DIY FRIDAY: LEATHER DRESS TUTORIAL

Happy Friday! The last few weeks have been crazy over here, mostly with the end of summer, and mostly with the start of school, but in huge part because there are some big changes I've been working on that are coming to Merrick's Art, one of which is DIY FRIDAY, which will now be a permanent thing! So if you're looking for my tutorials, make sure you stop by every Friday, because I'll have something new for you to make every single week!

To kick off DIY FRIDAY, I have a super fun tutorial and giveaway for you! Last month, during the Nordstrom Sale, I ran across this amazing leather Halogen dress, and instantly wanted it. It was a little too short for me, and a little too expensive, so instead I teamed up with Leather Hide Store and made my own, and today I'll show you how!

I had some serious doubts about this dress up until the very last seam, and sewing through this thick leather was not very easy, but I feel so proud of this dress and learned a ton while making it. I'm so excited to share it with you!

dress made by me (tutorial below) -- fabric c/o leather hide store 

similar bag -- splurge or save

shoemint heels, c/o

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

Find the full tutorial after the jump, and don't forget to enter the giveaway at the very bottom!

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FAMILY STYLE: SUMMER WEAR

 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA WALK

on me:

old navy blouse, c/o

diy denim cut-offs

dv wedges

lily jade bag, c/o

target sunglasses

on B:

old navy tee, c/o

old navy jeans (diy cut-offs)

old navy flip flops

x

on F: 

old navy tee, c/o

gap shorts (girls section)

old navy flip flops

With the start of school last week, I'm kind of mourning the loss of summer. We had such a fun summer filled with activities and vacations, so although I'm thrilled to be back on a schedule, I am sad to see the constant fun come to an end. 

Out of all the trips we had during the summer, our family trip to Scottsdale with my in-laws was probably my very favorite. We stayed at the gorgeous Westin Kierland resort, and between the amazing pool (that was only 3 1/2 feet deep at the deepest part so our kids felt super safe), the lazy river and water slide, the Friday Food Trucks, and the amazing breakfast buffet, we were in heaven for two days. 

The only downside was the killer heat, so when we weren't in the pool we made sure to drink lots and lots of water, and also wear lightweight clothes so none of us got heat stroke. These tees for my boys from Old Navy were perfect because they are well made and durable so they hold their shape well and look nice, but they're also so comfortable and lightweight. And of course their Old Navy flip flops are my very favorite. So inexpensive, comfy, and durable -- they're a staple for my kids!

And as for me, I found this pretty printed Old Navy blouse and paired it with some cool denim cut-offs and a pair of wedges. Perfect for a casual dinner in the 100+ degree heat, but also easy to wear as we head into Fall!

A few more shots from our vacation, most of them from my instagram

Goodbye, summer -- we'll miss you!!

Also! I mentioned on Friday that some changes were coming, and another one (besides DIY Friday's) is that I'll be sharing a little bit of kid style a couple times a month, including a few sewing tutorials for kids clothes -- I can't wait to share them with you!

RAIDING MY SISTER'S CLOSET: DRESSED UP, DRESSED DOWN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA WALK

dressed down outfit: 

ily couture tee, c/o

asos skirt

old navy sandals

lily jade bag, c/o 

dressed up outfit:

merrick's art for golden tote lace top

asos skirt

shoemint heels, c/o

similar bag

One of my favorite things to do is figure out multiple ways to wear something. Every time I'm shopping and find something I want to purchase, I have to think of at least two or three ways I could wear it before buying it.

I recently bought this white pleated midi skirt from Asos a few weeks ago, and while I could think of about a hundred ways to dress it up, I was struggling to find ways to dress it down.  So when my sisters and I decided to do a dressed up/dressed down post today, I gave myself a little challenge and chose this skirt.

It turns out with a pair of simple sandals , a graphic tee, and a high pony tail, it's pretty easy to make it casual! Perfect for a lunch date or the weekend. 

Now hop over and see what Janssen and Landen are dressing up and down!

