Stepping Out ~ Hipster

 

~* ♥ * ~  Okay; I know hipsters are supposed to be all ‘cool’ and not smiley, but I couldn’t resist breaking character for a bit…  : D   ~* ♥ * ~

Earrings  ~  Best&Less    Belt  ~  Thrifted     Blazer  ~  Thrifted    Top  ~  Thrifted  
Jeans  ~  Primark {UK}     Socks  ~  Thrifted      Shoes  ~  Reproductions from Amazon

~* ♥ * ~

For those readers that are new to my blog, I have been doing a fashion feature called “Stepping Out” where I take clothes from my wardrobe and mix them up into a style I would never normally wear! 

I like doing this because it challenges me to try something different, have a bit of fun with my style and think creatively to get the pieces I need.  And who knows, I might even find a new look!  Though I have to admit that so far, all I have done is confirmed how much I like my vintage inspired style.  > o <

So this is my version of hipster fashion.  No, I do not have the wayfarers, which to be sure, are a staple of ‘hipsterness’, but being my own interpretation of the style it doesn’t have to be perfect…  At least, that is what I reckon! 

~ Stepping Out Details ~

~ Differences to my normal style:   Well, I do wear jeans, but not that often, so the jeans are first.  Secondly, my hair ~ I have never worn a top not before in my life! 

~ Similarities to my normal style:  Saddle shoes!  These are new and I bought them to go specifically with my vintage style, so you will be seeing a lot more of them in the future.  > U < 

xox,

bonita

How to ~ Crochet a flower hair accessory

This is a simple tutorial on how to crochet a flower hair clip like the one above.  You might have noticed me wearing it in my hair in this outfit post:  Happy Feet ~ Outfit Thirty Eight.  Actually, it was pretty hard to miss being the subject of one whole photo all by itself!!!  *side eye*  Anyway, now you can make one just like it for yourself.  ^ w ^

I do not have my usual step by step photos as it mostly about following the pattern, so if you have any questions; please do not hesitate to ask .  : )

Materials List:

~  Wool  in two different colours {I used 2 ply cotton yarn in ivory & pink}
~  Crochet hook in the appropriate size for the ply of your wool 
~  Hair clip finding {I used a mini millinery barrette as the clip}
~  Needle for sewing the flower to the finding

Gauge:

I used a 1.75mm hook with my yarn.  For your standard 3-4 ply wool, a 2.00 - 3.25mm hook is recommended.  Hook & yarn chart.

Abbreviations:

ch – chain
sk – skip
sc - single crochet
dc – double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
* – repeat

The Pattern: 

~  Flower Centre  ~

Ch 21.
Row 1: *Dc, ch1, dc* in fifth ch from hook. *Ch1, sk1. Dc, ch 1, dc in next stitch* till the end (repeat 8 times).  You should end up with 9 double crochet V’s.  Ch 3 and turn.
Row 2: In first ch1 space between the double crochet V’s, dc 4 times. *Sl st in next ch1 space between the double crochet V’s. Dc 5 times* till the end (repeat 9 times).  Sl st in last stitch in row.

Step 1:  Fasten off and leave long tail for sewing. With the tail on the right side, roll the flower inwards (clockwise motion), placing the petals how you would like and sewing to hold it in place.

~  Flower Petals  ~

Ch 48
Row 1:  Sk 1 ch, sc in next ch and across, ch 3, turn
Row 2: *Sk 1 sc, 2 dc in next sc, sk next sc, 1 dc in next sc, continue from * across, ch 3 turn
Row 3: *2 dc, ch1, 2 dc in space between 2 dc, dc in next dc, continue from * across, ch 3 turn
Row 4: *3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in ch space, dc in next dc, continue from * across, ch 3 turn
Row 5: *8 dc in ch space, dc in next dc, continue from * across – finish off with sl st leaving a long tail to sew the clip on.

Step 2:  Take flower centre and roll the outside petals around it, sewing the petals in place with the rest of the flower centre’s tail.

Step 3:  Using the flower petals’ long tail sew the hair clip finding onto the back of the flower. 

Step 4:   Wear and enjoy your crochet flower hair clip.  ^ U ^

xox,

bonita

Made it!!

So I managed to create something every day for the 30 Days of Creativity Challenge.  I am soooo surprised and happy that I did it!   I seriously had my doubts, because as you already know, Theodore arrived on Day 3 of the 30 Days.  

