Amanda's Photo Garden

Top 20 Special Occasion LBDs for Fall

2012-11-02T14:33:00.001-07:00

Top 20 Special Occasion LBDs for Fall by pandagirl-amanda on polyvore.com

Wednesday Pin-Day 4

2012-10-10T12:18:00.001-07:00

This week on my pinterest...

I'm into strange places, un-natural hair colors, Fall apparel, art, teepees, and of course food. I'm also needing a Fall bonfire, ASAP.

[all images via my pinterest]

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Nordstrom BP: The Great Escape, Part 1

2012-10-10T12:08:00.002-07:00

Because Autumn is my favorite season, especially being from Tennessee where all the leaves turn excitingly vibrant colors around this time, I'm really into the mood for layering, particularly denim and jackets and scarves. And who is a better candidate for inspiration for such a look than Nordstrom BP? Their current Fall collection is bittersweet and warms my insides. Just watch the short video above, "The Great Escape, Part 1." Can you say hipster? The wheat fields and abandoned barns make me want to drive out to the countryside this weekend with some friends to go on a little adventure. It seems as if we may have perfect weather here this weekend for such an activity. We'll see... In the meantime, enjoy the mini-movie above and fall in love with the rich toned scarves and buckled booties. Oh, and I forgot to mention. If you click this link to go to Nordstrom's site, they are giving away a free dowload-able soundtrack full of road-trip worthy tunes to everyone. All you have to do is click "download soundtrack" when you get there! I just downloaded it, and I honestly want to make a CD of the songs and go on the road. Right now.

A Beautiful Mess for Modcloth

2012-10-08T10:08:00.003-07:00

A few days ago, Elsie and Emma from one of my new favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess posted a video they created with Modcloth to showcase their new collaborative fall collection. The clothes are all super sweet and very Fall-like, with enough gingham and polka dots and mustard yellow to go around. Their video shown above is fun and nostalgic for most I imagine; bonfire, s'mores, and sparklers anyone?

[images via Modcloth.com]

Wednesday Pin-Day 3

2012-10-04T14:38:00.002-07:00

Some of my favorite pins from the past week:

[all images via here]

Hide and Seek

2012-09-25T16:06:00.002-07:00

Polka-dot blouse, jeans, red Old Navy flats, and a side bun. Pretty laid back today.

Wednesday Pin-Day 2 - Makeup Post

2012-09-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

So because of last week's difficulty with posting photos, I'm doing a makeup post of my favorite pins from Pinterest.com last week. Enjoy!

[all photos via here]

Wednesday Pin-Day

2012-09-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, bad news. For some reason I am not able to upload photos from my computer or from pinterest.com. I'm not really sure why, but it just won't work today. My apologies...blame my computer.

In the meantime, check out these sites for some entertainment.
my pinterest page:Amanda's Garden on Pinterest
my new favorite blog: A Beautiful Mess Blog
my ultimate favorite blogs: HonestlyWTF and The Man Repeller

Wednesday Pin-Day

2012-09-12T16:15:00.002-07:00

Starting now and as often as I can, I'm going to do a weekly post every Wednesday hosting some of my favorite pinterest photos of the week. Every week may have a theme, or be a compilation of random photos with no apparent relation at all. This week's theme is clothing that I am crushing on, big time! It's strange, I'm in the mood for Fall, but still loving pastels. I guess I'm still in the transitioning-seasons stage.

Personal Projects

2012-09-11T19:12:00.001-07:00

To entertain you on this average Tuesday night, I would like to update you all on what I've been working on in my personal and academic artistic lives as of late.

In this beautiful piece of pottery made by yours truly are the many more paper beads I've created. They all vary in length, width, color, and print. I still haven't decided what I want to do with them yet!

Last week my IB Art class was studying ancient Italian art, and I had mentioned it to my grandmother, who then told me about a beautiful pin her sister had gotten her a few years ago during one of her adventures in Italy. I got a little polaroid-happy when she showed it to me, as you can see.

I'm really loving this class. We are required to keep a sketchbook full of all of our doodles and research. I decided to personalize it by doing a collage on the front. I'm not sure if I really love it...I may end up covering it with new pictures and create completely different collages throughout the year. It's all about self-discovery and experimentation, right?

I also had to create a visual for my project over what I had learned about Italy's ancient art traditions. To relate to my theme of jewelry, I made this jewelry platter, much like an image I saw on the internet of an ancient Etruscan plate. In this image I was in the process of glazing. Now I have completed glazing, and it has been fired its second time, and looks great! I now use it to display my car keys and sunglasses, etc.

I'm working on many other school and personal art projects, so stay tuned for more updates! P.S. -I'm considering opening an Etsy shop and selling adorable jewelry I'm brainstorming about in my head. I have tons of inspiration for many dream jewelry projects up on my pinterest board, jewelry inspiration. Check it out and comment below with your guesses on what I'm wanting to create!

