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. 

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!

We All Secretly Want to be Rock Stars, Right?

I'm a pretty classic girl. I'm nuts about items with staying power and femininity. There's also a side of me that loves to add a kiss of Edge here and there. I know I'm not alone! In the spirit of embracing a little Rocker Chic, here are some fantastic finds from the magical world of Etsy that'll help any lady tap into her inner Rock and Roll siren. Cue the pyrotechnics!

Romantic Floral Crown with Gothic Black Roses by Paramount Vintage

Could you just die?? This gorgeous black rose statement headband channels Florence Welch, and has a bit of femininity without being too sweet. The black color and size of the roses brings it out of sweet and into bold, Goth glamour. After all, a Rock Goddess isn't sweet, is she? This swoon-worthy goody is brought to you by the San Diego-based Paramount Vintage, a beautifully curated and designed collection of Vintage and handmade clothing and accessories. Luckily for you, the floral headbands are handmade, so pay a visit to Paramount Vintage and order one to grace your locks. Onstage with a mic, or in your bathroom with a hairbrush, you'll be convinced of your star power!

Gold Tipped Black Leather Feather Necklace by Love at First Blush

Leather feathers? Yes, please! I love an interesting use of leather. Love at First Blush's black leather necklace really gets the blending of girly glitter and badass just right. Hand cut from Italian lambskin, and adorned on one side with gold foil, how can you not want one of these gracing your neck? This Canadian designer has an amazing collection of feather and leather offerings (with a bit of gold, of course!) that will have you saying, "Mine, mine, MINE!" Seriously. Take a virtual stroll through Love at First Blush's shop. You'll fall in leather feather love too!

Hand-patinaed Black Textured Brass Triangle Earrings by Balanced

Balanced is one of my favorite Etsy shops, because the collection has a clean roughness to it. Sounds a bit contradictory, but one look at this jewelry line and you'll get it. Sharp, smooth shapes and lines, roughened up a bit with interesting applications of patina give a deliciously distressed look to the pieces. These brass triangle earrings with "scratched" patina treatment and lacquer seal are wickedly sleek and stylish. And this Dublin-based (by way of Northern California) designer ships internationally, so not even The Big Pond can come between you and your little slice of Rocker Heaven. You're welcome!

Recycled Marilyn Mansion CD Necklace by PYRocks

Here's a recipe for you:
Take a Rock and Roll scholar who's spent years in the high end jewelry market,  mix in a jaw-dropping personal collection of chunky/sparkly/dramatic jewelry, add a love for making music into wearable art, shake well... and you get PYRocks. This line of recycled CD jewelry isn't just super cool--it's made with a strong focus on quality and detail. The CD's are cut with precision, sandwiched between two layers of plexi, and hand-riveted together with nickel wire. All of these CD-to-necklace creations are suspended from stainless steel chains. In addition to what's in the shop, PYRocks will custom make a necklace from any CD you desire! Simply send in that CD you played for a year straight (you know you did!) and it will return to you as a wearable symbol of groupie devotion to your favorite band. So pull out that box of old CD's from your closet and take a peek at the PYRocks shop!

Italian Red Ruffle Stilettos 5x7 Fine Art Print by Captain Cat

A wickedly red pair of stilettos? Mounted and framed on your wall? Total Rocker Chic. Captain Cat Collective has a cornucopia of cool art, fashion and collectibles in their shop. The Dynamic Duo of Oregon-born artist/designer Zelda English and Portuguese painter/musician Rodrigo Neto are the creative engine behind this stylishly quirky collection. Their objective? "The invigorating pursuit to piece together a world scape of absolutely delicious proportions." I'm sold! Wander through their world and find designer shoes, original paintings and photo prints, vintage home decor, terrariums--it pleasantly boggles the mind. Check out their shop. You'll want to stay awhile!

Victorian Style Black Sheer Blouse with Lace Trimming by Dark Margot

When you go to Dark Margot's shop, she asks you to reveal your dark side. And her collection of leather, plaid and lace fashions will make you want to do just that. There's a great rocker feel to all her made-to-order clothes, combined with sexy, ladylike silhouettes and materials. This black sheer blouse with lace trimming at the front and shoulders has a romantic feel and design, yet the sheer fabric and metal flower buttons add a not-your-Grandmother's-blouse attitude. And it's versatile enough to go from daytime to nightlife--what every Rock and Roll woman needs! Visit the shop and see what beckons to your dark side!

If you're liking what you see here, check out other great Rocker Chic finds here. What's your favorite piece?