Designer inspired Lucite clutch

Designer Inspired Bag- Kate Spade NY

DIY version of the Kate Spade Bag

It is almost the New Year and I was so inspired by this gorgeous Kate Spade Clutch that I had to find a way to recreate it, without spending a lot of money!  Since I had a little bit left on my Hobby lobby gift card I figured this would be a perfect project!  So here is my DIY!

What you need:
2 5x7" acrylic frames (or the size you want for your clutch)
1 set of hinges(mine are from Michaels 1.99, and half off)
1 clasp (from Hobby Lobby 1.99 for 2-3)
1 drawer pull (optional) (hobby lobby 5.99 and half off)
glitter Paper (from any craft store)
sticker Letters (similar)
hot glue gun
scissors
pen/pencil/sharpie
drill
small screw driver
dremmel (optional)
modpodge (optional)
Spray paint in a metallic finish (optional)



Also note that with all items on sale this costs under 15.00 to make!!!  such a steal compared to the real deal!


Step 1
Make sure you have all your materials.  I spray painted all my hardware so that it would be the same color but this is totally optional.  Mine were different colors.  Next open the frames and remove the cardboard insert, discard, but make sure you save the inside picture to use as a template for the interior lining of glitter paper.

Step 2
Using the fake photo that came in the frame as a template trace out your lining paper, measure all the sides and cut those out. note: i did this step last but should have done it second.  You can do this step a few ways coat the interior with modpodge and secure the lining to the inside of the box, making sure the design is facing the frame so you can see it.  I just glued the corners of my box to hold the paper in place creating a seam and its worked well so far.

fake photo and the paper I wanted to line my clutch with

trace the photo insert

Step 3
Take the hinges and line them up on the bottom of your boxes.  Once in the desired location mark the screw holes with a sharpie so you know where to drill them.

Step 4
Drill the holes with a drill to the appropriate size.  This will depend on how large your screws are, you will also want to be careful not to crack the frames as they are pretty thin.

I made Ryan drill the holes

Step 5
once the holes are in start to screw in the screws to attach the hinge.  I did one side at a time and had to re drill a few holes since they didn't line up perfect.  Once finished with one side move on to the next side so that the two frames end up being held together by the hinge.

I forgot to photograph this step, but here is the same step but applied to the clasp for the top

Step 6
Next I measured the top of my box and found the middle.  marked it with a small dot and placed the clasp in my desired location.  Once in place I took my sharpie and marked the holes.  I drilled the holes with a drill just like in the previous step, and attached the screws.  Once I got one side done, I realigned it so that it matched up with the other part of the clasp, marked the holes, drilled, and attached the screws making sure the clasp was secured.  I played around with the clasp to ensure it would open and close properly.

Step 7
Drill a hole on one side of the top, I centered mine with the clasp and attached the knob.  My nob came with a washer that made attaching it pretty easy.

Forgot to photograph this step as well, but here is the clutch without any of the paper lining if you like just the lucite look, also you can see the screws that have yet to be trimmed in step 8

Step 8
Once finished you have your clutch, since my screws were protruding on the inside a bit I used a dremmel to cut them down, another option would be to line your box with felt or cover the screws with a dollop of hot glue to cover the sharp points, and add some additional security.

Step 9
Add your stickers to the outside and you are done!


- You can also leave the clutch clear for a more modern look, or attach a strap for a cross body.
Let me know if you have any questions/comments.  In all it took me about 2 hours between the painting and drilling, and I just love the result.  Cant wait to show more pics from New Year's Eve!!

Love Always,
Amelia B.

NYE

I am almost a month in on this NO SHOPPING gig and luckily Christmas came at the perfect time.  My boyfriend did an amazing job taking mental notes of my ever growing wish list.  I have been talking about and sending not so subtle hints to him for months now about this H&M sequin set, In my mind it was what I wanted to wear for NYE.  Right before Christmas we had firmed up our NYE plans with our favorite couple friends and I was just racking my brain with what I would wear for the occasion.  I took to pinterest and started looking for inspiration, I have so many cute sequin ideas, but just could never find something I was in love with, so imagine how excited I was to unwrap a sequin top and skirt!!

