My obsession with faux flowers is growing. I love the idea of taking these things, that are normally associated with Granny Chic – maybe a dusty bouquet in a basket near a window with lace curtains, etc. – and making them into funky style (Black Rose headband) or home decor statements. Yes, it’s just about Summer, but don’t retire those December holiday lights, instead get you to the crafts store for some faux flowers and make a romantic strand of flower twinkle lights! I styled the strand around my headboard and vanity but you could use it anywhere – a bunch of them outside for a summer wedding or party would be faaaaab too!

Prep It:

• strand of white twinkle lights – preferably with a white cord
• hot glue gun
• bunch of silk/faux flowers – from the craft store – in the color of your choice
• faux leafs – usually come with the flowers
• white spray paint (not pictured) – optional if you want leaves on your strand too

$198

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flat vertebrae bangles. set of two.

• Select an option yellow gold ($198.00) rose gold ($198.00) white gold ($198.00)

DO IT!:

1. Pull or cut the flowers off the plastic stems
2. Cut the leafs off the plastic stems
3. Spray paint the leafs white outside on a piece of newspaper of cardboard – optional step if you don’t want leaves
4. Apply hot glue on the bottom of each flower and attach them to the strand of lights – we did a random placement so it would look more organic
5. Apply hot glue on the stem of each leaf, place it between the flowers on the strand of lights
6. Hang it!

Ready for a monday adventure! This is the dress I wore at the end of the DIY Travel Vanity video which I paired with a Boater Hat . I’ve had this dress for so long, I got it at a thrift store and cut it into a mini dress to balance the blouse -y sleeves. Polkadots are fun and they always make me think of a vintage vibe so pairing them with red lipstick is always a go, in my opinion. Vintage dresses are a great option for your Summer vacations – pick something lightweight that you can wear during the day with a pair of flats or dress up at night with some heels and lipstick. This dress is navy but I paired it with black shoes, first, because I don’t have navy shoes and second, cuz I like to break the rules! …I’m soooo baaaaad…I need a time out…

$94

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worm. cuff

• Select an option rose gold ($94.00) white gold ($94.00) yellow gold ($94.00)

$58

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atlantis ring. various colors.

• Select an option size 5, yellow gold ($58.00) size 5, rose gold ($58.00) size 5, white gold ($58.00) size 6, yellow gold ($58.00) size 6, rose gold ($58.00) size 6, white gold ($58.00) size 7, yellow gold ($58.00) size 7, rose gold ($58.00) size 7, white gold ($58.00) size 8 , yellow gold ($58.00) size 8 , rose gold ($58.00) size 8 , white gold ($58.00) size 9, yellow gold (custom-made) ($58.00) size 9, rose gold (custom-made) ($58.00) size 9, white gold (custom-made) ($58.00)

This is what it looks like when I fake run…gotta practice this move.

My almost Marilyn wind moment.

Outfit Deets:

• dress: vintage
• hat: H&M
• shoes: Charlotte Russe
• jewelry: Mr. Kate Worm Cuff, Atlantis Ring, and Mini Logo Necklace.
• DIY traveling vanity suitcase

 Nine years ago, I bought a vintage suitcase that was retro-fitted with a mirror on the inside of the lid. I use it all the time in videos – see it in this Colorful Side Braid video and the recent Braided Sock Bun video – but it’s large and not practically portable. So, inspired by the idea of a vintage suitcase that also serves as a traveling vanity, we found this small hard-case, mini suitcase at the flea market for $10 and made it into a traveling vanity/cosmetic/make-up  case, complete with large mirror and storage elastics, to take everywhere for your beauty needs!

Prep It:

• vintage suitcase or old hard case suitcase you have around
• scrap leather or cloth
• E-6000 glue
• Glass, Metal, and More permanent glue
• elastic band
• scissors
• chalk or pen

$58

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atlantis ring. various colors.

