New Stories for the Collection!

I recently made a run to my craft suppliers and picked up some lovely bits and pieces to create some wonderful one of a kind pieces for the Accessory Showcase collection. I've been chomping at the bit to get started, but carving out a couple of hours of straight creating with two kiddos can be a bit of a challenge.

But, today I've finally gotten started on the new additions for spring/summer. This dynamic duo is a continuation of my Into the Ocean story. Love the contrast of the purple beads with the gold sand dollar charms and chain.

The next group of items I completed today are for a new story: Iron Flower. I'm playing with the combination of industrial gears with feminine accents, and using the gears in a way that makes them become feminine in and themselves. I'm having such a great time playing!

Oscar's Post Mortem: Glamming it Up on the Red Carpet

I sort of love and hate the Academy Awards. While I bemoan the sometimes ridiculously long song and dance numbers, and the self-important emoting on the part of Hollywood's A-listers, I unabashedly LOVE the fashion buffet it offers! In anticipation of the big night, I created an Etsy treasury that captured Hollywood glamour. What bigger night is there for celeb gawking and couture gown coveting?

Emma Stone's red Giambattista Valli gown with that dramatic "go big or go home" red bow has to be my favorite look of the night. It's classy, sexy, young--the whole package!

Michelle Williams was darling in her red Louis Vuitton strapless tiered ruffle gown with peplum detail. The pixie cut she's been sporting for the last couple of years channels a young Mia Farrow. Beautiful!

A lot of the jewelry on the red carpet was simple and  less chunky, allowing the dresses and the wearers' faces to own the spotlight. Milla Jovovich, in her one-shouldered, beaded Elie Saab gown is a great example. Her bare neck and Marcel waves were a nod to starlets of yesteryear. The fabulous clutch and cocktail ring were swoon-worthy, indeed.

And then there's Ms. Portman. She is hands down one of my favorite actresses. With her timeless beauty, she'd make a potato sack look good! Her red Dior gown was stunning, without being over the top. The dotted fabric added lovely texture, and her high-sparkle jewels were elegant with a simple design.

Gwyneth's Tom Ford dress and cape were the talk of the town, and with good reason. So sleek and sophisticated! The cut of that cape was amazing. Another bare neck with a bold, modern cuff bracelet and a simple ponytail capped off the look nicely. Well done, Goop (a ridiculous nickname, to be sure, but that's a rant for another day)!

Working the peplum trend beautifully: the lovely Tina Fey, ladies and gents! This sexy navy number by Carolina Herrera was a fabulous choice for the 30 Rock star. Her up-do with chandelier earrings were the perfect companions to the look.

There was a plethora of fantastic frocks last night, but these were the ones that stood out for me. What were your faves?

Fave of the Week: Isadora Kids

In my weekly homage to my fellow Etsy designers, I've come across some lovely shops with some super cool designs. This week's fave is a definite midweek pick-me-up.

Isadora Kids
Rachelle, the designer of Isadora Kids, has been sewing since the age of 5. With several family members in the art and design field, creativity is in her blood. Her years spent traveling the globe have contributed to a cheerful, eclectic children's wear collection that's sassy, yet not too grownup.

Seriously-- I want this dress for me! And don't even get me started on the adorable ruffled leggings! The Isadora Kids collection has such bright, fun colors and prints, it's impossible not to fall in love with it. Thoughtful, yet simple details like a well-placed ruffle add some whimsy without being saccharine. Who wouldn't want their little one in these fun togs?
You can keep up to date on special offers by visiting their Facebook page. Want a custom made frock for your little darling? Check out the Isadora Kids Etsy shop!

It's Mardi Gras, baby!

 As I sit in the Hudson Valley in the middle of (albeit relatively mild) winter, I'm longing for 70-degree weather of New Orleans. Aside from NYC, it's  my favorite city. The warmth, the fascinating mix of cultures, the music, the food... So much to love in NOLA!

In that good ole Bon Temps spirit, I'm offering free shipping on the fleur de lis items in my Etsy shop this week. Bring on the beads!

Bring on the Sparkle: It's Awards Season!

