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

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?