• Select an option size 5, yellow gold ($58.00) size 5, rose gold ($58.00) size 5, white gold ($58.00) size 6, yellow gold ($58.00) size 6, rose gold ($58.00) size 6, white gold ($58.00) size 7, yellow gold ($58.00) size 7, rose gold ($58.00) size 7, white gold ($58.00) size 8 , yellow gold ($58.00) size 8 , rose gold ($58.00) size 8 , white gold ($58.00) size 9, yellow gold (custom-made) ($58.00) size 9, rose gold (custom-made) ($58.00) size 9, white gold (custom-made) ($58.00)

DO IT!:

1. assess the interior of your suitcase and decide where to put the mirror and where to create a smooth surface to adhere the mirror – gently rip out inner layer, if needed, to create a smooth surface.
2. use chalk or marker to outline scrap leather or cloth and cut out the shape
3. apply E-6000 to scrap leather or cloth and cover any raw areas of the interior of the case – let dry
4. apply glass, metal, and more glue to back of mirror and press and hold mirror where you want it to stick and let it dry
5. cut piece(s) of elastic band to size for the interior of your case and glue down with E-6000 using your fingers as a spacer – keep in mind the amount of room you want to be able to fit all your cosmetics. **If your suitcase opens horizontally and you don’t need the elastics to keep things in place, try using dividers or pouches to keep your cosmetics safe and organized.
6. insert makeup and brushes into place and your case is ready to travel the world!

If you look at a color wheel, there are opposite colors and analogous colors. Opposite colors are just that; opposite to each other on the color wheel ex: orange and blue, red and green, etc. Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel ex: orange and red, blue and green, etc. and are thus closer related in hue and more subtle when paired together. Turquoise and mint are wonderful examples of analogous colors and I’m a huge fan of both, so for this outfit, I wore all mint and accented with turquoise jewelry paired with bright gold jewelry. Gold and turquoise are almost opposite colors and I think it’s a delicious combo too!

This is my velociraptor pose

$94

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seahorse bangle. various colors.

• Select an option yellow gold ($94.00) rose gold ($94.00) white gold ($94.00)

$119

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kaila. ring. various colors.

• Select an option Small (adjustable 4 to 6), yellow gold ($119.00) Average (adjustable 7 to 9), rose gold ($119.00) Small (adjustable 4 to 6), rose gold ($119.00) Average (adjustable 7 to 9), yellow gold ($119.00) Average (adjustable 7 to 9), oxidized silver ($119.00) Small (adjustable 4 to 6), antique gold ($119.00) Small (adjustable 4 to 6), oxidized silver ($119.00) Average (adjustable 7 to 9), antique gold ($119.00)

I love this combo of gold and silver/turquoise jewelry! It’s so fresh!

$95

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fin necklace. yellow gold with turquoise.

Outfit Deets:

• top: American Apparel
• shorts: DIY studded shorts 
• shoes: Forever 21
• turquoise jewelry: Mix of vintage (from my Grandma) and the Mr. Kate Fin necklace
• gold jewelry: all Mr. Kate

Zoe asks:
Howdy Mr. Kate!! So, I am going to be going on a mission trip here pretty soon, and I am not necessarily guarenteed a shower every day/every other day. So, my hair might be pretty grungy in beautiful Australia! Would you happen to have any ideas of cute hair tutorials for some greasy, grungy hair?

And from Curly Jordi:

Hey Mr. Kate! You’re a great fashion inspiration of mine! I’ve been wearing my hair curly lately and I’m not sure what to do with third day curls. I have thick, curly hair, much like yours, except it’s medium length and FRIZZY!! I use a wand to touch up my curls and the third day in they start looking a little bit depressed. I’m wondering if you have any ideas of what to do with third-day curls. XX Jorden

My Answer:

I totally hear you Zoe and Curly Jordi! I usually only wash my hair every 3 to 4 days. My hair is naturally curly and since I dye it too, it tends to be on the dry side. However, my roots still get greasy as my non-washing days progress (I take body showers still, people!) – so here are some of my favorite greasy/dirty hair dos that work great for straight, wavy or curly hair. I usually wear my hair in a messy bun on the third or forth day of grime. I also love using dry shampoo to soak up the oil and refresh my hair, my favorite is the Dry Cleaning Spray by Kevin Murphy – it smells great and doesn’t leave it looking grey.

• From How I Style My Naturally Curly Hair - I use dry shampoo in my roots and a smoothing serum to define my curls. Embrace the mess!

• Top Knots are one of my favorite up-dos for dirty hair – obviously I rock them a lot, hence the numerous photos, mostly from one angle – can you tell my favorite side? My tip with top knots is don’t try to brush your hair, leave it loose around your hairline so it looks disheveled. The placement of the bun is important too, I think they look best and most “stylish” when the bun is on the top of your head, not further back on the crown, literally a top knot!

