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. 

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!

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!

Today's Fave: GoGo Vintage

GoGo Vintage
A great love of yesteryear inspires the designers/collectors of Gogo Vintage. Handpicked, whimsical vintage clothing and accessories are their specialties. They also create custom designs that hearken back to bygone eras. The GoGo Vintage shop's Mad Men-esque offerings were the inspiration for one of my Etsy treasuries. This sassy plaid coat is one of my favorite looks from their shop.

GoGo has a clear vision for what they want to offer--nothing trite, everything charming and stylish. Their collection would make Joan Holloway squeal with delight!

This darling custom made nautical dress with embroidered ribbon trim channels Maria from The Sound of Music. Can't you just see her skipping through a square in Vienna in this?

If you're a retro lover, check out GoGo's full collection on Etsy. These lovely wares can be shipped anywhere in the US and internationally. Start practicing your skirt twirling now!