Trend 'Dotting': Polka Dots

2012-09-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

Over the past year, the polka dot trend has spread across the nation, and into all types of apparel. Skirts, jackets, blouses, bows, shoes, scarves, bags, you name it, are all covered in dots! What makes this trendy little pattern so popular? Maybe the fact that they can be transformed into something cute and sweet, business appropriate, fun and quirky, or even revealing and sexy. And because polka dots make a statement, but aren't too wild and unrealistic, anyone can wear them. Polka dots have the power to easily make any woman feel flirty and confident.

Trend 'Dotting': Polka Dots by pandagirl-amanda featuring long sleeve shirts

J.Crew long sleeve shirt / Alice + Olivia sequin top, $380 / Short shorts / Moschino silk shorts / Black with White Polka Dots Latex Balloons / Loeffler Randall high heels / Lanvin flat / Leather handbag, $87 / Hair bow accessory, $14 / Polka dot scarve / Mini Mouse (Red and White Polka Dot) Bow

I've had these Lauren Conrad for Kohl's brand polka dot shorts for a while, and have found that they go with a lot of what's already in my closet! And like I mentioned before, polka dots can make a big statement without being too flashy, which I love! I chose to wear these polka dot shorts in a fun and somewhat quirky/trendy way.

I wore this outfit last weekend at a family reunion in Kentucky, and there was perfect weather for bringing out my fall accessories, while still being able to show some leg!

I'm wearing...

HAT: from Cracker Barrel

SCARVE: J-Crew

JACKET: Old Navy

SHORTS: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's

SHOES: XAppeal Melissa wedge bootie

For Mom - A Wardrobe Makeover

2012-08-25T19:11:00.001-07:00

Working on giving mom a wardrobe makeover. Here are the staples she needs!

View this collection on Polyvore

For Mom by pandagirl-amanda on polyvore.com

I'm Not Dead

2012-08-17T14:42:00.004-07:00

To start off this post, I'm would like to say I'm sorry for probably making you wonder if I have mysteriously died or simply dropped off the face of the earth for the past, oh I don't even know how long. Considering I'm a teenager dealing with school, homework, and trying to have fun with friends in the only free time I have, I haven't exactly dedicated myself to posting. I don't know if I have any followers who read my blog regularly and look forward to my posts, (which I hope I do!), but I beg you not to be frustrated with my lack of commitment.

On a side note, I recently turned 16 and got my very own car! Exciting I know! The pictures below are of my birthday bonfire/dinner party with my friends, taken with the new Fujifilm Mini Instax camera I got as a gift!

Also, school where I live has officially started, and it sure is a hassle. Juggling homework between my Honors Biology class, IB U.S. History, AP English, and IB Art for this semester is proving to be very difficult; worse than I had imagined. But thankfully football season is starting so I will have something fun to do on the weekends to relieve the stress.

Another excuse for my lack of attention to this blog; I've been working on a lot of personal art journaling. You can see some inspiration for what I'm working on if you check out my pinterest art journaling board. I have so many thoughts and ideas bouncing around in my head, so I figured a notebook/journal/scrapbook (you get the idea) would help.

I intend to work on my recent habit of neglecting my blog and my polyvore, but please bear with me. I fear that between my personal journaling and IB Art class, all my good ideas will be taken! Just kidding, I'm full of ideas, I've just been ~~busy~~ lazy. Maybe I'll take a few shots of what's in my personal journal and some of the things I'm also working on in clay class and IB Art. We will see.

Have a wonderful Friday everyone!

DIY Paper Bead Jewelry

2012-07-27T14:26:00.001-07:00

Recently, I was inspired by THIS DIY over at madmim.com, on how to make paper bead Anthropology earrings for cheap. I loved how chic the earrings looked; they didn't look like a child's craft. So I started to make my own bracelet to practice my paper bead making skills.

To make your paper beads, all you need are:

- paper strips of any kind (cut long, skinny triangles. the wider the base, the longer the bead will be. the longer the length of the triangle, the fatter the bead will be)

-toothpicks or chopsticks (this will decide how big the hole in the bead will be)

-scissors (to cut the paper strips)

-glue stick

-mod podge

1. Cut out your triangle paper strips to desired width and length. You can use magazine paper, newspaper, scrapbook paper, or origami paper. Test them out, and discover the differences each type of paper makes on your bead making.

2. Roll a paper strip with a toothpick or chopstick, starting at the base of the triangle.

3. Once you get to the tip of the triangle you're rolling, add little stick glue to the tip, then finish rolling. This will keep the bead together.

