ThePurpleBees Headbands {review}

 

Good afternoon, ladies! How have y'all been lately?

So you may be wondering about the BeTheLightTees giveaway. It ended last night and yes, we have a winner! And that winner is.....*drum rollllllllll*

 

Anna Mosley!

(Anna, congrats, and check your email!)

 

Now on to the main event of today's post! We have yet another hair accessory review.

I was sent an adorable homemade hairband from The Purple Bees!

 

 

This is the rose garden turban hairband. (Click to see the Etsy listing for it!) Isn't it darling? I love the feminine, floral retro look! The turban tie style is cute, too.

 

The headband itself is very comfortable to wear. It's durable and well-made, and I like the elastic scrunch-back. Super comfy! I'm actually wearing it now and I kinda forget it's even there!

 

 

As to the price, I think it's reasonable, considering the quality and cuteness plus the fact it's hand-made!

 

On the Etsy page:

"ThePurpleBees is dedicated to making quality, hand-made accessories that are both fashionable and comfortable to wear. We are a small but growing business, so stop by often to see what's new!"

 

Overall, I totally love this hairband! I know I will be wearing it a lot. You should visit The Purple Bees and take a look at all that they have available! There are hair bows, bun wraps, even boot cuffs! Lots of super cute designs!

 

Check out the shop for yourself! | Like on Facebook! 

 

Note: I was sent this item in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

Beautifly Natural Jewelry {review}

 

 

"I saw a chance to reuse butterflies that had naturally expired at a local conservatory and I approached the manager with my proposition of making jewelry out of the wings. I made a few sample products and then was asked to begin a business selling the newly made butterfly jewelry within the conservatory's gift shop. The natural jewelry was very well received and I was able to set up a studio.
I am very excited about the business that unexpectedly became a reality in my life. I am thankful for all the opportunities that have allowed me to come this far. But most importantly I am delighted to be able to share these beautiful creatures in a creative way that can be admired and enjoyed for years to come." -Bethany, shop owner, maker & designer

 

 

We have a very unique review today from Beautifly Natural Jewelry - a shop on Etsy that offers laminated butterfly wing earrings and nature-themed accessories!

 

I don't know about y'all, but I'm an avid lover of the great outdoors, fresh air and all the beautiful creatures which God has placed on this earth for us to enjoy and protect. Butterflies have always been fascinating insects to me, with their dainty, frail forms and intricate wing designs.

 

So the concept of getting to actually wear earrings made from real butterfly wings really intrigued me.

 

 

I was sent two different pairs to review. This first one is from a Sulphur butterfly. You can find/purchase them here.

 

The wings are about an inch or so long.

 

I love the bright yellows in this pair. So lovely and full of sunshine!

 

 

This second pair is my favorite. They're Paper Kite wings and roughly double the size of the Sulphurs above. I love this length, and translucent colors. Find these earrings here.

 

 

What I love about these earrings is how, when you run your fingers over the laminated material, you can actually feel the veins of the wings - this is the real deal.

Both pairs are so unique and original - naturally.

 

 

They're very, very lightweight so they won't drag your earlobes down at all. In fact, you almost forget you're wearing them.

 

 Overall, I think this shop - and the products it offers - is awesome. I love how different and original the jewelry is. These are definitely earrings I will wear! I give both pairs a double thumbs-up, and that goes for the rest of Beautifly Natural Jewelry, too. Working with Bethany was a pleasure!

 

You should definitely check out her work. And like her Facebook page!

 

What do y'all think? Which is your favorite pair?

 

 

Note: I was provided these items from Beautifly Natural Jewelry in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

A Classy, Girly Beret {review}

 

Hello ladies!

Sorry it's been so long since I've done a post. I feel bad about it - I mean, shouldn't the organizer of the site be the one who posts regularly/predictably?

 

I hope y'all will forgive me, pwetty pwease with sugar on top? Because we have a new series of reviews coming up over the next few weeks, which I think you peeps will like. And here folks is the very first review of 2014!

 

So, I was sent a snug-as-a-bug handmade beret from Rhymit on Etsy.

First of all one of my favorite things about this time of year is the fact that you can bundle up and wear cute wintry accessories! Take hats for example. I'm in love with hats. Berets, newsboy caps, beanies, fedoras (even though I've yet to find one of those yet) you name it.

Hats like this add classiness to just about any outfit. And they're usually super cute!

