Lula Louise

Announcing Embroidered Clutch Giveaway Winner

2013-05-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Omaha Coupon Clipper! You are the randomly selected winner of the Embroidered Clutch giveaway. I have already emailed you to request your mailing address. I hope you love the clutch!! And of course a BIG thank you to everybody who entered!!

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

Moodboard – Mixing Stripes & Florals

2013-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Stripes and florals are both major trends for Spring 2013 and the only thing better than each separately is putting the two together. Here are some matchups to inspire your outfits this season.

1. Marc Jacobs Dégradé Floral Silk Crepe Top from Nordstrom
2. Kate Spade new york 'barry' silk blend skirt from Nordstrom
3. Floral Print Open Back Vest from TopShop
4. Raffia Stripe Pants from J.Crew
5. Twisted Stitch Open Neck Sweater and Toulouse Floral Short from J.Crew
6. Tapestry Floral Charlie Trousers from Anthropologie
7. Alexander Yamaguchi Boxy Stripe Tee from La Garconne
8. Stand in Awe Heel in Floral from ModCloth

Tips for Mixing Stripes and Florals

Choose complementary color palettes like all yellows or all blues
Make one item a neutral, like navy stripes or beige floral
Play with patterned accessories
Be brave and have fun!

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

Mini DIY Tutorial – Polka Dot Jeans

2013-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, you may have noticed that I've been posting a lot about polka dots the last couple weeks. Well, I have one last polka dot post for you and it comes with a mini tutorial. There are lots of polka dot jeans out there these days and a few tutorials too. I had an old pair of very cheap skinny jeans that I had almost forgotten about, so I decided to try my hand at making them over with some painted on polka dots.

Read more after the jump »

Simplicity 1661 – Yellow Polka Dot Blouse

2013-05-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Still on my polka dot theme, I whipped up this super bright yellow blouse. It all came together in a rather kismet way. I was trying to think of another polka dot project to share with you this week. Then I found Simplicity 1661 on sale at JoAnn’s and remembered that my great-aunt had given me a couple of yards of yellow polka dot fabric – the perfect fabric for this pattern!

Read more after the jump »

How to DIY a Dotted Jumpsuit

2013-05-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

How freakin' awesome is this jumpsuit? I mean seriously. I would rock this thing all week if I could. The pattern is so summery feeling and the silhouette is bangin but not slutty (haha!). Between the dramatic print and the fact that it's jumpsuit, you can't be shy in this outfit.

Read more after the jump »

Moodboard - Summer Dots

2013-05-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I brought you a sophisticated navy polka dot moodboard and today I'm showing the other side of the polka dot – the cheerful, colorful polka dot, perfect for the summer season. I've always loved rainbow colored dots, stripes and plaids. I don't know why. Maybe a particular rainbow striped jumpsuit I had as a wee one? Well, if you ask me, you're never too old to embrace a little bit of fun color. So check these out and get ready for warmer weather.

Clockwise from top left:
1. ASOS Maxi Dress in Spot Print
2. Dolce & Gabbana Polka Dot Trousers
3. Alice & Olivia Zuzu Polka Dot Blouse
4. Something Else by Natalie Wood Spot Top from Madewell
5. Carrot Tri-Pocket Polka Dot Backpack from Urban Outfitters
6. Polka Dot Print T from Gap
7. Cropped Matchstick Jean in Thistle Print from J.Crew
8. Fossil Key-Per Dot Wristlet
9. Clements Ribeiro Elizabeth polka dot blouse

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

DIY Roundup – Free Mother's Day Printables

2013-05-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is right around the corner but it's not too late to print out one of these cards in time for Sunday. Here are some of my favorite DIY printable cards from around the web.

1. Happy Mother's Day Card from Make Merry
2. DIY Floral Bangle and Tag from Lovely Indeed
3. Mother's Day Card from 3 Eggs Design
4. Happy Anything Card from Design Eat Repeat

Also noteworthy: Mother's Day Printable Wine Labels from The Graphics Fairy

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

How to DIY a Polka Dot Shorts Suit

2013-05-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

I'm so inspired by shorts suits right now. It's kind of always hot in LA so I wear shorts any chance I can get. A jacket would easily take those shorts from just casual to casual cool. We know it works when you add a jacket to jeans so why not try it with shorts?

Read more after the jump »

DIY Tutorial - Polka Dot Scarf Guest Post on PopCosmo

2013-05-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm super excited because I have a guest post on PopCosmo of a really fun and easy DIY Polka Dot Scarf. This scarf is so easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. I've been wearing mine pretty much non-stop since I made it. It dresses up a plain outfit and pairs well with other prints. Kim and Chloe are great ladies and it's been awesome to collaborate with them. About a month ago I posted about their DIY Camera Strap here on Lula Louise. So head on over and check out my tutorial. It's seriously going to kickstart your summer.

Go check out the tutorial on PopCosmo!

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

Moodboard - Navy Polka Dots

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Polka dots are a major trend right now and navy polka dots are the classiest of all the dots. But don't get me wrong, they can be fun too. Do you see those dotted pants? Or the polka dot Keds? I seriously want those shoes. They have "me" written all over them. I'd love to be kickin' around town this summer with a sassy sundress and those shoes. What do you think of polka dots? Are you going all out for this trend?

