictured} 

p.s. I think I have a new foundation favorite. Please, do yourself a favor and go to your nearest CHANEL counter. You can thank me later. :)

p.p.s I want to buy those "tiny toms" for Roman SOOOO bad. 

p.p.s.s. I love that they are called "tiny toms." just stop!

1. Red Toms
2.  Tiny Toms
3. Katie K Stripe Boxy Top
4. Bobbi Brown long-wear gel Eyeliner in Black Ink
5. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Skin Perfecting Make-up
6. Owl Earrings
7. Peach Scarf

Bobbi Pins

Hey guys! I had a couple people ask me for the info. on the bobbi pins that were talked about in the bun tutorial the other day. Click HERE for the link...

perfection.

 There is just something about a beautiful phrase that stirs my soul.  I am gonna need this perfect display somewhere in my home, stat!

Maybe i'll add it to my long list of "to-do's?"

image found via pinterest

these are my people.

Introducing, my Roman. 

I realized the other day that I don't think I have really talked much about my boys. My hubby and my little monkey. I think part of me wants to cling to my baby. I am very protective of him. However, he is my everything. So, I find it fitting that you know a little about him! I am going to be better about just blogging what is on my mind, and what is going on in my everyday life.

And let me tell ya, these two fellows play a BIG part. 

Meet Roman: 

• 17.5 months old
• getting his FOURTH tooth! {he's a late bloomer in the tooth department}
• talks my ears off all day long. some of his favorite words are: car, drink, ball, snack, grandma & grandpa, mommy & dadda, truck, plane, dog, banana, etc. He also does an elephant impression that's to die for. 
• his favorite song is "What's my name" by Rihanna. He asks to listen to it and has the SWEETEST dance moves. 
• melts my heart into a million pieces everyday. he is the happiest child i have ever known and can't imagine my life without him. i always dreamed of being a mother and now that I am here, i am happy to say it surpassed my expectations. I could have NEVER imagined this kind of love. he is magic.

amaze-buns.

I was perusing through "A Cup of Jo" {which i'm sure a lot of you do...} and I came across this adorable hair tutorial to create three twisted buns. You will die over how cute and easy it is!

Here are the directions: 

1. This style is so easy, it's laughable. Day-old hair is best (which is true for most hairstyles, since it's easier to work with hair that has a little dirt in it).

2. Divide your hair into three equal parts and quickly spray each section with a little hairspray to help give it hold. Let the hairspray set for a couple seconds, and then lightly comb it out.

3. Take the section on your right side, and twist your hair all the way down to the end. You want to twist counter-clockwise, toward your face. Wrap the right section in on itself, just like you're making a little bun. Let some of the hair stick out, it's ok (you don't want them to look like Princess Leia buns).

4. Pin the right bun in place. I like to use these mini bobby pins, since they're easier to hide and they're coated in rubber so they hold your hair better.

5. Next, twist the middle section clockwise and pin. Then twist the left section clockwise and pin.

6. Spray the three buns with a little more hairspray, and you're done!

See? Super simple!

Thank-you, thank-you for sharing Joanna! I love discovering new ways to pull my hair back! What a cute idea. I can't wait to try it!!

don't mess with texas.

1. First of all, does anyone else out there watch Friday Night Lights? {or F.N.L. as we lovingly refer to it around our house} Two words: TIM RIGGINS. We started watching it starting with Season 1 in January. It's so dang good. Every night we looked forward to coming home and watching our show. Anyway, it just ended forever on Season 5, so we still are waiting for the final season to come out. 

{the suspense is killing us!} 

2. We have been planning a trip to Texas in June to visit my hubby's BFF.  I was so excited!! 'Specially after watching "F.N.L."... but due to some changes in our life...{more on that later}...{and NOOOO I am not pregnant}... it looks like the trip will have to wait. :( Someday...someday...

#3. Just when I was all hyped up about all this TEXAS stuff, O.P.I. goes out and does it again! Presenting.......

Oh snap! I am loving "Guy Meets Gal-veston", "Don't Mess With OPI",

 & "Houston, we have a Purple."