Having a new baby sure made it even more challenging than it already was, but I did do it!  Okay, I will admit I posted a lot of the stuff the day after I made it, and some times I had to do a catch up and do two or three things in one day, but I still did it and that’s what counts in the end. 
^  U  ^    Here are some more of my projects ~

~* ♥ * ~  Resin daisies glued onto disc earring findings  ~* ♥ * ~

~* ♥ * ~  Nail Art using Konad plates m59 & m71  ~* ♥ * ~

~* ♥ * ~  Pearl beads threaded onto jewellery wire, finished with an ivory bow  ~* ♥ * ~

And last but not least ~ the Day 30 project….

I made it!  Yay!

xox,

bonita

P.S.  ~  If you want to see all of my 30 Days of Creativity projects I have pictures up on Pinterest.  You can find them here.

Quick Share ~ 1940s scarf tricks

I really like some of the scarf styles that Blanka of Minor Swing of O'Sullivan's Girl shows in the gorgeous 1940s illustrations she posted.   Take a look for some summer time inspiration. 

1940s scarf tricks

Almost everyone wears scarf in winter, the smart girls wear it in summer as well.  ;) Scarf is ideal piece of wardrobe especially when you spend your holiday by the seaside... but for you who aren't lucky ones (as me - and I don't regret it - I love the style how I spend my holiday), you can wear it at your cottage or when you go on some nice trip when it's hot and sunny day...

xox,

bonita

Happy Feet ~ Outfit Thirty Eight

Crochet Flower Hair Clip  {made by me}   Daisy Earrings   {made by me}  
Flower Bracelet  {Equip}        Black&White Short Sleeved Cardigan  {Tempt}   
Pink Top  {Thirfted}   Skirt  {Tightrope}  Stockings  {Valley Girl}   Peep toe Shoes  {Thrifted}

 ~* ♥ * ~

Can you tell that I am enjoying the slow return of my waist much?   ^  U  ^    I must say it is a lot fun to be able to wear my clothes properly again as well as wearing clothes I haven’t touched for over ten months!  

Two things I would like to note about this outfit are:  One, when I thrifted the pink top I really did not think that I would get as much wear out of it as I have!  In fact out of the tops I thrifted that day {four in total}  I think I have worn that one the most, with the red one coming in second.  The grey I haven’t touched and neither have I worn the blouse.  Mind you, I am waiting for the right moment to wear the blouse.  I was thinking a circle skirt, but I do not have any of those yet {I simply must sew some up soon!} and now that I think of it, I think that I do have a skirt that would work.  Hmmm… 

There you go ~ my next outfit post is already in the making!

Two {yes, there is more after that long rant!} ~ I must say how incredibly happy these shoes make me.  In fact, whenever I wear them I have happy feet.  Pink + flowers + a cute heel that is not~too~tall~not~too~short~just~right = j'adore!!

I have so many black shoes from my monochromic wardrobe days {just about everything was black, white or shades of grey.  I owned a few purple tops but they were the only colour I had!}, but I think that I really like shoes that are different colours.   I still like my black shoes, but these are just so FUN! 

What do you say ~ basic black is best or contrasting colour for cuteness? 

xox,

bonita

Ruby Red ~ Outfit Thirty Seven

 

Accessories  ~  Felt Hair Flower  {Reject Shop}   Pearl Earrings  {Equip} 
Pearl Bracelet  {BdotDepictions; made by me}  Vintage 50s Handbag  {Esty}
Top  {Thrifted}   Belt  {I pulled it off another skirt}  Skirt  {Thrifted}  Stockings  {too old; I cannot remember}   Shoes  {Some random stall}

~* ♥ * ~

I wore this outfit on Saturday, not for any particular reason, which is one of the best reasons for dressing up I think!  

I am loving my new liquid eyeliner ~ it’s Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Deep Black.  It’s a Japanese brand eyeliner and it lasts really well as long as I do not rub the sides of my eyes.  I have a habit of doing that apparently so I end up with one eye winged and the other not!

Hmmm… Other news?  Nothing much has actually been happening.  Most days it is the same old feed, wake, sleep, nappie, cry, burp, sit on the couch routine.  All the days are rather blurring together at the moment.  I am not sure if they will ever settle into some sort of a routine, but I do so hope so.  

I am also hoping to be back on my horse next weekend and I am really looking forwards to that!! 

xox,

bonita

How to ~ Create a pin cushion out of a teacup

All the credit for this fantastic DIY goes to Sophie of Sophie Makes Things.   She had a wonderful idea that worked so beautifully that I had to try it myself!  I am not going to do a proper tutorial because you should go and check Sophie’s tutorial out here:

D.I.Y - Teacup Pin Cushion!

This was my Day One project for the 30 Days of Creativity Challenge  and I thought I would show you some pictures of what I did and, of course, the end results!   ^ ω ^  ~ ♥

Recipe for one cute pin cushion!

