I'm a bit of a geek

Poor

2009-12-09T22:07:00.004+13:00

Like many others I'm selling off bits and pieces from my wardrobe to gain funds for my very empty bank account.

I'm selling stuff on the New Zealand website Trademe which doesn't allow international buyers, but if your from overseas and you see anything you like, drop me a comment or send me an e-mail and let me know and we can sort something out.

Check out my listings here

Real Blog post soon I promise

Portable

2009-11-30T23:04:00.003+13:00

Sorry for the radio silence. Turned out I was busier than I thought. Also every time I a come up with a wicked outfit I never get the camera out, so much for my proactive blogging.

I hope that with the new year I can shake off this lethargy.
Hopefully I will be able to blog a bit more now that I finally got my hot little hands on my netbook! I have been waiting patiently for this to go down in price and investigating models, at the end I got a bit distracted by a flirty new HP model, but I held strong! It is a very generous Christmas/Birthday present from my parents (since the two are so close for me)

So now I am typing away at this from bed on my Acer aspire one, which is tiny and I love. Hopefully this will mean that my laziness of not wanting to go to the PC to blog will no longer be an excuse.

Thanks for all the positive feedback about the drindls on the last post - most of you seem to be favouring the mustard colour one, if I have the money and it's still available I may just have to get myself another present.

Here's what I can't get out of my head at the moment. Sometimes a silly fun song that makes you want to dance is just the thing. Plus Katy Perry and the 3oh3 boys - perfect mix.

Little European girl

2009-11-15T22:30:00.004+13:00

Thanks guys for the all the positive comments on Kevin's Movember's efforts - I'll let you know how he goes at the end of the month - remember if you want to donate to him the details are in this post. On to today's post!

After seeing some bloggers rock the Dirndl I have been lusting after one myself. I love the folky details, and being part German it also appeals to have something fashionable and culturally relevant to me.
I discovered Bows & Bandits and have been drooling over their selection of authentic vintage Austrian dresses and trying to decided if I can afford to buy one (their prices are in Euros and the conversion rate makes it pretty pricey for me!). However before we get to that point I have to decide which dress I want to buy!

I'm leaning towards this brown and mustard number I love the little chain details, the zip up bust, and the wide panels of embroidery.

My second favorite is the blue green with pink embroidery.

My third choice is this blue and orange one - I love the colour combination. Although it looks like doesn't have as low a cut front as the rest, so you wouldn't get the shirt peeking out the front effect as much.

What do you think of the Dirndl? What your favorite?

It's Mo-tastic...

2009-11-15T22:03:00.005+13:00

Tis the month of Movember and what's it all about in New Zealand? Well apart from being just about Men (with a capital M) growing some awesome moustaches:

"Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men." - Movember NZ website

According to the website 6 countries now participate in Movember - Australia, New Zealand, The US, Canada The UK, and Ireland.

So what is this post all about. Well I'd like to introduce you to someone..

This is Kevin my lovely boyfriend, and he looks so serious because he is contemplating the issues of Men's health which have special significance for him. You will also probably notice he has one hell of a mo going on - he titles it his "Stairface" (he is a lover of puns as well). He's growing this masterpiece for Movember and for donations - the causes raised for in New Zealand are the New Zealand Cancer Society and Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

If you'd like to donate to Kevin and his marvelous mo go here to his Movember page (They accept most credit cards). Every little bit helps and it goes to two great causes highlighting some important issues for Men around the world.

It you want to know more about Movember around the world - just head over to the international website here and take a look.

Feminine menswear

2009-11-14T18:30:00.003+13:00

I've been looking for a over sized men's' shirt for awhile, this is a new one as I hadn't had the time to go thrifting, but for the look I want I think I may have to try that instead. This is a size XL and still doesn't quite have the look I want (which makes me think how tight it's supposed to be on the men...). I just adore the paisley pattern on it and thought I would give it a go. I love the contrast of the men's' shirt with the feminine lace skirt and heels. I'm a bit late on this trend, but now I've tried it I have to admit I kind of love it.

