DIY: Make not-so-perfect shoes PERFECT (:

Ever found the perfect pair of shoes--the right size, they fit perfect and are actually comfortable to walk in, the right price---BUT.....they aren't the right color? That's what happened to me as I was strolling down the aisles of Payless Shoe Store about a week ago. I saw a pair of size 5 wedges (which always gets me excited, it's not an easy feat to find size 5 shoes!), with nude straps but with a striped design on the side in a color scheme I was less than crazy about. Examine exhibit A:

Now some people may like the design, but I personally didn't care for it; too seventies-ish for my liking. I tried them on anyways to discover they are absolutely the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn! Plus they were under $30. I just had to buy them! I had resigned myself to find some sort of dress...brown perhaps, rusty orange maybe, to match them, when a brilliant idea struck me: I could paint over the awful design with a nude paint and have the perfect nude wedges for summer that would match just about any dress! At risk of ruining my precious new shoes, I gathered my supplies:

-Blue Painter's Tape (Lowe's/Home Depot)

-KILZ Original Primer in a spray can (Lowe's/Home Depot)

-Folk Art Acrylic Paint in #2559 Coffee Latte (0.97 cents at Wal-mart)

-Goof-off (Lowe's/Home Depot)

-Paper towels, small paint brushes, and ear swabs (not pictured)

I began by *carefully* applying the painter's tape around the edges, trying to only leave the part I wanted to paint exposed:

Next, I attempted to paint the shoe, and ended up with a splotchy, uneven mess; it was evident KILZ was going to be necessary. 

So I covered any exposed areas in paper towels and applied two coats of KILZ to the shoes, letting each one dry completely before applying the next one.

Then I could finally paint it and it look even. I applied two coats.

I removed the tape and paper towels and used the Goof-Off and ear swabs to clean up any little oopsies, where the tape didn't stick well and paint/KILZ had gotten onto the straps or rubber sole. The final result looks like this:

Voilà! Nude/tan wedges for summer time! I much prefer the all-nude to the design before. It may seem like a lot of work (and it was!) but it's very difficult for me to find shoes that fit me and that are comfortable. I have a small, weird foot (I can wear a 3 in kids...it's hard to find heels that fit me that don't have Hannah Montana plastered on them!) so it was worth the extra effort. Here's a pic of them on my feet:

Have you ever put your own unique spin on shoes or clothing to make them more to your liking? It was a fun little project, and I'm happy with the results...I can't wait to wear them this spring and summer with shorts and floral dresses! Maybe I'll alter some more stuff in the future :)

New hair color!

After about six months of bright blonde highlights, my hair was absolutely frazzled. It was thin and brittle in the first place, so I haven't a clue why I decided to bleach it. It looked like this:

There was quite a bit of blonde in the front, and it would break off and frizz out all of the time. I have spent a pretty penny on high-end hair care products trying to mend it (which I will do a haul about soon, I have discovered some amazing products in the process!). I decided that the healthiest thing to do was to dye it dark so I wouldn't need to keep up with it as often, since my natural color is a very dark brown. I wanted red undertones in it too, since my natural color is reddish in sunlight. Here's the result:

I LOVE it! It's exactly what I wanted! In low light or inside light it looks black-brown, but in natural or fluorescent light the red really shines though! (This pic was taken by the window.) Here's a few more pics:

So now the goal is to leave it alone and let it grow out! I'm still not using sulfates/parabens on my hair, not washing it every day, and taking vitamins that help your hair (B vitamins, Biotin), so hopefully it'll grow out and be HEALTHY and long and strong! No more bleach!! :)

What do you think? Which do you like better? 

Current Faves!

Hi all, second semester is in full swing...my last semester of college!...but I'm going to try to post as much as possible.

For now, here's my current favorites!

Hair, skin, and body care:

• Queen Helene's Mint Julep Masque. An oldie but a goodie! This masque is a thick, mint green paste that you leave on skin until dry and wash off with warm water. It makes my skin feel super soft and it has sulfur in it to dry up acne. It's about 3 dollars at drug stores, so it's also really affordable.
• Clinique #3 Clarifying Lotion. I love this toner! It smells pretty strong but the smell doesn't linger on the skin. It removes any oil/dirt on the skin but doesn't leave it feeling dry, tight, or like there's a film left on it. Plus it has a small amount of salicylic acid to combat pimples and prevent them from forming.
• John Frieda Clear Shine Luminous Glaze. I use this three times a week and it makes my hair so soft and shiny; it feels HEALTHY when I use this stuff! It's not heavy either, so it doesn't have the effect a deep conditioner might have where your hair gets oily quickly or just seems weighed down. Just apply after you have used the shampoo & conditioner of your choice and leave on for 3 minutes. Rinse and style as usual. Easy, fast, and it really delivers results. 
• Victoria's Secret "Give A Little Pink" Body Lotion & Body Mist. I got this for Christmas from my future brother & sister and law, and I have been using it like crazy! It says it's snowy violet and apple blossom scented, but to me it just smells fresh and light and perfect for everyday. I have been into using the coordinating lotion/spray/body wash lately, and I think it makes the fragrance last so much longer. 

 Cosmetics:

•   Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup. This stuff is great for the winter months. It's the perfect medium coverage, and it leaves a nice, subtle glow that makes skin look fresh and dewy despite the dullness or dryness that occurs due to the cold. I wouldn't wear it for going our at night, but for an everyday foundation, it's great. I'm in shade #40, Nude.

•  Bare Minerals Eyeshadow in Magnifique. It's a deep brown plum that is gorgeous on the lid for a dark eye or in the crease for a smoky look. It looks matte but it has a beautiful purply iridescence that adds dimension to the eyes. It looks like you have spent a while expertly layering shadows when really you only swept one color on!

•  L'Oreal Carbon Black Extra Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner. THIS IS THE BEST LINER EVER! It's so rich and pigmented, glides on evenly and smoothly, and stays on! In the pictures below, I have compared it to my old favorite eyeliner, Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof...it blows it out of the water in all dimensions, pigmentation, lasting power, and price!! The L'Oreal can be found at drugstores for about $8.

L'Oreal Extra Intense on the left; Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof on the right.

See the difference? Hard to believe the L'Oreal is about $20 cheaper too! 

What are your current favorites?