Now for the outfit planning...I had the main part but just needed to accessorize.  I went to polyvore and played around on their outfit creator.  I tried to uses items that I have or are similar to what I have in my closet, and I am super pleased with what I came up with.  What do you think?  Its glam and girly, now if only I had a super cute Kate Spade Clutch...don't worry I have a DIY for that coming soon!

NYE by ameliablake featuring high heel shoes

H M midi skirt
$39 - hm.com

Kate Spade high heel shoes
katespade.com

Kate spade purse
renttherunway.com

Kendra scott earrings
neimanmarcus.com

Party hat
partycity.com

Nars cosmetic
net-a-porter.com

Deborah Lippmann glitter nail polish
gilt.com



Love Always,

Amelia B.

A Year without Shopping

Yes you read right, a year, that is 365 days without buying clothes, shoes or accessories, NO SHOPPING.  May the good Lord help me.

I have decided to jump on this trend for several reasons.  The main one is that I want to prove to myself that I can do this, that I don't always have to go running to the mall every time I have a new event pop up on my calendar or buy something just because it's trendy.  I use shopping as a crutch, a way to feel better about something, maybe it's a bad day at work or to reward myself for doing something good.  I get instant gratification from scoring an awesome find or good deal, which can be dangerous if you continue the habit.  I have taken a good hard look at where I am financially and I am not happy with the end result.  My savings are not where they could be and even though I have 3 huge closets full of beautiful clothes, what will that get me.  Can I use them as a down payment on a house, to travel somewhere fun, plan a wedding (if I get engaged that is), etc.  No they cannot, they cannot help me in my career unless I am making a career change then maybe, but what I am getting at is it is time for me to grow up and start being an adult and that means making drastic decisions to get to my end goal.

What sparked the decision:
The other day I was looking for a sequin dress to wear to a friends birthday outing.  I had to have something new..which looking back wasn't necessarily true.  Her theme was sequins and sparkle so I searched everywhere for something.  I settled on this pretty Forever 21 dress, now I got it 20% off and an additional 10.00 off  making it around $17.00 so not a major splurge, but after I got home I wasn't 100% sure.  Then I found this gorgeous rose colored sequin midi dress from French connection at TJ Maxx for 49.99 original price $448.00, and I had a gift card for 50.00 that I won from this instagram post... so it still didn't cost me anything.  But when I got home I looked through my dress closet to see that I had a beautiful Anthropologie sequin top dress with tags on it still, a sequin romper with tags, and a few other sequin dresses...so you get where I am at, I didn't need another one.  That got me thinking that I have so many things in my closet I have worn once or haven't at all.  So I decided on December 4, 2014 I would not shop for a year.  Part of me wishes I would have prepared for this and let myself have till the end of December but then again I think going cold turkey is the best for me...well with a few exceptions.  I can use gift cards that are given to me, I can buy for others such as holiday gifts, and if something needs replacing then I can replace it, but it has to be in bad shape.  I am making Ryan keep me honest, so he has to OK the replacement.  There is one last exception I have granted myself and that is a Dress or outfit for my Birthday, because this will be the big 3-0!  And I know what I want to wear for it, so I will watch it like a hawk and if it goes on sale maybe a special someone will buy it as a b-day gift..hint hint.  I really don't want to shop so I am going to try not to buy it myself but I am throwing that exception in, maybe its cheating maybe not but I am letting everyone know upfront..if you want to keep me honest (gift cards to Anthro please..haha JK, no but seriously)!

I plan to blog my journey and post my creative outfits that I come up with out of my own closet, and clothes I make.  I have an entire closet full of beautiful fabrics that I have never made anything out of so maybe this challenge with spark the creative in me.  What I find funny is that I am only 3 weeks in but I have seen a major difference.  For example my 2nd to last pay check of the year is much lighter than all my others because I have to pay taxes on my company car and it all comes out of one check!  Its a big deduction and right around the holidays when I could use a little extra cash.  Last year I was really hurting, but this year with not buying extra things for myself I have some extra funds left over and it feels so nice!  A little extra cushion for my savings and an added payment to my credit card!

