Lulus Fashion Lounge - Blog - A La Mode

  • Interior Design How-to: 7 Fun Wall Decor Ideas

    Posted by: Allie Paxton

    November
    7
    2011

     

     
    I recently moved and realized how hard it was to fill up the blank wall space in my apartment. After reading multiple magazines for sources of inspiration and careful creativity, I finally found some awesome ways to spruce up my home. You will absolutely love these creative ways to liven up your walls, and they will be sure to keep you busy!
     
    1. Full on Art Walls
     
     
     

     
    Looking at walls full of different pictures in various frames reminds me of being in an antique shop, and I absolutely love the vintage feel it gives any room. Grab all sorts of different frames varying in color, shape, and size and frame anything from photos, newspaper clippings, art, or fashion magazine pages. This brings a sort of liveliness to a room that just can't be beat. 
     
    2. Actual Book Shelves
     
     
     
    I absolutely love the concept of these bookshelves. Just get a shelf hook and place your favorite books on them. These are so cute and extremely simple to execute!
     
    3. Arranging Photos in Specific Ways
     
     
    Anyone can just hang up pictures in a straight line on a wall. But to me, that can get very boring and calls for a makeover. I love the concept of arranging photos on the wall in anyway you wish. One of my best friends just did this in the shape of a peace sign, and it was amazing!
     
    4. Painting the Walls
     

     
    If you are a good painter, then feel free to do something a little more complex than the picture that is shown above. However, painting is a skill I lack, so I prefer easy things that are hard to mess up. If you are still weary of painting on your walls, try wall decals. They vary from text to pictures but are extremely easy to use and look just like you painted them on!
     
    5. Buttoning the Walls 
     

     
    I did this in my grandma's craft room upon her request. I simply hot-glued vintage buttons on the wall, and it turned out great! It can be time-consuming, and make sure you have a level and a ruler if you want to keep the buttons in an even line!
     
    6. Empty Frames on the Walls
     

     
    Something I love to collect are vintage picture frames. I realized that I had so many lying around without pictures in them and something needed to be done. Some picture frames are so ornate that they speak for themselves. I love the idea of just putting these up without anything in them because it allows the viewer to fill in the blanks and imagine something themselves. Try painting the frames to match an accent color or use the same color as your wall to just add some texture!
     
    7. Plates on the Walls
     

     
    As an avid thrifter, I love to collect vintage plates. If you go to Michaels, you can get wire plate hangers that clip on to the plate and allow you to rest it on a hook. I love this interior design idea because it is definitely a conversation starter and adds so much color to a room without painting the walls. 
     
    Now start decorating!
     
    (photos courtesy of pinterest and weheartit)
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  • Granny Goes Guerrilla: Yarn Bombing Rages On

    Posted by: Annie Roos

    September
    16
    2011

     
    Remember how badass your grandma always looked, sitting there in her rocker, knitting afghans? Yeah, me neither. Which is why yarn bombing (guerrilla crochet, knit graffiti, yarnstorming, or any combo of the former...) is so freakin' awesome. Sorry Nana.
     

     
    The mother of the yarn bombing movement, Magda Sayeg, ambushed ninety-nine(!) trees with some shock and awe here in Texas (above), the birthplace of warm and cozy graffiti.
     
     
    This world-brightening practice has gone global, and it manifests itself in a variety of styles, from subtle pops of color against the drab landscapes of the world...
     
     
    ...to full-fledged assaults on cars, buses, phone booths, you name it!
     
     
    Who knew knitting could be so awesome??? I also LOVE what Juliana Santacruz Herrera has done on the streets of Paris, with her own special, super creative take on knit graffiti, below.
     

    Called projet nid de poule, or Pothole Project, Santacruz Herrera takes unsightly cracks and potholes in the pavement and transforms them into beautiful works of art that are sure to put a smile on even the crustiest old curmudgeon's face.

    So rage on, knitters! I salute you!

     

  • DIY: Things to do with Old Wine Corks

    Posted by: Allie Paxton

    September
    13
    2011

     
     
    Ever wonder what to do with all of those wine corks? Being a wine enthusiast myself, I thought there had to be a better way than just tossing the old corks out. I did a little research and found out a bunch of awesome things we could all do with them! Corks are derived from the Cork Oak Tree. Corks can be reused for so many projects, so why waste them? 
     
