Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) September 22, 2012

Kris's Closet

Inspired by great bloggers like Folake of Style Pantry and Tamia of The Style Sample,two months ago we decided to open up our closets to the world as well. We are ChristinaKristin of Columbus,Ohio. We are two women close in age, with two different takes on style and completely different personalities. My style is usually wild, bold, adventurous and colorful. I would use the same words to describe my personality and life. My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

I started my Saturday running errands. Afterward, I stopped to spend time with my mom and show her my new hair cut. Then I went to the Delaware County Fair. The fair was kind of disappointing but I utterly enjoyed my very first deep fried s'more. I took these pictures at the fair. This is the first closet blog that I am relaxer free! This is what I wore.

I wore a tee with the image of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, a sitcom on CBS if you aren't familiar. Bazinga is a word he uses that means: gotcha or fooled you. It is used in the show after a joke or prank. I got my shirt from Kohls for $9.99. They still have some left in limited sizes online at http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/product_page.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524893002729&crosssell=true

I also saw some on ebay. I have on electric blue skinny jeans. I got them from Shoetique. They have some cute garments there in limited quanities. If you are in Columbus or near by, check them out at 3760 East Broad Street Columbus, OH 43213  The colored jeans were all the rage this summer. They also look great for fall with your boots. Electric blue and Red are two big fall colors this year. I found some blue skinnies online at 

http://www.express.com/zelda-colored-jean-legging-royal-blue-41214-24/index.pro?productVariantId=264171&csename=GooglePLA&cid=3158&mr:trackingCode=A9BCE562-ED7C-E111-9D2A-001517B188A2&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=13292808524&mr:keyword={keyword}&mr:match={matchtype}&mr:filter=35799871364

My jacket has become a closet blog regular. It is a  linen blazer I bought at the thrift store for $1. There are yellow jackets on sale in most department stores from the last season. I gave some suggestions the last time I wore it from H&M and Macy's. I have seen some mustard yellow blazers as well for fall. The sunglasses are my go to Micheal Kors black cat-eye's. They are also a closet blog regular.

My Target earrings are made of painted wood. They came from Rag-O-Rama in Clintonville, Ohio. They always have fun earrings there. I have not seen anything else like these but you could easily duplicate these with felt or plastic.

My bangle was my grandma's. The lucite ring is 70's inspired from Forever 21, seasons ago.  The purse is actually my mom's. It is a Francesco Biasia. I borrowed it because I was tired of walking around with my red leather clutch Saturday. I knew I was going to the fair and decided to free up my hands.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects ( Real Nail Polish Strips) Yes, I cheated! I normally do my own designs  

but I didn't have time this week. If you have never used these, they are so easy. I love them! You can do your nails and not deal with drying time. I have been a fan since they came out. They have tripled their design options since then. This one is called Collide-O-Scope. If you have never tried them, they are in most large grocery chains and drug stores. Pick some up!

My boots are last fall/winter's Chinese Laundry over the knee flats. I got them from Nordstrom. This is not the best picture of my pair but I found this year's version on Nordstrom's site.
 http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chinese-laundry-spring-street-boot/3286825?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Cognac+Leather&resultback=554

Special thanks to Naima V at Rendezvous Hair on 2600 N High St. She cut my relaxer off for me last week! I love my new hair! Check out her website!

http://naimav.com/index.php

This concludes another Kris's Closet. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Remedy This! The Yogurt Mask

Remedy This!!! 

In the struggling economy, especially as a woman who doesn't have a 9 to 5, I am always trying to find ways to save money and also look great. I spend a lot of time in front of my laptop and tv discovering new, natural or frugal ways to take care of my beauty and fashion needs. With most people on the same page, many tv programs and articles these days focus on just that. I would like to try these things out for myself and share with you my results.

Yogurt & Lemon Mask

 I was watching a home remedies show on Dr. Oz a while ago and learned of a mask to fade scars and shrink pores. I have developed an acne situation recently and that means sometimes scars follow. I also have very large pores that I am not a fan of. I could not remember the last time I had a professional facial so I decided to give the yogurt mask a try last month. I had most of the ingredients in my kitchen and nothing to lose.

