Steals & Deals: Mint Maxi Skirt {DIY}//Tresics Mint Tank $19.99//Cheetah Belt {stole from my Mom} {similar}//Mootsies Tootsies Wedges $23.99//Friendship Bracelets, $2.50 each

Chloe and Isabel Jewelry: Retro Glam Crystal Necklace//Crystal Studded Ribbon Wrap Bracelet//Modern Oval Bangle Set//Pearl Stud Earrings

Steals & Deals: DIY Maxi: approx. $10//Payless Gladiator Sandals, $12.99//Ebay Cat Eye Sunglasses, $7.95

I finally made it through finals, so the first thing I wanted to do when I finished was go to the fabric store and make a maxi skirt. So guess what, I did it! It wasn't that hard and with basic sewing skills, it can be done easily. Here are some instructions on what I did: 

1) First you have to pick out a fabric. I chose a lightweight, somewhat see through mint crepe de chine {picked out from the sale fabrics for $3/yd}. Which needed a lining fabric under neath it. Any light weight chiffon will do. And don't forget an elastic band for your waist and matching thread. The amount of fabric honestly depends on your size are and how full you want your skirt. I bought 2 yds, with enough fabric left over. {but I am also 5'0 tall} Choose fabric as height requires.

2) Cut the fabric in half parallel to the finished sides or long ways. At this point you can cut the sides narrower, depending on how full you want the skirt. Feel it out. Then you should have two hotdog style pieces of fabric {do this for both the lining and top fabric if applicable.}Then I sewed the lining to the crepe de chine mint fabric. {Sew the shorter sides together or what will be the top, only necessary if fabric is see through.} And make sure to do it for both pieces so you end  up with a back piece and a front piece. 

3) Sew the sides together. Make sure to not sew about 1 1/2" at the top of one side, so that you can have an opening to put the elastic in later. Remember sew right sides together! Then iron seams facing out. 

4) Now we will be sewing the waist band. First, grab the top of the garment where you sewed together the lining to your good fabric. Then fold the top of the good fabric down to the lining {at the stitches} and iron. Then measure down from the edge where was ironed {elastic band width + 1/2"} fold and iron all away around. Sew at the edge.

5) Insert elastic in the opening of the band. Determine the how tight you want the elastic to fit onto your waist. Then sew the elastic to the fabric at the edges. And hand sew together. 

6) Finish off the edges. I folded the fabric inward two times and pinned then sewed so that the fabric had a clean edge (without any frays). 

Hope this helps. If at all you are confused or need any additional instructions. Please feel free to contact me at: brokewithdesignertaste {at} gmail {dot} com 

& a special thanks to my friend Danielle for taking these amazing pictures! Thanks for your help Dee :) 

Steals & Deals: Cotton On Outlet Coral Dress {similar}, $10.00//Urban Outfitters Mint Scarf {similar}//Thrifted Belt, $3.00//Thrifted Sun Hat, $4.00//Banana Republic Sandals, $9.00

chloe +isabel jewelry: Crystal Drop Earrings

A couple things to talk about with this little number I put together.

1) Color Blocking: I am pretty proud to say that I discovered this trend more than a year ago and used it as my theme for my portfolio {Portfolio is expected to be online within the next month}. Exhibited in my outfit is popular summer colors {mint, tangerine/coral, navy & gold} worn together to create a color blocking effect. It's all about pairing together two or three pieces that have contrasting colors. Remember to pick pieces with a single color to get the effect above. For more advice on which colors to pair together check out my post with Brannen of Wayward Girl {here}.

2) Cotton On Dress for $10.00: I found this gorgeous coral/tangerine dress for only $10.00 at the Australian clothing brand, Cotton On Outlet. They have great on trend pieces for such a steal. You will definitely be seeing more wear more of this brand! Check out their site {here}. Unfortunately they do not have a website for their outlet pieces. However, their clothing is pretty reasonably priced anyways, so check it out!

Hope everyone enjoys their week! Congratulations to all the graduates! xo