Fruit Nail Stickers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/sunnies-9_zpsefe3ce28.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/sunnies_zpsdd8ad02b.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/sunnies-2_zps188728e9.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/sunnies-3_zpsd016f3b3.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/sunnies-4_zpse8104a50.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/sunnies-5_zps3f687d78.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/sunnies-6_zps239ce6c2.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/sunnies-8_zpsa22d00d1.jpg" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><i>Tools: <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=761928&b=417942&m=43745&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Emodcloth%2Ecom%2Fshop%2Fbeauty%2Fand%2Dmani%2Dmore%2Dnail%2Dsticker%2Dset%2Din%2Dfruit" target="_blank">nail sticker set in fruit</a>, clear nail polish</i><br />It's summer and I've been eating a lot of fruit; like a homemade smoothie containing whatever fresh fruit I have around, every day. It's only natural that my fruit obsession should extend itself stylistically, especially when I spied <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=761928&b=417942&m=43745&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Emodcloth%2Ecom%2Fshop%2Fbeauty%2Fand%2Dmani%2Dmore%2Dnail%2Dsticker%2Dset%2Din%2Dfruit" target="_blank">these cute nail stickers</a> at Modcloth. Applying them is pretty easy and there are instructions on the box: <i>stick the nail on, file off the excess, and throw a couple of coats of clear polish on top to keep it all in place</i>. I've only used one set of nail stickers before, but these are a bit thinner than my first pair so I'm a little worried about their durability. Still, for the cute factor I don't regret getting them and I'll probably just keep adding clear polish whenever they look like they're ready to peel. The set comes with 16 different stickers, so you have some options about what to apply and some leftover styles for another manicure another day.</div></div>

Fruit Nail Stickers

Tools: nail sticker set in fruit , clear nail polish It's summer and I've been eating a lot of fruit; like a homemade smoothie conta...

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Minimalist Nail Art DIY

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/nails-5_zps9546efe6.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/nails_zpsfaad71dc.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/nails-2_zpsede8463d.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/nails-3_zps401bc441.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/nails-4_zps85aed043.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/nails-6_zps6937dd2f.jpg" /><br /><b>Tools:</b> <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=ZeS/lRslpkc&subid=&offerid=256670.1&type=10&tmpid=719&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.sephora.com%252Fmini-paint-pot-nail-polish-P384912%253FskuId%253D1581420">Ciate amazing grace</a>, <a href="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=theclohor09-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0069FDR96&asins=B0069FDR96&linkId=&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true">nail tape</a>, nail clippers/cuticle scissors, and clear top coat<br />I'm a big fan of nail art--especially if it is rather clean-looking and easy to reproduce at home. Nails that look fancy without the effort? That's the best. So I was quite thrilled to find these rolls of foil nail stickers on Amazon for only a couple of bucks. They come in sets with 10 different colors and the stripes can be applied in any pattern you like--they'd even work nicely as an accent nail.<br /><i>The process:</i> start with a base coat (I used two coats of a pale pink), apply the sticker in the desired pattern and clip it short using your scissors, finish with a clear top coat to keep the stickers in place. </div>

Minimalist Nail Art DIY

Tools: Ciate amazing grace , nail tape , nail clippers/cuticle scissors, and clear top coat I'm a big fan of nail art--especially if it...

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V-Day Nails

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1v/_MG_7622_zpsa33dd357.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1v/_MG_7628_zpse3de0188.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1v/_MG_7632_zps06953859.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1v/_MG_7635_zps783a8332.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1v/_MG_7638_zpsb2c5b799.jpg" /><br />I've shared this nail tutorial before (with different colors) but it's my go-to for nails that look nice with minimal effort. Maybe it's all the candy and conversation heart packages that I see every time I go to the store, but I've been craving cute nails that look a bit like candy themselves; red and pink is also one of my favorite color combinations. Anyway, I used <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=ZeS/lRslpkc&subid=&offerid=256670.1&type=10&tmpid=719&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.sephora.com%252Fmini-paint-pot-nail-polish-P384912%253FskuId%253D1581420" target="_blank">Ciate</a> Candy Floss for the base (2 coats) and Ciate Boudoir for the tips (one coat). The pictures are fairly self-explanatory for how-to, just be certain to let your base coat fully dry before you apply the stickers.</div>

V-Day Nails

I've shared this nail tutorial before (with different colors) but it's my go-to for nails that look nice with minimal effort. Maybe ...