    Wreath:
     
    Supplies
     
    -Corks
    -18'' wreath
    -Hot glue gun
    -Florist's wire
    -Fabric for a bow
     
    Instructions
     
    *Glue corks to wreath, staggering them as you go. Continue all the way around wreath. Tie a bow around the florist's wire and attach to the wreath.
     
     Arrangement:
     
     
    Supplies
     
    -Empty vase
    -Glass candle holder
    -Candle for center
     
    Instructions
     
    *Clean your empty vase well.
    *Place candle into your glass candle holder.
    *Place candle in the center of the vase.
    *Proceed to fill corks in all the way around, leaving some space at the top.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
      Cork Curtains:
     
     
     
    Supplies
     
    -Heavy string
    -Needle
    -Beads
    -Small wooden beam
    -Hammer
    -Nails
     
    Instructions
     
    *Use the needle to string the corks. Alternate between beads and corks for a beautiful arrangement.
    *Hammer nails into wooden beam 1/2 inch apart, leaving nail head sticking out halfway.
    *Wrap excess string at end of bead chain around the protruding nail and tie off. 
    *Hammer the nail the rest of the way in.
    *Repeat until finished!
     
     
     
     
    Bulletin Board:
     
     
     
     
    Supplies
     
    -Any kind of base board (matte, foam board, etc.)
    -Hot glue
    -Push pins
     
    Instructions
     
    *Simply hot glue the corks onto whatever base you choose.
    *Let dry before hanging on wall.
    *Use push pins to hang up little notes!
     
     
     
     
     
     
     Place Card Holder:
     
     
    Supplies
     
    -Razor blade
    -Sandpaper  
     
    Instructions
     
    *Flatten one edge of the cork by sanding it down
    *Use a razor blade to cut an even and thin notch through the rounded side of the cork
    *Add a name tag and you're done!
     Cork Ornaments:
     
     
    Supplies
     
    -Paper clip
    -Ornament holder
     
    Instructions
     
    *Cut a paper clip in half and shove both ends into the cork
    *Use an ornament holder to hang on tree
     
     
     
    Coasters:
     
    Supplies
     
    -Hot glue
    -Ribbon
     
    Instructions
     
    *Arrange corks however you see fit
    *Glue together as you place them next to each other
    *Put a decorative bow around arrangement and glue, securing ribbon.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     Jewelry: 
     
     Supplies
    -Long necklace
    -Jewels or gemstones
    -Small rings
     
    Instructions
    *Cut cork into think slices
    *Paint the corks, glue on jewels, it is up to you!
    *Fasten corks by drilling a small hole in each end of the cork. Bring together with rings
    *Break the old necklace in half and attach each end to the small loops
     
    Check out this AWESOME cork window display I saw in an Anthropologie window that inspired this blog:
     
     
    Enjoy! 
     
    (photos courtesy of pinterest and nikki in stiches)
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  • Big Love for Lisa Swerling's Tiny People

    Posted by: Annie Roos

    July
    29
    2011

     
    If only my Polly Pocket collection had inspired me to do something like this....
     
     
     I've always been a firm believer that tiny makes everything cuter, but Lisa Swerling's Glass Cathedrals go way beyond cute. Try: touching, silly, thought-provoking, whimsical; but most of all, they'll make you smile. What Swerling has managed to capture with a shadow box and some miniature figurines (from architect's models and railway toys) is a breathtaking collection of artwork that is both accessibly simple, yet strikingly complex.
     
     
    In a recent interview with Sabotage Times, Swerling opened up about her path to Glass Catherals, and where she finds inspiration for her tiny worlds. My favorite snippets:
     
    “Like a lot of people,” she says, “I have moments of inspiration, my own particular realisations about what it is to be a funny little human traveling around this big planet. Now what do you do with all these little thoughts? Well, I started putting mine in boxes."

     
     
    “But what I like about the artworks is that there is an intrinsic sympathy one feels with the figures which softens the ridiculousness of their pursuits. So whilst I am saying ‘Check out that poor woman, spending her whole life cleaning an infinite floor — is she mad?’ you also feel what she is attempting is in her way heroic, soothing to her soul, and maybe as good a way to pass time as any. One becomes a benevolent, merciful god, looking into the boxes.”
     

