Pink Paris Party

I don’t usually gush too much over super-duper girly things, but you guys, this gorgeous Pink Paris Party is seriously making my heart sing.  This first birthday celebration was for the niece of the mighty talented Jilli of Mia Bella Photography, who was kind enough to let me share these photos.  I am in love with the ultra girliness of this beautiful party – the combination of Eiffel Towers with feathers and polka dots is swoon-worthy.

I love that the dessert table was kept simple.  When you have a cake this beautiful, no other sweets are necessary.  The birthday girl’s smash cake matches the top tier of the birthday cake, switching out the Eiffel Tower for the number one.  Framed photos of the birthday girl in matching black, white, and pink frames personalizes the cake table.

Pink tulle topiaries on the cake table and as centerpieces on the tables, set off with the same pink and black feathers and silver Eiffel Towers, ties all of the tables together.   Black and pink chevron straws are perfect for pink punch, and what party guest wouldn’t be happy taking home a poodle and Eiffel Tower goodie bag?

To see more pictures from this beautiful pink Paris party, including the smash cake photos of this adorable birthday sweetie, check out the full album on Mia Bella’s Facebook page.

Happy party planning, DIY’ers!

~julee~

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Sponsor Spotlight: Suzanne Carillo

Blog ~ Etsy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter 

Hi! I'm Suzanne from Suzanne Carillo Style Files and Simply Creative. 

I'm a newbie-ish style blogger that likes to write about serious life threatening issues, like the infamous and illusive Canadian Tuxedo  or the Bachelor's tongue.  Interspersed between my serious views of pop culture and current events are outfit posts of my, what I've been told in a most polite way, is my "quirky one-of-a-kind" style (I hope that's a good thing) a few DIYs and whatever else I happen to be working on that day. I am just finishing a weekly series on my Top Ten Wardrobe Fundamentals , the most important items to have in your wardrobe.



Although my fashion blogging started just over a year ago I've been a designer/illustrator for many years. My company Bisous - pronounced b-zoo, means little kisses in French, manufactured scrapbooking products and supplies for the craft industry. I continue to design digital products for Memory Mixer scrapbooking and I design art stamps for Art Gone Wild. 



And since all of that isn't quite enough I also sell original cards, digital scrapbooking and one-of-a-kind-wearable art pieces through my Etsy store Simply Creative. Last, but certainly not least, I am available for personal styling services.



Come on over, take a peek, say hi, chill a bit and let's get to know each other. 

bisous
Suzanne

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Shop Local: The Hanger

The Hanger is a new boutique in Louisville located in The Highlands, and I recently had the pleasure of stopping into the shop and chatting with owner Amanda Hinds.

The Hanger girls are Amanda and Frances and they specialize in designing and creating custom-fit clothing for women of all shapes and sizes, with a motto of We make clothes in sizes Y-O-U. 

Check out their Facebook Albums for a sample of some of the custom dresses and clothing pieces they make.  I am seriously so in love with so many pieces from their October Lookbook!  I think many women can appreciate wanting to have the perfect dress or pair of pants that is tailor-made to fit the uniqueness of their body.  The Hanger gals are able to create custom stylish pieces for anyone, at affordable prices.

 This Kate dress is one of The Hanger’s most popular designs.  Its beautiful wrap style is flattering on every body shape.

 

The Hanger also sells handmade items from local artists and crafters. I was excited to see Miss Happy Pink’s art and other accessories from D.I.Y. Louisville members for sale in the shop. Amanda and Frances share a vision of creating and supporting handmade in our community.  Handmade supporting handmade – that’s what I love to see. 



You can find more information on custom clothing orders by visiting The Hanger on Facebook.  Liking their page is the best way to stay up to date on sales, promotions, and new merchandise.  The Hanger gift certificates make perfect stocking stuffers.  I know that I’m adding one to my wishlist this year!

Want to see more of what The Hanger gals have to offer?  Check out this video:

Happy handmade shopping, DIY’ers!

 

~julee~

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Wear It: Purple Pants with Mia Bella Photography

 

This is our final week with Mia Bella Photography.  It’s been so much fun having my outfits professionally photographed that I think we should all send notes of love and admiration to the very talented lady behind the camera and beg of her to continue photographing our outfits each week.  You with me?

 

In the past few weeks you’ve seen me play with color, get dressy, and go vintage, but for my final outfit I chose to dress down in a casual every day look.  I love to pull on a fun, flirty dress or skirt, but the truth is that 80% of the time I’m donning a pair of comfortable jeans.  Usually they’re of the blue variety, but like everyone else, I am digging colored jeans lately.  For me, I’m particularly digging these purple jeans.

 

What do you think?  Are you a colored jean fan?

