The final product-my DIY creations

Ok, everyone...here's what I made:). I'm kind of excited!! These are my first pieces I've ever made...I think I want to take classes...I'll have to look into it at Michaels.
A lot of my inspiration comes from other bloggers and jewelry designer that's HOT right now, Lizzie Fortunato.

The winner...this is my favorite piece out of the items I made so far. I named the style Sahara after my daughter.

For this piece I used coral beads with beads from a broken necklace from India. I named this style Jaipur after the pink city.

I really like these beads and plan on going back to make more necklaces to layer with this one. I named the style Morocco.

I was really excited about the deal I got on these ribbons! $1 for the entire spool! Nice, right? This was a mix of using the inspiration found in the mag and the DIY version PS I Made This did by only using a black ribbon. I tried doing just the knot at the end but I'm not happy with just that so I'm on the search for a silver ball/bead to put at the end of each.

Lucky mag & Michaels DIY jewelry challenge

I'm excited to share my DIY Challenge that was given to Lucky magazine Alpha Shoppers. We were given $50 gift cards to use at Michaels to come up with a "Statement Piece" for the season. I chose to do a few pieces...well, attempt a few...and fall in love with one:) And with the $50 and great coupons I used I was able to get more that I'm still planning on creating. Stay tuned:)

The entire process started with the inspiration. I already had a ton of projects that I was waiting to attempt so I was excited when I received the email from the Lucky editors we work with as Alpha Shoppers.

Here's what inspired me:

Closer look.

Now, nothing is an exact replica of course. And, I actually received a tip on Tuesday for how to string my beads better...but, these are my first attempts:)
Be a smart shopper:
I'm all about couponing now...(I'm addicted to that show about couponing...) I think I was able to use a double coupon when I made the purchase which was really exciting...I'm sharing a 25% off beads coupon! When I shopped, there was already a 33% off all beads...so keep watch! That way you can double up on what you get! Enjoy!
Coupon here. Available to use 7/3-7/16.

Journal Junkie

I'm addicted to journals/notebooks and regardless of how many I have, I always need a new one. Meet my new love, by Matta NY. A brand I've just learned about that I've fallen hard for. Inspired by India, of course.

$28

The straw tote

Don't just wear it to the beach this summer, wear it everywhere!  I'm so in LOVE right now that I did two polyvore sets:)  My straw tote is more boho...but, I love the Milly and Kate Spade versions...I might have to find a similar one!:)

The boho straw tote by Fashionalities featuring a stripe handbag

Milly multi colored handbag
$325 - net-a-porter.com

J Crew stripe handbag
$300 - jcrew.com

Bucket bag
$138 - anthropologie.com

FOSSIL beaded handbag
$88 - endless.com

Free People beach bag
$68 - freepeople.com

Lands End Canvas tote handbag
canvas.landsend.com

Lands End Canvas tote handbag
$30 - landsend.com

CALYPSO ST BARTH sequin handbag
$17 - target.com

Stripe handbag
$20 - target.com

Straw bag Part II by Fashionalities featuring tote handbags

Valentino tote handbag
$2,236 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Kate Spade tote handbag
$207 - katespade.com

Rebecca Minkoff straw tote bag
$250 - rebeccaminkoff.com

Juicy couture tote bag
$188 - couture.zappos.com

Jack Rogers summer tote
$168 - endless.com

Mar Y Sol straw handbag
$98 - nordstrom.com

Zimmermann straw tote
$63 - my-wardrobe.com

Kimchi Blue tote handbag
$39 - urbanoutfitters.com

The straw bag

I've always been pretty eclectic in my styling...but, since having Sahara I've started leaning more towards boho styling. I'm not sure if it's because I'm more organic in my purchases now or what...but, it's fun...I've had my eye on straw bags since summer started; 1. Because a friend of mine said she carried hers as her diaper bag and 2. Because I thought it would be fun to use at the farmers markets and such.
I found this straw bag at Goodwill today for ONLY $7.99! So excited! I love the leather detailing and that it closes to keep my things safe.
Stay tuned, I will be sharing places I've been finding straw bags recently for your inspiration.

Style Society

I'm excited that Style Society is back!  Check out what we've got every two weeks during the summer!

This is an end of week Midweek STYLE Society redux. We've been gone quite awhile -- contributors have been busy making the world more stylish but we're back!

• Working Girls Shoe Closet ~ Why So Blue? [a great Topshop Wendy wedge]
• The Working Wardrobe ~ Working Chic into Gray Slacks [an outfit that is anything but plain 'ole gray]
• Closet of Style ~ Wear That Room with CoS: LSI Inspired [a look at how a room color palette can inspire an outfit]
• Fashionalities ~ My First Haul Video: Shopping at Buffalo Exchange [a fun video with stylish ideals!]
• Blueprint for Style ~ Beach Babe - Ready for Action! [fabulous beach chic pieces from Lands' End Canvas]

Inspired by...

My sister in law as a kid living in India!  I found this pictures and want to recreate so many of the looks so I had to share a few.  She said her mom of course dressed her and made some of the looks!  She said one of the looks I LOVE is her pajama's!  I'm like I need to recreate that!!!:)

Love the hat!:)

She said she was dressed as a Gypsy for Halloween!  Still love it all!:)

These were her PJ's!  Too cute!

And the winner is....

Thank you to everyone who participated in the DELLA giveaway!  It's great to see so many people giving back through their purchases!