• A fancy headband can glam up any dirty hair do!

• Braids are always a good idea. You can add in flowers, barrettes, headbands, etc. This one above is The Messy Danish and a side fishtail is a great solution for curly hair that’s too frizzy to tame.

• Messy Bun! Use a sock to create a fuller look than the top knot.

$169

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mr. kate scarf #001

• DIY Messy Bun Up-Do is a great way to embrace the mess and make it look somewhat purposeful…no brush necessary!

• If your hair is on the cleaner side, but you want to get the messy/grungy look, use some sea salt spray for texture and dry shampoo to lift the roots (maybe even do a little teasing – but be nice!).

(images via tumblr, RCM photography, rebelwings.tumblr, freepeople, stylenoted)

• A beach picnic! You could also cozy up in a little fort like the one I made in BEACHella! Bringing a rug to the beach is the ultimate luxury. You can put a plastic tarp down underneath the rug to protect the fibers from all the sand. Pillows and some beautiful food on beautiful plates and you’ll never want to leave!

• Bohemian picnics, someplace rustic, with eclectic elements such as old crates, mis-matched and colorful pillows, candles, rugs, birdcages, crates, blankets, overflowing flower bouquets, ribbons in the trees and a hot man sitting next to you on your cozy blanket.

• Chic tailgating picnic! Think about a creative location to bring some fluffy pillows, blanket and a basket with yummy treats – I wouldn’t advise doing this while the truck is moving however – safety first!

• Don’t forget the music! A portable record player adds a vintage touch and books are great weights to hold down blankets and such.

• Picnic essentials from Anthropologie - bring mason jars and disposable plates and flatware made from bamboo

Where are your favorite places to picnic? Do you have essentials/traditions you always make sure to bring?

(images via 100layercake, dustjacketattic.blogspot, matchbookmag, poppiesvintage.blogspot, simplysavannahevents.blogspot, thefabguide, snippetandink, hellosociety, apunchofcolordesign, storybook-magic.tumblr, home.foryouloveme) 

I realize platform sneakers, wedge sneakers, etc. were all the rage last year. But you know what happens? You like a trend, you buy into it, meaning you buy multiple items that fit into that trend – case in point my extensive collection of elevated sneakers – and now you have them… for good! Since I’m not one to neurotically follow the trends, like, I don’t throw away something that I’ve spent my hard earned dolla bills on, just because it’s “so last season” – no, instead, I keep them close to my heart and on my body (because I still like them), by finding new and fun ways to style outfits incorporating them into my daily style choices. Henceforth, some styling ideas for your platform and wedge sneakers…let’s keep this thing going!!!

A little black and white to class up these bizarro, converse-esque (they’re ASOS) platform sneaks I have. Black and white is always an easy go-to when you’re in a style rut. I played against type with this outfit and by pairing these sneakers with a button-down and snazzy glasses, I feel like I could go get some serious shit done in this outfit.

The Deets: sneakers: ASOS, shorts: Kimberly Ovitz, top and sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Moving on to a tutu…

$35

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screw you. ring. rose or silver.

• Select an option 6, Sterling Silver ($35.00) 6, Rose Gold (custom-made) ($35.00) 7, Sterling Silver ($35.00) 7, Rose Gold (custom-made) ($35.00) 8, Sterling Silver ($35.00) 8, Rose Gold (custom-made) ($35.00)

I love pairing girly things with sporty or rugged things and this outfit kind of does that with the tutu contrasting with my gold wedge sneakers and vintage tank/tee.

The Deets: sneakers: Steve Madden, tutu: thrifted, tank: Urban Outfitters, Jewelry: Mr. Kate

And finally, all black…

$68

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vertebrae earrings. various colors.

• Select an option yellow gold ($68.00) rose gold ($68.00) white gold ($68.00)

Who says wedge sneakers can’t be dressy?…okay, so this isn’t totally dressy but I feel like I would be taken seriously in a business meeting in this outfit. I mean, maybe I would put a tank top under my see-through shirt, but in lieu of modesty, I think this outfit shows that you can take the sporty-ness out of wedge sneakers. Half up half down hair and my Mr. Kate statement Vertebrae earrings elevate the look to “I mean business and then after you can take me out for a cocktail” status.

