Here are some fabulous examples of newsprint nails I found all over Pinterest. My fabulous and talented niece Sylvia taught me how to transfer typography onto my fingernails. As a designer, I think I nearly exploded into glittery particles I was so excited. All you need is light nail polish, clear nail polish, rubbing alcohol and newspaper or map. Easy breezy. A bit time consuming, and it did take the perfect timing of pressing the paper to the nail before it has to be removed. (I may have had a few failed attempts with paper stuck to my fingers). But I had a lot of fun layer different fonts and playing with the cross word puzzles too!

So ladies, get your type on!

Growing up I spent a large chunk of my childhood deemed ‘wild child’ by my father. And I always joke that I was raised with wolves by hippies. Which actually isn’t too far from the truth, but that’s a story for another day. I have always loved the bohemian style, whether it is deemed trendy or not. Long beautiful flowy skirts, anything made by Free People, and as far as shoes go, I love to buy them, but not wear them. There is no feeling more wonderful then a dirt road under your bare feet on your way to the lake. Truly a moment you can connect with the earth.

I first learned about feather extension from my friend Beth at Incandescent Matter. I have been seeing these feather extension (by Featherheads) in peoples hair in magazines and such for quite sometime, but they are officially “trendy” and officially available in my area. So I rushed out and had them put in my wild red hair! I’m one happy girl. What better accessory for a true bohemian at heart!

As I said in one of my previous posts, my mom was diagnosed with cancer for a second battle. As anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, or been a loved one of someone with cancer you know a few things for certain.

1. Cancer does not change who you are, what you are interested in, or what you like to talk about. So if you can’t think of something to say, talk about the same stuff you always have. Don’t ignore or avoid them.

2. Sometimes all you need is for someone to listen and hold your hand.

3. Share success stories, they are empowering.

But equally important a kind word or action can mean the world. This should go without saying, that no matter the illness, disability, or difference everyone could use a little more kindness in their lives.

So I set out to do something for my mom. I know she loves hats, as the evidence of our great hat adventures over the years show. Every chance we get we put on hats and take self portraits. Some ridiculous and some beautiful, but all fun. So I set out to do something for my mom that could be special for her, and uniquely hers. I wanted her to feel amazing and beautiful and strong. Just as I see her. And to let her know how much she means to me.

I took my mom to Joy of Joynoelle, to have her create a beautiful and unique hat for my mom. She was gracious and amazing and made my mom feel like a princess. The experience was priceless for both my mom and myself. Watching my mom decide on fabrics with Joy and really get involved in the design process was heart warming for me. You could see the happiness on her face as Joy described what she could create for her.

We came back a few weeks later to the finished hat! The dark, textured fabric was sculpted into a delightful and mysterious hat with an amazing burgundy embellishment. The shape of the brim had an asymmetrical balance that really completed the look. But it was the smile on my mom’s face that made my heart soar.

I can never thank Joy enough for her ability to make my mom feel like a princess in even the most trying times. Joy is a beam of beautiful karma and brilliant designs that I am ever thankful to have in our lives.

Good design and a great message.

These terrific ‘Fight like a girl!’ t-shirts were designed by a local MPLS designer Jen Wick. This two color design has beautiful organic shapes, a bold message and the small ribbon takes it home. I immediately ordered one for myself and one for my mom. My mom is fighting her second bout with cancer this year, and fighting like a girl was just the inspiration we needed. What I love about these shirts is the designer’s attention to detail.

Not only are these printed on an extremely soft charcoal cotton, that is supple to touch, but the attention to detail in the design is what really drew me to these shirts. The juxtaposition of the soft organic shapes to the graphic ‘x’, or the cool-colored charcoal to the bright pink. I love that I can wear this shirt anywhere. This is the second printing of this design and a portion of the profits went to cancer research. So not only do we look wicked cool in our new shirts, but we contributed to a good cause. You gotta love that!

So fight on sisters! Fight on.

My new friend Beth has been a never-ending inspiration for me. Since the day I met her the sparkle and glitter she brings into my life has delighted me. The first necklace here is one she wore into work. And I was in love. When I asked her if I could copy her amazing style and acquire myself the very same necklace she replied, “Absolutely. I’m not that kind of girl.” With her permission and a trip to Macy’s to I now own the Jessica Simpson necklace! These other gems are in my current love pallet. Hope you enjoy. Oscar de la Renta headband and a Noir Goldtone ring. Love it the organics!

Dear Sweet Blog, how I have missed you. As life “happens” we get detained in other areas. But I am back and in action! I spent part of my holiday weekend antique shopping with my dear friend Betsy in Stillwater, MN. Quite the delightful array of items from expensive to tastefully priced. But on this adventure we stopped into Rose Mille. A wonderful variety of craft, clothing, glitter and antiques. I fell in love with these handmade headbands by Michelle Rose Jorgensen. With vintage flowers and velvet fur felt. So charming.

Over the years I have become far more adventurous and inventive with my fashion choices. This is one delightful secret that I will finally share, some of you may already know my secret. I wear pirate pants. Back in 2006 I purchased a pirate costume for halloween. I instantly fell in love with my pirate pants. I wear them for all occasions. With some sexy silver four-inch heels or with tennis shoes power walking with the dog. I wear them on a night out for dinner and I wear them to work. Every time I wear them, someone says “I love your pants! Where did you get them?” I can’t help laughing, because lets face it, I’m wearing pirate pants. Now I’m not saying everyone should rush out and buy pirate pants, but I am saying don’t be afraid to have a little fun.

Tis the season for pretty headbands, fa la la la la la la!  I adore these accessories by the amazing Jennifer Behr. Though the price tag does match the beautifulness. But you have to admit these are lovely. I’m a big fan of rhinestones and all shiny things!

Claire La Faye has a lovely collection of dresses on Etsy. Whether you are going to get married or just need something lovely to wear to seduce your man or you want to stand out as the most beautiful girl in the room. So many choices so little time. I’m loving the bashful pinks and nudes this spring. I currently have Whitney Houston’s “I’m every woman” lyrics flowing through my head, it’s adding to my dress-love!

I have always adored hats. Well if you’ve noticed on this blog I adore everything, but todays post is on hats. Hats have been on the edge of “in-fashion” for years and I say, lets take it back. Hats are an elegant addition to most outfits. Not to mention you can support custom, handmade artists, such as Ruby3 run by the amazing Anna Lee of Minneapolis. Her creations range from cocktail parties to winter hats, to flowered clips. Every season I’m more impressed with her work then the season before. I personally own several of her pieces and look forward to the summer set!