New Year, New... Well, You Know...

Happy New Year, dear readers! I hope the holiday season treated you and yours kindly and that 2014 will bring you much joy and new opportunities!

My holiday season was a whirlwind, as I'm sure was true for many of you. I spent much of my free time (aka after 10pm when the little humans were in bed) making jewelry, prepping for holiday fairs and accessory parties, tending to my online shops, ordering and wrapping gifts--you know, the usual for an independent designer with a fam. Absolutely no complaints, though. I'm blessed and thankful.

As we stare a new year in the face, many of us are doing a lot of resolving, reordering and re-prioritizing, right? And while some of our resolutions may fall to the wayside, don't let treating yourself well be one of them! The importance of being happy with who you see in the mirror can't be overstated! With that in mind, it's time to start freshening up the wardrobe a little.

A closet-full of new clothes not exactly in the budget? Never underestimate the ability of a bauble or two to amp up your existing frocks and give a new look to your tried and true pieces. That's how I roll, anyway. While having an entirely new wardrobe with the change of every season sounds divine, I, like most of you, don't have it like that. What's the average non-celebutante to do? Make old duds new again by switching up your jewelry and accessories. You'd be surprised what a simple adjustment can do to your favorite outfit.

Here are some styling ideas, inspired by the three "stories" of the Accessory Showcase collection, and featuring some of Etsy's best shops. It's time to get inspired!
For the Vintage-loving Vixen:

Get the Look: Black drop waist 80's dress from The Rabbit Hole; Velvet clutch by DDSLL Girls Store; Vintage bangles from The Gatsby Gals; Grey vintage boots from Jen Style Chic Vintage; Gold finish chain and mauve pearl earrings by Accessory Showcase.

 For the woman who digs Rocker Chic:

Get the Look: Black, fitted leather coat by In Time Fashion; Gunmetal gear and needle charm earrings by Accessory Showcase; Black leather clutch with white screen print by WELMOED Bags; Black studded stilettos by Vile Broccoli Fur.

For the Modern rustic, who likes a hint of Industrial Steam:

Get the Look: Copper gear and large patina pendant necklace by Accessory Showcase; Cashmere cape coat by JM521; Suede vintage lace-up boots from Jan's Vintage Stuff; Hand-forged brass cuff by Addiction to Detail; Vintage plaid high collar shirt from Brown Cow Vintage. 

Here's a Little Somethin' Somethin' for You!

Hello, dear readers!

I hope this ramp-up to full tilt holiday madness will be a joyous one for you and yours. I've been making pieces practically non-stop for at-home jewelry and cocktail parties, craft fairs and my Etsy and Zibbet shops, plus prepping for my family's holiday activities. It's amazing how things can go from zero to insane so quickly this time of year!

To show my appreciation for your readership and patronage, I wanted to give a special "thank you" to my followers with two great coupon codes:

Use code FREEMAIL for free shipping at checkout. You can also use code FAN15 for 15% off your entire purchase in either of my shops. Enjoy and get something fab for you and yours, now through Tuesday, December 3rd! Happy Holidays!

Why Should Celebutantes Have All the Fun?

Great style should always be accessible: this has been the design philosophy behind the Accessory Showcase collection from the start. Spending my teen and broke college student years window shopping all around Manhattan with my best friend, we salivated over all the gorgeous clothes and jewelry we saw, fantasizing about some day being able to afford those fabulous frocks and baubles.When I graduated, I decided that, whatever aspect of fashion I gravitated toward, I'd make beautiful things for my fellow fashionistas (even if we didn't have a celebutante's bank account). After all, why should the rich girls have all the fun?

Brass and Silver Steampunk Gear Necklace and Earrings

Fall/Holiday Brass Charm Bracelets

One of the easiest ways to show off your fashion sense without going broke is with jewelry and accessories. This is why costume jewelry and accessories are my main focus. Don't get me wrong-- watching a couture runway show or flipping through the pages of Vogue still sends my heart all a-flutter. Seeing what designers can create with the very best materials and craftspeople at their disposal is the ultimate in fashion fantasy. I mean, seriously... What's not to love here?

Alexander McQueen Fall 2013

Ralph Lauren Fall 2013

Lanvin Fall 2013

But this girl lives in reality, and my reality requires some savvy to bring that high-end sensibility to my everyday life. That's why I get so much joy out of seeing a woman's eyes light up when they fall in love with one of my pieces. Who doesn't love having a handmade, super stylish necklace or pair of earrings that adds some serious voltage to an everyday outfit, and makes your friends ask, "Where did you get that?" ? Add the bonus of not maxing out your funds, and that, my friends, is the good stuff. I know you feel me, ladies!

Gold Finish Necklace and Earrings with Mauve Painted Pearls

Regal Brass Crown and Bead Necklace and Earrings

I love coming across fellow designers and style-makers who share my passion for accessible style. Here are looks from some great Etsy designers and one of my favorite fashion bloggers, giving you the goods on razor sharp looks that keep it real for your wallet. You're welcome!

Sensible Stylista
This girl knows how to shop savvy! She gives you the dish on the elements of her personal style, and hooks you up with awesome giveaways, info on great designer finds and how to combine the pieces in your closet (old and new) to form a rockin' ensemble. Want to get some free swag? Check out Sensible Stylista's latest giveaway here!

Etsy Faves
Here are some slick combinations I've put together from some of my favorite Etsians. The best part? Not a single item is over $50. It's time to get inspired!

