KRISTINA J.

The Chic Girl's Guide Back Cover Reveal

2013-05-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. The back cover for The Chic Girl's Guide has been finalized and the book has gone to publication which brings it one step closer to the release on August 13. Also, my editor informed me that the book is now available for pre-order on Amazon for a discounted cost! So many good things all at once. Like I said...GREAT day.

I've been receiving updates from the book designer on layouts and design, like this chapter introduction collage, and it's been awesome to watch the experts do their stuff and bring all the projects together into a book format. I love that the book will also be available in e-book format.

Everyone at Cedar Fort Publishing has blown me way with their professionalism and for a newbie in the book industry, their patience and experience has made the entire process completely enjoyable.

I guess now would be the perfect time to thank the beautiful girls who modeled for the The Chic Girl's Guide. (You make my book look purdy!)

5 Steps To Defined Curls for Curly Hair

2013-05-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

Frizzy hair--it is what it is.

Frustrating. Annoying. Unmanageable and unruly.

Except when it isn't.

I've been through every curly hair stage you can possibly imagine. I treated it the same as you would glossy, straight hair for years before I realized I probably should NOT brush it out dry...before I discovered what a world of difference a dab of mousse could make.

I tried to deny it's existence along every other curly girl in the early 1990's. I've worn it so crunchy with product you could hear it crackle if you touched it. But all that came before I learned how absolutely fun and low-maintenance a head full of curls could make a girl's life.

I'm not one to mourn about how much I wish I had straight hair. I don't. But take it from me--great curls don't just happen (and I've got the bad yearbook pictures to prove it).

This is the regimen that works for me.

Oh. And one more thing. This only works on curly hair. I'm pretty sure you won't get the same results with beautiful, stick-straight hair...unless you get happy with a curling iron. HA.

I'm cheap, I know. But I use the generic brands for these products from Sally's Beauty Supply and whatever shampoo and conditioner left in the shower that my kids haven't emptied into the bath to create bubbles.

Step 1: Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Another (not so little) idiosyncracy about my hair is that it's really, really dry. I've probably had greasy hair syndrome like, twice in my life. Shampooing really dries out the hair, so I only shampoo once a week. The rest of the week, I'll only use a conditioner.

Step 2: Apply the gel into hair. I sorta press the product into my hair as opposed to full-on scrunching. Focus on getting product on the roots since that's where you get the lift. I love the Biolage Gelee product because it makes curls smooth but doesn't leave my hair sticky.

Step 3: Lightly coat all layers of hair with Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine spray--not just the top. You don't want the bottom layer to look limp. Let air dry for 10 -15 minutes.

Step 4: Use a hair dryer with a diffuser until hair is almost dry. I always use the cold air for a minute or two towards the end to reduce frizz and set curls. They should be soft to the touch, though maybe not as bouncy as they will be once completely dry.

Secret Tip: If you have air vents in your home, crank the heat up a bit and lie so your hair is spread out over the vent. You'll get the biggest and best curls ever by doing this. The power of all that diffused air makes my curls turn crazy awesome. I only use my hair dryer if it's absolutely too hot to turn on the heat for a few minutes. I promise, it works. Best curly girl secret...until now.

Step 5: When hair is completely dry, use your fingers to gently separate the curls and get a fuller look so they aren't matted together. Spray another light layer of Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine to hold. Enjoy the uniqueness that is you!

For more inspiration on how to manage your curls, check out this great book titled Curly Girl.

How To Make Beaded Sandals

2013-05-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

There's something about beading on an otherwise comfy pair of sandals that lies outside ordinary-all-day-comfort usually associated with flat t-straps. You can use tonal colors like I did here or create a fun and summery look by choosing brightly colored beads. Use a variation of clear and opaque beads for the most multi-dimensional effect.

There's really no wrong way to do this. Just go get your shine on.

Thoughts On My Greatest Inadequacy

2013-05-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

LOFT Dress | Aeropostale Jacket | Nine West Wedges | La Mer Watch | FOSSIL bag

There isn't much that can make me feel inadequate.

