Last Friday was the Swapnista party held at Swap Boutique. I was asked to participate in the Style Wars Fashion Show portion of the event along with other local bloggers, Mallory of Miss Malaprop, Dorothy of NO(LA) More Chains, and Katie and Rachel of The Elizabeth Chronicles. Each contestant walked the runway, rocking a current trend, styled by themselves. I styled my look by incorporating floral in every piece of my outfit (except shoes & accessories) without it being too overboard. I originally had blue pumps on, but thought I was looking a little too girly. I laced up these brand new ankle boots of mine instead, for that edgy aspect I find necessary in all of my outfits.

Top: Forever21 // Bralette: Free People via Hemline (Similar) // Skirt: Forever21  // Belt: Vintage // Boots: Nine West via Shoeffle’ in Abeille NOLA // Spike Bangle Set // Stretch Flower Bracelet // Beaded Charm Bracelet: Hemline // Necklace: Forever 21 (Hand painted by me) // Necklace: C+I (worn backwards)

The racks for the swapping portion of the party where set up outside for participants to grab when the time came, and Katie was rocking the color block trend with her blue bottoms and green bra, while browsing the racks of some awesome discounted designer duds.

Mallory & Dorothy looking fab in tribal print and the peplum trend!

I walked the “runway” in my new boots, and floral finest, and when the winners where announced, my name was left for last which meant I was winner of the “coveted clutch”! I also walked away with a trash bag full of awesome finds from the swap racks!

Last Thursday I competed in ‘Project Window’ at Abeille NOLA. Contestants had 30 minutes to pull items from the store and style 2 mannequins. As soon as I got the invite to this event, I signed up to participate. I have so much fun styling other clothes/outfits other than from my own closet for a change. I snapped some outfit pics before I headed out to “Make It Work”. I decided to change my shoes at the last minute though, just because I knew I would be running around the store so I opted for my comfy, all-year round, staple pair of ankle boots (Whenever I wear these, I get many compliments and highly recommend them. So far, 3 girls have gone out and bought them afterwards).

Top: Mink Pink (Similar) // Shorts: TJ Maxx (Similar) // Belt: Vintage (Similar) //  Shoes: Forever21 (Similar) //  Spike Necklace: Rainbow (Similar) // Black & Gold Necklace (Similar) // Watch: BCBGeneration via RueLaLa (Similar) // Zig Zag Bracelet: Forever21 (Similar) // Studded Bracelet: Gifted (Similar) // Purse: Aldo (Similar)

Let the styling begin! Putting the final touches on my first mannequin. One down, one to go.

On to the next…

And here are my finished looks! My inspiration for the two outfits came from this amazing fringe vest that I have been obsessing over since they got it in. I paired it with a sheer blouse, some red leather like shorts and some funky accessories for an outfit that has my name written all over it! I picked the pieces for the second outfit to pull from the colors in the vest for more of a classic, girly look with a polka dot sundress and a cute military inspired blouse layered on top. I completed each look with some props from around the store such as the Chanel book and an Abeille shopping bag!

I was very happy with how my gals turned out! Voting was based on whoever got the most “likes” on the picture of their window posted on Abeille’s facebook page. Though I did not win, I still had a blast styling my window, and seeing the great job that everyone else did!

I am very happy with this new addition to my kitchen decor! This vintage perfume garland was super quick and easy to make. All you need is a few mini perfume bottles and something to tie them together with.

I used jute twine and some neon rope and tied it around the neck of the perfume bottle, then screwed the top on. In between each bottle I tied a knot just for an extra detail. I really like the combination of the vintage bottles, with the rustic jute twine, and how the neon gives it a modern feel.

I thought it might be weird to have perfume bottles hanging in my kitchen, but I tried to hang them in my bathroom and my room, and this is just where they worked best! They would also look cute hanging over a vanity, or in a closet if you are so lucky to have a walk-in.

