DIY: Country Chic Baby Shower

I know, y'all are surprised to read this title here.  While I do come from a small town, I'm not a fan of rustic things.  However, this weekend my friends and I hosted a baby shower for our sweet friend, Rynnetta, and I think it looked great!  We decorated my living room with some vintage inspired fabrics and burlap, and it was cheap and chic!

Here are some highlights, since I'm pretty proud of us:

The gift table - covered in a burlap skirt, homemade bunting, and Trader Joe's hydrangeas

A little prop I made for the photo booth (we made people take photos instead of playing games)

 

My favorite cupcake recipe (via My Baking Addiction) actually starts with a boxed mix, and they were so good!

Burlap and cotton table runner - who knew I had this in my head?!

 It's a little hard to see, but behind the beautiful mama-to-be is the photo backdrop that we made from a fitted sheet, burlap ribbon, and leftover fabric.

Let me know if you have any questions about where to buy anything, or how we made something. Or, share your own shower ideas!  

Happy Monday!

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday, internet!  I have had such a long week, and I'm even taking most of today off work to get ready for a baby shower and my upcoming trip.  I fantasize about time to kick back and read... but luckily I did find a few minutes to compile five things worth sharing on the internet:

1. I head to London on Wednesday, and would love any restaurant recommendations that all of you may have.  I've spent plenty of time in the city, but it's been five years since I last visited and I would love to know of some small, casual places to stop in for dinner.  Our flat is in St. Johns Wood, if that helps, but any neighborhood is fine!  Then, we head to Amsterdam on Monday, so we'll be needed to eat there as well.

Also, I like this font.

2. This color combination is one of my favorites, and not just because I'm a proud Texas Aggie.  It screams fall to me, and the pop of cheetah is perfect.  I will be copying her.

image via Damsel in Dior

3. I love how cheerful this room is.  If I ever have a little girl, I'll be taking cues from it.  It's feminine without being saccharine or too match-matchy.  

 image via Chalk White Arrow

4. I love Ellen Page.  I wish she lived in Dallas so that we could hang out with Alex Skarsgard and be best friends forever.  I'd be a big help when it comes to ditching that trucker hat.  I also love that she's not afraid to be a feminist - this interview was pretty interesting.

5. Finally, if you are a TV/Movie/Reading junkie like me, I want to make sure you are aware of the awesome that is Vulture.com.  They have awesome interviews with the people who produce the things I like to watch, recap shows in a snarky manner (I may or may not be found discussing important topics like True Blood on the comment threads), and it's a great source for discovering new books and indie movies that aren't being featured everywhere.  Check them out!

 

See you next week!

Reader Request: Teaching Wardrobe on a Budget

Good morning, internet!  I feel like I have to apologize at the beginning of every post because I'm not able to keep up my usual cadence.  However, this is just my hobby and I decided that you all will understand that life gets busy sometimes.  I hope you'll stick with me until I have the time and inspiration that I usually share with you.

That said, today I have a great topic thanks to an email from Lindsey, who is a high school teacher and grad student looking some budget friendly outfit ideas that are versatile and school-appropriate.  I think that teachers have such an amazing opportunity to model what it means to dress with class for girls who need to be reminded that showing as much skin as possible isn't a good idea.  (Even when you live amid stifling humidity in Houston!)

Here are my ideas for a capsule wardrobe that's not void of color and style, and where to find those pieces at a good price:

basics on a budget by cardiganjunkie featuring loft pants

Colorful cardigans and/or ponte blazers:  These pieces are key, because they'll add lots of color to your outfits, and can be purchased on the cheap at Old Navy, Target, and with coupon codes at LOFT or J.Crew Factory.  I've gotten some great ones for under $10, and usually just peel them off when I go outside in the heat.  The blazers will be a bit more of an investment, but if you are persistent and check Gap sale racks often, you'll find some for under $50!  I'm a fan of the Academy Blazer, myself, and it's currently 40% off!

Basic dresses that fit like a glove:  Think of these as a blank canvas over which to layer great necklaces, cardigans, blazers, or even wear over a button-down shirt.  You can find deals everywhere, but first you should focus on the fit.  I have a $21 Mossimo dress that looks more expensive than an $88 version from J.Crew simply because it fits me perfectly.  As you build out your wardrobe, consider a pattern like stripes or a floral print to mix things up a bit.

Statement necklaces:  Big bold necklaces make existing outfits feel fresh, especially when you wear them over a button down or dress.  Plus, you can find beautiful options for a song thanks to stores like Forever 21 and H&M. 

Printed button-down shirts:  I love the look of a black or navy gingham or polka dotted shirt and a pencil skirt.  It's a little unexpected, but still perfectly appropriate.  You can also pair it with trousers or jeans, of course, and one of your new statement necklaces.  I wear mine with shorts in the summer, as well.  As for stores, I've had great luck with J.Crew Factory and the Joe Fresh line at JCPenney.  However, like with the dress, you'll be at the mercy of the cut of the shirt.  I think $40 or less is a good price, and you will definitely get your money's worth!

A dressy blouse you love:  Every woman, even teachers, need that one top that makes them feel pretty (but still covered).  I think something in a bold color, but conservative cut, will liven up your basic skirts and pants, and transition well to your life after school too.  Target is actually a great place to look for dressy tops, as is H&M, LOFT, and J.Crew Factory.

