Charm It Up

I love a good charm.  I may wear opulent, over the top baubles; lets face it I go big or I go home.  Even when I am going in either direction I am always wearing my simple charm necklace.  As I scrolled through my reader to see what was happening on the blogosphere, Love at First Shop had made the most charming purchase.  Pun is intended to the max.  I Adorn U, on Etsy, has some of the greatest simple but uber interesting pieces I have seen out there.  Trying to diversify my jewelry drawer, one of the elegant bracelets would fill the void I have.  The initial bunny bracelet is the perfect answer and addition to all of the bangles and beads I pile on.  Let's face it every girl wants to feel feminine and theses accessories are a great option.   Since it is holiday time, this shop has the perfect nostalgic gifts for you and your best friend.  Buy the bestie the Best Friend Necklace; you get one whale and she gets the other.  Prices are beyond affordable and they are great ways to add a classic touch with a twist.  I know I will be adding the options to my holiday list.  Now the trouble comes to when I have to narrow it down. 


Image via Love At First Shop

Want This, Need That

In pops one of those daily emails you always look at because who knows what tidbit it holds. The other day it was from Shopbop, which led me to this sequined top which looked vaguely familiar to me. With a little research, okay, a click of a button I opened the Antik Batik Buli Tee. So I can only assume the design team found inspiration from the 1970s when the butterfly top was ripping up the dance floor from discos around the country. Next time you are on Etsy or Ebay or in your local thrift store search for this butterfly top I speak of. Unlikee most vintage, this piece is incredibly easy to come by. I was first introduced to these threads in the beyond fabulous London street markets, where there were racks and racks of this sparkly top. I finally scored mine in a vintage shop in New York's East Village for $15. Compared to the designer piece I saved myself $400. So puruse the racks and pages, because I guarantee you can get one in any color or size. Styling options are endless. Wear it over a plain dress, or some skinny jeans and high-heeled boost remember since this is shinier than the top of the Crystler building keep the accessories to a minimum; you do not need anything to distract from this centerpiece. As a beautiful butterfly, spread your fashion wings and shine, shine, shine.
Images via Shopbop and Ebay

Independently Chic

I love an independent designer like the rest of them, but I only like never own. I simply cannot afford the price tags associated with the chicness that accompanies a independent designer. I understand that I am paying for the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality; however at the end of the day I have an electric bill to pay. Then I found Take Your Clothes Off. Housed on my favorite site Etsy TYCO has simple yet edgy pieces to add to your independent designer collection. The dresses are a perfect balance between structure and draping. I did not know you could have a dress that encompassed both before visiting the Etsy shop. Or check out the Cowl Wing Vest, which is business in the front and total sex in the back. Before you wear this number work on your lat-pulls at the gym. What about a little something for the hipster man in your life? The Shredded Stripes Tee has hipster written all over those strategic distressed stripes. Most items in this shop are $120 and under. They are unique and simple enough for everyday wear. And this is exactly what you will do, is wear TYCO items every day.

Image via Etsy

Shameless Promotion

I consider myself a Renaissance woman. In addition to this lovely blog I write, I fancy myself a pretty good photographer. Instead of keeping these treasures to myself, I have decided to share my art with the world. And what is the best platform for this you ask? Etsy of course. Debuting at the perfect time, are my limited addition prints at my Etsy Shop. Many of these images are from my travels, or just everyday life when I thought something was interesting and worthy of places far beyond Facebook. These will make great holiday present as they look great on walls. The standard 8x10 prints retail for $10, and will be signed. If that it too big or small, we can discuss other size options. Do not hesitate to ask questions. I am here to get you the perfect gift this holiday season. Do not worry that you and everyone will have the same prints on your wall; each print is a limited edition to be produced only 50 times. Once a purchase is made, the image is developed, and immediately shipped out. I can attest these images add charm and character to any room. Why not give it to your friend who's walls are more bare than the Sahara Desert?

