Personal Message from Jane by Design's India Beaufort

Remember when I was participating in ABC Family's Jane by Design Style Challenge? (Winning blog gets mentioned in a future episode and winning blogger gets to pick another blog to be featured as ABC Family's Trendsetter of the Week!) Well, we're all still waiting for results --- so until then, here is a personalized video that cast member, India Beaufort, made for me!

Instead of a Tasty Thursday post this week, I have asked India what are her favorite guilty indulgences. Here is her response!


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ABC Family/Jane by Design Challenge #7 - Get The Look

Hi everyone! Jane by Design premiered last night on ABC Family :) For those who missed it, it's about a high school girl, Jane, that applies for an internship at a fashion house, Donovan Decker, but gets mistaken for the assistant position. The show presents how she juggles life between both worlds in addition to tons of fabulous fashion & even cute boys. Here's an extra clip from the show!

Well anyway, here is the FINAL challenge of the ABC Family/Jane by Design Style Challenge & I am so thankful for having such great fellow bloggers that have been supporting me & commenting on the Facebook wall for me -- so BIG THANK YOU to you guys, you rock!

So, the final task is: Choose one person you have observed and write a “get the look” entry on your blog. Tell your readers to share their “get the look” tips here and mention the name of your blog. As I watched the first episode, I noticed that Jane Quimby's look is very fun, youthful, and playful -- it reminded me of what I liked when I was in high school. However, I was more drawn to India de Beaufort's character, India Jourdain. Her looks were edgier, sophisticated, and definitely things that I would personally wear. She plays an associate designer that's pining for Gray Chandler Murray's job & she's a feisty character -- someone definitely who you might love to hate. Who doesn't like a great villain?This gray asymmetrical sleeve bandage dress is originally from Herve Leger. I found two similar dresses from Flirt Catalog & Free People.
As for her Vintage Hero diamond round pave ring, I found some great deals on similar-looking ones -- from Amazon, Emitations, and Overstock!
In the episode, India was also wearing these great scallop dangling earrings from Cake and black platform pumps from Miss Sixty. Some more affordable items I found were these great Timeless Home Decors & Forever 21 earrings. As for the shoes, I found ones from Lulu's, Wet Seal, and Go Jane.
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Share with me & Jane by Design what your 'get the look tips' are here & remember to mention Audrey Allure! This is the last challenge before they announce the winner! Please comment on the Jane by Design Facebook wall for me for this challenge - it would really mean a lot to me! Thanks SO, so much in advance and thank you for all the support during this entire challenge! (By the way, if I win, I can pick one of YOU to be featured as ABC Family's Trendsetter of the Week -- so there's something in it for you too ;))

ABC Family/Jane by Design Style Challenge #6 - Pretzel-Inspired Designs

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's Eve, and I wish you all a blissful 2012! For my NYE, I spent it at my cousins' house with a feast of food & treats, chat, laughs, and my boyfriend even stopped by to ring in the New Year with us.

I planned to publish this post tomorrow, but I will be with my cousins on a shopping spree all day! So here it is now :) As you can see, here is the next ABC Family/Jane by Design challenge! (If you're just catching up, I'm one of the participants in this challenge & ABC Family/Jane by Design sent each of us a trunk full of goodies that are numbered, corresponding to the specific challenge, and we get sent an email twice a week letting us know what to do with it!)
Task #6: Find the bag of pretzels in your trunk. Get inspired and create something that will amaze me. Post a photo to your blog and write an entry explaining your design. Ask your readers to share ways in which they were inspired to make fashion out of unexpected items here and mention the name of your blog.

I was really drawn to the pretzel sticks and the snaps rather than the original shaped pretzel. I incorporated both into great jewelry pieces. First up, this pretzel grid necklace :)

Having limited resources, I simply used a black Sharpie and colored in the pretzel sticks after scraping some of the protruding salt. I used black thread and tied the three pieces together. Then, I simply just put the necklace chain through the two outside pieces.
With the sticks, it reminded me of spikes. I've been seeing this spiked cuff around lately, and well I thought, why not make my own? Like the pretzels from the necklace, I scraped off most of the salt and colored it black. Along with some white speckled branches I pasted it onto this tortoise cuff.

click images to enlarge

P.S. I have yet another exclusive clip from Jane by Design, which will premiere Jan 3!

