Psst... There's a Pre-Sale Going On! Plus, the Winner Is...

Congrats to giveaway winner Francoise M! She's the lucky owner of this one of a kind antique brass and clear faceted bead statement necklace. Lucky lady, yes? Thanks to all of you who participated!

Now, on to the dish about some fab "followers-only" goodies. I've created some lovely pieces for V day, and I think you deserve to get the jump on these delights before I list them to the general public! Take a look at these classic, yet modern romantic necklaces and earrings. If any strike your fancy, do drop me a line at accessoryshowcase@gmail.com. I'll hook you up and ship them out, anywhere in the Continental US or Canada!

Assorted antique brass earrings and necklaces with painted pearls and glass beads

These antique brass beauties are adorned with painted pearls and faceted glass beads. You can see more detailed photos of each piece on Facebook. Necklaces are $25, earrings are $15. Pre-sale ends on Thursday, 2/13. Get yours today!

Give it Up for Giveaways!

Happy Wednesday, people! As the holiday season ramps up, many of us are busy prepping for gatherings and shopping for oh-so-perfect gifts for our friends and family. Well, don't forget to give a little something to yourself this season! And I'm here to help you out a little...

Fashion blog The Office Armoire is featuring and hosting a giveaway of two of my necklaces this week! How exciting is that?! This blog offers readers some super-easy, stylish tips on how to take your look from work to workin' it after 5. Stop by for a visit and enter for your chance to win. It's super quick (2 or 3 minutes of your time, max), and you could have your very own, one of a kind, handmade beauty to adorn your neck this holiday season (and throughout the coming year, for that matter).

My brass necklace with filigree pendant and sunset colored glass bead is featured in The Office Armoire's look of the week. Woot!

Here are the 2 necklaces the giveaway winner will get to choose from:

Gold finish necklace with brass vintage buttons

Silver finish necklace with assorted gunmetal and antique silver finish charms

Good luck, everyone!

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!

Winter, You've Overstayed Your Welcome

Winter is being a tenacious season on the East Coast this year. We're a week away from April, and snow is still in the picture! Spring, will you ever come? Despite the bleak picture outside my windows, and the lethargy that cold weather can bring, I'm plowing forward and creating, creating, creating for my spring/summer line. I shake my fists at you, Winter!

Okay, rant over. Now take a peek at these lovelies I've been working on. I hope these get you in the springtime mood, even if Mother Nature isn't cooperating!

Antique silver fine chain necklace with filigree copper bead and French inspired floral pendant

Chain dangle earrings made with fine silver curb chain, copper filigree beads and round floral motif charms

Silver charm necklace hand assembled with fleur de lis, crown, bird and wing charms

Antique silver chain with a cluster of 3 charms--silver leaf, ornate silver key, and copper filigree bead.

Steampunk earrings with copper and silver gears, suspended from fine copper curb chain

Steampunk copper necklace with 4 gear charms in copper, brass and antique silver

Newbies to the Showcase Collection!

I'm so excited to be creating again after a busy summer. I'm shoring up the collection with some great pieces for Fall and Holiday. Really loving mixed metals and charms, especially anything with a Steampunk feel. Take a look-see at what I've been up to!
Time to start pinning!

Iron Flowers antique brass chain and gear earrings with orange stones

Steampunk key chain with mixed metal charms

Modern Boho dangle earrings with faux wood charms and chain fringe

Grey tone key chain with assorted gunmetal and vintage button charms

Gunmetal Steampunk charm necklace with gears and filigree beads

Gunmetal chain and gear dangle earrings

Spanish Rose silver and white charm key chain

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