Shirt - Cotton On
Skirt - Cotton On
Shoes - The Warehouse

It's getting to be a bit of an adjustment to wearing skirts this length with a bare leg after wearing tights all winter. They feel just that little bit too short without the coverage and the safety that tights and leggings give, but soon it will be too hot to wear them. Nothing I own would be considering scandalously short and I remember wearing them last summer with bare legs, but maybe I've just become a bit more modest this year? I'm pretty sure I can still get away with this length (although a little bit of the winter padding on the thighs has yet to come off - squats here we come).

While I love winter and fall fashion I am looking forward to being able to wear my summer dresses with bare legs, cute cardigans and sandals without having to rug up too much.

I'm in serious procrastination mode right now. Also my Jeffrey Campbells have been shipped and will be here soon I'm so excited!

Doing some tidying up

2009-11-11T19:03:00.002+13:00

I've been tidying up some layout things, and finally got round to tidying up my links. So I've added some people and got rid of some dead links. If you'd like to swap links and be on my blog role drop me a line or leave a comment and I can add you.

That's all for now!

Interesting..I think not...

2009-11-10T16:19:00.003+13:00

I have been tagged by the lovely Miss B to share 7 facts about myself. Whether or not these will be interesting we shall see, maybe I will try to be as random as possible...?

I don't drive. I only have my learner's permit. I don't have particular aversion, just have never gotten around to it. Although it's quite necessary for me to get my licence this summer.
I like bananas, but can't stand bananas in cooking, such as banana cake or banana smoothies. It's weird, I'll eat a banana but the flavor in something else is just wrong to me.
I have to have the volume on electronic things turned to even numbers, otherwise it's REALLY ANNOYING
I'm really bad at thinking up random facts about myself...
I only owned one pair of high heels until I was about 19 (bought when I was about 16 for my high school ball), and then I went a bit crazy....
Years of having to hide the fact I was wearing makeup from my mother actually means that now I'm really good at a natural look.
I'm not going to tag anyone specific for this - if you want to do it go ahead - let me know in the comments!

I know I cheated a bit, but I'm really tired at the moment sigh. Plus I'm not that interesting it turns out...haha

I'm a bad consumer

2009-11-05T14:26:00.005+13:00

I went through a fairly stressful time recently and when I go through fairly stressful times I tend to shop. I tend to think that while it can be bad on the bank account and the environment, as far as being self destructive, it's not too bad. Usually I reward myself with something at the end of each year, and also buy myself a Christmas present, and a birthday present (since they happen round the same time). Well Christmas came early this year.

I have been lusting after the Jeffrey Campbell Potion buckle wedge boots after seeing them on many other blogger feet and finally have ordered them. Basically a knock off of the Chloe Sevigny for Open Ceremoy Boots, but at a fraction of the price, they are gorgeous and just what I have been looking for. When they'll arrived is a bit of a mystery, as I've preordered them as they intial run sold out everywhere. Hopefully soon though!

I know sometimes seems a bit ridiculous to get this excited about shoes, but with the hellish time I've been having sometimes it's the little things that make you smile.

Two post one day - aren't you lucky!

2009-11-04T20:01:00.003+13:00

I think this is my favorite outfit photo ever. Not necessarily my favorite outfit ever (although I do like it), but I love how the photo turned out.

Outfit details
Tunic - Gift from Egypt
Belt - Thrifted vintage
Tights - Cotton On
Shoes - The Warehouse (they are a style called corset, how could i not get them)

I'm not entirely sure If I'm making some sort of cultural faux pas to wear this Egyptian shirt/tunic as a dress, but I love how it looks this way. The embroidery on it is amazing, and the cotton is so soft. This was just screaming to be worn with some leggings and heels.

Plus check out my new shoes

I have been looking for some lace up peep toes and when I found these I almost squealed!

Also I wanted to show you this

How cute is this eco bag? The text at the bottom says "Forever and Ever". Who new being ecofriendly could be romantic? Plus it was a donation to charity.If your in NZ and AUS you can get yours from Cotton ON for just $2 with any purchase.

I've been enjoying being able to take some time out, but also getting back into a bit of a routine. It's tough though trying to get back into a balance when I was going so hard before all my exams.
Can't believe it's not too far away from Christmas now - was just looking at the calendar. It's scary!