Clockwise from top left:
1. Arabelle Dress from J.Crew
2. ASOS Playsuit in Spot Print
3. 1969 Dot Legging Skimmer Jeans from Gap
4. Dotted Peplum Blazer from Anthropologie
5. Keds Champion Dot from Zappos
6. Dolce & Gabanna Ruched Polka Dot Swimsuit
7. Sessun Polka Dot "Walk With Me" dress from Madewell
8. Moroccan Tank Polka from Virginia Johnson
9. Polka Dot Jacquard Pencil Skirt from The Limited

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

Free Geometric Desktop Wallpaper

2013-05-04T20:12:00.002-07:00

I was feeling inspired by triangles this week so I found the font Iso available on Fontspace for free and made some geometric wallpapers for you to decorate your computer and phone. The design uses mostly the punctuation and a few letters carefully arranged on a light blue background.

Read more after the jump »

Embroidered Clutch Collaboration and Giveaway (CLOSED)

2013-05-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I stumbled across the amazing blog Too Crewel run by the lovely Liesi. I was impressed by her beautiful crewel embroidery and the amount of pieces she makes. I found her work so inspiring that I just had to reach out and propose a collaboration of her embroidery skills and my sewing skills.

We decided to make a fabric clutch together. We made some sketches, chose colors and fabric, all via email. She started by embroidering the outside of the clutch, mailing the pieces to me, then I embroidered the lining and stitched it all together. And isn’t it just lovely?

Read more after the jump »

How to DIY a Geo-Print Dolman Dress

2013-04-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Continuing this week's theme of geometric prints, today I'm going to show you how to DIY a gorgeous geometric print dolman dress. I love wearing dresses, especially in the summer because they are just so easy to throw on and go. All you need is the dress, shoes and accessories and you're ready to go. Add a belt if you need shape and a jacket or cardi for warmth.
Read more after the jump »

Moodboard – Geometric Prints

2013-04-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

If last week's floral prints weren't really your thing, maybe these geometric ones will suit your fancy. These prints will make any summer outfit super chic. Are you adding any geometric prints to your wardrobe this season?

Clockwise from top left:
1. ASOS Shift Dress in Triangle Jacquard
2. Boxy Crop Top in Pick-Up Sticks from Kate Spade Saturday
3. Geo Sleeveless Pullover from a-thread
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs "Taboo" Silk Blend Scarf
5. Stark Chevron Wallet from Anthropologie
6. Geox New Flower Shoes from Zappos
7. Sabine Geo Jacquard Mini Skirt from Piperlime
8. Multicolored Geo Print Dress from Forever 21
9. BDG Twig High Rise Jean - Abstract Geo Print from Urban Outfitters
10. Abstracted Rays Tunic Dress from Anthropologie

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

Taking the Me Made May Pledge

2013-04-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hi there crafty friends! Have you heard of Me-Made-May? It's a really cool challenge, organized by amazing sewing blog So Zo, to wear self-made items for the entire month of May. I'm always wearing me-made clothes but for this month I'd like to do it a little more consciously and think about how my "me-made" clothes fit in with my purchased items. It's actually the perfect extension for my Spring Wardrobe and it will be a great jumpstart for some new Summer pieces. I plan on sharing some of my outfits throughout the month and I hope you'll keep coming back and see how I'm doing. Also make sure to check out the Me-Made-May flickr group to see what all of the other pledges are doing.

'I, Beth of Lula Louise, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '13. I endeavour to wear one me-made piece of clothing or accessory each day for the duration of May 2013'

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

Font Friday – Aleo Font and Instagram Pics

2013-04-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

Today's Font Friday pick is a classy slab serif called Aleo, available for free on Behance. The font is available in six 3 weights, each with a regular and italic (6 total! pretty rad). Aleo is a classy, stand up kind of font, perfect for captioning my favorite Instagram pics of the week.

Read more after the jump »

DIY Tutorial – Stamped Mini May Day Tote

2013-04-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

May Day is an often overlooked holiday but in my book it's well worth celebrating. To help you do just that, here is a little flowered tote perfectly sized for hanging a small bouquet on a neighbor's doorknob. I made this tote in two variations, one decorated with stamped fabric paint and the other with embroidery. Of course you can use these sweet little bags any time of year for things like party favors and gifts. I hope you enjoy!

Read more after the jump »

How to DIY a Bright Floral Dress

2013-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about being a DIY'er is that we can look at something really expensive and know that we can create it ourselves for much less money. Today's inspiration is a Floral Silk Shantung Dress by BOSS Black available at Saks for $595. That's way out of my budget but the it wouldn't be too hard to knock off this lovely dress for about $30. Totally affordable and you can make it exactly to your measurements for a perfect fit.

Read more after the jump »

Moodboard - Super Bright Florals

2013-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm seeing really super bright dense floral patterns everywhere these days. They're on everything from the obvious dresses and skirts to the less obvious pants, shorts and shoes. The trend is a little more evident in the juniors department but the prints look good on everyone and are so great for getting one in the mood for the sunshiny days to come.

