IKEA BESTA Record and Media Console Hack / January 15, 2018 by Stephanie Foster

So, I've had my IKEA Besta for about a decade, and it's been through some slow changes...

Here are the basic ingredients:

BESTÅ Frame, white
Article Number: 102.458.46
Dimensions: 47 1/4x15 3/4x25 1/4 "
$60

BESTÅ Frame, white
Article Number: 302.458.50
Dimensions: 23 5/8x15 3/4x25 1/4 "
$45

The BESTÅ VASSBO Glass Door I have has been discontinued, but here is IKEA's current alternative:

SINDVIK Glass door, white
Article Number: 902.918.58
Dimensions: 23 5/8x25 1/4 "
*Be sure to buy hinges, sold separately
$25

And the original BESTÅ round aluminum legs have also been discontinued, but below is IKEA's current alternative at the same price point:

STUBBARP Leg, white
Article Number: 102.935.64
$10 for package of 2 Legs

Once we got the piece to our new place it looked virtually unchanged...

But once we got the larger TV and wall mounted it and bought a front facing speaker for the middle cabinet (and removed the door in that section), the customization started!

We started by securing the smaller frame to the larger 2 unit frame using the suggested screws IKEA recommended in their BESTA product description (since we wanted to be sure they would be secure). We didn't have the screws from when I originally purchased the BESTA system but we were able to get them at the store's customer service area.

We then added 6 Estelle 170 White legs from Pretty Pegs. And because we chose to re-position the new legs from the previous IKEA holes, we also ordered 6 of their Universal Fitting Plates.

The legs helped a TON. But now that we had wall mounted the TV, I wanted to incorporate a slide-out turntable drawer to give us more streamlined space on top of the cabinet.

IKEA used to sell INREDA, a sliding metal frame for BESTA that you could customize to create a shelf. But of course, the metal frame has been discontinued for US IKEA so I decided to do a mod.

I purchased the BESTA drawer frame for $10 and coordinating BESTA soft closing drawer runners for $10/2 pack from IKEA with the hope of somehow hacking it to make a pull out turntable shelf.

After spending some time assembling the drawer and inspecting the mechanics, I installed the section of the drawer runner and realized that just the bottom part of the drawer would be enough material for this hack! The size was meant to clip perfectly in the back of the drawer runners and I used one of the included small screws (per side) to attach the shelf-bottom to the bracket from the underside. This was the toughest part of the whole thing because it required marking and pre-drilling (as you can see in the photo, I didn't measure well the first time), but didn't take more than 5 min to figure out and complete.

I ordered white iron-on melanine edgebanding from Amazon for just under $8, ironed it along the exposed edge, and trimmed off the excess with an xacto knife. Finally, I drilled a small hole in the back of the cabinet for the cords to pass through

*Note - this really will only work if you have doors to cover the exposed brackets on each side*

That's it! For now..... :)

Update: At the request of a reader, I’m adding some additional photos of the drawer hack.

Mexican Falsa Blanket Throw Pillows / February 28, 2016 by Stephanie Foster

This was a pretty easy -and affordable -project!

We adore our chaise lounge couch, but the original pillows left a little to be desired. My boyfriend was especially not fond of the purple colors.

So I set out to find something a little more our style.

I have no problem doing some basic sewing so knew that I wanted to make some pillowcases for the existing pillows. I found the PERFECT fabric at Pendleton - for just $84 - way out of our price range.

Since I live in LA, I decided to take advantage of the local offerings and make a trip down to Olvera Street where I commonly buy Mexican Falsa Blankets which are perfect for beach days and picnics. At a price of $10-$12 each, I knew this would be a more affordable option.

I picked out two Falsa Blankets in colors that would work with my room for just $24.

From there, it's just a matter of measuring your pillows and making a basic pillowcase.

