I'm Back! Plus, New Items on Etsy

Hello! 

It's been a while since I posted anything on this blog.  Okay like 3 years to be exact! A lot has happened and I should fill you in on what's been going on over here. But to do that entirely would make this a really long, long post. 

So to catch you up in the short version: I got married, had a baby (she's now 2yrs) and left my full-time job, became a stay-at-home mom, and now work full-time again as a freelance/contract mobile assistant. 

Whew! I believe that brings us up to current day. 

Part of my kick to get back into blogging also stirred up my desire to update my Etsy listings. Now that my regular "day job" has settled down a bit, I can take the time to put some focus on my jewelry. In fact, this weekend I've got a photography session for new items scheduled! Can't wait to get those posted on the Etsy shop too. 

Smokey Topaz with Aqua chip beads on sterling silver chain 

 

This is a necklace that I made a while back and sold on Etsy. It's such a classic piece to me that I decided to renew it. If you missed out, now's your chance to own it for yourself (or give as a gift!)

Wouldn't this look great paired with white linen pants or chic white dress?!

Well it feels good to be back and I'll try to not wait so long to post again.

~Rita

Etsy Find: Beach Inspiration

The weather has been so nice I'm already thinking about Summer at the Beach. With this in mind, I found some lovely items on Etsy with a beach inspiration.

1. Surf by OneStepBeyond70

2. Vintage woven clutch by NattyFramebyPY

3. Sea Green Coriander headband by mixbaby

4. Sea Star by Flax and Spindle

5. Hibiscus rubber stamp by drumchick99

{found on Etsy}

Etsy Local: LA Black Bag

In preparing this article for you, I realize that I didn't want to showcase just any local (Charlotte area) Etsy seller. I wanted to find products whose creator is just as unique as they are. Alas, I bring you, LA Black Bags on etsy.

About the creator, Leslie Ann Black:
LA Black Bags is the creation of Leslie Ann Black. Leslie's philosphopy is that simple, uncomplicated, and classic styling is best. Leslie Ann Black has been sewing since in high school (70's), and she owes her skills to Aunt Betty Lou. Aunt Betty Lou, is the mother of two boys and welcomed the opportunity to have a girl's day of sewing with her niece. Leslie would start out with simple patterns and with each trip up the mountain (Berwick, PA) would see advancements in skills and techniques. Hopefully Aunt Betty Lou has forgiven her for those horrible John Wayne shirts with ruffles! Some things should never be repeated.

Here are just a few of her lovely creations (they also happen to be faves too!)

...fun stripes pattern and wristlets are so flirty ;)

Sweet Shoulder bag...soft colors and a nature theme perfect for all year long!

A beautiful handbag...reminds me of Summer at the Beach.

A classic shoulderbag...blue stripes are always in style.

Leslie Ann talks about what is so special about LA Black Bags :
"We have to really love what we do, to create a product that we are proud of. I believe in the independent creative process that is touched by human hands through every level, nothing mass produced. Each woman is an individual and so are LA Black Bags."

Leslie Ann also sells her fabulous handmade handbags in stores. You can get more information about Leslie Ann or her creations at www.leslieannblack.com but check out her Etsy store too!

When you buy a handbag, jewelry or anything for that matter, it's a great feeling to know that the creator/designer loves their work just as much as its new "owner". That's the best thing about handmade products.

Spring Preview: Yellow

I realize it's February but to me Spring is just around the corner. I'm counting the days to warmer temperatures, pretty flowers...and you guessed it, Spring fashions! Lately, I've been obsessed with the color yellow. What better color to represent Spring, right?

Here are some of my favorite yellow finds (in no particular order):

Frye Kate flat at Zappos

strappy sandal at Go Jane

patent buckle sandal at Go Jane

Kenneth Cole wedge at Piperlime

mustard tulips by WildWomanJewelry

mustard bird laptop bag by mareri

French postcards by aleecesattic

And finally, here's my contribution to the list. I was so inspired by yellow that I just had to make something. So I looked in my supplies (didn't have too look too hard) and found these lemon quartz briolettes. I paired them with sterling silver to make them more casual - wear them day, night, or basically anytime.

Lemon Drop earrings by shopangelica

Spring Fashion Week in NYC just ended so it'sreally not too early to thinking about your Spring wardrobe. I can find a way to rationalize anything especially shopping ;)

Oh, what to wear (Travel)

Okay, so maybe this isn't very realistic for me. But if you are planning a day shopping trip to NYC then I found the coolest outfit...

Bon Voyage! - by FabFashion

But hey who needs to travel? I would wear this outfit in my city. What do you think?

Friday's Etsy Finds!

CELEBRATE WITH CIRCLES OF GREEN AND BROWN CLUTCH by Daphenen $55










Espresso Mug in Tropical Mod Colorway by yogagoat $40








Punkin Postcards For Any Occasion- Set of 10
by A Punkin Card Company

hammered rectangle ring by Harmony Metals $55

Time To Shine!

I've been noticing that a lot of designers are using sequins, metallics and silky materials in their fall collections. I really love this trend...from belts and purses to party dresses this a look I will definitely wear. Now, I'd love to have my own personal stylist to dress me in all the of-the-moment items but no, I have to do it the hard way...scour the web for looks and deals. The great thing about this trend is that it's not limited for only night time. There are so many styles out there, from silk and sequins to just a hint of shine so you can wear it for either work and play, day or night. The key is pairing the right accessories. I would put on high heels with a slinky metallic dress for a party (if I ever have time to attend one). And for movie night (more like it) slip on some ballet flats. See it's easy after all!

Here are just a few examples of for your wardrobe.

Short Sleeve Silk Tunic at http://www.livenatty.com/ ($202)

Franco Sarto Portal I at http://www.piperlime.com/ ($16.99 on sale)

Woven Leather Clutch at http://www.topshop.com/ (about $80)


Ruched Neck Top from http://www.topshop.com/ (about $50)




Bolero Flat in gold at http://www.delias.com/ ($32)

Metallic Braided Top at http://www.styleviolet.com/ ($29.50)

Shopping Green in Black & White

When it comes to being environmentally friendly, sometimes you have to sacrifice style and looks...or do you? Not anymore when you have these adorable grocery bags from Envirosax. While looking around at www.delight.com, I found these hip, eco-friendly and reusuable bags.

"Lightweight, portable, waterproof, reusable, affordable. This assortment of 5 eco-friendly and oh-so-sleek Envirosax are rolled up in a carrying pouch small enough to stow into a glove box or a handbag. With reinforced seams, each surprisingly large bag holds the equivalent weight of 2 supermarket plastic bags."

Only $34.50 for 5 bags!!!