Fabulously Frugal Fall Fashion Friday #7 (The Final Challenge!)

So here we are at our final challenge!  The Anything Goes Challenge was a chance to show off our go-to fall outfits.  Here are a couple that we came up with:

I resuscitated these super comfortable, and booty-shaping 3-year-old jeans by replacing some missing buttons and trimming off the scraggly threads from stepping on the back of the cuff (you know you have a pair like this!)  I paired it with my favorite button-down top,  flats and threw on a belt to cinch the waist.  Everything in this picture is at least a year old.





I am wearing the same jeans and flats in these photos, but paired with a favorite 3/4 sleeve striped sweater and my go-to scarf. (Noticed my hair tie on my right wrist? That's an everyday go-to look for me!) The envelope clutch in the photo is one of our AquaSeventy6 creations. Check our Facebook page for more information.

Since this is our last challenge, we hope you participate! We want to see how you recreate these looks!  You have until Sunday to post a link to your photograph in the comments section of this post or email us the photo using the subject line ANYTHING GOES.  We will feature our favorites on Monday.  If you need a reminder of the rules or details, click here.

Click here to see where this and our other projects are linked!

Blending

As much as I love my children, I don't love their mess everywhere. I have struggled with allowing all things child into my home. I like to keep my house a certain way and the piles of Matchbox cars and mounds of dinosaurs don't fit into my idea of a cute little home.But I am letting go...and I am learning to blend.


Finding ways to bring their things into common areas - and not just their room - makes me happy and them proud. It saddens me that I have been so uptight about my house in the past.


I let them put their mini pumpkin on my vintage scale, and let them weigh cars on it too.Giving in to the things that use to make me crack has freed up our home (and my mind) to be a more creative and fun place.


And the gourds in the basket? All them. Looks like their design eye may be keener than I thought!


But there are still plenty bursts of pretty here and there for mama; even if it is just a coffee mug. It's the little things.  

Shabby Ruffle Mini-Wreaths

Yes, we know most of you are still carving pumpkins and picking out Halloween costumes, but here at AquaSeventy6, the winter holidays are in full swing!  You might remember the Shabby Ruffle Mini-Wreaths we made last year.  They were a huge hit at our Holiday Trunk Show! 

Our friends over at Blossom and Poppy loved them, too!  Here is what we made for them, and a preview of what you will find at our shop and shows this winter.

Sorry that the photos are so bad! Between orders, sick kiddos, and traveling spouses we haven't had time to set up fab vignettes.  Hope you still love us, though! xoxo

Click here to see where this and our other projects are linked!

Fabulously Frugal Fall Fashion Challenge: The Final Challenge and Features

Thanks to all of our readers and followers who participated in The Tights Challenge last week!  Before we premiere our FINAL challenge, here are our favorite link-ups from last week.

We love our Frugalista Fashionista, AnhKay from Glass Slippers on a Budget! 
This week she paired some chunky belts with tights to create outfits that can easily go from day to night! 

Our mini fashion maven comes from Port Saint Lucie, FL.  Miss J is sporting some
super cute polka dot tights, paired with a handbag created by her mama!  Great work!

 Thanks again ladies for your participation! If your look was featured, make sure to grab a LOVED BY button from our Button Up tab to put on your sidebar or featured page.  Remember, if you want your look to be featured, follow the rules listed below!


Now on to our FINAL challenge: The ANYTHING GOES Challenge.

That's right!  For our final challenge, we are leaving it up to you to create your favorite fall look for a steal!  Need some PINspiration?  Check out these fun looks!

Pinterest

Here is a reminder of the rules:

• Recreate a similar outfit head-to-toe.  This can mean that you recreate 1, 2, 3 or all of the looks featured this week.
• Create your very own look inspired by the photos we have posted
• Use the bonus accessory in your completed look
• Create an outfit inspired by the bonus accessory

This is where the FRUGAL part comes in.  The looks you create must be made up from:

• Garments/accessories you find at a thrift store/consignment store/yard sale/etc.
• Garments/accessories you already own.
• Garments/accessories you create.

