Cinemagraphs by Jamie Beck

Have you all seen these moving images, coined "cinemagraphs," by New York City photographer Jamie Beck? They are pretty awe inspiring to look at and take the concept of an animated gif up quite a few notches in my book.

How amazing would something like these be for wedding memories, birth stories, and other landmark life moments? I'd just love to be able to get one or a few made in this style as a promotional photo for my jewelry line.

Could this be the next wave in photography? They seem to be in a category all their own. Find more cinematography and inspiration over on Jamies Beck's Tumbr.

Pinterest: Are you Pinning?

Are you pinning? Have you heard of pinning? What is pinning?

Pinterest is one of many great bookmarking sites catching on. The site basically allows you to bookmark and categorize any image you come across on the web for any reason. The visual layout is clean, simple, and inspiring. It's great for organization, saving ideas, and discovering new sites/products via other folks' pins/boards you admire. Personally, I've found it perfect for bookmarking blog images, diy projects, fashion, home ideas, Etsy products, and recipes I'd like to try. I also like to search the site for topics of interest to me just to see what other folks with great taste have come across which I might've never found on my own.

At this time Pinterest is still invite only so if you're considering taking it for a spin let me know in the comments and I'll send you one. Click the image above to find my own Pinterest finds and follow along. Already have an account? I'd love to know how you are using it and follow your finds.

Tattoo Files: Wrists and Arms

Some new tattoo designs I came across that caught my eye for one reason or another. Given the right design, wrists and arms seem like a good place to get inked. View original sources below and stay tuned for future files from this here un-inked little lady.

forearm birds + wrist birds + wrist lines + glasses + tiger + diamonds

* Previous Tattoo Files Posts *

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

Listening To: Agnes Obel

I can tell from your eyes you've never been by the riverside. I walk to the borders on my own to fall in the water just like a stone.

- Agnes Obel

Tattoo Files: Crafty Fingers

Time for another tattoo round up, no? These craftier inked designs give a little look into the inner workings of the bearer - no matter what langauge you speak. Isn't it fascinating how graphic images can read universally.

Click each image for their original source and stay tuned for future files from this here un-inked little lady.

* Previous Tattoo Files Posts *

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...

Tattoo Files: Feathers and Foliage

These gals got it so right, no? From intricate to simple, these designs are keeping it classy. Click each image for their original source and stay tuned for future files from this here un-inked little lady.

* Previous Tattoo Files Posts *

Tattoo Files: Fight or Flight

And so the tattoo files persist.

Ever come across an image that stops you in your tracks? With all the photos I'm looking at throughout the day, it makes for a treat when one interrupts my meditative pattern of scrolling. Click each image for their original source and stay tuned for future files from this here un-inked little lady.

* Previous Tattoo Files Posts *

Take a Break With Gifted Magazine

One of my favorite indulgences is curling up on the sofa with a glass of red and my latest magazine. I'm the type that likes to read the entire issue in one sitting - it feels like such a treat.

Earlier this week I was delightfully surprised to see the launch of Creature Comfort's online holiday magazine and gift guide, Gifted. It's chock full of Etsy designers, new bloggers I could add to my reader, holiday gift ideas for everyone, DIY projects, tutorials, and simply inspiring images all around - the whole piece of work is an obvious labor of love and just visually pleasing to *virtually* page through.

If you need a diversion throughout the day today or if you're more like me and want to take it all in at once - Gifted will make for an unexpectedly nice weekend read just in time for holiday inspiration and planning.

Listening to...Marina and the Diamonds

Where I have I been over the past year? Feel free to laugh at my only-just-now discovering Marina and the Diamonds. Prepare to get hooked.

P.S. Thanks Anda, for the introduction.

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

Tattoo Files: Script

Here's the thing, I don't have any tattoos, nor am I planning to get one anytime soon if ever. While I consider myself a loyal person in many senses of the word, I go through phases of adoration/intolerance more regularly than I'd like to admit.

In any case, I'm in continual admiration of those who I feel for one reason or another have essentially gotten it right. Meaning, if I were them, I'd think that tattoo could keep me happy for a lifetime. I have a great deal of respect for these people who got it right and maybe even a little envy of their fearlessness.

The script tattoos listed above are swoon-worthy in my book. Click each image for their original origin and stay tuned for future tattoo files from this here un-inked little lady.

* See More Tattoo Files Posts *

A Little Creepy Inspiration

I'm digging the off beat provisions over at Papier Valise this time of year.

A little creepy? Maybe. On par for the season ahead? Without a doubt.

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

Etsy's Offices

Did you get a chance to see the photos of Etsy's Brooklyn office space over on Apartment Therapy? As we grow bigger, I hear the space will be expanding too. Rumors of reclaimed hardwood floors and a rollerskating party to break them in before moving the furniture in were all abuzz in Brooklyn recently.

See the full set of photos and original architecture plans on the Hangar Design Group's site.

Apron Style Farm Sink Love

Dreaming of an apron style farm sink, similar to this one on Poppytalk via Jenny S. Tackling the dishes would be much easier a task with such a pretty basin, no?

Hand Painted Antique Porcelain Doll Parts

I get teased here at home for my adoration of vintage porcelain doll parts. It must have come down from my paternal grandmother's side, her house is literally filled with different dolls from all over the world -- the majority of them being creepy. Essentially, my fascination resonates with the limbs, and how I can re-purpose them into jewelry or art.

With this in mind, you can imagine how tickled I was when I stumbled across a limited stock of antique German bisque doll legs. I was told that similar to the Frozen Charlotte dolls, these detached parts were dug out pieces from the remnants of the doll factories in Thuringia, Germany and date between 1890-1920. I'm not a history buff when it comes to dolls, but the story seems pretty compelling if true.

I'm thinking they'll make curious little necklaces and am looking forward to spending some studio time with them. Until then, they'll be on display in my little collection ready for the cringes of passersby who just might not quite get it.

Trendspotting: Fingerprint Jewelry

One of this season's hottest jewelry trends emerging via Etsy designers is personalized fingerprint jewelry. You heard me right, there are an exclusive selection of jewelry designers working to preserve your own (or a loved one's) true fingerprint permanently in precious metals including silver, gold, and platinum.

These one-of-a-kind pieces are truly something unique that is sure to leave your stamp in time for generations to come. I'm seeing them being carefully created for events and special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, Father's Day, and Mother's Day. There are even a couple versions capturing the paw or nose print of those furry family members!

See my full post on Kaboodle.com to find my favorite fingerprint jewelry designs on Etsy right now.

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!