 

This was the first beret I'd ever been sent to review, and it certainly qualifies under the cute category.

 

It's definitely a quality hat, and the craftsmanship is evident. My favorite thing is that it's so soft and comfy!

 

I'm not a huge pink person, I'll admit. I don't naturally go for pink stuff when I see it. However, in this case, the texture of the hat is so soft it's hard not to want to wear it. It's lightweight and yet still adds warmth. It's very feminine and girly.

 

 Overall?

I would recommend this shop for sure. You should check it out for yourself! There is a lovely array of other colors and hat designs, and everything's handcrafted! The owner of the shop was a pleasure to work with.

 

You can check out here blog for the shop, here.

 

Blessings,

Note: I was provided this item from Rhymit in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

Classy Vintage Look. {ClassyGarb}

                                                                                     

 Hello classy ladies! As you're probably aware, I didn't post last week because I decided to take a little blogging break. But I'm back now, with a new outfit post for you. Hope you enjoy!

 I don't know how it is for you, but for some reason I feel like (as far as clothing goes) I belong in another century. I love, love, love vintage or old fashioned looking clothing. A couple weeks ago, we had Past, Present, and Future day at a rehearsal for the show I'm in, A Christmas Carol. I decided to go as someone from the past. My fifties outfit fell apart when I discovered my poodle skirt had a mysterious stain on it... So I scrounged around in my clothing and created a 20s-40s look. I told everyone I was seeking help for the war effort. :) I liked the look so much that I decided to wear it again at church, with a few changes. Below is an image from Past, Present, and Future Day. Then I'll share my changes.

    And here's what I wore to church. As you can see the only significant change is the shoes and tights, though I also wore a white tank top instead of a brown one. The tank top wasn't really thought out, I kind of just wore what I had, though I like the look.

                 Up close... yeah my brother took a *very* attractive photo of me. (Sarcasm.) :P

    Close up on the headish area... isn't the hate adorable? It kind of has a tweed look... those little specks are actually part of the hat, not dog hair. :P

    And of course, the boots! Which I have featured in an outfit post before. But what can I say, I love them!

 As you can see, I've restated my passion for the color brown and jackets as well. I have a completely different, adorable brown and peach outfit that I may share at a later time. Now, for where the pieces came from.

 Dress: Liz Baker. This dress was given to me by a lady from our church. It's the perfect length for me, but needs some tailoring through the shoulders as it's a big big. That's why I wear jackets. As well as the fact that it adds to the outfit.

Jacket: Studio I. This jacket actually came from a set of dress and jacket, but while looking for something to complement the dress, it just seemed to fit. It was given to me.

Hat: d8y. Peebles. (Which is owned by the same company that owns Bealls.)

Boots: Easy Street. Peebles again.

Tights: Unsure of the brand, but they came from Wal-Mart. :)

 And that's all. What do you think of the vintage look? Yay, or nay?

A Fun Chevron Infinity Scarf! {review}

 

Good evening, ladies! (and gents - but mainly the ladies since I don't think you guys would be too interested in this kind of scarf. xD)

 

Today I have something really cool and different for y'all. An infinity scarf review!

 

 

I was sent a homemade chevron infinity scarf from Susan at Southern Pursenality .

 

Firstly, I've never owned an infinity scarf before! The concept always fascinated me. And infinity scarves are SO easy to use and wear! All you do is take the scarf and loop it twice and there you go! A fabulously simple drape.

 

The packaging was very cute and professional. I even saved the wrapping paper because it was so cute and I like to recycle things.

 

This scarf is made from a very comfy jersey knit fabric, and the sewing is professional and neat.

 

Let me tell you, I absolutely love the color scheme here. The mustard/white is nice and catchy, and can liven up many a more droll-looking shirt/outfit. Moi approves!

 

As I said before, the fabric is soft and extremely wearable. It's lightweight so I wouldn't mind wearing it on a warmer day. (Although I'll admit it's very hard to wear scarves of any sort in FL during the summer!) And of course, it's so easy to work with, being an infinity scarf.

 

 

 

My overall opinion on this scarf?

It's definitely a winner! The price isn't unreasonable for a high quality, handmade item. The shop is owned by a professing Christian mom, and it's obvious she doesn't cut corners on her work! I would totally recommend her shop.

Beyond scarves, Susan has an array of other neat things available as well. Purses, aprons, fabric bins and even iPod cases and diaper clutches to name a few!

