Memorial day is by far one of my favorite holidays. The sun was shining, the BBQ’s came in herds, and it was birthday weekend - how perfect. Taking full advantage of these lovely circumstances, I headed out with the fam-bam to the Getty to get my art on. Camera in hand, I was set for a day of exploring. Right now the Getty has this AMAZING photo exhibition of photographer Herb Ritts’ best fashion photography featured in several big name magazines. Of course there were no cameras allowed, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. -brittany

My friend Vivian and I got super crafty the other day. She taught me how to make photo transfers, a cool way to collage. Here are the steps for you to DIY your own creations!

What you’ll need: Paper, some old magazines, Matte Medium (any kind, we used Mod Podge), a cheap brush, scissors, markers, a glue stick, and something to smooth out the magazines with (a bone folder or a popsicle stick).

1. Cut out the photos that you want to use for your collage. Decide which ones you are going to do the photo transfer with, and which ones you will glue overtop.

2. Take the photo that you want to transfer, and apply the Matte Medium with the brush on the side that you want (It will turn out as a mirrored image). Smooth out the brush strokes with your finger to make them disappear.

3. Place the side with the Matte Medium down onto the paper, and smooth it out with the bone folder or popsicle stick.

4. Let it dry for a few minutes, then peel it off all in one direction. It may take a few tries to get it right, and some magazines work better than others, so do a few test runs!

5. Let the photo transfer dry, and then glue images and draw on top. Get creative!-alyson

The Vans Girls Mexico crew made this little video at SXSW in Austin, TX. -amanda

I try to doodle something silly at least once every day, thought I would share today’s. It’s a good creative exercise and I try not to spend more than ten minutes on each one which keeps them easy and fun. Lately I have been making tons of art journals full of creative ideas and inspiration too. What do you guys do to keep your artistic side going? -amanda

Oh, hi Memorial day weekend! I didn’t see you there. Let’s kick start this holiday weekend by listening to Alabama Shakes’ new track, Hold on, and put it on repeat. Sounds good to me! -brittany

vanssnow:

Check out the teaser for the B4BC: Be Healthy, Get Active, Ride! campaign featuring Team Riders Hana Beaman, Allysha Bergado, Courtney Conlogue, Sage Erickson, Elena Hight and Mimi Knoop. To get informed, visit B4BC.org and help support this amazing cause!

Inspired by my all time favorite Disney character, Minnie Mouse, I gave my red Authentics a much needed makeover. They’ve been through a lot, so it was the least I could do. This Spring, it’s all about the polka dots. They’re cute, feminine, and fun to mix with other patterns… if you can’t tell, I’m rather obsessed. 

Here’s what you need for this simple DIY: a pair of Authentics, white paint (you can use acrylic, gauche, or fabric paint), a paint brush, a pencil, water bottle cap, and 4 yards of lace ribbon.

• You were probably wondering why you would need a bottle cap since it’s a bit random, but it will actually come in handy as you trace circles on the shoe.
• Once you’re done tracing circles, use the paint to fill them in. 
• Depending on the thickness of your paint, you may want to add a second coat.
• Let dry for a few hours.
• After they are completely dry, lace your ribbon through the eyelets.
• Tie them in a pretty bow, and you’re good to go.

Got a cute DIY idea with your Vans? Instagram your project with the hashtag #VansDIY  -brittany

I have developed a new obsession with making little collages on Polyvore. A mix between cute outfits and cool illustration art to match? Perfect for us creative girls. I made this one using some of my favorite picks from the Vans Girls shop! You too can get your style on, with the Spicey Dress, Washed Authentic Slims, Fringed Up Cross-Body Purse, and Fakie Eyeglasses. -alyson

The weather has been absolutely AMAAZING in LA this past month, so of course days are best spent outside. Headed to the LA Zoo with some friends, and my adorbs VANS X HELLZ Sophie and went a little wild…. or, as wild as I could be with a 2 year old to watch. -brittany

Looks like Steal Her Style has broken down Stacy’s outfit from our recent shoot with her band Sucré in LA. Be on the lookout for a special acoustic video premiere from us and the band on June 4th right here on the blog. -amanda