[Giveaway] Instant Camera

It's the Friday before we head into a new year, and I wanted to celebrate with another giveaway!  As you may have noticed, I can not get enough of my Instant Camera (it will no doubt come out with me on NYE), and I want to give you the chance to get your own with a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com!

All you need to do is sign up for my newsletter to get I Spy DIY news & event info  -------> 

And leave a comment below.

Thanks all for making this an unforgettable year for me and my website!

I can't wait for 2012, Good Luck and see you in the New Year! 

[webisode] Leather Crazy

Wearing Zara dress, H&M scarf, American Eagle boots

If you have not been keeping up with the Digital Divas: Conversations on Style webisodes,

here is one of the newest ones where I share my latest fashion obsession, and take you on a trip to one of my absolute favorite stores, M&J Trimming! 

Speaking of trends, which ones did you love in 2011 and which ones are you planning on losing in 2012??

[My DIY] Instant Wall Art

I hope everyone had a super Happy Holiday, and that you finished your DIYed gifts in time to exchange!  

I am currently obsessed with my Fujifilm Instax210 Instant camera, which has been perfect to capture all the holiday festivities. But with stacks of film mounting, I was looking for a fun way to display my memories (and fill a blank wall in my room). 

Supplies: Black ribbon, thumbtacks, clothespins, Fujifilm Instax210

Bonus point: This project was featured on Hello Giggles, possibly the cutest site ever!

Steps after the break!

[My Outfit] Eternity Scarf

Scarf by Honey Rose & K, Thrifted jacket, belt and bracelet, H&M shirt, Coach bag, JewelMint DIY bracelet, DIY bracelet

I was in New York for the Holidays and spent my time hanging out with friends, watching romantic comedies, relaxing and, of course, shopping. Monday was spent wandering around Soho, and looking for a NYE outfit. For a causal afternoon I sported jean on jean, layered on the tan and a eternity scarf made by one of my readers, Honey Rose & K. It is a super easy DIY: just sew together the ends of two scarves to create a circle, brilliant!

If you like my "Ring DIY bracelet" enter to win it here!  

[giveaway] JewelMint jewelry

It's Friday! And I have a giveaway for you all! Up for grabs: Monday's DIY with JewelMint's Ring Trio, the StyleMint Tee above, and a free item of your choice from JewelMint! All you have to do is register here (its totally free to sign up) and leave a comment with your favorite JewelMint piece and your email below.

 I will announce the winner in the New Year! Have a great Holiday!

[my outfit] Earrings sans glasses

Yesterday I got crazy and wore my new color dipped earring DIY without glasses...whew. A whole new look for me. I have never quite mastered the glasses/earring combo, and since I wear glasses everyday (yes they are real), I usually skip the earrings. But it was fun to switch it up a bit, just a bit...I stuck with my white StyleMint tee, DIY Jewelry, and pink lip uniform. 

One of the fashion editors at InStyle always said it was a-okay to pair earrings with glasses, I would love to hear what you all thought!

Get these earrings for 50% off when you register here, and use the promo code ISPY, before Dec 31! 

[my DIY] Color Dipped JewelMint Earrings

Supplies: JewelMint Earrings, nail polish

I can't wait to wear these with a basic black and white ensemble. Another option would be to  spray paint the bottom half neon, like one of my fave DIYers, A Pair & A Spare, for a zap of color in your outfit.  

Get these earrings for 50% off when you register here, and use the promo code ISPY, before Dec 31! 

Directions after the break

[my outfit] uniform

New cut and color from Arrojo salon

JewelMint Bracelets, DIY American Apparel bag, StyleMint Tshirt, Zara Leggings,
Rayban sunglasses, Kenneth Cole Reaction jacket, Tarte matte lip tint 

I have a new uniform; I know I can't wear it everyday, but sometimes it is hard to past up something so simple, stylish and uber comfortable.  These Zara leggings are a game changer,  I am spreading the word to each and every person I met, get them now! Paired with StyleMint shirt (best cut T's), DIY jewelry and clutch, pink lips, and I am out the door in minutes.

AND exciting news, JewelMint is giving readers who register 50% off their first purchase before Dec 31. Just click here, use the promo code ISPY, and you can get the goods I'm wearing. 

Also, readers who sign up will be entered to into a giveaway at the end of the week!

[My DIY] JewelMint Ring Bracelet

I was beyond jazzed to receive a package from JewelMint last week, and was crushing on this trio of gold rings. I am a big fan of the stacked bracelet look, so decided to transform my rings into a new piece and wear with an armful of bangles. 

 JewelMint ring, Vintage necklace, JewelMint ring and friendship bracelets 

I also have a new blonder/shorted hairdo (more pics tomrw) which is changing the way I dress. 

Currently, head-to-toe black with lot of gold jewelry. Good winter look, no? 

Supplies: Three rings, large chain, small chain, pliers, lobster clasp

First remove two links from the large chain, and using the pliers, connect the rings with the links. 

