No-Sew DIY High-Waisted Bikini

Last year I wrote a post on how to create your own high-waisted bikini. This post has become one of my favorites and most shared, but a lot of people were curious if there was a no-sew version. So after lots of glue research, I found a way to recreate this look without picking up a needle and thread. 

You'll need:

• A one-piece suit (I found mine at Old Navy)

• Fabric glue

• Scissors

Step 1: Cut the one-piece suit an inch or two below the underwire.

Step 2: Fold the suit over and use your glue to adhere the fabric in place. If your suit has ruching on the sides you can use binder clips to hold it in place while it dries.

Step 3: Wait for your glue to dry and rock your new high-waisted bikini on the beach!

It’s awesome to see this flattering, vintage style becoming more popular and available in stores. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and be sure to check out my new blog, Larch & Loon. 

No-Sew Heart Clutch DIY

Last week I showed you guys how to make an embellished tee with items from the clearance rack. I used the same approach with this no-sew heart clutch. I found the red purse at Old Navy for $5 and the black cosmetic bag at Forever 21 for $7. So for just over $10 I had a new purse, just in time for Valentine's Day. 

The best part about this DIY is that it's no-sew. I didn't bring my sewing machine out to Washington so I've been getting crafty with my glue gun.

Step 1 - Make a heart stencil

Step 2 - Trace your stencil

Step 3 - Cut out your heart

Step 4 - Glue that sucker on

Step 5 - Rock your new clutch

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and be sure to check out my new blog, Larch & Loon. 

DIY Chain Embellished T-shirt

I'd been on the hunt for a tee with embellished shoulders for months without any luck so I decided to take matters into my own hands! Thanks to some discount jewelry from H&M and Forever 21, this only ended up costing $10 (shirt included). The clearance rack is one of my favorite places to shop for DIY projects. I also picked up a pair of white pleather shorts for another project I'm working on. Stay tuned to see what those will turn into!

All you'll need for this quick craft is a t-shirt, a cheap necklace, needle-nose pliers, scissors, a needle and thread. Simply shorten pieces of the necklace to your desired length, fasten together and sew onto the shoulders of the tee. Simple as that! 

DIY Halloween Costumes You'll Want to Wear Again

Are you guys as obsessed with ModCloth as I am? They recently published a post on how you can dress for Halloween if you don't like costumes. Personally, i LOVE costumes, but this inspired me to put together some costume ideas that don't make you feel like you're playing dress up. Bonus: You can totally wear these pieces again!

Meow We're Talking Tights $17.99, You and Meow Forever Heels $64.99 , Claws for Celebration Headband $14.99, Suave Dress $49.99

Spook Your Mind Tee $34.99, Records Before Breakfast Skirt $49.99, Liquid Eyeliner $7.99, Carpal Diem Bracelet $14.99, Generation X-ray Socks $19.99

Extravagant Evening Dress $219.99, Gatsby Green Light Necklace $39.99, Decadence on Air Earrings $19.99

Looking for more ideas? Check out some of my favorites from last year. 

DIY No-Sew Felt Peter Pan Collar Necklace

Has anyone else been super into peter pan collars lately? Every time I browse ModCloth (which is EVERY day) I see another item with this vintage touch.

Revamp a simple neckline by adding a peter pan collar! All you'll need is some felt, ribbon and a glue gun. No sewing involved.

Start by tracing the desired shape onto your felt. I did mine freehand but Angus Yornet has an easy pattern you can use. Then, adhere the ribbon with your glue gun. Guess what? That's it! I told you it was easy. Wear alone or add a broach like I did above.

DIY High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms (+ Tankini Revamp)

High-waisted bikinis are making a comeback this year! Before you head to the mall or purchase online, consider revamping an old one-piece you already have.


All you need is an old suit or two, your machine (or you can hand stitch) and half an hour. If you're not good with a needle, check out my new no-sew version!

Simply cut your one-piece horizontally, pin and zig-zag stitch (to account for the stretch). If your suit doesn't have much stretch left you'll want to insert elastic or add darts. Do the same for the top and voilà! 

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and be sure to check out my new blog, Larch & Loon. 

Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

With Halloween right around the corner it's time you choose your fate - I mean your costume. But in all seriousness choosing your costume can be a big deal, especially if you are on a budget. Why not create your costumes out of clothing you already own? Or at least pieces you'll wear again? Here's three easy looks you can create for cheap.

