How to Make Your Own No-Sew High-Low Hem Shirt from a Men's or Unisex T-Shirt

This post has been written in partnership with the Red Bubble Affiliate Program.  Thank you to Red Bubble for providing the Buffy t-shirt, created by an independent artist, for our DIY fashion project.  All opinions expressed are my own.

There are certain silhouettes in tops that I find to be particularly flattering on most body shapes.  The boxy high-low t-shirt is one of them.  It hides any flaws you may have around the middle and still provides coverage in the back for those of us who want to be more modest when wearing leggings or skinny jeans.  Even though the high-low hemline is something that is extremely popular at the moment, it seems to be difficult to find them in casual t-shirts.  I also have trouble finding women's t-shirts with a boxy hip-length cut.  There are so many cute t-shirts out there, but the girly fit is too form-fitting for my taste and the unisex t-shirts are too long.  I often forgo buying printed t-shirts I like because there does not seem to be a shirt style that's a good fit for me. That's why I decided to try making my own hip-length high-low t-shirt out of a unisex t-shirt.  Two birds . . . one stone!

Today's Project:  No-Sew High-Low Hem T-Shirt

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Men's or Unisex T-Shirt (2 sizes up from your normal size)

scissors (sharp enough to cut through fabric easily)

pen, pencil, or chalk
tape measure or a hip-length shirt you already own

Before you begin, be sure to wash your t-shirt to get any shrinking out of the way.  My Red Bubble t-shirt does not recommend machine drying, but I needed to shrink mine, so I put it in the dryer inside out.  I am about 5'5" and purchased a unisex XXL.  The shirt hem hit just above my knees.  After machine washing in cold and tumble drying it, the t-shirt length was 3" to 4" shorter, which was perfect for this project.

Step 1.  With your shirt laying perfectly flat (front facing up), use scissors to make two tiny cuts on either side of the trim around the neckline.  Then insert your scissors into the opening you've made and cut around the neckline of the front of your t-shirt only as close to the trim as possible.

Step 2.  Flip your t-shirt over and lay it perfectly flat on your work space.  Then continue to cut around the band along the neckline on the back of the t-shirt until the entire band has been removed.

Step 3.  Make a tiny cut at the bottom seam of the left sleeve as close to the band as possible.  Then insert your scissors in the opening and remove the band starting at the front by cutting as close to the band as possible.  Then flip the shirt over to continue cutting to remove the entire band.  Then repeat this with the right sleeve.

Step 4.  Repeat Step 3 with the hem of the t-shirt.

Step 5.  With the front of the t-shirt facing out, fold your t-shirt in half vertically.  Be very careful to match up the shoulder seams, underarm seams, and hemline.

Step 6.  Fold a hip-length t-shirt that you already have in half vertically with the front facing out.  Then lay it on top of your project t-shirt and make a small mark on the bottom shirt to note the length of the shirt on top.  You can do this using a pen, pencil, or a thin piece of chalk.  If you don't own a hip-length t-shirt, then you can use a measuring tape to approximate and mark off how high up hip-length would be from the bottom hem.

Step 7.  Lay your project shirt flat with the design facing up.  Then draw a curved line connecting the mark you just made at the middle of the shirt to the bottom right corner of the shirt.  Do the same thing, connecting the center mark with the bottom left corner of the shirt, mirroring the first curved line you drew.

Step 8.  Using scissors, carefully cut along the arc you drew to create a curved hemline on the front of your shirt.

Step 9.  Lay your shirt so that the right side seam is flat on your work space.  Then carefully remove the sharp angle at the bottom of the seam so that the front hem transitions smoothly to the back hem.  Repeat this with the bottom of the left side seam.

Step 10.  Give all your raw edges (neckline, sleeves, and shirt hem) a few good stretches to create a more natural slightly rolled edge.