     
     
    "My inspiration for this series was the collision between the seriousness with which we take our lives, and the limitations of our understanding. In Glass Cathedrals the heros are the tiny figures, my boxes the space where they struggle, aspire, dance, dream."
     
     
    Swerling will even customize many of her creations, (like "Evergreen" above), to look like you and whoever you choose to bring into your own mini world. Glass Cathedrals are available for purchase on her website, and range in price from $350 for the smaller guys to larger limited editions at $1450. I want one!
     

  • Amy Sedaris: Simple Times

    Posted by: Sienna Orlando

    November
    16
    2010

     
    Perhaps you've heard of the mad comedian/crafter Amy Sedaris? 
     
    Most famous for her role on Comedy Central's, "Strangers with Candy", Sedaris has brought an edgy yet mysteriously lighthearted air to her craft. 
     
    What exactly is her her craft, you might ask?
     
    Well, beyond being a a leading funny girl, Sedaris has begun authoring beautifully spoofy books filled with tacky retro-style pictures. Her newest follow-up to "I Like You" has just been released in time for Xmas! 
     
    "Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People" features page after page of almost sickening technicolor photos with Amy pulling out all the stops in crafting ridiculousness. Besides the many project ideas, you will learn to, "create your own craft room and avoid the most common crafting accidents (sawdust fires, feather asphyxia, pine cone lodged in throat)".
     
    Wow!
     
    Perhaps Amy will teach us to make this fabulous garb!
     
    Or this handy typewriter!
     
    While Amy may not fit into everyone's craft basket, she carries such an innocent, wholesome way of making fun, you can't help but feel that this nutty crafter has stitched herself a heart of gold!
     
    Are there any other craft/Sedaris fans out there?
     
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  • 49 Ways to Save Money on Prom

    Posted by: LuLu*s !

    April
    7
    2010

    Did you know that the average prom night costs over $1,000? These days, most families can't afford to spend as lavishly as they used to. So without further ado, here are 49 ways to be a frugal fashionista on prom night.


    GENERAL TIPS

       1. Buy your prom dress (and shoes, and jewelry, and accessories) from LuLus.com, of course! Cute clothes, reasonable prices and free shipping over $75.
       2. Plan everything well in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you're more likely to feel desperate and buy something too expensive.
       3. As early as you can, start hoarding your allowance (or income from a part-time job) so you can afford to splurge when the big event rolls around.
       4. Always compare prices. Call around to at least 5 different shops before choosing a florist, tuxedo shop, limo service, etc.
       5. When in doubt, DIY. Why spend countless hours searching for something perfect AND affordable, when you can probably make it yourself?
       6. Keep a level head. Movies make it seem like prom is the most important night of your life. But in a few years, you'll probably wonder why you got so worked up.

    DRESS & ACCESSORIES

       1. Raid your best friend's closet! No one will know that she wore the dress to a previous event; and even if they know, why would they care?
       2. Dust off that bridesmaid's dress and give it another whirl. If you don't have one, chances are you know someone who does.
       3. Go bargain hunting at your local thrift stores and consignment shops. In addition to being affordable, you can almost guarantee your look will be unique.
       4. Go bargain hunting online! You can find ridiculous deals on beautiful gowns and shoes on websites like eBay or Craigslist.
       5. Look for a shop that specializes in renting formal gowns, or check to see if your local bridal shops offer rentals.
       6. Choose your own fabrics and design, and make your dress from scratch; if you're not handy with a sewing machine, enlist the help of a friend, relative or affordable seamstress.
       7. Check to see if an organization like Donate My Dress exists in your area; these non-profit groups provide free prom dresses to low-income teens.
       8. Look for a local prom dress exchange event; if you can't find one, take the initiative and organize one for your community!
       9. See if you can borrow your mother's (or grandmother's) vintage jewelry and handbags.
      10. Head down to the bead store and make your own jewelry. If you've never tried it before, you may be surprised how it easy it is.

    HAIR & MAKEUP

       1. Almost everyone knows one friend or relative whose hair and makeup always look fabulous; enlist their help on your big day, and thank them with a lunch or a return favor.
       2. Hit up the local beauty school for bargain priced hair styling and nails.
       3. Schedule an appointment at one of the beauty counters at your local mall. Buy the lipstick so you'll be able to touch up throughout the night.
       4. Plan a Mary K or Avon party at your house the afternoon before the prom, and invite all your friends over for free makeovers.
       5. Host a manicure/pedicure party at your house; it's easier (and much more fun) when everyone helps each other!
       6. Search YouTube for hair and makeup tutorials. Practice, practice, practice!
       7. Don't spend a small fortune on tanning sessions; grab some self-tanning lotion at your local drugstore and fake the bake at home.

