I had some left over trimmings from the DIY Bloggers Challenge and I felt inspired to make a pretty little creation. Bib necklaces were huge last season and they're still going strong. The statement making pieces are a great way to add flair to a plain tank or bare neckline. I used this Express necklace (above, left) as inspiration for my one of a kind piece.

{material: chain, crazy glue, pronged studs, artificial flower petals}

Click more to see the easy step by step instructions...

Since participating in New York Design Shop's DIY Bloggers Challenge, I've become obsessed with finding ways to remix old items in my closet. I have a bad habit of buying shoes and after wearing them a few times, they're lost into the abyss of my closet. But I was determined to do something with a pair of Zara sling backs I thrifted over a year ago. I wore them once, and that was it. They're cute, but I like a bold, statement shoe (and lately I've been obsessed with rosette...

I never check my bags when flying. Seriously, I never (ever) check them. Besides the fact I'm afraid of my luggage being lost, I refuse to pay the fees. Though some airlines like JetBlue and Southwest allow you at least one checked bag for free, others charge on average $20 per bag.Other than Spirit airlines, which now charges for carry ons (how insane is that?), other airlines allow you two gratis bags to bring on the plane. The key is to effectively pack so you can save cash, but also have your necessities.Here's how I pack a single bag for a 10 day vacation.

I start out with a general checklist of clothing:
  • Dresses: they just make it super easy to get dressed. No need to worry about matching a top and a bottom, the dress is just one easy piece. Bring a mixture of casual day dresses and at least one LBD.
  • Jeans: dark denim is pretty versatile. They're great for day with a tank and sandals or with pumps.
  • Dress pants: a white or black dress pant is always great to take along.
  • Shorts: shorts or a romper depending on how you style it, can go from a day on the beach to a night on the town.
  • Tops: an array of neutral tops will go with everything in your bag. A black cardigan or jean jacket is essential for chilly nights.
  • Shoes: you really just need a comfy pair of flats, sandals, dressy heels in a neutral tone and maybe some sneakers.
Click more to see how I packed everything in one bag with plenty of space to spare...