This fabric is REALLY stretchy so here are some tips:

Cut one long panel and cut to size. For example, if your pillow form is 20x20", cut a panel that is 20" wide. I used a 6" overlap in the back for mine so cut my panel 46"long (20"front + 20"back + 6"overlap). Due to stretch, it's not necessary to add a seam allowance.
Make sure that the stripe or whatever detail you want to highlight on the front of your pillow is in the center of your panel. Ex: for a 46" panel, measure 23" from the center of the stripe you want in the center.
USE ZIG ZAG stitching and fold over hemming techniques to prevent fraying and unraveling.
Dont get anxiety about stitching in a straight line or making a mistake. The fabric is EXTREMELY stretchy and forgiving
Using the fringe from the ends will require a 3 panel pillowcase construction. Use zig zag to edge the raw fabric edge, fold over twice (like a pants hem) and sew down using straight stitching. Sew the right side of this panel to the wrong side of your panel with the fringe so that right sides of both panels are facing out. Complete as normal.

IKEA Nordli Nightstand Hack / February 28, 2016 by Stephanie Foster

We ended up purchasing the IKEA Nordli bed frame and Nightstands for our new apartment. We loved the simple design, but upon getting it home it was a little TOO simple.

I found my inspiration on Beautiful Protest - an IKEA Hemnes nightstand remix

Beautiful Protest Hemnes Nightstand Remix

I loved the wood front look, but unlike Hemnes, the drawer fronts of Nordli appeared to be just laminate covered particle board - sanding to reveal beautiful wood grain wasn't an option.

I started researching sticky back wood veneer but found that most veneers came in large sheets (way more than I needed) and ranged from $50+ (way more than I wanted to spend).

That's when I found the 12x12" sheets of sticky backed real wood veneer - Barc Wood made by ARC Crafts.

Since it's made for crafts and scrap booking, I wasn't sure if the veneer was thick enough to work for my project, but at an almost $40 price difference between the Barc Wood and the larger wood veneer sheets, I decided to give it a shot.

Now that I had the veneer picked out, it was time to choose hardware. The drawer was functional without a drawer pull, but I wanted something to break up the space. I decided to splurge on a pair of leather pulls from Anthropologie.

Assembly was pretty easy! The drawer front just requires two plastic screw grips to be loosened with a flat head screwdriver. Once the drawer front was off, we measured and drilled a hole for the drawer pull in the center. [Note, depending on what type of hardware you choose to use, make sure that your screws don't interfere with the shelf inside the nighstand]

Barc Wood trimmed and applied using adhesive backing to both drawer fronts. Polyurethane coats drying.

I picked this tiny can up at Home Depot for under $5

To apply the veneer you just peel off the back, position, and stick onto the drawer front. Use a rubber eraser to smooth out any air bubbles. Place the drawer front side down and use an x-acto knife to trim the excess from the sides. Finish by rubbing a few coats of polyurethane on with a rag. Let dry and use a small Phillips head screwdriver to poke a hole through the veneer for the hardware. Put on the hardware, put the drawer front back on, and you're done!

DIY Driftwood Lamps - Ikea Hack / January 18, 2016 by Stephanie Foster

We just moved into a new place and after giving up all of my lamps in the cross country move (who has moving room for lampshades?) I have been on the hunt for months for a set of bedside lamps that were relaxed and gender-neutral.

Since all of our nightstands and bedframe are both white IKEA, I wanted to find some lamps with a little character. To be honest, it's been about 10 years since I've purchased lamps and the lamps I did have were a hodge-podge of clearance items purchased over the years. I was pretty surprised to find out that the type of lamp I was looking for ranged from $80-$200 or more!

Finally I came across my inspiration that led to this project - some beautiful Driftwood lamps. I loved the organic feel, but at $200 a piece there was no way a set of these was making their way into our place.

Driftwood Lamp from Etsy Seller MarzaShop

I decided to take matters into my own hands and was able to make these beautiful driftwood lamps for only $28 each!

Materials:

TOTAL COST - $28

Supplies:

Pencil
Gardening Shears
Jab or Hack Saw

Let's get started...

Start by taking the lamp out of the box. Remove the sticker from the bottom of the lamp socket where the switch is.

