Why we disappeared off the face of the earth....

Well. It's been a while. An embarrassingly long while, actually.

What happened was....Liz and I both kinda had the craziest 2013. After our fall semester ended, I went into graduation/what am I going to do with the rest of my life mode. Liz went into wedding mode.

So here are some pictures of what all went down this year.

Liz became Elizabeth Taylor. I am not kidding. She's really Elizabeth Taylor now.

How freaking cool is it that one of my best friends in the world is Elizabeth Taylor? I geek out about her name basically always.

I became a college grad with a degree in Communications: Public Relations and Advertising.

I'm now using that degree working for an arts and culture nonprofit in the famously hot Columbia, South Carolina. And even though I hate heat, I love that I'm surrounded by the arts every day. I listen to a lot of Etta James, The Rat Pack, and Norah Jones every day at work. My heart is happy.

I moved away from home and now have a lovely little apartment in the suburbs (I love cities but living in one stresses me out. I like quiet and trees.)

And....here is the biggest news...I'll be sharing that apartment with a boy in January. Yep, I'm getting married!

It started with a facebook message from my high school sweetheart, who I hadn't seen or spoken to in two and a half years after breaking up {for the second time} at the end of sophomore year of college. A few weeks later, we went on our {third} first date. It was wonderful.

We kept dating. He even got me into college sports fan gear. If you know me, you know...I loathe sports. I do not understand getting all worked up about a team I have no connection to playing a sport I don't understand and am far too uncoordinated to play. Alas, Drew is a die hard Gamecock fan. I get in trouble if I say red instead of garnet referring to the team colors.

And then, on a lovely drizzly Tuesday in September when he was SUPPOSED to be working a twelve hour shift in the hospital he's a nurse at, he surprised me with a scavenger hunt that led to him and the ring.

{there is no filter on this pic--it's that bright. thank you brilliant earth for the best ring ever}

I'll be Mrs. Beckwith on January 4th, 2014. The wedding is going to be perfectly me--very small and intimate, at sunset in winter, in the art galleries I spent three years working at, to my very best friend. God shocked me when he brought Drew back to my life {third time really is the charm}, but I couldn't imagine saying I Do to anyone else.

So now that you know why Liz and I abandoned the blogosphere for so long, I hope you can forgive us. I promise I'll try so very hard not to run away so long again.

I've got lots of little sewing projects ahead as I continue to set up my first home. Plus, it's my first Christmas in my own house. You know I'm rocking some DIY holiday cheer this year.

So. How have you been, web friends? Anything fabulous in your worlds I've missed out on?

TOMS Refashion DIY

Most of you probably know what TOMS are. If you don’t, they basically are a company that matches every pair of shoes purchased with a new pair of shoes given to a child in need. The shoes are cute and comfy as well.

A few years ago, I got a pair of TOMS and have since worn them about out. It’s really sad. There are holes in the toes and on the heel of one as well. As much as I love these shoes, I knew they were in dire need of some help, so I was ecstatic to find this tutorial through Pinterest and I decided to try it myself. Also, I did some things a little differently, but I would highly suggest looking at hers as well before you try your own. She has some great tips.

If you try out this project, please send us your pictures or any tips you find out that I didn't mention. Also, if you would like to see bigger pictures of any of the steps just let us know. 

Supplies:

• Pair of Old TOMS
• 1 Yard of Cotton Canvas Fabric (I used canvas because it is more like the fabric the TOMS were made out of)
• Fabric Glue
• Scissors
• Sewing Kit (to see what is in mine look at our previous post)
• Needle and Thread
• Straight Pins
• Seam Ripper
• Thimble (optional, but highly suggested. I used a lot of pins)
• Trim of your choice
• Patches and Iron (if you have holes in the shoes like I did)

Step 1

1. To start, I had to patch up those awful holes.  I bought a pack of patches that had multiple colors in it, so I used the jean color for the inside of the shoe and the black for the outside. I patched both sides because I've noticed the first place for TOMS to wear out is the toes, so I wanted to make mine last a little longer. I trimmed the loose strings and then cut the patch to be just a little larger than the hole. Because my patches were iron-on, I just pinned the patch in place and ironed. Make sure to use the cotton setting. 



Step 2

2. Next, I used the seam ripper to remove the TOMS flag from the back of the shoes.



Step 3

3. I started with the front (toe) of the shoe and simply lined up the edge of the fabric with the line already on the TOMS. I then started gluing on one side and began pinning to hold the fabric in place while the glue dried. Once I had glued it and the pins were in place I cut the fabric around the sole of the shoe. If you are adding trim, you don't have to worry about it being exact because the trim will hide it. Also, I found that you don't need to cover the shoe in glue. You only need to glue down the edges. TIP: I found this part was easier if I stuffed the shoe with paper towels to keep the shape.