Now you're all done and should have a comfy and stylish new high-low hem t-shirt!  This was my first time doing this project, but I am pleased with how it turned out.  I will definitely be doing this again and am thrilled that, going forward, I can buy the printed t-shirts that I love without hesitation due to the shirt style.  If you give this easy DIY fashion project a try, let me know how it turns out!


You can find this Magic Box Advertisement t-shirt by independent artist, UtherPendragon, and other Buffy t-shirts at RedBubble.com.

Kohl's Executive plus 4 Fashion Bloggers Reveal the Must-Have Fashion Items for Spring 2014! #SpringAtKohls #MC

I participated in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Kohl’s. I received a gift card as a thank you for participating.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Whether spring has already sprung where you live or you're expecting yet another snowstorm, your mind is probably thinking about walking outside into the sunshine wearing your favorite sleeveless dress and peep-toe flats.  Before you start replenishing your spring wardrobe, find out what the prevalent trends are for the season by checking out the Kohl's Spring Fashion Google Hangout, where Kohl's Vice President of Trend, Sofia Wacksman, along with four popular fashion bloggers, reveal the must-have fashion items for Spring '14.

My three favorite spring fashion trends this year are the pink hues, rolled cuff denim, and feminine blouses.  Pink is one of my go-to colors for the warmer months and looks very flattering with most skintones, as well as most hair and eye coloring.  Although I have a few pairs of roll cuff denim already, I look forward to picking up one or two new pairs in fashion colors at Kohl's.  Lastly, relaxed feminine blouses are the perfect alternative to grabbing a t-shirt and hoodie for a slightly less casual look without sacrificing comfort.

For more fashion insights, watch the Kohl's Spring Fashion Google Hangout.  Also be sure to visit Kohl's on Facebook and these four savvy fashion blogs:

Looking Fly on a Dime

A Daily Dose of Toni

Thrifty and Chic Mom

Daily Curlz

Shop Smart . . . One Handbag & 5 Shoes Styles To Meet All Your Casual Needs

Although I love to shop, I always try to shop smart.  For example, I have a not-so-secret obsession with handbags.  However, I do not switch handbags daily.  In fact, I have grown more selective about which handbags I purchase so that I can enjoy them for at least a few months at a time.  In order to shop smart, I choose a handbag that I absolutely love and then I make sure I have several pairs of shoes that work that bag.  If I fail to do this, then the bag will likely end up in the back of my closet in less than one month's time.

For casual everyday use, I am infatuated with the Reef Weekender Bag.  Not only does the generous size make it versatile, but the colors in the hand woven textile are among my favorites.  This oversized bag could easily be paired with anything from denim to linen to silk.  All I would need to make this weekender carry me through at least the next two seasons would be some stylish and comfortable coordinating footwear.


My top shoe picks for the upcoming seasons . . . 

1.  Ballet Flats (The Reef Tropic Ballet Flat comes in a pattern that matches the Reef Weekender perfectly! . . . I'm just sayin'.)

2.  Low-Profile Boots or Booties (My go-to shoe for pairing with denim.)

3.  Flat or Wedge-Heel Espadrilles  (I personally cannot walk in wedges, but if you can, go for it because they look so flattering and feminine.)

4.  Canvas or Crocheted Oxfords (For when you are feeling a bit sporty, but not too sporty.)

5.  Understated Sandals  (Choose a pair that can be worn as easily with denim capris as with a little black dress.)


What tips do you have for shopping smart when it comes to shoes and handbags?

6 Jewelry Must-Haves This Season

This fashion trends post was brought to you by Jess Cammerman.

I believe every outfit is improved with the perfect jewelry; therefore, I’m happily presenting some of this year’s favorites. Pursuing and possessing just the right bling is a responsibility that comes with a great deal of pleasure! So, let’s take a look at six top trends . . . jewelry ‘must haves’ this season . . .


1.  Large Hoop Earrings - The larger the better! Hoop earrings add just the right touch to your favorite outfit, especially with hair pulled away from the face, say in a high ponytail. Skinnier hoops tend to appear feminine and lively, while dramatic hoops can be bold and enticing. These modern (yet timeless) additions look fantastic with both casual and formal designs.