Untie the willow bundle. DO NOT CUT THE TWINE. You will use this to tie the willow bundles back together around the lamp base.

Cut each willow branch to the bottom of the threading on the socket. Mark with your pencil and use either the gardening shears or saw to cut. Continue along the length of the branch. Some of the willow branches may be especially twisty which you might not want in your lamp, you can snip or cut off these sections you don't wish to use.

Measure and cut to the bottom of the threading on the lamp socket.

Once you have cut the willow branches to size, screw on the lamp base and begin gathering the branches in a bundle around the lamp column. It is really helpful to have another person there to help you hold the branches in shape as you are assembling them around the lamp column, although if you are doing it alone you can also use string or yarn to hold the pieces together as you work. Place some of the thinner pieces from the top of the willow branch in front of the light switch and trim to size.

Once you have gathered the willow branches in a bundle and you're satisfied, have your helper tie the twine from the willow branch bundles around the lamp column in two places (or if completing alone, tie with the twine and then snip and remove the string/yarn). Fill in any empty spots with trimmings as desired.

Now just put on the lamp shade and VOLIA! Your very own DIY Driftwood lamp for only $28!

Prestige Indonesia September 2014 / December 8, 2014 by Stephanie Foster

In July, I worked on a celebrity feature for Prestige Indonesia's September 2014 Issue. I assisted the US Fashion Editor, Alexa Rangroummith Green, and Photographer, Mitchell McCormack. This was a lot of fun for me because there was a really fabulous selection of clothes and accessories on this shoot. I was also really excited to get to do a women's published editorial spread. Laura Ramsey was an absolute doll to work with and I loved the little touches she brought to the look (a super cool pair or Noor Feres spike earrings).

Behind the Scenes...

Totally awesome accessories collection including pieces by John Hardy, Marc By Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, and Rebecca Minkoff. — Totally awesome accessories collection including pieces by John Hardy, Marc By Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, and Rebecca Minkoff.

This was one of my favorite accessories, the Kate Spade piano clutch. Couldn't resist taking a pic with it!

One of my favorite dresses by Sandro, Paris.

This is what behind the scenes looks like!

DAMAN Style Premiere Issue Fall/Winter 2014/2015 / October 1, 2014 by Stephanie Foster

This was a great shoot both in the studio and in DTLA with the completely awesome Ryan Burns. I assisted US Fashion Editor, Alexa Rangroummith Green, and Photographer Mitchell McCormack in this shoot for the VERY FIRST DAMAN Style magazine! I had a lot of fun on this shoot, Ryan was so easy to work with and we had a great afternoon of shooting on-location Downtown!

Ryan Burns Exclusive Feature on DAMAN

Behind the Scenes...

Alexa making some last minute adjustments...

Look! No shoes! If it's not in the picture, don't put it on!

One disadvantage of Men's Fashion is that there are 3-5 pieces for every look. Good thing I had Fiatte to help me!

Ultra fab Dolce and Gabbana silk patterned smoking jacket.

Since this was just a shot of the jacket and shirt, Ryan wore his New Balance tennis shoes.

Ryan and Mitchell after the shoot. Somewhere my picture of me with Ryan got lost on someone's phone and I never got it :( Oh well, this pic captures the essence of how great he was to work with!

The Stylist's Kit / September 10, 2014 by Stephanie Foster

The Stylist Kit in the far foreground on-location. — The Stylist Kit in the far foreground on-location.

The Stylist's Kit is your most important possession on a shoot. Keep it well stocked and never leave it behind.

The stylist kit is crucial for on-location shoots. But, what to put in this elusive bag, you may wonder. Well, never-fear! Below is a list of everything you will need to make the perfect Stylist Kit and Mini Kit!

