Cozy Knits

Knits are just cozy - there's no other way to describe yarn woven into perfection.  Who doesn't love it?  

My love for yarn + diy manifests itself in crocheted creations.  It's a vicious cycle, I must admit. 

You see...around this time of year I get the itch to pick up my crochet needles again.  And every year I get a little more gutsy, trying my hand at something more difficult than the year previous {last year it was oversized cowls and coffee cup cozies, this year I'm thinking headbands and boot socks}.  

But it doesn't stop there - once I conquer my challenge, I usually think..."hmm, this would make a fabulous Christmas gift," or the unavoidable {if you're me}, "I could sell these!"  The latter thought launches me into a crocheting frenzy, every spare moment, leading up to Christmas, spent crocheting till my little fingers are numb and my eyes are crossed, and with the last stitch I swear off crocheting "forever."  {aka - next year}

Needless to say - I'm feeling the itch again.  Once I have a free moment, you can bet I'll be headed to my local yarn shop to swoon over my next knit project.  

Until then, check out these handmade beauties...{any of these would make perfect Christmas gifts for those who like to shop early!}

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

While I just adore all of the above, I have to say #2 is one of my absolute favorites!  {And she's offering a 50% discount on anything in her store if you like her on fb...click the #2 link to learn more.}  Maybe I'll attempt a bow scarf this year as well - why not?? 

Are you loving knits this season??

XO

Effortless Style

I have to admit that after running in the FL heat this morning, I was less than motivated to do my full "pull it together" routine, so I simplified.  Blow drying the mess on my head was so not appealing after being in the heat for so long, so I threw that mess into a braid, pulled on my skinny jeans (the run gave me a little extra courage), grabbed a wadded up tank that had been sitting on my dryer for days (clean, I promise) and tied it all together with a scarf and a pair of new flats - that was easy!  Sometimes I make getting dressed a monumental task.  I don't leave my house too often during the day considering I teach from the comfort of my own home, but I still need to look presentable for "work".  A belt, blazer, scarf, fabric flower, headband, pair of cute shoes, brooch, or some sort of fun accessory can jazz up your usual jeans and tank look and make it just that much more "pulled together". Today was a good reminder that it can be easy if I let it - here are a few pics I looove from pinterest & other favorite sites that inspire me to keep it simple.

{Sharp Fedora from Francesca's}

{Fun Scarf from Forever 21 - $8.90, can't beat that price.}

{Headband from Anthropologie}

{Gorgeous cuff bracelet from White Owl. All of their pieces are beautiful}