Yeah, there's that geometry thing, and the confidence thing, and then the whole manage-the-household-and-do-the-laundry-while-planning-balanced-meals-and-cooking-every-day thing.

But really, nothing makes me feel inadequate quite like the responsibility of being a mom to these three human lives...these little souls who look to me with complete trust to make the most basic decisions for them.

I wonder that I'll be able to teach them how to have meaningful conversation, how to speak truth without bullying and help them discover their skill-set.

How do I help them to become and emerge and transcend....when I'm trying to do those very things myself? A mother's dream that she will one day be humbled by the feats of her children--that by lifting them on her shoulders to learn from her mistakes and triumphs they can reach beyond her to accomplish more extravagant deeds.

It seems to me on Mother's Day I should be giving them gifts that show how crazy blessed I feel to be a part of their lives....little tokens of praise that say thanks for stickin' with me through my bumbling attempts to get this right.

Because I really do want to get it right.

How to Lengthen Clothes With A Contrast Print

2013-05-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

I've been drooling over mixed print trend that floated down the spring runway especially since mixing prints opens up all kinds of DIY opportunities--it's like an invitation to break all the rules. I used an an oversize mini dress from Charlotte Russe to create this look. The base color of the floral pattern was navy blue, so I thought a navy polka dot fabric would be an obvious choice, then made sure to incorporate the navy print with a small rectangle pocket flap. DIY win!

*Kristina J.'s tip: The contrasting print you choose should be the same scale as the print of your dress. The proportions of these polka dots are small like the flowers in the dress. Oversize polka dots might not have worked as well with the small floral print.

San Francisco: Chinatown, The Ferry Building + Union Square

2013-05-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

Day 5: After rambling through the sensory overload that is Chinatown, Studhubs and I spent most of the day in and around the Ferry Building Marketplace...soaking up the sun, eating hamburgers and people watching. In the evening, we walked through Union Square (and Anthropologie, of course), then ate at the Cheesecake Factory and took in the view of Union Square from the eighth floor of the Macy's building before flying home to Indiana. And just like that, our week in California was over. Sigh...

San Francisco: Golden Gate Park + Painted Ladies

2013-04-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

J.Crew skirt | LOFT tee and cardi | H/M trench | BCBG flats | FOSSIL wristlet

Day 4: So we take the bus all the way over to these beautiful Victorian homes and walk through Golden Gate Park and I've begun to think I love this city. There's an atmosphere of structure and order--like there's a mutual recognition that things are supposed to be cohesive and beautiful. And in spite of the constant threat of earthquakes, the architecture is so very, very...on purpose. I love that.

San Francisco: The Presidio, Fisherman's Wharf + Alcatraz

2013-04-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Day 3: I was not prepared to be blown away by the Palace of Fine Arts in the Presidio. But I had been warned to walk through Fisherman's Wharf one time then take my money and run. Good advice.

The highlight of the day was the five hours we spent on Alcatraz Island touring the drafty cell block and feeling sufficiently creeped out...which was perfect, actually, considering it's the only maximum security prison (of it's day) we've ever walked through. Night Tour highly recommended. Ultra creepy.

San Franciso: Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito + Muir Woods

2013-04-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

Boden Skirt | GAP shirt | AE watch | BCBG flats | H/M shades

Day 2: Got happy with the camera...obviously. Ate a ridiculously large sundae at Ghirardelli Square, biked across the Golden Gate Bridge (a life experience MUST) into Sausalito, where we ate..again (had to use up all those calories we burned bikin'). HA.

Spent the rest of the evening wandering Muir Woods (magical), then rode the ferry back to San Francisco.

Wow. Amazing how an adventure that lasts all day takes so few words to describe (that's mildly annoying).

San Francisco: Nob Hill, Lombard Street + Little Italy

2013-04-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

Old Navy skirt | J.Crew tee and cardi | FOSSIL wristlet | Sperry Top-siders

Day 1: Woke Studhubs up in the middle of the night and told him we had a plane to catch. I still can't believe I managed to keep my diabolical husband "kidnapping" plan a secret for over three months. It was awesome to treat my sweetie to a massively unexpected surprise.