Step 4

4. I then continued to the top of the shoe and glued it the same way as Step 3. When it comes to the "V" or elastic part of the shoe, I just cut as close to the edge as possible. As the other tutorial said, if you cover this section, the shoe might not stretch. You can also see that I only glued the edges in this section.
   



Step 5

5. I apologize for not getting as many pictures doing the back section, but it is essentially the same as the other two. Just make sure when you get to the little flag on the side to tuck the fabric under it so you can still see it. Also, if you skipped Step 2, but still want the TOMS logo to show through follow this tutorial on how to do that. I also tucked about a centimeter of fabric on the inside of the shoe and simply glued to help enforce the back section.



Step 6

6. If you are going to sew the logo/flag on the back, just pin it in place and, as you can see in the top picture, there should still be some holes and so just follow those.



Step 7

7. For the trim section, I basically just used A LOT of glue, A LOT of pins and I also sewed in some places like where the trim started or where the trim overlapped. The sewing also helped for the turns in the "V." For this section, I highly suggest using plenty of glue. As long as your glue dries clear then you will have no problem.

 Good Reminders:

• You will want to let the glue set at least 24 hours before wearing the shoes so they don't get ruined. 
• Also, although this project may look like it won't take very long, it actually is quite time consuming because of the dry time for the glue. Just be patient and keep coming back to it.

I hope everyone's come out as great as mine did and that you will all be able to extend the life of your TOMS and save some money as well.  Remember to send in your pictures and we will feature them here on the blog.

~Elizabeth

Inspiration: Pillows Galore

Our slipcover from Bed, Bath & Beyond

Today my roommate Abi and I went to Pier 1 imports to just look around and I fell in love with so many pillows! The reason I was looking for pillows is because my fiance just got a new apartment that I will be moving into with him when we get married and, although we have a couch, it is taupe and so not very exciting. So, I have been looking around to figure out the types/colors we would want to use when I move in.

 I saw so many pillows I would love. However, the cheapest one I could find was $20. As a college student, I don't have at least $40 to spend on pillows. So, this led me to this inspiration post on tutorials for making pillows. I found so many, but I decided to pick my 5 favorites.

 I hope you like these as much as I do. Let us know what you think and if you have any ideas on future inspiration posts, just comment let us know.

~Elizabeth

Inspiration: Infinity Scarves

Do you remember Kaitlin's post on making an Infinity Scarf with One Simple Seam?

Well, I've been thinking a lot about scarves lately, since one of my friends gave me some scarves for Christmas/Birthday presents. Aren't they pretty?

So, I decided to see if there were some other great tutorials for making infinity scarves and I found some I'm sure you all will love.

Loop de' Loop Scarf by Sweetest Keepsake

DIY Cowl Scarf by Baking Chic

No-Sew Polka Dot Infinity Scarf by Sugar & Cloth

Let us know which one is your favorite and if there is another refashion idea you would like inspiration for!

~Elizabeth

Deck the Halls with "Lots of Sweaters???"

It's that time again... Inspirational post time!

This one is going to be on what to do with those old sweaters you can't wear anymore. I recently saw this idea on Pinterest and fell in love!

With the Christmas holiday coming up, everyone (at least here in the South) is busy decking the halls. But we often get tired of the same old decorations year after year. So, why not turn and old or thrifted sweater in a beautiful 'new' stocking! Check out the extremely easy tutorial on how you can make one for yourself!

Also, if you're looking for some other sweater inspiration, take a look at our No Sew Legwarmers post. Don't forget to leave your ideas and your thoughts on refashioning clothes into holiday decorations!

~Elizabeth

Holiday Tips: How to Pack Two Weeks in a Carry-On

So first of all, today is Kaitlin's birthday so be sure to leave a Happy Birthday comment for her!

Second of all, today's post isn't going to be about repurposing, but we are focused on giving you facts to help you be more resourceful when it comes to fashion and clothes in general. Also, with the coming holidays I'm sure many of you will be traveling, so I felt this tip would be very helpful.

So here it is... How to Pack Two Weeks in a Carry-On!

I found this post on, none other, than Pinterest. This blog explains how to pack all your clothes in one carry-on. With the rising charges to check a bag, these tips are amazing if you're going to be flying to see family over the holidays. Here are some of her tips:

1. Know Your Destination + Activities
2. Choose Dual Purpose Items
3. Select Your Outfits
4. Learn To Fold Like A Pro
5. Use A Hard Sided Suitcase + Push The Limit Of Your "Personal" Item

To see the rest of her tips and what she has to say about each, go take a look at her post. It takes less than 5 minutes to read.

Let us know your tips for packing lightly and don't forget to wish Kaitlin a Happy Birthday!

