A Tutu for Your Valentine

DIY  Woman's Tutu OutfitNecklace: BCBG Max Azria, Shirt: H&M (similar on sale for less than $20), Tutu: DIY (similar), Velvet Ribbon: Mood, Tights: Target, Booties: a gift (similar in brown), Jacket: INC (similar) , Clutch: vintage (similar option)

DIY  Woman's Tutu Outfit For me, deciding what to wear is never an easy task. Add in the pressure of a special day (like Valentine’s Day) and well, you’ve just got a regular ol’ disaster on your hands. I always start with a look in mind, but give me an hour and a closet and I’ll end up looking nothing like I had planned. I also won’t be able to see what was (in the not-so-distant-past) a super clean floor.

DIY  Woman's Tutu Outfit

Things to keep in mind when dressing for Valentine’s day-

  • Pick one focal piece that you know just have to wear (in this case it’s the tutu) and stick with it! Knowing there is at least one constant in the outfit should eliminate some stress, options and getting ready time.
  • Keep the accessories simple…only one statement piece, so the focus remains on YOU, not what you’re wearing.
  • Be soft & delicate, flirty & feminine….think tulle, velvet, lace, and chiffon and pastel colors.

DIY  Woman's Tutu Outfit

For your hair, wear it either in a sweeping chignon, or if you choose to keep it down, add in a few loose waves.
DIY  Woman's Tutu Outfit

For your make-up, emphasize a soft & glowing look, and avoid anything too dark or smokey. I like to stick to lighter brown shades for my eyes, highlighting with a gentle, shimmery pink. Finish with a pink pout!

DIY  Woman's Tutu Outfit

Valentine’s Gifts for Him & Her

When it came to thinking of gift ideas for Valentine’s Day, I immediately knew who to ask. Colleen is always full of the best ideas and her blog is a must-read if you are clueless when it comes to gift-giving (which I usually am). Thanks so much for guest posting Colleen!

Valentine's Day Gifts for LadiesFor Her~Valentino Perfume//Heart Pajamas//Black Onyx & Ruby Earrings//Chocomania Body Collection

Hello Runway Chef readers! I’m Colleen from the gift blog ThePaisleyBox.com. I’m thrilled that Alyssa asked me to guest post for her to share a few Valentine’s Day gift ideas with you!

You can always get away with a bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates for your honey on V-Day…no complaints here…but I recommend that you mix it up with something a bit more unexpected and fun. Instead of a box of chocolates, give the Chocomania bath and body set or XOXO chocolate covered strawberries. Instead of flowers, go with a florally scent or surprise your man with some playful Valentine socks. If all else fails, jewelry is your answer. For the ladies, look for rose gold or something with ruby in it to keep it festive. I hope one of these picks works for your Valentine!

For more gift ideas and DIY projects, visit me at www.thepaisleybox.com.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Guys

For Him~Burberry Pajamas//Heart Patterned Socks//Cupid Socks//Espresso Watch//XOXO Strawberries

Happy Hour

In keeping with this week’s Valentine’s Day theme, Happy Hour this week is focusing on a few of the festive items decorating our home in preparation for the 14th.

Valentine's Day Ribbon{Valentine’s Ribbon}

Heart Garland

{DIY Garland made from yesterday’s leftover hearts}

Valentine's Day

{Valentine Vases}

Dried Flowers in Mason Jar

{Mason jar filled with dried flowers from our wedding}

Shakespeare

{Readings appropriate for this time of year}

DIY Valentine’s Day Cards

DIY Valentines Cards

Being a romantic at heart, I never pass up the chance to read a Nicholas Sparks book, watch a chick flick (much to my husband’s dismay), or make and send a hand-made Valentine. Well I realize I am probably the only one left in this century who even bothers to send something via the pony express, let alone actually make it first, I thoroughly enjoy the process (when time allows). I used to make something similar to these Valentine’s cards with my Mom and sister when I was younger and I always enjoyed how unique each one was from the different patterns of melted wax. They’re very easy to make, so I hope that means this year my cards will be getting some company on their pony express ride :)

DIY Valentines Cards

DIY Valentine’s Day Cards

Supplies Needed:

DIY Valentines Cards Craft Supplies

In addition to the above items, you will also need:

  • Construction paper in Valentine’s colors
  • Bakers twine
  • Exacto knife
  • Glue
  • Heart (or other festive shaped) stickers
  • Fancy-edged scissors (optional)

Red Crayons

1. Turn your iron on to preheat and set aside. Next, select an assortment of Valentine’s colored crayons.

Crayons

2. On a thick board/protected surface, use your knife to cut off a small piece of crayon (cut from the non-pointy end so the crayon is still usable). After removing the paper wrapping, finely chop up the crayon in to pieces.

DIY Valentines Cards 3. On a towel covered surface, lay out a square of wax paper. Cover with a small amount of the crayons (a little goes along way here). For a 6 x 6″ square of wax paper, I used about a teaspoon of crayon “crumbs”. Once you have the crayon pieces down, cover with another piece of wax paper.

DIY Valentines Cards

4. Using your iron gently start tapping at the wax paper, barely touching the surface and only holding it down for a few seconds at a time. The wax will quickly melt, and as it does you can use the tip of the iron to gently “drag” the wax around the paper.

DIY Valentines Cards

5. Continue on until you have used up all your crayon pieces; set aside to let everything harden and cool.

DIY Valentines Cards Supplies

6. Meanwhile, make your cards out of construction paper with fancy-edged scissors. Then, using regular scissors, cut a “window” into the middle of the card. Next, cut small pieces of baker’s twine (mine were 1 1/2″ but the length will depend on the size of your “window”, card and heart shape, so adjust accordingly).

DIY Valentines Cards

7. Once your wax paper has cooled, use your exacto knife or scissors to cut out heart shapes. You will need 2 hearts per card. To assemble the heart, cover one side in glue, place on the twine (as seen in the middle picture), then press down on top with another heart. Let it dry, then use your exacto knife to trim the hearts to the same shape and size.

DIY Valentines Cards

8. To attach your heart to the card, open the card all the way up and lay it front side up. Align the heart to the position you want it in, then, using a small dab of glue, attach the string to the card. Firmly press a heart sticker over the end of the string. Set aside to dry.

DIY Valentines Cards

DIY Valentines Cards