Friday, September 26, 2008

Keeping Cozy

While scarves have been getting all of the love lately, especially this past Summer, I've been seeing a new more streamline option to go with the close cut looks of the fall.

You may see these called a scarf collar, a scarflette, neck cozies or cowls, but no matter what the maker is calling it, they look wonderfully warm with out being overwhelming or bulky.

A few of my Etsy favorites are as follows.

I love the vintage looking creations that Rudman is creating. Her pieces are felted wool and embellished with unique buttons, fabrics and lace.



Adventures of Jessica Rose's store did their take on a similar design but they are using crocheted cashmere and bamboo yarns, which I bet are just as delightfully soft and snuggly as they sound.



I like the chunky cowl option coming from fringe. This has a retro, graphic charm. I'd wear this over a solid color sweater. I'd bet you wouldn't even need a coat. I just want to bury my chin in to this.



Last year I just fell in love with this piece from Lubee. The colors were very delicate and I like the pretty lavender ribbon which creates the gathers and the sparkle from the sequins. This looks great with my cinnimon coat which I've had since high school and dark wash jeans.



I'm sure there are even more options out there on Etsy. But as you know, most of what's there is created by hand, so you need to snatch them up fast. At least you'll know that there won't be 15 other people wearing the exact same thing as you.

And you'll be toasty warm!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Box Full o' Kawaii

I FINALLY got my box of goodies from JBox. And I when I stress the "finally" I'm not kidding... I ordered this stuff 2 months ago. That's what I get for picking "slow boat from Japan" shipping.

Two months??? What the heck?

Anyways, I had pretty much forgotten what I had ordered by this time so it sort of like getting a gift on Christmas morning. I didn't remember what surprises were in store.

This is also contributed to by the fact that the packaging is in Japanese.

I got a pile of cute and tasty gums - rose, lemon mint, blueberry, rose mint. Delicious!



I also got a bunch of savory snacks - basil crisps, tamari rice crackers (which are particularly delicious), chocolate filled cookie sticks. miso soup and a whole bunch of other flavors.



And I couldn't resist a little kawaii cuteness... I had to get these adorable good luck love owls.

Gah! Cuteness!



Per the site:

In Japan, Fukurou (Owls) are a traditional symbol of good luck. The connection of the owl and luck in Japanese culture is steeped in tradition, but can be connected semantically to the sounds of the Japanese word for owl: "kurou" means trouble, "fu" basically means not or no -- so you're lucky if you have "not trouble".

This is a good looking and well made Enmusubi (Marriage) owl ceramic figure that works along the lines of the Maneki Neko (Lucky Cat) or Daruma figures, as a lucky charm or welcoming display for your guests.

Comes with a mini signboard that reads: Luck will come, with no troubles you will smile and obtain happiness and affection.

Now isn't that worth waiting for?