I am heading to the beauty supply store today... looks like I have some new investments to make!

Clear eyes. Full hearts.

TEXAS FOREVER! 

{it's an FNL thing. go watch it. seriously!}

You can check out the series finale promo video HERE. 

Spring Cleaning- Starting with me.

Man, the other day it hit me that my hair was starting to look pretty crazy. I honestly started feeling like I was wearing some crazy witch wig! It had gotten soooo long and was in desperate need of a cut. {go figure...}

Anywho, I chopped about 4 or 5 inches off 

and got a fresh new color. 

and lemme tell ya... 

it feels gooooooood.

Before...

and 4 inches later...

{Sorry.. not the best pics or lighting...}

It's officially "freshen up for spring" season. 

There is something so renewing about getting a new-do. Every spring I just get this crazy itch to do all-sorts of projects around the house... 

Here are a few things on my "to-do" list:

• To paint my little man's bathroom. {I have a little man. Have I told you? He is 18 months and the cutest thing you've ever seen.}
• Finish the "anthro-look-a-like" flower pillow I have been working on.
• Clean and organize our ridiculous closet.
• Sweep the garage out.
• Paint my laundry room and get a new light fixture for it. 

Ooohhhh.... so fun. Pictures coming soon....

Happiness.

 "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." -James Barrie

I ran across this quote on Una Bella Vita the other day. 

It reminded me so much of a quote that I have had hanging on my fridge for the last 6 years. 

"Make others happy and you will be happy yourself. I have heard Brother Heber C. Kimball state that when he was very downhearted, he would find somebody worse then himself, and endeavor to comfort him, and by so doing he would comfort himself, and increase in spirit and life."

-President Thomas S. Monson

 
I have found this to be very true in my own life. I have to remind myself that when I am having a bad day, someone else out there still has it a million times worse. 


Have a happy day!

I just can't get enough.

Well, if you can't tell by now, I am obsessed with all things Pureology. However, there are a few other products that I love and can't live without! Here is a collaboration of the products I use on a daily basis on my hair. Take it for what it's worth!!


#1- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner- I love this product so much. Pureology is an all-natural product line, made from all sorts of vegan products. It's delicious for your hair- nourishing, replenishing, and smells heavenly. I especially love the conditioner which contains peppermint and corn mint essential oils. It gives your scalp that nice, tingly feeling. 


#2- When I want to use a more budget friendly shampoo & conditioner- I always use Redken Real Control.  It always leaves my hair feeling silky smooth and shiny. It has a really clean and refreshing smell. It never dissapoints!


#3- Redken Anti-Snap- This is an amazing leave-in product that you apply while hair is still wet, before styling. It's loaded with proteins that keep your hair strong and resilient. I have personally used this to save my hair after a perm gone bad. {I know... perm!?} And I can't forget to mention that it smells AMAZING!!


#4- Pureology Shine Max- This is a smoothing serum that I usually apply while my hair is still wet, and again when my hair is dry. I run it through my dry ends and it instantly adds mass amounts of shine. It's a small bottle, buts last forever!


#5- I love finish off my every day look with Pureology InCharge Hairspray. It has the perfect amount of hold. Not too stiff, not to soft. I especially love it when styling my hair in loose curls. It still allows lots of movement. And of course, IT SMELLS GOOD!! 

So there ya have it, friends.

 Those are my 

"can't live without" hair products.

 What are yours?

Men Fashion Style – Timeless Guide for This Summer

Transition from winter to summer is always unique and many people just love it. Many reasons exist generating such preferences and the most important among them is the changing from the heavy cladding woolen garments to something lighter and softer. It can give the user a rare feeling of freedom and at the same time could make a different style statement altogether.

Perfect Casual Look

Important aspect of men’s fashion style that is timeless and appropriate for the summer is developing the perfect casual look. It could be anything from polo, flip flops to the jeans and great belt topped with very cool sunglasses, perfect attire for the warm climate around.