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Share with me & Jane by Design in what ways where YOU inspired to make fashion out of unexpected items are here & remember to mention Audrey Allure! Help me get to the end, and I'll be able to choose one of YOU as ABC Family's Trendsetter of the Week!

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ABC Family/Jane by Design Challenge #5 - Day to Night

Yay! I've made it to the next round -- and I'm so glad too; this next one was probably my favorite so far since it was more of my thing. Having experienced busy days & learning how to quick-change for multiple events in a short amount of time in addition to commuting definitely helped influence my looks.

Task #5: Take the white shirt out of your trunk (if you're just catching up, ABC Family/Jane by Design sent us a big trunk full of items which are to be used for these challenges & participants get challenges sent to us by email twice a week, that is if we make it to the next round!) and put it on your dress form. Using accessories from your own collection (or anything else you can think of), show how you would style the shirt for a day at the office. Then, change the look entirely and show me how you would style the same shirt for a dressy cocktail party. Post photos of both styles to your blog, and write an entry explaining what you did to create each look. Ask your readers to share their day-to-night styling tips here and mention the name of your blog.

Click on images to enlarge

Here is my look for a day at the office. I paired with a black cardigan, a printed high-waisted pencil skirt, and coral heels (which aren't so high so it's still comfortable) along with a beautiful cocktail ring and a chunky necklace. The outfit is still fun but still business appropriate. I picked that big peach ombre bag because it compliments the outfit and it's the perfect size to carry essentials... and even some extra pieces to change into for a great cocktail party after work!

Click on images to enlarge

I ditched the cardigan and rolled up the sleeves. I changed the printed high-waisted pencil skirt into a cute sparkly mini and exchanged the chunky necklace for a fabulous pair of cluster earrings. I kept the cocktail ring, but decided to go for this stunning black clutch. For the shoes, I went just a bit higher with these wonderful color-block heels - definitely added some color to the look. And a swipe of lipstick always make a difference!

Voilà! A day-to-night transformation in less than 5 minutes. :)

P.S. Here's another exclusive clip from Jane by Design, which will premiere on Jan 3 on ABC Family!

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Share with me & Jane by Design what YOUR own day-to-night styling tips are here & remember to mention Audrey Allure! Remember, help me get to the end & I have the chance to pick one of YOU to be Trendsetter of the Week on ABC Family!

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ABC Family/Jane by Design Style Challenge - Ugly Xmas Vest Makeover

I've made it to the next round of the ABC Family/Jane by Design Style Challenge! Thank you all SO much for your support. I can't thank you enough! Anyway, Challenge #4 was quite difficult but I think I pulled it off well.

Task #4: "You must use every ounce of creativity you have to turn the holiday sweater into something special. Something spectacular. I don’t care if you use scissors or glue, your fat jeans or a slice of stale fruitcake. Turn that sweater into something fresh & exciting that could be the next big trend for Holiday 2012. When you think you’ve created something innovative and amazing, whether it’s a bracelet or a mini skirt, post before and after photos to your blog, along with a step-by-step description of how you came up with your creation. Ask your readers to share their own inspired creations here and mention the name of your blog."

I looked at the buttons and I thought the button idea would be a great idea for an opening for a small wallet. I've never made a wallet before so I basically winged the whole thing & below is my result.

1) I first took a small, basic wallet of my own (a two-fold), and used that as my measurement. I used the back of the Christmas vest & traced the wallet open there -- leaving about a half inch around the perimeter.
2) Using that pattern, I traced an identical rectangle.
3) With the guiding of pins that held the two pieces together, I hand stitched one of the short sides. I then, stitched the bottom as well -- making sure you fold in the extra half inch in. (That way, the rough edges don't show.) I worked my way around & stitched the other short side. I tried making it more fun by using colored yarn.
4) I measured the width of the wallet against the front of the vest where the buttons are and cut. [I know you can also take the buttons off and sew them onto the wallet itself & make the openings, but somehow this way was easier for me.]
5) I sewed the bottom half of the strip (where the button holes are) onto one end of the width of wallet, and did the same with the button strip on the other end.
6) I closed the wallet and measured where it would fold, and pinned it.
7) Measuring cardboard, I used two small rectangles and inserted it between the fabric, one for each side of the fold.
8) Again following the guiding of the pins holding it in place, I stitched the middle, and then eventually closed it off on top. Having the cardboard inside made the wallet sturdier and less flimsy.
9) Still needing a pocket, I decided to go with the one pocket sideways. I measured the fabric on the vest as needed & cut.
10) I hand stitched the pocket on 3 sides of it, leaving a nice opening.
11) I finished it off by adding an"A" initial with fabric glitter.