 

Be sure to check out Southern Pursenality here! And go "like" the Facebook page!

 

ALSO. Something exciting for y'all!

 

Susan has generously offered to give a 20% discount on any order placed within the next week!

Just use the coupon code BLOG20 when you place your order! (hurry - this is only available for one week!)

 

Hope everyone is having a blessed summer so far! I certainly am. (looking forward to the cooler months though I'll admit!)

 

In His love,

Note: I was provided this item from Southern Pursenality in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated remain mine and mine alone.

Summer Accessory Haul #3

 

Good afternoon everyone!

Today I have one last summer haul post for y'all, where I'll be featuring some truly exquisite jewelry pieces.

 

First off, we have two handcrafted bracelets from BevaStyles.

 

The first, and also my favorite of the two, is an aqua blue crackle agate statement bracelet.

Can I just say that this is an amazing piece? I kid you not, it is my favorite bracelet right now and has been ever since it arrived in the mail!

 

I absolutely adore the color scheme. Since turquoise is my favorite color, it was a no-brainer that my eye was first pulled to this piece above the others on the BevaStyles Etsy shop. (even though there were quite a few others that also caught my attention!)

 

The assorted gold chains really complement the large turquoise agate beads. The clasp is a spherical silver magnet, with little sparkly rhinestone-like jewels embedded. The magnetic clasp makes it very easy to put on this bracelet quickly and without fuss. Not to mention, it looks beautiful!

 

Overall, this is a unique, chic bracelet. It's big and chunky, and definitely a bold and boho statement piece.

I love it!

 

 

The ombre mixed metal multi chain bracelet  is also a fantastic accessory. It matches with literally anything, due the different assorted chains and neutral color scheme.

 

It features a large, clear glass bead as a focal point and also a large, vintage looking silver clasp.

 

I love the gypsy/bohemian look to this one as well. It is definitely adorable!

It's nice if you would rather not have all the sparkle and bling but still want a noticeable bracelet to add to your outfit.

 

Overall, it's another winner!

 

(I love how both bracelets hang on my wrist.)

 

And now for two pairs of stud earrings from Miss Mables Boutique!

 

The first, a pair of aqua post earrings.

 

These are just so cute! The color is brilliant, so bright and cheery. I love the silver rims paired with it, it matches quite well and both colors complement each other nicely.

 

They're very lightweight, and easy to wear. The only thing that I think could be improved is their backing, it's merely a tiny piece of rubber-ish material which could easily be lost.

 

Overall, these are adorable earrings! They're not too small, but not too big either, for studs.

 

 

Finally, last but not least, a pair of black sparkly post earrings .

 

These, like the turquoise studs above, are very cute! Obviously they're not nearly so bright and perky but they're definitely pretty and dramatic.

 

The black, sparkly middle piece is surrounded in coppery toned rims, and it's once again a nice combination of colors. The sparkles are a wide variety of hues, making these earrings capable of being worn with just about anything.

 

I have no complaints except as mentioned previously, with the backing, as it's the same with this pair as well as the other.

 

And the same notion for the overall verdict follows the same with these. They're lovely!

 

I included a shot of the packaging for both pairs of earrings because I thought it was cute. And did you notice the little paper/cardboard pieces the earrings were attached to? Isn't that just the cutest idea?

 

 

 Well, hope y'all enjoyed this haul. I certainly enjoyed getting review these items!

You would be advised to go check out BevaStyles and Miss Mables Boutique for yourself -  I guarantee, if you want classy, quality jewelry items you won't be disappointed! Both shops offer fun and unique things!

 

Easy Crochet Scrunchie {craft}

Please don't let the word "crochet" make you want to run away! I use the word crochet in the title and post because the technique is technically a crochet stitch. However, hopefully even if you are not a crocheter you will still be able to do this!

The Craft:
Easy Crochet Scrunchie
 

{thanks to my little sister for being my model!}

The Purpose:

To turn an ordinary hair elastic into a fabulous little scrunchie! My little sister likes to put her hair into a braid or ponytail every night before bed and I thought I would brighten her elastic up a bit.