Clockwise from top left:
1. Petal Floral Sonja Dress from Kate Spade
2. Sleeveless Floral Bodycon Dress from SheInside
3. Call of the Wildflower iphone case from Modcloth
4. Ballet Flats from Gap
5. ASOS Pencil Skirt in Floral Print
6. Floral Print Skinny Jeans by Alice + Olivia
7. Angie Wide Leg Floral Pant from Urban Outfitters
8. Essential Floral Print Pencil Skirt from Forever 21
9. Lucca Couture Short Floral Dress from Nordstrom

What do you think of super bright florals? Have you tried the trend yet?

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

Photos from Chicago and Font Friday

2013-04-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

The weekend before last I took a lovely long weekend vacation to Chicago. I hadn't been to Chicago in over 10 years and it was so great to experience the city again. I can't wait to go back and see more of it. For today's Font Friday I seriously considered featuring the font Chicago (get it here for free) but instead decided to go with Sullivan from Lost Type Co-Op. Sullivan is a bold, masculine font available in three styles – Regular, Bevel and Fill. I'm actually trying to use it on a packaging project right now. I love the cross hatch shading on the Regular style. You can even combine the Bevel and Fill for a two-tone effect. The tall, classic style of Sullivan fits so well with the cityscapes of Chicago. It's the perfect fit for today's Font Friday.

If you follow me on Instagram you already know that I love urban photos so Chicago was complete eye candy for me and my iphone. After the jump you'll find more of my photos from the trip. I hope that it inspires you visit Chicago or just any city at your disposal.

Read more after the jump »

Drape Drape 3 – No. 4 Tuck Drape Pants

2013-04-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that I'm kind of obsessed with pants right now? Pleated pants, printed pants. I just can't get enough! So I made myself another pair of pleated pants, this time from the book Drape Drape 3 by Hisako Sato. I bought the Japanese version in Little Tokyo about a year ago but it is available in English now. The pants look kind of weird on the hanger but really take shape once on. The pants are draped at the hips and taper to the ankle.

Read more after the jump »

How to DIY Printed Pants

2013-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

How to DIY Printed Pants

Yesterday I shared a moodboard of printed pants and because I love to DIY and I know you do too, today I'm sharing how you can DIY your own printed pants. There are some great fabrics and sewing patterns out there that will make your printed pants easy and fun to sew yourself.

Step 1 of every project is finding your inspiration. Sometimes you'll be inspired by something you see, sometimes by something you imagination and other times a combination of the two. Today's inspiration are these IRO Printed Drawstring Pants. I love the style of these pants, pleated at the waist and narrow at the cuff with a beautiful drape to the fabric.

Step 2 is to find a sewing pattern. Vogue Patterns is always my first stop when looking for on trend sewing patterns. They are just my favorites. The patterns are well made and the clothes fit well. I haven't used this pattern myself but the silhouette of Vogue V8757 looks perfect. Another option with a baggier look is Vogue V1323. Also check out the pleated pants I made for my spring wardrobe using Vogue V8657.

Last but not least, Step 3 is finding the perfect fabric. Above is a printed jersey from Mood Fabrics. The Ikat print is very fashionable now and the color palette matches the inspiration photo quite nicely. I'd also love to see this tie-dye jersey from Mood made into a pair of pants. Super cool right?

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

Moodboard – Printed Pants

2013-04-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Printed pants are so trendy these days. I can't wait to get my hands on a pair of my own. Here are some of my favorite picks for your inspiration.

Clockwise from top left:
1. Marni Pineapple Print Cropped Pants from Barney's New York
2. Wave Print Joggers from TopShop These look so comfy and paired with a neon tank very 80s cool.
3. ASOS Curve Peg Pant in Floral Print from Asos
4. Ikat Print Trousers from Mango
5. Colored Zipper Pants from Echo Park Independent Co-op
6. THML Ikat Print Pants from Piperlime
7. Copper Key Tribal-Print Cropped Pants from Dillard's
8. Print Legging Pants from Uniqlo They have so many different prints and they are so affordable. I can't decide which I like best!
9. Streetwear via Shoptiques Similar to these.

Follow along with me here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

Font Friday – Butcher a font for Spring

2013-04-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Oregon there were a few tell tale signs that Spring had sprung – the smell of fresh cut grass, daffodils and tulips. So in honor of Spring, today's Font Friday pick is Butcher by Bayley Design. This delicate, all caps font is perfect for sweet Spring designs. The font is free for personal use. Because it is so thin it works best with a lot of contrast in the colors between the text and the background.

Read more after the jump »

Printic App Review (Sponsored Post)

2013-04-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Back in the year 2000, when I got my first SLR (that's right, not a DSLR, a classic SLR) I could not conceive how far digital photography was going to come. In those days, film was predominant and the only way to see your photos was to have them printed. These days, you can see your photos instantaneously but rarely are they printed. I miss those days of printed photos. Don't you? Well, here's an easy way that could help us all travel back to those analog days.

Read more after the jump »