Katie’s Summertime Playlist

Summer Playlist 2013There’s something about the temperatures rising and the sun shining that makes me want to open my sunroof and turn up my favorite song for an instant mood-booster! Here are a few songs I currently can’t get enough of…

Mariah Carey ft. Miguel – #Beautiful

I fell in love with Miguel when he performed at this year’s Grammy’s; this collaboration with Mariah Carey is my favorite song at the moment!

Zedd ft. Foxes  Clarity

My second favorite song right now and the one song that is currently on repeat in my car… 

Emeli Sandé – Next to Me

Move over Beyonce… Emeli Sande’s voice is so amazing and can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

Sky Ferreira – Everything is Embarrassing

This song was recommended to me by one of Skirt’s in-house music experts, Casey Gamber—everything about this song is perfection.

Jessica Sanchez ft. Ne-Yo – Tonight

Knowing this girl was a runner-up on American Idol makes me love this song that much more!

What tunes will you be blasting this summer? Let us know!

Skirt Triks: DIY Wall Mural

I lead a very DIY lifestyle and am working my way towards my first full collection of handmade dresses (stay tuned!). But since we all aren’t seamstresses, I wanted to share a fab apartment decor update that anyone can take on.

Last summer, I was inspired by Bethenny Frankel when her BRAVO show aired her talking about her plans for her new apartment decor. In the episode, she mentions that she wants a big sign that spells out ‘YES’ in her new office space. I loved the idea – but I wanted to say more than just ‘YES’ and purchasing block letters can get pricey!

So, I did it DIY!

DIY wall mural ideas

Here are the materials you need:

  • Block letters – I purchased mine at Hobby Lobby for $2 each
  • Paint and paintbrushes (or spray paint if you live outside of Chicago and can purchase it)
  • Old newspapers to cover your painting area
  • Sticky dots to hang the letters to the wall

handmade wall sign

Paint each letter with one thin coat at a time (be careful if you purchase paper letters, as the paint will bubble if you paint it on too thick).

Let them dry sufficiently between coats and then, voila – you have the perfect decor item to satisfy your spring fever!

fun wall art ideasLooking to take it to the next level and create a vintage marquee sign, like we have at Skirt? One of our DIY icons, Brit & Co., has an amazing tutorial here.

vintage marquee sign

XO,

Caryn

Have you tried any fun DIYs lately? We’re always looking, so let us know in the comments!