A bit behind - Halloween

2009-11-04T19:27:00.003+13:00

Thanks for the positive response on my last post it's great to be back. I'm a bit behind on posting a Halloween outfit, I didn't end up getting a good photo. Usually I take a photo before the party but guests started arriving early and I was late getting ready and this was the best photo I could find. The costume was much better in person I assure you!

I wanted a costume to embrace my red hair, so after thinking awhile I managed to combine this with my love of comic book super heroes/villains.
Most people got my costume - Although one person asked If I was a flower....

My interpretation of Poison Ivy - it takes inspiration from the movie and from picture of the comic book Poison Ivy I found online. I made the jumpsuit myself by sewing two bits together, and then pinning the whole thing onto a corset thing. I already had the tights, and the boots were a pair I was going to throw out but after taking to them with a can of spray paint they were perfect for my costume. I realized I'm not wearing my gloves, I had a pair of gloves that I spray painted green.

Shameless Promotion

2009-10-27T19:17:00.010+13:00

Awhile back the lovely Ms Constantine ran a competition for her new C squared necklaces. Although I didn't win she asked me if she could use my blog name as one of her standard necklaces. Since I love all her products,the fact that she's out there doing what she loves and living her dream I was more than happy to oblige.
These will soon be available in her store. You can also get them with one of the other snazzy sayings on them - or get one custom to say whatever the heck you like - how awesome is that! If that's not quite your thing, there is always the classic nameplate necklace, unicorn, or NARWHAL! plus heaps more, seriously check out her store!!

It's official!

Me looking very happy indeed - and my hair finally cut and coloured, I'm very happy with that too!

Also minicorn! You can't see it that well but it's a tiny unicorn. It's so cute I am in love!

Thanks Ms Constantine! These definitely get the thumbs up! Also they make me happy! I haven't taken mine off since I got it.

EDIT: If you want you own get yours here

Oh hello, miss me much?

2009-10-26T19:35:00.002+13:00

Air hair lair! I've been a bit absent round these parts haven't I. Check out the collar on this dress by the way - amazing, like a Victorian ruff. The dress on a whole however leaves me less then impressed, I feel like it doesn't quite work on me. Still a bit undecided whether it should stay or go. Plus wearing the collar up is a bit dramatic for everyday, but I do love the drama....

Anyway I have had one hell of a month, and I literally have had little time for anything but my studies. I'll still be working on them through summer, but the crazy hectic time I was experiencing has passed. This leaves me time to do things like sleep, blog, and work on other things that I've been neglecting (such as dying my hair, which I was able to do yesterday - yay!)

Also apologize for not commenting as much on your blogs - I've been reading, but a combination of just needed to browse through, and my Internet going so slow it was going backwards I didn't always have to leave comments.

Some things I am excited about now I have free time

Constructing some decent outfits, because what I have been wearing lately has not been flattering. Plus I have been looking like a hot mess, my hair all grown out and being all sleep deprived.
Closet cleaning and selling some clothes for some cash
Going to the movies - so many coming out that I want to see. Have you seen the AVATAR TRAILER - OMG IT'S SO AWESOME, AND I KNOW I'M SUCH A GEEK AND I DON'T CARE I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT TO COME OUT!
Doing nothing, and not FEELING GUILTY!
BLOGGING
Baking, which I haven't done it ages. Found some great recipes I am dying to try out.

Anyway I think I'm getting ahead of myself.....

So watch this space. More to come, and I know I always promise that, but I mean it this time, I really do...I promise....pinky promise?

Oh and I also realized that I completely forgot my one year anniversary for my blog last month, because I was so busy (can't believe it's been over a year already!). Because of my slackness I will instead celebrate my 100 post with something special. I think that will be more of a milestone anyway because I am a bit of a slack poster.

Winner Winner

2009-09-21T18:57:00.004+12:00

So who is the winner....?

Names go in the hat - I swear there are more than two...it just looks that way.

Hand goes in - who will it be....?

And here's what you've all been waiting for, the winner is....

Congrats Ms Constantine you are the winner! Are you ready to claim your mystery prize? Flick me an e-mail with your address and ill post you out your parcel. Don't forget to keep it going! Plus guys if you missed out this time, hopefully this keeps going and you can enter it the next time and the next time and the next time (you get the point..) until you win!