The original Dr. Oz mask was a mixture of natural yogurt, sunflower oil and lemon juice. I did not have sunflower oil and I wasn't sure if my plain greek yogurt was considered " natural". So I went online to locate some similar mask recipes. I located one on Live Strong. http://www.livestrong.com/article/513736-the-skin-benefits-of-lemons-and-yogurt/ "Live Strong" also suggested ingredients like honey, peaches and nectarines. I just took the items I wanted based on what I needed most for my skin problems. Dr. Oz and the online source talks about how the yogurt tightens skin and shrinks pores. "Live Strong" explains that yogurt contains lactic acid, which helps to remove dead skin and reduces signs of aging. It also contains zinc which helps with blemishes and acne. Both sources also explain that the lemon juice reduces blemishes and scars. According to " Live Strong" lemons contain alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C, both known for healing properties. The high acidity in lemons help to tone skin and improve it's elasticity. Lemons are said to have natural bleaching agents to brighten and even out the skin. "Home Acne Remedies" explains that the honey has antibacterial properties that help with the reduction of acne. It has anti-inflammatory that over time reduces redness and fades dark spots.

 For my mask, I started with my two table spoons of greek yogurt and added a few drops of lemon juice.

 Next, I added a teaspoon of honey and mixed it all together. I applied it to my skin. I kept the mask on my skin for 20 minutes.

After I washed the mask off, my skin felt refreshed and firm. I wasn't brave enough to post a picture of my face after I washed it off, I am sorry. Maybe next time!

I only tried this particular mask once. However, I have used some of the same ingredients on my face in addition to my normal skin care products. I have used the honey alone on my face as a mask, which seems to give it a glow. I like using the lemon juice as sort of a toner. I mostly focus on my scars when I use the lemon juice. I wash it off afterward because it is still a form of acid. I am excited about the results. My scars are fading and my pores don't bother me as much. The best part is, I didn't spend any extra money by using ingredients I already had in my home. There are lots of natural and DIY skin care ideas on trust worthy sites. Find something that works for you!

Until next time! Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) September 16, 2012

Kris's Closet

Inspired by great bloggers like Folake of Style Pantry and Tamia of The Style Sample,two months ago we decided to open up our closets to the world as well. We are ChristinaKristin of Columbus,Ohio. We are two women close in age, with two different takes on style and completely different personalities. My style is usually wild, bold, adventurous and colorful. I would use the same words to describe my personality and life. My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

Sunday I tagged along with my guy to Lancaster to meet a client. Afterward we rode around Ohio. We had lunch in Hocking Hills at Millstone BBQ. We rode through a bunch of towns I have never heard of. Some of them were scary. We stopped in Athens, did some shopping and then we stopped at Burr Oak Beach to walk around. I took these pictures at the beach. This is what I wore.

I wore a red-orange sleeveless tee that I have owned a long time. I am not sure where I got it from. The ethnic stripe vest came from Mad 4 Mod on High Street. I paid $1 for it on one of their "Fill a Bag for $5"days.  My skinny jeans are from Target.

My parrot feather necklace is from a vendor at the Macy's Festival in Cincinnati.  I found the same necklace online at http://www.cockatoocreations.com/products/Feathered-Parrot-Necklace-and-Earrings-Set-%252d-Vibrant-Colors.html

My earrings are painted wood from an African shop in Harlem. I did not find anything like these online but I did locate some fun painted wood earring. 
option 1: http://www.etsy.com/listing/102225900/pleased-parrots-painted-wood-earrings?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=painted+wood+earrings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_ref=auto3&ga_search_type=all

option 2:http://www.etsy.com/listing/94810940/hand-painted-wood-earrings-light-weight

This rainbow trimmed straw clutch is a closet blog regular. I bought it during my first Style Adventure in July at Clothes Gallery. It was $1. Still looking for a straw clutch, maybe for next spring? Go to http://www.etsy.com/ The colorful lucite ring I got as a gift a long time ago. Here is a similar ring I found  http://www.etsy.com/listing/99959344/retro-multicolored-lucite-and-glitter?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=colorful+lucite+ring&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all The bracelets are tie ons that I got from the Pickerington Voilet Festival from a vendor.  I found a similar scorpion bracelet online. http://www.etsy.com/listing/74747636/unique-bracelet-with-a-real-scorpion-in?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=real+scorpion+bracelet&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

These blue cut-out wedges are also closet blog regulars. I have posted options for these the first few times I wore them.

