weaving using coconut leaves

This summer, I decided to take a Chamorro class. Chamorro is Guam's official language, and after living on Guam for 18 years, I'm excited to finally learn it! Today, we took a break from learning grammar, and learned how to weave out of coconut leaves, which is one of the pastimes of the Chamorro people. The weaving process reminded me of origami, as there was a lot of folding involved. If you don't happen to have coconut trees in your backyard, you can use ribbons instead. I made a star, a bird, and a fish. These objects make great gifts or decorations around the house.

Here's what you'll need: 

2 coconut leaflets or 2 strands of ribbons 

Stapler (for ribbons) 

Scissors

Instructions for making: 

Star: {here}

Bird: {here}

 Fish: {here}

Hope you have fun!

a pop of emerald

a pop of emerald by creamandtulle featuring chunky heel ankle boots

folk print

folk print by creamandtulle featuring ballet flats

plaid shirt

plaid shirt by creamandtulle featuring a studded tote

navy and black

navy and black by creamandtulle featuring a folding tote bag

denim dress

denim dress by creamandtulle featuring satchel handbags

emerald

emerald by creamandtulle featuring high heel sandals

the beanie

the beanie by creamandtulle featuring black boots

winter white

winter white by creamandtulle featuring cutout sandals

maxi dress

maxi dress by creamandtulle 

One of my favorite summer staples is the maxi dress. Long and flowy, it's both chic and comfortable. It's also versatile: the right accessories can transform this piece from day to night. Here, my maxi dress is accessorized with matching feather earrings, nude gladiator sandals, and a satchel. How do you like accessorizing your maxi dress? 

rainy day chic

rainy day chic by creamandtulle featuring satchel handbags

fab finds: summer accessories

forever 21 pleated straw bowler hat $10.80

This is my first "fab finds" post in a long while! As spring is coming to a close and the heat continues to rise, I went on the search for the perfect summer accessory. First, I came across this straw hat from Forever 21 to ward off that summer heat. I also found a similar one from Topshop. Additionally, I found a studded purse, appropriate for those summer nights out. The first is from Forever 21, while the second is from Tory Burch. Happy Wednesday! 

topshop straw shorter brim fedora $45

forever 21 studded shoulder bag $27.80

tory burch pyramid stud wristlet clutch $346.50 

a stroll on a lovely spring day

a stroll on a lovely spring day by creamandtulle featuring chloé sunglasses

london chic

london chic by creamandtulle featuring satchel handbags

a pop of yellow

a pop of yellow by creamandtulle featuring ballet flats

skirt {here}
satchel {here}
necklace {here}
ballet flats {similar here or splurge here}
top {here or save with this gorgeous one here}

It's back to school for me tomorrow, and I want to start off the year fresh with a sweet and simple blouse and skirt combo. I love the combination of navy and yellow, especially because navy brings out the vibrancy of yellow to make it pop. For the finishing touches to the outfit, I added a gold statement necklace, a navy satchel and matching ballet flats. 

little black dress

A few days ago, I got a new haircut, and since then, have been drawn to more feminine and classic pieces. Today, I felt like wearing my favorite little black dress. I love this dress because of its length, silhouette, and the floral detailing along the neckline. I kept things simple by pairing my dress with Chanel flats and a pearl bracelet. 

{aa studio dress + chanel flats + h&m chain purse} 

flats {similar here}

 dress {similar here}

purse {similar here  or splurge on this crossbody here} 

fab finds at forever 21

f21 pleated trim shirt $22.80 {here}

st. john collection contrast-trim crepe de chine $495.00 {here}

This week, I found all sorts of bargains, ranging from a contrast trim blouse to a pair of cateye sunglasses to a belted striped dress perfect for the last few weeks of summer. Hope you have a great Wednesday! xo

yves saint laurent sunglasses $350.00 {here}

f21 cateye sunglasses $5.80 {here}

asos paparazzi leather court shoes with metal spike heel $76.64 {here}

f21 metal heel pumps $29.80 {here}

f21 zip pocket crossbody $19.80 {here}

ralph lauren signature skinny crossbody $98.00 {here}

f21 striped skater dress w/ belt $22.80 {here}

arden b strip ponte belted dress $69.00 {here}

f21 pleated contrast dress {here}

tibi sleeveless pleated dress $207.00 {here}

chocolate chunk cookies

• 
  
• For our dinner party last night, my sister and I made my favorite chocolate chip cookies. They were moist, soft, and slightly sweet, and they perfectly complemented the coffee oreo icecream we had. We had a delightful time making our own icecream sandwiches! 
• 
  
• Here's the recipe (adopted from Martha Stewart): 
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
  
  1 teaspoon baking soda
  
  
  1 teaspoon salt
  
  
  2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
  
  
  1 cup granulated sugar
  
  
  1/2 cup packed dark-brown sugar
  
  
  2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  
  
  1 large whole egg, plus 1 large egg white
  
  
  12 oz. semisweet chocolate chunks (about 2 cups)

the peter pan collar

mint and pink by creamandtulle featuring short skirts

skirt {here}
blouse {here or save here}
satchel {here or save here}
ballet flats {here or save with this pair here}

necklace {here or save with this gorgeous one here}

My favorite trend this season by far has been the peter pan collar. My polyvore set features a blouse and skirt combo with a rhinestone peter pan collar necklace. I love this necklace because it's not brightly colored or overwhelmingly bejeweled with sequins. It's simple and refined and adds just the right amount of glamour to the outfit.

sandrine's

In light of Restaurant Week, my friends and I made a reservation at Sandrine's, a French bistro in Harvard Square. As we walked in, a waiter greeted us with a charming French accent, and he seated us at a cozy booth near the back. I was entranced by the luxurious atmosphere and interior decoration -- I was immediately transported to Paris. When the waiter came back, I ordered the roasted red pepper and tomato gazpacho and the lobster roll, and he answered "tres bien mademoiselle," which made me smile. My sister ordered the lobster roll as well as the best salad I've ever eaten. It was garnished with red grapes, roasted almonds, and a light vinaigrette. I also enjoyed the lobster roll, which was rich and creamy. We engaged in conversation as we savored our entrees. All in all, I had a lovely time!

{sliced baguette} 

{Grape and Gorgonzola Salad} 

{Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Gazpacho}

{Lobster Roll}