Vintage Delights

You know I love vintage. You know I love reworked vintage. And finally you know I love to bring you sites that do both those things. So go check out Ramona West, to find some modern vintage. Hailing from the laid back cool capital of SoCal, Ramona West is an edited collection of love. Taking note of what is happening on today's runway the collections are tailored to fit the modern silhouette. You will not look like you just traveled through a time machine from the 1970s. Service is not thrown by the wayside, orders are shipped within 48 hours. Ramona does not want you to miss out on her wares. If you cannot find what you are looking for at the new e-commerce site, check out the etsy shop too. Oops, I almost forgot to mention that most items up for sale are under $60. I would say its hard to find good quality in stores today at that price. So choose wisely, as each item is unique, and send your friends to H&M to try and find knock-offs.

Wearable Recyclables

A good bag makes your outfit. Thats because it can hold everything you need to go about your daily life. Hello you need a place for your heels before you get to dinner. Flats are so much easier to walk in. For Fall '09, thats why you need an Erin Templeton bag for the season. All of her leather bags are made with recycled leather, so no two bags are exactly the same. Erin hand picks, conditions, cuts, and sews these great carryalls. Recycling is great, one less leather fringe jacket collecting dust in a thrift shop; however what drives the cows home is the price. These bags retail from $150 to $250.

If you know me, bigger is better, so I love the Palooka. This bag looks like it could fit my life, and my boots. It comes in multiple sizes and can be worn various ways. As you know, I love to get more for my hard earned money. Need a bag for nighttime, so your hands can be free for your drink in one hand and boy in the other? Check out the Hobo, this great messenger style is perfect for that opportunity. Check out Erin's website to find out where you can get her bags. An Etsy shop is in the works. I will be the first one to get a bag once that shop opens.

Current Vintage

So you spend your time in the vintage shops of the East Village, or scouring the racks at the Good Will to find that one vintage piece to set you apart. You head to the dressing room, to put on that dress that is going to be your hit item of the season. So you look in the mirror and your excitement boils down to pure disappointment. That hot dress, makes you look like an amish in floral. Looking through all those racks can be tiring. Or you could spend all your time at the tailor making your cheap finds current. That $5 dress is going to end up costing $30 with all the alterations. And then you have to wait for the tailor to finish the garment. Why not check out Fabulous Fashion Finds on my favorite website Etsy. This Etsy boutique does all the hard work for you, so you can get those great vintage finds that look like you just bought them from the hippest store in town. Most of the vintage pieces at this Etsy shop, are reworked vintage pieces. The owner will take a boring, matronly dress and take it up a notch, by shortening and adding modern, current detail. I am sure the Floral Bubble Lover, was once mid-calf length, with a high-cut neckline, and much longer sleeves, but now, its got a cute cap sleeve, a bubble hem line, and a much lower-cut neck line. Wear this number out next weekend, and your friends are going to ask if you got it at the Top Shop sale I told you about earlier. Most of her pieces are under $50, so your new one of a kind look won't set you back. With my eternal love for vintage, I am going to stalk this Etsy shop, for when a dress is listed in my size.

From a Favorite

This was in an email from my favorite jewelry designer, The Atelier and I thought I would pass:

The 2009 Spring Fever Trunk Show & Store wide Sale has Begun!... The Atelier is happy to announce the 2009 Spring Trunk Show and Sale! Every Item is 30% off! Over 75 new pieces will be added during the sale so check in often and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to pick up the jewelry you've had your eye on or buy a fabulous new bauble as a gift for someone special, like mom!

Also check out my other posts about The Atelier.

Read this then buy

Shameless plug trying to make you fabulous!

Read this article from the LA Times by Melissa Magsaysay about how great a preppy blazer is: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2009/01/the-perfect-pre.html


Then buy this http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18981435


You know you want to have a look that is current and one of a kind. I only have one to sell so go get it!

