friday's one-of-a-kind find: prints by kari herer

This friday I'm swooning over these Kari Herer prints, which are romantic + rustic without being overdone or obvious. Herer is no obscure artist -- her work has been featured everywhere from Martha Stewart to Town & Country to InStyle -- but how she combines natural elements in such unexpectedly lovely ways is unlike anything I've seen. The entire series is done with original drawings/art and photography, and signed + stamped by Herer herself (see the last two photos below). They would bring a refreshingly organic, dreamy element to my ultra-modern living room just as well as they'd fit into a cozy, country aesthetic.

 

[all photos from kari herer's etsy page]

All of the prints pictured here are available for purchase on her etsy page, but do check out her website for more professional info and her blog for more personal photos - both are amazing. And enjoy your weekend! xx

friday's one-of-a-kind find: porcupine quill necklaces

By now I've made clear my love of accessories that feature unique designs and awesomely unexpected raw materials, from stringray cuffs to cow bone bolos + everything in between. Even so, I was drawn to the sharp edges and unique feel of these Raw Earth Studio necklaces way before I learned that the colorful "spikes" were actually porcupine quills. 

So. cool.

The first design below (featuring the same neon green/gray color combo I featured yesterday) is my absolute favorite, but they are all pretty amazing. Take a look:

[all photos via Raw Earth Studio's etsy page]

Jenn from Raw Earth Studio is the creative mastermind behind these handcrafted designs. She dyes each quill with a bright hue (or two) + leaves the rest alone, ending up with a color combo that's perfectly balanced against the dark chocolate brown that accentuates each point. The quills are then secured with a reclaimed leather band and a chain is added, flawlessly transforming natural + recycled elements into a seriously awesome statement accessory.

They're a lovely way to add your own twist to one of this season's most coveted trend - bright colors - without breaking the bank ($36/each!). Just be careful - these babies are pretty fierce, in more ways than one.

Have a lovely weekend! xo

dizzy over druzy

I'm super into the neon trend that's been happening lately, and definitely still loving the natural gem stones that adorne the most fashionable wrists + necks almost every season. 

But what's even better is the result when you combine the two - something that Marina Fini has absolutely killed with her druzy-based line of jewelry, Infinity, which I can't seem to take my eyes off... 

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These landyard necklaces (directly above) are my hands-down favorite, but I would wear any of her pieces anywhere from a lunch date to a night out + even a cocktail party. The deep, vibrant hues make them more sophisticated than cutesy, which I absolutely love, and they have it all when it comes to accessories: they're eye-catching, gorgeous, unexpected + edgy all at the same time. But be careful: they definitely aren't for the faint of heart, so just make sure to keep everything else simple.

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The California based company five-and-two also uses druzy (or what she calls "rainbow quartz") to create accessories that have a slightly more fun + girlie vibe. See what I mean:

These gorgeous rings (above) are five-and-two's claim to fame - and it's easy to see why - but I'm also loving their necklaces (below).  The contrast of the vibrant quartz against the earthy brown backing is reminiscient of a piece of art - but instead of being mounted on your wall, it's hanging around your neck.

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Of course, I couldn't not mention these lovely pyrite + string bracelets (below). They're a great add-on to an already stacked wrist, or perfectly dainty all by themselves.  As friendship bracelets they're a great little gift no matter what the occasion, which (in addition to great greeting cards) I am always on the lookout for. With a huge selection of colors+ adorable packaging, you will definitely want to pick up a few for yourself while you're at it. Don't worry: at under $20 each, you can grab one for her and one (or two!) for you.

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If you're looking for something a little softer (and maybe a little less rock-star-meets-new-age-hippie), these druzy studs by NYC jewelry design are absolute perfection. They're not too small (about the size of a penny), which makes them delicate and still a little daring at the same time.  I would show these off with a high bun and otherwise clean look - definitely leave the necklace at home.

Unless, of course, you want to trade in the studs for one of these:

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The teardrops are beautiful, but I'm really feeling the black heart. With Valentine's Day coming up, I can't think of a better anti-v-day present to buy your single-and-loving it friend - or, for that matter, yourself! Enjoy!

friday's 1st one-of-a-kind find: cow bone bolos

Nothing is better than discovering a charming + versatile accessory - especially when it's unlike most of the other things I'm seeing at the moment.

Which is why I just dropped everything to let you guys know about these:

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What are they? Hand-painted suede + cow bone bolos, of course.

Not only have I never had one before, but I'm also pretty sure I never knew I wanted one. 

And I'm pretty sure I'd never seen them outside of old western films (and maybe Toy Story) --- that is, until I stumbled upon Lorica Apparel's Etsy page. The bolos are part of their "neon cowgirl" collection, which I automatically loved from the name alone. I didn't think they could get any more alluring... until I read that they are actually made out of real "salavaged and recycled" cow bones.  Insane.

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The painted (+ disinfected!) bone slides up and down the suede, making each one totally customizable day-to-day.  Wear it tight as a necktie with a collared shirt to work and then longer as a necklace on the weekend - or any length + anywhere in between.  

I can't wait to throw it on my wrist or ankle in the summer, or you can even wrap it around your ponytail to turn a bad hair day into something you'll want people to notice. 

And they definitely will!

Not to mention that the one above looks pretty bad ass just hanging on display... Although I'm not sure I'll want to take this one off for a while.

+ one more thing . . .

Since this type of find is like striking gold for me, I've decided to feature my favorite discovery of the week - whether it be something to wear, make or just admire - in a new series called "friday's one-of-a-kind find" ... one more reason to be thankful it's the weekend.

Hope yours is amazing!