noteworthy notebooks by ribbon squirrel

With all the tablets and gadgets we tote around today, I can barely recall the last time I actually wrote something - as in, with a paper and pencil. This take on the classic composition by etsy poster + print shop ribbon squirrel reminds us that a great notebook doesn't always have to plug in --- or cost a thousand dollars. I'm loving the look of the color-blocked geo design against the black + white print, and (of course) the fact that it's handmade. Choose white or a combination of complimentary colored pages, perfect for whatever you want to write... no outlet necessary.

[all photos in layouts chosen from ribbon squirrel's etsy shop]

a lovely little thing: leather sunglass case

Leave it to Rebecca Minkoff to come up with a super chic and very smart take on your everyday sunglass case.  Her version is made from a soft, supple leather and features a practical zip closure with a very on-trend tassel detail. Perfect replacement for the big, bulky (and probably broken) case that came with your shades --- definitely an upgrade!

Personally I think everything is better in black leather (shown below), but it also comes in an adorable blush pink hue with black detailing. Both shades feature the indigo blue + black polka dot lining as well as a cute retro graphic on the front.  What's not to love?

[photos via]

love this line: this ilk

As the self-proclaimed "original lace jewelry shop," this ilk is a globally sold line of hand-cut, -dyed + stiffened lace accessories. It includes everything from everyday earrings to something resembling a complete body harness --- and yet somehow each piece is as dainty as it is daring.  I have chosen to feature a few styles below from this ilk's etsy page, but you would definitely be missing out if you didn't take a look at the rest of her work. Whether you're into an understated lace neck piece or a look-at-me halter, you'll for sure find one you love --- or, as in my case, more like a dozen... enjoy!

[each individual photo in layout was chosen from this ilk's etsy page]

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

feels like spring: pieces with bright stripes of color

Apologies for being a bit MIA lately - the allure of the sand + sun was much more intense than that of my laptop, and way too hard to resist. But (sadly!) I am back + ready to share a bunch of new favorites inspired by my break.

Coming back from a wonderful, warm vacation is always hard - facing an overflowing inbox, or watching your tan fade and any newly-acquired zen fly right out of the super-jammed subway window the first morning back.  Luckily, the weather here in NYC feels more like spring than winter, and I am still basking in the after glow of my week off. Here are some lovely little pieces that fit my still-sunny mood with a bright stripe of color . . . enjoy!

[dress] [bikini] [wedge]

 

clockwise from top left: [one] [two] [three] [four]






funky + functional: striped ipad stand

I'm thinking about getting an ipad - and of course, just as excited about all the adorable accessories that dress it up as I am about the ipad itself. But I am trying to be sensible + think about function as well as aesthetics, which is why I instantly loved this resin stand/docking station that's just as cool as it is useful. It holds any model of ipad and, more importantly, would look super cute on your desk --- even if it's empty. 

Check it out:

[ipad stand]

With the tablet or on it's own, this custom-made, striped stand is totally irresistible. 

Now I just need the ipad...

Enjoy! xo

sending you some sunshine: bold beachwear

With temp in new york city steadily dropping, I am really loving the warm weather down here in Florida. Even though my vacation will only last another six days, this little bit of sunshine has me obsessing over the new beachwear this season - even if (after I arrive home next Wednesday) I won't be able to wear it again for at least another few months.  

Personally I love bathing suits that are cute + comfy without being too bold, and absolutely adore the way coral looks against a nice tan. My dream beachwear is this combo of soft, neutral tones that are balanced by thick, bold patterns:

[dress + bikini]

And even though it's a bit out of my price range, I just couldn't help myself --- this beach towel is simply irresistible. With the cheeky zebra-hide feel + luxurious leather buckles, it's almost too cute to get wet:

[towel]

I know that the next few days will fly by and soon enough I will be back in the city, decked out in knits + boots. But until then, I must warn you that my posts may be a bit sunnier than usual. 

So whatever the weather where you are, I hope you enjoy - I know I am! xo

nailed it: the newest polish strips from sally hansen

I am a total believer in Sally Hansen salon effects nail polish strips. The first time I heard about them they seemed way too good to be true.  But then I watched this wonderfully done how-to video, which convinced me that (unlike prince charming or good-for-you dessert) these babies are for real. Immediately my thinking went from "how could these actually work?" to "why didn't I think of this!?"