~ Elizabeth

Inspiration: 5 Repurposing Ideas for Old Blue Jeans

With the changing seasons, many of you will be cleaning out your closet and switching from your summer to winter clothes. Kaitlin mentioned this in her recent post Preparing for a New Season. So what do you do when you pull out last years clothes and find out that last years jeans have 'shrunk' or you've actually lost a few inches and they just wont fit? Repurpose of course.

Here are some of my favorite ideas on how to repurpose old jeans:

1. Shorts - This one obviously wouldn't be for jeans that didn't fit anymore (unless it was length) and won't be able to be used until it warms up a little, but is still an awesome was to repurpose jeans. This tutorial is so helpful and an added bonus, it's super easy!

2. Koozies - If you want to save your jeans and the environment, then you will most likely like this idea. It save you from burning your hands and you also don't have to use the little cardboard ones.

3. Coasters - This is a great way to use the hems of the jeans to actually make something useable. Also, you not only save the jeans, but also your furniture from the dreaded cup sweat rings.

4. Christmas Stockings - This is such a neat idea and very relevant considering the coming holiday season. Also, store bought stockings can be so expensive and it's hard to find ones that are personalized, but you could make these to be however you like.

5. Scarecrow's Jeans - Another Holiday use, but for fall. Especially here in the south, people love to decorate for the fall months by putting pumpkins, hay bales, and scarecrows in their yards. Just grab your jeans, an old flannel shirt, and a hat and you have your essentials for a cute and festive decoration.


Let us know which use is your favorite and if you would like us to try repurposing jeans. Also, don't forget to let us know if you have have any ideas for jean repurposing of your own!
~Elizabeth

Trash to Couture: Bland to Outstanding

I know I have been sharing a lot of bloggers with you lately, but I stumbled on the blog Trash to Couture today and just had to share it with you!

Out-dated tshirt into pencil skirt

This blog has so many amazing DIY ideas on taking ordinary clothes, table cloths, etc. and turning them into amazing, stylish clothes. Just looking at her blog you can get SO much inspiration for taking boring things, seeing past their original design and turning them into something you would actually wear.

So, if you are needing inspiration or tutorials, go and check it out!

Let us know if there are any tutorials in particular that you would like us to recreate.

Studs and Pearls: Refashioning into High Fashion

Studs and Pearls "DIY: Sweater Tube Scarf"

I was looking at the refashion blogs today and stumbled on the blog Studs and Pearls. She has so many good ideas and diy tutorials.
I love how all of her tutorials are very fashionable. This just shows that although you are using something old, you can turn almost anything into something amazing. I especially liked her tube scarf tutorial made out of a sweater. It's kind of similar to our latest tutorial on making an Infinity Scarf with one seam.

Let us know if you like her tutorial and we will try to do something similar will a sweater we recently bought.

~Elizabeth

Halloween: Thrift Your Costume!

In our last Halloween post, we talked about ideas for making your own costume for Halloween. But what if you don't have time to make your own? Then, just run to your local thrift store. Many will have a special section this time of year especially for costumes. But, if you want a costume that is unique or difficult to find, get a little creative and search the racks for different pieces that could work together for your costume.

However, before you go to the thrift store, look around your house and see if there is anything that you can use. Two years ago, I went to a bowling Halloween party and about three hours before had nothing to wear. So, I went to Party City and got a kit that had black cat ears and a tail. Then, I grabbed a black dress, stocking, and shoes I had at home, drew on some whiskers with eyeliner and Voila! I had a cute costume and barely had to spend anything.

If you need a little inspiration, this website has 9 great thrift store costumes and some of the stuff you may be able to find around your house. 

So, remember to get creative this Halloween and let us know what you're dressing up as! Happy Halloween!

~Elizabeth

Halloween: Make your own costume!

It's almost Halloween and I am really excited! I always loved it as a kid. My favorite outfit was always a cat. However, I now know why my mom always tried to make us one instead of buying one for us. Costumes can cost anywhere from $45 to $75! Who wants to spend that much when you can just as easily make your own?

Luckily, we don't have to if we are willing to get a little creative. There are so many websites that can give you ideas and instructions for costumes. This one has 22 Last-minute ideas like these grapes costumes.

The website also has one on 30 Unexpected Costumes like Rock, Paper, Scissors, if you have a group going.



My favorite though has to be this blog with 29 homemade Halloween costumes. I love the Fred and Wilma one. I think one year I might get Kyle to go with me as this.

So, if you have any parties or are taking someone trick-or-treating, save your self some money and make your costume.

Comment below and let us know what you/your kids/ your spouse are dressing up like for Halloween and send us a picture of them so we can see other ideas too.

~Elizabeth