The winner for the DELLA clutch (that I'm LOVING!) is:

Thelma, @misstanoah


Feel great representing your country through a clutch that is giving back!


Please email me at: natasha.holstine@gmail.com with your address so we can send you the clutch!

Congrats!

Fashionalities & DELLA

Missoni is on the Outnet!

So many fab items and headbands for only $35!! Get it while it's still available!!

The ladies of Who What Wear team up with the LOFT

I'm not going to miss this! Watch and be inspired!!

DELLA Clutch Giveaway!

"This bag carries change."

On the company: Della is a line of vegan bags that was created to help to support the economy of the country (Ghana), but also offer education and jobs for local women.

All fabrics used are locally made.  

This is just an AMAZING company that was started by Los Angeles-based costume designer and wardrobe stylist, Tina Tangalakis.  She went to Ghana to volunteer and came back with a whole other mission that takes giving back to another level.  

I am excited to share a really great giveaway today!  The clutch to the right is the one that DELLA and I are giving away.  I wrote about the company and other products I love here.

To enter the giveaway:

1.  Leave a comment sharing other ways your give back through fashion.
2.  Follow @fashionalities and @dellalosangeles on Twitter.
3.  Like Fashionalities and Della on Facebook.

The contest ends on Sunday night at 11:59 pm and I will announce the winner of the clutch on Monday.

Good luck!

My first Haul Video: Shopping at Buffalo Exchange

Passport to Morocco...I'm cheating on India!!

Many of you know that I am in LOVE with all things Indian...including my hubby (hehehe)  But, recently all things Morocco have caught my eye and I must share!  I want everything from home furnishings like a wedding blanket to clothing and accessories inspired by the country.  It's on my list of places to go ASAP!:)

My new love, Morocco by Fashionalities featuring vintage handbags

Antik Batik vintage handbag
$120 - net-a-porter.com

Necklace
$70 - maxandchloe.com

Bohemia Moroccan Babouche Slippers, Silver Faux Leather & Sequin
$27 - bohemiadesign.co.uk

Robert Verdi always has the best ideas!

Here are some great gift ideas for the special daddy in your life this year!

Robert Verdi's Ultimate Father's Day Gift Guide from Robert Verdi on Vimeo.

Stay tuned...

Fashism is hosting a question/answer on Friday with Rebecca Minkoff to answer all of your fashion questions. Check it all out here.

And if you haven't yet, download the Fashism app and share your style ideas, shopping questions anytime you need an honest opinion!

Learn how to mix prints from Bobbie Thomas on the Today Show

I'm in LOVE with the Rachel Rachel Roy dress!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Macy's "Rachel Roy - Mobile :30" | Icontent | Douglas Sloan Director

Learn more about the woman behind the business, My-Wardrobe on CNN

A friend shared this with me after seeing it on her trip back from Australia and after seeing it I had to share with others to be inspired.  It's amazing what people can create!

"Ethnic" Bags I am LOVING right now for everything!

From handbags to business card holders, I've fallen and I can't get up.  I literally want EVERYONE of the pieces below and I'm not joking!  Many of these pieces are great to wear with your basics, but I would take inspiration from the Bobbie Thomas video I just posted on my blog about mixing prints to play with how to use these items to update your wardrobe in a "new" way.

AE: Last year I missed out on a tote that caught my eye for only $20 and this year they have an even cuter version with tassels and an extra $25 in price:)  That's what I get for waiting...

Laga handbags: I fell in LOVE with this line last year when I heard about them on Oprah, and this year I received an email from the company sharing their need for more customers to purchase their beautiful bags to help the people in Aceh.  Right now, you can use a coupon here to receive 20% off any purchase and free shipping on everything.  It's a great deal and you are giving back to people.

Old Navy: I'm in LOVE with this bag and it's on sale right now!  Plus, as a military dependent, I can get 10% off this bag on Monday's (take note military folk:) and I purchased a $10 Groupon for a $20 credit so it's such a great deal!  I plan on updating the bag by adding mini rhinestones to the coral portion.  Will share DIY once it's done:)

DELLA: I was soo excited when I was approached by a PR company about these clutches.  They are so chic and another great way to give back to the people that make them in Ghana.  Plus, they are Vegan bags and the materials are from Ghana where they are made.  As you can tell, I really LOVE what the brand is doing because I also included a laptop case and a business card holder below.  Check out the site, everything is AHMAZING!

Fossil: Then, there are the Fossil pieces that I fell in love with on my recent visit to the mall...As many know I LOVE elephants so that is what caught my eye at first...then, I checked out the other pieces and wanted everything!  The items are sold in a lot of places from Fossil stores to Nordstroms or Fred Flare...so check them out for prices.

Ehtnic Print Accessories to carry with you by Fashionalities featuring fossil bags

American Eagle Outfitters embroidered handbag
$50 - ae.com

Old Navy slouch handbag
$17 - oldnavy.gap.com

Fossil bag
$26 - fredflare.com

FOSSIL clutch wallet
$40 - nordstrom.com

Fossil 'Key-Per' iPad Sleeve
$35 - nordstrom.com

I'm in love with these Sasha by House of Harlow 1960 shades!

Just curious how well they stay on your face...they are around $140 and can be found on a variety of sites just search style name.

Btw. I'd say Nicole Richie and the Olsen twins are by far the best "celeb" designers!

Isn't she one of the models from ANTM??