DIY: Grunge Shirts

Sometimes I get so excited when shopping that I buy things without even thinking. I should know after many failed attempts that taking that extra time at the store can save a lot of money AND the hassle of going back to return something.

Just one point proving this-  I really wanted a 5 Seconds of Summer shirt. I went to my Hot Topic numerous times with no luck. Then one day, on display was a beautiful 5 Seconds of Summer shirt; the search was over. I had tunnel vision.  Saw it, wanted it, bought it, took it home... and WHAT THE HECK it's like the shirt was crafted for a child! (I was sad not going to lie)

However, times like these are why muscle shirts are a thing and cut up shirts are in!

 I decided to embrace the awkward sizing and DIY my shirt after 5 SOS. If there's one thing they can do perfectly besides performing it's destroying band tees. Besides great hair, grunge shirts are the guys' staples.  Calum, Ashton and Michael's (Not so much Luke) shirts  always manage to be the perfect balance of lived in and 'I just got in a fight with Freddy Krueger'. It's an art form really.

 I decided to cut and tear not only the band tee but also two other brand spanking new shirts I got at Target- Sorry mom!

If I can do it, you can do it.

  All you need is:

- a concrete surface

-scissors
- a shirt 

You want to put your shirt down on a concrete surface so that your scissors have something to strike against. The scissors will catch on the unevenness of the concrete and in this case, that's how the magic happens.

Once you start to see the fabric rip, pull the shirt with your hands. This tears the fibers even more and creates bigger holes.

Do you like my crazy hair? 

Bonus: A festive Christmas tree in the background.

This project is not only fun, but also allows you to make something that is truly your own. Here are the finished products... 

I see Mickey Mouse shirts like this everywhere now. It just goes to show that you're never too old for Disney.

There are a few holes on the bottom of this which aren't visible because my pants are  black. I transformed this baby into a muscle shirt and  I'm thinking about cutting the neckline later as well.

I originally wanted to make this a muscle shirt too, but realized that nothing beats jumbo, oversized sweatshirts- ever.

The whole cut up shirts/ jeans/ 90s grunge trend is in right now and there's no need to run to Urban Outfitters just to spend over $30+ for a ripped shirt. ( i.e. the shirt above) Grab a pair of scissors, an old shirt and let your creativity run wild!

Best,

My Favorite Things

Hello friends!

It seems like there are so many things filling up my days that by the time I finally catch up the week is over. Half the time I don't even remember what day it is, isn't that the worst? If there's one thing I do know, it's that weekends are the best time to stay in bed all day (as I'm currently doing as I type this) and reflect on the week- even if the days do kinda, sorta all blend together.

 I haven't done a favorite things post in a while so I thought now would be a great time to show you what I'm loving/ have been up to... so here we go!

My lovely RA's had an awesome dorm event last weekend. I am not one to pass on an opportunity to eat cupcakes so I went on down to the common room to craft a one of a kind, tye dye-esque cupcake. My RA's read off different statements, each were assigned a different color and if they applied to us, we added the color to our batter. What a sweet way to learn about others.

OOTD:

Since it is now technically Fall, yet still insanely nice out I decided to whip out my brown boots and pair them with a floral skirt. The long sleeved shirt was more appropriate than a jacket and, let's face it, cuter. (I added a filter to the picture to make my dorm more aesthetically pleasing but I now realize it makes my face look a tad eerie, whoops!) 

Shirt: A&F

Skirt: Cotton On

Socks: Urban Outfitters

Boots: Colin Stuart

The weather was especially beautiful last week and prompted multiple trips downtown. My friend Chelsea and I sat in a park and ate burritos- yum. While the day was already picture perfect, the burritos also happened to be free :)

Meet my little buddy I named Xavier. My luck- the sprouting sunflower unfortunately died 4 days after I bought it, go figure. However, it brightened my days in that short period of time. I  definitely had  some positive vibes coming from my window sill (It was next to my 'There's something good in every day jar')

The best things you'll ever eat. Trader Joe's Cowboy Bark, Cookie Butter and Way More Chocolate Chip Cookies have quickly become me and my roommates  favorite snack staples. I now eat Cookie Butter like it's my job and I'm perfectly ok with that.

Other Miscellaneous Things:

Emma Watson's #Heforshe speech to the United Nations has spread like wildfire across the internet. I've had to watch and discuss it in quite a few of my classes this past week.  I personally don't like the word feminism mainly because of how misconstrued it has become. Personally, I think He for She is a refreshing way to look at gender equality, without putting anyone at fault. The response to Emma's speech has not been too overwhelmingly positive and this backlash, unfortunately, goes to show just how important the He for She initiative is. You can watch her speech by clicking here.

I've been on a Weezer kick recently so I leave you with my favorite song of the moment, the band's newest single 'Back to the Shack'

(If you are on a mobile device, you can listen here)

What are you loving? Let me know! Have a wonderful week.

Best,

Sarah

OOTD: More Pizza Please

Good Morning everyone!

