Oh, Wolfie, Oh Wolfie... You're the One!

Wendy Brandes has been one of my favorite bloggers for ages because she is a hilarious and talented writer. Of course, she is better known for her unique and delicious jewelry too.

I wish that I could have about 15 of her pieces but, you know... you have to start somewhere.

Wendy currently is in production with a great new piece - a whistle that opens up to reveal a tiny wolf. Continuing the literary tradition of most of her work, the Virginia Woolf whistle (lol!) is really cool but I actually fell in love with the inside element... the adorable wolfie.



I had to have it! So witty! So cute!

Oh, yeah, that's right, that image is totally swiped from Wend'y's site. I need to take a picture wearing my new piece.

While I love the author connection, the real reason I got it is because I've long had a love affair with wolves ever since high school. Here is an old photo of me. And yes, that is a real live wolf in the photo, Chimo. I still love him!



Thank you, Wendy for making a piece dear to my heart!

If you want more wolfie action, check out these classics:


Swing Shift Cinderella



Red Hot Red Riding Hood

Tempting Toppers

You may not know this but I am a huge huge HUGE fan of hats. I mean, I love all kinds of hair accessories, from combs to fascinators but I love a fancy hat. This should not come as a huge surprise because I kind of love all of the retro accessories that are inching their way back.

Parasols - Check!

Gloves - Check!

Hats - Double Check!

I think I've been buying hats since at least college. And no, I'm not talking baseball caps, I mean real hats in hat boxes. I have several straw hats, a black straw top hat with a veil and long black ribbons down the back, pink rolled brims with a puff-dotted veil, black and tan swirled ones and more.

So I was kind of all swoony over the Marc Jacobs S/S 2009 RTW show. The mix of patterns and styles and eras was great but I was mostly interested in the hats. I love the jaunty boater-style hats that he showed. I've always found this style to be so adorable.



And yes, these are actually making it to stores. eLuxury has the adorable boaters, made by Stephen Jones no less, in the black and the red. The prices are not beyond what I would have expected - $375 - but that does make them a bit pricey.



But in a moment of splendid serendipity, the Victoria & Albert Museum is doing an exhibition with Mr. Jones all about hats. And even better, the V&A Museum Shop (I love a good museum shop... more on that in a later post) has some amazing pieces for the exhibition... including pieces from Stephen's Snoxells of London line.

WendyB clued me in to some of the cuter pieces for this exhibition but I was drawn immediately to the boater hat that was available. Even better, this adorable thing is only £15! Can you believe it?


So, yes, I've ordered this already! I only wish I could hop a plane to see the show in person. It sounds amazing:

Working with radical hat designer, Stephen Jones, the V&A will present an 'Anthology of Hats'. Drawn from V&A and international collections and ranging in style and period from a 17th-century Puritan's hat to a 1950s Balenciaga couture piece to hats by Jones and his contemporaries including to the latest creations by young milliners such as Noel Stewart, the exhibition will investigate the cultural and historic importance of millinery.

The exhibition will be arranged in four main themes - Inspiration looks at the myriad of sources including historicism, exoticism and the natural world; Creation explores the techniques, materials and processes; The Salon focuses on the buying and selling of hats and the millinery shop; and The Clients which will examine the wearing and etiquette of hats and will feature headgear worn by well known clients of some of the world's top milliners including Audrey Hepburn, Isabella Blow, Anna Piaggi, Dita von Teese.

If anyone wants to get me the exhibition anthology, one of the hat boxes or one of the amazing hats... I'd totally take it... I'm just saying.

If you want to find some other amazing hats or fascinators, I personally love Topsy Turvy Design and KissCurl on Etsy. I have pieces from both of them and love them. Miss Mischief also just did a great post on some gorgeous pieces on Etsy , including some fun pieces she made herself. I think I'm going to have to do another huge order on there.

Next need for me is a black bowler and a grey top hat.

UPDATED: It arrived! http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesspoochie/3393093517/

More fun:
Create a Stephen Jones designed paper hat at home.

