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

Front Page News!

Hope your Memorial Weekend was a pleasant one! It was a hot and humid one in the Hudson Valley, but it was busy with family and friends visiting, and the requisite (delicious) backyard barbecue. Etsy addict that I am, I created a military-themed treasury in honor of the holiday, and it made the front page! Woot!

Among the shops featured were Carl Christensen photography and home decor, Star Gazing Lily personalized gifts, and Rabbit House Vintage.
Congrats to all the talented Etsians who were featured, and may it bring you happy sales!

Color Me Happy: Faves of the Week

So, I woke up to 15-degree weather in the Valley this morning, and really had a hard time getting out of bed, much less leaving the house to run errands. Being Caribbean-born, I don't do winter very well. In the post-holiday dog days of winter, I need a little dose of cheer. Looking at some of my favorite Etsy designers' shops, I found some. When it comes to warm and bright, these designers deliver! Here's your happy pill for the week. Enjoy!

Fe Fi Fo Fun
If you think the name is adorable, wait until you check out Fe Fi Fo Fun's Etsy shop! Color, color and more color is the rule here. Upcycled home decor items, painted in bold palettes will bring a powerful dose of sunshine to beat those winter blues. Speaking of blues, these fab frames will add life to any wall in your home.

Jaani, a Texas resident and the designer who hand selects these fantastic flea market finds, breathes new life into them with a great eye for color. Maybe being a teacher of young children allows her to tap into a sense of fun and high energy.

In addition to having a love for upcycling vintage home decor, Jaani creates laundry dryer balls in varying colors and scents, like lavender and pomegranate vanilla. The balls are merino wool, a great moisture absorber, so they'll cut drying time nearly in half. Add a bit of fun to the dreary task of doing laundry!

These colorful frames and candlesticks would make any mantelpiece the focal point of a room. You just can't stay down in the dumps when you look at this fun assortment of shapes and colors. If you're feeling a little ho-hum this winter, visit Fe Fi Fo Fun's shop, and give your space a little pick-me-up!

Me and Matilda
About to tie the knot? Or looking for that little something to give an old outfit some wings? Me and Matilda's charming collection has what you need--delightful ties and bows for ladies, gents and kids in color and print combinations that simply sing!

All the pieces are handmade to order. The brainchild of a fellow entrepreneur, Me and Matilda is the home of the "Everyday Necktie", a washable, cotton tie. Not only are they well made, you can skip the dry cleaning bill and throw them in with your wash! Me and Matilda's commitment to creating unique, high quality, affordable accessories is clear. The collection has the right mix of crispness and humor,  whether you're 4 or 40. The looks have been featured on the Martha Stewart Weddings blog and Disney Weddings.

Whether you want a bright twist on a traditional print, or want to inject some whimsy with a bold polka dot or Chevron stripe, Me and Matilda has a tie for every personality. Check out their Etsy shop for a look at all their offerings. You're welcome!