The Deets: sneakers: Forever 21, pants: Zara, top: American Apparel, jewelry: Mr. Kate

I love this animal-centric project! Call me childish, call me cat-obsessed (I know, they’ve been all over the blog these days) but I love adding a playful element to interior design and this project totally achieves that! This project uses the little plastic animals you can find at toy or craft stores. I used zoo animals, cut in half and painted metallic gold to mount within a frame for wall art in the little girl’s room design I did on Home Made Simple. For this project we used plastic domestic cats, glued to the tops of old olive and jam jars that I had lounging in my cabinet. Yes, I keep everything, including old jars, for just-in-case moments like this when you want to create cat jars! Call me a hoarder or call me a hoarder on a mission, well I guess most hoarders think they have plans for their stuff…but I’m a hoarder that actually follows through with those plans!…sometimes.

These jars are great to use anywhere you need some organizing. Use them in the kitchen for your dry goods, or in the bathroom for your cosmetics and cotton balls, etc. or try them in a kid’s room for crayons and such or a craft’s room for organizing your supplies. The animal and organization possibilities are endless!

Prep It:

• white spray paint primer
• spray paint in the color(s) of your choice
• matte finish spray paint – optional if you want a matte look like we did, you could just go with glossy, satin or flat spray paint
• glass jars with flat lids – I had a variety of old olive, jam and sauerkraut jars
• mini plastic cats or whatever animal you like! (we found ours at the craft store)
• Glass, Metal and More glue or another strong glue that will adhere plastic to metal

$110

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buried treasure ring. unisex. various colors.

• Select an option Rose Gold, 7 ($110.00) White Gold, 6 (custom-made) ($110.00) White Gold, 5 ($110.00) Rose Gold, 8 ($110.00) Yellow Gold, 6 ($110.00) Yellow Gold, 5 (custom-made) ($110.00) White Gold, 8 (custom-made) ($110.00) Yellow Gold, 7 ($110.00) White Gold, 7 (custom-made) ($110.00) Rose Gold, 6 ($110.00) Yellow Gold, 8 ($110.00) Rose Gold, 5 (custom-made) ($110.00) Yellow Gold, 9 (custom-made) ($110.00) White Gold, 10 (custom-made) ($110.00) White Gold, 9 (custom-made) ($110.00) Yellow Gold, 10 (custom-made) ($110.00) White Gold, 13 (custom-made) ($110.00) Yellow Gold, 11 (custom-made) ($110.00) White Gold, 12 (custom-made) ($110.00) Yellow Gold, 13 (custom-made) ($110.00) Yellow Gold, 12 (custom-made) ($110.00) White Gold, 11 (custom-made) ($110.00) Rose Gold, 10 (custom-made) ($110.00)

$94

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seahorse bangle. various colors.

• Select an option yellow gold ($94.00) rose gold ($94.00) white gold ($94.00)

Do It!:

1. soak the bottles in a bowl with warm hot water and dish soap until the labels start to fall off – use your fingernails to scrape off any remaining glue and paper
2. outside, spray paint the jar tops and the cats with white primer (one coat should cover it, but feel free to do a second if it’s not fully white) – make sure to get under their chins and tails!
3. wait for the primer to dry, then spray paint the jar top and the cat you want to pair together the same color (2 coats should do it)
4. once dry, spray the matte top coat
5. add a small amount of glue to the bottom of the cat, and firmly press it onto the top of the jar lid. repeat with all your cats and lids and let dry for an hour or two.
6. fill your jars with whatever you want!

Sag is not bad! Just read How To Get That Saggy Boob Look and you’ll know what I mean. I’ve worn my fair share of saggy (baggy? drop-crotchy?) pants…denim ones, striped ones, convertible harem, patterned and soft, and army green! My styling tip for these drop-daring pants is to embrace their comfort factor and pair them with an equally comfy tee or tank and then glam up the look with some heels and a statement necklace. This is the outfit I wore in my Draw My Life video and these are the same style pants as the green ones I wore in last week’s post (both from Zara)… when there are multiple colors of a piece of clothing I like, I usually have to get more than one – I plan on wearing these comfy, slouchy and colorful pants alll Summer! I also have an addiction to false eyelashes…have you noticed?

