Zodiac Necklaces - What's Your Sign?

Looking at another person’s jewelry is like reading a map to their personality. My favorite jewelry pieces are the ones that tell a story, such as my zodiac necklace. When people ask, “What is that?” I can say, “This is my zodiac sign: it means that I am loving, courageous, special, and awesome!” They won't know what it really means, but at least I can walk away believing that I am really loving, courageous, special and awesome... **wink wink** 

This month, we love the Zodiac Collection by IJA Designs. All of their jewelry is handcrafted in a 100% renewable energy run studio and made with recycled metals.

The artist behind IJA Designs, Erin, is pretty amazing herself! Her inspiration comes from everything in life - her family, Oregon’s beautiful scenery, tattoo art, and “any and all music” rocking in her studio. Her motto: “Beauty radiates within, but a pair of fabulous earrings can’t hurt!” Neither can a fabulous Zodiac necklace! We will definitely be rocking our zodiac sign around all summer long! 

Find your Zodiac Necklace here! 

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DIY: Ombre Cutoffs with Studs

Denim cutoffs are a must have staple item for Summer.  With all of the variations of prints, textures, and colors, we are constantly day dreaming about denim. Maybe you've got some old denim that could use a makeover or just want to make your cutoffs stand out... If so, we've got a fun and easy DIY project for you to try.

All you need is love and... scissors, bleach, water, studs, pliers, and denim.

Start with finding the right pair of denim. Either recycle your old cutoffs or start from scratch -  I wanted some high-rise mom jeans for a vintage look so I went to Goodwill. They were out of mom jeans so I left with classic black Levi's (only $5!)

Try on the jeans and mark where you want them to be cut. Cut about 1.5"-2" below where you marked - this allows room for error and extra fray. If you're not too savvy with scissors, try using your favorite pair of cutoffs as a guide. 

 

 (my cat wanted to help...)

Mix 1:1 bleach and water (I used 2 cups of each). Place the shorts halfway into mixture and walk away for a few hours - I actually forgot about mine all day! When it fades to the color you desire, remove and rinse with water. To neutralize bleach, wash shorts with 1/2 c baking soda (no detergent!) Dry and proceed.

For an edgy rocker look use real metal studs. Metal studs can be hard to find... Lucky me, I had some leftover from my wannabe punk years. Using pliers, I pried some studs off an old belt and it was actually really easy!

Lay the studs on the jeans wherever you want them to go. Poke the prongs on the back of the stud through the denim. Use the pliers again to flatten and secure... and you are done!!!

What do you think of this post? Would you like to see more DIY projects? We want your feedback. Leave your comments below!

POLL: Flatforms

Flatforms are this season's new "trend" shoe. What are flatforms? Flatforms are a hybrid of platforms and flats, giving you the best of both worlds! It's like wearing heels without the cripple factor, but you still get that "high" factor. We want to know which flatform style is your favorite. 

Which style do you like the best?

Melania

Damas in Black

Damas in Camel

Ava

FLASH FLOOD SALE AT STRUT!!!

FLASH FLOOD SALE AT STRUT!!! by strutaddict featuring a summer nail polish

Kork-Ease: A Wedge in Time

Vintage Kork-Ease

The infamous Platform Wedge, created by Kork-Ease, has climbed to the top of the Stairway to Heaven and back... Since their rising popularity in mid-'70s, Kork-Ease shoes have graced the floors of Studio 54, dressed the feet of Betsey Johnson, and just recently earned their spot as one of the 25 shoes featured in the Landmark Shoe Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute!!! Check out our favorite Kork-Ease looks from the Spring/Summer 2012 Collection.

 (Images via ColorMeNana)

(Images via NatalieOffDuty)

(Images via BehindTheSeams)

Stop by Strut to get your Kork-Ease today!!!

Style Icon: Penny Lane

She coined the term "band-aid", made rock stars fall in love with her, and took her name from a Beatles song... "Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes!"

Inspired by her free spirit and rock n' roll style, we put together some of our favorite looks for the summer. Get the Penny Lane seventies style with printed shorts, flare jeans, and crochet tops! Pair any outfit with your favorite leather wedges and vintage accessories to complete the look! You will fit right in with the band... It's all happening!!!

 Almost Famous

Crochet Top/ Paisley Shorts/ Free People Purse/ Sixtyseven Wedges/ House of Harlow 1960 Necklace/ Vintage Bracelets/ Betsey Johnson sunglasses

Valley of the Dolls

Crochet Dress/ Sixtyseven Wedges/ Urban Outfitters Purse/ Vintage Jewelry

Dazed and Confused

Crochet Knit/ Mother Jeans/ Sixtyseven Wedges/ Free People Feather Clip/ Vintage Clutch/ Betsey Johnson Sunglasses

We want to see your favorite summer style! Send us pictures and get featured on our blog!