 

Top:  TJMaxx

Purple Jeans & Tank:  Target

Shoes:  Franco Sarto, thrifted

Purse:  Vintage, thrifted

Yellow Wooden Ring:  Uncommon Handmade

Earrings:  Handmade by me
Necklace:  c/o Buttons by Becky  

 

I highly encourage you to take a peek at Mia Bella Photography and the Mia Bella Facebook page, and hit the LIKE button while you’re there. She updates her page daily with amazing photos from her photoshoots, and if you’re a Louisville local, she also updates session openings and special pricing opportunities. For a limited time, she is giving a free 10x13 image when you book a session and mention DIY. Mia Bella specializes in senior, family, and newborn portraits. I’m thinking she should also go into the fashion blogger market.

~julee~

 

Kim and I post our outfits here to show off our thrifty and handmade wears. Plus, we like cute clothes. We link up each week with The Pleated Poppy, Whatever Whenever Wednesday, Not Dead Yet Style, Real Girl Style and Casual Friday with a bunch of other bloggers in blogland doing the same crazy stuff we are. If you're dropping in today, please say HI! in the comments - we'd love to come check out your blog!



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Wearing Vintage with Mia Bella Photography

 

This is the third outfit in our series with Mia Bella Photography.  For my first outfit, I chose an everyday true-to-me style.  For my second outfit, I picked out a classy look without an expensive price tag.  For my third outfit, I chose a classic vintage look.

 

I love vintage pieces, but wearing many of the vintage styles isn’t very practical for my lifestyle.  So, when I come across vintage clothing on my treasure hunts, I feel it’s good karma to leave those pieces on the rack for the next vintage lover to come along and sell on etsy claim.

 

However, this 1950’s style vintage dress that fit me like a glove for $5 could not be put back on the rack.  Nope, no way.  I’m thinking I scored the deal of the century.

 

 

Dress:  Vintage, thrifted

Belt:  Thrifted

Purse:  Vintage, thrifted

Shoes:  Target

Necklace:  Vintage, gift from my mom

Earrings:  Handmade by Kim

 

I highly encourage you to take a peek at Mia Bella Photography and the Mia Bella Facebook page, and hit the LIKE button while you’re there.  She updates her page daily with amazing photos from her photoshoots, and if you’re a Louisville local, she also updates session openings and special pricing opportunities.  For a limited time, she is giving a free 10x13 image when you book a session and mention DIY.  Mia Bella specializes in senior, family, and newborn portraits.  I’m thinking she should also go into the fashion blogger market.

How do you feel about wearing vintage clothes?  Do you ever find any amazing vintage buys?

~julee~

 

Kim and I post our outfits here to show off our thrifty and handmade wears. Plus, we like cute clothes. We link up each week with The Pleated Poppy, Whatever Whenever Wednesday, Not Dead Yet Style, Real Girl Style and Casual Friday with a bunch of other bloggers in blogland doing the same crazy stuff we are. If you're dropping in today, please say HI! in the comments - we'd love to come check out your blog!

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What We Wore with Mia Bella Photography

I am so excited to share the second What We Wore outfit in our series with Mia Bella Photography.   You can check out the fun photo shoot from last week HERE. 

I highly encourage you to check out more beautiful images on Mia Bella Photography’s website and Facebook page.  See the bottom of this post for a special offer for D.I.Y. Louisville readers.
 

Last week I wore an outfit that was right on par with the way I dress most days of the week for school, work, or coffee with friends.  For this week, however, I took advantage of my photography day with Jilli to wear something a little less casual.  I’ve been in love with similar pleated, feminine skirts for so long, so when I found this one on the Target clearance rack recently, I snagged it for $11.
I paired it with a vintage silver clutch that once belonged to my mom (thanks mom!), and a handmade silver chain necklace and rose quartz bracelet by Robin Chard.

Shirt:  Old Navy

Skirt & Wedges:  Target

Denim Jacket:  DKNY (old)

Earrings:  Handmade by Kim

Silver Necklace & Rose Quartz Bracelet:  Handmade by Robin Chard

Silver Clutch:  Vintage, gift

 

Kim and I post our outfits here to show off our thrifty and handmade wears. Plus, we like cute clothes. We link up each week with The Pleated Poppy and Whatever Whenever Wednesday and Not Dead Yet Style and Casual Friday with a bunch of other bloggers in blogland doing the same crazy stuff we are. If you're dropping in today, please say HI! in the comments - we'd love to come check out your blog! 

I’m trying to figure out how else I can wear this skirt into the fall and winter.  Black tights?  A blazer?  (Ok, so I don't even own a blazer.)  Any suggestions?