Steal Mary Poppin's style with these pieces from Forever 21.

White Blouse $13.99, Ruffled Umbrella $9.80, Black Hat $14.80, Faux Leather Bow $3.80, Knee-length skirt $6.80

Get Audrey Hepburn's New York look with a tank dress, collared necklace, and heels from ASOS. Add a pair of shades and a cigarette holder and you're ready for a costume party!

Little Black Dress $33.75 (Sold Out Similar $35.60), Chunky Jeweled Collar $22.78, Black Peep Toe Heels $16.88

Another quick costume? Sandy from Grease. You probably have most of these items in your closet but if not Charlotte Russe has them for cheap! 

Shoes $32.50, Liquid Black Leggings $12.50, Moto Jacket $36.99, Off-the-shoulder Top $10

Hopefully this post got your creative juices flowing! What are you going to be this year? Tell me in the comments below and be sure to check out my new blog, Larch & Loon. 

Who isn't obsessed with Mindy?

If you know me you know I have a huge girl crush on Mindy Kaling. Specifically her character in the Mindy Project, Dr. Lahiri. Her quirky one-liners and her shameless love of food and romantic comedies make my heart skip a beat.

So just in case you are as obsessed with Mindy as I am and want to dress exactly like her I've provided a budget style guide to tonight's episode "The Other Dr. L."

While attempting to move the new Dr. L out of her office Mindy rocks this amazing Diane von Furstenberg dress and star print blouse. 

To get this look for less pair this starry top (Forever 21, $13.99) with ASOS pencil dress with ponte panels ($44.72.) 

Mindy's shawl collared leather jacket is one of my favorite pieces she's worn, too bad it's $900!

Luckily you can buy a similar Jack by BB Dakota jacket and a River Island cut out bodycon dress for 10% of the price of that jacket!

And last but not least, Mindy's look from the opening scene:

All you need is a can of Reddi-Wip!

Now go out an rep your new Mindy style!

Kittson Opens on Main

A couple months ago I mentioned that Kittson was coming to Fargo and since that day I've been stalking their Facebook page, waiting for them to announce their grand opening. Today is finally that day!

Located at 610 Main Ave (next to LOT 2029), Kittson carries fun and trendy pieces with skinny price tags! From bold statement pieces to simple tees and tanks, Kittson has something for everyone. Currently they have a lot of maxi dresses and fun jewelry, but tomorrow could be another story as they receive new items daily. I saw a lot of cute things today, but I think this Paint splattered dress ($42) was my favorite:

It's so exciting to see more and more shops popping up downtown...and just in time for the street fair! What other new shops have you checked out lately?

Five Sites for Trendy and Affordable Fashion

Hello budget-friendly shoppers! Everyone loves that feeling you get when you score a sweet deal, right? Well today I'm going to tell you about 5 sites where you can get cute, trendy clothing on a budget. These online stores are perfect for when you don't feel like joining the swarms of people at the mall and trying stuff on!

1. ASOS
Looking for the best prices on brilliant brands? Shop ASOS. This UK based store has both trendy clothing and classic pieces. Their regular prices tend to be a little high for me, but their outlet has amazing deals! The best part? Free international shipping AND returns!

2. Tobi
I recently discovered Tobi and have since placed like 5 orders from there - oops! They have tons of cute tops and dresses, most around $30 - $60. They are a members only online store, but signing up for an account is super quick and easy. Plus, new members get 50% off their first order! And on top of that, new arrivals are always 30% off!

3. Impressions
I came across Impressions Boutique on Pinterest about 6 months ago and have been hooked every since. They have a brick and mortar store in Fayetteville, AR, but most of their orders are placed online. They specialize in cheap and chic blouses and dresses and are always restocking your favorites. 

4. Francesca's
Francesca's also started as a stand alone boutique and in just over 10 years has expanded to over 350 locations in 45 states! Need I say more?

5. A-thread
Another recent find of mine is a-thread. Not only do they have adorable clothing and accessories, they also give back. With every purchase, a-thread donates 5% to a non-profit of your choice.

Happy shopping!


Check out my new blog, Larch & Loon. 

LOT 2029 Brings Bright, Fun Fashion to Downtown Fargo

It's official. LOT 2029 is finally open in Fargo! If you're like me, you've been (im)patiently waiting for this day since you first peeked into their store windows. If you're not like me, then let me tell you more!

