I recently cleaned my desk out and discovered some note cards illustrated by Me and A Cup of Hot Chocolate while I was in Thailand a couple of years ago. Her frame worthy prints can be found on a collection of silk scarves, clutches, and blouses – they are so gorgeous, I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before her pieces land stateside!
It was my love of “making things” that inspired the start of HonestlyWTF nearly 5 years ago. I was determined to prove that the D in DIY didn’t stand for disposable. With the right supplies and effort in attention to detail, doing something yourself can actually be beautiful, enriching and long lasting. Case in point: these jeweled sandals inspired by Marni. I wore these sparkly numbers nearly every day last summer and they’ve made their way back into heavy rotation this spring. So with all the affordable leather sandal options, I figured it was time for another iteration. Jeweled Sandals 2.0. Make them. You’ll love and live in them.
You’ll need:
- a pair of leather sandals with wide straps (also here, here and here)
- 4 27.5 x 18mm rectangular crystals
- 4 27.5 x 18mm gold rectangular settings
- 4 30 x 20mm pear crystals
- 4 30 x 20mm gold pear settings
- 2 35mm round crystals
- 2 35mm gold round settings
- E6000 glue
- flat nosed pliers
I’ve got a deep, deep obsession with encaustic cement tiles. The eco-friendly tiles, which date back to the 12th century, are individually formed in a hand forged metal frame and deposited with pigmented cement slurries. The frame is removed and additional layers of cement are added and sandwiched together to create the final product. It’s a beautiful process – one that’s been adapted and used in homes across Cuba, Europe, and Morocco for centuries. Aren’t they just perfect for bathrooms, kitchens or even an outdoor patio?! They age so beautifully, too. If you love color and patterns, cement tiles are a no brainer.
Dior started a craze with their single pearl earring in 2013. Last year, Céline and Louis Vuitton made waves and inspired copycats with long, brassy earrings meant to dangle as one. And this season, we saw a larger fuller single statement earring from Tibi and Rosie Assoulin that has us sweeping our parts even deeper to accommodate the trend. As obsessive as I am with asymmetry, I love the imbalance. Have you embraced the single statement earring?
Built on a four acre island on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, India, is the Taj Lake Palace resort. Honestly, magnificent, right?! Each of the 83 suites in the 263 year old former palace epitomizes royal grandeur with opulent silks, antique furniture, vibrant frescoes, mosaics and views of the lake. This marble encased gem is reason 752 why India is calling my name . . .