Rest of the steps after the break

[Sneak Peak] JewelMint

Excited to announce that next week I will be making DIY projects using some of the fantastic jewelry pieces that JewelMint sent my way! I am a huge fan of their baubles because it is designed by two of my favorite fashionable ladies, Kate Bosworth and her stylist Cher Coulter, AND everything is under $30 dollars. Amazing, right? Have a great weekend and stay tuned for the projects next week!

[DIY contest] UGG Art & Sole

I am excited to be part of an amazing DIY opportunity with UGG® Australia boots and their "Art and Sole" competition, along with two of my favorite bloggers Stripes & Sequins and Dismount Creative.  

You get the chance to virtually design your very own boot (mine above was of course animal print), and the winner's boot will actually be put into production and sold in stores all over the country in 2012!  The winner will also receive $5,000, a complimentary pair of boots and a bag, and lots of press love.

Even better, A portion of the proceeds from your boots will be donated to The Boys & Girls Club. 

So head over the Ugg Facebook page or Talenthouse's page to design you own boot before Dec 26. 

I will be posting my faves on the site when voting opens. 

Click above to get a look inside the design process!

[Snapshot] DIY Party

 Partygoers: Christine of Court and Hudson, Alicia of Cheetah is the New Black, Taylor of Shut Up I Love That Shirt on You,
Meghan of Wit & Whimsy, Jessie of Style & Pepper, and Grace from Stripes and Sequins, Sonia, Elvis, Larkin and the ladies from Birchbox.

Last Friday, one of my fantastic friends and amazing DIY blogger, Grace from Stripes & Sequins, had a bunch of ladies over to craft and cover everything they owned with glitter. From clutches to belts to reindeer, everything sparkled by the end of the night. Grace also showed us how to gold leaf our nails, beyond brilliant for the holiday season. I captured in all on my instant camera, which I decided is my new favorite accessory. 

Best gift to give? I think so. 

[My DIY] Color Oxfords

Photo by Tommy Ton

I am in love with color oxfords, and painting on a bright sole is the perfect way to reinvent a pair of shoes already in your closet. 

Supplies: Masking tape, Silver spray paint, blue acrylic paint, paint brush, oxfords

Tape around the area that you want silver. Spray paint the area in thin layers to avoid the paint from pooling.

After the paint dries, paint the sole blue. 

If you do not have a steady hand, tape off the area you do not want blue.

 I am a fan of wearing white all year round, but if you are not, wear with dark trousers or jeans. 

It adds the perfect pop of color to a monotone outfit. 

I hear this DIY is in ELLE France, if any of my French readers have it, I would love to see!

[DIY Inspiration] Color Oxfords

Photo by Tommy Ton

Whenever I want to stay stylish in flats, I always turn to a pair of oxfords. I love how they instantly make an outfit cool. Add a pop a color, even better! Stay tuned for how I DIY my own version on Monday. 

And if you are looking for more DIY inspiration, I have been pinning up a storm over on Pinterest! 

 Check out my boards here.

[DIY Snapshot] Spotted

Dana Buchman for Kohl's Coat, DIY bracelets here and here, DIY necklace, Rebecca Minkoff bag  

Tonight I had a fantastic time with the loveliest Midtown Girl and friends! I was in a rush to get ready so went with my go-to-outfit: All black, dash of leopard, and doused in DIY.  I also brought out my new camera, isn't life a little better when things are instant? 

For more a bit more on my love for ALL things animal print, watch Episode two of Digital Divas. And I would love to hear how your hometown influences your style.

[DIY Outfit Upgrade] Chanel Buttons

Oliver People Sunglasses,  F21 Jacket, Express Shirt with Chanel buttons, H&M scarf, Diesel Jeans, DIY American Apparel bag

I was given these gorgeous Chanel buttons as a gift and was looking for the perfect way to use them.  I came across this black and white blocked button up at Express, and ran home to sew on the new buttons. For a Sunday of brunching and strolling around town, I wore my upgraded blouse with a new favorite jacket (currently in high rotation), jeans and my fave DIY clutch. I love when something so simple can amp your style! What did you DIY this weekend?  

DIY bracelet and clutch

 Thrifted Necklace, Similar initial necklace at Baublebar

 For more outfit photos Follow ispydiy on Pose! 

[InStyle DIY] Party Glitter Pumps

December is officially here which means that holiday party season is upon us! Although I am not a big fan of the cold (growing up in Wisconsin was killer) I do love getting dressed up and sipping on festive cocktails. I tend to stick to LBDs in the winter months, and jazz up the look with sparkle elsewhere. For my December column in InStyle I tried out the absolutely amazing Krylon Glitter Blast to bedazzle a pair of pumps. I was blown away by how easy it was to use. I wonder if I could cover a wall in my room with this...too much? Never. 

Supplies: Pumps (I found these for $25) and Krylon Glitter Blast and Clear Sealer

Place Strips of masking tape over the body of the shoe so only the heel is left uncovered.

Hold the can of Gold Glitter Blast eight inches from the heel and spray. Let dry for 10 minutes, then repeat. Once the second layer of glitter is dry, spray sealant on the heel.

Allow to set overnight, then remove tape.