LOT 2029 is a little boutique, originally from Bismarck, now with a second location in Downtown Fargo. They carry budget friendly fashion, gifts, and accessories. Here are some of my favorites:

     

    Lora Maxi Dress, $39 

     In & Out Purse, $35

Next time you're Downtown, stop by LOT 2029 - they are located on Main Ave near One World Imports and Rhombus Guys. Not in the area? Shop online! LOT2029.com offers free shipping on orders over $75.

Coming soon...Kittson Boutique!

DIY: Boxers to Head Wrap

I was out thrifting the other day, looking for Valentine's decor and came across these heart print boxers:

Cute, but I don't wear boxers. Since they were only 99 cents I figured I'd find a DIY project for the fabric someday. Today was that day!

All I did was cut a piece of fabric approximately 24 inches long by 6 inches wide and sew it together. Here's how it turned out:

Perfect for Valentine's Day!

Another fun Vday DIY? Heart garland

Target Holiday Gift Guide

If you say you don’t like Target, you’re a liar. Call me obsessed, but it’s what I imagine Heaven will be like. So when my friend Megan told me about the Instagram account @targetdoesitagain I was overcome with joy. The ladies of Target Does it Again post photos of all the amazing and affordable clothing and home décor you can find at Target. They inspired me to put together a last minute Target gift guide. I hope you enjoy it!

Target’s Neiman Marcus Collection has tons of great gifts! And the entire collection is 50% off!

One of my favorite items from the collection, these Tracy Reese Dessert Plates. They are perfect for your friend that loves to host parties and are sure to add charm to any get-together. $19.99

Another great gift item from the collection is this Oscar de la Renta Pet Collar. Anyone that spoils their furry friend will love it. Plus with the 50% off it's very reasonably priced, $19.99 for the set.

Speaking of pets, we all know a crazy cat lady, right? I know a few. And I know for a fact that if I bought them this mug, they'd love it. In stores only, $6.99.

A girl can never have too many nail polishes! Sometimes I buy the polish not for the color, but for the name. Below are berry naughty, a cut above, and penny talk by Essie. All are $7.79 in store.

Another gift that any girl would enjoy: scarves. Target has hundreds (not exaggerating) to choose from. 

Now I dare you to go to Target without buying one of these items for yourself! Please share any other great Target gifts in the comments below!

DIY: Hipster Snow White Halloween Costume

In case you didn't know, I'm a huge social media nerd. That's why I really wanted to be a meme for Halloween this year. I thought about being McKayla Maroney (being not amused), or Madam Secretary (Hilary Clinton), but both seemed kind of hard to carry out. I was about to give up on the idea when my friend Ashleigh suggested we be Hipster Disney Princesses. I was all about it.

It was a given that'd I'd be Snow White since I have short dark hair and fair skin. My costume was really easy to make and very inexpensive since I already owned most of the materials.

To make the top, I took a blue t-shirt that I already had and glued red ribbons to the sleeves. I purchased the skirt at Gap for less than $5 on clearance and the bow at Walmart for $1.

To add the "hipster" element, I wore glasses that I had already owned from zenni optical. They have perscription glasses for as low as $6.95! The vest and boots were items form my closet. You could incorporate other elements like a plaid shirt or denim vest instead.

Our signs were obviously handmade, too. I spent a total of $6 on my costume. My friend Ash went as Hipster Arial, and put her costume together for pretty cheap, too.

Most people thought our costume were hilarious, but some people were really confused! The best part was running into other memes like Scumbag Steve and Bad Luck Brian!

DIY: American Flag Shorts

My roommate and I were shopping the other day and found some awesome American flag shorts at Victoria's Secret. They were perfect for the 4th of July - too bad they were $59. I wasn't willing to pay that much for a pair of shorts I probably wouldn't wear that often. Hence, a DIY project was born.

All you need is an old pair of shorts, fabric paint, a paintbrush, and a stencil (i made mine out of paper). I chose to use blue and red paint since my shorts were so light in color. If you have darker denim, I'd recommend using white and red paint.

I started with the stripes.

I wanted a rougher look to mine, so I didn't worry too much about making the lines perfect.

Then, trace your star stencil.

Paint around the lines.

Let them dry overnight. I washed mine in the sink the first time in case they bled some of the paint.
Here is the finished product! Pretty patriotic, huh?


If you have any questions feel free to post them in the comments!