Step 1:  Beg, borrow or steal one pretty teacup and saucer.

 

 

 

 

Step 2:  Have fun with a glue gun!

Cup stuck to saucer?  Good, now you can move on…

 

Step 3:  Stuffing explosion!  A teacup volcano has erupted.

Step 4:  ‘Measure’ your material to fit your stuffing ~ this was rather an estimation on my part.

 

 

 

Step 5:  Put stuffing in material square and make it round.

 

 

 

 

Step 6:  Finish your fabric dumpling  *nomnom*

 

 

 

 

 

Step 7:  Apply more glue ~ you can never have enough….  > < 

 

 

 

 

And……

Tada!!!

You now have a pin cushion teacup to keep your needle mouse company.   > ω <    Is it not lovely?  I have it sitting on my desk next to my computer; just in case, you know, I need to ever sew a key back on my keyboard or some such thing…. 

Let me know if you make one of these too ~ we can have a teacup pin cushion party!  : D

xox,

bonita

Quick Share ~ How to use Modern Clothes to get a Vintage Look

I really liked this guest post at Retro Chick by Laurie from Retro Reporter.  It has some great tips on getting a vintage look with modern clothes.  Now I know that to some vintage lovers if it is not the real deal then it is no good, but to me, it is about the look, not just the authenticity.

Would I love to have a purely vintage wardrobe?  Sure!  Would I love to only buy vintage or vintage repo?  Absolutely!  Unfortunately, this is not possible for me {budget!!} and I know that there are a lot of vintage lovers in the same position that I am. 

That being the case, posts like this one are exceeding helpful, so read right on if you want to find out about styling modern clothes to look vintage.

How to use Modern Clothes to get a Vintage Look

I don’t know if it’s the recent resurgence in the vintage look lately, but I’ve found it rather easy to get a retro look without vintage pieces. If you are fortunate enough to be able to wear vintage or repro all the time, then I’m jealous. Here are some tips for those of us who can’t…

xox,

bonita

Day 22 of 30… It’s a long road.

I thought I would do an update on how I am going with the 30 Days of Creativity challenge. 

So far it’s been pretty fun. I have gotten some projects done that I have been wanting to do for a while and I have also done a few things that I haven’t been planning/that were not on my list.

Yes, being the chronic list maker that I am, I made a list of thirty {Well, really twenty~nine, as the last one sort of does not count.  You’ll see what I mean in a moment.} things that I could do for the 30 Days. 

I think that there are a lot of fun things to do and I have only written down a few ideas.  I do not think that I will actually get to do everything as I have only crossed off a few things and I have repeated a few others, but that’s okay.  So far it has been really cool to participate in this challenge ~ it is my first time to be involved in anything like it, and I am really enjoying it!

Here are some pictures of finished projects:

~* ♥ * ~  Amigurumi Bunny Broach  ~* ♥ * ~

~* ♥ * ~  Crocheted rainbow baby mittens for Theodore  ~* ♥ * ~

~* ♥ * ~   Weekly manicure and nail deco: Mode Cosmetics Polish in Runway  ~* ♥ * ~

xox,

bonita

P.S.  ~  If you want to see all of my 30 Days of Creativity projects I have pictures up on Pinterest.  You can find them here.

Doing the slouchy jeans ~ Outfit Thirty Six

Out take:  Oops!  Caught adjusting my glasses, but I do like how it turned out despite the funny expression on my face, so I added it in.  ^ u ^

My director looks after the lens cap and minds the tripod for me.      > ω <  ~ ♥

Accessories ~  Hair bow {Esprite}   Earrings  {Equip}  Bracelet  {gift from my Mom}  
Watch  {Thrifted}     Jacket  ~  JayJays     Baby Doll Top  ~  Tightrope     Jeans  ~  Stall Vendor {Florence, Italy}    Shoes  ~  Tightrope

~ * ♥ * ~

I wore this outfit last week to our postnatal appointment at the hospital.  I am so happy to be wearing something different for a change, although I am still missing my waist, so skirts are still under the bust or not at all.   And I am also missing being able to wear dresses.  : /

I do not have any shirtwaist dresses like I was planning to get specifically for wearing whilst breastfeeding.  I just did not find any in my price range/that I liked, although I was searching.  I do want to make some to wear as I am planning to be breastfeeding exclusively for at least a year if I can, and I cannot survive being deprived of wearing dresses for that long!!  I love them too much. 

But other than those little hiccups ~ yay for Theodore arriving!  I can mix my outfits up again.  I am very excited.  And doesn’t he make the cutest director ever?