2. Simple Diamond Studs - For those days when you prefer something slightly more subtle (or when you feel like wearing your hair down), a pair of gorgeous diamond stud earrings from Michael Hill look great with any outfit. Create a look that’s feminine, elegant, and full of sparkle, and wear them anytime . . . day or night. Diamond studs in gold and silver will complement your other jewelry; the ideal touch; studs are simply lovely!

3. Menswear-Inspired Watches - One of my favorite trends this season is the menswear watch. This hot new craze lends itself to combinations with other accessories… a little drama and practicality combined. Jewelry worn with the watch can offset the masculine touch, particularly feminine accessories. Look for a watch with a large face, enhanced by a leather or metallic wristband.

4. A Turquoise Necklace - An eye-catching turquoise necklace looks fantastic with many popular styles this season. From amazing rose gold, to off-white tops and dresses, the aqua-blue just seems to have it (and say it) all! Whether you choose to combine the necklace with a basic tee-shirt and jeans, or with an ethnic-print dress, turquoise makes an exotic statement. Perfect for almost any occasion, a silver and turquoise necklace, pendant, or choker adds drama and finesse.

5. Pearls - Pearls are a seasonal trend that never goes out of style. Sophisticated and tasteful, pearls can be worn with a little black dress or a soft-pink cashmere sweater. Innocent and sweet, classic pearls provide an eye-catching addition to many of this year’s fashion highlights. Pair the pearls with vintage styles, and allow your image to stand forever in time!

6.  Short Necklaces and Lockets - And speaking of throw-back looks, a lovely vintage locket will add understated femininity to any outfit, while adding updated inspiration to scoop-necked tops. Any short pendant, or necklace, that features a small silver or gold trinket is the perfect piece of jewelry to blend with many of today’s exciting fashion choices.


A statement necklace, men’s-watch, and alluring earring-set make the ideal additions to any jewelry ‘must-have’ list this season. You may also decide to add some metallic cuffs, right-hand rings, and long layered-necklaces to the inventory . . . after all this is the year when everything goes, and isn’t it all about having fun?!

Fashion That Gives: Join the TOMS One for One Movement with Zulily's Special Members-Only Pricing & Free Shipping

This post has been written as part of a sponsored campaign for the Zulily affiliate program.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I've shared many charitable programs that benefit children with 3G2S readers over the years.  I am a huge fan of purchasing gifts that give and the same goes for fashion that gives.  There's something about knowing that your purchase helped someone in need that makes you have a little extra spring in your step, especially when that purchase was a pair of TOMS shoes.

TOMS One for One movement gives one child in need a pair of shoes for every one pair you purchase.  As if that isn't incentive enough, Zulily has organized a special TOMS event that offers special members-only pricing plus free shipping with your TOMS order totaling more than $65.  So, if you are starting to shop for springtime footwear for your family or something comfortable to wear on vacation during Spring break, be sure to checkout the selection of TOMS shoes for men, women, and children on Zulily.  The special pricing will be gone after 2/22, so don't miss out on this chance to help a child in need (and to get some cute new shoes)!

The FitFlop Leather Crush Boot from Sole Provisions is Style & Ultimate Comfort Rolled Into One

Thank you to Sole Provisions for providing a complimentary FitFlop boot sample to base this review upon.  All opinions expressed are my own.

You may have heard rumors recently about my turning forty.  Well, it's true.  Although I mostly faced my recent birthday graciously, I was suddenly more aware of the aches in my lower back and knees.  Those pains weren't new.  I had already mostly given up on wearing any shoes with heels higher than 2-inches.  These aches were just evidence that I was no long a 30-something mom.