I made some herb and flower arrangements from my garden in a little jar and an extra perfume bottle to add to the window sill. P.S. how freaking awesome is that little elephant perfume bottle??

Next up, some painted wooden spoons to hang on the other window sill!

Happy DIY FRIDAY!

XOXO

Next week I am participating in 2 fashion competitions that I am super excited to be part of. Friday is Swapnista’s Fashion Swap Party where I will be one of the contestants in the Style Wars Fashion Show amongst other local bloggers walking the runway, showcasing how they style one particular current trend. I was assigned to floral, yay! Think I should embrace my inner flower child and wear my DIY  flower headdress? You should come to find out, and root me on either way!

You can be part of this event too by bringing in items to swap with other fashionable attendees! Registration and clothing drop-off is from 6-7:30 PM at Swap Boutique. Bloggers will be hitting the runway at 7PM! For more info on how to participate in the swap or to purchase a ticket click HERE.

On Thursday I will be competing in ‘Project Window‘ at Abeille NOLA where contestants style two mannequins in the window within a given time frame. Pictures will be posted on facebook afterwards to let YOU be the judges. The window with the most “likes” by Saturday, July 28th will be the winner.

I know I can make it work, but I will need YOUR help voting! So go like Abeille’s  facebook page and be on the lookout for the photos after the event.

I can’t wait for a week of fun filled fashion competitions! Come cheer me on while enjoying some wine & cheese at Abielle on Thursday, and join the swapping party on Friday at Swap Boutique, and leave with 3 new fashionable items!

Until then, MAKE IT WORK!

Show & Tell is a blog by graphic designer Allison Lehman, based in Columbus Ohio. What a great idea this is, to have a City Guide section where other bloggers/individuals take you on an adventure through their own city to be featured on one blog for their readers to experience. Ciera and I teamed up to feature our beloved home town of New Orleans to let readers know what the real, born & raised locals do on an average day. Head over to Show & Tell for the full feature brought to you by your southern sisters tour guides, Ciera & Jasmine!

Anthropologie is living it up in New Orleans y’all! Have you seen their July Catalog yet? It was shot in New Orleans, and I absolutely love the vibe it gives off! Nothing excites me more than fashion and my home town of new Orleans, so you can imagine the immense love I have for this month’s Catalog! Their Magazine has recently had a few features on New Orleans as well, which is very exciting that all of Anthro’s readers will get a taste of the culture that I have been experiencing and loving every humid, musical, tasty, and festive minute of, my whole life!

I loved this quote in the Anthropologie Magazine from a feature on 2 local artists.

Even the shoes & accessories portion of the catalog had a new orleans theme to them, appropriately named, Dew Points.

And the home decor/bedding portion titled, Notes Between Notes, with all types of instruments being displayed among the colorful decor that we all love Anthropologie for!

Chloe + Isabel by Jasmine & Armoire are teaming up to bring you some extra luck on Friday the 13th with a Good Luck Pop Up Shop! Shop the Chloe + Isabel jewelry collection as well as 10% off all Armoire merchandise!

Feeling Lucky?

Enter to win the ‘Mystery Hostess’ package which includes all perks offered to Chloe + Isabel Pop Up Shop hostesses! (Winner will also receive a free gift c/o Armoire)

• One piece of jewelry from the collection at 50% OFF
• A unique friends-only piece of jewelry when Trunk Show sales reach $350+
• 20% of total Trunk Show sales in free jewelry by getting a minimum of 6 individual orders!

Enter to win the Chloe + Isabel lucky horseshoe pendant necklace

View the entire collection through my online boutique (only select pieces will be viewable in person) to get excited about what you will want to purchase or possibly win for FREE!

Hope to see you there!! Because you know you can always use a little extra luck….and a girl can never have too many jewels!

RSVP to the event through facebook

If you would like to host your own Pop Up Shop with your friends or family, contact me at jasmine@sequincrush.com