DIY: Summer Moccasins!

I've been feeling exhausted these past few days and today I was tired of being tired so I decided to get up take a cold shower and make something. My problem though once I got to that point is that I don't know what to make soo I hopped on Pinterest which lead me from one blog to another and I finally found a little project I could do from stuff I already had at home. I loved this idea from honestlywtf.com.  This blog has so much inspiration but for today's project here is the link to their painted moccasin post.

When I saw it, I had to try it for myself because I have been having a old pair of slipper moccasins from Target that I stopped wearing and some fabric paint that I had yet to use. So here's my take on this really, really easy DIY. 

First, you'll need a flat tip paint brush (bristles about the width of your thumb) and any color fabric paint you choose.

And of course your moccasins. Mine were $16.99 from Target.

 Unlace them or pull back the top flap depending on the style you have. Then carefully start painting the edges of your moccasin. A tip to get clean edges all around is to lightly coat the tip of your paintbrush in the paint and dap around the edges as if you were stamping lines. I followed the lines of the seams. Then, once the edges are painted fill in the middle.

The picture above and below are after first coat and second coat. Two coats should be enough and as soon as the paint feels dry to the touch start the second coat.

Here is my final product after waiting about 4 hours of drying time. (It dries a lot quicker but it's important to give it time to permanently set). Now I have a new, bright summer pair of moccasins. Cute!

I can't wait to get more colors so I can do something more interesting. Have fun with your color choices and think about patterns too! Think chevron, tribal print, stripes etc. Enjoy!!

Gettin' Back On Track: Past due post from my Mexico trip

 So, I been back in Cali for 2 weeks now, which was how long I was in Mexico, so I know this post is very, very late. Sorry guys :/ But I'm happy to say I got some nice pictures to share hopefully to make up for that. :)

I loved taking pictures of the streets and architecture. The contrast between the colorful buildings and bright blue sky never failed to amaze me.

 One thing I could definitely get used to in Mexico was the streets and authentic bright and colorful yet simple buildings. I brought this inspiration home with me so hopefully I can somehow replicate it in my bedroom. #future post :)

Old city hall.

Botas galore.

I see mountains here at home but it was different seeing them covered in cactus rather than bushes and 

trees.

This was definitely the most amazing sight during my trip. El Cristo Roto. "The Broken Christ". He stands 82 feet tall which is shorter than the Statue of Liberty, but I was instantly more amazed when I saw this.

The view from where we took a small boat to the island where El Cristo Roto was placed.

There is so much more I could share like the food I ate but hardly have pictures of because I ate it too fast before I remembered to take a picture. Lol. Or the amazing churches and stories behind them. And of course the family I met while out there was the best part. Even though there was a language barrier between some of us I was so thankful for how welcoming they were and for the motivation boost to really learn spanish. For reals. :)

So toast to my first trip abroad. Can't wait 'til the next one :)

Current Shoe Obsession: Wedges

Shopping Tips

Okay, so when it comes to heels I love 'em but I hardly wear 'em. When I do decide to go for added height I go for wedges. The thing is I'm so, so, so, sooo picky. Lol. Yes that picky.  Here are some rules I go by when shopping for the perfect wedge:

1. Need the "just right height". No sky-high wedges.  To me that takes away from the effortless look. And no barely there wedges.  Unless it's basically an everyday flat sandal, I don't see the point if you're going for a youthful look.
2. No cork. This is my personal preference but even if the overall design of the shoe is perfect and the wedge is cork, it's a deal breaker. 
3. Minimalistic design. If the shoe has a lot of colors going on let's stay simple on the straps. If there's a lot of design detail going on, solid color or two tone (3 max with 2 colors in same color family). Stick with one or the other if you want a shoe to last you longer than a week in the ever changing world of fashion.
4. Neutral or bold. Go for a neutral if you want a versatile shoe or go for a bold color if you want a go to shoe to pop your look.
5. Know what you're looking for.  Think of these tips as guidelines. Figure out if you want to splurge on a lasting style or just want a great deal to spice up your shoe collection. Overall, even if you don't agree with all of my tips they should still be able to help you figure out what exactly you're looking for in a wedge. 
6. Keep an eye out at your local Ross, Marshall's and TJMaxx! These stores are always bringing in great styles at amazing prices. You just have to be patient yet quick. Check frequently because sizes are limited once the shelves are stocked.