Fashion Changes are Traditional

Fashion is perhaps the most volatile aspect in a person’s life irrespective of the fact whether he is a man or a woman. In fact the trend changes almost twice a year and it could be more. Basic reason of such changes is the change in climatic conditions and environment around. At the same time it also changes with the passage of time. Human nature is to look for changes all the time and it reflects most on their fashion. What was great style in 2010 could be something grossly outdated in 2011.



Summer Coats for Men?

One of the hot fashion items for men is the summer coat. They come in multiple colors and can generate as much elegance in the person concerned as generated by the winter suits. Both in styles and colors there are quite a host of options for the user for buying such blazers and summer coats. Superbly tailored and attractive, they create a great trend for stylish men in summer.

Odd is Charming

Fashion trends are never the best without a touch of odds in it. That could be a shirt shorter than usual, a coat with loose shoulders or any such thing. It could even be made odd by an exceptional color combination. Loose T-shirts and such other apparels different from the stylish traditional make exceptional items with touch of odds in them. Of course, you got to make sure all these match to your personality.



Other Men Fashion Guides for Summer

Some of the most popular summer fashion items for men are the Lacoste Polo Shirts and almost every designer has some variation of it from plain to the striped shirts. Other popular items are loose cotton belts such as Levi's Cotton Web Belt replacing the rugged ones used in winter. Topping them all is the premium denim jeans for men, as good in summer as in any other season.



And all that makes men fashion dress for summer timeless.

Mac Brushes vs Painting Brushes

Maybe two years ago, I was told about this video about the comparrison of MAC Brushes vs. Painting Brushes. It's pretty amazing and something I would have never thought of!
Check it out!!

Malibu Barbie.

Since it's already been 4 days since the long-awaited Oscars 2011, the blog\internet world has been buzzing non-stop about the unforgettable fashion. 

For me, I was surprised to see this retro-inspired ponytail on Reese Witherspoon.

I think it was a refreshing spin on the usual red-carpet hair. 

Doesn't she look like she just stepped out of her pink barbie car?

To Achieve this look:

1. Start by using a volumizing mousse throughout your wet locks. You can also use a root-lifter to give it the added boost. 
2.  Blow-Dry your hair with a round-brush, giving it the maximum amount of volume.
3. Using a 1" curling-iron, curl the ends of the hair loosely. 
4.  Back-comb the top sections of your hair and then gently smooth it back as you pull it into your pony-tail. 
5.  Finish the look by using your favorite hair-spray to tame any fly-aways and keep hair in place all day. 

 I love her whole look. A heavy-lined eye with a matte pink lip and those to-die-for emerald earrings. She looked very retro-glam. 

Food for the Soul.

“Do me a favor… Stand up, walk to wherever the nearest window is, and just look outside. You may not know this, but there’s an entire planets-worth of summers, friends, sunsets, street lamps, songs, late nights, great films, and night skies waiting for you. Your life is as amazing as you want it to be, but first, you have to let it be that way.”

-chad sug

image: Rose Hardy... poem via peace.love.bellavita

Today, I rejoice.

Introducing....

As some of you may know, I have an obsession with Bobbi Brown. 

So imagine my excitement when I opened up my e-mail and saw the revealing of Bobbi's new spring line,

PEONY & PYTHON COLLECTION.

oh. my. gosh.

HEAVEN.

Just when I feel like I am going to die if I have one more day of winter...

the heavens open and present me with this. 

There IS hope for Spring!! 

You are gonna love this....

Bobbi teamed up with the amazing label TIBI and created this magnificent color palette. 

Lavender & grey.

Soft & Pretty...

Meets edgy and sophisticated.

"This collection is inspired by my favorite flower - peonies. Paired with grey, it's a modern take on spring beauty."             - Bobbi Brown {Peonies are MY favorite flower TOO!! I knew I loved her! }

Rich Lip Color

SPF 12

Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara

This carrying case is amazing. 

And Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks.

For info. on the whole collection, click HERE.

Also,

Check out THIS video of the making of Peony & Python.

Hurry quick if you want this! Peony & Python is a LIMITED EDITION item.