DIY: Initial Monogram Pouch

With winter coming, the days are getting shorter, the sun is setting earlier, and it's becoming impossible to take photos of my DIYs during daylight now! I woke up before work to take the above photo so I could at least present one polished picture of the monogrammed pouch for you!

For most people, fall is filled with colored leaves, candy corn, and pumpkin everything. For me, it's filled with birthdays. A ton of birthdays followed by Christmas. I don't catch a break until January! But it also gets my creative juices flowing since I love making things for people whether it be cake or this monogrammed pouch. I had a friend's birthday pass recently. I knew I had to make her gift, because she's sentimental, but also values good quality.

The personalization of monogrammed handbags has always intrigued me because it's such a simple idea that creates such attachment. It reminds me of grade school the #2 pencils with our names or initials on it. A simple idea triggers such elegance and nostalgia. I decided to find a pouch in her favorite color, pink, monogram it with her initials, and use it as an insert for the transparent clutch!

Materials:

• Leather pouch (or belt/wallet/etc.)
• Print outs of the initials in multiple sizes and fonts
• Paint (preferable the label specifically says for leather)
• Pencil
• Thin paint brush

Cut out the initials you like best.

Flip it over, and shade the back in with pencil.

Tape the initials to the pouch, and trace/outline the monogram.

Pull back the paper, and you're left with a light imprint of the initials :)

Use the thin paint brush and paint in the initials.

Start out with thin lines, and make them fuller once you're comfortable. Keep a moist washcloth nearby so if you mess up, you can wipe it away while the paint is still wet. Worst case scenario, do what I did, and use the white paint to help create more definition to the red lettering.

Voila! You're done :)

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Blogger Meetup Recap

Time to divulge the details of my first blogger meetup...as a blogger! I make that distinction, because I've been to one other blogger meetup before. To clear things up, I'll explain. I used to take photos for my friend, Monica of Jersey Girl Texan Heart. While I was her photographer, she planned her first ever blogger meetup, and invited me to tag along. It was fun, but also a different experience as a photographer. You're not as active among people, because as a photographer, you're used to being in the background.

This time was different. I had to reintroduce myself (I heard Jay Z's voice when I wrote that) as a blogger and my own brand. This time, I fussed over my outfit, my conversation topics, and my breath like it was a first date (with multiple beautiful ladies!). It was completely stressful, in a good way of course.

In the end, when I got there, all that stress was forgotten. I met amazing women who embody strength, the entrepreneurial spirit, and just an overall kindness. I enjoyed every minute of it, and can't wait to see them again :) Oh and these are outfits photos of what I wore that day.

When I found out my camera is pretty good with action shots, I naturally started twirling. Silliness ensued.

Button down / Express (old)
Floral skirt / Asos
Transparent clutch / DIY (tutorial here)
Pearl necklace / DIY (tutorial here)
Pearl earring / DIY (tutorial coming soon)

Here are the photos from our blogger picnic in Central Park!
We all brought our own food, met up, and started talking like old friends. It was an amazing feeling.

Just a little bit about each of them.

Alex is a #girlboss. She runs her own cosmetic line focused on natural ingredients that work harmoniously with your body to bring out your glow.

Sara is the cutest book worm. She loves incorporating fashion with her love of books (reminds me of Olympia le Tan and her book clutches!).

Mel is a fierce woman who can hold her own amongst the toughest. I have nothing to back this up, but something tells me I would want her there if I ever got in a fight.

Simone is the ever so fabulous creator behind Fashion Runs the World. She is one of the happiest people I've ever met, full of smiles, and totally chill when you ask her about her hair (don't ask lol..)

Sharon is a fellow Jersey blogger, and lover/mama of dogs! She's a petite woman just like me so it's fun to see what other petite women do when the fashion industry makes clothes for 6'3" 100 pound women.

Last but certainly not least, our beautiful event planner who is not pictured here. Monica is the do it all girl. You name something, she's currently doing it: full-time blogger / etsy seller of hand painted jars / fur mama to 2 dogs / corporate 9-to-5 woman / and friend. This woman tires herself out everyday, but somehow wakes up each morning smiling.

Photos courtesy of Monica from JerseyGirlTexanHeart.

If you're interested in any of their blogs, just check below for the link :)

Alexandra of Glory Boon
Sara of Sincerely Sara
Sharon of The Tiny Heart
Mel of Style is Her
Simone of Fashion Runs the World
and our lovely event planner
Monica of JerseyGirlTexanHeart

Linking up Fizz and Frosting, Because Shanna Said So, Pleated Poppy, Style Elixir, Penniless Socialite, & Transatlantic Blonde :)

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DIY | Clear Clutch

In two senses: 1) the clutch is clear, 2) you'll want to make this without a doubt.

I decided to use the clutch for my first blogger meetup...as a blogger! Eep! I don't know if I was more nervous about the meetup or the fact that my money was out in the open for everyone to see. I kept thinking to myself, "I'm such an easy target for pickpockets. I'm small, nonathletic, and have all my money on display in a clear clutch!"

Photo courtesy of Monica from JerseyGirlTexanHeart.

Ok, I know I was being dramatic, but if you've met me in person, you know how klutzy/forgetful I am, and how prone to bad situations I am.

I think this might be my best DIY thus far, which is scary. I'm having thoughts like, "Have I peaked? Is this what I'll be remembered by?" I know. I'm being dramatic again. But that's how much I love this clutch, and how amazing yet simple I think it is. It seems ridiculously high end, but such a simple (and cheap!) project that people might hate me for deceiving them :X


You need a few supplies:

• 2 plastic frames (like these)
• 2 hinges and 1 latch closure (like this)
• E6000
• Small screwdriver
• Small bag of sorts (i.e. cosmetic bag)

So these are the main materials you probably don't have at home and must buy.

The small box is for the use of its latch closure and hinges. Use the screwdriver and unscrew everything.

If you want to be extra ambitious, strip off the ends of the screws so you're left with the head.

You can attach them later on hinges and closure after they've been glued to the clutch.

Tape the two open sides of the frames together in preparation of gluing the hinges for the clutch.

Glue the hinges along the center where the boxes meet. Make sure they are in a line so the clutch can open.

Glue the latch closure on the other side along the middle where the frames meet.

Test out the latch to make sure it can close before the glue sets.

Insert your bag of choice, and voila! You have yourself the transparent clutch :)

This is one of those things that just looks so great in person, but I can't seem to capture how awesome it is.

P.S. If you ever want to try one of these DIYs, but can't find the materials, let me know.
I can help secure the materials for you :)

Linking up with Jennie, Lauren, & Claire Justine.


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