Sexy but chic pencil skirts:  These skirts are universally flattering, and widely available in a host of prints and fabrics.  I'm a big fan of the printed stretch cotton versions at J.Crew Factory, and you can score them for under $40 when they're having a sale (as they always seem to be).  These will look great with your collection of cardigans and blouses, and the cotton versions are breathable and won't make your thighs sweat when you walk out to the parking lot (a Houston problem, trust me).

Pants that fit:  Again, focus on fit then stalk your chosen style in hopes of a sale.  Since most teachers spend the day standing in flats, I recommend a slim cut or straight leg as opposed to a flare that tends to look sloppy puddled on the ground.  I've had great luck at Gap (don't get hung up on the sizes - they're wildly inconsistent) and gotten a few styles for under $30!

Hopefully this was a good idea-starter for Lindsey.  If there are any other teachers or bargain shoppers out there, please chime in!

P.S. I still need guest bloggers while I'm in Europe!  Let me know if you're interested!

5 Things Friday

I'm back! Remember me?  Sorry my little break turned into a long one, but it was nice to step away for a little while and enjoy my birthday week.  I am pleased to report that turning 30 is no big deal.  I didn't feel any different on Monday, and have been fielding lovely phone calls, texts, and emails all week.  I am very lucky, indeed.

Hopefully your week was equally as good!  But before the weekend starts, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:


1. Those who see me often know that I love me a statement necklace.  I exchanged a pair of Anthropologie sunglasses (that pinched my head) for this one, and it makes me happy. 

2.  Not only do I love August because it's my birthday month, but it's also when the September issues of my favorite magazines arrive in my mailbox.  Fall clothes are my favorite, though we don't get to wear them for long in Texas, and it's clear that bright greens are here to stay.  I'll be watching these Gap flats, since I typically have good luck with them (Pro tip: add a pad to the back of the heel) and the cap toe/suede combination is really cute.

3. Kyle says I can't have this haircut because I won't actually curl it like that very often and my hair is so thick that it will just hang.  He is right,  but it's so pretty that the rest of you should consider it if you have less hair and are less lazy than me.  

Also, Kyle is my hair stylist, not some sort of bossy tyrant.

image of (and via) Alex Crabtree

4. I'm so enamored with this hairstyle that I'm going to go to Forever 21 and buy a headband like that and give it a shot.  It will probably fair miserably, but at least I'll have only spent $3.80.  (P.S. Target has some cute ones too but their website is a black hole of crap and I gave up on finding what I saw in the store.)

5. Now that our bathroom renovation is in the home stretch (you'll see it in a week or two) I am starting to think about some minor updates to our bedroom.  We desperately need to repaint our trim and repair a crack in our wall, and while we're at it I want to bring in a little more color.  I'm loving the tones of this room, especially since we have a big tan upholstered bed not unlike that sofa.  However, I probably won't add a renaissance painting up by the ceiling.

And with that, I bid you good weekend!

P.S. I'm looking for 5-6 guest bloggers to fill in while I'm in Europe.  If you think your style is a good fit for this audience, send me an email and I'll share more details.  Thanks!

A little birthday break...

Today I turn 30, and in my book, that justifies a little blogging break.  I'm going to do whatever I want and count my blessings for having made it this far in good health and with so much to be thankful for. 

See you later, internet!

I Made Decisions! (Bathroom Renovation Update)

For those of you who don't know me in real life, let me just say that renovations are tough and mine is currently in full swing.  My husband is working his tail off, and I hardly see him.  I'm about to help with tiling, and the room is really coming together!

Since I was running out of time, I had to quit second guessing myself and just make some big purchases.  Here's where I netted out, and what our room should look like:

And that's why we've been busy.  See you Friday!

Reader Request: Theme Park (Casual) Style

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend, and were able to avoid the terrible heat that's overtaking Texas these days.  However, sometimes going inside isn't an option, like if you're planning a trip to Disney World like my friend Jo Anna.

She asked me to help her plan a few outfits, and I was happy to put some thought into it because I think so many people either give up entirely and wear as little as possible, or go too far in trying to be stylish and end up with painful feet and impractical outfits.

I approached this request a few different ways:

1. All-American summer style: Think red, white and navy blue with classic accessories

2. If Taylor Swift went to a theme park:  There will be Keds, of course, and a ladylike peplum top and glam sunglasses

3. Sporty chic: A quirky t-shirt and bright patterned shorts goes nicely with comfortable tennis shoes

theme park (casual) style by cardiganjunkie featuring shoulder strap purses

You'll notice that all three outfits feature breathable fabrics, and the shorts are long enough to be comfortable and keep your parts covered while you sit in plastic chairs recently vacated by lord knows who.  I only picked shoes with a good thick sole, and all can be worn with no show socks to avoid blisters.  Honestly, this is the most important part of the outfit.  It all depends on your feet, of course, but most people cannot stand around for hours in a shoe with no arch support and do it again the next day.

I also recommend a small cross-body bag to hold your money and sunscreen, and you can carry it on to most rides.  Seriously - don't forget the sunscreen!

Hopefully this was helpful!  If you have any suggestions for Jo Anna, leave a comment!