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Christmas Wrapping

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x037/_MG_7854_zpscbc1b13a.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x037/IMG_5737_zps443d1d81.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x037/IMG_5683_zps50e440e1.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x037/_MG_7858_zps0b1b97dd.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x037/_MG_7867_zpsac60c4fc.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x037/IMG_5701_zps6e7ab000.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x037/IMG_5715_zps0aa1fc2f.jpg" /><br />Last year around this time I made hundreds of paper snowflakes and this year my down time has been spent painting a few dozen tiny dinosaurs to decorate my Christmas presents. I suppose it's the short period of daylight that drives me to be more crafty this season. Dinosaurs might not be one's first idea when they picture Christmas, but with a few key paint strokes they definitely add something personal and quirky to the plain red paper.</div>

Christmas Wrapping

Last year around this time I made hundreds of paper snowflakes and this year my down time has been spent painting a few dozen tiny dinosaurs...

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DIY Two-tone Cardigan

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/_MG_7833_zps480705a1.jpg" />When Modcloth asked me to DIY their <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=761928&b=417942&m=43745&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Emodcloth%2Ecom%2Fshop%2Fsearch%3Fkeyword%3Dcharter%2Bschool" target="_blank">charter school cardigan</a> I instantly knew what I wanted to make. Because the charter school cardigan comes in a variety of colors (and patterns) it was the perfect choice for a “court jester” or two tone cardigan. I like the idea of using a striped cardigan and a solid color one, but for this DIY I went with two more basic colors that I knew would work with a lot of items in my wardrobe; specifically <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=761928&b=417942&m=43745&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Emodcloth%2Ecom%2Fshop%2Fcardigans%2Fcharter%2Dschool%2Dcardigan%2Din%2Dcamel" target="_blank">camel</a> and <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=761928&b=417942&m=43745&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Emodcloth%2Ecom%2Fshop%2Fcardigans%2Fcharter%2Dschool%2Dcardigan%2Din%2Dpeacock" target="_blank">peacock</a>. <img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/image1_zps908a91e0.jpg" /><br />What you need:<br />-2 cardigans<br />-seam ripper<br />-pins<br />-scissors<br />-needle + thread OR sewing machine <img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/_MG_7722_zps9b065f53.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/_MG_7725_zps5e81b649.jpg" /><br />Step 1: Using a seam ripper remove the labels from both cardigans.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/cut1_zps3ef7bc3a.jpg" /><br />Step 2: Pin a line down the center of your cardigan--pinning was always the step I liked to skip when I was younger but these help ensure straight lines which are essential to having your two cardigans match up. Cut along the line. Repeat for 2nd cardigan.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/cut2_zpsdd942efd.jpg" /><br />Step 3: Now that your cardigans are both halved, pin two halves of the cardigans together. Pin them from the inside and be certain to choose the left side of one cardigan and the right side of the second one.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/image8_zpscadea1b6.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/image9_zps0f673366.jpg" /><br />Step 4: With your two contrasting cardigans pinned together you are ready to sew. One option is to use a machine; for this material I used a zigzag setting with the stitch length between 2.5mm and 3mm. Your second option is to hand sew--I used an overcast stitch to prevent the material from unraveling. <img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/image10_zps3028756e.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/_MG_7844_zps21e532f1.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1z/_MG_7793_zpsfac65c06.jpg" /><br />You're finished! Perhaps the best part of this DIY is you have the potential for two cardigans in the end, which is perfect this season--I’m giving my second cardigan to a friend for Christmas.<br />P.S. The dress I'm wearing is by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/168867922/rose-dress-black-mini-dress-sz-xs-s-m?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Rusty Cuts</a>.</div>

DIY Two-tone Cardigan

When Modcloth asked me to DIY their charter school cardigan I instantly knew what I wanted to make. Because the charter school cardigan com...