When I first heard of the brand FitFlop, I was skeptical.  Then I went to the Sole Provisions retail site and found myself to be pleasantly surprised that FitFlop not only offers much more than just thong-style sandals, they make clogs, sneakers, and boots!  Did I ever mention that I am a boot-addict?

What FitFlop is known for is their MICROWOBBLEBOARD midsole.  This technology allows their footwear to distribute the pressure underfoot.  The soles also do an excellent job of absorbing the shock from walking, so there is less stress on the legs and joints.  I was thrilled to be able to try out a pair of the FitFlop Leather Crush Boots and I knew just the place to take them for a test run . . . at the annual Renaissance Faire.

Aside from sitting down to eat lunch and to watch a few shows, my family and I spent the rest of the time from 10am to about 5:30pm walking around.  There were lots of shops to browse through, lines to wait in, and fun costumes to see.

I must say that my feet did not feel tired at all and it was not until the last hour that we spent at the Renaissance Faire that my legs started to feel slightly tired.  These boots were lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear.  The Crush Boot was the first pair of shoes I've tried that rivaled the comfort and support of sneakers.  If I had a choice, I would choose a stylish pair of leather wedge-heeled boots over sneakers any day!

I should mention that the boots came with a little warning on the tag that said the special midsole could potentially increase the activity of certain muscles when walking.  It also advised that I wear them for a short time at first and then slowly increase the length of time.  When we got home from the Renaissance Faire, my legs were barely tired at all.  The next morning, however, my legs felt like I had run a marathon.  So, that is something you should keep in mind with your first pair of FitFlop footwear.

Visit SoleProvisions.com to view the full selection of FitFlop shoes.  The Crush Boot is available in versatile colors in both leather and suede uppers.  Which one is your favorite?

Shop 'n' Share: Wonder Woman Canvas Sneakers plus Some Early Holiday Gifts

Last month I shared with you the tank top and ring I had ordered from Oasap.com.  This is my second month as an Oasap Fashion Hunter blogger and am thoroughly enjoying myself.  I love to shop and share and that is what this program is all about.

This month I used my Oasap Fashion Hunter credits to order these Wonder Woman Canvas Sneakers that I had saved on my wishlist last month.  I was so relieved to find that they had not sold out yet, like several other things I had on my wishlist did.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

The shoe box arrived inside an Oasap reusable tote bag, which was a nice surprise.  The shoes themselves were just as cute as they appeared to be online.

I had ordered my normal shoes size, which is a US size 7.  The shoes fit perfectly (without socks) and felt comfortable, but after several hours, they started to feel slightly snug when my feet began to expand from being warm.  I think it would not hurt for you to order one size up in these shoes, especially if you live in a warm climate or if you like to wear thick socks with your sneakers.  The other thing I wanted to point out is that the shoelaces are shorter than I am used to.  If you like to double-knot, be aware that the laces on these sneakers are not long enough to do that (not easily anyways).

 Since I had additional credits leftover, I decided to choose some items for holiday gifts for a couple of my fashion-loving family members.  My 8 year old son thought this Vintage Balloon Bear Necklace would be perfect for his sister, so I ordered it for him to gift to her for Christmas.  Although the necklace is adorable, I had a couple of issues with it.  The first issue was that one of the chains that held the balloon to the basket was disconnected on one end.  I was able to reconnect it with the help of a pair of small pliers.  The second issue was that the lever on the lobster claw clasp broke off while I was testing out the adjustable length of the necklace.  Again, with the help of my trusty pliers, I was able to fix this.  I removed the clasp and the extender altogether and made it into a necklace that would just slip over my daughter's head since the chain was long enough.

I also chose this Long Retro Butterfly Necklace for our children to gift to their grandmother this holiday.  I think she will like the bold design and the rich colors.  After what happened to the teddy bear necklace, I double-checked the clasp on this necklace and it seemed to work just fine.

Some perks about shopping on Oasap.com is that they offer Free Shipping Worldwide.  They also offer a 20% discount on your first purchase and you can earn credits towards your next purchase by using their Rewards Card and sharing photos of your purchases.


