Bauble-licious: DIY Chain Link Necklace

Large chain link necklaces keep catching our eye and we are seeing them everywhere. From long links by Design Darling and Tory Burch, to statement baubles by just about everyone, we wanted to combine them! We saw a necklace that inspired us, but, silly us, can't recall the designer (if you know, please let us know so we can link to them! We like to credit our inspiration.) We created a very simple jewelry DIY for you to make in a few steps so you can have a statement necklace in the latest style a few minutes after you gather all the supplies.

Step 1: Gather supplies: black chain, gold chain, 2 large beads in your choice of color, jump rings, wire or Beadalon, pliers, not pictured: crimp beads.

Step 2: Wind the black chain back and forth until it is the length you desire. Add jump rings to the end of gold chain. Place wire through large beads with crimp rings on either side. Loop wire around the black links and through the jump wire on the gold chain.

Step 3: Loop other end of beadalon or wire through crimp ring. Tighten beadalon, smash crimp ring, and cut excess off end.

Step 4: Loop beadalon around the links where the black chain is gathered, tighten it, and smash crimp ring.

Step 5: Cut excess off one end, while leaving wire through the large bead. Repeat on other side.

Step 6: The final necklace!

TIPS: *Black chain link is found in the trim section of your home store, such as JoAnn Fabrics. *We prefer gold chain from the hardware store - it's heavier than the chain we find in home stores.

What to wear to school: Class Style & Date Night Do's

Alyssa and Amy of EastCoastClad.com join us to talk about college fashion. We thought it was perfect for fall because it also applies to high school; and since they have such a fashionable blog, we knew they'd provide great fashion ideas to college gals and high-schoolers alike! The two most frequent style questions are 1) what to wear to class, and 2) what to wear out at night. Here are what Alyssa and Amy had to say! Alyssa: What to wear to school? What a person wears to class says a lot about them. Most people opt for the comfortable look with sweat pants and a hoodie. However, that says I am here but I wish I were at home sleeping instead. If you don’t take yourself serious why should anyone else, including the professor. I believe that you should dress your best wherever you go, because you never know who you will run into. Especially when going to class in college, you may have a speaker come to your class and they could possibly be a future connection for work. If you are wearing the clothes you slept in the night before, they will not take you serious. If you were wearing a polished classic outfit they would be more likely to take the time to meet you.

Alyssa’s Campus Outfit: Shirt: ModCloth; Jeans: Dittos; Shoes: Target; Bag: Target; Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelets: Pandora and vintage; Nails: Essie (Buy Me A Cameo)

My outfit says, “Hello, I am here and ready to learn!” It may just be my bright red jeans that catch everyone’s attention, but this outfit is fun and still has that polished factor. You can never go wrong with a striped shirt and colored denim. Also, I am not much of a backpack girl so I like to switch up with different totes according to my outfit. I love just throwing my books in a big bag that actually matches my outfits. Nothing to me looks sillier than a girl wearing an awesome outfit, and has on a huge chunky backpack. It takes away from the person’s style in my opinion. These shoes are great for walking back and forth to classes. For makeup, you don’t need anything fancy. All natural colors and simple eyes are perfect for the daytime—that means no smoky eye.

You want to be comfortable and able to get around campus while still looking chic. My best advice is, what to wear to school is something that is simple, classy, and modest. Ditch those sweat pants and slippers and dress for success!

Amy: What to wear for girls night out or date night? Dressing for a a night out or date should be fun and easy. Whether you are going on a date with your boyfriend of a year, or going on your first date, the rules stay the same: be yourself and keep it simple. One thing guys dislike is a girl who is over-dressed with too much make-up on. He is there to see you, so be sure to show your true self.

Amy's Date Outfit: Lace shirt: Zara; Skirt: Nordstrom Rack; Boots: Aldo; Bag: Vintage Coach; Watch: Fossil; Necklace: Old Navy; Bracelet: H&M

For my outfit, I chose fun, girly pieces like my floral skirt and lace top. I paired the skirt with my tried and true brown leather boots from Aldo, which are a classic and a necessity for all girls. I kept my jewelry simple, choosing to wear my brown stone necklace, yellow and gold chain bracelet and rose gold watch. Wearing too much jewelry can be distracting and uncomfortable; definitely two things you do not want on a date! Also, be sure to carry a simple bag. Nothing too big because 1) guys are afraid of extra large purses and 2) What do you really need on a date with you besides the necessities…leave the Band-Aids, planner and back up shoes at home.

As for make-up, definitely keep it natural! I chose to wear a BB cream on my face with a touch of bronzer and blush. On my eyes, I wore smudgey eyeliner and mascara, and for my lips, I chose a lipgloss in a pale pink color. Choosing the right lipgloss is essential. You don’t want to get a crazy color and end up with it on your teeth and chin after dinner, or get a super sticky lipgloss. Keep it kissable!

XO ~ Alyssa & Amy of East Coast Clad

Anthropologie: 6 things we love!

Anthropologie just opened in Louisville and we can hear the collective yell of excitement of teens and moms across the city. We did an informal survey of our friends to find out what the fuss was all about. I mean, we have our own opinion, but why does everyone love it so much? Sure, Anthropologie's clothes are sensational, especially when Mom's along with her credit card, but what else is there to love about Anthropologie? We scouted out the goods and and confirmed with our friends that these are our the top 6 things most teens love: 1. The home stuff. From bedding, to frames, to pillows, if every teen's bedroom could be from Anthropologie, it would still be unique!

2. The sale section. There is always, always, always a bargain to be had! We've got our eye on these shorts to go on sale!!

3. The little things near the cash register. Gotta wait in line? No problem, because there will be a last-minute knickknack screaming your name.

4. The accessories. They are simply amazing - from cute and girly to bold and flirty, and everything in-between.

5. The store decor. Whoever decorates makes it feel like home. It's like my closet, except a gazillion times bigger, with everything I'd want already inside of it. It's a real-life Pinterest board.

6. The dresses. Whenever we need a cute dress, we know without a doubt that Anthropologie will have one. In any style, any color, any mood... it's here. Always.

All photos taken at the Anthropologie store opening (except the red dress) by StyleBlueprint Louisville. Check them out for great stories and fantastic deals!

Let us know what you love about Anthropologie and what tops your list!