With the decals on the vest, I cut each one out & pasted them onto colored paper and cardstock -- they make great Christmas cards!
Also, since collars are a great accessory right now, I thought I'd attempt my own. With the sweater vest fabric, this would be great for Holiday 2012 with a warmer feel. I measured about 1.5-2 inches of a strip of fabric - the length of it would be measured around your own neck and where you'd want it to connect. I stitched in the edges so the roughness wouldn't show, and since I didn't have any clasps, I used mine with a safety pin & it works just as great!
Using my own ombre string, I decide to use the beads on the Christmas vest & string it together to make a cute bracelet. I'm really liking the look so I might definitely try to extend it into a necklace sometime soon :)
Also, I have another exclusive clip for you from Jane by Design which will premiere on Jan 3 on ABC Family :)

So help me out! Share with me & Jane by Design what some of YOUR own inspired creations are here, and remember to mention Audrey Allure! [If you help me finish the overall challenge (there are 7 in total), I'll be able to pick one of YOU as ABC Family's Trendsetter of the Week!]

The overall Style Challenge is halfway through, and I'm hoping my creations will get me to the next round -- will find out tomorrow! Until then, thanks again for all of your support; I definitely do have the best readers! xo

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ABC Family/Jane By Design Challenge #3 - Handbags!

So I made it to the 3rd challenge! Thanks to all of my lovely supporters! xo

Challenge #3: "Find the purse that best represents you. Post a photo to your blog & tell your readers why this purse conveys the very essence of who you are."

I think you all gorgeous readers already know my love for satchels. It's the type of handbag that I can't resist - heck, if I see a stunning one on someone else down the street, I will definitely ogle at it. Plus, aren't those tassels so fun? :)

Did you know that satchels were originally used for school books? It was most popular in the 17th century & it actually predates the backpack. What would that say about me? Hmm, well I am a big geek & I've always loved going to school and learning about something new. I usually put my studies and work before anything else, but that may also have been because of my upbringing.

I also love the simplicity and sophistication of this particular bag. It's what I aspire to be and hope that's what my image conveys. The classiness & vintage-esque of it attracts me as well. I can always draw inspiration from past decades - especially from films of the 50s, good oldie tunes, and hearing stories from previous generations.

The beautiful bag is such a great size -- perfect for fitting all of my things around & has lots of compartments inside, which I love because I definitely need organization in my life. Yes, there are a few times when spaces around the house show my items are all over the place (but hey! I know where everything is), but when it comes down to my work space or my handbag - everything is completely neat & tidy. I guess that just shows you where my creative side (go leftys!) mixes in with my Type A personality.

So what bags represent you the best?
Want to be ABC Family's Trendsetter of the Week? Stop by the Jane by Design Facebook wall & leave a comment stating what bag best represents you & remember to mention Audrey Allure for it to count!

If you help me win the style challenge, I have the chance to pick one of YOU to be featured on ABC Family as Trendsetter of the Week :) (If you already commented for me in the past challenges, I would so love it if you can do again for this challenge!) & spread the word! I need all the help I can get :) Thanks in advance & thank you so much for your support--let's prove that I have the best readers!

P.S. Check out this exclusive clip from the upcoming Jane by Design show, premiering Jan 3, for some inspiration!

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ABC Family/JBDStyleChallenge #2 - Style Icon/DIY Shirt

Hi everyone! So from a previous post, you may know that I'm participating in ABC Family/Jane By Design's Style Challenge. To view my first challenge where I posted a shopping haul video, click here. I would also like to thank you all for the support so far - it means so much to me & I really appreciate it :) You guys rock!
The huge trunk of props that ABC Family/JBD sent us included a t-shirt & some fabric markers along with a dress form. The 2nd challenge was to design a t-shirt inspired by your style icon & post an image of the shirt on the dress form. I instantly knew I wanted it based on Olivia Palermo -- I absolutely adore her chic, classy style. She always manages to look polished & beautiful.

