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!

trinkets from tree trunks

I've been thinking a lot about keeping the little things simple + fresh in the new year. Easier than cleaning out my closet or parting with any of the million things I may need, someday, for something, is simply imparting a bit of nature back into my urban lifestyle. The easiest, cheapest + chicest way to do this, I think, is in the form of wood. Observe . . .

First, this old-wood-turned-coaster-turned-necklace, so cleverly thought up + easily made by Rebecca over at A Daily Something. A perfect (and cheap) beginner DYI.

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Another option that's a bit more refined (if that's what you're into) comes from these delicate, hand painted wood necklaces by Swan Lake. I love the contrast of the natural wood coming through each brightly-painted + geometric-inspired design. The price (under $20 each!) doesn't hurt, either.

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Also on my wish list is this set of three timber side tables from one of my new favorite home goods spots, cb2. It's by the same people as Crate & Barrel, but does the modern look for way less. This entire set (read: all three tables) is only $199! They would look equally amazing kept together as a set or separated and placed around the room.

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What couple could resist this birchwood vase from Morgann Hill Designs, customized to display the initials of you and your one + only. Lovely as a vase - although the metal interior means you could use it to hold just about anything. And at under $20, you can still afford the bouquet!

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Peg and Awl redefines what we now think of as a tablet with these reclaimed wood and leather chalkboard pads. They start with a wooden board, which is recycled from the scraps of a local furniture shop.  They sand it down just enough to keep the character and add a vintage WWII-era leather strap for holding the so-cool chalk pencil it comes with. It also features a hole for hanging it on a wall, which is perfect because trust me, you will want to display this. Forget the iPad - this one is a reasonable $50, and way cooler. Your grocery list just got an upgrade!

(Bonus: for $10 more, you can customize your pad - or almost anything they make - with a message of up to 20 characters. Totally worth it for a wonderful, personal gift.)

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Okay - so these last two aren't exactly wood, nor do they qualify as "natural" - but I just can't resist either one. I think it's obvious why ...

I absolutely love how delicately this Bark Tie Cuff from Nasty Gal imitates the real thing.

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God knows I can't resist a tiny, unique piece of jewelry - especially when it's in the shape of something unexpected. This Branch Ring Duo is made even more alluring due to the fact that it was modeled after a brass ring that the designer, Iveth from The Angry Weather, found in a vintage store.  She loved it so much that she decided to replicate it. Throw in the fact that they're stackable and I'm in!

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No matter how you work it - sanded, painted, or just used as inspiration - I can't get enough of these pieces. I just wish I paid more attention in wood shop...

pom wonderful

During daily blog read this morning, I came across this post featuring wonderfully whimsical DIY tissue paper hearts, hot off of the February 2012 cover of Martha Stewart Living. You can find the step-by-step directions in the above post from Everything Fabulous as well as inside the magazine, both of which also feature this how-to pic:

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I have seen these decorative poms elsewhere + absolutely adore them. It's crazy how such a simple, litte thing can somehow totally transform the atmosphere into something inviting and warm.  PomTree is just one of many Etsy shops that sells all kinds of poufs and puffs in batches large + small. They can also customize the color + pattern of each one and have tons of options to choose from.

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They're the perfect addition to any Valentine's, engagement or anniversary party, baby or bridal shower, or really any event - they work well both inside + out.   PomStyle is another Etsy spot that not only makes gorgeous ones, but also features the beautiful pictures of them (below) in use at showers and events. . . Mix them with light strings (as seen below) to create a whimsical focal point for your next soiree.

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They also work unexpectedly well for sprucing up your pad . . .

Use them like throw pillows to add flair to your bedroom or guest room:

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Welcome the new baby in style:

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Add some seasonal decorations by playing with colors and patterns -

this one seems perfect for fall:

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As gorgeous as they are in the home, there are so many ways that these pretty poofs can dress up your look as well as your loft! No one does this better than the ladies at ban.do, a super successful duo from LA that loves (+ creates!) all things sparkly + girlie. They have so many options, and I love that they encourage creativity with their products. Take a look . . .

