Gift Idea: Painted Leather Wallet

I made these adorable wallets for my friends for Christmas, and I am planning on making a few more for birthday presents in the next few months. They make a sweet present that is both inexpensive and quick but also personal and individualized. All you need is a leather (or faux leather) good, and some acrylic paints.

The inspiration for this post comes from Anna of Rifle Paper Co, who decked out her kate spade bag with flowers for the kate spade fashion show, and then Martha Stewart magazine, who enlisted her help in creating this template and project.

First, you will need a leather good. For my friend April, I chose a Fossil wallet. These are a decent price and good quality!

You can also use a cheaper bag! I bought this Old Navy bag for a future product, and it is super cute and 20% off right now!

Then you will need some acrylic paints. I chose Martha Stewart craft paints in Pale Bronze, Gold, and Turquoise. I also finished it off with some gold Sharpie paint pens.

Finally, paint your leather good. I hand-painted mine with a small brush, but you could also use a stencil. 

Have you ever tried decorating a leather good? Let me know how it goes!

Chanel Haute Couture: Spring 2015

Spring is in the air!

Even though it is still January, the bright skies and sunny forecasts in North Carolina have been giving me false hopes for spring. A girl can dream, can't she?

Chanel Haute Couture for Spring 2015 isn't helping either. I just want to douse myself in sunshine, fresh flowers, and fresh produce.

Until then, I can simply enjoy the delicate abundance of the Chanel Spring show.

Here are a few of my favorite looks:

Even though it's still January, I hope you will use this as inspiration for your week... dress up a black ensemble with a bright, punchy pink lip, or add some colorful flats to your winter white dress.

Then pray for spring!

Inspired by Timeless Elegance

What are you feeling inspired by?

Today, I'm reveling in the (old news) Céline campaign featuring Joan Didion. Although bloggers and fashion mavens are calling Céline a trailblazer in advertising by using a nonagenarian for their central campaign, I think that the image speaks for itself in its simple elegance and style.

As I get older, I am gravitating farther away from trends (and thankfully, out of my stripes and Sperrys phase). Now, when I put together an outfit, it usually consists of clean, perfect lines, great material, and one or two perfect accessories. 

In reverence of Joan, here is my ultimate, elegant ensemble for day or night, perfect for classes or the mall, or even a lazy Sunday brunch.

Valentine's Day Elegance

Black and red by torytrom featuring cateye glasses

J Crew summer sweater
jcrew.com

Kate Spade envelope clutch
katespade.com

Illesteva cateye glasses
$325 - net-a-porter.com

NARS Cosmetics matte red lipstick
$29 - liberty.co.uk

Ballerina Cendrillon, Repetto : Cendrillon Women , Ballerina...
$315 - repetto.com

Mini-Makeover #2: Glowing Winter Skin

I just got home for winter break and the Northern weather is already taking a toll on me.

You don't realize just how gloomy and sad it is up North until the sun sets at 4:00 pm, you're hungry for dinner at 4:30 p.m, and ready for bed by 7:00. 

The weather isn't even festive yet; it hasn't snowed, so everyday the frost turns the brown dirt crunchy underneath your boots, and the gray trees rattle in the woods next to my house.

It's a little depressing.

Another negative of being in the North in the winter is the dry winter air. I walk outside and my hair had a million flyaways, my lips get chapped, and my hands start to peel.

Today, I'm going to share a secret for getting that glowy, dewy, impossibly moisturized skin.

Oil. 

Yes, I'm going to say it again.

Oil.

I know it is very contradictory and scary to smear oil all over your face, but I'm telling you, it's the secret to getting soft, break-out free, healthy winter (and year round!) skin.

Want to learn more about how oil helps your skin? And which oil to buy for your skin?

Check out what Lauren has to say over at Naked Truth Beauty!

Currently, I'm using coconut oil on my face at night (a few dabs), and argan oil on my face during the day. However, I would like to switch over to Jojoba Oil soon ($8 at Trader Joe's) because it mimics your skin's natural sebum the closest.

Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil

So far my skin has actually cleared up a LOT, and I notice that the texture and color of my skin has improved a lot. 

Josie Maran Argan Oil

Take it from me, if you want soft, clear, touchable skin in the harsh winter weather, start putting oil on your face!

What is your experience with skin oil or the oil cleansing method?

Mini-Makeover #1: The Lob

I know I'm not the only one who feels burned out, lethargic, and exhausted at the beginning of winter.

Having just finished finals (three final exams and a seven page French paper on GMOs... in French) I probably spent 50+ hours in the library over 5 days. I am tired, grumpy, breaking out, and stressed. 

One of the best things to recharge your spirit and transform your mood as we prepare for the long winter ahead is a mini-makeover. Over the next couple of days, I will be posting a few different ways to freshen up your look so that you can have a bright, dazzling holiday season.


Mini-Makeover #1: The Lob

I have to brag and say that I was on the lob wagon way before LC, Taylor Swift, and Karlie Kloss. When I cut my hair to a collarbone-grazing lob this past summer, I instantly fell in love with how easy and stylish the look was. My previously long brown hair had hung in frazzled ends down my back, and my fear of cutting it had erased any potential for it to look decent.

Once I cut my hair, I instantly felt lighter, my hair felt bouncier, and I got tons of compliments.

Take my advice and cut your hair! 

You will not regret it! 

If you need help asking your stylist for exactly what you want, take a hint from The Beauty Department and tell your stylist, "I would love a collar-bone length lob with texture though out. A tiiiiiiny bit shorter in the back than in the front.”

Here's a few different styles to consider when you're looking to go for the chop!

Hi!

Hi! I'm Tory. I am starting this blog as a way to catalogue the beautiful little moments in each 

day that make life full, vibrant, and dazzling.

I am envisioning it as a place for the (dozens) of DIYs that I undertake, the countless cookies, 

cakes, and smoothies that I make, and also a place where fashion and a penchant for 

beauty is appreciated. A few facts about me to start:

1. I am from Massachusetts, but I currently attend college in North Carolina.

2. My favorite color is yellow.

3. I love music; my favorite bands are Andrew Belle, Tegan and Sara, and fun.

4. I am a vegan.

5. I love baking, cooking, and making presents for my friends and family.

What are 5 facts about you?

xoxo,

Tory