THE KIT BASICS

Gardening or Tool Tote Bag
Ok, you may be thinking, does it really NEED to be this kind of bag? YES, IT DOES.
Think about how many items you're going to need to organize and keep straight, these bags have pockets all around the outside which work perfectly for your lint rollers and shoehorns. They are also durable and stand upright on their own which is helpful when running over to the steamer and tripping over it. If you buy a good bag once, it will last you-make the investment.
Small Crossbody Bag
'What? I need TWO bags?', you may be thinking. But yes, you need two bags. Think about shooting on-location and hiking up a big hill to get that perfect scenic overlook. Once the photographer starts taking photos, you realize that the clasp of the necklace isn't tight enough and you need a safety pin! BUT, because your full-sized Stylist Kit is so heavy, you left it back at the car. Well, after you run down and up that hill and have to clumsily adjust the necklace with slippery sweaty hands all while gasping and panting for breath in the model's ear, you may think twice about needing that Mini Kit. Just sayin', it could happen. Get a mini-kit and fill it with the most important items from the list below (safety pins, mini scissors, needle and thread, clips, etc). Leave the full-size kit in the car and bask in the hands-free freedom that is...The Mini Kit.

THE MEAT & POTATOES

Pop Up Privacy Tent and Small Tarp for 'Floor'
Extra Garment Bags
My Little Steamer GoMini Hand Steamer
Extra Hangers
Shoe Horn
Shoe Heel Cushions
Shoe Insole Cushion
Shoe Arch Pads
BandAid Blister
Moleskin Sheet
Body Glide
Photography Clips and Clamps of Various Sizes
Hair Clips
Chip Clips
Traditional Clothes Pins
Lint Rollers and Extra Sticky Sheets
Lint Brush
Lint Shaver
Neutrogena Makeup Removal Wipes
Wet Wipes Hand Sanitizer Cloths
Liquid Hand Sanitizer
Downy Wrinkle Reducer
Febreze
Safety Pins of Various Sizes
Seam Ripper
Small Sewing Kit (needle, threads, small scissors, straight pins, needle threader)
Nail Clipper
Tide Pen
Fashion Tape
Regular Scotch Tape
Packaging Tape (to protect shoe bottoms from scuffs)
Full Sized Scissors
Small Stapler
Paper Clips
Rubber Bands
Permanent Markers
Pens
Small Notebook
Masking Tape (to label outfits on outside of garment bags or label water bottles)
Tagging Gun and extra attachments
Coupon (Tag) Organizer
Washcloth
Disposable Thongs
Pantyhose (a little rubbing also takes deodorant off clothing)
Socks
Men's Ties
White and Black T-Shirts to Fit Model (s)
Tie Clips
Collar Stays
Hair Elastics
First Aid Kit (Painkillers, All-Day Allergy, Immodium, Antacid Tablets, Bandaids, Antibiotic Ointment)
Toiletry Kit (mouth wash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss)
Gum
Granola Bar
Small Water Bottles
Entire Jewelry Selection being used for the shoot

Is there anything you like to include in your Stylist Kit that I forgot? Leave a comment below!

Coachella 2014 / April 25, 2014 by Stephanie Foster

I waited until just 9 days before Coachella to order a last minute ticket for weekend 2 from StubHub. I had some friends from Minnesota who were flying in to go and figured, as long as I was in California, I may as well tag along. I was especially excited to plan some outfits as this is one of the big spring fashion events. Outfits are planned weeks and months and advance. Kimonos purchased or made. Fringe attached to everything. There are some elements of modern bohemian style that are associated only with Coachella. I had limited time (and budget) to play with, so I hit up the Pasadena Forever 21 to stock up on some new pieces to fill the gaps with what I had brought to California from my closet at home in Minnesota.

budget and parameters: $100 at Forever 21 in 1 hour

Woven Textile Shorts - Forever 21 $15.80 I loved these shorts. They remind me of a mexican blanket or the seat covers my dad had in his pick-up truck growing up. I thought this would be perfect for day 1 because the shorts have pockets I could stick… — **Woven Textile Shorts - Forever 21 $15.80**
I loved these shorts. They remind me of a mexican blanket or the seat covers my dad had in his pick-up truck growing up. I thought this would be perfect for day 1 because the shorts have pockets I could stick tent stakes and such in when setting up camp. The Corona, just 'cause...vacation!
From My Closet:
Straw Fedora Hat - Target $13
Mossimo Boyfriend V-Neck Tee - Target $9
Sandals - Target $15