Thanks everyone for entering my very first giveaway - it was so much fun I think I will have to do this giveaway thing again!

Don't you want free stuff?

2009-09-19T14:34:00.003+12:00

There doesn't seem to be many entries on the giveaway - I think this might be a combination of people not being sure if they want to continue it on, and maybe because I haven't posted any pictures of the mystery loot.
Just because It's my first giveaway I wanted to try and get a few more people interested so I've decided to extend the date so people can still enter over the weekend and ill announce the winner on Monday - I hope you guys don't mind?

I was gong to try to post some picture, but the data cap had been exceeded and the computer is being exceedingly difficult with everything I try to do - this post was a mission!
But I'll just let you know again that it will include thrifted clothing, some little little knitted stuff in there, accessories (some neat handmade stuff not by me but the lovely Lauren). I've just added the most awesome chiffony type headband too. So there should be a little something for everyone.

So two more days to enter people - for the rules and to enter please check out this post.
After all this is done I promise some real content and photos, but the broadband has been all used up (not by me) and until the 25th my Internet is crawling by at a snails pace. So I also haven't managed to keep up with a lot of your blogs as well unless I'm at uni, while I'm really supposed to be working....
Anyway hop to it and enter the giveaway!

Don't forget!

2009-09-16T11:58:00.002+12:00

I've been super busy so the camera has been gathering dust as have ideas for posts.

So this is just a reminder - if you haven't entered the giveaway hop to it!

Enter here go on clickity click!

GIVEAWAY that's right I said GIVEAWAY

2009-09-09T22:40:00.002+12:00

Recently I was the of winner a giveaway from Lauren at This Little Piggie Went to Market which included many a lovely thing, including some of her handmade goodies.

This wasn't just any giveaway though this is a very special giveaway, it is a pass the parcel giveaway that was started by Vicci at She Will Have Her Way here and then continued on by Lauren here.

The idea of the giveaway is that the winner gets the parcel, takes out what they like/what fits/what's shiny etc and then adds to whatever is left and passes the parcel on as their own giveaway. So it is a bit of a pay it forward giveaway, I thought it was the most brilliant idea, and was so happy to be part of it, and now you can too!

So just to clarify the rules

To enter just comment on this post telling me you would like to be a part
The winner gets to select from the giveaway parcel what they like
The winner then adds to the parcel - whatever takes your fancy
The winner then hosts the giveaway.

Now I don't want to exclude people who don't have blogs from the giveaway I would really like to keep this going, so what I might do is, if someone who doesn't have a blog wins the parcel I might draw another name and make two parcels.

In the spirit of pass the parcel I've decided to to be explicit about what it's the parcel (because in the game it's a surprise! also It's not quite finished yet...), but I will give you a little bit of an idea of what the winner will be getting. The parcel includes some thrifted items of clothes - very fabulous but didn't fit me unfortunately, some lovely handmade items from Lauren - because I felt greedy taking all of them, I have added some more thirfted items of clothing and also some jewelery and accessories - all very neato! There will also be some surprises that I will pick up this weekend. I took into account some of your suggestions on my post asking what I want so hopefully I done good. I might included some pictures later if I feel kind, but think of the surprise people, the surprise!!

I'm going to hold the giveaway for 1 week - so entries will close next Friday *EDIT* ENTRIES NOW CLOSE SUNDAY AND I WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER ON MONDAY New Zealand time, which I think is Thursday for the rest of the world. So what are you waiting for - enter!

Some things are so special

2009-09-07T19:10:00.005+12:00

Nothing beats getting something in the mail. Nothing is better than a sweet sentiment and knowing that something you've said has made someone feel better.

This reminds me that I should be grateful for all the amazing people in my life - and that most importantly I should tell them.

You Bambola are amazing - thank you so much.

P.S if you haven't checked out her blog - go! she is too fabulous for words and so genuine you will love her.

Tell me what you want

2009-09-01T13:24:00.003+12:00

Thanks for all the lovely comments on the post below - the were so sweet, learning to take compliments here!

I'm going to announce a special giveaway soon, that will be a parcel of goodies giveaways, but I'll reveal the details later on the actual post as it is a very special give away indeed. I'm still putting the parcel together so I thought I would would put some feelers out and ask people what they would like in a parcel of thrifted clothes/accessories among other things. Just so I can get a feel of what to look out for.