4. Now use a paintbrush to coat the bead with mod podge, sealing the bead and hardening it.

5. Let dry. Now string them onto yarn or wire, and accompany with other beads if desired.

Hopefully more paper bead jewelry projects to come!

DIY Spike Necklace

2012-07-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I posted about how obsessed I am with spike necklaces. I was also inspired by THESE earrings on pinterest. Since I was just dying to have a necklace of my own like the ones I've been seeing, I decided to just make my own. This DIY is sooo easy, and only takes about 30 minutes (counting paint drying time).

To start, I cut out 5 triangle "spike" shapes out of thin cardboard I had lying around. I simply painted both sides of each spike with acrylic paint. They needed a few coats.

Now you need a thin chain, pliers, 6 beads (I know in the image there's only 4), 5 small jump-rings, and a safety pin.

1. Once your spikes are dry, poke a hole in the top (base) of each with a safety pin.

2. String all 6 beads onto the thin chain.

3. Use the pliers to add the jump-rings to each spike, and then close onto the chain. Every spike should be between two beads. Done!

*P.S. - Don't forget: the giveaway with miinto.com, your favorite fashion shop, ends tomorrow night, Friday the 20th, at 11:59 pm! Follow miinto.com on Facebook, follow Amanda's Garden or my polyvore or pinterest, and comment on the giveaway post. It's that easy! Go there now!

Bling

2012-07-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

Been a little in love with spiked necklaces lately. Check out my pinterest board for more jewelry I love, and inspiration/DIY projects for creating your own pieces. P.S.-Enter in my giveaway with miinto.com, your favorite fashion shop, to instantly receive a $15.00 voucher to shop their site!

Source: shop.uncovet.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Miinto.com + A Giveaway!

2012-07-13T15:56:00.002-07:00

Spoiler alert! I have some exciting news! I'm hosting a GIVEAWAY!

Guess who's teaming up with an online retail store full of gorgeous name brand items AND other amazing and affordable clothing!? THIS GIRL.

I'm working together with miinto.com, an online store that is hugely successful in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, and is now branching out into the U.S. Miinto.com's goal is to serve as an "international platform" for brands all over the world to reach larger audiences for their clothing. Some of the more popular brands miinto.com consists of are Alice + Olivia, Balenciaga, BCBG, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Calypso, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, J. Crew, and many, MANY more. Now don't worry, not everyone can afford a $150 pair of Calvin Klein shoes, and that's why miinto.com also hosts numerous brands that are more budget-friendly, too. You can find awe-worthy handbags, statement-making jewelry, and perfect-fitting apparel all in one place and at a variety of prices. There's something for everyone!

And now for what you've all been waiting for! The giveaway with miinto.com!

What you will win:

By completing all 3 steps below, you will instantly win a gift voucher to spend on miinto.com! Yes, EVERYONE who enters between now (July 13th) and Friday July 20th will receive the $15.00 gift voucher.

How you will win:

(you MUST complete all steps in order to qualify)

1. Follow Amanda's Photo Garden on Google Friend Connect OR Bloglovin'

(if you do not have an account for either of these, follow me on Polyvore or Pinterest instead)

2. "Like" miinto.com on Facebook

3. Comment below this post stating which actions you completed, and include your first name and last initial and your e-mail address.*

*(Your name and e-mail is needed so that, if tasks are completed, I can send you an e-mail with the gift voucher. All comments will be private so that I will be the only one to see your information. Your information will not be shared.)

So check out miinto.com, look for items you like, and enter! You have one week!

Happy July 4th, America!

2012-07-04T14:24:00.001-07:00

Happy July 4th, America! by pandagirl-amanda featuring a drawstring backpack

3.1 Phillip Lim sheer shirt / 7 For All Mankind boyfriend jeans, $300 / Jeffrey Campbell high heels, $275 / Drawstring backpack / Stella McCartney sunglasses / Wool shawl, $48

DIY Fabric Wrapped Bangles

2012-06-27T17:21:00.002-07:00

I keep seeing shabby-chic style fabric wrapped bangles everywhere! From TV shows and in magazines, I've seen enough and decided I need to make my own set.

This DIY is incredibly easy and takes maximum 5 minutes to complete one bangle.

You Need:

-pipe cleaners

-strips of ripped, raw fabric

-fabric glue

1. To start, twist two pipe cleaners together, then form them into a circle shape. Twist the ends together to create the closed bangle.

2. Wrap fabric all around the circle.

3. Use a small amount of fabric glue to secure the end of the fabric, so that it won't unravel.

Done! I've gone a little crazy and made at LEAST 20. They layer great and serve as cute gifts!

Trend: Casual T's (Under $50!)

