Hello, Lovely: Upcycled Chic

From the first time I spied the Lilian Asterfield shop on Etsy, I immediately got a major case of the "Wants". Vintage ties turned into gorgeous women's neck adornments? So cool and original!

Nicole Deponte, the designer of this amazing line, had her "aha" moment years ago when she stumbled on two trash bags full of neckties.  Her creativity spawned what is now her highly successful line of accessories that include neckwear, brooches and fascinators. All are handmade in the United States, and are available online and in high-end boutiques around the country.

This eco-savvy collection melds edgy and whimsical elements to create amazing looks with cleverly combined patterns and prints. Ms. Deponte has managed to make a collection that's feminine, without being saccharine--the perfect balance every modern woman should have. Take a look through the Lilian Asterfield collection, and you're guaranteed to have a case of the "Wants" too!
To have an upcycled lovely of your very own, check out the shop here.

Seasons Change

So, here's what I've been up to over the fall and holiday seasons. Once we got settled in the new digs, I went to work on new additions to the Accessory Showcase collection and geared up for my annual holiday cocktail and accessory parties, which are too much fun to really be considered work. Fall brought in more nature- and vintage-inspired items, like these.

These one of a kind Dead Sexy Skull and Rose earrings were my favorite fall pieces. A friend snagged me some lovely hand painted Day of the Dead skull beads while on vacation in Santa Fe, and I knew they had to become earrings. They now grace the ears of a very happy lady who chose to treat herself to a Christmas present!
For winter/holiday, it's all about adding shine and sparkle. Handmade keycharms, multichain fringe earrings, and charm bracelets were what I had the most fun putting together. If you're at all like me, pretty, shiny things make the cold, dark days of winter far more cheerful!

I'm very excited about how these lovelies turned out. I wore a pair of them to two gatherings over the holidays and they were a hit. I used black and silver finish chains in varying widths to create the fringe. I also created a multichain necklace of the same materials. Fringe and mixed metals are two jewelry trends I love. More midwinter/Valentine ideas are coming together. Photos to follow soon!

Long Time, No Write!

Happy New Year! It's been quite awhile since I've entered the blogosphere. Many a change has occurred since May. Went full-throttle into looking for, finding, and closing on a house north of NYC, which consumed most of my summer and fall, and left no time for blogging!

Now, the fam and I have left beloved Brooklyn and migrated north to the Hudson Valley. We've traded a lot LESS action for a lot MORE space. 

A worthy tradeoff? Mostly. There are some moments that we miss the BK terribly.

Well, since my last post's subject was the much-anticipated Mermaid Parade, I'll share with you the finished Steampunk Siren costumes I created for my friend and I. My favorite parts? The necklaces and tiaras! 

Awesome, right? I found most of the components from some great suppliers on Etsy, and went to town. We had a blast at the parade--the perfect mix of sunshine and sideshow. Gotta love Coney Island! I'll tell you, it was interesting riding the subway in our costumes. Definitely one of the highlights of an insanely busy summer. Here's the finished look.

Mermaids, Ahoy!

5 years' absence is just WAY to long, so this year I'm returning to Coney Island's Mermaid Parade! It's time to start kicking my costume prep into gear. This year, a friend and I are going to be Steampunk Sirens! An unusual melding of themes, to be sure, but I'm excited and determined. Got in some great watch faces and gears to make some awesome steampunky/nautical jewelry.  You'll see my progress in pictures soon. I'm thinking fish net, sailor's knots, tulle bustles, buckles, flutes, harps, the whole nine yards!

My gold sea charm necklace has inspired me...

The costume-making magic begins this weekend. Can't wait! If you've never been to the Mermaid Parade, it's a raucous, loopy conglomeration of parade floats, music, and loads of people taking the aquatic theme to all kinds of creative heights! I'm looking forward to throwing my hat in the ring. Maybe I'll even march in the parade. We'll see how well this idea turns out.

Mermaids, Ahoy!

Ideas are germinating!

So, finding a 1 hour block of time to work on anything is a serious luxury with two kiddos in the house, but we do what we can! Finally got in some awesome nautical charms and have been chomping at the bit to get started on some new lovelies for the collection. I like to spread everything out in front of me and let the creative juices flow. 

Eventually, I start to sift through the sea of items, then... Wait for it...

Tah-dah! A new piece that makes me go, "Sqeeeee!!!". The first of my mini collection of handmade sea charm necklaces and bracelets. The silver necklace is next!

Anchors Aweigh!

Looking to sail away this summer? Bring out your inner sailor with some great nautical looks from Accessory Showcase. Anchors, starfish, mermaids--oh my! Sport these looks under a beach umbrella or sipping a cocktail at an outdoor cafe--either way, you'll be on trend and looking fabulous!

Mother Love

Spring has (finally) sprung in NYC, and Mother Nature has cut us a break! Now that Mother's Day is right around the corner, it's time to show a little Mother love!

This week, the Accessory Showcase Etsy store is offering free shipping on all items! So peruse the handmade collection on Etsy and get something great for your Mom. Or, if you're a Mom, treat yourself to something pretty today! Enter code MOMSDAYFREE at checkout.