The strips are easy to apply + remove, had absolutely zero driving time and last well over a week if you're careful. I took them for a test drive around the office + got tons of compliments ... and I've been sporting them ever since.

So with v-day tomorrow + springtime right around the corner, I wanted to share with you some of SH's newest nail designs, along with pictures of my own crazy-mod mani from early last week... which, by the way, is still going strong.

Enjoy! xo

friday's one-of-a-kind find: textural knits from celapiu

With the weather on the east coast finally feeling like February, I've been (happily) breaking out my beloved winter warm-up gear.  And as the temperature drops, the size and scale of my neck wear seems to grow. We already know that I love giant, dramatic knits, so it's no surprise that when I came across the independent Polish label celapiu, I fell fast + hard.

And it seems I'm not alone: they have tons of devoted fans gushing about their designs on facebook - where they also showcase the latest + greatest in creative, chunky knits. There's something about the structural yet soft aesthetic of each piece that is so, so appealing - and totally unique. Out of the dozens of styles they offer, these three are my hands-down favs:

>> one <<

>> two <<

 

>> three <<



[all photos chosen from celapiu's etsy page]

I must warn you: if you're with me on these, you should act fast - their bestselling woven cowls (the first item featured above) are an amazing 36% off right now on their etsy page, making them just $35 each! Definitely worth it for such a chic + practical piece. Plus, they really are one-of-a-kind --- each one is handmade and customizable in over a dozen gorgeous shades.

Perfect for the next few weeks of winter + even better for the still-chilly transition into spring.

Enjoy the weekend... and stay warm! xo

so clutch

Lately I have been super into extra large, velvety clutches. It's my go-to bag for work days when I know I will be headed out on the town as soon as the clock strikes five.  Here's why:

In the morning, simply unzip to find a bottomless pit for the thousands of things we all just need to have on hand during the day. Then, when it's time to punch out, just ditch the extras and leave the nighttime necessities (you know - phone, keys, lip gloss + wallet. Oh, and maybe some perfume. And gum! You never know where an NYC evening out may lead.) Once you've narrowed it down, fold the (much lighter) pouch over and voila! A sleek (but still spacious) oversize clutch.

I've found three lines of bags that make this transformation effortless - they're roomy, functional + of course, oh-so-lovely.

lovely line #1: Blair Ritchey

lovely line #2: Marketa New York 

 

lovely line #3: Karrah Designs

                      

                      

photos: [line one][line two][line three]

I love the lux leather in Blair Ritchey's line, the casual-cool suede from Marketa New York + especially the so-glam metallic sheen of the pieces from Karrah Designs. 

Now, the eternal question: which to choose?

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p.s. - look out for details from yesterday's Independent Fashion Bloggers conference (IFBcon), which was full of inspiring + amazing bloggers. I met so many great people - some of which are just starting out, and others who are established experts in the biz. I'm also still sorting through the incredible swag bag from sponsors like Glamour, Bauble Bar, Zoya, + Lyst (just to name a few), which I already know has some lovely little things I can't wait to share.

Much more to come . . . xo

love this line: birdie num num

With IFBcon on the schedule for tomorrow (and being way too excited to think of anything else!) I just wanted to share another etsy seller that I just can't get enough of . . . birdie num num. Besides having a ridiculous + yet totally appealing name, birdie num num is a Chilean company that blurs the line between my two favorite accessories . . . scarves + necklaces. Tati, the designer + shop owner, starts with regular pieces of jersey fabric and somehow turns them into super colorful, eco-friendly + artfully handmade creations - take a look:

[one][two][three][four]

She's constantly adding new items in every hue imaginable, and takes custom orders to ensure you get whatever color/style combo you can dream up. Perfect for transitioning into springtime - especially this spring, with bright emerald shades that fall right in line with the crazy moment neon is having. I love these four, but there are dozens more to check out here.

p.s. - I absolutely cannot wait to share all the fun from IFBcon with you guys after tomorrow! xo

trends two ways: tassels

I love trends that are versatile - ones that can be dressed up or down, worn through season changes or even tweaked to mimic how I'm feeling from one day to the next. The tassels I've been seeing everywhere from gucci to juicy definitely fall into this category, so I wanted to showcase some sleeker options alongside those with a brighter, more fun feel.

