Limited Edition: Vintage Scope Cigarette Holder Necklace

I've added a new section to my shop exclusively for limited edition and one of a kind jewelry designs. The pieces listed in this section incorporate many of the antique finds I come across but am unable to source multiples of or buy out a dead-stock collection. While I always wish I could source duplicates of these limited finds, I know its the fact they are in such short supply that gives them a noteworthy edge.

The latest necklace design I've launched into the mix is comprised of a vintage brass Scope telescoping cigarette holder that fits neatly inside a concealed vial. The holder itself has a black bakelite mouthpiece, which incidentally sports a few marks (presumably teeth) from its former life of mystique and allure.

Find additional photos and details for this new design listed in the shop and keep an eye on the new section for limited and one of a kind treasures making their way onto center stage.

View Past Limited Edition Entries | View Full Collection

Kelly Cutrone's Book

Ever since I heard Kelly Cutrone came out with her own book, I had to have it: If You Have to Cry, Go Outside - and other things your mother never told you.

One of my best guilty pleasures was watching her on reality shows like The City, and Kell on Earth. Yes I just admitted to watching those shows (religiously). For those of you unfamiliar with Kelly Cutrone, she's sort of notoriously known as a no-nonsense outspoken woman of power in the PR fashion industry - specifically New York.

While her antics are fun to watch on TV, it was fun to learn more from Kelly's softer side, or "mama wolf" as she describes herself. If you're looking for an entertaining read with bits and pieces that might resonate with you - Kelly's book is a good one to take for a spin.

Her frame of mind on NYC being one of the best teachers she's ever had, not feeling compelled to live out the destiny we (as women) are programmed to believe in, and her thoughts on work ethic were probably what most resonated with me.

"The only dream I ever had was the dream of New York itself, and for me, from the minute I touched down in this city, that was enough. It became the best teacher I ever had." - Kelly Cutrone

Trendspotting: Trompe l'oeil Stockings

Building upon last year's polka dot hosiery trend, this year's versions are taking it a step further. In keeping with that nod to the past - these hotter than hot stockings are boasting trompe l'oeil garters, exaggerated lace, and larger than like polka dot patterns. It appears a short skirt and coat falling just above the hemline are the perfect pairings for these showstoppers.

What do you think about these accessories - would you try them on for size and where would you wear them? I'm thinking they would have been perfect in my early 20's (restaurant years) and might be better suited for a First Friday nowadays.

Looks via Lookbook.nu
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Bow Stockings
Garter Stockings
Lace Stockings
Thigh Highs
Polka Dots
Garter Triangles
Lace Hosiery
Classic Polka Dots
Large Polka Dots

Behind the Scenes of The Sartorialist

I caught wind of this captivating look behind the scenes of The Sartorialist first over on Refinery29. Scott Schuman, the face behind this street fashion blog, explains how with the internet, "really the whole world is open to you now."

Being an avid fan of people watching, this little window made me yearn for those voyeuristic morning walks to work in DUMBO and reminded me of how lucky (I, too) am for being able to do what it is I love via this vehicle they call the internet...

Trendspotting: Blazers are Back

I've never been a blazer kind of gal, but I'm starting to wonder if this just might be the year.

Piggybacking on the menswear looks trending as of late, these simple cuts and clean lines might sway me into the land of the fashionably preppy.

Looks via:

Black Leather Jacket: Lookbook
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Studded Collar Blazer: devaniweaver, Etsy
Gray Capped Sleeve Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Blue Fitted Blazer: wanderlustvtg, Etsy
Black Riding Jacket: Lookbook
Black Fitted Jacket: Urban Outfitters
Gray Blazer: 13bees, Etsy
Pink Blazer: H&M, via Lookbook
Gold Balmain Jacket: knight cat

The sequin butterfly shirt

I'm just going to come out and admit it: I have a little bit of a thing for those notoriously tacky vintage sequin butterfly shirts. Are they even a shirt really, or more of a poncho? In any case, every time I come across one in Etsy's Vintage category, my heart flutters a little - pun intended. It's even gotten to the point where I've started searching for them instead of stumbling across them. I love how some versions seem fairly tame and then others are just blatantly out of control.

While I've never broken down and bought one, I've definitely given the idea more than serious consideration. I think I still just need to get to the stage where I convince myself there are plenty of places it could be worn.