Oh, and if you do see any vintage {repo or vintage styled} shirtwaist dresses around, let me know.  I am now getting quite desperate to lay my grubby mitts on some!

xox,

bonita

About Bonita ~ A to Z regarding me!

Hi everyone!  I am back.  ^ U ^   Yays!!   I have had a lovely break, but the writer’s itch is striking me again and I am keen to delve back in the wonderful world of writing and blogging.   {Which are two different things if you ask me, but that’s a bit of a side track!  > o < } 

I found this tag/meme on You've Got Nail and I liked it so much that I thought I would do my own version.  It’s an A to Z list of different facts about me.  I hope you find it interesting ~ I certainly had fun doing it.  : )

~ * ♥ * ~

A. Age:   I have a “Ladies never reveal their age” policy…  Am I goose for this?  Maybe.  Call it what you will, but this is a secret.  ; P

B. Bed size:   Queen with a timber frame.  I love my comfy mattress!

C. Chore you hate:   Dishes.  Without a doubt.  This is my most despised chore and although I am getting better at doing them when they need to be done, it is also quite likely that they will sit for two to three days until the bench is dripping with dirty dishes.  Because I hate doing them that much!

 

 

 

 

D. Day:    Erm. It’s Satuday?  Daylight?  Sunshine?  Actually I am a night owl, so my answer to day is “sleep”.

 E. Essential start to your day:    Floradix.  It’s a herbal liquid iron supplement and if I don’t take it regularly {ie. ~ at least once a day; but twice is better} I get cranky and completely exhausted. 

F. Favourite colour:  Hmm.  I go through stages.  At the moment, I would say white. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G. Gold or Silver:   Silver.  I don’t wear much gold because I have a blue~based skin tone, so silver {or white gold} is the best metal for me. 

H. Height:   5’ 7” give or take. 

I. Instruments:   None sadly ~ although I do sing.  I love singing for choir, although I do not belong to a permanent one.   I can also play the recorder, but not well enough to count it as being able to play it properly.

J. Job title:   Stay at home housewife and proud to be!

 

 

 

 

 

 

K. Kids:   One ~ my gorgeous little boy Theodore.  He is two week and one day old now, and he makes me smile everyday.   ♥ ♥ ♥

L. Live:   NSW, Australia. 

M. Mum’s name:    Barb or Mumbly if I am in a silly mood!  : P

N. Nicknames:   Boni.   Oh, and my Dad sometimes called me Biggles, that is, Boni + Giggles = Biggles.  =^ . ^=

O. Overnight hospital stays:   Two ~ one long stay of three weeks.  I was in for undiagnosable stomach pain which may or may not have been caused by large cysts on my ovaries, which may or may not have irritated my appendix.  Either way the appendix was removed!  The second stay was actually when Theodore was born.  We had to have an emergency caesarean and we were kept in Postnatal for the next four days.

P. Pet peeve:   People who don’t drive properly, but my definition of properly might be vastly different from the normal definition.   > <

Q. Quote from a movie:  “Kaboom?” 

“Yes, Ricco ~ Kaboom!” 
~ The Penguins, Madagascar.   

I love it!   Kabooooooom!!!

 

R. Right or left handed:   Right

S. Siblings:   Three younger sisters whom I love and adore.  We are the best of friends and it’s awesome!

T. Time you wake up:   Wake up?  Yuck.  Erm, from choice probably around 8:30am.  At the moment ~ any time Theodore stirs and wants to eat. 

U. Underwear:   Unmentionables!

V. Vegetables you dislike:   I like/love most vegetables but I am not fond of brussel sprouts.  After all, who is!?

W. What makes you run late:   Distractions.  Like my computer ~ but mostly my blog feed readers!  Google and Bloglovin’ are always there to tempt me. 

X. X-Rays you’ve had:   Not many ~ maybe one? 

Y. Yummy food you make:    Pasta and bacon pesto.  I also do a mean stir fry.  And a not bad roast dinner!  I am only just learning my way around the kitchen, but I am starting to quite enjoy it.

Z. Zoo:   Yes, sometimes I feel like I live in a zoo.  My sisters and I are the otters incidentally.   ^ w ^

 

 

 

 

~ * ♥ * ~

So that’s about it, but I am tagging anyone who is interested.  Link your own A to Z in a comment because I would so love to learn random facts about you.  ^ U ^

xox,

bonita

Quick Share ~ Women keep your virtue…

Much lolz….

Okay, this video is seriously funny….   I will let it speak for itself.  

Watch it!  Watch it now I tell you!   > w <

xox,

bonita