How to Wear: Animal Print

I’m a sucker for animal print. It’s a great neutral to be paired with anything and adds some kick to your wardrobe. But…if not worn properly, it’s a bit too much (see Miss Hilton’s head-to-toe look above).

The key to wearing it well: let the print stand alone. Whether you go with tiger, cheetah, leopard or zebra, the pattern should be the lone focal point of your look. Don’t overwhelm it with other bold patterns or heavy accessories.

Whether you want to go bold with a zebra print coat or leggings or just add a dash of spice with cheetah bangles, below are a few options, all under $100.

More Asos…

Tags: animal print, how to, how to wear

DIY – Floral Bib Necklace

I had some left over trimmings from the DIY Bloggers Challenge and I felt inspired to make a pretty little creation. Bib necklaces were huge last season and they’re still going strong. The statement making pieces are a great way to add flair to a plain tank or bare neckline. I used this Express necklace (above, left) as inspiration for my one of a kind piece.

{material: chain, crazy glue, pronged studs, artificial flower petals}

Click more to see the easy step by step instructions…

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Tags: accessories, DIY, Patrice's style

DIY – Floral Peep Toe Pumps

Since participating in New York Design Shop’s DIY Bloggers Challenge, I’ve become obsessed with finding ways to remix old items in my closet. I have a bad habit of buying shoes and after wearing them a few times, they’re lost into the abyss of my closet. But I was determined to do something with a pair of Zara sling backs I thrifted over a year ago. I wore them once, and that was it. They’re cute, but I like a bold, statement shoe (and lately I’ve been obsessed with rosette details).

Here’s how I took the shoes from cute to cuuuuute!

{purchase artificial flowers from a craft store or even a dollar store. separate the petals by removing the plastic center}

{cut petals to desired size. create a new flower by layering petals. use glue to adhere}

{add a stud to the center. glue a flower to the front of each shoe}

And if you like my creation above, be sure to vote for me in the bloggers challenge. I also made a studded fringe dress.

I think I’m going to make a bib necklace this weekend. Happy DIYing!

Tags: DIY, New York Design Shop

How to Organize Your Accessories

Check out the quick video I did on how to organize your accessories using household items. By repurposing simple items like pushpins and shower curtain hooks, I created an easily accessible and organized accessories corner.

You can just call me the sartorial MacGyver.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Living Fly on a Dime TV, to get more videos and how to.

Tags: accessories, how to, Living Fly on a Dime TV, video

How to Pack a Carry On Bag

I never check my bags when flying. Seriously, I never (ever) check them. Besides the fact I’m afraid of my luggage being lost, I refuse to pay the fees. Though some airlines like JetBlue and Southwest allow you at least one checked bag for free, others charge on average $20 per bag.

Other than Spirit airlines, which now charges for carry ons (how insane is that?), other airlines allow you two gratis bags to bring on the plane. The key is to effectively pack so you can save cash, but also have your necessities.

Here’s how I pack a single bag for a 10 day vacation.

I start out with a general checklist of clothing:

• Dresses: they just make it super easy to get dressed. No need to worry about matching a top and a bottom, the dress is just one easy piece. Bring a mixture of casual day dresses and at least one LBD.
• Jeans: dark denim is pretty versatile. They’re great for day with a tank and sandals or with pumps.
• Dress pants: a white or black dress pant is always great to take along.
• Shorts: shorts or a romper depending on how you style it, can go from a day on the beach to a night on the town.
• Tops: an array of neutral tops will go with everything in your bag. A black cardigan or jean jacket is essential for chilly nights.
• Shoes: you really just need a comfy pair of flats, sandals, dressy heels in a neutral tone and maybe some sneakers.

Click more to see how I packed everything in one bag with plenty of space to spare…

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Tags: travel