I could totally rock one of these gaudy butterfly ponchos, right? No question.

Trendspotting: Studs

Each season as the stud trend comes back rearing it's rough & tough head, I've never seemed to consider the idea of incorporating them into my own style palette. However, as we get closer to fall, select versions of these softer interpretations cropping up are something I think I could get along with.

These stud inspired looks can be found via Etsy and Lookbook.nu.

Main Image, Studded Sweater: LookBook
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Pyramid Earrings: michellechangjewelry
Studded Headband: LouiseRose
Studded Vintage Flats: PrincessSamy
Studded Bustier: LookBook
Black Studded Bag: DesignsByLakouri
Grey Studded Wedges: LookBook
White Studded Bag: VerseauVintage
Black Studded Dress: LookBook

My Etsy World

Thought I'd share some of my more recent Etsy acquisitions. I live in a virtual Etsy world each day as I work and more and more my physical world is becoming one in the same. Tis a good feeling.

Fragment Light, anzfer
Oscillate Shirt, Thimble and Acorn
Letter M Vintage Milk Glass Mug, KupAndSaucer

Trendspotting: Etsy Designer Vintage

If you weren't in the know already, I want to let you in on one of Etsy's best kept shopping secrets: designer vintage fashion. Vintage looks have been topping the best dressed lists across red carpets this season and won't be going out of style anytime soon; think classic, rare, and timeless. It's practically a cat fight to the checkout button in the marketing corner of the Etsy office anytime one of us comes across a newly listed vintage designer bag, dress, pair of tall boots or pumps.

Find the full post on sniffing out the designer brands in Etsy Vintage along with a smattering of my current finds on Kaboodle.com.

Etsy Vintage Pictured
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YSL Sunglasses: VintageStore123
Ferragamo Riding Boots: nstylevintage
Red Chloe Military Jacket: VonlenskaVintage
Hermes Silver Ring: BackThennishVintage
Ungaro Quilted Jacket: closetcaseVNTG
Roberto Cavalli Jumpsuit: closetcaseVNTG
Green Vogue Couturier Cocktail Dress: TimelessVixenVintage
YSL Polka Dot Dress: TavinShop

Glamour.com for Etsy

Check out the Glamour.com wedding themed post on Etsy today. This was a fun collaboration and was great working with Glamour.com on their creative scenarios for an outdoor affair.

Cheers to the wedding season ahead!

Trendspotting: The Open Back

Open backs and barely-there-backless numbers lend a whole new meaning to sultry: an unexpected peek of flesh, and curves of a different kind. Classy and completely sexy.

The open back inspired looks can be found via Etsy and Lookbook.nu.

Etsy: Lisette White Dress
Etsy: What a Gem Black Dress
Lookbook.nu: South Heaven Bodysuit
Lookbook.nu: The Glow Backless Top
Etsy: Sailor Cut Out Dress
Lookbook.nu: Spin Me Round Again Bodysuit
Etsy: Striped Shirt
Lookbook.nu: Marry Me Black Dress
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Lookbook.nu: Peculiar Ways Black Dress
Lookbook.nu: Oceans Suit
Etsy: Vintage Bow Black Dress
Etsy: Coco Chiffon and Lace Dress
Lookbook.nu: Carousels Black Dress
Etsy: 1950's Silk Cocktail Dress
Etsy: Knitwear Stripes Top
Etsy: Multicolor Swimsuit

Trendspotting: Over The Knee Stockings

Variations on the ideal length of socks and stockings seem to be forever changing from one whim to the next. The "just over the knee" look seems to be cropping up as the new sweet spot this season. Not quite a knee sock, not quite a thigh high, but just barely over the knee.

The sock inspired looks I found above are via Etsy and LookBook.nu.

LookBook.nu: White Knee Socks
LookBook.nu: Grey Vintage Socks
Pinstripe Socks: poppyswickedgarden
LookBook.nu: Navy buttons Socks
LookBook.nu: Plum Socks
Tattoo Socks: post
Silver Thigh High Leggings: BabooshkaBoutique
Neon Socks: bewakeful
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LookBook.nu: Grey Knee Socks
Black Stem Socks: undertheroot
LookBook.nu: Red Bow Socks
Sock Garters: SWANclothing
LookBook.nu: Pointelle Black Socks
LookBook.nu: Black Bunny Socks
LookBook.nu: Sheer Heart Stockings
LookBook.nu: Black High Socks

Love: Hunter Wellington Boots

I tend to fixate on certain finds I convince myself I need. A current preoccupation has been geared towards a pair of the original green Hunter wellington boots. This brand is made in the UK and has been a classic field staple since the 1850's when the first factory began production. I keep dreaming up imaginary "field situations" in which I'll need to wear them, hence saving the day.