Palazzo Pants - Forever 21 $19.80 I fell in love with these pants and knew I must have them. The print is like the inside of a cathedral in Europe. These were by far my favorite (but also most-expensive) purchase. However, it is also the purchase I … — **Palazzo Pants - Forever 21 $19.80**
I fell in love with these pants and knew I must have them. The print is like the inside of a cathedral in Europe. These were by far my favorite (but also most-expensive) purchase. However, it is also the purchase I see myself wearing the most in the future.
From My Closet:
Swim Bandeau - Forever 21 $11
Top - Free People $44 {Opitz Outlet}
Shoes - TOMS $40

Chiffon Maxi Skort - Forever 21 $13.80 For $14, how could I pass this up? It has two thigh high slits in the front and is made out of airy chiffon. If that weren't enough, instead of a built-in miniskirt slip lining, there are built in SHORTS. Oh, a… — **Chiffon Maxi Skort - Forever 21 $13.80**
For $14, how could I pass this up? It has two thigh high slits in the front and is made out of airy chiffon. If that weren't enough, instead of a built-in miniskirt slip lining, there are built in SHORTS. Oh, a skort has never looked so fine.
From My Closet:
Crochet Top - Heartbreaker Stores $24
Mossimo Tank - Target $9
Shoes - TOMS $40

Printed Shorts - Forever 21 $11.80 These were so very comfortable and I really liked the print on them which kind of looks like rustic arrows. I thought these would pair well with the fringed ivory kimono in my closet and fit into my overall 'Pajama… — **Printed Shorts - Forever 21 $11.80**
These were so very comfortable and I really liked the print on them which kind of looks like rustic arrows. I thought these would pair well with the fringed ivory kimono in my closet and fit into my overall 'Pajama Chic' theme for the weekend.

From My Closet:
Kimono - PacSun $12 {Clearance}
Mossimo Tank - Target $9
Tassle Necklace - Target $16
Sandals - Target $15
Bag - Deb's Coffee Cafe, Sommerset, WI $8

Coachella Valley Music Festival, 2014, Weekend 2

Pano while listening to The Head and The Heart

Tie Dye Headband - Forever 21 $3.80 I ended up needing this simple thing more than I could ever explain...my bangs were a hot mess (literally). Essentials. All I did during the day was move this Nike yoga mat around the campsite following the shade… — **Tie Dye Headband - Forever 21 $3.80**
I ended up needing this simple thing more than I could ever explain...my bangs were a hot mess (literally).

Essentials. All I did during the day was move this Nike yoga mat around the campsite following the shade cast by the canopy we had purchased. If I go again, I don't think I can camp. The heat and sun are oppressive. Even in April.

One of my favorite parts about Coachella is seeing all of the cool fashion inspiration that everyone brings to the table.

budget $100

Woven Textile Shorts - $15.80
Palazzo Pants - $19.80
Chiffon Maxi Skort - $13.80
Printed Shorts - $11.80
Tie Dye Headband - $3.80
Aztec Fanny Pack - $12.80
CA Sales Tax (9%) - $7

amount spent $84.80

Came in under-budget with some fun, trendy items to mix with my wardrobe staples!

Styling Lifestyle Photoshoot with StephanieHynesPhotography for L.A. Models / April 16, 2014 by Stephanie Foster

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to do my first official styling gig only a few weeks after arriving in L.A. with über talented St. Paul girl Stephanie Hynes Photography for a lifestyle photoshoot to add to the L.A. Models portfolio for the lovely Rubina.

The goal of this shoot was to be fun and fresh. We wanted outdoor upbeat images of blowing bubbles, hula hooping in the backyard, and other fun party like activities.

I went shopping to find some fun, colorful, and youthful pieces. Since all of the clothing would need to be returned after the shoot, I had to choose my stores wisely. Forever21, for example, will only accept returns for store credit.