We were so excited to be in San Francisco when we arrived that we walked 40 blocks through Nob Hill, Russian Hill and across the bay to Coit Tower (umm, yep...I got blisters). We ended our exploration by eating the best pizza EVER at Calzone's in Little Italy and crashed for the night at the Mystic.

Dress Designs That Go The Distance

2013-04-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

I miss designing.

With all the pressure of writing and promoting The Chic Girl's Guide and recovering from the craziness of meeting my deadline, I haven't had time to execute any designs this spring. My sketchbook is full, but nothing has actually come of them. I got all nostalgic browsing through my designs from last year and thought--man, I can't wait to create again.

These were some of my fave Kristina J. designs from last summer because 1) I love the fabrics and silhouttes and 2) they've proved to be as versatile and useful for my wardrobe as I hoped a dress could be. It's one thing to design a cool dress and then there's this whole other level on which a piece actually works and these particular design drafts are definitely going into my "trademark" folder for future use.

Original Post

What about you? What kind of dress are you craving for summer?

Win $50 to Shabby Apple

2013-04-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

Nothing is more interesting to me than modern dresses with retro nostalgia, which happens to be a specialty of Shabby Apple and the main feature of their vintage clothing. If you haven't checked out their latest line, you must go see. Enchanting.

Shabby Apple is offering a $50 coupon to one Kristina J. reader.

To qualify for the giveaway:

1. Be a follower of Kristina J. by RSS or GFC.

2. Get an extra entry for following @createclothes on Twitter or Instagram.

2. Leave a comment with your contact email.

Winner will be chosen by random.org on April 24th.

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*

The winner is Eliza Elliott!

DIY Style Ideas for Spring

2013-04-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

Yup. I've always wanted to say that.

The most exciting thing about this trip is that I kidnapped Studhubs (no really, he had NO idea) and flew him to California for some much needed R&R. You should have seen his face when I woke him up at 3:30 AM and told him "You gotta get up. We've got a plane to catch." Priceless.

So that's where I am.

In the meantime, since I'm obviously not refashioning this week here are some links to a few DIY style projects featured on Kristina J....if you're looking for some fresh ideas.

Tutorial

Thirty-One Giveaway Winner

2013-04-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

And the winner for the Thirty-One Giveaway is....

Stephanie Burley!

Wearing: Gingham + Mint Denim

2013-04-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

J.Crew skirt | Land's End Canvas Shirt | Steve Madden flats | FOSSIL bag | AE watch

It's over. I've made the jump. I'm all spring colors and light-weight fabrics--no matter the temperature. There's only so much room in a girl's wardrobe for the winter and summer clothes to co-exist (especially the 2x5 hole I call a closet).
Out with the old, in with the new. Actually it's probably more like what's old is new again, considering I got my inspiration for this color combination from a photo of one of my mom's full-on flower-power dresses. But who cares where the freshness comes from if it's crazy awesome? Just sayin'...

How To Make a Studded Wrap Watch

2013-04-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

Whether you tend towards scientifically punctual or fashionably late, you will be totally of-the-moment with an embellished wrap watch. You can find wrap watches everywhere from Walmart to department stores (mine was a clearance La Mer watch from Target). Use coordinating color gems or mix it up with metallics like I did here. No matter your color preference--such detailing will earn you extra credit for style.

Giveaway by Thirty-One

2013-04-03T18:18:00.002-07:00

Giveaway by Krista at Thirty-One

$10 off coupon

Thirty-One is a company with great products designed to simplify life. With bright colors and versatile products, you can organize your home and accessorize your wardrobe.

My favorite (wish I had that) products currently available from Thirty-One:

Crossbody Bag -- 'cuz who can resist a bag in such a springy color?