See the My Beautiful Paper hat pool on Flickr

Imitation = Flattery?

I know a big part of what Pat Field likes to do is play with the high and reinterpret to the low but sometimes I think she goes a bit wrong... off into the tacky direction.

The obvious original piece - the YSL Mail clutch. Sleek, shiny and classic. I have to admit I adore this.

Pricey... yes, that too.



I applaud Ms. Field for making the style accessible but the way its done just looks a bit chintzy to me. It's too colorful. Too trying to look like a real piece of air mail. It loses the streamlined graphic design that makes the YSL version so appealing.

Express Mail Clutch by Pat Field -



I know you don't want a total knock-off but it is obvious to me where the "inspiration" came from. By trying to distance itself from the original it just came out messy. Rather a closer inspired design in maybe a new fresh color (hot pink? bright aqua?) that would have been a better way to go.

Tied to Tights

I am a huge fan of socks, tights and stockings. I wear them all year long but especially in the Winter and Fall. I don't like to wear pants as much as I do skirts so they help to keep me warm but they also are just such a great way to easily change up a look.

If you are over on Shoe Daydreams, you will see tights from all over. I've boughts some great opaque bright tights from JCrew and the range can be as inexpensive as Target to as pricey as Chanel. I just tend to be a sucker for a great color and great, unique patterns or details.

But over all there are four key places I go back to again and again.

1. StockinGirl -



This site has the most amazing range from warm and snuggly to sexy thigh-his. I've bought some cute tonal striped pairs from them.

2. We Love Colors -



Their name truly says it all. A huge range or colors in multiple styles. They're very comfortable and typically only about $8... so you can stock up!

3. Joy of Socks -



If you like a pair of patterned tights I'm wearing, chances are they are from here. They have the best designs and fun bright colors. Real stand-outs that will draw attention.

4. SockDreams -




A bit more whimsical but soft colors, especially in over the knee and thigh-high socks. I love their O Lovelies the most.

The price ranges are not too high for the four above, but if you are looking for real artwork, you have to go to Bebaroque. Pricey but worth it. I could go broke buying their pieces.



They have their new Spring/Summer collection out now and I am trying to avoid it because it is just too amazing.

If you can, you need to bring at least a pair home. You will be amazed at the work that goes into each set.

Counter Intuitive

I am the first to admit that I am no skin care or make-up expert. I have sensitive skin, don't wear a ton of make-up even for fun and I'm pretty simple about my routine.

I pretty much know what works for my pale picky skin and stick to it. And because it's so prone to freaking out in a whole variety of ways, I don't like to try new things. But I also do try to take good care of my skin. I've never slept with my make-up on and wash my face every night with Cetaphil soap. I tone with Thayers Rose Water Witch Hazel and then I use and eye cream and a face lotion/night cream. Right now I've been using Aveeno for both of those.

As we've been evolving our lifestyle, I've been adding more natural (and an added benefit is they are cheaper) elements to what I use. I use safflower oil as a body moisturiser and I've just started vitamin E oil on my face.




I tend to have oily skin in the t-zone so it seems a bit odd to add oil to my face. But since we've had less fat in our diet this actually is very comforting. After I wash my face at night, tone and moisturize, I put a few drops of the E in my palm and rub my hands together (my hands and nails benefit from this too) and press my palms lightly onto my face, neck and chest. When I wake up my skin is just glowy, which is amazing given the huge change in humidity I've undergone moving from FL to NC, especially in the winter.

I've also heard good things about olive oil soaps, lotions and cleanser from DHC but this little bottle is only around $4 and will last for ages, so way cheaper. I would definitely recommend giving it a try. Even if you don't like it on your face, you can use it on your hands and nails.

Luck, Love and Laduree

I love Laduree. The colors, the style... the macarons.

Since I can't get their amazing confections shipped to me, I will have to console myself with some of their adorable "lucky" charms. Maybe if I wear them I'll win a trip to Paris so I can indulge myself!