I shopped at Ross, OldNavy, Nordstrom Rack, and Target and had no problem returning everything after the shoot. Hiding the tags was a bit of an adventure, but worked out in the end!

Follow my experience below! :)

See the final shots of my styling on my stylist portfolio page here!

This is a fun top I picked up at Ross for $14. We ended up not using it but I liked it because of the bright color and subtle print. My plan was to fold the bottom under to make a crop top for the model to wear with jean shorts and a bright and fun … — This is a fun top I picked up at Ross for $14. We ended up not using it but I liked it because of the bright color and subtle print. My plan was to fold the bottom under to make a crop top for the model to wear with jean shorts and a bright and fun statement necklace! The necklace is from OldNavy and was $20. Jean shorts are mine and are also OldNavy.

This is a fun dress that I found at OldNavy on sale for $20. You can't really tell in this photo, but the color is super bright and fun. This was actually one of my favorite Crayola Crayon colors back in the day and the shade is 'Jungle Green'. The … — This is a fun dress that I found at OldNavy on sale for $20. You can't really tell in this photo, but the color is super bright and fun. This was actually one of my favorite Crayola Crayon colors back in the day and the shade is 'Jungle Green'. The jewelry is also from OldNavy and was around $8-$20 per piece. The denim jacket is OldNavy as well for $30. While I love the look of the bright white against the green in real life, I discovered at the shoot that it didn't photograph well. The white was just TOO white and affected the light balance in the photo. Lesson learned. :) We did not end up using this dress or jewelry in the shoot, but we did take a few photos with the jacket.

This dress is from OldNavy and was used in the shoot along with the cropped jean jacket. The dress and jacket were $30 each and the necklace was from Target for $20. I LOVE this dress and the look. Once we got to the shoot, I realized that the state… — This dress is from OldNavy and was used in the shoot along with the cropped jean jacket. The dress and jacket were $30 each and the necklace was from Target for $20. I LOVE this dress and the look. Once we got to the shoot, I realized that the statement necklace was a little chunky for the sweetness of the dress. I have a vintage gold locket from my grandmother that would have been more delicate and completed the look, but we were on location and I didn't bring my entire jewelry folio. Lesson learned- always bring all the jewelry when shooting on location.

This dress is my own and was bought a few years ago at Nordstrom Rack for only $10 and we did use this in the shoot. I thought this would be a good idea because we had discussed taking some photos with the model eating a Popsicle in the backyard. Th… — This dress is my own and was bought a few years ago at Nordstrom Rack for only $10 and we did use this in the shoot. I thought this would be a good idea because we had discussed taking some photos with the model eating a Popsicle in the backyard. This at least is a piece I can wash since I own it and wouldn't have to worry about it being stained or spilled on. We didn't end up doing the Popsicle photos, but this dress looked great on our model! The jean jacket is from OldNavy for $30 and we did a few shots with it but it was so bright white it just didn't photograph well. Lesson learned. ;)

These are the first few outfits that I picked up. I sent these over to the photographer who said she wanted a few things that were edgier, more global inspired, and youthful. When I went shopping originally I wasn't sure how edgy I could be. I had ruled out crop tops and the like, but once I got the green light on that, it was back to the drawing board....or Target ;)

Target had a great line of global printed pieces that I knew would be perfect for this shoot. So I ended up picking up a TON of these to have on hand. I really liked having the flexibility to dress the model in different outfits once I got to the sh… — Target had a great line of global printed pieces that I knew would be perfect for this shoot. So I ended up picking up a TON of these to have on hand. I really liked having the flexibility to dress the model in different outfits once I got to the shoot. It was helpful to have many choices and not have only a few in case they didn't work out. I ended up picking up both the romper and the sundress shown here but we didn't photograph either piece.

This crop top did end up being photographed from Target and I think the price was around $18. The only size that was left at Target was an XS which was too small so I had to safety pin the model into it at the shoot. I was also a little displeased w… — This crop top did end up being photographed from Target and I think the price was around $18. The only size that was left at Target was an XS which was too small so I had to safety pin the model into it at the shoot. I was also a little displeased with the placing of the bust since it was a bit small. But the shots turned out OK. We had the model bring her own denim shorts and shoes since those are harder to fit. Luckily she had some great items to choose from on the day of the shoot! Shorts are mine from OldNavy.