Everyone loves pizza, but Mondays? Not so much.

Recently, I've become a sucker for baggy shirts with a cute phrase or cool graphic plastered on them. So when I saw this  from Jac Vanek (I LOVE her- check her out in another ootd here!) I knew I just had to buy it.

Sure, "The difference between pizza and your opinion is that I asked for pizza" is a little sassy, but it's all in good fun. The font, the phrase, the tye dye- I love it all.

When I first bought these I put a picture up on my Tumblr. I just now got around to putting them together with an outfit.

I love that these shoes are essentially combat boots, yet can still be worn when it's hot in the summer. Most of the reviews on this shoe said that they run small and are, at times, uncomfortable. However, I have not had any problems with them yet so they're as good as gold in my book!

This is my last post for a while. I'm on vacation this week and then next week I'm off to Vermont to prepare for school! 

Best,
Sarah

OOTD: Flower Child

Hello there!

In the 60's, Flower children ruled San Francisco. They filled their lives with peace, love and all that good stuff. While the days of flower power are long gone, it's still fun to emulate that period of time.

It seems like my outfit posts somehow incorporate a floral or flannel (blame it on Vermont). However, it just doesn't feel like appropriate Summer  attire until you throw on a Sunflower pattern.You don't need a crazy floral crown or a music festival to feel free and at ease for a day.

Dress: Wet Seal

Bralet: Forever 21

Shoes: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

I bought these shoes quite some time ago, but am super excited that it is now acceptable to wear them. They are also very comfy which is a plus!

I received this dress from my roommate as a birthday gift and it is the best thing to throw on.  Shift dresses are so light and airy: the perfect pairing. The last thing you want during hot Summer months is for your clothing to stick to your body.

This is me breathing a sigh of relief for finally posting another outfit post.  This face also comes from me realizing I'm going to watch 5 Seconds of Summer on the Today show tomorrow. (I've blogged about them before here and here!) I'm so excited to see them live and also spend some quality time with my best friend.

I hope you all enjoy your week! 

Best,

Sarah

OOTD: Beach Daze

Happy Memorial day. Never forget those who  have served our country. Their bravery, selflessness and dedication are unparalleled and for that, the USA is extremely grateful.

Last week, I went to the beach with my mom. It was such a beautiful day and I decided to test out some flowy, bohemian-esque pants. 

It was a great decision.

Tank top: Bozzolo

Pants: Target

Sandals: Steve Madden

Cross body bag: Francesca's 

Sorry this OOTD post is short. I was hesitant to bring my camera to the beach, so these are all taken from my phone. I also didn't bring sunglasses- as you can imagine, in all of the pictures I took my face was scrunched. ( Quite amusing actually, but I'm sparing myself the embarrassment by not placing them here!)

Here's some more inspiration...

 

Forever 21

Lulu's

Urban Outfitters

Have a great week. If you're out and about and come across some wide legged, flowy pants, try them on! They are so comfy and definitely have a Summer vibe going on. You can thank me later.

Best,

Sarah

OOTD: Flannel is the Answer

Hey there darling,
No matter what your style, there's a small part in every one of us that wants to just throw on a flannel and be done with it. Flannels are cool. (in my opinion) Flannels are timeless and a good flannel? Well, it's the comfiest thing you will ever own.

This applies to this flannel from Jac Vanek. I've had it for almost a year and after numerous washes I still love how baggy, durable and comfy it is! The fun saying on the back is merely a bonus. (Sayings and flannel style often rotate on Jac's website)

Now that it's warm outside, I've been exploring my lovely town, something that has been long overdue. This beach nearby has so many hidden places perfect for an impromptu photo shoot.

Flannel: Jac Vanek

Crop Top: Forever 21

Leggings: Charlotte Russe

Riding Boots: Colin Stuart

Sunglasses: Forever 21

 My rule? No photo shoot is complete without being silly.

This is my content self basking in the sunlight before it started to get dark...

...and this moment  is about the time lighting started to get bad so now you all get to witness my photoshop wizardry. (or lack there of)

The weather this weekend was absolutely perfect.  It just needs to get a teensy bit warmer so I can swap my boots and leggings for  more appropriate summer attire. 

Have a lovely week!!

Best,

Sarah

OOTD: Frozen Florals

Hello everyone!

The end of last week was unseasonably warm... and by warm I mean it was 37 degrees. The only logical thing to do? Throw on a dress and take a walk on our still frozen lake.

To commemorate the temporary spring weather, I thought  this floral dress was necessary. A baby doll dress is super versatile. Tights, sandals, boots, a jean jacket- you name it. You can't go wrong.

Dress: Urban Outfitters
Jacket: Charlotte Russe
Hair bow: American Apparel
Tights: H&M
Boots: Steve Madden "Troopa"

Isn't that view just stunning? I'm so grateful to be where I am. 
Stop and look around at the little things. Nature is such a beautiful thing.

Best,
Sarah