Thank you to Oasap for providing credits for me to shop and share my experiences with my readers.

Nicole Lee U.S.A. Gemma Handbag Collection

It was only a few months ago that I first discovered Nicole Lee handbags.  I saw.  I wanted.  I bought!

Nicole Lee U.S.A., a sponsor for the MTV Video Music Awards, is a handbag company that has also branched out into fashion footwear, jewelry, and accessories.  Although based in L.A., Nicole Lee is sold in major fashion markets worldwide.  Their designs are fun, never boring, and show a lot of attention to detail.

After I purchased my first Nicole Lee bag, I visited NicoleLeeOnline.com to see what else I had been missing.  I fell in love with the Gemma Bowler immediately.  Then when the brand offered to send me the hobo style Gemma Buckle Shoulder Bag from the same collection to review, I could not decline.  It is even in the same Pale Green as the Nicole Lee bag I had purchased months ago.  It had to be fate!

(Click any photo to enlarge)

I have to start off by saying that I wear all silver, white gold, and platinum jewelry.  For this reason, I usually stay away from bags with goldtone hardware.  I have slowly eased myself into the idea of pale gold hardware because there are some handbag brands that are currently only offering bags with goldtone accents.  Luckily for me, the Gemma Buckle Shoulder Bag is accented with pale gold.  The only exception is the chain that clips the coin purse onto the bag.  It is a more yellow than the rest of the hardware, which makes it very prominent.  This is my only criticism of this bag.  Perhaps the designers made this decision to make the chain and coin purse pop more, but I would have preferred it to be light gold like the rest of the hardware.

Of course what first attracted me to the entire Nicole Lee Gemma Collection is the unique design of the chained coin purse tucked into the slant pocket on the front.  I found this to be a very innovative way to bring functionality into the design.  It was not until I had the handbag in my hands that I realized there was a hidden magnetic snap that helps to keep the coin purse securely in place.  To the casual observer it just looks like the coin purse is tucked snugly inside the front pocket.

I am a huge fan of prominent hardware on handbags.  I love the chunky zipper pull on the coin purse, the buckles and rings on the sides of the bag and the 8" drop handle, and especially love the zipper trim around the bow.

The faux leather on this bag is soft, buttery, and almost drapes like fabric.  The only thing missing is the smell of leather.

That's enough about aesthetics!  Let me show you what this 15"W x 11"H x 3"D bag has to offer for storage.  In addition to the zippered pocket on the back of the bag and the coin purse, this handbag also has a zippered pocket on one interior wall plus two open pockets on the other.  There is one large and one small open-top pocket.  Like with many bags, the smaller one is too small to hold my Windows phone, but it would certainly hold a smaller mobile phone.  If you carry a larger phone like me, the other pocket is more than enough room to accommodate it.

With all that Nicole Lee U.S.A. handbags have to offer, I was thoroughly shocked to find that the majority of the bags retail for under $100.  To learn more about Nicole Lee handbags, visit NicoleLeeUSA.com and Nicole Lee on Facebook.  If you like what you see, also be sure to checkout Nicole Lee's other handbag lines . . . Roxbury and Nikki.  In addition to their retail website, you can purchase Nicole Lee handbags at specialty stores, such as Arden B, Bakers Shoes, Charlotte Russe, and more, and at larger retailers, like Marshalls, T.J.Maxx, eBags.com, ShoeBuy.com, JCPenney, and Target.

Thank you to Nicole Lee U.S.A. for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing a gift code for our contest prize.

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Good luck in the drawing!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas from Novica.com

Even though I am a mother myself, I find it particularly difficult to find unique gifts for my own mother for Mother's Day, for her birthday, and for Christmas.  Since I know that she always loves gifts that are beautifully crafted by hand more than mass produced items, I try to keep her in mind whenever I visit Novica.com.  Novica offers a wide array of gifts for women, including clothing, handbags, shawls, jewelry, and more that are all handcrafted by artisans from around the globe.