This concludes another Kris's Closet. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) September 15,2012

Kris's Closet

Inspired by great bloggers like Folake of Style Pantry and Tamia of The Style Sample,two months ago we decided to open up our closets to the world as well. We are ChristinaKristin of Columbus,Ohio. We are two women close in age, with two different takes on style and completely different personalities. My style is usually wild, bold, adventurous and colorful. I would use the same words to describe my personality and life. My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

 Saturday I took another ride to Lebanon, Ohio with my guy. On the way to drop off some cabinets to one of his clients, we blew a tire to his trailer and lost an hour taking care of that. I was uncertain about the kind of day we were going to have but it ended better than it started. When work was done we went downtown Lebanon and had brunch at The Golden Lamb Inn. It is the oldest hotel in Ohio , built around 1815. A dozen presidents from both Harrisons to GW, several historical and present day political figures and literary greats have slept and dined there. When the rooms lie vacant, they are left open for dining and hotel guest to view, equip with the details of who stayed in the rooms, when, why and etc. We toured the place and felt chills several times. The place is said to be haunted. After we left The Golden Lamb Inn we did some shopping at Beneath the Tree & Cabins to Castles. We had cupcakes at Frost Cupcake Bar & Ice Cream at Village Ice Cream Parlor. This is what I wore.

I wore a black anti-smoking tee with the message "There are cooler ways to die". I found this shirt at a Goodwill for $2.99. I found this same tee at http://shopgoodie.com/products/Girls-Cooler-Ways-To-Die.html My black lace flared skirt is from Meijer's junior department. I paid $12 for it a month ago. I did not find the skirt on Mejier's online but I found one similar at http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&Category=btms&ProductID=2017177595

My denim jacket is Gap from an Ohio Thrift store. I got it this past week for $10. You can find denim jackets everywhere right now but they will most likely have collars. 

These are a pair of my favorite glasses from SEE Eyewear. I got them about a year ago. SEE has the best styles for all face shapes. My rx is minimal so I wear mine for the computer, during migraines, to drive and sometimes just for fashion. However, if I had to wear them, I would be at SEE often. These black and white cat-eye's are one of four pair I own from SEE. If you need glasses and want something fun or stylish, find the closest SEE location. In Columbus, Ohio it is in Easton Town Center. For more locations or to get a feel for what they offer check out the website http://www.seeeyewear.com/index.aspx

My suede sandals are Betsey Johnson. I got them over a year ago from overstock.com. 

shirt close up

My big ball and wire earrings I got several years ago from a street vendor in Harlem. I did not find anything exactly like these but I thought these two pairs were cool on etsy
option 1: http://www.etsy.com/listing/97310031/silver-disco-ball-earrings
ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=big+silver+ball+earrings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all and
 option 2:http://www.etsy.com/listing/104222644/free-shipping-glitter-ball-hoops?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=big+silver+ball+earrings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all  My cat-eye sunglasses are closet blog regulars. They are Michael Kors.

My red leather clutch is a closet blog regular as well. My mustache ring is a souvenir from Cedar Point. I offered leather clutch and mustache ring options the last few times I wore them. A good place to find them both is on http://etsy.com/. The silver ball bracelet I got from Broadway Antique Mall the last time I was in Lebanon. Here is a similar bracelet but it is sterling and a little pricey. http://www.rubylane.com/item/754537-B43/Sterling-Silver-Ball-Bracelet-Fine The skinny silver and camel double wrap belt is from an Ohio Thrift store. I could not find any that weren't out of stock.

At The Golden Lamb Inn

by the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

This concludes another Kris's Closet. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

The Golden Lamb Inn

Presidential Crest on the stairway to the rooms at The Golden Lamb Inn

Style Adventures Vol. 7 (Lebanon Pt. II & Athens)

STYLE ADVENTURES 

(Lebanon, Ohio Part II & Athens 9/15 & 9/16)

This is a blog about how to add to your wardrobe using antique shops, thrift stores, yard sales and other venues. We travel Ohio and beyond discovering unique and stylish items we want to share and the places we found them.

Saturday I spent the day in Lebanon for the second time in a few weeks. My guy has work there this month and I have tagged along for his short work days to spend time with him afterward. This time we were determined to hit the antique shops and specialty stores we missed weeks ago. We started at a store called Beneath the Tree. It was closed when we were there last because they do not have Sunday hours.