    TRANSPORTATION

       1. Have your heart set on a stretch limousine? You'll save money -- and probably have way more fun -- if you split the cost with other couples.
       2. If you live in a big city, consider downgrading to a chic, chauffeured but more affordable Lincoln Town Car.
       3. Make an appointment for a cab. But shop around beforehand, or you never know what might show up at your door.
       4. Really don't want to drive? Ask a responsible older friend (or non-embarrassing relative) to chauffeur you for the night.
       5. There's no law against driving your own car to prom. Just make sure it's clean. Look for coupons to your local car wash, or just bust out the hose and the vacuum.

    DINING

       1. Cook a romantic dinner for two. It's less expensive than a fancy restaurant and sets a relaxed tone for the rest of the evening.
       2. Invite a few couples over and make your own restaurant. Ask mom and dad to cook and serve. Set up a few small tables, add candles and soft music, and enjoy!
       3. Eat a hearty meal before you go out, but splurge on a fancy dessert in a restaurant -- especially if you usually say no to dessert. Prom Night's a perfect excuse to indulge.
       4. If you choose to eat a restaurant, don't go in blind. Look at menus beforehand so you'll know which eatery has the food you want at the price you can afford.
       5. Imagine walking into your local fast food joint wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. If this sounds like hilarious fun, why not do it? It'll make a great story some day.

    FLOWERS

       1. Get a price quote from at least 5 different florists before committing to a purchase. Bonus points for price-checking 10.
       2. Choose less expensive flowers. Carnations are a traditional choice because they're cheap and easy to dye in various colors.
       3. Skip the fancy florist and head to the grocery store. The selection is usually smaller, but you're sure to find something you like. They are flowers, after all.
       4. Don't go overboard with a massive bouquet. A few tasteful flowers will suffice, and it won't weigh heavy on your arm all night.
       5. Get crafty! Make your own corsage and boutonnière using a few inexpensive materials from a craft store and flowers from the grocery store.
       6. Take advantage of your region's natural beauty. Pick some gorgeous wildflowers, or ask your neighbors for donations from their gardens.

    PHOTOS

       1. Let's be honest; a lot of those professional prom photos look awful. Ask an artistic friend or relative to take pictures before prom, and forgo the expensive train wreck.
       2. Don't have a talented photographer in your social circle? Trying recruiting a photography student from the local university.
       3. If your photographer uses traditional film, ask if you can buy the negatives and have them printed yourself.
       4. If you photographer uses a digital camera, ask if you can buy the files and print your photos at home.
       5. This may sound crazy, but consider (gasp!) not taking pictures at all. Just put the cameras aside, get on the dance floor and enjoy your big night to the fullest!

    POST-PROM PARTYING

       1. If you live in a medium to large city, just take a stroll downtown. You may find live music and street performers, or just some great conversation and people-watching.
       2. Find a safe, suitable outdoor space and organize an evening picnic for two. All you need is finger foods, a warm blanket and a sky full of stars.
       3. Grab 10 of your closest friends and head to the nearest beach or lake for an old-fashioned bonfire and barbecue.
       4. Not every prom night has to be romantic. Why not throw some bowling shoes on under that formal gown? Or does evening wear go better with roller skates?
       5. Assuming your parents are cool with it, why not just party at home? They'll be relieved, you'll still have a great time with friends, and it won't cost a fortune.

    What did we miss? Leave a comment below with your best tips on how to save money on prom!

  • Get Crafty: Homemade Valentine's Gifts

    Posted by: LuLu*s !

    February
    9
    2010

     

    Love is in the air, and with Valentine's Day just around the corner, I have found myself yet again gift-less. Normally I would run to the store and find whatever chocolate goodies and cute cards were left, but this year I was determined to make my own Valentine's gifts.

    I have found some simple homemade gifts that are perfect for friends, family or that special someone in your life. They are both inexpensive, easy, and quick to make. Believe me, if I can cut, staple and paste, so can you!

    Below is a link to a video from The Early Show on CBS that gives instructions on how to make these gifts as well as a few other Valentine's Day favorites!