I will probably announce the giveaway the end of this week or the beginning of next week so let me know soon!

All about me

2009-08-27T12:14:00.002+12:00

In case your wondering why there is a huge photo of me and the top of this post maybe I should explain. I am not really a fan of taking photos of my face, and I never smile with my teeth (I had crookedness corrected but still never got comfortable with it). So I don't with portrait shots and usually hate how they turn out.
The story behind this photo is I got up one morning, and had a look at my hair and decided to take a quick snap because this is a style a want to try and recreate (messy bed hair). Having just woken and being slightly sleepy I was really relaxed and for once I took a portrait shot I really liked. I found it strange - this is me, no make up, head messed up from bed, not trying at all, just natural, not stressed, the real me. I can look at this shot and say this is a beautiful woman, and I don't say that out of vanity, it comes from a place of letting go of my insecurities - and being able to share it with you guys. I don't think I'll ever quite capture a moment quite like this again.

Have you had a similar moment?

This is a start of my story in part of why I blog about style and fashion, which I hope to share a bit more about later on.

I also got tagged by Chickie Little to do a meme. So this post is a bit indulgent as it is all about me and I didn't want to do two posts all about me in a row!

What is your current obsession?
Trying to find a coloured leather jacket, a lot of my obsessions are fashion based, because otherwise it would have to school work, and that just gets too depressing. Probably about 95% of my time is devoted to my studies, and I don't get a lot of down time, so shopping helps me de-stress.
What is your horoscope and do you relate?
Capricorn. I like the idea of Chinese horoscopes better, I am a Fire Tiger, Rawr!
What are you wearing today?
Black dress, Purple striped top, purple and black knee highs, purple shoes(with purple laces they are awesome and new!), also a grey cardy. I am so matchy matchy again!
What is the last thing you bought?
The purple shoes, and the same pair in blue...
What do you think about the person who tagged you?
She is adorable, and talented (have you seen her baking and comic strip?). I hope to get to know her better as well :)
What’s for dinner?
Toastie pies. Some people will have no idea what they are, well they are like grilled sandwiches, but with a special appliance the bread is sealed such so you can put more fillings in then like canned spaghetti - this is a very kiwi and Australian thing I think.
What’s your favourite decade, fashion wise?
I am going to be a cheater with this question. I like this decade, because you can combine all the fashion from previous decades an make what you will of style. I think people take a lot more chances now too. Also while most of the fashion is repeating the new ways of combining it always surprise me. I will always have a soft spot for the 80s though because I love graphic prints and bold colours (but detest shoulder pads, my shoulders are broad enough already thank you)
What are your must haves for summer?
Beach trips, cut out swimsuit, blueberries!, crochet vest, more rompers, vests over dresses.
What would you love to be able to afford?
My own car, so I could learn to drive properly, also my own house
What is your favourite piece of clothing from your wardrobe?
Way to many to chose from, so I'll put a couple - cream lace mini dress, new vintage cream and blue dress with low v back, floral black romper.
What is your dream job?
I always wanted to be an actress - fame and fortune, plus was heavily into drama in my younger years
What is your favourite magazine?
um....nothing really, used to read Cosmo, NZ is pretty bad for mags! I think reading blogs has taken over my magazine reading time - much more interesting.
Describe your personal style?
What ever strikes my fancy, constantly evolving. I like to mix and match, and I have a habit for colour co-ordination. I like vintage style but also like ultra modern touches. I think I'm really still finding it.
Which Beatle is your favourite?
Um...I'll go John.
What are you proud of?
I'm proud of being self aware, of the friendships I've made, and being person who is growing.

This has been doing the rounds, so I'm not tagging anyone in particular but inviting anyone who hasn't done it yet to do it if it strike your fancy.