I have seen several women do this and I was most inspired by an article I read on Yahoo, about a woman who's debt and shopping was getting out of control.  As I read her story I couldn't help but feel how easily she got to her worst, and how easy it could be me.  Ryan has been a huge factor, I want to start out together on the right foot and for me that is getting in the best financial shape I can.  Paying off debts getting the best credit possible and creating a cushy savings account for what have you.  This is only a small step in the right direction but I am really looking forward to this new year of not shopping!
I know I will need tons of support and prayers!  Has anyone else done this no shop thing?  Any advice, tricks, tips?

Love Always,
Amelia B.

winter layers

winter layers by ameliablake featuring skinny leg jeans

As the temperatures drop my closet gets an overhaul.  I love layering and have found that my creativity blossoms more in the cooler months.  I have been coveting a few things for Christmas, some I have hinted at like bean boots in a size AA 7 8in blue, and anything buffalo check..like this amazing vest!!  And then some I couldn't wait until Christmas to have like this plaid blanket scarf.  If you haven't jumped on this trend yet shame on you!!  I love them and want to wear one every day...I actually probably could wear one every day of the week with how many I own!  I find Zara's are the best, but there are several retailers that have really nice ones that aren't as expensive or hard to get, because if you want one from Zara and it is available you better get it, chances are it will sell out fast.

Here is a weird fact about me...I love socks, patterned socks, toe socks, etc.  I really don't like to wear socks, probably because most of my shoes are heels and flats that don't require them, but I love how so many women have been pairing cute patterned socks with the bean boots and jeans!  I love the look, I know it doesn't get near as cold here in Texas as it does up north but when we get our one snow of the year I will totally be prepared...that is if a certain someone got my hint on the boots..lol.  I am working on my Christmas shopping early trying to get it done over a few months and to beat the last minute shoppers, but my better half is always so hard to shop for.  He always wants practical gifts and I just feel bad buying him clothes and necessities....this year I have made some good mental notes of stuff to get him and I think he will be pleasantly surprised!

What is on your Christmas list?
Love Amelia B.

J crew vest
factory.jcrew.com

7 For All Mankind skinny leg jeans
mytheresa.com

Brooks Brothers navy socks
brooksbrothers.com

Boots
llbean.com

Zara scarve
zara.com

Sailor Stripes

It is a new month and another style challenge brought to you by Dean Street Society.  Style me November is in full swing, and today’s challenge was nautical stripes.  I love anything nautical but since I always tend to gravitate towards the literal form of nautical (red, white, blue, anchors, etc.) I decided that I would try something new.  It has been really cool in the morning, but by the afternoon it gets hot.  I have to dress in layers otherwise I’m either freezing or sweating to death.  I decided to pair this really cute striped button down with a green sweater, and yellow pencil skirt.  Just like this weather acting like fall and summer I mixed some summer staples and fall basics to make a cohesive outfit.  I tied it all together with a belt and some leopard smoking flats.  I felt preppy yet professional for work. 

I got the idea of this outfit from pinterest.  I was searching for some fall inspiration and found so many cute outfits with a pencil skirt and button down layered with sweaters or jackets.  Since I normally tuck in my top to my skirt, I decided to try this look, of an untucked top.  I LOVE IT!  Not only is it a different look but it also makes me feel confident.  I can’t wait to try this look again with other similar pieces.   

I hope you all have another great Monday and if your closet is giving you the blues, download the dean street style challenge to breathe new life into your wardrobe.  It has been wonderful for me, it allows me to shop my closet and create new outfits without having to spend money.  You view your closet in a new light which allows you to see what you have and might be missing! 

PS sorry for the poor quality pics..this time change makes it almost dark when I get home from work so I will totally be working on this in the future.