2012-06-25T21:00:00.001-07:00

Trend: Casual T's (Under $50!) by pandagirl-amanda featuring oversized t shirts

Chaser LA pink t shirt, $43
Quiksilver summer shirt, $44
Madewell oversized t shirt, $42
ELEVEN PARIS t shirt, €39
Miss Selfridge crop tee, $18
Dorothy Perkins striped shirt, $35
Vintage style t shirt, $32
Vila Clothes oversized t shirt, €27
MTWTFSS Weekday red top, $20
Monki cotton shirt, €15
Uniqlo short sleeve collared shirt, £15
Uniqlo summer top, £15

My Beach Week

2012-06-14T09:58:00.002-07:00

As you all know, I haven't posted at all the last several days, and that is because I was out on vacation! My family went out for a mini-trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a few days. It wasn't a big excursion, just a very laid back week. I spent most of my time either reading by the pool or playing in the sand searching for shells. Here are a few shots from my nice beach week!

Erdem Style Prom Dress - Inspiring a Reader

2012-06-07T18:20:00.002-07:00

Some of my readers, going way back to April of 2011!, may remember my HUGE project of sewing my own version of Erdem Moralioglu's red lace dress from his S/S 2011 collection. I created it to wear to a friend's Quinceanera, and documented my progress while putting it all together.

Me, over a year ago, the day of the Quinceanera.

Well, I was given such a surprise when a reader, Courtney K., commented on my post "Patterns Used For Lace Dress" that she wanted to create a dress like this one for her Prom night!

She said, "thank you so much for posting this! I have been obsessed with this erdem dress ever since I first saw it and I am determined to have a dress just like it to wear to my prom. but unfortunately, my mom doesn't believe I can make my own dress (even though I'm pretty good at sewing), but maybe showing her someone else can will convince her!"

After trying to process the idea that I inspired someone so deeply to try their hand at a huge challenge, I commented back, "Hi courtney k, That's so amazing that you are also interested in sewing your own dress! I mean who doesn't love showing off their new creations at a big event like prom?! :) As for your mom, it would be a huge accomplishment for you I'm sure to show her what you're capable of :)"

Later, April 30, 2012, Courtney K. paid me yet another visit, this time with a link to a photo of herself looking GORGEOUS in her very own, self-made dress! I LOVE how she added her own touches with the decorated belt, and how she gave the dress skirt more volume for a fuller look. Great job Courtney!

Courtney's message with the photo attached: "HELLLOOOOO! sorry for the caps lock abuse, but I'm just absurdly proud of myself because I ACTUALLY FOLLOWED THROUGH YAY!...(and I maaaay have been late because I finished sewing the dress about three seconds before this was taken) anyway, I just wanted to say thank you because I probably wouldn't have had the guts to do this if I hadn't found your blog!..."

My response to seeing her amazing dress: "WOW! I was so excited when I saw you had commented, and when I saw your dress it actually made my eyes tear up! It's so amazing to see someone inspired by something I've done, and it made me so happy to see the beautiful thing you had created. Your styling is absolutely adorable, too! I hope your Prom was fantastic, and also thank you for bringing me so much joy!"

So once again Courtney, thank you!

Trend: Mint Shoes

2012-06-04T09:45:00.001-07:00

Trend: Mint Shoes by pandagirl-amanda featuring heel sandals

Heel sandals, £395
Heel sandals, £210
Dolce Vita metallic shoes, $153
Diane von Furstenberg ankle strap sandals, $325
Oasis block heels, $30
VERSUS slingback pumps, $487
Nine West platform high heels, $69
Luna pumps
Bridal heels

Trends Together: Shirt Dresses (LWD), Collar Necklaces, Blue Suede Heels, Cat-Eye Sunglasses

2012-06-02T15:10:00.001-07:00

Trends Together: Shirt Dresses (LWD), Collar Necklaces, Blue Suede Heels, Cat-Eye Sunglasses by pandagirl-amanda featuring high heels

Oak swing dress, £85
Nine West high heels, $99
Lulu Guinness leather clutch, $652
Necklace
Yellow gold bangle, €15
Kate Spade stud earrings, $38
Tom ford sunglasses, 390 CAD

Mix-Up

2012-06-01T15:00:00.002-07:00

This morning was one of those strange summer mornings where it's actually cold outside but you know it will get warmer by mid-afternoon. So to satisfy myself and keep from freezing while out working for my Dad, I layered a Little Black SunDress with a scarf and blazer. And because it was also drizzling outdoors, I skipped the gladiators and chose these boots instead, paired with some thin socks for a bit of extra comfort. I was inspired by my own post yesterday showing Net-A-Porter's most stylish shirt dresses (on SALE!), in which some where styled along with scarves and boots. So today's weather situation worked out great for me!

DRESS: Old Navy

BLAZER: St. John's Bay

SCARF: Old navy

BOOTS: Rue21