You have until this Friday to recreate the outfit(s) and blog about them. Make sure to tell us where you found the pieces and how much (little) you spent on them. Don't forget to add the button below to your blog post, and we would LOVE if you became a follower.

Come back to AquaSeventy6 on Friday to see how we have recreated the looks, as well.  You are invited to add the link to your blog post on our comments section and the following week we will feature our favorite looks on our site and our Facebook and Twitter pages.


Don't have a blog, but you still want to join in?  NO PROBLEM!!  Create your look, upload the photos to a share site (ie: Photobucket or you can pin your look to Pinterest) and add the link, as well as the purchase/cost details, in our comments section on Friday for a chance to have your look featured.  You may also email your look by clicking on the email tab in our sidebar and using the word "ANYTHING GOES" in your subject line.

Fabulously Frugal Fall Fashion Friday #6 and the Week in Review

Hi friends!  Unfortunately the week got away from us here at AquaSeventy6 and we don't have any photos to share with you for the Tights Challenge.  We've been sewing our little fingers off preparing orders for clients, planning our 4 cross country trunk shows, and filling up our Etsy shop so that all of you can get a jump start on your holiday shopping!

Our FFFFC will continue on Monday with features and our FINAL challenge.  I know, we've had SO MUCH FUN recreating looks on the cheap.  If possible, we will recreate a tights look over the weekend and share along with the features.

In other news, we have SOLD OUT of the aqua and green Envelope Clutch we previewed last week!  Don't worry little chickadees, similar ones are in the works.  The fabrics will be different, but the style will remain the same.

Our readers and clients have been buzzing about Wednesday's Scrappy Scarf Necklace project.  I agree, these WOULD make fun Christmas gifts! :)

Did you see yesterday's Petite Bag and makeup bags?  Super fun for gifts or for yourself!  Don't forget to become a fan on Facebook for coupon codes, previews, and Facebook Fan Only specials!

We really appreciate you!  Have a great weekend!

Here's a blast from the past....

Our First Holiday Trunk Show 2010

Trunk Show Preview: Petite Bag and Make Up Bag

Even though it is full-on Fall, I cannot seem to set aside soft, lovely colors and patterns. In my world, they are gorgeous year round!
This petite bag is just the right size for your essentials: phone, wallet, keys, camera and lipgloss. I made the straps just long enough for you to slide an arm thru but you can still carry it as a handbag if you choose.
These will be in a variety of colors and patterns at some of the upcoming trunk shows. As will this perfect little make up bag.


This bag is 12" long with a zipper enclosure so none of your mineral powder dusts the bottom of your purse! It is roomier than the picture allows but still small enough to toss in your bag.
More of these bags to come...as well as coordinating travel sets!

Anthro Knock-Off: Scrappy Scarf Necklace

Remember this Anthropologie Scarf Necklace from our Monochromatic Challenge?

Source

$148 was just a little too much for me to spend (apparently it wasn't too much for others because the necklace has since sold out!) on an accessory, so I attempted to whip up my own version using scrap fabric.  Here is what I came up with:

I loved ripping strips of fabric and piecing together scraps for the scrappy version of the original!

Twisting the fabric gave it a whole new look!

I went a little crazy and made 4 necklaces (two of which we immediately claimed by my friend Marcy from K.a.i-y.a.)
I thought this twisted stacked looked was awesome for the winter!

This was a really fun way to make my scrap bin into something trendy for the fall!  What do you think?

Click here to see where this and our other projects are linked!

Upcycled Paper Bag Cape

My 'lil guy just turned 4! He chose the theme for his party: Heroes v Villains. It was so much fun!

One of his requests was that all party goers be able to make a cape and a mask. My response? "Perfect!"

The capes were so simple and fun to make I couldn't help but share. So here you go.

Start with a paper grocery bag. Open it up completely and start cutting at the side seam.

Continue to cut across the bottom and all the way around to the other side seam.

Cut a semi-circle in the middle of the bottom flap (this is where the cape will fit around the child's neck)

Next, open the edges of the circle where they are glued together and trim the ends so they are even.