My Choices

Finally after a very specific search I have found some very versatile yet stylish picks.  These are all perfect for spring and summer and many of these styles can also transition into fall (think tights and maxi dress combos).  Keep in mind most of these do come in other colors so click the description links to find out more info. I've selected them ranging from $25 to less than a $100 because I know we all have our budgets. Plus getting a good deal just feels good, right?! So, I'll let you free now.. Have fun shopping! :)

Black Macrame Sandals $79

Cognac Sandal Wedges $89

Leather Statement Wedges $89

Coral Espadrille $28.40

Laser Cut-Out Lace Up Wedges $58

Criss Cross Woven Wedges $24.90

Ivory T-strap Wedges $29.90

Two-Tone Espadrille Wedge $28.40 <<Wow practically identical! >> ELLE Two-Tone Espadrille Sale $29.99

Easter Sunday Easter Funday

Hi! I hope everyone's Easter has been great! This holiday for my family always means going to church, getting together, eating everything we had to give up for lent and cute decorations.  But for me there's one more thing. I like to think of Easter as the real first day of spring and I never turn down the chance to put together a cute outfit for that.  I am so glad that this year we had some great weather. The past couple years have been very windy and pretty much too cold for me to feel comfortable in a dress but luckily, this year's weather was a perfect 70 degrees. :) Plus, the entire outfit was super affordable and each piece can easily be worn separately different ways! Yay for versatility! :D

I hope this outfit serves as some inspiration for your own future spring outfits and I can't wait to start seeing what everyone else comes up with :)

1. Denim Jacket: Ross $13.99 - purchased this past week

2. Dress: Ross $19.99 (belt included) - purchased this past week

3. Shoes: Ross $29.99 (purchased last year for my graduation but here are some similar ones I've been wanting myself. Keep in mind you can use a coupon to drop the price a bit more.)

1. Jewelry: (bracelet and ring) Forever21

2. Nail polish: Sinful Colors in Boogie Nights $1.99 (find at Target or Rite Aid)

This is my baby Suede. He's my personal everyday Easter Bunny. And yes he stays this small forever. So cute :)

Eyeliner I'm wearing is from Kohl's (FLIRT! Look of Love Eye Pencil in 15 Pool Party).

❀HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!❀

♥ Shanae & Suede

Bits & Pieces

Hi everyone! Hope you are enjoying your Sunday. Mine has been nice and relaxing so far. I just finished having my favorite for dinner (salmon) and some chocolate covered strawberries after. Mmm. It's always nice to have a good meal with the family and even though we're all really disappointed about not winning the lotto this week, (we were seriously could have won last week if I just replayed my ticket..sickening) it's days like this that remind me of how fortunate we already are.  I'll figure out another way to buy everyone a new house and pay off our loans. That's going to be lots and lots of hard work and dedication but I know it's in our future. 

For now I'm still shopping on a budget and as always I will be happy to show how to look good on a budget :) So here's a few outfits I put together using new buys and previous purchases. 

Lunch Date

1. Black Hi-Low Dress (Forever21 - Current yellow tag deal $13)
2. Black Low Top Chucks (Kohl's -$45)
3. Chevron Scarf (F21 - $9.80)
4. White Purse (Hopechest Thriftstore - $3)
5. Sunglasses (Clothes Avenue $5.99)
6. Earrings (UO - Sale)

Casual Day

1. Heart Cardigan (TJ Maxx - $12.99)
2. Black Quilted Purse (garage sale - $1)
3. Magenta Tank Top (Target - $8)
4. Jean Shorts (F21 - Similar ones on sale here)
5. Jewelry (F21)

 Sightseeing

1. Olive Shorts (F21 - On sale here! 
2. Coral Belt ( TJ Maxx - Steve Madden set of 2 $12.99)
3. White T-shirt (F21 - Similar one here
4. Printed Scarf (H&M - no longer available)
5. Turquoise Camera Bag (Dollar Tree!)
6. Sunglasses (F21 - $5.80)
7. Black Low Top Chucks (Kohl's - $45)

Spring/ Summer Occasion

1. Printed Sundress ( TJ Maxx - $16.99)
2. Cognac Wedge Sandles ( Brand: City Classified - found on sale $12.99 and a store closing down)
3. Gold Necklace (Charlotte Russe - Sale items)
4. Gold Hoops (F21 - $2.80)
5. Sunglasses (Maurices -$9)

I'm still here!

