DIY: T-Shirt Dress!

Last summer while preparing for the World Cup, I came across a T shirt with the Brazilian Flag across it and seeing as I'm a Brazilian I needed to own it. However there was one problem. The only shirt left was an XL and there was no way it was going to fit me. I bought it anyways with the idea that I would some how cut or pin it to make it work. When I got it home I thought I would just chop off the collar and wear it as an over sized, off the shoulder shirt. Then I accidentally cut too much off and realized it wasn't going to work. Too afraid to admit defeat, I started playing with it until I came up with the design below. It works great for any basic unisex tshirts. I normally wear a small or medium size, so if I want to make a shirt I would use a Large and if I want to make a dress, an XL. Below I've shown step by step directions on how to create your own DIY dress or shirt and provided two other pictures of times I've made them, including the original Brazilian Flag Dress! I hope you enjoy this and find a new use for an oversized T shirt that you might not have ever worn!

Step 1: After laying the T shirt flat, cut it along the bottoms of the sleeves. Also make one huge cut from the top of one sleeve, across the chest (under the collar) and across the top of the other sleeve. So basically cut everywhere you see red above!

Step 2: This is what it should look like. Notice how I wasn't too neat cutting the top? No worries! If you stretch the T shirt from shoulder to shoulder, the edge will roll over, creating a smooth looking hem.

Step 3: That's it for cutting! All you have to do is tie it on now! To do so, step into the shirt. As you can see I'm holding the front of each sleeve in my hands and the back portion is what has fallen to the sides and is behind me.

Step 4: Twist the sleeves and bring them to the back and tie them in a double knot. (Sorry for the exposure of my bra! haha)

Step 5: Hold the back portions of the sleeves that were falling to the side before.

Step 6: Twist the sleeves towards your body.

Step 7: Once twisted, tie them in a double knot and tuck the ends into the dress

Step 8: Adjust the back so everything is covered!

This is the finished product! I hope you enjoyed this! It's quick and easy and a great way to show spirit without wearing a typical T shirt like everyone else. Below are two of the other dresses/shirts that I have made!

 -Andrea

2 Girls, 2 Perspectives: Haircare

    "Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."  ~Kahlil Gibran

We're back! Sorry for the momentary absence. We could give you an excuse but I'm sure all you want to know is that we are back and ready to bring you the best of LALAland at full force. I (Andrea) found this quote a little bit ago and since we're sharing our routines for taking care of our hair and it's summer time, I thought it was quite fitting to start off this post with it. So let's get right into it.

Andrea's Hair Routine & Tips:

As you probably have already seen, I have very long dark hair. I get asked on a weekly basis how I grew it out to be so long and what I do to make it so healthy so here you go. First off, I'd say I have to thank my mother for passing along great hair genes. She also has great hair that is healthy and grows fast, so while I'm sharing these tips with you, please keep in mind that not everyone's hair is the same or will cooperate like mine so nicely does. 
If you have hair that's long you know how annoying it can be to comb out your tangled hair when you get out of the shower. To make it a little easier I bought a wide toothed comb with a hook on the other end, that I can hang in the shower. After I apply my conditioner I simply comb out any tangles. It's much easier to get them out when your hair is coated in the conditioner, which makes for very easy combing when you are out of the shower! After I'm done combing out my hair I always make sure to use a leave-in conditioner. I prefer the cream ones to the sprays, because I just don't feel like the sprays coat all of the ends of my hair enough. 
Now the last step of my hair routine depends on whether or not I'm going to be applying heat to it. If I choose to blow dry or curl it. I make sure to add a heat tamer spray to my damp or dry hair before doing so. I'd say the main reason my hair has stayed so healthy is because of this extra step. I've really noticed a difference in my hairs moisture and shine by preventing extra damage that the heat normally will do.
As you've probably already heard, drinking plenty of water will not only be beneficial to your hair but to your entire body, so I always recommend doing so. Below is a list of my current products that I use as mentioned above! Happy Hair :)


