fashion lives here.

Gallery Wall Tutorial + Tips.

The idea to do a gallery wall has been on my project to-do list since I moved into my apartment….a whole year and a half ago. But now it’s done, and boy does it feel good. My wall is fashionista focused but your wall should be a reflection of you and your style.

The great thing is, you can always change it!

Gallery Wall Tips

gallery wall tutorial + tips

  1. Curate the images for your wall – begin to collect inspiration from all around you – things that make you smile, encouraging reminders, sweet memories.
    • Keep in mind color palette as you collect but you can decide what works together once you make the final edit.
    • I’ve created an easy template to help you keep organized as you collect your artwork & frames. Look for the BONUS at the end of this post!
    • The internet is a great source for images. A few of mine came from inspiring Instagram snaps & others from amazing printables – hello Pinterest & Etsy.
    • These are a few of the resources I used for free printables (tell them The Block is Haute sent you): Danielle Burkleo – Oh So Lovely – Brit.Co –  Free Vintage Posters.com – Little Gold Pixelgallery wall printables
  2. Collect frames – everyone’s approach to framing is different. Some people like to thrift frames & spray paint to achieve their desired look, you can collect frames over time, or buy in bulk like I did from IKEA, Michaels, Hobby Lobby. (For you Texas peeps, I grabbed mine on the cheap @ Garden Ridge At Home)
  3. Print! – Put all the images in a folder and review to make sure you like everything together. Think about what size each image would look best as. (ex: my Instagram images would not look good as an 8×10 so I kept those at the 4×4 square size) 
    • Put everything on a flash drive and head over to FedEx Kinko’s/Staples/Office Depot (aka Office Max) and have them print.
    • It’s okay to print more than what will fit on your wall. Some images may not make the cut once you start putting everything in frames.gallery wall
  4. Clean frames & insert images – nothing worse than fingerprint smudges on glass. Play around with the image/frame combination until you find what works.gallery wall tips
  5. Layout! Here’s where the fun begins. I found it easiest to start with a layout on the ground in front of the wall where the art will hang. Start with the largest piece and put it slightly off-center. Then find the next piece to compliment your focal point.
    • Since you’re on the floor it’s perfectly okay to arrange and re-arrange. (I did…3 times…okay 4.)
    • Decide on spacing – an inch between each frame is a good guide.
    • Take a picture once your layout is set for easy reference when hanging.
      Gallery Wall Layout

      layout #1.

      gallery wall layout

      layout #2.

      gallery wall DIY layout

      layout #3.

  6. Hang time! No need for a hammer and nails for this project, I just used Command Picture Hanging Strips to easily put up all of the frames. They don’t put holes in the wall & are super easy to come off! I’ve been using these since my college days. This will go much faster if you have a friend to help you hang and make sure everything is straight but totally achievable to do by yourself…like me!
    • Pro tip: your iPhone compass act doubles as a level. Open the app, swipe right, turn your phone sideways & you can easily check to see if your photos are straight!
  7. Step back and enjoy your handy work!
    gallery wall tips

    ta-da!

    gallery wall DIY

Putting up a gallery wall is no small task as I learned over the course of this project. But it was well worth it after seeing the end result.

Now that this one is done, I’m ready to do another gallery wall. Ready for hire!

bonus!

Download my [free] printable Gallery Wall Organizer to help you keep track of your fabulous artwork for your wall!

Gallery Wall - Example

Download here!

Tell me about your gallery wall experience or if you are taking on the task of doing your own! I’d love to hear from you!

Live lovely,
xoxo.
-c.

 

 

Linking up with: The Closet by Christie, Doused in Pink

Met Gala 2015. China Through the Looking Glass

If you are into fashion, the Met Gala is THE event of the season. The one night of the year where celebrities from all arenas team up with the fashion industry’s best for a night of pure red carpet drama. There is couture abound as designers come up with avant-garde creations for this annual themed-event. It’s great to see who executes the theme well and scratch your head at those who miss the mark. This year’s theme is China: Through the Looking Glass – celebrating how the East meets West in the world of fashion.

Sarah Jessica Parker. Custom H&M + Philip Treacy.

Sarah Jessica Parker. Custom H&M + Philip Treacy.

Sarah Jessica Parker is the queen of the Met Gala. She always shows up giving 100% in the year’s theme. Whether you love or hate her looks, you cannot deny that she is the standard for executing the theme. The Philip Treacy headpiece is definitely a showstopper. I give her props for rocking it, when else would you be able to wear a work of art like that? (Side note: SJP always has the best date. Alexander McQueen, Andy Cohen…enough said.)

Allison Williams x Giambattista Valli

Allison Williams x Giambattista Valli

Do we know who Allison Williams’ red carpet stylist is? Major props are due for having this ‘Girls’ star in stunning looks every time she steps out. This Haute Couture Giambattista Valli gown is a dream.

Met Gala 2015. Janelle Monae. H&M.

Janelle Monae. Custon H&M.

H&M collaborated with another star for tonight’s event. The result is a perfectly on trend and on theme fit that stays true to Janelle Monae’s brand as well. A crop top and a cape?! Yes. Plus an updo with a dramatic braid? Yes and yes.

Anne Hathaway. Ralph Lauren.

Anne Hathaway. Ralph Lauren.

Anne Hathaway knows how to turn heads on the red carpet. You never quite know the direction she’s going to go but I like this choice tonight. The Ralph Lauren liquid gold column dress with a hood is a bold, yet beautiful choice.

