// DIY (No Sew!) Burlap + Denim Throw Pillows

You know how in movies there is always that couple with the insane amount of throw pillows on their bed? They spent an insane amount of time taking them off, putting them away, and then arranging them back in place the next morning... and it all seems so ridiculous and unnecessary. We are that couple. Or I should say I am that "couple" haha! Mike couldn't care one way or the other if we had throw pillows, but me? I'm a little bit into them. I used to think throw pillows were so stupid and such a waste of space and money... now I like to change them out every season. February's Michaels Makers challenge was simply "denim," but I was surprisingly stumped. I had no idea how to incorporate denim into my home or crafts because it's typically not my go-to fabric. After Mike and I strolled around Michaels for a good bit of time, I found these burlap pillows. I thought about the denim ribbon I had seen and then lightbulb! I could make my own fun throw pillows!

Our bedroom is already a hodgepodge of textures and neutral colors, so I thought adding in a couple more pillows couldn't hurt. I realize we now have a lot of throw pillows so we'll probably put a couple away, but for this post they're all up there (with the exception of the one Mike made me for our 2nd wedding anniversary). 

When I decided to do the pillows, I thought I'd do one more "masculine" and one more "feminine," that way there was a bit of balance on the bed. (Ha! Balance! Because all of the pink and florals and ruffles can be balanced...) When I found the big denim bow in the Make Market section, I immediately threw it in my buggy and was determined to find a way to use it. Even if I didn't use it for this project, I wanted to use it somewhere. It was too cute to deny. I also found the thicker denim ribbon with the lace overlay and that's when I put the two together to create a pillow. I picked up two different colors of thinner denim ribbon and thought a waffle weave pattern would be cute to try. Mike ended up deciding on the asymmetrical look of it and I like how they contrast each other but are both made on the diagonal. (Word to the wise: If you decide to use the thinner ribbon like this, grab some fray check! I didn't have any on hand and boy oh boy, it shed like crazy!)

You can use a variety of supplies to adhere the denim to the pillows. A couple of options include hot glue (I did this as a test, and it worked well enough, but obviously wouldn't hold up to washing. To be honest I'm not sure if anything would?) and hem tape (my preferred choice). Of course you could also go the traditional route by sewing the pieces down. The burlap covers have a small zipper on the bottom so you can slide the pillow form out, but I couldn't manage to navigate the covers on my sewing machine without having to cut up the sides. If you wanted to hand sew a line or just tack them down in various places, that could really make it last. Now that I have them both done, I'll likely go back and tack down the edges here and there because I really do love how they look. I could've just done that from the beginning, but I guess I like to take the scenic route haha

Despite struggling with the theme of the challenge in the beginning, I'm really happy with the end result. I had no intention on creating pillows from the start, but I'm glad it lead me in that direction! If you pop into your local Michaels you'll see the new Make Market line which is full of denim, chalkboard, burlap, cork, and galvanized items and I seriously want all of it! I'm going to drop in Saturday to pick up a few more pieces and I'm definitely planning on stocking up on some goodies.

Happy Monday! xo

An InLinkz Link-up

// The Fashionable Guide to Accessorize Like a Pro

  CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

So, you want to have some heads turn when you walk into a room? Fortunately, it's not as hard as you might think. Alongside dressing for your body type and getting makeup right, you will be a triple threat when you accessorize like a pro. Not sure how? Here are some quick ideas.

Wear Delicate Accents

You don't need to go bold when making a statement about how you feel, look, or believe. Some of the best accessories are understated yet elegant. For instance, a muted work outfit is brought alive with a soft yet noticeable necklace that accentuates your neckline, plunge, or even cleavage. Kendra Scott necklaces are just the thing when you need the quality of design and color that can stand out against anything. You can also layer these to form unique ensembles.

Accessorize Like a Pro with Statement Pieces

Around 37% of the general population follows fashion trends. Some of the latest trends from major celebrities include statement pieces. However, these are hard to pull off, so try these:

• Less is more, so focus on one statement piece, such as a large bar or bright shoes.

• Let the statement pieces shine through by combining them against neutral colors.

• Define the outfit by matching the statement pierce to a fitted silhouette.

Too bold a statement piece, or too many, will draw attention away from delicate features. Clashing colors will also be too rough on the eye, and the ensemble should define the style.

Mix and Match How You Want

Your ensemble is yours alone. Just like putting clothing together, accessories should highlight your best features without making them too obvious. By mixing and matching, you can draw attention to the areas you want, either for style or confidence. Of course, you must be careful to balance any bold colors with muted tones, or you can come off as far too bright. Matching colors with color theory will help avoid clashes, and you can find ones that work pretty well together.

Wardrobe Essentials to Accessorize Like a Pro 

Accessorizing doesn't only relate to jewelry. There are many other essentials you probably already have in your wardrobe. Get digging into the back to find some of these classics.

A hat for all seasons

Hats are pretty versatile and can wear just as well in the sun as they can in the rain.

Scarves, wraps and shawls

No matter the season, there is always room for a stylish piece of beautiful fabric.

How about waist accessories

Define the overall shape and complement your proportions with a statement belt.

Body positivity is a major topic these days, and you can avoid many issues by styling yourself for yourself! With the right accessories, people will notice your tyle and not your ”flaws”. 

Complement Your Proportions

Most designers and stylists will tell you that it all comes down to proportion. And for the most part, they are right. But it is pretty hard to understand the proportions of your body. It helps to dress for your body type, such as hourglasses. But only a small percentage of women have that type. Most are pear, apple, or rectangle-shaped. Some accessories can complement these well, But if you choose certain pieces, like loud necklaces, consider small earrings, for example.

Accessorize Like a Pro with Layers

Getting layers right can have a huge impact on how you look overall. Around 60% of women have negative feelings about their bodies, so you want to make an impact at a glance:

• Start small by layering jewelry, such as rings, into uneven stacks for an elegant effect.

• Stack necklaces, bangles, and cuffs of various sizes to make something unique.

• Avoid layering two accessories in one outfit, such as wearing stacked rings with cuffs.

Simple layering, such as stacking rings, has an immediate impact on any style. You can also do this with other pieces, but be careful not to overdo it as they can easily clash and ruin the style.

Don't Be Scared to Check Yourself Out

There is no shame in gazing at yourself in the mirror. You need to know how you look so you can make changes that improve it. Otherwise, you may have a massive drop in confidence as you constantly wonder if you look okay. Take some time and have fun trying various combinations of accessories with clothing. Note how each change either highlights or obscures the natural features you want to show off. So, just go with it and get used to looking at yourself.

Summary

Delicate accents such as necklaces can help you accessorize like a pro by complementing specific features. There are also some wardrobe essentials, such as hats and scarves, that can round out an ensemble. However, you must get used to looking at yourself to see what works.