Outfit Deets: 

Sweater: Old Navy (last season), similar, 
Top: J. Crew Factory (no longer available), Similar, Love 
Skirt: J. Crew (old), Similar 
Flats: Nordstrom Rack, similar 
Belt: Loft 
Necklace: James Avery 
Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Similar 

Warm Cider and sweaters

This might be my new favorite sweater, and it will likely be a goto this winter.  I love the color, the fact that it looks layered and hangs down a little longer on me, oh and has sequins.  I really hate how some sweaters end up really boxy on me.  This one is oversized without making me look 20lbs heavier and still showing I have a figure under it.  I am now debating if I need it in the navy.... I am all about this sweater right now..haha.

For work I paired it with some blue ankle zip pants from loft to give it a more professional vibe, and because I cannot wear jeans to work.  After work I came home and threw on my favorite loft jeans.  Then Ryan and I headed to a bar in the Bishop Arts district to visit one of our favorite friends/bartender at this new cider bar Called the Bishop Cider Company.  I have been wanting to try this place for some time and we finally had a free weekend to explore Dallas.

The Bishop Cider Co was just as awesome as I thought it would be.  It is really small, but I think that is half of its charm.  They brew some of their own and sell some other cider brands.  I had to try some of their own.  I went with the Crackberry and the Suicider.  the Crackberry was really good hints of blackberry in it, and the Suicider was basically christmas in your mouth...Ryan had one that tasted like peach cobbler  OMG it was heaven!  I can't wait to go back and try more of their other flavors.  If you are looking for a change of pace in a Bar I totally recommend this one, its in the Bishop Arts District and there are some really cool other places in the area to try.  I think next time we will do dinner and explore.  I hope everyone has a FAB weekend!!

Outfit Deets:

Sweater: Zara
Jeans: Loft(old), similar
Shoes: Tory Burch (past season), Similar
Jewels: James Avery, Kendra Scott (similar), David Yurman, David Yurman, James Avery, James Avery
Bag: Phillip Lim (no longer Available), Similar

Love Always,
Amelia B.

Wedding Weekend

                         

This weekend was my boyfriends childhood friends wedding.  We headed to Arkansas on Friday morning...and by Friday morning I mean we left Dallas at 3:30am.  It was a long drive but an entertaining one.

We arrived around 10, and sat around for a couple hours.  We were both hyped up on monster so our nap time ended up never happening.  Once a few other people showed up we all headed out to the cabins.  I was laughing because they said they were only about 20 miles away but it would take us over an hour to get there...now I know why.  The roads are so twist and turn every which direction, our turn off was barely visible from the road and was not much of a road to be honest.  At this point GPS was all we had.  We had to stop at least 4 times just to confirm we weren't about to show up at some peoples house and get welcomed with a shotgun greeting.  Finally we pull up to a beautiful cabin sitting on the calmest lake surrounded by tall green trees.

I was in heaven, the cabin was huge and so quaint all at the same time.  Friday night was the rehearsal dinner, I watched Ryan practice and then we ate.  After dinner we all hung around the camp fire and talked...the boys jumped in the pool (because they forgot to inform the wives/fiances/girlfriends to bring suits...I see what they were going for lol) and hung out until it got too chilly and they had to come in.  At this point I had to crash, little sleep and a few drinks did me in.

Saturday was the big day, we helped set up and I bonded with the girlfriends of the groomsmen.  It was nice to be able to talk and hang out with people while the boys were off doing there thing. I was super excited to wear my eliza J dress I got at Nordstrom, but super thankful I brought some flats.  Between the 100 stairs, and the steep, wet incline I would have never made it.  We had a great weekend among old and new friends, it was hard to make the 6 hour drive back home, but it was nice to sleep in our bed with the cute babies.  I totally regret not taking more photos, but the weekend went by too quickly as they always seem to do.

I hope you all had a great weekend and have an even better week.

Outfit Deets:
Dress: Eliza J (I got a petite so it would be a little shorter, just bump up a size)
Shoes: old navy (old), similar, similar
Sweater: loft
earrings: target


Love Always Amelia