Each of the looks above via Lookbook.nu.

Oh Hunter wellingtons, one of these days we'll be the best of old pals.

Oxford Inspiration via Etsy

In tune with the menswear kick I've found myself touting, one particular element keeps teasing my fancy: the oxford. I'm enthralled with the diverse varieties and takes on this shoe style, especially the transitional appeal they seem to carry from one season to the next. Today's collection was inspired by the larger menswear Etsy Finds collection I curated over on Etsy's blog today.

Oxford Inspiration via Etsy
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Tobacco field flats: huxleyrye
White oxfords art print: TheLightFantastic
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Spring green oxfords: axandapple
Burgundy suede oxfords: MyGmasCloset
DKNY black oxfords: womyn
Brently Italian Oxfords: SkinandWood
Black and white oxfords: SnowJaneVintage
Olive green oxfords: GirlLeastLikely
The Hyde Park, New York oxfords: bopptybopshoppe
Brown suede and leather oxfords:margaretpearl
White leather wedges: bootmeister

Trendspotting: Menswear

Trend: Debonair Classic, Menswear

Fitted blazers, micro vests, button down shirts, and trousers. Tweed, hounds-tooth, and pinstripes. High waists, thick belts, oxfords, and fedoras. Androgyny at it's best, give me more.

Each of these looks can be found via LOOKBOOK.nu.

Trendspotting: Uniform Chic

Haven't we all heard the cliché of finding a man in uniform irresistible? I've begun to notice stylized versions and hints of the classic uniform trickling into fashion, accessories, and home decor designs. Time to suit up and put uniform chic on the style watch. Each of the finds above came from Etsy, see more of my finds suiting this trend and the sellers they came from in this article on Etsy's blog.

Trendspotting: Polka Dot Hosiery

I've noticed these saucy little stockings cropping up everywhere and have to say this is one emerging trend I'm falling for. There's just something a little nostalgic, classy, and flirty about these polka dot hosieries. You could say they possess that perfect touch of je ne sais quoi...

I stumbled across an exemplary pair while on the hunt for some to add to my own collection.

Sarah Seven Spring 2010 Fashion Show

Last night I was invited to Sarah Seven's spring 2010 fashion show. It was an event put on in conjunction with the Soho International Film Festival. The show was incredible and her work is even better in person than represented in her Etsy shop. I've been a fan of Sarah's since spotting her shop on Etsy, have been familiar with her line, but finally got the chance to meet her in person last night at the show. She's simply a gem.

Some of my favorite looks from the line include:





Here's Sarah post show, scissors round her neck and all:

After stopping by her post show trunk show today at The Dressing Room, a great little boutique/bar on Orchard, I snagged a one of a kind sea-foam hued short number that just happened fit like a glove.

View my full set of show photos on Flickr for all the spring line looks or watch the slide-show below:

New editions to pocket knife necklace line

I recently came across a nice little heap of pistol shaped pocket knives I've made into necklaces and incorporated into the pocket knife line I've got going on right now. Here's a glimpse into the finished pieces you'll find in the collection and keep your eyes on the shop for new styles to come.

In addition to the pistol gun knives, I made limited editions of motorcycle and silver mermaid versions. The mermaids flew out of the shop so quick I barely had time to talk about them here...such a great find. There are still 5 of the 6 motorcycle styles ready for the taking should the biker in you feel so inclined.

Cheers!

It's a bee hive locket!

I've always been drawn to incorporating bees into my jewelry line come spring and summer months. This season I found these bee hive lockets that when opened, show off a tiny bee nesting inside. The locket is attached to the chain with a lobster claw clasp, so it can be removed and switched freely from chain to chain for different looks and styles.

I had two of these to start and currently just one left. I'm hoping to pick up a few more if I can find them on my next trip into the city, so snag yours now if you don't want to wait.