Then, gently peal off the handle and your cape is almost done.

Finally, punch holes at the sides of the neck and tie ribbon through the holes. 

Now the kids are free to decorate and get creative!

One of my favorite little crafters, hard at work!

These were so much fun and totally FREE to make. And you know us Aqua gals adore a bargain. 

Fit for a Superhero and a great Halloween craft as well!
I know what you're thinking, "I can do that." Know what? You can. And you should. Because we also discovered that if you turn it around to your front it makes an awesome adult-sized bib for eatin' lots of BBQ!

Fabulously Frugal Fall Fashion Challenge: The Tights Challenge and Features

Thanks to all of our readers and followers who participated in The Red Challenge last week!  Before we premiere this week's challenge, here are our favorite link-ups from last week.

Loyal participant, and fashionista, AnhKay from Glass Slippers on a Budget, put together two great
red-inspired looks this week!  She used the bonus accessory as inspiration for her red flower pin and
her black flower choker.  Love the red peep-toe pumps!

Newest participant, Grace, looks FAB sporting her thrifted black top (from Melbourne, Australia!)
and $4 tartan skirt!  We are LU-HU-VING the oxford pumps. 
LOVE LOVE LOVE!  Can we have them?  ;)

Thanks again ladies for your participation! If your look was featured, make sure to grab a LOVED BY button from our Button Up tab to put on your sidebar or featured page.  Remember, if you want your look to be featured, follow the rules listed below!


Now on to this week's challenge:  The Tights Challenge

Via Pinterest

You are free of a bonus accessory this week!


Here is a reminder of the rules:

• Recreate a similar outfit head-to-toe.  This can mean that you recreate 1, 2, 3 or all of the looks featured this week.
• Create your very own look inspired by the photos we have posted
• Use the bonus accessory in your completed look
• Create an outfit inspired by the bonus accessory

This is where the FRUGAL part comes in.  The looks you create must be made up from:

• Garments/accessories you find at a thrift store/consignment store/yard sale/etc.
• Garments/accessories you already own.
• Garments/accessories you create.

You have until this Friday to recreate the outfit(s) and blog about them. Make sure to tell us where you found the pieces and how much (little) you spent on them. Don't forget to add the button below to your blog post, and we would LOVE if you became a follower.

Come back to AquaSeventy6 on Friday to see how we have recreated the looks, as well.  You are invited to add the link to your blog post on our comments section and the following week we will feature our favorite looks on our site and our Facebook and Twitter pages.


Don't have a blog, but you still want to join in?  NO PROBLEM!!  Create your look, upload the photos to a share site (ie: Photobucket or you can pin your look to Pinterest) and add the link, as well as the purchase/cost details, in our comments section on Friday for a chance to have your look featured.  You may also email your look by clicking on the email tab in our sidebar and using the word "TIGHTS" in your subject line.

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Fabulously Frugal Fall Fashion Friday #5

On Monday we posted a few photos of fall fashions from our Pinterest board.  Our challenge (and yours) was to create similar looks using only items we already own or have bought second hand.  So how did we do with the Red Challenge?  You tell us!

Original inspiration:

Our Recreations:
Sorry for the poor photos!  The week got away from us and we took these last night.

I bought this dress years ago at Ross, paired it with my favorite
soft scarf and boots for a floral red look.

You can't tell by this photo, but this is a vintage sweater I found at
Goodwill a couple of weeks ago for $2.50.  I added a black cardigan
I got at Ross last year and my black Ross boots from earlier this year.

This mini-dress/blouse is an H&M brand that I found at Goodwill
a few weeks back for $4.  The black leggings are from many
seasons ago and my black Ross boots.

We want to see how you recreate these looks!  You have until Sunday to post a link to your photograph in the comments section of this post or email us the photo using the subject line RED.  We will feature our favorites on Monday along with the new outfit inspirations for next week's challenge.  If you need a reminder of the rules or details, click here.







Click here to see where this and our other projects are linked!