Monday, March 30, 2009

Textile Art


Textile meets metal in the jewellery designs of Argentine artist Maria Cavallero. Whimsical, creative, and fantastical, all of her earrings and pendants are created out of colorful cotton yarn, steel and silver. These would look amazing with a cool t-shirt (like these HERE) and some khakis or jeans. Plus, prices are so affordable...earrings start at only $22, pendants and necklaces at $38. See more HERE.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Arctida


Swedish designer Arctida makes really beautiful gemstone jewelry out of colorful gemstones and sterling silver. Amazingly intricate, each piece is lush with color and the most detailed wire wrapping. Now that Spring is officially here...I especially love the cheerful blues and greens that signal summer is really, finally, coming!! See more of her work HERE.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Summer Party

I love pretty dresses during the summer...easy to throw on and wear, and still look pretty! This adorable dress by Fasten Collective is right up my alley! A gorgeous dusty pink color with imprinted flowers, I just love the scoop neck and full skirt...so easy breezy with a pair of flip flops for running around town and looking cute. My favorite part of the dress is the contrasting vibrant olive green belt...the belt buckle is made from a dried out gourd and was hand carved by a local farmer. Only $68.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Look What I Got!


I really do love my tee-shirts...I have quite a growing collection of handprinted shirts from some pretty cool designers on Etsy. I just got these fabulous tees from Sealmaiden this weekend, and have already worn 3 of them this week!! Comfortable and soft, the cool designs make any pair of jeans or khakis look...well, cooler!! Check out more original designs here...prices start at only $28.

Monday, March 23, 2009

le Beau Papillon





I love vintage glass and Jillian Mackowiak of le Beau Papillon makes some beautiful earrings combining these beauties with sterling silver. Simple yet elegant, they are perfect to throw on with any outfit. Plus, everything is affordably priced...so important in this economy! Check out more HERE.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Bathing Suit Ready?



Let's face it...not everyone wants to or feels comfortable wearing bikinis in the summer. Since summer is a mere few months away, the dreaded feeling of "what am I going to wear to the pool this summer?" is starting to creep up on me. I came across the Retro Swimwear by Popina and just had to feature them. Drawing inspiration from the 40's and 50's, the designs are really fun, flattering and fashionable...without being overly revealing or skimpy. I especially liked this red polka dot pattern...and it comes in two really cute styles...the deep vneck of the halter is so sexy and the vintage boy short is cute and sassy. Plus, you could actually swim in these without any worry that your suit might fall down! Check out more styles HERE.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Glass Art



Jenny Gaynor is a young glass artist out of LA that makes simple yet stunning jewelry out of blown glass and metals. I love the elegant chic look of the transparent glass...so lovely when placed with the simple chain...really showcases the beauty of the handcrafted glass. She also makes some really cool glass rings in some stunning pastel colors. They would look amazing stacked together for a chic fun look. Most impressive however, are the photo transfer vases. Your own cherished photos are transferred onto a recycled glass vase for a truly unique and one of a kind heirloom piece. How perfect for a gift for a wedding, anniversary or loved one. Check out more HERE.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Ever Pure


I have always had a love/hate relationship with my hair. Actually, more of a hate/hate relationship...but I have been using some products lately that have literally transformed my hair. Okay...maybe not transformed...but, seriously, I have never been happier with my hair. I started using the new EverPure shampoo and conditioner from L'Oreal. Specially designed for color-treated hair, it is sulfate-free, which means that they do not contain harsh sulfates, surfactants and salts that can strip and dull your hair. I am not paid or endorsed by L'Oreal....I am just telling you that whatever this shampoo is lacking...it is working on my hair. It looks healthy and shiny, and people have actually been complimenting me on my hair!! Whoa. I got the rosemary and mint scent, which is a nicely aromatic smell, not too overpowering, and it has an amazing rich lather. The conditioner makes my hair super soft without any greasy or heavy feel. Available at any drug store or grocery store, I recommend this shampoo for anyone with color treated hair!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Pearly Whites

I went to my dentist a couple weeks ago and asked about the teeth whitening kits available through his office. Since he is a friend of my husbands...he didn't try selling me on any of their kits and he told me that my teeth were white enough that it wouldn't be worth the money to buy the expensive kits. Instead, he told me to try the Crest Whitestrips available over the counter. He told me that they contain the same ingredient (hydrogen peroxide) as the ones purchased from the dentist office...just in a smaller percentage...perfect for someone like me who doesn't want to transform their smile...just brighten up. I have used Crest Whitestrips before, but the new Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal is really so much better! Truly a case where the "new and improved" really is!! Each kit contains 14 doses of the whitening. Each package contains a top and bottom 'sticker' of the product that instantly adheres to the teeth. Surprisingly comfortable, they stay on for a half an hour, and then peel off without any mess (totally different than the ones I used to use!). You are supposed to use them once a day for 2 weeks...but since I had a benefit to go to this past weekend...I used them twice a day for the past 4 days. I so regret that I didn't take before and after pictures...but, wow, my teeth look good!! Pearly white!! I could tell a difference after 2 days...2 days!! My teeth were a bit sensitive from using them twice a day...but that is the price you pay for beauty I guess!! I will continue using the rest of the doses, but just once a day as directed! Available at any drugstore or grocery store.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Close Shave