Once I got the green light on crop tops, I knew this sheer top would be PERFECT for the hula hoop shots. I picked up a plain bandeau for her to wear with it. We photographed this with the hula hoop and it looked amazing! :) The top and bandeau are f… — Once I got the green light on crop tops, I knew this sheer top would be PERFECT for the hula hoop shots. I picked up a plain bandeau for her to wear with it. We photographed this with the hula hoop and it looked amazing! :) The top and bandeau are from Target, shorts are mine from OldNavy.

This outfit was possibly one of my favorites from the shoot. It's a simple crop top and skater skirt both from Target in the same collection. The bright colors looked amazing in the photoshoot! :) TargetDoesItAgain!

I sent the new pieces over to the photographer who was very excited about them! Finally I was on the right track!

I packed the following in my bag for the shoot:

-Hangers
-Small Sewing Kit - Needle and Thread
-All Different Sizes of Safety Pins
-Clothes Pins and Chip Clips to pin clothing tighter
-My Little Steamer *BEST THING EVER*
-ALL of my own jewelry and accessories, just in case!

SHOOT DAY!All of the outfits hung up and ready to be steamed on location! — SHOOT DAY!
All of the outfits hung up and ready to be steamed on location!

Afterthoughts: Invest in a portable garment rack. Thankfully, Stephanie Hynes had one for me to use! Also, bring more hangers than you think you'll need.

Stephanie Hynes shooting Rubina! Styling by ME! :)Target Top, Model's Jean Shorts and Sandals. — Stephanie Hynes shooting Rubina! Styling by ME! :)
Target Top, Model's Jean Shorts and Sandals.

Photograph by Stephanie Hynes.Model Rubina from LA Models.Styling by ME! :) — Photograph by Stephanie Hynes.
Model Rubina from LA Models.
Styling by ME! :)

Model Rubina from LA Models.Styling and Photograph by ME! :) — Model Rubina from LA Models.
Styling and Photograph by ME! :)

Afterthoughts: The bustier was an XS as it was the only one at Target and I am not entirely pleased with the fit. It looks ok in the photo, but in the future, I would put the model in something that fits better. It didn't fit her bust properly and I had to safety pin her into it.

Afterthoughts: The white jean jacket is a great idea in theory but doesn't photograph well. In the future, I will likely stay away from bright whites like this unless we have proper studio lighting.

Afterthoughts: This necklace is my own and is from OldNavy. It is too long on the model. In retrospect, I should have pinned it a bit tighter using a safety pin.

Afterthoughts: This was not the necklace I had planned for this outfit. I think I was planning on using the chunky blue statement necklace from OldNavy. But on the model, it was just too much. This necklace is actually a DIY vintage skeleton key on a silver chain from Target and is my own. I luckily happened to be wearing it at the shoot as I left my entire jewelry case at location #1. In the future, I will ALWAYS bring all jewelry and accessories to the alternate locations because sometimes those need to be switched last minute.

Afterthoughts: While this necklace looked great with the dress in theory, it is too chunky in the photograph. I have a perfect vintage gold locket from my Grandmother that I had left in my jewelry case at location #1 that would have made this look a lot more delicate. Lesson learned, ALWAYS bring all the jewelry when changing locations. We had to reuse the key necklace from the outfit above and I would have preferred the gold locket with the pink floral.

Afterthoughts: This would have been way better with a delicate gold necklace.

Well, there you have it! I was able to return all the pieces with no issues and it was a GREAT experience for me to add to my portfolio. Obviously there are a few things I will do differently/better next time, but I am so thankful to Stephanie Hynes Photography for giving me this opportunity!

Anthropologie Inspired Shrug Sweater / March 1, 2014 by Stephanie Foster

Four years after starting this project, I have finally finished this Anthropologie Inspired Shrug Sweater (pattern by Peony Knits).