I haven't been walking round in a sack

2009-08-26T20:37:00.004+12:00

I bought a load of dresses from Forever 21 and this is one of them - It's from one of their sister lines, Heritage 21. I fell in love with it mainly because I love the colour combination of purple and green as you can probably see (even my tights are purple). Sometimes I think I take the matchy matchy thing too far. But something appeals to me about having different aspects of an outfit match on colour - sometimes I will go to great lengths to colour coordinate. I know going over the top can make you look like a bit of a caricature but I think just the right level can look really dramatic. Did I go to over the top here?
In saying that I have I also have a love of clashing things as well, maybe I just have a desire for the dramatic.
Outfit details - Dress: Heritage 1981, Tights: Columbine, Cardigan: Glassons, Boots: no1 Shoes

I am also still having my love affair with lace. I made an impulse purchase of this dress:

Black lace, and champagne coloured satin - I was sold even though the price tag was a bit much. There is something about black lace that makes you feel ultra feminine but a little bit saucy at the same time. I wore this out to dinner with my boy, we had yummy Japanese food. I had Ostrich, which I haven't had for ages - it was great, if you haven't' had it before go and try some, it's very good for you and delicious.

These are just some photos to prove I have in fact not been wearing a potato sack...I have been making an effort. I have been doing a lot of shopping lately - it's a bit reactionary as I tend to shop when I am stressed out, so my bank account is crying but my wardrobe is full. I need to go back to various other bloggers posts on wardrobe taming and take on the beast!

2009-08-24T20:24:00.003+12:00

I was awarded the Kreative Blogger a while ago by the Lovely Lauren (go the alliteration) of This Little Piggie went to Market - Incidentally this is not the only this I have received from her of late - but you will have to wait to hear about that!
This being only my second award ever, it's still a novelty to me and was lovely to receive, but sorry I took so long to get round to it!

About the Kreativ Blogger Award

Nominee Rules:

• Thank the person who nominated you for the award

• Copy the logo and place it on your blog

• Link to the person who nominated you for this award

• List seven things about yourself that people might find interesting

• Nominate and post links to the seven Kreativ Bloggers you nominate

• Leave a comment on each of the blogs, letting them know they have been nominated

Okay so here goes:

I don't know if I've ever mentioned in on the blog, but I am half Singaporean Chinese and Half German which is an odd mix, most people don't guess at my Asian heritage, but my sisters take more after that side.
I hate my feet - I inherited awful feet from my mother, bunions are not pretty so I don't like showing them ugh...I think this makes me prejudice about feet in general.
I have a secret obsession with bad reality t.v shows - the bachelor, top model, project runway, survivor you name it. Once I'm hooked I can't stop watching and I'm deeply ashamed of this....
My one party trick is that I can bend my thumb back on one hand to touch my wrist - the back side not the palm side (on the one hand only though - I bashed the hand into a wall once and could do it ever since). This tends to gross people out. You might need a video demonstration to fully appreciate this one, you might get one if you lucky enough....
I really like pickles...just by themselves..my boyfriend finds this really strange.
I used to play the violin on the account of my freakishly long and spindly fingers, but I never practiced and got bored easily but kind of regret not giving it a proper go.
I like slushi drinks - a lot, I used to go mad for them as a kid and still love them, I wish all drinks came in slushi form...when I am in a country with a 7/11 I get as much slurpee as I possibly can. I have a massive sweet tooth and I know its bad for me, plus it makes me feel like a child but I can't resit it!

For my nominees some very creative ladies in many different ways - I know many people have already got this so only do it if you want to!

Annie of Annie Spandex
Ms Constantine of Cupcakes and Mace
Scribbles
Rosina Lee
Chickie Little of Eggshell Green
Amber of History Books

Checking in

2009-08-15T18:08:00.005+12:00

Just to prove I've not fallen into a ditch somewhere. My university work has meant that I have been insanely busy - no time for blog posts, and only a few comments here and there on my must read blogs.
I have a few things planned to post before I realized that everything was happening at once. Things that I will hopefully have time to do once things settle down a little and I have a bit of a holiday (in theory, we don't really get real holidays). Keep getting ideas for posts while I'm supposed to be studying but alas it need to be put to the side!

So keep your eyes peeled, I will be back - thanks for following I'll try to get something worth looking at up here soon!

In the meantime - I keep getting this song stuck in my head constantly it's just so damn catchy, enjoy!

Bit disgusting today

2009-07-27T15:38:00.002+12:00

Getting sick again. Really can't afford it because I have masses of work to do and lots of commitments too! Not much going on in my life - some new purchases which will probably be making an appearance if I ever get an outfit photo soon, but I look kinda disgusting at the moment.