Available from Harrods, 020 3155 0111. or visit www.laduree.com for further information.

Ready to Fly

When I first saw this feather-edged capelet of Barbara Munsel's on Susie Bubble's site, I knew that I had to have it. It was delicate and ethereal and, simply... special. How could you not want it?



And when I found out there was only one going to be made, I was even less able to resist its charms. Made of the creamiest crepe de chine silk, studded with crystals and edged with fluttery feathers it's probably the most magical item I own.

I bought a garment bag for it (since I don't have a dress form... yet!) but now I need to find somewhere equally magical to wear it. And what to wear it with? I was thinking something down to earth like jeans, boots and a cami or tee in a similar color. Or a strapless dress in the same off white as the feathers.

Do you have any ideas inspired by this? I'd love for you to share them if you do!

Magic Shaving Soap Gel

I've always had a love/hate with shaving my legs. This is on so many levels. First of all I am super sensitive skin. So crazy-sensitive that I can't put on any lotion for at least 24 hours after I shave or I break out like crazy. Just using and old razor or a new kind of shave gel can also cause my to get a rash too.

The only thing I could ever use was Neutrogena oil, although I later found Khiel's Creme de Corps wasn't too bad and I found that a bottle of safflower oil (found for cheap in the grocery) works well to keep in moisture too. It doesn't have a smell so you can use plain or add in an essential oil and isn't too greasy.

Another reason I hate shaving was the whole animal testing thing that is done by makers of razors and shave gels/creams. Gilette, one of the largest brands, has been something that we have boycotted for years and years. Not only are these products expensive and wasteful (we hate how much disposable razor blades cost and how they are packaged) but they have done unneeded testing for years. Blech!

We've found some razor solutions but we've been looking for other shave gel options too. The hubby uses a Khiel's product but I've just been using a store brand can of shaving creme. But the other day, he came home from the store with this tube of Dr. Bronner's Magic Organic Fair Trade Tea Tree Shaving Soap Gel.



I've used it a few times and I have to say I like it. It has a pretty runny consistency when it comes out of the tube but then it froths up. It makes the razor move pretty easily and I haven't had any negative reactions, which is great.

If you can find this in your store, I would recommend it. I'm using the tea tree "flavor" but I now see that they have lavender and lemongrass lime (and more). I think I want to try those too.

The company also seems to have a commitment to fair trade and social responsibility. And as you know, I believe, like many people, but especially women, that it is not only the product we are buying but the company's values that are important to us too.

If you've found any good shaving solutions or companies doing a good job being socially responsible, I'd love to hear about them.

Imitation = Flattery?

I was looking on ModCloth, which always has cute stuff, and came across these interesting tights.



Aren't they neat? But, ummm...., don't they remind you of something?



Oh yes! The amazing hand-crafted tights from Bebaroque!



Now I know printed tights are not unique but these are awfully close, don't you think.

The problem is I like ModCloth but I do have an issue with their positioning. They tend to say they have all this unique stuff but I often find or know where they really come from.

Let's just be honest already!

Compete for a Lady's Attentions

The lovely Miss Vanda of Paraphernalia fame is having a competition to win a voucher and immortality in her Victoriana Collection!

Per her competition blog post:

I made the Victoriana Collection because I really really wanted some pieces I could wear to more formal occasions and parties, but I've also been wearing Penelope up there for going shopping, going out for coffee, going to family dinners - totally versatile. They have five beautiful ladies with very different personalities, besides a beautiful pearl and discreet, yet sparkly glitter accents. I'll be taking photos on a model with them tomorrow, since I think these images do not do them justice!

On top of this, I'm launching the very first Paraphernalia competition! Write a short story (around a paragraph or two) for one (or several) of these ladies, and if yours is selected, not only will be featured in the product description and press releases of the collection (with full credit and link), you'll also be able to win a $30 gift voucher for each of the stories that get selected!