[image source]

[image source] [image source]

As you can tell, one of my favorite colors is blue/teal, and I was really inspired by the first look pictured here in this post - of Olivia in a floral dress from Zara. I figured some of my competitors might decide to alter the t-shirt in some way, but I wanted to keep it a simple t-shirt. After all, a white t-shirt is such a versatile piece & a key item in a wardrobe - which Olivia has proved how to make a simple white tee look so fabulous. She also has an amazing eye for accessories, and I found this beautiful brooch in my jewelry box (which used to belong to my mother) that has gemstones in similar colors of the floral dress. I wanted to make my tee to reflect this piece as well as keep it simple, girly & classy like Olivia.
To view an exclusive clip from the show, which will premiere Jan 3 at 9PM/8PM C, click here! It shows Jane transforming her mom's old gown into a fun winter formal dress.

I used water color paints, fabric markers, fabric glitter, and blue studs (which were leftover from my Visual Merchandising class 3 years ago - I knew I would need these items someday! haha). Instead of going for a literal floral print, I went for a more subtle/abstract look. I used shades of blue with the fabric markers and created a base floral background. I then used some water color paints of blue & green and swirled around with my paint brush. Later on, I swept water across it so the colors could blend & bleed together. I was also going for that look where the piece seems like it has been dipped in paint, which technically it was. :)

At the hem of the t-shirt, I colored it in a dark blue and also lined with silver fabric glitter. I then cinched the side of the shirt to enhance the waist. I just simply bunched up the fabric & sewed through as if a pin was holding it. On top, I glued two blue studs to make it look more appealing & hide the yarn. I finished it off by pinning the brooch.

close-up on the abstract floral/water color print I made:

I made it so that it's a great piece to stand alone but can work great with jackets & blazers - like I paired it below with my brown leather jacket & a striped black blazer. We know that Olivia can definitely rock a blazer!

[image source]

So who are your style icons? Share with me & Jane by Design by posting it onto the JBD wall & mention that I sent you over there! ;) [It would really help me out so much if you do! & thanks so much in advance!]

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ABC Family/Jane By Design Style Challenge #1

Hi there, lovelies! So you all may know that I have been chosen as one of the participants of ABC Family/Jane by Design's Style Challenge. Winner will get mentioned in the new TV show (which will premiere Jan 3 at 9PM, btw), and be promoted on the ABC Family website.

So, contestants were all sent a huge trunk full of props all numbered (still no idea what I'll be doing with each one yet). Challenges will be sent to us twice a week giving us further instructions for each prop.

The first challenge was to use the $50 gift card, go shopping, and create a shopping haul video. So voilà! Here is my video:

Of course I had to add music ;) The song is called "Boom" by Anjulie.

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I would really appreciate it if you show me a video of YOUR recent shopping haul, and share it with Jane By Design. Make sure you mention that "Audrey Allure sent me!" so it counts :) When you do, I will help promote your video & blog on my Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr accounts!

(Or you can leave a comment on their Facebook wall, saying "Audrey Allure sent me!" or mention my blog in a comment.) Pretty please? It would help so much :)

Thanks so much in advance! ♥

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Lucky Shops After Party - Jane By Design

such a cool lamp, no?

After the Lucky Shops event at the Highline Studios, guests gathered at the Crosby Hotel. Settling in, people mingled by the bar. Soon, we entered a little theater to see a pre-screening of a new ABC Family show, Jane by Design. It will premiere on January 3 at 9PM/8C.
It's about a teenage high-schooler, Jane Quimby (played by Erica Dasher), who applies to be a fashion intern but mistakenly lands a job as an assistant to a high-powered executive, Gray Chandler Murray (played by Andie McDowell) at a fashion house, Donovon Decker. So now, it's her obstacle to juggle her life on the job, all while keeping the secret of her true identity.
The show was quirky & cute and of course, filled with tons of fashion. Below are some stills from the show (click to enlarge).
After the viewing, there was a bit of a Q&A panel with the star actress and the costume stylist for the series. They chatted about the inspirations, getting into the mindset of the roles, favorite designers & places to shop, etc.

Do you think you'll be tuning in to watch?

To read my recap about the Lucky Shops VIP Night, click here.

Images were provided by ABC Family

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