I love watching the big awards shows and checking out who's wearing what on the red carpet. You'll find celebs wearing everything from the sublime to the bizarre. And the jewels, oh the jewels! I am a lover of all things glam.To keep the sparkle love going, I've made and procured lovely items for the Accessory Showcase collection that are red carpet (or at least Oscar party) ready. Here's a look at all that glitters in my collection!

Accessory Showcase tear drop earrings with black crystals

Accessory Showcase gunmetal "chain mail" stretch beaded bracelets

Salty Teacup black hoops with crystals in shades of pink

Salty Teacup assorted ornate filigree and colored stone bracelets

You Can Always Go... Downtown

So for some reason or other, I could not get Petula Clark's song "Downtown" out of my head. Maybe it was because I miss NYC so much. Maybe I'm jonesing for a little spring inspiration for the Showcase collection--who knows? Either way, it inspired me to make this little Etsy treasury. Here are some of the stars of the treasury for your enjoyment. Forget all your cares and go Downtown!

Yellow retro dress by GoGo Vintage

Vintage yellow purse by Michelle's Closet

Green and turquoise trench by De Novo Style

Faves of the Week

As usual, the weekend wasn't long enough, and another week is underway. *Sigh* But luckily, I've found some fabulous goodies that will kick that case of the Mondays to the curb! Check out these finds from fellow Etsians  The Crown Jewels Goddess and Maejean Vintage.

The Crown Jewels Goddess
The Crown Jewels Goddess is the brainchild of Vivian, who's been a craft and jewelry enthusiast since she was a child. Her mother introduced her to sewing and knitting, and over the years Vivian discovered her love of making jewelry, and never turned back. Swarovski crystals, gemstones and sterling silver are the materials of choice for most of  the collection.

This jasper bead and crystal bracelet is a stunner. The clustering of the beads and crystals create a darkly decadent adornment for the wrist. Love this bracelet as much as I do? Pay homage to the Goddess at her Etsy shop to find this and more!

Maejean Vintage
The self-proclaimed duo of thrifty sisters who created Maejean Vintage share a passion for procuring fantastic vintage finds and bringing them to you and me at affordable prices. One sister was a full time teacher, who saw losing her position due to budget cuts last year not as the end of the road, but as an opportunity to follow her dream and turn what was a hobby into a full time business. The other half of this duo is a business and marketing student, who helps run Maejean Vintage in addition to pursuing her studies.

What these two ladies bring to the table is an eye for the atypical and the luxurious. Offering everything from vintage clothing to jewelry and knickknacks, what these savvy sisters display in their shop has less of a dusty attic feel, and more of a high end boutique sensibility. Seriously--who wouldn't want one of these lovely pins? Pay a visit to their Etsy shop, and you'll see why they achieve the perfect blend of kitsch and sass. The ladies of Maejean Vintage can clearly spot the gems from the junk!

Spread the Red: Treasury for Go Red for Women

Hello all!
Hope you're spreading the good word about Go Red for Women Day by posting Go Red's Facebook link to your social networking sites--Tweet it, Facebook it, Blog it! And while you're at it, "share" your posts on the Accessory Showcase Facebook page for your shot at winning a piece from the collection!

Here are highlights from my latest Etsy treasury, in honor of this awesome organization. A big heartfelt shout-out to DMPics, Topsy Turvy Design, and Black White Pink for being my inspirations for this fun treasury! <3 <3 <3

Go Red Giveaway!

Good morning, all! So, since tomorrow is the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Day, I thought it'd be a great time to plug this amazing organization, and encourage you all to donate to the cause! While heart disease is a serious issue, who says we can't have fun raising awareness? Check out this little film by Elizabeth Banks, "Just a Little Heart Attack".

To keep the fun going, I'm offering two special giveaways today. In honor of Go Red for Women Day, I'm giving away these pieces from the Accessory Showcase collection.

Gunmetal finish chain and heart locket earrings

Gunmetal finish engraved heart locket necklace by Salty Teacup

For your chance to wear these hearts in style, post the AHA's link on your Twitter feeds, Facebook pages and blogs, and tag the Accessory Showcase FB link in your posts. I'll do a random drawing from your tagged posts on the Accessory Showcase wall to determine the winners. Encourage your friends, fans and followers to give and Go Red! Have a great day, everyone!