 

~julee~  

 

Would you like to book your own session with Mia Bella Photography?  Mia Bella Photography specializes in senior, family, and newborn portraits.  If you’re a Louisville local, Mia Bella Photography is including a free 10x13 image when you book a photo session and mention DIY.  Visit Mia Bella Photography for all the information you need to book a photo session today.  This is a limited time offer, so hurry!

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What We Wore with Mia Bella Photography

We are so excited to be partnering with Mia Bella Photography to bring our What We Wore outfit photos for the next few weeks.  Mia Bella Photography has long been a sponsor of D.I.Y. Louisville, creating our amazing blog banner and promotional photographs.  Kim and I are big fans of the beautiful images captured by Jilli Worth and we have cheered along throughout this year as her dream job and photography business have taken flight.  I highly encourage you to check out more beautiful images on Mia Bella Photography’s website and Facebook page.

 

Sweaters worn over my summer dresses are my favorite way extend their wear into fall.  We all know I love a good cardigan, but lately I’m loving the look of a chunkier sweater over dresses.  I’m also loving that the yummy selection of colored tights are plentiful this year.

 

 

Dress:  Target Brand, thrifted

Sweater:  Target

Tights:  Target

Belt: Thrifted

Boots:  Old Navy, thrifted

Vintage Locket:  My Grandmother’s

Bracelets:  Claires

Handmade Wooden Ring:  Uncommon Handmade

 

Kim and I post our outfits here to show off our thrifty and handmade wears. Plus, we like cute clothes. We link up each week with The Pleated Poppy and Whatever Whenever Wednesday and Not Dead Yet Style with a bunch of other bloggers in blogland doing the same crazy stuff we are. If you're dropping in today, please say HI! in the comments - we'd love to come check out your blog!

Do you try to extend the wear of your summer dresses into fall?  Are you loving the colored tights/leggings trend this fall?

~julee~

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Sponsor Spotlight & Giveaway: Miss Happy Pink

We are so excited to introduce you to our friend and local Louisville artist, Miss Happy Pink!  Miss Happy Pink is seriously one of the sweetest gals we have met in a long time, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share her art with you plus a fabulous giveaway (!!).
 

To learn more about Miss Happy Pink, check out our interview below, plus watch the adorable video that shows Miss Happy Pink working on her screen print collection.  How can you not love Mr. Moustache Cat?  Don’t forget to submit your entry in the giveaway below!
 

Website ~ Shop ~ Facebook

Once upon a time, there was a girl who liked to create cute things. She doodled, sewed, made, created, and covered things in glitter. Then she met a boy and fell in love. He inspired her and encouraged her to share her smiles with the world. MissHappyPink: For People Who Like to Smile.

We asked Miss Happy Pink a few questions, and here is what she told us:

I'm really excited about my new fall prints! They will be available between mid to late October. Also, me and my fiancé, Angryblue, are working on our first collaboration together! It will debut at Ultra-Pop's Halloween-themed group show (Things That Go BUMP in the Night) on October 20th. 

The most challenging aspect of running my own business is time & money; There is never enough of either. There is always so much to do not only professionally, but personally, so finding a balance between them is key. When you run your own business, you never stop working. You're always brainstorming, coming up with new ideas and thinking about ways to change or evolve. The hard part is making it all happen within your budget. You learn to get creative and that's where DIY get's it's name! 

Something silly about me:  I'm terrified of moose. I collect Hello Kitty everything. I feel naked if my toenails aren't painted. I sometimes eat ice cream for dinner because I'm an adult and I can. My art can be purchased online at www.misshappypink.com and locally in Louisville there are a few stores that carry some of my work: Ultra-Pop, WHY Louisville, Hey Tiger and The Hanger.

 

Are you ready for this fabulous giveaway?  One lucky winner will win this set of Handmade & Create screen prints from Miss Happy Pink!  They will look like this and this hanging in the perfect creative spot in your home!  Stinkin’ cute and perfectly inspirational!

PLUS the lucky winner will also receive a one month sponsor spot on D.I.Y. Louisville for the month of November, including all of the perks that comes along with being one of our sponsors!  This is a great way to have your blog or indie business seen by over 13,000 monthly visitors on D.I.Y. Louisville!

Use the rafflecopter below to submit your entries.  You may choose to do any or all of the options to increase your chances on winning.  Open to all!  U.S. and International!  Miss Happy Pink is awesome like that!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


*One winner will be chosen at random and will be notified by email on Saturday, October 6, 2012.  Winner will have 48hours to claim their prize.  If prize is not claimed within 48hours, a new winner will be chosen.