HOW TO STYLE IT: SNEAKERS FOR FALL

outfit 1:
dots canvas bucketfeet sneakers, c/o

dress made by me (similar here and here -- tutorial coming in a few weeks!)

j.crew hat

nordstrom bag (sold out -- similar here)

outfit 2:
richer poorer sun bucketfeet sneakers, c/o

old navy jacket (sold out -- similar here, here, and here)

ily couture tee, c/o

sheinside leather leggings, c/o (similar here)

lily jade bag, c/o

urban outfitters sunglasses

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

Today I'm really excited to introduce you to BucketFeet, an artist-designed footwear brand that is changing the way people interact with art. As an artist myself, I love seeing art and style mixed together (in fact, it's giving me the itch to paint some fabric or something), and when you can make an amazing shoe that is crazy versatile and insanely comfortable, you know I'll be all over that.

All of BucketFeet's amazing shoes are designed by graffiti artists, tattooists, illustrators, writers, and other awesome original creators from around the world, and I love how each of them is so unique and interesting and tells a story. The entire purpose of this brand is to connect people and start a conversation, and they totally do because it's literally like wearing a piece of art right on your feet! They have more than 20 new styles for Fall, and with sneakers being huge this year, they're the perfect addition to your closet. Plus, they have styles for not only women, but also for men and kids!

Typically I think of pairing my sneakers with just jeans and a tee (and I certainly do that a lot), but there are so many fun and interesting ways you can wear your sneakers this Fall. Try them like I did here with a dress and baseball cap for a sporty chic look, or with a pair of leather pants and a camo jacket for an edgy, but laid back look for Fall. They also look amazing with shorts, skirts, white denim, distressed denim, maxi dresses, tunics and leggings -- seriously, everything. If you haven't hopped on the sneaker trend train, now is the time.

Here are a few of my faves:

Splash // Peacock 

Pineappleade // Delta

Sentrock // Kinetics

And, since I know you'll want a pair too, BucketFeet is generously offering 25% off your entire purchase to the first 25 buyers with promo code MERRICK25, so hurry, hurry and snag yourself a pair (and then try not to wear them every single day of the week!)

6 WAYS TO WEAR YOUR WHITE BUTTON UP (PART 2)

On Tuesday I shared 3 ways to wear your white button up, and today I want to share three more looks. The possibilities are nearly endless with a basic white shirt like this, and they really are an essential for every woman's closet, so if you don't have one, seriously go get one.



First up, Layered With a Sweater. This is such a perfect fall layering piece -- throw it under any of your sweaters and either roll the sleeves up, or keep them down and have the wrists puffed (like I did here). You can also leave the collar unbuttoned (like I did here), or button it all the way up for a more preppy look. Try it with oversized sweaters, thick and thin sweaters, or three quarter or short sleeved sweaters.

similar sweater

old navy white button up

dittos jeans, c/o

gap shoes (sold out, similar here)

lily jade bag, c/o

Next, Tied Up. I've only started doing this to my shirts in the last few months because before that I felt like it looked too "cowgirl." But as long as you're wearing modern, feminine pieces (and not cowboy boots), it doesn't look cowgirl at all. Plus, it's a great trick for remixing those oversized button up blouses. Try it over maxi dresses or shorter dresses. 

old navy white button up

tobi dress (sold out, similar here)

hinge booties (on sale!)

similar bag

rayban wayfarer glasses

And lastly, layered under a dress. During the cooler months you can still get some good use out of your sleeveless dresses by layering button ups under them. I typically go for a chambray button up, but a white button up creates a whole different look, both evening and work appropriate. Plus, I love the little hint of sparkle tucked under the collar. You could also wear it under sleeveless maxi dress, or sleeveless tops. 

joules dress, (sold out, similar here and here)

old navy white button up

bcbg paris heels via dsw
similar bag
urban outfitter sunglasses

See Part 1 here (and happy remixing!)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JYLARE SMITH AND JANA LAURENE