Revisit The Past

It is one thing to spend your whole weekend scouring every second hand store and goodwill to find the perfect 1970s gown or sequined top that no-one has, but it is even better when someone has already done the work for you. However when this someone has already found the needle in the haystack the customer ends up paying through the roof for their rare find. I have seen vintage t-shirts that are held together by a fraying seam sell for upwards of $100. There is no way I can afford a ratty concert-t for that price.
I was pursuing the finds and crafts on Etsy when I came across Redux’s shop. Stocked in their shop are great vintage finds at reasonable, affordable prices. The clothing is more expensive then those at The Salvation Army, but they are nowhere near boutique prices. The pieces are vintage, fashion forward and in excellent condition. The styles look current and wearable for any occasion. You may mistake some for those on the racks at Bloomingdale’s or Nordstrom. However these dresses, tops and skirts have a charm that mass production cannot capture. .
My favorite piece is a Black Lace 80’s dress. The craftsmanship looks impeccable and is incredibly interesting. The front is plain and simple with a high neck; however when you turn around the low back with rosettes and ruffles is a hidden surprise that adds intrigue to any outfit. Oh and I forgot to mention it is only $42. If the dress is in the condition Redux claims, this dress is an absolute steal. You couldn’t get something like this on sale at a department store. Another favorite of mine is the 1980s Flirty Fall Floral-Print Skirt. This is a great piece for the office. It combines many of the trends from the fall runway: volume, pockets and florals. You may find a knock-off at H&M or Forever 21, but will it actually last through a wash? This one probably will. With a black top and cardigan and a great strappy wedge your outfit will be killer. This one is even better, $23.
These may seem high prices to pay for clothes someone else wore; however they are beautiful and different from anything you can find in your local mall. Vintage is a great way to look current with an edge. Every designer references the past. Stay current with the good ole days. Redux’s items are incredible. His or Her eye knows how to pick what will stand the test of time. Treat yourself to vintage that will look great for years to come.

Don't miss this rare deal

One of my favorite stores on Etsy.com, the Atelier is having a summer clearance sale. The designer has the most exquisite jewelry that are unique and intriguing. The prices range from the very affordable to the more desirable. The pieces are original, classic, and creative. Colors are vibrant and will spruce up any outfit. To make everything better the Atelier is having a promotion, 40% off everything in stock. That necklace that may have been a bit of a reach could now be super affordable.

I purchased Lapis earrings that I have had my eye on for over a year. I am so happy The Atelier ran this promotion or I may have not purchased. Another great plus to this shop, is that The Atelier accepts returns.

The Atelier uses various materials from gold to semi-precious gemstones. Since the materials are of the earth, they will be different and have character all on its own. I am sure if you purchased a piece your friends would think that your husband or boyfriend broke the bank for your anniversary. But you can keep the secret to yourself that you were able to afford this incredible glamour on a budget.

Stand Out In The Crowd

Are you looking for a distinctive item to set you apart from everyone else? Then check out Etsy, the Mecca for all things unique. Etsy.com is an online market place where artists have a platform to sell their handmade and creative items. Items run the gamut from intricate necklaces to ceramic place settings for 8. There are too many items to choose from, you just may spend your whole day on the site.

Can’t find what you are looking for? Is that even possible? Etsy has a feature called Alchemy where a potential buyer can explain what they are looking for. Then artists bid on the project explaining how they can fill the buyers need.

I have used this site since last summer as both a buyer and seller. I sell my limited edition photographs from my travels. Here is a little self promotion; take a look: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5198819. I have also bought some nice items on the website. I absolutely feel in love with this necklace by SkyDreams: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7045227. I had never actually seen anything like and saved money to purchase it. Whenever I wear it I get tons of compliments and people always ask where it is from. I then send them to Etsy.com. I have also purchased bath products that feel and smell like they are from a department store but for a fraction of the price.

Etsy is a great website that gives artists a chance so showcase their creative works to a larger audience. It helps promote individuality and supports the artists who want to express their visions. Not to mention, the prices are very reasonable and often too hard to believe. These artists put their heart and sole into many of these items and we benefit by looking great and not loosing too many pennies. Take a look at this ring: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=fp_feat_1&listing_id=14983459listing.php?ref=fp_feat_1&listing_id=14983459. It is only $20. If you went into Barney’s New York on Madison Ave, you would spend upwards of $200. You can look at it as a savings of 90%. That is crazy! Go ahead shop to your hearts content, and make everyone jealous of your unique look.