DIY Kimono

Hello beautiful people! Kimono-style tops are a light and easy way to layer in the spring and summer months. I love the effortless look that kimonos can give any outfit. They can be paired with tanks, swimsuits, and dresses. After looking at many different kimono's, I saw that the shape and pattern were quite simple. I basically drew on the fabric itself and cut it out. You will be surprised at how easy it is to make your own!

Materials

• 1 1/2 yards of lightweight fabric- fits small to large ( mine is from Jo-Ann's ) 
• Matching thread
• Scissors
• Needle
• Pins
• Fringe or lace

 a. 1 1/2 yards

 b. 14 inches 

 c. 16- 20 inches depending on length of torso

 d. 10-14 inches depending on how close you want the fit

Step 1

Fold your 1 1/2 yards of fabric in half. Measure (a) by (b) and (c)

Step 2

Measure (c) and (d) on both sides and cut out the rectangles. Cut a straight line down the middle. Create an opening as big as you'd like. Make sure to only cut the front of the kimono!

Step 3

Place pins along the side seams. To prevent fraying fold a half an inch in for the opening seams and pin.

Step 4

Begin to sew along the pinned line ( I hand stitched this, but a sewing machine would be much quicker). You may also use fabric glue if you have trouble sewing, but once you get the needle threaded and tied, it is a piece of cake.

Step 5

OPTIONAL: I thought this step gave the kimono a little more character, so I added fringe along the sleeves. All you need to do is pin and sew! Then you are done!! 

I hope you enjoy making your Kimono as much as I did. I already plan on making some more! I'd love to see your Kimonos' if you make one! Make sure to tag me on instagram @missmariaelizabeth ,if you make one!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

Spring Break Packing List

Hello beautiful people! Right now we're in the final stretch of midterms and papers, and cramming in last minute projects before the light at the end of the tunnel: SPRING BREAK! It's so close that you can almost feel the sand between your toes, smell the salt water, and hear the crashing of the waves. I know for me, the only thing I want to be doing right now is relaxing by the ocean and soaking up some rays. To make sure you have everything you need for a great week, I have made a check list of things you don't want to forget!

PACKING LIST:

Swimsuits: It is important to get bathing suits that you can mix and match, because you are going to be in them all week! Tip: for those of you who don't want swimsuit lines, a bandeau top is great.

Bandeau Bikini : Target

Corset Bikini : Forever 21

Cover-up: A light fabric cover-up can keep you cool under the sun or it can keep you warm when the sun begins to set.

Tie-Dye Cover-up : Forever 21

Pom-Pom Tunic : J.Crew

Sunglasses: You don't need the most expensive pair of sunglasses to bring together a  beach outfit; you just need to find  the right look for you!

Aviator Sunglasses : Forever 21

                                                     

                                                              Heart- Shaped Glasses

Floppy Hat: These hats are wonderful for blocking the sun from your eyes if you want a different option from sunglasses. They are also a huge trend in the south!

Straw Hat : J.Crew

Straw Panama Hat

Sandals: The most basic and necessary shoe for any spring break at the beach. It is best to bring a neutral pair of shoes, along with a colored pair of sandals.

  

                                                       

                                                       Gladiator Sandals

                                                    

                                                            Flip Flops : Target

Beach Bag: If you are going to spend the whole day at the beach, you need to be prepared with all the necessary supplies, and that requires a bag to fit it all!

                                             

                                                         Monogram Beach Bag

                                           

                                                               Monogram Tote : Etsy

Nail Polish: Choose a playful, bright color for the beach! It will look fabulous when you are all tanned up!

                                              

                                                                     essie nail polish

SUNSCREEN:  I know most of us want to get color while we are on spring break, but it is best to protect our skin! Also a lip balm with SPF in it will protect your lips from chapping.

                                              

                                              

                                                            Sun Bum Day Tripper

Book/ Magazine: Spring break is a great time to pick up that book you've been longing to read!

                                             

Beauty Bag: Make sure to pack a brush, deodorant, lip gloss, texturizing hair spray or cream, spray bottle of water ( to keep you refreshed) , makeup wipes, aloe, hand sanitizer , and mascara.

I hope you all have an awesome week and don't forget to put on sunscreen!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth