DIY: 4th of July Denim Cuffs

Summer is officially upon us tomorrow, so I thought I'd share this awesome tutorial that is perfect for this time of year.

You'll need a pair of jeans, preferably in a boyfriend cut. Just make sure they aren't so tight that you can't cuff the bottoms.  You'll also need an American flag or any fabric with the beloved stars and stripes (ie. t-shirt).  Get your needle, thread and safety pins.

Turn your jeans inside out and secure the fabric from the bottom going up to the mid-calf area with safety pins. Sew and then remove the safety pins.

You can use this method for jazzing up your jeans with any pattern/colored fabric you choose. I love how there is stripes on one leg and stars on the other. It's up to you.

Enjoy your super patriotic jeans :)

[Images and tutorial via BDLG25.com]

SHOP P.B.B. is New and Improved!

First off, thank you so much to all our loyal friends who have helped to make P.B.B. such a success over the past two years :) Also, I want to thank all our new customers who are supporting P.B.B. :) Your positive feedback and kind words are truly appreciated :) Click here to see all the new goodies :)

DIY: Cat Shoes

Aren't these shoes purrrrrfect??? I just love them! And the best part is I made them myself! They are super cute and inexpensive to make. I'm glad I bought an extra pair so I can make another design in the future :)

You'll need the following:

Inexpensive (black) flats - I got mine at Target for only $14.99

(White) embroidery thread

Sewing needle

White pencil - I used a makeup pencil 

(Pink) acrylic paint - optional

Draw your simple sketch directly onto your shoe. You can use tracing paper but I opted to do it this way. Then start sewing. 

I painted the nose pink to give it some added cuteness but it's completely up to you :) 

A special thanks to ScathinglyBrilliant for the awesome idea!

DIY: Jewelry Redo

Don't be so quick to get rid of those older pieces of jewelry you never wear anymore! Here's a fun and easy way to revive those old pieces of jewelry with new life.  Or take that impulse buy you have since lost interest in and make it into something you'll actually wear.

Take a look at some of my old items, although pretty, have become boring to me over the years never to be worn again. This "jewelry redo" took about the time it takes to paint my nails, and I can't WAIT to put these on! The secret... nailpolish!

Don't you just love those DIY projects you can do immediately? No need to go to the crafts store. Just grab some of that polish and get creative! I put 2-3 coats of super cheap ($0.99) white nailpolish as a base; allow to dry completely between coats.  Then add color.

I happen to be a huge fan of the ombre trend and I also adore oceanic colors, so I went with both. I started in the middle with the in-between shade (turquoise). I then blended above and below with the lighter green (mint) on top, the darker blue at the bottom and blend, blend, BLEND. Using a cheap makeup sponge helps do the trick. It doesn't need to be perfect because no one will notice but you.

I'm so glad I was able to enjoy these pieces then, and can adore them even more now. I like the fact that the polish leaves such a shiny finish (and I didn't even use a top coat). I also can use the same shade(s) on my nails if I really want to coordinate. Best part is, I have the ability to take most pieces of jewelry (ie. very inexpensive) and customize them to what I like instead of limiting myself to what someone else created. Now my accessories evolve with my own style and without spending hardly a thing.

If you're like me, you have alot of polishes to choose from which makes this "jewelry redo" even more fun! The possibilities are virtually limitless.

This is also a good way to use up some of those old polishes you have lying around that you don't wear on your nails anymore.

I can't wait to get my hands on more of my old pieces :) Just make sure with the bigger earrings that you paint the back (either the same color/s or different ones)!

DIY: "Born in the USA" Cut-Off Shorts

Patriotism NEVER goes out of style!  And with the 4th of July right around the corner, this is the perfect piece for the season. Your local craft store should carry all the necessities for this "Do It Yourself" (DIY) project. Let's get started!

What you'll need:

*painter's tape   * red stencil spray   * white stencil spray   * 2 foam brushes

* star stencils   * small piece of scrap cardboard

* oh yeh! a pair of denim cut-off shorts ;)   (I'm a huge fan of the light blue- especially for this look)  

Take your star stencil and place firmly against the shorts. Putting the scrap cardboard behind the first layer of the short will help you keep everything more secure. I prefer putting the stars on the right side of the zipper (the left side facing front) to more accurately mimic the American flag, but it's within your discretion. Spray the white stencil spray onto the stencil and touch up using one of your foam brushes.

Next, take the painter's tape and adhere it to the other side of the shorts to create the stripes.  You can place them vertically or horizontally- it's up to you! In this DIY tutorial, the stripes run vertically, which is a fun twist on the traditional American flag.

Spray the red stencil paint onto the shorts over the tape. Don't worry if it's not perfect. The distressed/faded style just gives it a more vintage feel. You really can't go wrong. Again, you can touch up using your other foam brush to create just the look you're going for.

Remove the tape and allow to dry completely.

And you're all set! :)

There's nothing better than finding an inexpensive and fun way to create a trend that is retailing for $$$ right now. People won't believe you when you tell them you Did It Yourself ;)

[Images and tutorial via BDLG25.com]

Cool Finds: Facebook Hangers

C&A Brasil has launched a rather unique gadget that speaks to this technological age where Facebook meets fashion! See a digital display of how many Facebook "likes" a garment has before you buy it, all in real time. Personally, I wear what I like without regard to how many others "like" it too, but my curiosity would most likely get the best of me should I have the opportunity to know... 


[Via Refinery29.com]

Cool Finds: Crazy Hairstyles

From the catwalk, to the frat house...

Cool Finds: NY/LA Designs

I'm loving these modern side tables that subtly and cleverly display "NY" and "LA".

Find these Fakatura creations here.

Cool Finds: Decorating Ideas

I can't wait to try these out!

Champagne flutes as candle holders

Ladder as towel rack

Cake display as candle display

Mirror as centerpiece

Brooches as fridge magnets

Frame as dry erase board

Picture frame as vanity display

Tutu as tableskirt

[Images via RealSimple.com]

Cool Finds: Lip Tattoos

No, we're not talking about permanent tattoos using needles :) This fairly new alternative to lipstick is really unique and especially fun for Halloween! Take a look at ViolentLips.com where you have an array to choose from. They even show you how to apply them. What is your favorite? Here are some of mine. Click on the name to take you directly to the item :)

Checkered Pink

Red Fishnet

Rainbow

Pink Leopard