Also thinking about cutting my hair sometime soon - relatively short, to give it a bit of time to recuperate from the constant dyeing. It's not really in the best condition.
I'm a bit undecided though - ready for the change but love growing and having my hair lovely and long, decisions decisions.

Anyway I think I might have a nap. Just thought I might let you know why so silent.

Beginners Guide to Dyeing (clothes) just to be clear

2009-07-19T18:55:00.006+12:00

Dyeing can be scary - and I mean clothes - not as in mortality which can also be scary but is a topic for another day. But it can also be a great way to save slightly stained clothes and inject some new life into lack lustre items.
I do not claim to be a expert, in fact I am a raw beginner, so thought I would share some of my experience of how it went for me and some tips I found useful. So think of this as a Beginners guide by a beginner for beginners.

I used Dylon cold water dye - now I had a look at the site and the dye I used looked nothing like the products on there but I'm pretty sure that it's the same brand so I'll pop the link in any way...
I dyed two items - a pair of yellow shorts and a light green dress, both of which had stains on them that would not go, so I thought that dyeing them a darker colour would save items of clothes that I thought I been ruined.

So firstly - follow the instructions on any dye your using - mine told me to add salt, some will also tell you to add other stuff - pays to check in case you need any extras when you come to mixing it up.
First hint - if your going for an intense colour - use as little water as possible but still cover the entire garment, and go for two or three packs of dye. With my shorts I went for a colour called Mexican Red - I used hardly any water and two packs of dye and still didn't get that much of an intense colour. Also remember the colour mixing rules - so for me yellow shorts + red dye = orangey shorts. Which is was I expecting and didn't really mind because I couldn't be bothered with the extra step of whitening. Didn't get a before shot of the shorts but here is the after shot

Another thing to bear in mind when choosing a colour to dye - since buttons don't dye always consider how the new colour is going to match the old buttons. I'm pretty glad that the shorts aren't too red, because bright red and yellow could possible come across too Ronald McDonald now I think about it. Now the button thing is a bit of a no brainer, but something I didn't consider - thread doesn't dye either - so my red/orange shorts also have contrasting yellow thread, which actually looks pretty cool.

Secondly the dress - I actually didn't use cold water dye. I used regular dye, but instead of boiling the whole thing (because I am lazy) I just used boiling water and hoped for the best. Which lead to kind of dubious results really. Not what I was expecting but alright none the less.

Dress before:

Stains were down the bottom, and dress after:

Ended up with kind of a marble effect - the dye didn't take as well in some places, might have been because I didn't move it round enough in the beginning stages because I was a bit distracted. I also used an old pack of dye, just one pack and hardly any water, so there could have been lots of reasons. However, I actually kind of like the marbled effect.
I used Dylon dye again, a colour called Windsor purple - so purple + green = blue. Also you can't quite see it in the pics but the stitching is all still green and looks really neat.

Some hints overall just from how I did it, not gospel by any means:

Don't panic, get too excited over the initial colour, just like with hair dye, most of the colour is going to wash out and the final colour is most likely going to be much lighter
WEAR RUBBER GLOVER - dye stains are not fun
Moving the garment around a lot in the initial stages will ensure an even coverage and a better end result
I leave my stuff in longer than it says on the packet - that's just me, I do the same thing with my hair dye
Make sure you give it a wash SEPARATELY after you've dyed it, even if it runs clear after a rinse there will still be more dye left in it

So hopefully that's some help. Overall I had lots of fun and it was great to see the end result of my labours. Would definitely do it again, and it helped saved two items of stained clothing, can't even see the stains anymore!
So guys any dyeing tips of your own? Thinking of dyeing an item yourself?

P.S - thanks for all the lovely comments of the last couple of posts - nothing like compliments to give a girl the warm fuzzies!

Have a look

2009-07-16T10:39:00.002+12:00

I know I promised the next post would be about dyeing, and it will be this is not a proper post - just drawing you attention to a giveaway and an awesome creative blogger and her Etsy store.
Erin is having a giveaway of $35.00 credit to her Etsy store Love Erin Designs which has some seriously covetable jewelery! So hop away and enter here