Cargo Bag -- to carry all my camera paraphernalia on road trips

Flat Iron Case -- just what I need to store my flat-iron in style

Notecards -- 'cuz receiving snail mail is still the best

Utility Bin -- to store all my scrap fabrics and trims

Zipper Pouch -- it can double as a clutch or a cosmetic bag

For a chance to receive $10 off your Thirty-One purchase simply leave a comment with your contact email.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing. Coupon will be sent via email.
*THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*

How To Insert Sleeves Into a Sleeveless Top

2013-03-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

You can fake a set-in sleeve by using any sleeve shape you want and inserting it into the armhole and add a soft sophistication to any garment by creating a sleeve that looks like it belonged there all along.

For this blouse, I chose a sleeve with a slight puff (as opposed to “pouf” which conjures up disturbing leg-of-mutton images from the 1980’s) is work appropriate while maintaining a floaty, ladylike charm. This technique works with sleeveless t-shirts as well.

For short sleeves, you'll need 1/2 yard fabric. Buy 1 yard of fabric if you plan to insert long sleeves.

Wearing: Winter Pink + Camel

2013-03-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Eight inches of snow for Easter week in my fair town. Not kidding. Rather than searching for Easter eggs, we'll be letting the kiddos and our dog, Zeus, out for a romp in the snow. Maybe they can make snow bunnies instead of snowmen. I mean, who said traditions can't be broken?

But seriously, no one will be wearing white.

How To Make Studded Ballet Flats

2013-03-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

You don't have to go all gung-ho and demolition crazy to update a golden oldie into an of-the-moment accessory. Most times, all that's needed is a small adjustment...like a perfect row of studs, for example. I've wanted to refashion my navy clearance shoes ever since I saw an entire row of studded spring flats at the shoe store. Mission accomplished.

The Chic Girl's Guide Cover Reveal

2013-03-21T04:31:00.003-07:00

Getting a book published is a completely surreal experience, so it all feels more official after getting a glimpse of the cover. It's like hearing your baby's heart beat for the first time--oh yeah, this is happening for realsie! Got the final cover spread from the layout designer this week--one step closer to publication!
The Chic Girl's Guide (that's chic, like the Arabian sheikh, not the Chiclet variety) will soon be available for pre-order on amazon.com, which means you'll be able to sneak a peak at inside content within a few weeks. Pinch me now.

Wearing: Navy + Green

2013-03-18T17:21:00.002-07:00

I'm still a DIYer...I promise.
It's just that after doing one sewing project a day during 20-ish straight days for The Chic Girl's Guide, I sorta got burnt out on the whole sewing thing--but just sorta, so don't worry. I'll totally have more DIY projects comin' your way. It's just taking my a moment to ease myself back into a sewing routine.

In the meantime, I wanna congratulate EMILIE LEACH for winning the Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Making It Work: Emerald Green

2013-03-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

It seems emerald is everywhere this spring (in a way that has nothing to do with St. Patrick's Day). The Pantone 2013 Color of the Year is lush, radiant and so very, very...awesome--the perfect shade to bridge the weather weirdness between January and April. So how are you wearing your green?

Shabby Apple Giveaway

2013-03-11T08:19:00.002-07:00

It's a Shabby Apple giveaway! I always love, love, love to browse the Shabby Apple website for modest dresses that have all kinds of personality, color and silhouettes.

Shabby Apple is offering one reader a $35 gift certificate to use for a purchase on their website.

These are my current faves. Much yumminess.

Riptide Dress

First Stop Skirt

High Tea Skirt

To enter the $35 gift certificate giveaway:

1. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook here.

2. Leave a comment with your contact email.

(Winner will be chosen using random.org)

How to Make a Two-Tone Shirtdress

2013-03-07T11:20:00.003-08:00

I haven't checked with any doctors, but I'm pretty sure it's physically impossible to feel unhappy while wearing a shirt dress, and the great ones are so hard to find at a moderate price point. I don't know why a shirt dress feels different from simply tucking a blouse into a skirt, but it just does. When you combine two pieces to create a dress, it's just so...permanent. You never have to worry about the kiddos pulling things out of place while they twist and turn in your lap.The shirt is always in place; the skirt never rides up. Result: Much yumminess.

This is a super-easy cheat to create a well-fitting piece you can style in a hundred ways, rain or shine. You'll want a blouse that has a small amount of extra room at the waist.