Leave-in Conditioner: Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Leave-in Smoothing Cream 
Heat Protectant: TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray


Lindsey's Hair Routine & Tips:
I'd like to think I have pretty long and decently healthy hair however it is not as long as Andrea's. My routine is very simple and minimalist. I am obsessed with makeup and other beauty products but hair has never really been my thing, I don't even know how to curl hair! So shameful! Anyways I usually wash my hair every other day and condition everyday. I am not partial to any specific shampoos but I do swear by Aussie Three Minute Mask for everyday conditioner. After I get out of the shower I'll comb out my hair and simply let it air dry. If I know I am going to be straightening it I'll use a pea sized amount of Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum. Thats about it. My hair naturally dries pretty straight with a bit of a wave.
I have never dyed my hair and I cry every time I get my hair cut so its safe to say I have been rockin the long hair don't care look for a while. Occasionally I'll straighten my hair and I try to avoid the blow dryer as much as possible. I do take a vitamin called Biotin to help with hair growth as well as a multi vitamin and Fish Oil pills. You can read the reviews on makeupalley.com for both Biotin and Fish Oil, they are pretty impressive. I definitely notice a difference when I stop taking them. Those are my tips for healthy long hair! What do you do to get luscious locks? 

Leave-in Conditioner: Aussie Three Minute Mask 

Straighten Serum: Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum

Vitamins: Biotin and Fish Oil 

June Picks: Fashion

Today we bring you our top June fashion related picks. Let us know what your favorite things for June are!

‎

1. Fedora: They are just so effortlessly cool. Wear one to the beach or out for dinner and drinks on a patio.
2. Light weight scarf in a bright color: I always keep a scarf in my purse when I go out to dinner or shopping so I can throw it on when the AC is too cool.
3. sundresses: I cannot express what a summer staple sundresses are for me. I wear them everyday. Perfect for the heat and just are just so adorable. Why would wanna wear anything but a dress?
4. Raybans: My favorite. I am in love with my Raybans. I used to only buy cheap sunglasses and lose/break them often. Having a nicer pair of shades has taught me to be more responsible. Plus Raybans = instacool.
5. Hair flowers: Is there anything that says summer more than a flower tucked in your hair? So tropical and fun! Bonus points for a real flower.
6. Daisy Dukes: These are obviously a classic summer staple. They look cute with almost any top and for a second you can pretend you are Jessica Simpson strutting your stuff in the Dukes of Hazzard.
7. Fringe Sandals: Fringe and suede. I am in love. These sandals would complete any cool girl summer outfit.
8. Turquoise jewelry: Although I have a turquoise jewelry obsession and wear it all year long it seems like summer month are ideal for this stone. It looks great with a tan and adds a chic element to any outfit.

         

1. Coral: I can't get enough of coral colored things for this summer. It's one of the best colors to compliment my tan skin and dark brown hair. 

2. Vintage inspired jewelry: I love vintage pieces and one of my favorite ways to incorporate them into my wardrobe for the summer is through jewelry pieces such as lockets. 

3. Aviators: I own several different shapes of sunglasses but when I'm running out the door I always seem to grab my aviators. To me they represent summertime. 

4. Havaiana Flip Flops: I simply cannot live without my Havaianas. Being a Brazilian, these are the only flip flops I wear and to me you can never have enough of the most comfortable summer shoes there are. 

5. Floral Print: Florals are huge this summer and I'm in love. Whether it's my jewelry, headbands, or clothes, I wear at least one floral item almost every day.

6. Skinny Belts: I love skinny belts all year round, but this summer I'm especially loving throwing on a flowy loose tank, and belting it to give it some shape. 

7. Sundresses: No summer is complete without a good bunch of sundresses. They're so easy to throw on in a hurry and on those scorching hot days, they're perfect for keeping cool.