To enter, leave a comment here, on my Flickr, or send me an e-mail to bonmots@paraphernalia.nu. Entries close on Saturday the 6th, so be quick! Good luck! <3

I know I'm going to try and come up with something worthy of these lovely ladies! I know there's a ton of creativity out there. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Edible Shoe Cream. Um... Why?

I'm all for organic and earth-friendly products but sometimes things, inspite of these admiration-worthy characteristics, just confuse me.

Case in point: Edible Shoe Cream.

Um... why????



According to the Terra Plana site:

Po-Zu launched a totally unique product; coconut oil edible shoe cream! The cream is made with 100% organic virgin coconut oil and can be used in multiple ways; from cleaning your shoes, moisturising your face to eating it on toast and conditioning your hair. Its versatility makes it a great product to travel with; meet the Swiss Army Knife of cosmetics!

I've never had coconut oil on toast. Is it good? Would this have been something Tom Hanks would have killed for (or should have made) when he was a Castaway? Do you really go through that mental check list when looking for a shoe cream?

"Hmmm... I need to clean my shoes, they're filthy..."

"This looks pretty good, but my hair is really dry, I wonder if I could ad some of this shoe cream to it. It softens my shoes so maybe..."

"Darn I'm starving to and this looks pretty good..."

What???

Anyway, if you're looking for a product that does all three (and more perhaps!) a tin is $15.

Let me know how it tastes.

Perfectly Paraphernalia

If you haven't purchased one of the amazing pieces Miss Vanda makes on Paraphernalia, you should be ashamed! They are amazing and adorable and unique!

I just bought a few new pieces and highly recommend you get on over there as well!

To celebrate her new site and two (!!!) new collections, Vanda is offering 10% off your order with the promotional code: YAYNEWSHOP.

So go... Shop!

Flowerbomb Me

I have long held a love for Viktor & Rolf. Ever since the magical shoes got away, I've admired their designs, style and openness to innovation. You may have watched their online fashion show this past season. When their site came out I went in and signed up as part of their "secret service."

I actually didn't think much of it until I got this package in the mail on Friday. I couldn't imagine what it could be but when I opened the envelope there was this lovely piece talking about the V&R perfume Flowerbomb.

Within the package was a little pink bag containing a sample of the Flowerbomb body creme and a shower gel.

I haven't tried the perfume yet, but I'm willing to give these a go. I love the pink and black packaging too. The letter with the package said they will continue surprising "official members" with info and previews and I will be the "privileged recipient of delicate attentions all year long."

Sounds intriguing. I can't wait to see what this means....

My Favorite Accessory

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Jonathan Saunders & Swarovski

Just as Jonathan Saunders is doing a collaboration with Target, he also has a new collection with Swarovski.

I wasn't a fan of the Go International line, even though the lines and designs are sleek and sporty, but these pieces strongly appeal to the side of me that wants to go in for modern statement pieces.

The collection has rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces and I have a few favorites that I think stand out.

Of the rings, I really like the Obi rings.



I especially like the black but really, all three are just gorgeous.




The Ecuso necklace sparkles with square crystals and also comes in blue.



But my favorite piece of the whole line is the Tuscan necklace in white. I love the shape and the mix of casual style with the white leather cord paired with sparkly crystals. I think white and gold go so well together.



It comes in a black too, which is a great piece for tonal layering.




These pieces are made using an "exclusive Swarovski pointillage technique in which crystals are embedded into a ceramic-like material" which give them sort of an enameled look. I'd love to see these in person.

Skin Fair as Snow, Lips Red as the Rose

Growing up I longed to look like Snow White. I had the white skin, but I wanted the black hair and the rosy lips. As tempting as the apple, I am continually seduced by a good red lipstick. And even though I don't wear it everyday, I still continue to buy them.

Especially when you see someone like Miss WendyB look so amazing in hers! (BTW Miss Wendy, I almost stopped by MAC yesterday to get a tube of your Lasting Lust... which I may still do. Darn you, seductress!)