Beneath the Tree

 9 South Broadway St

Lebanon, Ohio 45036

On the sidewalk in front of the store, my attention was grabbed by several Reno Rose scarves displayed in some of the different ways that the scarf can be worn. I was definitely pulled in by the window display. 

Walking into the store, I immediately smelled a warm and sweet fragrance. It felt like being at my parents house minus all the products. Mom is always burning oil or candles, so warm or fruity scents hit you as the door opens. The scent in the store is a combination of Woodwick candles and sample effusion lamps with oils inside.

The store carries garden supplies/accessories, candles, effusion lamps, cute cards, kitchen items, jewelry, fashion accessories and many novelty items. I loved this kitchen accessory. It rang very true to me.

I loved this headband as well! It was probably put out in the name of Halloween being just around the corner but I saw it as a fun accessory to wear anytime.

Next to the rhinestone spider headband was this wall of scarves, scarf accessories and bags. I was drawn to it because of the color. I love accessories and scarves fit into that category. You can change the course of an outfit with a scarf. You are never limited to possible looks with this one accessory since it can be worn many ways including on your head and as a belt.

With everything I saw in the store, I was most attracted to these Kate & Macy bracelets. I am a huge ladybug fan and when I find cute ladybug accessories I have to have them. My wrists are also very small, so when I find a bracelet that fits it makes sense for me to get it. So with both of these reasons working for me, I left with one Kate & Macy bracelet.

Cabins to Castles

 107 East Mulberry St.

Lebanon, Ohio 45036

Cabins to Castles is a shop that offers new and consigned items. The store carries furniture, antiques, collectibles and vintage fashion items.

When you walk inside, you find a very organized set up. While a lot of the items weren't my particular taste, I appreciated the visual presentation. The store creates the feeling of home with the furniture placement and added touches, the kind of set up you see at new furniture stores. 

The second room translates pretty much the same feel as the first. There is another living room set up and a dining table partially decorated for a holiday family gathering.

Then you come to a section of the store with a sign that reads CC's Boutique. Next to this sign there are articles of vintage clothing and about a dozen vintage hats. This is where I got excited. I was drawn to a blue fedora that was made in Switzerland for Lazarus Columbus. I laughed when I read the tag. Oh Lazarus & City Center! You are missed!

Day 2 Athens Ohio

Sunday the fella and I rode around southern Ohio. We ended up in Athens, Ohio. I had not been in Athens since I was a teenager. I figured a city full of college students would have some inexpensive and fun shopping options.

UNHONORABLE MENTION!

Artifacts Gallery

 2 West State St.

Athens, Ohio 45701

This is the first time and hopefully the last time I will have to do this. I was so excited to see and go into this store. Once I got inside I became so uninspired. This was not because of the stuff they sold. The store was super cool! The jewelry was fun and so were the clothes and shoes. What was not cool was the lack of customer service. I have worked many years of my life in retail and it is never okay to completely ignore your customers. I was never greeted or spoken to at all. The store is not that big and the majority of my time there I  spent looking at jewelry with the associates an arms length distance away from me. Not Cool!

Random House

 12 West State St.

Athens, Ohio 45701

After a very disappointing experience up the street, I ran into Random House. It was not much to look at but it offered a few exciting pieces.

I found the store to be cluttered and unorganized. There were items in boxes like these masks I came across as I walked in the store. I wondered if the store had newly opened.

I make a habit of walking through an entire store before I start making selections. I made a metal note of these very cute earrings as I walked past the cash wrap toward the back of the store.

I know there are many anti-fur people out there but I will not apologize for not being one of them. I love fur. I wear it all, real or faux. This silver fox jacket caught my eye. It is just like the one my grandma gave me when I was in high school. I wore it until it fell apart. It is now a pair of legwarmers. 

I went back to the cash wrap to take a closer look at the earrings I saw earlier when I saw a worthy piece hanging from a mannequin hand. I love crosses and this one was large like I like them. Mine! 

left to right: blue made for Lazarus fedora from Cabins to Castles (Lebanon) $13, Kate & Macy ladybug bracelet from Beneath the Tree (Lebanon) $10 & cross from Random House (Athens) $4

details on Kate & Macy bracelet

cross from Random House

Look for these items in future closet blogs! Fashionista's, antiquers & store owners! Got a store or area I should visit? Leave me a comment.

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,