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Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">With most of my Christmas shopping behind me it's time to get serious about my gift wrapping. Last year I topped all of my presents with hand-cut paper snowflakes, but this year I haven't completely decided how to wrap my presents. Newspaper and pages from vintage LIFE magazines finished with bright ribbon were popular styles in past years, but here are a few ideas I'm thinking of implementing in my own way.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x006/map2_zps08df8ab1.jpg" />-Pom-pom wrapping paper is too cute and you can <a href="http://monpetitviolon.com/2012/12/19/diy-tutorial-pompom-wrapping-paper/" target="_blank">DIY your own</a>.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x006/gift2_zps7d4f6557.jpg" />-Top your presents with pieces of nature like pinecones or a <a href="http://www.odessamaysociety.com/2011/12/handmade-holiday-mini-wreath.html" target="_blank">mini wreath</a>.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x006/map1_zpsd434ede9.jpg" />-Wrap them in maps. <a href="http://www.brittanypowell.com/home/last-minute-holiday-map-wrapped-gifts/" target="_blank">via</a><br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x006/tags_zpseaf6b81f.jpg" />-Put the focus on a unique gift tag.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x006/gift7_zps88dfdbd3.jpg" />-Draw your own designs on plain gift wrap with markers. You can reuse brown paper bags from grocery stores, while white on black <a href="http://www.goinghometoroost.com/2012/christmas/christmas-chalkboard-packaging/" target="_blank">looks like chalkboard</a>.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x006/gift_zps573746e2.jpg" />-Similar to maps, music sheets can also make a great gift wrap, especially when topped with a <i>jingle</i> bell.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x006/wrap_zps8adc28e9.jpg" />-You can skip the effort of a DIY and invest in some unique wrapping paper designed by illustrators on Etsy. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127014623/forest-animals-wrapping-paper-pink?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">1</a>/<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110925708/jingle-bells-eco-friendly-gift-wrapping?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=wrapping+paper&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=wrapping+paper" target="_blank">2</a>/<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/163595462/tattoo-animal-wrapping-paper-two-sheets?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_search_query=fox+wrapping+paper&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=fox+wrapping+paper" target="_blank">3</a></div>

Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas

With most of my Christmas shopping behind me it's time to get serious about my gift wrapping. Last year I topped all of my presents with...

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Easy Holiday Nails

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x019/ScreenShot2013-12-01at40130PM_zps59bf2bfd.png" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">*<a href="http://instagram.com/aclotheshorse" target="_blank">my photo from instagram</a><br />I started doing this easy nail style a few months ago and since I frequently get asked how to achieve the look I thought I'd share a quick tutorial here. The style is inspired by vintage "half moon" nails you'll often find in advertisements from the 50s and 60s and more recently, often worn by Dita Von Teese. And I think the red and gold combination makes for perfect "holiday" nails--the type of nails that go with party dresses. The best part is while these nails look very old school Hollywood, they're one of the easiest styles to do yourself.<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x018/_MG_2881_zps18b04a15.jpg" />What you need: two colors of nail polish (I'm using OPI's Mr. Right Now and Sephora x Pantone Latte) and reinforcement labels.<img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x018/_MG_2884_zpsec5f3e44.jpg" />Apply your base coat; while any number of color combinations will work for this tutorial I suggest you apply the lighter shade first. I applied two coats of my gold polish and allowed my nails to dry for five minutes. (For Dita Von Teese style nails, skip the base coat and apply the stickers to bare nails.)<img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x018/_MG_2902_zpsf19cebe5.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x018/_MG_2908_zps328f137e.jpg" />Once your nails are dry apply your reinforcement stickers. You don't want your polish to be tacky or the stickers might pull some of your varnish off. Be sure to push the sticker firmly against the nail to prevent any nail polish leaking in the next step.<img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x018/_MG_2914_zpsea7cfde0.jpg" />Apply your second nail color; I used two coats of the red.<img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1x/1x018/_MG_2931_zps72dab07f.jpg" />Let the nail polish dry for a few minutes and then remove the stickers. You can apply a clear top coat to make the style last longer and you're done!</div></div>

Easy Holiday Nails

* my photo from instagram I started doing this easy nail style a few months ago and since I frequently get asked how to achieve the look I t...

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