On a day to day basis, however, I tend to stick to rosier berry shades. Of course, like everyone else, I wear Clinque's Black Honey, but I tend to wear Chanel lipsticks most of all. Sadly for me, nearly every color I fall in love with happens to be a seasonal limited edition color or something and I have to hoard my tube for ages. I also love their Glossimers because they don't taste funny and are not too gloopy.

But while I love my lipstick and glosses, I do fear them. I was told growing up, that if you wore lipstick a lot it would make your lips less pink. Now I don't know if that's true or not or what but I don't like the sound of it. Of course, as a young girl you'll have lovely rosy lips but is it just a natural part of getting older that they don't seem as lush?

So this myth, combined with my lack of major make-up skills (I'd love the make-up skills of Miss Doe Deere) results in my having a fairly basic make-up routine. I dot on some custom blended Prescriptives base in a few spots and brush on some translucent powder. My skin has so much pink in it, I never wear blush. I love it and have some, but really don't use it. I'd look like I had a fever or a sunburn if I did. I usually only wear a single eye shadow - lately a smokey lavender, grey, silver or taupe - but I love love love mascara.

And to get a mouth that looks just kissed, I have a love affair with lip stains. It's very hard for me to resist them. Right now I have three in my make-up bag, some better than others.

I gave Revlon's Just Bitten a try. It's not bad but it as a roller-ball applicator, which I don't find to be very effective. Plus it leaks into the cap when you lay it on it's side, as I do. I should just toss it because I don't really use it that much.




My new favorite for a pink mouth is the Pixi Lip Blush in Youth at Target. It has a marker/Sharpie-like applicator and gives a great color. But, it's $18. I don't think I realized that the first time I bought. It's too bad it's so pricey. I was going to try another color too. But I guess I'll stick with this one and decide if I'll repurchase when it runs out. But I really really like it. Dilemma!



An old favorite, which is more of a balm, is the well proven Benetint lip balm. And easier application than the original Benetint with a lovely rosy smell and which gives a great color.



I always had crummy luck with the original Benetint, especially when I tried it as a blush but I'm in love with it in my newest purchase, the Benetint Pocket Pal. I've been using this every day since I got it and it works great. Making sure your lips are bare and dry before you brush on the stain really helps and then, when the stain is dry, you have a nice clear gloss for shine. Plus it's easy to put in my purse.




As much as I aspire to more artful make-up, I find that I'm just not skilled. I need a good teacher, I think. Maybe the next time I'm in NYC I'll make the rounds of all my lovely friends and get them to give me a make over.

Basic Influences

I was just over on Coutorture reviewing the latest coverage from the Paris shows and took a run through the Louis Vuitton Spring 2009 runway photos.

As always, my first look is at the shoes and accessories and this show was filled to the brim. What stood out at me first were the more casual shapes of the bags, the willingness to not be pristine about the logo material, and the embellishments.



Mostly because the chunky beading reminded me of old wooden bead stringing sets.



Slightly more mature colors but it's there.



Not that we don't already know that Marc Jacobs (like much of the movie and advertising industries) has a fondness for the elements of his past and is mining the touch points of his 1970s-80s youth. You remember the Lego accessories last year, right?



The show had a very obvious tribal tone to it but seriously, don't you think this shoe is taking it just a bit to far? I mean, come on already!



Lovely as art. Somewhat offensive as footwear?



But overall, and after looking at a bunch of photos from other shows, what I took away from this collection was "Buy More Accessories!"

Not the style, not the clothes (although I love the grassy skirt much like I liked the skirts from the Fall 2007 RTW Prada show) but rather "Here is a bunch of lower price point entry pieces - let's push that."



Or maybe I'm just jaded after reading Deluxe.



I am a huge fan of embellished shoes but these look like an art project gone bad. There isn't a lot of harmony to the design.

Is that what we have in store for us?

It's like the Reality TV mindset of the shoe world. It doesn't matter what it looks like as long as it gets attention.

Alright, now I've depressed myself.

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!