I found Le Fanciulle’s do-it-yourself glitter boots and convinced myself that it looked easy enough for even an amateur DIYer, so I found these $20 suede boots from Express and I visited my local JoAnn’s to grab some glitter and fabric glue.

I picked-up a trial pack of fabric glue, because I — being the novice that I am — didn’t know what the difference was. The glue pack cost about $2.50.

To achieve a more natural texture, I bought two sizes of glitter in two similar shades (gold and caramel). This also helps to fill in gaps easily.

Eventually I opted for Jewel-It glue… why? I can’t remember, but do know it works!

The white glue turned purple once it came in contact with air (which freaked me out a bit).

I mixed in the chunky and fine glitter into the glue with a medium-sized synthetic paintbrush.

As you can see there are some stray glitter pieces at the edges; these don’t bother me too much, but if you’re OCD you can use a smaller paintbrush to push the glitter into the right spots. This, of course, takes more time — more time than I was willing to devote.

Finished product! I recommend letting these dry for 1-2 days before wearing it. According to the packaging the glue dries in a matter of hours, but due to the caked-on layers of glitter, I decided to give my suede boots some time to recover.

As you wait for the glue to dry, you’ll still notice the purple hue of the glue, but as it dries this will turn transparent.

In total, I probably spent about 30 minutes on these glitter boots, and it cost under $30 (shoes included).

Hopefully, the next item on my DIY projects list won’t take me half a year to finally complete.

Vinyasa yoga, also known as vinyasa flow, is a type of yoga that involves breath-synchronized movement.

This yoga workout takes you from one pose to another, which is where the “flow” aspect comes about.

I have a temporary membership with a yoga studio called YogaWorks near my workplace, and have been going four times a week (still trying to fit in my beloved cardio kickboxing class.)

I’ve done yoga in the past, and consider myself a level 2, but I definitely need to work on my handstands.

I’ve also tried other forms of yoga that incorporate the vinyasa style, like Bikram yoga. Bikram is also called hot yoga, wherein the room temperature is increased to over 100 degrees and classes are usually 90 minutes.

There’s no question it makes you sweat, but I don’t think it’s for me.

I’m sticking to regular vinyasa yoga. I even got a new yoga mat from Lululemon.

It’s called “The Mat,” and I chose it because it’s supposedly grippy, non-slip (which was a big problem with my previous mat) and has enough cushion for my bad knees.

I’ve only had it for a week, so you can expect a review after a month or so!

I plan on finding a local yoga studio that’s closer to home, so I can practice over the weekends, too.

Well, that’s all for now!

Namaste.

]]> http://suite707.net/2012/05/05/new-workout-obsession-vinyasa-yoga/feed/ 4 suite707 Vinyasa Yoga Vinyasa Flow Lululemon The Mat Suite 707 http://suite707.net/2012/04/29/summer-attitude/ http://suite707.net/2012/04/29/summer-attitude/#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:56:54 +0000 Jenn Calonia http://suite707.net/?p=1714 ]]> If it hasn’t been apparent, I’ve been MIA for a bit. After a few weeks of non-stop activity, I’m ready to kick back and take in all that summer has to give.

Meaning no work and all play (at least that’s how I’d like to pretend it can be.)

For now, these shall have to be enough.

Dotted swimsuit by the pool.

Photo: Colin Angus | Model: Taylor Warren

We are Handsome‘s “The Africa” swimsuit shows off big cat personalities.

Photo: We are Handsome

But really, who needs a swimsuit when you’ve got a pair of killer jeans?

DISCLAIMER: If that urban legend about dying from soaked jeans is true. Sorry.

Photo: melikenurgezgin.tumblr

Closing mantra that speaks to me at the moment.

Damn straight.

I bring to you for your viewing pleasure some of my personal favorites from the opening collections.

Yes, LA Fashion Council can use me as a billboard whenever they want, ’cause I love this cropped neon top. What a fun beach cover-up!

This delicate ensemble is by Alana Hale of Los Angeles. The sheer billowy top compliments the heavier texture of the lace applique bottoms.

Model: Olivia Santo-Domingo Lopez

The Owl Talon Dress by Curly-V is eye-catching and adorable. I’d pair it with flat-heeled boots and perhaps a floppy hat.

Model: Chanelle Laurence

Kittenhawk has some amazing pieces. The geometric necklace and earrings pull the entire look together.

Model: Bethany Struble

Even the guys can get in on the fun. Sires Crown Eyewear has some good looking shades to prep for blinding LA summers to come.

Model: Peter Adrian

With the sunny skies here in California, I’m really feeling yellow gold jewelry at the moment. It’s warm, feminine and classic.

To keep to the gold theme I indulged in a glittery DIY nails project. The picture shows the base color as white, but the true hue is closer to a light sea foam green.

Base nail polish: Essie in Absolutely Shore | Accent nail polish: Milani Jewel FX in Gold

I picked up this elephant necklace at a local thrift shop a few years back. According to superstition, items depicting elephants with their trunks up are good luck.

I’ll take all I can get!

Shirt: Ann Taylor | Blazer: Express

I love my La Mer watch. The white wrap lets the gold accents shine. My personal recommendation: Always wear watches above the wrist bone– it’s a lot more flattering.