Here are picks that work for elegant occasions and others that are perfect for playing in the sand:

clockwise from top left: [one][two][three][four][five]

Definitely on the subtle side, these feel just right for anything from business casual to cocktail hour. Simple add-ons like earrings, belts, and other jewelry are a great way to look fresh + current, but still stay polished + poised --- plus, they work year round.

clockwise from top left: [one][two][three][four]

Bags, scarves + shoes are perfect for when you want to pack more of a punch.  These rainbow-toned tassels give off a fun, summertime vibe. But be careful here: try to stick with one piece at a time to add a little bit of flair + a lot of color without looking too much like a box of crayolas.

Enjoy - and happy monday!

friday's one-of-a-kind find: wild+free custom cowboy boots

I don't know what it is with the boho/hippie theme this week, but I just can't seem to get enough. Fitting, then, that this Friday's find is these incredibly cool, custom made cowboy boots by wild+free. Corina Brown, the cali native + owner, claims to live the philosophy of her brand name --- and it shows in her work.

Her shop is filled with whimsical jewelry - from dream catcher necklaces to feather hair clips, flower headbands + even headdresses. But what I really love (and can't stop obsessing over) are her incredible upcycled boots. Each pair of leather cowboy/motorcycle boots is layered with fabrics, belts, chains + jewels in the most perfectly messed-up way. 

The result is so amazing I'd just rather show you then say another word . . .

 

Each custom order requires a deposit of $50 up front, along with any particular requests as to colors, materials, patterns, etc. -- all of which Corina incorporates into the final product. She has pictures of the boots she's made in the past + feedback from customers on her etsy page, and they all seem more than satisfied with the final result.

Can you blame them? These things are amazing - and totally one-of-a-kind. Perfection.

Have a good weekend!

[all photos taken from the wild+free jewelry etsy page]

make it personal

How sweet are these personalized, handmade pictures by UK-based design company sarah & bendrix? The concept is so simple + adorable, and I love that each one is made-to-order. You can choose from one of their designs or amp up your game + send in your own mementos to be used as raw material for your piece. Transform old invitations, birth announcements, love notes, newspapers, books + just about anything else into a charming, intimate works of art.

Such a lovely, low-key way to take old mementos that have been collecting dust in a shoebox, hidden in the back of the closet, and put them on display. It is also a great source of inspiration for the more talented + ambitious of you out there who are up for a DIY challenge.

But for the rest of you who (like me) haven't exactly mastered DIY-ing, don't risk ruining your keepsakes - leave it to the experts at s&b.

[each photo was taken from sarah&bendrix' etsy page]

my new bff

Ever since yesterday's post, I've been obsessing over unique accessories that share the same boho-rocker vibe as the pieces I love from ashaloo. I think it was her amazing ear cuffs: I am in love the idea, and wanted to see what other options are out there in terms of ear candy --- which lead me to yet another amazing etsy designer (they just keep coming!): Francis Audelo from By Francis Frank (a.k.a. BFF).  She hand makes every unique piece in LA + even takes custom orders, which of course got my mind reeling.

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Per usual, my inability to make a decision on as to which I love the most, combined with the fact that they are all so wonderfully eccentric, means I have a whole list of coveted cuffs to share with you guys. Here are four of my favs in the metal + spike department:

As you can see, she offers a few different styles to chose available - ear cuffs on their own, or cuffs combined with hair accessories + dangly earrings. I'll take one of each.

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I'm not always super into the feather look, but her styles are super wearable. BFF's line has a couple designs that I'd consider low-key - and lots of others that are anything but.  All are absolutely gorgeous, featuring stunning colors + eye-catching combinations of howlite beads, feathers + chains. Of course, I could only narrow it down so far - take a look below at my top three:

Her designs are obviously inspired, but I would love to create a custom piece that's all me... once I can decide on which look I'm loving the most. For now, I'll admit - I'm perfectly content to have visions of spiked metal + feather ear candy dancing in my head.

[all photos from BFF's etsy page]