My Day: Technology Free

By Sammy0716

Initially when I resolved to do a day without technology; no TV, e-mail, twitter, internet and cell phone, I thought I would go mad before the day was over.  Why this insane quest you ask? Well recently I started to feel that I squandered too much of my time on these modern devices (distractions) and not enough time being productive or appreciating the simple pleasures.  While cutting back on my tech use is the most practical long term solution, I wanted to give my routine a jolt by completely giving it up for a day.  So yesterday was my first "Tech-Free Tuesday".

Outfit Chronicles: In My Easter (Sans Bonnet) Finery

Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in their Easter Finery in Easter Parade (1948).

I know that for some getting dressed up is a chore, but for me I relish every opportunity to get dressed up.  I don't have many chances for more formal outfits, I can't be too precious at work (art teacher) less I spill something on myself.  This weekend I knew I would be attending Easter service and having dinner with my parents and planned a special outfit for the day.

Get The Look: Retro Beach Style For Under $150

Photo: myvintagevogue

The spring in New York has so far proven to be windy, rainy and cold.  While the rain beats on my windows my mind wanders to the warmer more tropical reaches of the world. What would I be wearing if I was walking the beach somewhere south of the equator?  I would definitely be rocking a retro style swimsuit complete with wide brim hat and cat eye glasses.  Inspired by my daydreams I went in search of affordable retro beach looks.

Here Comes the Sun Hat

The long bleak winter in New York left me tingling in anticipation of spring.  Well I feel like this spring has finally sprung!  After a couple of mild and sunshiny days I am feeling optimistic for the warmer weather and the longer days ahead.  While spring and summer have a plethora of positive attributes, there is one thing that I try to avoid at all costs, excessive sun exposure.  I am a fair skinned Irish lass and the sun and my complexion have always been on bad terms.  I have managed to get thus far with only a few sunburns to my record and want to keep it at that.  However vigilant I have been though, I noticed in March that along my hair line was a patch of darker skin, not to mention the freckles appearing on my nose, hyper-pigmentation eek!  While I use SPF30 daily it got me thinking, maybe it wasn't enough?  Perhaps I should be wearing a hat as well when I am out in the sunshine.

What I Want Now! Color Blocked and the Tan Suede Shoes

I designed my “What I Want Now” posts as a creative outlet for the clothes and accessories that make up my imaginary closet.  These fashion items randomly pop into my head and become a part of my shopping wish list. Sometimes I can go online and find these wish list items, other times it’s a futile quest.  In the case of the latter, I have found sketching out my ideas is a great way to express the designer in me and in some way make my must have fashion pieces a reality (even if it’s only on paper). Without further ado “What I Want Now! 1st Edition: Color blocked and the Tan Suede Shoes.” Hope you enjoy!

DIY Dose: Duck Tape Clutch

The words "duck tape" do not immediately call to mind fashion and accessories, but type "duct tape accessories" into google and you will get about 300,000 hits.  I knew about teens creating head to toe prom outfits each year and had seen examples of bags made out of duck tape, but never thought of trying it for myself until I was given a rather wild roll of duct tape.

The Cosmic Tie-Dye Print Duck Tape, psychedelic awesomeness! 

The roll of tape I received was a pink, orange, and yellow tie-dye concoction. Initially I had no idea what to do with it, but then I remembered the duck tape bags I had seen at a craft store and thought I would try my hand at making my own.  This project is completely sew-free, so you sew-a-phobes have no fear.