Watch: La Mer Bali Stud Wrap in White

These dainty gold diamond rings were given to me by my Grandmother. I especially like wearing them in bunches.

Well, was I pleasantly surprised!

Not only did I love the new pieces from the Spring/Summer collection, but the ever quirky-cute Agyness Deyn stole the spotlight by busting a move in the RM campaign video.

(LOVING the colorful print blazer on Agyness at 0:28 of the footage. Hot for Spring!)

Rebecca Minkoff: Aggy Audition Video from Daniel Saynt on Vimeo.

While I’m a fan of Rebecca Minkoff’s MAB design, the MAC clutch is a fun, size-appropriate handbag for playing in the sun.

Here are a few of my fave MACs (new and old):

The 2012 Basketweave MAC reminds me of Cabanas and lounging along the coast. The subtle textured accent is exactly what the MAC needs for summer.

Another addition to the Spring/Summer 2012 RM collection is this rustic Pref Weave MAC clutch that reminds me of spontaneous road trips through the desert.

The denim colored MAC clutch with gold hardware is still a beloved favorite of mine, even though it’s been around for a while.

For a slightly formal affair, the RM Spectator MAC is a polished choice. The textured snakeskin and black outline are badass with class.

All this buzz about Rebecca Minkoff handbags might just convince me to put my Chanel flap bag goal on hold temporarily. It’s done– I need.

]]> http://suite707.net/2012/03/28/agyness-deyn-teams-up-with-rebecca-minkoff/feed/ 0 suite707 Rebecca-Minkoff-Basketweave-MAC-Clutch Rebecca-Minkoff-Perf-Weave-MAC-Clutch Rebecca-Minkoff-Denim-MAC-Clutch Rebecca-Minkoff-Spectator-MAC-Bombe-Clutch Suite 707 http://suite707.net/2012/03/17/yummy-quinoa-recipes/ http://suite707.net/2012/03/17/yummy-quinoa-recipes/#comments Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:56:14 +0000 Jenn Calonia http://suite707.net/?p=1671 ]]> My new healthy addiction is quinoa.

The first time I tried quinoa, it was cooked with no seasoning and no flavor. I was quickly adverse to it.

… Until I learned about the plethora of quinoa recipies  fluttering about in the internet world.

Sesame Quinoa with Tofu, Broccoli and a Side of Egg

Arugula Quinoa Salad with Feta, Pine Nuts and Cherry Tomatoes

Shrimp Quinoa with Lime Ginger Dressing

Foodies and master chefs alike can find glee at Surfas as it holds kitchen gems like international spices, unique dishware and specialty ingredients that you’d be hard-pressed to find at your local grocery-chain.

Adorable porcelain cake displays with ribbon weaving.

No one likes a bitter cup of tea. These tea pot saucers let you set your bag aside for later.

(I got the yellow one!)

Create cupcakes with attitude. Surfas has a whole aisle of colorful cupcake wrappers from zebra print to damask!

How fun are these neon take-out boxes? Quirky-cute gift box, anyone?

I was delightfully overwhelmed by the variety of spices and seasonings at Surfas. I especially thought these vintage looking poultry and fish rubs were too good to pass up.

I tested– they’re delicious!

To check out Surfas for yourself, the Surfas Yelp page has all the deets to get your expedition underway.

Princess-cut diamonds used to be my favorite, but I’m quickly taking to European-cut diamonds.

Art Deco Solitaire Diamond Ring; Circa 1935, .72 carats in 18k white gold ($3,450)

Set against this 14k rose gold setting, this black diamond pops with sophistication.

2.82 carat black diamond ring with white diamond accents ($5,000)

Dainty diamond rings are all the rage.

1/6 carat diamond ring set in a 14k white gold band ($1,400)

How brilliant is this vintage ring? Art deco is just lovely.

2.06 European-cut diamond ring set in platinum. ($22,000) … yes you read right.

Thoughts? Too dated? Just right?

(My Old and Ugly Make-Up Box with Floppy Mirror)

Luckily, SOHO Beauty gifted me a replacement case to keep my cosmetics arsenal in check.

The Sealed with a Kiss train case is not only roomy– it makes me feel like a pro.

Train Case Deets

The interior of the SOHO Beauty Sealed with a Kiss ($27.99) train case has a dual-level tray system that conveniently collapses. I like to store smaller items in these compartments like small eyeshadow quads, powders and my regular brushes.

The bottom is deep enough to hold a few larger palettes, like my giganto Tarte for True Blood palette and my stash of coveted Sephora samples I’ve yet to indulge in.

One of the main reasons I opted for this specific train case is for the built-in mirror. This makes applying make-up while traveling a cinch (think sorority recruitment or bridesmaid make-up prep.)

Also, there is a key and lock mechanism available for storing priceless goodies.

Overall Make-Up Box Impressions

The hot pink lipstick print is fine with me, but I can see a need for more options like solid colors for this model. I also appreciate the quality of the hardware, and the functionality of the design is spot on.

I’d recommend changing the handle, though. It’s a bit too lightweight and plasticy to me. A leather-like trim similar to that found along the edge of the box as the handle material would make for a luxurious feel– just sayin’.

Regardless, the SOHO Beauty Sealed with a Kiss train case is one B.A.M.F. when it comes down to sassy make-up storage.