Hey guys, sorry about not posting for a few days. I already feel so behind :( But fortunately the reason is because I've been busy with a lot of projects which means lots of new posts! :) The one that has been taking more time than I planned is a suitcase DIY. As soon as I finish I'll be posting pics of that. So you can look forward to that and... I kind of went on an accidental shopping spree. :) Lol oops... Good news for the blog though 'cause that means outfit posts!

So here's a little sneak peek of some of my new stuff (and old new things that are finally getting pulled out of the closet!)

1. Green button up tunic (tied at the waist): Forever21 $11.80

2. Dark skinny jeans (cuffed): Old Navy on sale $19.50

3. Leopard flats: Clothes Avenue $14.99

4. Gold chain necklace: Forever21

Denim cropped vest! (Forever21 $17.80) I'm really excited about this piece. There's so many ways to wear it.

1. Yellow top: F21 $11.50

2. Feather necklace: F21 $4.80 (or $5.80?)

3. Taupe Maxi dress: F21 $15.50 

4. Beaded turquoise necklace: Kohl's (last I checked it was about $14 on sale, might be less now!)

5. Neon yellow bag: Old Navy on sale for 10.99

And these here are my Dolce Vita Cheetah suede oxfords. See that pop of color at the bottom? Well, that there is why I had to have them. Found these as I was passing through Macy's and happened to have a coupon to put to use. Gotta love coupons. So excited to wear these and will definitely being doing an outfit post.  A lot of people think something like this can be hard to wear but I'll give you guys some examples of how easy it really is and I promise you, you'll be on the hunt for your own cheetah oxfords :)

Okay, lastly these are some finds from TJMaxx that I plan on doing some fun project tutorials on. So look forward to that too! 

Can't wait to show you everything all put together! Have a great and productive day everybody! 

Talk to you later! :)

Room Redo: Part 1

Okay so I've always been one to reorganize my whole life at least every month and redo my room as often as possible. And this is just another one of those times. I'm really excited with the progress of my room! I need to get it organized before school starts since I'm going to be home for a little longer than I planned. Part 1 is of my vanity area. I have tried and tried again to organize a nice spot to keep makeup and my accessories all in one area and I think I've finally got something I like. So, here's a few pictures to show where I'm at right now.  More to come soon ")

Items used:

1. Repainted mirror found in our garage

2. Ikea shelf, baskets and basket weave boxes

3. Thrift store finds: white vases, tin for my bobby pins and glass bowl for my rings

4. Small jewelry box gifted

5. Dollar Store flowers

First posts are hard. So much I can start with but which makes sense?  I guess my name would be a good one. I'm Shanae.

..And that's all I got..

Haha. Just kiiiding. So, I've decided that in order to introduce myself I should just add a visual that represents me pretty well. And with that, I chose this picture.

I think this photo from my family's Tahoe trip last year represents me in the following distinctive ways:

1. Im casual. Hence my converse.

2. I like bright colors. Hence my nails.

3. I love photography. Hence.. well the picture.

4. I love sunlight. Hence the sun reflecting off my not so tan leg.

5. I like Star Wars. Hence I swear that rock by the water on the right side looks like Yoda missing his left ear.

6. I like adventures like climbing down off the road out onto steep rocks over a rushing river and balance on one leg, throw out a peace sign with one hand and take a pic with nikon in the other.

and lastly

7. (My favorite number) I like a lot of other stuff too. Hence, there's still more to me than what you see in this picture. 

So, with this blog I plan to share all my other interests and somehow organize all the clutter I have in mind. Let's see how it goes ")

Oh and Happy St. Patty's Day!!