White t-shirt with grey and red feathers by Shebbo Design: $29
Silver Tone Necklace with Swarovski Crystal Pendant by VQ Studio: $48
Sterling Silver Fringe Earrings by Mitz Metals: $49
Clear Resin and Silver Flake Rings by Daimblond: $31 each

Arrowhead rings by Evidence Jewelry: $45 each
80s Striped Crop Top from Mamma's Chest: $30
60s Vinyl Clutch from Victoria Westbury: $34

Gold Silk Ombre Blouse by Love Charles: $30
Gold Brass Statement Necklace by Minus One: $22
Faux Leather Gold Foldover Clutch by ByMart: $32
Gold Plated Autumn Leaf Earrings by Silent Roses: $25

Adorn Yourself with a Bit of Autumn Color

The season of Autumn is a close second to my favorite season, Summer. The only drawback to Autumn is the shortening of daylight (and leaf blowing). Especially here in the Hudson Valley, the hills are bedecked in rich reds, yellows, greens and oranges. And there's no better fashion season that Fall, am I right? Well, I've been busy creating goodies for Fall/Holiday and those Autumn tones are front and center. Have a look!

In my next post, I'll be showing you the work of some of my favorite Etsians, who are bringing the Autumn indoors for your home and your body. Stay tuned!

The Fruits of My Find

Happy Friday, all!

In my last post, I gushed over the finding of a lovely batch of vintage buttons I bought from a sassy old lady up in the Catskills. Every time I look at my little treasures, I beam with delight. I know, I know, they're only buttons, but I can't help it. I love them! It's a sickness, really.

Anyway, I've been hard at work prepping for the fall/holiday shopping season, and for two at-home Accessory and Cocktail parties in October and November. I've been making lots of jewelry and key chains, many of them using some of my colorful stash of buttons. As a matter of fact, here are a few examples of the button-centric pieces I've created so far. Many more to come! Would love to know which ones you like. Leave a comment to tell me your fave and I'll give you a coupon code to enjoy!

Have a great weekend!

New Items!

I've put my nose to the grindstone and created some lovelies that I'm really excited to add to the Accessory Showcase collection! I'm loving the whole mixed metal trend, so much of what I'm doing will have that feel for Fall/Holiday. Here's what I've completed so far. There's more to come. Would love to know what you think!

Brass Steampunk Gear Dangle Earrings with Indigo Oval Stones

Autumn Antoinette French Charm Necklace

Victorian-inspired Black Tear Drop Charm Earrings with Copper Beads

Mixed Metal Boho Earrings with Fringe, Copper Beads, and Brass Textured Disc Charms

Antique Silver Eiffel Tower Earrings with Copper Beads and Fine Chain

Modern Boho Necklace with Faux Wood Bronze, Red and Aqua Charms

Wind Down, Focus Up!

Summer was a whirlwind of activity. Sadly, no ocean front getaway, but I did have some good times with the fam. Now, as summer winds down to its final few days, I've been settling in and focusing on getting some goodies made for Fall/Holiday!
Check out my little slice of Heaven:

There's loads more trinkets and baubles in my stash, but this is a good place to start!  A little Boho, a little Steampunk, a little Industrial Chic... Can't wait to see what develops!

Feminine with a Kiss of Steam

I've been working on new items for my "Iron Flower" story in the Accessory Showcase collection. I've always seen flowers when I look at gears. I love the idea of making industrial components look feminine, don't you? Check out these new lovelies!

Copper Steampunk bracelet with gear charms

Antique brass Steampunk dangle earrings with copper and brass
gear charms, on brass chain

Copper Nautical Steampunk necklace with starfish and gear charms

This Just In!

As you may have noticed, I have a thing for antique brass and gold finishes. I love jewelry that has a hint of Vintage while still looking clean and new. I'm also a fan of a bit of Steampunk. These elements are what inspired my latest work. Check out the newest members of the Accessory Showcase family!

Antique brass necklace with ornate oval and crystal pendant,
and fleur de lis and miniature key charms

Antique brass dangle earrings with fleur de lis
and gear charms, on oval link chain

Copper Nautical Steampunk charm bracelet with
starfish and gear charms

Primary Colors: My Faves of the Week

My fellow Etsians never fail to delight and surprise me. My latest stroll through Etsy furnished me with some fantastic finds from designers worldwide. Here are some worthy of sharing. Stop by these shops and show some love for all that is bright and bold!

Fave #1: Elifus Jewelry
You wanna talk about bold and bright? Elif Ustunel, a designer from Istanbul, has created a collection of felt and yarn jewelry that makes your inner child "ooh" and "aah", while being daringly sophisticated for the grownup in you. Major statement necklaces with large spheres in rainbow colors; treble clef earrings; tribal-inspired bangles--all make for an unforgettable collection. Here's a little taste of what you'll find when you visit the Elifus Jewelry shop on Etsy. You can also find Elifus on Facebook.

Red Fringe Fiber and Felt Necklace

Treble Clef Necklaces

Neon Felt Cuff Bracelets

Fave #2: Bayan Hippo
To a handbag junkie like me, finding bags that are stylish AND useful make me jump for joy. And fellow Etsian Bayan Hippo delivers. A gorgeous color palette paired with simple, attractive shapes is what this designer does best. Every bag is more than a showpiece--they can carry your books, phones, makeup bags--all the necessities. They double perfectly as diaper bags too, which, I can tell you, is a HUGE plus for the style conscious mom. Having a fashionable handbag to incorporate into your "with kids" lifestyle is wonderful. Check out their Etsy shop to find your favorite bag!

Flamenco in Carmine Red Canvas

Fora in Yellow and White Striped Canvas

Euphoria in Teal

Hot Off the Presses!

I've been a busy bee this past week, and am really excited about the outcome! Check out my latest lovelies.