8. Big Bold Accessories: Some mornings I feel so uninspired when putting together my outfit, so most of the time I throw on a simple white or black top, dark skinny jeans, and some bold accessories. It's so easy to dress up a normally plain outfit with some fun summer colors. 

June Picks: Beauty

1. Viva La Juicy Perfume by Juicy Couture: This is my absolute favorite perfume. It's a little heavy for the daytime but I love to wear it at night. I always get at least one person saying I smell really good when I wear it. It's a little pricey, but extremely worth the splurge. 

2. Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Eyeliner in R.S.V.P.: I use this product everyday as a base on my eyelids, with the exception of some nights that I go out when I use other colors. Even on days when I don't add any eyeshadow over it, I still use it because it just makes my skin look nicer. 

3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Smog: In the summer time I am all about neutral and bronze eye looks. Smog is one of my go to shades that looks amazing, especially with that newly acquired tan. 

4. Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara: I discovered this mascara about two months ago and I'm already on my second tube. It makes my lashes look dark, long, thick and separated. Not quite like false lashes, but did you really think that was possible? haha 

5. MAC Cosmetics Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Quite the thing!: Obsessed doesn't even begin to describe me with this lipstick. I wear it at any chance given because it just compliments my skin tone and tan so well. I mentioned it a few posts back and so don't be surprised if you hear about it again. Yes, I love it that much :)

6. Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain: This is another product that I use almost every day. It adds just the right flush to my cheeks and looks so natural. It's also great for summer time since liquid consistency decreases the amount of powder you're putting on your face. I don't like my makeup feeling heavy in the summer heat, so this is great for me. 

7. Revlon Nail Polish in Minted: As I'm typing this blog post this nail polish is currently on my nails, and has been for the past 2 weeks. It looks great on tan hands, so if you've recently become a bronzed goddess, I suggest you go pick up a bottle.

8. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick: This is hands down the best chap stick I have ever come across. It heals hurting lips like nothing I've ever tried before. I find that the summer sun can dry  my lips out so I always make sure to have this in my purse. It can be a little hard to get your hands on, so if you can find it I definitely recommend grabbing a stick....or two.

1. Bronzer
2. Orange/Red Lipgloss
3. Summer Scent
4. Robins Egg Blue Nailpolish
5. Fun Eyeliner Colors
6. Favorite Chapstick
7. Self-Tanner
8. Waterproof Mascara

For links to any of the products shown, click on the images and you'll be taken to the website that allowed us to create these awesome collages (www.polyvore.com) and information on each product can be found!

So those are our favorites. What have you been loving for June? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Behind the Scenes

I came across this quote a few weeks and I thought it represented my view on fashion and beauty perfectly.

"I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only our of politeness. And then you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny." --Coco Chanel

Now for some extra photos from our introductory photo shoot for LALAland. (Click them to enlarge) 

Have a relaxing Sunday :)

All Photos taken by Nick Perles (Check him out here!) 

-Andrea

How to get movie star white teeth

What is the perfect accessory for you new bronzed summer skin? Pearly white teeth of course. I used to be a white strips fan but they feel weird and they are pretty expensive. I have replaced them with Plus White 5 Minute Whitener Gel. It runs around six to eight dollars and you can get it at any drugstore or Ulta. Below is a link to one of my favorite makeup guru's Kandee explaining how she uses the gel. A few days of using this miracle gel and you'll have a toothpaste commercial worthy smile. Say cheese!

Click here for Kandee's Video

LALAlinks

Every week we're going to feature what we'll call 'LALAlinks'. There will be three links to various websites, blogs, or youtube channels that we want to share with you all.

1. Makeup Alley www.makeupalley.com: Warning, once you go to this website you might not ever leave. Makeup Alley is a huge database filled with reviews on every makeup product possible. Say you want to buy a new mascara but you aren't sure if it really works as well as that commercial on TV says. Simply find it on Makeup Alley and you can read other people's opinions on it before you have to waste your money on a product that might now work. I especially love this for products that are expensive.