When I shop on Novica.com, I usually am looking for something unique to surprise a loved one, but this time I chose two items for myself.  Since I have been admiring all the wraparound bracelets I have been seeing for the 2012 Spring/Summer season, I chose this "Brown Trendsetter" Leather Wrap Bracelet made by an artisan named Khanittha in Thailand.

I chose this bracelet for the twisted style of the leather and its deep brown color.  Also, this bracelet is adjustable and fits my smaller wrist size very well.  Like with most Novica jewelry, this bracelet came in a beautiful gift box.  All Novica products are accompanied by a postcard from it's country of origin along with a story about the product and the artisan who created it.  At $22.99, this handcrafted leather bracelet is extremely reasonably priced.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

The other product I chose for myself was the "Purple Paths" Cotton Shawl.  It looks like this shawl is currently sold out, but there are many more wraps and other women's Central American accessories featured under new arrivals on the website.  This particular one was made by the San Jose Women's Artisan Association in Central America.  This cotton shawl is the perfect weight for Springtime and cool summer nights.  It was also very easy to steam out any wrinkles by just hanging the shawl on a shirt hanger in the bathroom during a hot shower.  I have to mention that this product arrived gift wrapped with a charming handmade "worry doll" gift topper with a very interesting story attached to it.

Be sure to checkout all the artisan-made products on Novica.com for Mother's Day, including brightly colored yellow, orange, and green scarves, and for Father's Day, such as men's cufflinks from Indonesia or beautiful chess sets from all over the world.  I have ordered Novica products from many different countries and have found that you should allow approximately 3 weeks for the item to arrive.  It is best not to wait until the last minute to order your gift since it may have a long way to travel.

Thank you to Novica.com for providing a gift code for me to shop for products to base this review upon and for providing an additional gift code for our contest prize.


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Good luck in the drawing!

Trendy Camo Wedge Shoes from My Shoe Connection

At first glance, it would seem that My Shoe Connection only offers prom shoes, bridal shoes, and other special occasion footwear for women, men, and children.  If you dig a little deeper, however, it turns out that this site also offers some fun trendy casual shoes for both warm and cold weather.  I was so very surprised at the huge selection of fall and winter boots available on this site.  I actually had to talk myself out of reviewing a pair of boots because a small part of me (the part that does not suffer from allergies) is looking forward to the arrival of Spring.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

The shoes I selected for myself were these canvas Casual Wedges in Pink Camo.  Since the huge wave of 3d flowers emerged last Spring, I have kept my eye out for a pair of warm weather shoes that I liked.  Many of those sandals had a strappy and severe tribal look to them, but these are fun and flirty.

I have to admit that, while requesting these shoes, I thought to myself, "I might just sprain an ankle chasing after the children in these shoes."  It turns out that these shoes are very secure.  I ordered my true size, which is a 7M and they fit my foot perfectly.  They actually cradle my feet, which do not slide forward or backward in the shoe while I walk.  The sole is rubberized and offers great traction.  The footbed is curved so that your foot rocks forward with each step.  They would work great with any denim, khaki, or canvas pants, shorts and skirts, as well as with a casual dress.

Although this shoe is comfortable, there is not much cushion in them.  They feel very similar to wearing a wedge-type espadrille.  This is fine for anyone like me who has no problems walking around barefoot on hardwood and tile floors.

These casual wedges retail for $42.95 on My Shoe Collection.  In addition to the Pink Camo, they are also available in a Grey and a Red skeleton pattern.  You can view these and their entire selection of shoes, dresses, handbags, and accessories by visiting MyShoeConnection.com.  Remember to take advantage of their Free Shipping on shoes and the rest of your purchase totaling $40 or more within the continental U.S.  Also, 3G2S readers can receive an additional 10% off your purchase when you checkout using Code:  Garnet12.


Thank you to My Shoe Connection for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.