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Artist Spotlight: Freaked Out ‘n Small

One look through Colleen’s Freaked Out ‘n Small blog and etsy shop and it’ll be easy to know why we’re so smitten with her and her adorable crafts.  No joke, the candy corn pom pom’s practically make us want to die from cuteness.  But we’re not the only ones who love Colleen’s poms:  a large custom order for her fall colored poms turned out to be the perfect splash of color to to spice up  the outdoor décor at Matthew McConaughey's recent wedding.  Pretty awesome, right?  Read more about Colleen, her work, and her crafty challenges below:

Blog ~ Etsy ~ Facebook

Hello there! I'm Colleen, a born and raised California girl that moved to Kentucky 2 years ago with my Mister and band of misfit animals. Freaked Out 'n Small is my teeny corner of the universe where I write about our adventures here in the country, share my latest food obsessions, and generally embarrass myself by showing off my attempts at craftiness!

I actually found myself with quite a bit of time on my hands a couple of years ago after being laid off from my job in California. I decided to try my hand at crafting and I became incredibly addicted to making pom poms and simply didn't have enough room in my house (or my friend's houses) for all the ones I was making! I had already been accepting custom doll orders through my blog, so I thought I would combine the two under etsy!

What is your favorite thing about running your business/etsy shop? I can't lie. I get the biggest kick out of knowing that I made something someone wants to own!!! Does that count? I mean, making my own hours and whatnot is really, really awesome....but honestly, nothing beats knowing that someone values my work!

What is the most challenging aspect of your work? I'm new to the world of small business owners, so just about every aspect is challenging at the moment! Probably the most challenging aspects though, have been marketing and my own physical limitations. Figuring out how to market my wares is something I am still learning to navigate, and frankly there's only so many poms poms my little hands will make each day before they cramp up and just stop working.

What are you currently working on? The holiday season is coming up - that seems to be the busiest time for me so I've been working on plenty of items to stock in the shop as well as getting even more creative with my pom pom garland. So, along with the Candy Corn Garland there should be some fun new additions to the shop in the next week! I've also been working on a custom doll for a friend that is expecting her first child this coming December!

 

A big thanks to Colleen for sharing about herself and her craft with us!  We love our D.I.Y. Louisville sponsors!  (To find out how you can sponsor us, read HERE.)

~julee~ & --kim

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Sponsor Spotlight: Buttons by Becky

Buttons by Becky

For the past few weeks I have had the pleasure of working with Becky of Buttons by Becky on a special button order for the D.I.Y. Louisville Craft Collective.  When I went to pick up our order, I was amazed at all of the accessory options Becky has available for her buttons: necklaces, earrings, key chains, flip flop bedazzles, badge reels, zipper pulls, hair pins – literally, anything you can think of!  Becky has books full of images that can be turned into buttons, but she can also make custom orders from your images.  This is great for sports groups or schools that are looking for unique logo fundraiser items.  Check out the Buttons by Becky Facebook page to see pictures of the many buttons Becky has created.

My favorite item in her shop is this interchangeable magnetic necklace.  I’ve been wearing it nearly daily since I received it.  With this necklace, you have almost endless possibilities for matching your accessories to any outfit.  If you want to change the color or the style, you just snap on a new button and you instantly have a new, coordinating accessory.  And even if you don’t have the perfect button design for your outfit, the medallion can be worn flipped around showing the etched bird and branch design on the back.  So versatile! 

You can see that I picked out a set of Fleur de Lis buttons for my necklace, but you can bet that I’ll be adding more button tops to my collection soon. 

Becky sells her buttons at many craft and art shows locally, but she also takes custom mail orders. Rumor has it that her next venture includes etched leather bracelets. I can’t wait to see what new designs she has in store!

~julee~

Sharing my magnetic necklace as my favorite thing this week on Silly Happy Sweet.

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Sponsor Spotlight: It’s Paper Dear

It’s Paper Dear ~ Blog ~ Etsy

A monthly subscription service for altered journalists, scrappers,  and paper lovers in general?  You bet’cha!  It’s Paper Dear is just that, and much more.  Zie Darling, the creator of It’s Paper Dear, has a talent for turning collections of  bits and paper into adorable pieces of art.  Not only can you purchase a monthly paper box filled with your own lovely paper bits and pieces, but you can follow along with Zie Darling as she shares how she creates her altered journal.  Her work is beautiful, inspiring, and full of great ideas.

What kinds of things can you expect to find in the It’s Paper Dear monthly box?  Pens, journals, tapes, note cards, recipe cards, stickers, vintage papers and much, much more!  Check out the FAQ page HERE for more information and pricing.

Zie  wants to share with you a sample of some of the papers her subscribers can expect in their boxes, so she has created an adorable recipe/journaling card that is available for free download HERE.  Once you see how delightful her artwork is, I know you’ll want to start your own subscription service to It’s Paper Dear right away!

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