Lilly x Target

Lets talk about the Lilly x Target backlash. 

If you have a problem with Lilly collaborating with Target because of the "prestige" factor, and even more horrifying, if you are vocal about it, you aren't a real prep. You are a snob. To quote True Prep, "it is not for lack of funds that preppies hew strongly to the concept of thrift, though it can be... We prefer modest discretion to the outward manifestations of wealth that are the signs of the new hoards. We are also cheap." And if you still feel the same way, for heavens sake, at least have the common sense not to talk about it.

I am extremely happy this is happening. Target and Lilly are basically the best things in the shopping world (besides amazon prime). My plan is to stay up extremely late to shop online and wake up extremely early to do some damage at the store. ...because staying up late and waking up early always works out so well for me.  

But this is Lilly. So it has to work out. I am focusing on three tips to help me reach Lilly glory:

Tip 01. Create a Target.com account and save your credit card information before April 19th. The Lilly collaboration will be released online between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. ET. So set up your account, set an alarm, and get your coffee ready.

Tip 02. Pick the store you're going to, get there early WITH A LOT OF COFFEE, and look at the collection online to get an idea of what you want before you get there. You don't want to get home only to find out you missed something amazing. 

Tip 03. Try things on right away and return them immediately if you don't like it. The return policy is going to be significantly shorter than Target's normal policy. Don't delay. That's how you'll end up with a closet full of shoes that never fit (um, totally talking about a friend.. so not me)

Here are my favorite things that I will be looking to snag during the wee hours of the night and morning of April 19th:

Happy hunting darlings! May all your affordably preppy dreams come true. 

DIY Tassel Bracelets

I am so excited to share my first project of #30daysofDIY! It wasn't even a disaster! 

These bracelets are relatively easy to make (I did keep spilling my beads everywhere) and look just like what you would buy in the store! 

While I've been on a bracelet making frenzy, you can easily use this tutorial to make a necklace as well!

happy crafting darlings!

WHAT YOU NEED

• Embroidery Thread (2 if you're making a necklace)

• Gold Wire

• Crimp Beads

• Jump Beads

• Regular Beads

• Bracelet Elastic Cord, like Stretch Magic (necklace- use leather cord)

• Pliers

• Scissors

• Credit/Gift Card or a Driver's License

Scroll through the instructions and get crafting!

First, cut off a piece of embroidery thread about 1.5 feet long. I just measured from my fingertips to a little past my elbow (or to my shoulder for a necklace)  Fold that piece in half twice and set aside.  

Wrap the rest of the embroidery thread around the gift/credit card (bracelet- short way, like below. necklace- long ways) Once all of the thread is wrapped, cut the thread along one edge of the card.

Take the folded thread you set aside and thread it through one of your jump beads. 

Lay it flat on your work surface so the the jump bead is in the center of the folded thread. Lay the bundle of thread that was around the card perpendicular to the folded thread so the middle of the bundle is on top of the jump bead.

Tie the folded thread around the middle of the bundle so the jump bead is on one side of the bundle and the knot is on the other. 

Cut the loops of the folded thread open. Don't shorten them, these threads will become part of the tassel. 

Fold the two sides of the thread together so the jump bead is at the top and you have something that looks like this.

Take a piece of gold wire (I measured it from my wrist to my elbow) and wrap it around the folded tassel. Use your pliers to secure the wire. I do this by folding one piece up and then tucking it behind the looped wire so it comes out in the middle of the tassel.

Trim the tassel so the ends are all one length. You can trim it more once it is on the bracelet.

Now you have your pretty tassel!  

On to the bracelet... 

String the tassel on to one side of the bracelet. Take two crimp beads and sting both sides of the cord through each bead like below (yeah, I forgot to put the tassel on the first time). 

Cut a piece of your stretchy cord with extra on each side. I kept 4-6 inches extra on each side and it made it so much easier. String your colorful or not-so-colorful beads on the cord. Measure around your wrist to figure out when you have enough beads.

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Pull the two ends of the cords tight, use your pliers to clamp the two crimp beads. Cut the extra cord and...

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TA DA! You have yourself a tassel bracelet! Check our some of my other bracelets below and scroll to the bottom to download printable instructions!

Printable Instructions:

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On the fringe...

I was a little nervous to begin my first DIY project, so I thought I'd check out Brit + Co's DIY kits for some failproof crafting fun. But none of their projects looked that easy. I started to browse their website and found myself in fringe HQ! There were so many projects featuring fringe or tassels or fringe and tassels! I was officially inspired. 

I thought this was perfect for my first project. These tassel bracelets are the perfect spring accessory, and the weather we are having this week makes it feel like we were on the fringe of spring (although the snowstorm last week reminds me that we could also be very far away).

Before I share how you can have your own tassel fun, check out these warm weather accessories that acted as my inspiration for this adventure into DIY:

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available here.

Be sure to check back soon to learn how these adorable bracelets can be yours!