Met Gala 2015. Joan Smalls. Roberto Cavalli.

Joan Smalls. Roberto Cavalli.

Joan Smalls is my model muse. She’s wearing purple like no one has ever worn purple (except her…here). This Roberto Cavalli gown is everything and then some. The lace detail perfectly contrasts to the tough belt and the black choker is the best accessory. Joan represents Estee Lauder well tonight as one of the faces of the iconic beauty brand.

 

Bee Shaffer. Alexander McQueen

Bee Shaffer. Alexander McQueen

As Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour’s daughter, I would imagine that Bee Shaffer has connections to the most beautiful gowns in the world. I really love her choice tonight.  I am partial to anything involving cherry blossoms as they bring back fond memories of my early years spent living in Japan. This gorgeous Alexander McQueen dress with a cherry blossom motif is perfect for the evening’s festivities.

 

Tell me who were some of your favorite Met Gala looks!

-c.

Haute Covers :: Power Trio. Glamour May 2015.

glamour_may15_cover

Sarah Jessica Parker. First Lady Michelle Obama. Kerry Washington.

How in the world did Glamour get three of the world’s most powerful women on ONE magazine cover?!

The amount of influence these three ladies have over women of all ages and backgrounds is unparalleled. SJP, MObama, and KW, OR Carrie Bradshaw, FLOTUS, and Olivia Pope, (still powerful either way you put it) originally met on President Obama’s Committee for the Arts & Humanities. Supporting our veterans and military families is the important cause that brings these women together.

While Michelle Obama and Kerry Washington wore Narcisco Rodriguez, Sarah Jessica Parker wore Oscar de la Renta (look no. 21 from the last he designed before his passing). I love the closeness of the three ladies in the shot – which was achieved by SJP and Kerry Washington standing on boxes to match the height of the 5′ 11″ First Lady.

Oscar De La Renta. Spring 2015.

Oscar De La Renta. Spring 2015.

Narcisco Rodriguez. Pre-Fall 2015.

Narcisco Rodriguez. Pre-Fall 2015.

Narcisco Rodriquez. Spring 2015.

Narcisco Rodriquez. Spring 2015.

Joining Forces is the name of this worthy initiative that provides support to military veterans and their families via employment resources, educational programs, as well as access to health and wellness assistance. Created in 2011 by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, this program seeks to equip our military families with expanded employment and education opportunities.

Many people in my family have served in the military, including my grandfather and one of my uncles, so I know first hand what it is like to be part of a military family. You have a special set of experiences that other military kids share but not many people outside of the service know what it’s like. Military families are often overlooked but a critical part of American society so I appreciate that the White House and others are using their voice to encourage our servicemen and women along with their families.

Watch behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot here & pickup your copy on April 14th for more!

Best looks of Cannes Film Festival 2011 – part I.

The annual Festival de Cannes is taking place this year from May 11-22. There are so many amazing looks coming from the stars every day. Here are some of the red carpet highlights from the first 6 days.

Fan Bing Bing in Atelier Versace. “Wu Xia” premiere.
I wish there was a better picture of this dress but I just love the color and the jeweled waistband. The train is stunning too.

Diane Kruger in Calvin Klein. “Sleeping Beauty” premiere.
Diane looks amazing as always in this simple, form-fitting dress from Calvin Klein. She wears it so well.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Elie Saab. “Wu Xia” premiere.
Prints are not easy to do on the red carpet but SJP makes it work.

Sonam Kapoor in Jean Paul Gaultier. “The Artist” premiere.
This structured dress is so pretty. I love to see throwback dresses like this Spring 2009 on the red carpet.

Gwen Stefani in Stella McCartney. “Tree of Life” premiere.
Although Iman wore this same jumpsuit in gold to the Met Gala, I still love that Gwennie rocks it.
The curly hair and the pink lip are perfect.

 

 

Met Gala 2011 — Haute Looks && the Odd Couple.

There were so many great looks that graced the red carpet I just had to show some of the other looks. Check ’em out, tell me what you think. Is there anyone that you loved that I missed?

Sarah Jessica Parker in vintage Alexander McQueen.
love. love. love.

Carmelo Anthony and Lala Vazquez.
No one gave these two any shine but I think they look amazing. I’m kind of obsessed with Carmelo in the all black.
Lala is princess perfect and the colors of the dress and makeup are spot on.

Anna Wintour in Chanel Haute Couture.
A dubs looking oh-so-chic in the runway Chanel. She wears Chanel to this event every year.
This dress isn’t for everyone but I think she makes it cool.

Mary-Kate Olsen in vintage Christian Dior.
MK is giving a totally different look than the rest of the attendees. This vintage Dior is spot-on bohemian which is the hot trend for spring/summer. I love the red dress paired with the green jewelry and the smoky eye she’s wearing is killer.

Jennifer Hudson in Vera Wang.
Mrs. Jennifer Hudson looks amazing in this gown. I’ve been loving her fashion choices as of late.
I had to add the picture of her with the designer of her dress, the talented Vera Wang looking great in that chartreuse color.

Iman in Stella McCartney.
This woman never ages. Look at her rocking this low-cut gold jumpsuit.
She just looks flawless. Werk.!

Tory Burch and Kanye West.
Kind of the odd couple, no? Apparently Tory Burch is launching a menswear line and got Kanye to wear a suit from the collection. I never would have picked these two as friends. What do you think of Tory and Yeezy??

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