The Materials:

A pair of scissors

Some yarn - any color works, and you probably want a medium thickness {I used some cheap acrylic yarn that my sister had}

A hair elastic - again, any color works, and you might not want to use a thin one unless you were using a thinner yarn

A crochet hook {I used a size G}

An embroidery/crochet needle

The Instructions:

Tie a slip knot around the elastic, leaving a long tail. With this one, I didn't make a very long tail and so it left the finished product looking a little uneven - next time I will try to leave a tail long enough to go all the way around the scrunchie.

Hold the two strands of yarn between your fingers and use the crochet hook to go through the elastic and grab the two strands, pulling them through the elastic to make a loop next to the slip knot. Then do a yarn over. {if you don't know what that means, click here}
 

Congratulations, you've just done a crochet stitch! Now repeat over and over all the way around the elastic, occasionally pulling the stitches closer together so you can get as many on there as possible.

Once you're finished, leave a large loop, pull out the crochet hook and snip the yarn, leaving a tail about about 5-6 inches long.

Use your embroidery needle now, threading the yarn through it. Pull the needle through about 1/4 of the new scrunchie for one "stitch"...

and then pull it through again in the opposite direction.

If you have any remaining yarn, snip it off, and then enjoy your new scrunchie!

Enjoy! I hope the instructions were easy to follow - let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to answer them.

Until later,

Summer Accessory Haul #2

 

Good afternoon, ladies!

Time for a second summer accessory haul. We have some fabulous items today!

 

Firstly, a pair of gorgeous hand crafted earrings from Maya & Ruhi.

 

The mail somehow got the package mixed up and the earrings came months later than originally anticipated, but it was actually alright because I was worried that they were lost somewhere and wouldn't come at all. So it was even nicer a  surprise to see the Maya & Ruhi package in the mail!

 

I just love these earrings. They're the largest hoops I currently have, and I don't think I've ever had a pair quite like them.

 

They're beautiful.

 

I love the size, it makes them very noticeable, and because they draw such attention I could wear nothing else jewelry wise and it would still look dressier/fancy. Very nice when one doesn't feel like donning a ton of accessories but still wants to look more put-together!

 

While I'm not typically fond of bronze/copper for jewelry, the color combination of these earrings is really quite perfect. The white beads match with just about anything, and offer a fresh pop of color, which, like I said, can go with basically my entire wardrobe.

 

Oh, and I like the boho look of these. I'm really into that kind of style, and so these definitely have me liking them in that aspect.

 

Want to see some other cute jewelry pieces similar to this? Check out Maya & Ruhi for yourself.

The prices are a bit high, but since it's handcrafted quality jewelry, and knowing the prices of beading materials these days, I think that's just a given. You get what you pay for!

 

 

 

 

Next up, a cute pair of vintage espadrilles from Kat's Cache .  

Unfortunately, they didn't fit *my* feet. But that's pretty typical, given the fact that my feet are HUGE. Seriously. When looking for a pair of winter boots earlier this year, the only thing that would work was a pair of size 13s. I just bought myself some new kicks the other day, and they're size 11s.

 

So yeah. That was disappointing, but I guess I was getting too hopeful.

 (what can you expect though when you've gone barefoot 99 percent of your life?)

 

They really are cute though. I love the little peep-toes and small wedge heels. If my feet were smaller I'd totally be wearing these everywhere. One disadvantage of being a country girl!

 

*sigh*

 

I think I'll give them to a friend with small feet.

 

 

 

 

Ah, and now, last but not least an adorable handcrafted charm necklace from A Charmed Life Designs.

 

Let me just say that I adore this piece.

 

I've been wearing it everywhere ever since it arrived, and that's not much of an exaggeration.

 

It's so light, feminine and dainty, and the little chain charms almost tinkle when they move.

 

The color scheme is beautiful. I love the silver/pearl/light blue combination. It's very classy and elegant.

 

And of course how can we forget the highlight of the necklace, the "Sing, Dance, Dream" pendant?

 

*happy sigh* I love that. It's very me, as I love to sing and dance... and of course dreaming just comes as second nature!

 

I'm not usually huge on super-girly looking jewelry pieces, but this is one I can honestly say that doesn't apply to. It's extremely girly and feminine but that's actually what makes it so perfect!

 

All in all this is a lovely necklace and I would highly suggest taking a peek at the A Charmed Life Designs shop further. There are loads of other pieces similar to this one, and in many different color schemes and styles! And it's all quality, handmade!

 

 

Well, that's it for today's haul!  Hope everyone is having a blessed week!

Note: I was provided these items in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone, and I never employ flattery or falsehoods in my reviews.