deliciously dark: to-die-for jewelry by bloodmilk

Bloodmilk is one of many jewelry lines I found + instantly fell in love with at catbird. Designer + self-proclaimed "one lady side show" j.l. schnabel has mastered a gorgeously goth aesthetic that's so difficult to achieve without bordering on gaudy and/or terrifying. The line is based out of philly, where schnabel not only crafts each piece by-hand and to-order, but she also does the writing, photographing, boxing + shipping of each piece in order to preserve the intimacy and indie-feel of her business. She's into the idea that jewelry can provide a sort of protection against the violence of the world, which is definitely evident in her work. 

With all the amazing options, you will find a piece that speaks to you - whether you don these designs as a kind of spiritual talisman or just love their bad-ass look. As usual, I've found way more than one that I'd love to get my claws on. Take a look:

[all photos chosen from bloodmilk's etsy page]

I am always trying to incorporate a little something a bit dark + dramatic into my look, which (of course) I try to do with unique add-ons or accessories. Bloodmilk does just that, with the perfect combination of bold and beautiful. Which piece is your fav? xx

friday's one-of-a-kind find: holst + lee

I normally like to find one showstopper from a somewhat obscure, new or at least etsy-affiliated designer to feature each Friday. But the dazzling jewelry coming out of breakout brand Holst + Lee is just too good to wait until Monday. Plus, the line is based right here in Brooklyn, and its tribal-meets-trendy-meets-techno vibe more than qualifies as one of a kind.

Check out Natalie Holst + Rochelle Lee, the duo behind the brand, along with some of their latest + greatest:

The beauty is in the details here - and these two ladies have spared none in the name of style. The magnetic closure, crazy color combinations, inspired hardware + varied textures make these pieces irresistible to everyone from supermodels to superstar athletes.

[all photos chosen from shopbop + shoptalk]

The fact that they've exploded (recent collaborations include mara hoffman and cut25 for spring 2012!) means that their line is now available on shopbop, which also means that each piece will cost you a pretty penny. But hey - if you want to rock something this cool, you have to pay up. Unless, of course, you have the skills to attempt a DIY version...

I mean, all it takes is some thread, some hardware + an insane eye for style. Simple, right?

Enjoy your weekend! xo

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

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:

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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!

love this line: ashaloo

I'm not the only one who loves the ashaloo etsy store - refinery 29 is right there with me.  Asha Maddali is the girl behind the brand who describes herself as a "matcha green tea smoothie obsessed cat lover who is fond of: street musicians, ukuleles, Paris, terrariums, Anderson Cooper and of course accessories, all kinds!" -- Sounds like my kind of girl.  Plus, she creates all her pieces locally here in New York City + finds inspiration in vintage finds. It's definitely worth checking out the rest of her stuff here - especially the headpieces + so-amazing ear cuffs... and everything else. But definitely start with these four -- they're at the top of my list.  What's on yours?

Enjoy!

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

wear your love story

As soon as valentine's day rolls around, we are bombarded with messages of seduction --- mostly from retail stores.  Every one seems to have found the perfect gift, and it's always heart-shaped + saturated in fuchsia, baby pink, blush or blood red. 

Trust me, I'm not complaining. I love Nordstrom + I love love. But I always have the same thought as I scroll through the slide shows of lingerie + perfume: if that someone is really so special, doesn't she deserve something not featured in a generic roundup of romantic cliches?

As much as we love opening up jewelry - and trust me guys, we definitely do - the well-thought-out words that accompany the gift is always the best part. Even more amazing (maybe for it's elusiveness) is the long-lost handwritten love note, in all of it's crossed-out, misspelled glory. 

With that in mind, here is my valentine's advice: definitely don't lose the jewelry - just pick a piece that combines it with the one other thing we'd most like to get, on v-day or any day.  Take a look: 

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Whether it's tucked inside an envelope, rolled into a locket or written on the page of your very own book, these lovely finds are the perfect way to write your love story - and wear it - this valentine's day. Just call me cupid --- I think I can already hear the "awww".

[all photos via catbird + sellers' etsy pages - see numbers for links]

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... 

[via]

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.

[via]

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.

 [via]

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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:

[via]

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!