2.Bloglovin'www.bloglovin.com: If you're a big blog reader like we are (which is probably the case since you're here reading ours...) you have to visit Bloglovin'. Simply make an account, search for your favorite blogs, and if they author has listed them on there, you can follow them. Anytime one of your followed blogs has a new post, it will be listed on your main page and you can go to it. Say one of your favorite bloggers has a DIY on how to make a really cute necklace that you want to rememember. All you have to do is click the like button, and Bloglovin' will essentially bookmark it for you later. Head over there right now and search for LALAland and follow us!

3. YouTube Channel for Makeup Artist Lisa Eldridge http://www.youtube.com/user/lisaeldridgedotcom
Lisa Eldridge is a very famous makeup artist who's work graces the covers of all the major fashion magazines. Her work is amazing and she has a YouTube channel on which she makes makeup videos teaching anything from basic techniques, to fun party looks. Her approach to makeup is fantastic and we highly recommend that you check out some of her stuff.

Let us know how you like these links and if you recommend any of your own!

Fake out!

No matter how organized and punctual you are, we all have those mornings when we hit the snooze button one too many times, spill coffee down our shirts, or simply just don't have enough time to get ready. No worries. I'm here to bring you my tricks on how to look like you've spent extra time looking good when you secretly haven't. 

The whole concept behind this is to find one feature of your makeup or outfit to accentuate that will instantly draw in people's attention, but will only take you a few seconds to do in the morning. Here are my favorites:

1. Big Bold Stud Earrings. My go-to pair is on the right. They're from forever 21 and cost me under $10. The off-white, cream color makes them neutral and thus perfect for almost any outfit. I like these especially for days when I don't have time to do my hair and so it gets thrown into a bun or braid. Pop these babies on my ears and it never fails. I get at least 2 or 3 compliments on my adorable earrings.

2. Embellished Headbands. Another easy accessory would be my headbands. While I don't have a favorite, most of mine are simple with the addition of flowers, beading, or something else that's attention grabbing. Whether you're trying to grow out those bangs you regret cutting yourself or your hair just won't cooperate, headbands are a great disguise. Check out Forever 21 for some inexpensive ones that should do the trick.

3. A bold lip. A red or deep magenta lip also seems to attract the "You look really put together today" compliment. Lately I've been a fan of MAC's Sheen Supreme lipstick in "Quite the thing!" because it's glossy and the perfect bold color for my skin tone. It can easily be built up for a darker look too, which I find helpful. Another cheaper route is through Revlon's Just Bitten lip stains. They are long lasting and even come with a chap stick on the opposite end, so that your lips stay moisturized and beautiful. So whatever you choose to use, a bold lip is great at convincing others that you took extra time that day. 

I hope you find these tricks helpful! If you have any that work great for you, please feel free to share. We all can use that extra help on those mornings we are positive we won't make it on time. I don't know about you, but the compliments I get when I've hardly tried at all, are my favorite.

--Andrea :)

Love the skin you're in!

Today we're here to share our tips on skin care. Since we have different skin types, we thought it would be useful to show our routines to make our skin it's best, from two different perspectives. 

Andrea:

I have combination skin. My T-Zone (the area across my forehead, down my nose, and my chin) gets oily throughout the day, therefore this is where I see most of my breakouts. For the most part my skin is pretty clear with the occasional zit. Awhile back I changed up some things in my routine and it's keeping my skin very clear. One of the major differences is that I now use makeup wipes to remove all of my makeup before washing my face. This is so important because if you don't, you're simply wiping makeup and bacteria around on your face as your cleansing it. If the makeup's already gone, it's much easier to really clean your skin well. After the wipes, I use a really mild facial cleanser. I've been using Cetaphil since for years now, thanks to my mom and we both swear by it. When it comes to face washes, I honestly believe the simpler the better. You're more likely to react or breakout when there's a million products and scents and stuff in your cleanser. Next, I use a toner on a cotton ball to get a good deep clean. It dries out your pores well and for me, is another huge difference in whether or not I get any acne. Just be careful with it around your eye area. Lastly, I use a moisturizer. Normally, it's the Cetaphil cream for sensitive skin. Can you tell I really like Cetaphil products? Some other tips that I try to always follow are to always wash your face at night NO MATTER WHAT. I know sometimes we're too tired, but seriously, it can make a world of a difference. Also, make sure you change out the towels in your bathroom and your pillowcases really often. This helps cut down on the bacteria that your skin is exposed to, which can only lead to great things!

Lindsey:

My skin care routine is fairly simple however it took me about three years to finally figure out what works for my sensitive skin. In December I switched to using only organic products to wash my face and it made a huge difference. Immediately my skin cleared up and literally began to glow. I use an organic cleanser I bought at the health food store called Dessert Essence Gentle Nourishing Organic Cleanser, after washing my face I use a small amount of organic jojoba oil in place of moisturizer. I also use the jojoba oil as makeup remover prior to washing my face. Jojoba oil is truly a miracle product for me. You can read the reviews for it HERE. That is about it for my routine. I have been doing this for about six month now and I can honestly say I almost never have breakouts or problems with my skin. My younger sister adopted this routine and it worked for her too.

Remember that everyone's skin is different. What works for us might not work for you but its about listening to your body and finding the right combination for you.

The Bucket List

When summer begins you always think in your head of all the fun things you want to do before it's gone. Then next thing you know, it's time for fall again and you haven't done nearly what you would have wanted. So in order to accomplish the summer activities that we want, we thought we'd create a summer bucket list and take you all along with us! Each time we cross something off our list we'll blog about our adventure!

The LALAland Summer 2011 Bucket List:

1. Go to Cedar Point
2. Run a 5K
3. Volunteer at an animal shelter (preferably one with lots of cute puppies)
4. Have a DIY spa night with pizza and champagne
5. Make our own clothes
6. Go on a road trip with only snacks and a map
7. Tie-Dye
8. Read a classic American novel
9. Go shopping for vintage clothing
10. Learn how to cook meals that are quick, healthy and taste delicious
11. Take a trip to Chicago and explore
12. Go to the beach as much as possible

13. Food tour in Lansing/EL
14. Make hula hoops and learn tricks
15. Visit the zoo

16. Go on a picnic

17. Go technology free day, no internet, cell phones or tv
18. Make a dance to an old school britney song 5th grade style

19. Learn how to make fancy cocktails
20. Find a playground and swing
21. Watch the sunrise
22. Bead fabulous necklaces and make friendship bracelets
23. Get a tattoo or something new pierced
24. Wear our flower crowns out at night
25. Have a bonfire

 

As the summer goes on we might be adding to the list, but for now this is what we hope to do. Everytime we do something we'll write a post about it. If you'd like to see a complied list of all the posts about our bucket list all you have to do is visit the 'Bucket List' page at the top of our site. Also, leave us a comment letting us know what fun things you have planned for this summer or if you have any ideas for us to add to our list.

 

It's time for a summer filled with fun in LALAland! Won't you join us?

 

Welcome to LALAland!

We couldn't be more excited to finally be able to launch this site for you all. It's been at least 3 months in the making and to able to share this with you feels fantastic. In LALAland you'll find everything from product reviews to websites we can't get enough of. If you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to let us know. We want to be able to interact with each and every one of you. 

Before you leave, like us on facebook or follow us on twitter. Or even better, send us your email at info@lalalandblog.us so that we can add you to the mailing list. That way, when we have updates about the site or new posts, you'll be the first to know!

We have a lot of great things planned for LALAland so check back tomorrow and see what's up first!