One of the reasons this took me so long is because the first time I finished it, I made it way too short. It took me about 3 years to finally get the motivation to fix it. If you look in the above photo you can see the trace of the original hem that I had to rip out and recast to add more length.

The most complicated part of this for me was learning the Yarn Over stitch which took a bit until I was able to master it. I've explained in easy terms how to do it below!

Overall, this was a fun project and I'm pretty happy with the results!

It's hard for me to estimate total time this took to make since I did it over such an extended period of time (extreme procrastinator), but I'd say it takes maybe 10 hours of work depending on how fast you knit.

I've included the pattern for this below along with some of my edits.

Materials:

-4-5 skiens of Mirasol Sulka yarn (60% merino, 20% alpaca, 20% silk)

-US Size 10.5 circular needle (30")

-US Size 10.5 straight needles (optional)

-Scissors

-Yarn Needle

-4 Stitch/Place Markers (I just used little loops made from a different color yarn. You slip this over your needle before the next stitch)

Instructions:

Neckline

Cast On 49 stitches. Knit in 1x1 rib for 2" to create neckline.

Row1: start and end with Knit stitch. Row2: start and end with Purl stitch. Etc....

Raglan Increases
Body will be separated into 5 sections using your 4 Stitch/Place Markers (PM): Left Front, Left Sleeve, Back, Right Sleeve, Right Front.

To complete the Yarn Over (YO) stitch, you will just wrap the working yarn around your right needle counter clockwise before beginning the next stitch. Don't try to make this harder than it is. There is no stitch, it's just wrapping the working yarn around the right needle. This is what makes the cute little holes in the raglan.

Row 1 (Wrong Side): k2, p6, yo, pm, p1, yo, p7, yo, pm, p1, yo, p15, yo, pm, p1, yo, p7, yo, pm, p1, yo, p6, k2 (57 stitches total, 8 have been increased)

Row 2 and all Right Side rows (looking at stockinette pattern): Knit all stitches

Row 3 and all Wrong Side rows k2, *p to next marker, yo, sl marker (move place marker from one needle to the other), p1, yo*
repeat from * 3 more times, p until last 2 st, k2

Continue raglan increases until the sleeve measures the circumference of your upper arm.

End with Right Side row.

Splitting Sleeves and Body

Wrong Side: k2, p to 1st marker, move all st from 1st to 2nd marker onto scrap yarn (right sleeve).
P to 3rd marker. Move all st from 3rd to 4th marker onto another piece of scrap yarn (left sleeve).
P to last 2 st, k2.

Right Side: Knit all stitches

Continue in stockinette stitch with K2 at both edges the row until you think that the body is long enough. (The original pattern called for 4 more rows but I found this was WAY too short which is why I had to rip it out and start over- be careful here! This fits shorter in the back than in the front and you want to make sure it's long enough to meet the top of the back of your dresses.)

Switch to 1x1 rib for 2" or however long you want the ribbing at the bottom to be (I made mine about 3").
Remember if doing 1x1 rib with an odd # of stitches (I had 93 at this point) you will begin with and end with a K1 stitch in row 1 and odd rows and begin with and end with a P1 stitch in row 2 and even rows.

Cast off all stitches.

Sleeves:

Pick up all stitches one sleeve at a time from the scrap yarn. I used 10.5 straight needles for this part.

Work back and forth in 1x1 rib for 5 rows (or 2", whichever you prefer).

Cast off all stitches

Seam ribbing on sleeves.

THAT'S IT! Pretty easy, huh?

Below are some style shots of this little sweater in action!

The thing I love about this pattern is you could very easily make this into a full sweater by continuing the stitches on the sleeves and body.

It is also super cute inside out (reverse stockinette) as well. That is actually how the pattern was originally written but I changed it because stockinette makes more sense to me when I'm knitting than thinking in reverse.

If anyone makes one of these be sure to share your thoughts and photos of the finished results!

Stephanie Mae Foster

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THAT'S IT! Pretty easy, huh?

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