     

            For That Special Someone: Message in a Bottle

    Materials you'll need:

    -1 cleaned empty glass bottle

    -popsicle sticks

    -colored pen

            For friends and family: Stuffed Hearts

    Materials you'll need:

    - 2 paper hearts cut out

    - a stapler

    - Whatever type of candy you wish (should be small candy so it can fit inside)

    - small piece of paper for note

  • LuLu*s Do It Yourself Darling Strikes Again!

    Posted by: LuLu*s !

    August
    11
    2009

    Just when we thought our little office fashionista couldn't get any cuter, Miss Carlie waltzed into the office one afternoon sporting the gorgeous floral dress pictured below. Of course, we had to know where she got it, but the truth was that it wasn't a dress at all; it was a SKIRT!

    She had us all fooled and all immediately wanting to know how she did it. Now, Carlie once again shares her fashion secrets with us. Today's lesson: how to make an "old lady" skirt into a fresh and beautiful dress!

    SUPPLIES:

    -- Lace or elastic to use as spaghetti straps
    -- Needle and thread
    -- Cute mid-waist belt to add shape

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. Unbutton top two or three buttons depending on how low of a cut you want.
    2. Measure two equal pieces of lace (length varies depending on how you want the dress to sit).
    3. Attach lace to the opening of the skirt (use needle a thread to attach).
    4. Attach the other end of the lace to the back of the skirt.
    5. Add a cute mid-waist belt to add shape to the dress

    When looking for a shirt, choose a length and a waist width that will be flattering and comfortable for your figure. A skirt that buttons up is the most appealing when made into a dress. Also, look for a print that you can pair with one of your favorite belts and pair of shoes.

    With a little trip to your local thrift store, and a little imagination, this cute look can be yours as well. Share the good news with your friends, or keep them guessing. It can be our little secret. ;)

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  • LuLu*s Do It Yourself Darling

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    August
    3
    2009

    Fashion is the name of the game here at Lulus.com, where an innovative staff is dedicated to the world of clothes and the pursuit of cute. One such LuLu*s fashionista, Miss Carlie Oxsen, is absolutely adored around the office for her unique and inventive style.

    Trendy and creative, Carlie is our go-to girl for style questions and outfit inspiration. Below is a step-by-step guide to recreating one of our favorite Carlie ensembles: the simple men's shirt turned adorable and stylish skirt.


    SUPPLIES:

    • 1-1.5 yards of wide elastic
    • A man's button-up shirt
    • A sewing machine
    • Straight pins
    • Scissors

    DIRECTIONS:

    1.  Buy a man's dress shirt (steal from boyfriend or visit your local thrift store....)

    2.  Cut a straight line across shirt, beginning right below sleeves of shirt.

    3.  Measure a piece of elastic around your waste where you would like the skirt to sit (Leave 1 inch of length for overlap.)

    4. Unbutton bottom half of shirt and lay out flat.

    5. Stretch the cut piece of elastic to fit the length of the shirt.

    6. While holding elastic completely stretched out pin the shirt to the elastic. Place one straight pin every 3 inches.

    7. Sew elastic to shirt (sew top and bottom of elastic).

    8. Sew on one button over the elastic on the button side of shirt.

    9. Cut a slit in the opposite end of the elastic to fit the button 10 cut off any excess length of elastic.

    10. Sport your new skirt on your next outing, and be prepared for showering of compliments!

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  • Lulu's Loves... Sienna!

    Posted by: LuLu*s !

    July
    20
    2009

    When you order from Lulus.com, Sienna packs your cute new items and ships them to you in your lucky LuLu*s box!

    Like most of our employees, she has creative side that she expresses through button-making. She has been doing ceramics for about 10 years after gaining a huge interest in college and now satisfies her inner artist by designing unique buttons from little fried eggs to beautiful fruit-inspired pieces. You can check out her collection at siennaorlando.etsy.com.

    Sienna grew up as a farmer's daughter so, in keeping with her love for the animals and plants that surrounded her, she uses recycled/re-fashionable materials in her crafts. She also loves baking and cooking as seen in her cute little cupcakes and strawberry buttons! Her favorite button she's made so far is currently in the works: a little piece of toast with a tiny pad of butter.

    What's her favorite item on Lulus.com? The Crusoe Pleat Romper [sold out!]


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