I am dying for one of their quirky-cute pop flowers:

 

 And these chiffon + pom pom shoe clips, which are equally adorable on flats + oxfords...

. . . as seen below at ban.do's own "blow bow bash," from their facebook page 

But why stop there? Take it from the girls at ban.do: pom poms look equally amazing in your hair.  I love them as hair accessories because they're perfect for when you're rocking a messy wave and when you need a sweet accent for that special day. See what I mean:

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[one] + [two] These are awesome because they come in two sizes (the minis are the size of my eos lipbalm - which, by the way, is amazing - while the others are about the size of your fist) and the back features a dual hair clip/pin to change your look with your mood. Pin them to your blazer for a little flair at work, then switch them to the band in your hair or on your wrist... or even your bag... before stepping out for a date or drinks.

[three] + [four] Both of these are made from layers of silk and add a fairytale finish  to any look, from "bohemian bride" to hostess to house guest. The rose can be worn as a belt or bracelet as well... or basically however and wherever you want. I think it may be harder to find somewhere this wouldn't look chic than vice versa.

 

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Whether in your hair, on your feet or hanging from your ceiling, I can't get enough of these girlie poms. With so many options, how can you go wrong?

trade your hallmark for handmade

With the holidays barely past and Valentine's Day right around the corner, I am constantly on the lookout for adorable greeting cards. I love to stumble upon and save extra special ones for just the right occasion, and I'm known to stockpile some random extras to have on hand in case there is unexpected news or I forget to remember a special day.

For me, Papyrus has always been the spot for adorable + simple greeting cards. If I wanted to send something that was sweet, straightforward and just plain pretty, that was the place to go.  But as their prices went up (the most intricate ones now cost as much as $18.95!) I started to look elsewhere. I found options that aren't just more affordable, but even more unique that are sold by talented designers both online and right on my block.  Here are my picks for $5 and under . . .

Rob Ryan is a UK-based artists and paper cutting mastermind. His creations, which I first encountered at catbird, are breathtaking. I can't imagine someone who wouldn't want to receive this hand-held modern day love story... and at less than $4, who wouldn't want to give it also?

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FlyTrap makes cheeky cards that have me counting down the days until friends' birthdays and other holidays. Their Etsy page breaks down their work into categories like "Sexy Naughty Valentines" to "Funny Birthday Cards" to simple "Hello/Friendship Cards." At a reasonable $4.50 each, here are the wonderfully sarcastic ones I plan to have on hand for whatever 2012 may bring:

 For the young couple tying the knot: 

a "congratulations" card that gives a little preview 

of what married life may bring...love this!

Inside: "...people don't."

For the good friend with a good sense 

of humor, a snarky Happy Birthday 

that is the perfect wine pairing.

 This one is aptly called "Dadisms" - 

the perfect card for Dad (or the father 

figure in your life) on any occasion.

Inside: "...which is a lot."

Love this as a great make-up card after a fight, 

Valentine's Day or an anniversary, or 

(the best kind) a "just because I love you" card.
 

Another refreshingly original paper goods company is The Great Lakes, based right here in Brooklyn and also sold at catbird.  Their cards are one part cutesy and two parts quirky, with hand drawn and hand printed designs that are somehow odd and endearing at the same time:

 

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And here are some new designs straight from The Great Lakes blog.  I love the pop culture references + the handmade feel that looks at first like maybe I made it myself. (Right...)

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And finally, for those wonderful "just because" moments, these blank greetings by Hero Design Studio are the perfect combination of casual and cool. I love the natural feel + bohemian theme, and  adore that this 12-pack of blank Navajo-inspired cards arrive in a little burlap sack.  If it was Nicole Richie's birthday, I would send her one of these. (If we were friends.)

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Whatever the occasion and whoever the recipient, handmade designs definitely bring more style + heart than your average Hallmark. Swap one of these for the usual next holiday (or next Tuesday!) and give something as unique and just plain cool as the person receiving it.