$82

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theia. necklace. unisex. various colors

• Select an option Oxidized Silver, Guy 20" chain ($82.00) Rose Gold, Gal 17" chain ($82.00) Oxidized Silver, Gal 17" chain ($82.00) Yellow Gold, Gal 17" chain ($82.00)

$42

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seahorse ring. various colors.

• Select an option size 5, yellow gold ($42.00) size 5, rose gold ($42.00) size 5, white gold ($42.00) size 6, yellow gold ($42.00) size 6, rose gold (custom-made) ($42.00) size 6, white gold ($42.00) size 7, yellow gold (custom-made) ($42.00) size 7, rose gold (custom-made) ($42.00) size 7, white gold ($42.00) size 8 , yellow gold ($42.00) size 8 , rose gold ($42.00) size 8 , white gold ($42.00)

Outfit Deets:

• pants: Zara
• top: Urban Outfitters tee but I cut the sleeves off
• necklace: vintage and Mr. Kate Theia (axe) necklace
• bracelets: vintage and Mr. Kate including the Worm Cuff and Mummy Snake Bangle
• rings: all Mr. Kate including the Seahorse Ring and Dreamcatcher Lattice Ring

me (age 8) and my mom in France

I’d say the greatest gift my mom gave me was her honesty.

Let it be known that my mom is a crazy exaggerator. There were stories that she told throughout my childhood that got more and more fantastic with each re-telling…a “two-headed goat,” you say? “She flew across the room,” or just ran? “He was shooting morphine into his stump arm“???? Mmmmkay, that last story detail actually never changed. The stump arm being shot up with morphine belonged to one of the two drug addicts that my mom ran away with when she was 18. She was not into shooting up morphine, not her drug of choice, nor did she have anything stumpy, beyond her short stature (she’s petite, not stumpy) but she did want to get the heck out of her hometown and the two drug addicts were taking a field trip to the West Coast and became her sketchy ticket outta there. Along the way, they stopped for a pit stop at a gas station and while my mom was in the bathroom, Stumpy and his friends decided to rob the place. My mom came out just in time to get shoved in the backseat of the car and duck as a hail of gunfire followed them out of the gas station parking lot. Apparently, gas station man had a gun and was not happy about being robbed…or maybe my mom just made a really stinky poo. Both are possible.

Crazy story, right? Most moms don’t have stories like that. The fact that my mom chose to tell me the tales of her raucous youth, while I was still in my formative years (ehh 8 to 18 I’d say), may seem reckless to some, but I always appreciated my mom’s honesty. ‘Did you ever do drugs Mom?’ I’d ask, “Of course, I did everything except heroine” was her response. Then tales of her acid trips would consume our 40 minute ride home from school as the setting autumn sun glared through the windshield of her station wagon.

In high school, when the proposition of experimenting with drugs came into my world, I factored my mom’s stories and experiences into my decisions. I felt that, because my mom had been so honest with me, her own stories had become an extension of my memories, thus, I was able to say, “No thanks” to acid (it sounded way to scary). However my mom’s stories of marijuana seemed mild enough, so in 9^th grade, I smoked pot for the first time and dabbled throughout high school and college. I’ve never been really into getting stoned (I don’t like the cloud-like haze) and I’m definitely not condoning illegal drug use, I’m just sharing my experiences, and I guess my mom’s with you to celebrate Mother’s Day! Haaaa, okay a little weird.

That same honesty my mother applied to my queries about sex and puberty, etc. I was never handed any pamphlet to read on my own time. Instead, my mom told me all the details about how babies were made and followed up with the viewing of a documentary that I uncomfortably watched in the same room as my grandfather one Summer visit to Maine. I remember being around 7 or 8 and squirming at the sight of animated sperm, wriggling their way through a red-hued fallopian tube…”can we watch Splash instead?!” But the info stuck, and her complete honesty regarding the whole story of conception to birth actually took some mystique out of sex, and I was able to approach it from a healthy and knowledgeable place in my adolescence.

I was also fully prepared when I got my period at the age of 12 in the middle of my Summer art class. Mom had told me exactly what to expect and why it was happening. Although, upon seeing the weird brownish blood in my undies, I initially thought I had pooped my pants. It wasn’t until I got home and showed my mom did she confirm for me, accompanied by a big hug and smile that I, had become a woman. “Smell it” she said, “It smells kind of like raisins” …. “ewwwwww, Mooooom!!!!!”

And with that, Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mothers out there! Be honest with your children, you both deserve it.

XO!