Resolution #12:
Vamp up your accessorizing.
Guest Blog post by Erin

I asked Erin, of Calivintage, to share some of her favorite ways to accessorize. She is pretty much a champ at mixing it up with simple accessories that really change the mood of an outfit. I hope you all will be inspired by her wearable fashions!

From Erin: “I actually don’t think of myself as being very good at wearing accessories, but I pulled together several shots of me wearing them from the past couple of months. Usually my accessories are silly little things I’ve picked up at thrift shops, like brooches and silk scarves that I tie as headbands to compliment colors of my outfit or to add a bit of interest.”

“My current favorite piece is the green fern headband that my mom made for me using glittery millinery leaves and a vintage ribbon. I added it to a basic earthy green outfit to elevate the whole look and was quite pleased with the result. It’s amazing what a simple little piece can do to really transform a look.”

Resolution #3:
Chronicle your memories.
Guest Blog post by Elise Blaha Cripe

Chronicling your memories in 2011 doesn’t have to be overwhelming and you definitely do not need to stock up on a lot of materials. Here’s a simple idea to stay on track and keep your adventures in one place.

Purchase a small 4×6 photo album. This one shown is from Kolo, but there are oodles of options in different sizes and thicknesses.

Commit to taking photos, whether it’s with your fancy camera, your phone or the photobooth option on your computer. Every month or so, get a few of your favorite photos printed.

Keep a document on your computer or in your photo for writing down what you’re up do. Simple things like “addicted to pomegranates” or bigger things like “bought a dog!” are all you need. These are memory joggers so at the end of the month you remember what was going on. The goal is to get both the photos and words into your small album. Below are a couple ideas for how to do that.

Add your text onto a simple sticker and place it right onto the photo or on the plastic sleeve protecting the photo.

Slip your photos into one side of the album and add a piece of cardstock with your printed or handwritten words in to the other.

Write or type your text on paper and cut into strips that can be layered right on top of the photo.

Add your strips of text on top of patterned paper to add more embellishment to the book.

If you have a few different photos of the same event that you can’t bare to leave out, tuck them behind another photo in the album OR use decorative tape to add extra pages to the album.

Of course, you could get much more creative with this project and add embellishments and fill bigger albums with so many more photos. (See more ideas for minibooks here.) But I have found that with new years resolutions it’s sometimes much better to start small and simple. It’s easier to stick with it and not get discouraged if your project is manageable.

Photos are awesome. Photos combined with your thoughts and memories and even better.

Happy 2011 and happy creating. elise

Resolution #10
Be More Thrifty.
Guest Blog post by James

Hello dearies! my name is miss james and i run bleubirdvintage.com and write the bleubird blog. Iwanted to talk a bit about being more thrifty and share a few of my favorite finds and let you in on a few of my thrifting secrets.

Most of the things in my home and wardrobe i have found in a thrift store. I love to hunt for vintage pieces to bring into my home. i look for furniture, art, dishes, throw pillows, bedding, quilts and knick knacks to make my home a unique place to live.

I thrift several times a week. It's my favorite thing to do besides being a mom. Sometimes I find a cart ful of pre-loved goodies and other times I walk out empty handed. I find the whole experience very therapeutic. You can find some real gems for mere pennies if you just take the time to look for them.

My top 5  thrifting secrets…

1. Hit the shops early, while most people are at work. That way the crowds are few and the shelves & racks are freshly stocked.
2. Go often! I go several times per week.
3. Make a list of things you are looking for. (I have one on my phone to reference.)
4. Most thrift stores run daily specials and certain departments will be on sale. Like the salvation army has 50% off all clothing on wednesdays!
5. Scope the shoes… I have found some of my very favorite shoes for under three bucks at the thrift. it sure beats buying new ones that are often similar styles that can cost over $100. Also check the little boys section. I find some of the cutest stuff there from vintage tee shirts to cute fitted blazers.

My closets are filled with vintage clothes that I've thrifted over the years and I have a vintage coat collection that most would kill for. It is very rare that i'm not wearing head to toe vintage. I love it because I know that no one will have the exact same outfit as mine and I love to see just how little I can spend on an outfit. It's kind of like a little game I play with myself.

This post was so much fun to write. Thank you to the lovely mandi for having me. Also, this was a great introduction to a new weekly thrifting post T am writing over on my blog where I will be posting more of my thrifting finds and tips. Thanks again & happy new year everyone!

xo, James