I confess that I get a bit lax over the winter with shaving my legs...I mean, let's face it...in cold, dreary Cleveland, it's not like my legs see the sun for about 4 months. But, I feel sorry for my husband, so I try to keep up with it. I usually use the cheap razors available in the grocery store...you know the 12 to a pack ones. But, I decided to try the Gillete Venus Embrace...one, because the handle was so pretty and came with an in-shower storage system, but, really because instead of one blade, the Gillete Venus Embrace has five, FIVE, blades...I have never had a closer shave! Also, it lasted nearly 3 days!! There is a protective ribbon around the razor that has moisturizer in it, so the shave was very smooth. The best part, no razor bumps...even under the arms and in the bikini area. A bit more expensive than the cheapie brands...but much better suited to a woman's body. Well worth it. Available at all drug stores.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Belting it Out




I love these preppy reversible belts by Roman McCall. Perfect with jeans and a tee or with a shirt dress or wrap dress for a unique twist. Only $36..which is like only $18 for each!! (Plus...I have seen them priced upwards of $75 in retail stores...so this is a fantastic price!). So many options to choose from...See more HERE.


Thursday, March 12, 2009

Caged and Free


These shoes by Hippy of Doom are so damn cool! Hand painted with green birds and gold birdcages...they feature the words "Caged" and "Free" written on the toes in green glitter. Plus, they have the most amazing green organza ruffle. How amazing with black tights and a black dress or peeking out from under a pair of long trousers!! Only $90!!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Mook


Just came across this fun shop and had to feature it here!! My Grey Sky makes really interesting art sculptures of mooks. Now, I had no idea what a mook was, so I looked it up: According to Urban Dictionary, a a mook is a dummy, idiot, loser, or unlikeable person. By definition, a mook is a male...which I think makes this art even more funny!! I have a few men I'd like to give one to. Prices start at about $25!!! Wouldn't they look cool in a grouping of 3 or more??

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Wild Woman


Karon Dean of Wild Woman Jewelry is one of my favorite sellers on Etsy...besides just being nice...she makes gorgeous fun jewelry that instantly adds color and style to any outfit! I especially love her felted ball earrings...available in a number of bright vibrant colors, they are so petite, cute and fun!! At only $18 a pair, I can afford to get one in every color! Check out more HERE.

Monday, March 09, 2009

Wired Out



So, I've always liked Rosie O'Donnell, and I just found out that she has been selling on Etsy...wow!! Go figure! Her shop features some pretty funky and whimsical sculptures that she makes from wire in lots of colors. If you are an autographer seeker (which I am definitely not!) then you will like these because they are signed by her...but even if you aren't an autographer seeker...you will like these because...well...they are pretty cool and fun. Plus...all the proceeds go to support Rosie's Broadway Kids, an arts education organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children through the arts. Check out more HERE.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Hende





I love tank tops in the summer (only on women please...don't even get me started on the horror of men wearing tank tops) and even though summer seems so far away here in Cleveland, I am already wanting some of these cool tanks by Hende. Simple wide strap tanks (perfect to still wear bras underneath) with some very feminine and lovely embellishments...casual enough to wear with shorts or jeans...but could look cute with a skirt or a dressier pair of trousers depending on the accessories. Prices start at $10!!

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Lil Put


Little Put Books has always been one of my favorite artisans on Etsy...and I love how she is always one step ahead of the curve. Her newest designs are these cool acrylic beads that are fused with some really cool original photographs. They are so luminuous and glowy! Hand-wrapped in a complimentary organza ribbon, this is simplicity at its best. Plus...only $12!!

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Sub Rosa


This beautiful capelet/neck scarf by Sub Rosa would be the perfect throw on accessory that would make any casual outfit seem instantly dressier...or the perfect throw on over a strappy top for any dinner or night outs! The warm grays contrasted with the salmon, pink and purple is just stunning. It also looks so warm cozy. Proof positive that comfortable can by stylish!! Check out more hand-knitted goods (including this sexy knitted bikini...which I wish I had the guts (and body!) to wear) HERE.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Tangle and Fold


I just came across the brand new store on Etsy and had to feature them! Tangle and Fold is a creative and fun shop that makes these really interesting centerpieces and ceiling pendants from recycled magazines. Designed to spin in the breeze (just open your window!)...these would be a great to hang over a bed or to hang in the garden (just make sure you take them in before it rains!). Ask about custom flowers in a certain theme, color or even from a specific magazine that you like. How amazing for a very unique bridal shower or kids party! Check out more HERE.