Digging on the Gaga

I'm late to join the appreciating crowd but I am happy to finally be a part of the Lady Gaga fan club. As her popularity grows, I'm excited to see designers of all levels embracing the risk taking element that, to me, is her greatest appeal.

This is something I'm in the process of writing about over on Shoe Daydreams. I'm sick to death of designers and companies dumbing down their designs to try and get them to sell in the mass market. In this day and with these economic times, I don't want to spend my money on boring and safe. I want it to be worth my hard earned dollars.

So I was excited to see the Lady Gaga curated pieces in the Not Just a Label shop.

I had to pick up the last one of these awesome spike crown headbands by Savannah Wyatt...



Per the designer:

This piece is from my very first line of headpieces inspired by various things such as flappers, warriors and Jesus' crown of thorns. The pieces are individually handmade and include elastic, fringe, leather, metal and copper detailing.



I love the philosophy of the shop itself too:

“Fashion finds its freedom in the art of individuals; NOT JUST A LABEL is a place for those who find their way off the beaten track, allowing them to express themselves in a community where everything goes...break the mould, redefine the expected, re-colour the palette, inspire and be inspired.”

NOT JUST A LABEL is the leading global business directory for showcasing avant-garde fashion designers of today, nurturing the upcoming talents of tomorrow. It provides an outlet for talent to blossom; a place where visionaries meet collaborators dedicated to the creative spirit of fashion. The platform targets graduates and avant-garde fashion designers, providing a stage where collections are showcased online. Numerous designers have already been discovered by international press and recruited by renowned retailers and prestigious fashion houses via the NJAL website.

Through an unlimited global showroom, matching demand and supply with individuality, creativity, diversity and talent, NOT JUST A LABEL provides a free tool that can be used by designers to present themselves along with their collections. This is a unique way for industry participants and fashionistas alike to access the ideas of tomorrow’s designers.

A global showroom where trend scouts, tastemakers, stylists and retailers can source talent and ideas globally. NOT JUST A LABEL aims to be the source and the epicentre for the creative part of the industry. We see ourselves as oiling the cogs in the wheels of the fashion business.

As a unique network of like-minded individuals with a profound sense of trendsetting, NOT JUST A LABEL offers a rare opportunity to reach and interact with a global community of opinion makers. We offer a wide range of cooperation opportunities for companies, schools and media, both on our site and at related fashion events.

If you would like more information about NOT JUST A LABEL please contact us. Be part of it…be a black sheep yourself

Since I bought the last spiked headband, you can't get it but there are other pieces. I wish I could have bought these too. Like the aluminum eyepatch from "Paparazzi"...




And I love this swarovski-encrusted wrist guard from her Maxim shoot.

These, as I mentioned, were from the Lady Gaga group but they have a lot of other amazing clothes and accessories in the shop. I know where I will be keeping my eye out for new talent and unique pieces.

Artistry & Accessories

I tried to hold out as long as I could but finally I could no longer resist and had to, just had to, get some new items from the amazingly talented folks who's sites I follow and who make the best stuff on Etsy!

First off I got this adorable poster from Miss Nubby Twiglet. She has as much graphic talent in her personal fashion style as she does in her graphic design. Working in advertising and loving fashion, I appreciate both things to a huge degree. I can't wait to find a home for this, but should it be in my office at work or here at home????



I just wrote about my love for Miss Lou Lou and her darling bows. I ended up getting Alice blue (love the name, love the color) and the hot pink. I think next will be red and maybe some of her sexy satin-y knickers.





I saw this poster from Jenny's Bake Shop on Flicker, and being a fan of the original, I loved the cheekiness of her version.



I want to look like all of the elfin girls in Jasmine's art. I decided on Queen Elizabeth and the Lion because I'm in a huge English history reading streak. Plus I'm a Leo and a red head, so it's perfect.



I finally got the original Keep Calm and Carry On poster. I think this, the cupcake version above and, maybe my Village "For Like Ever" poster as a triptych display may be in order.



Then I just went crazy with accessories! I'm not kidding.

I got one of these plume pins from Topsy Turvy Design in brass and teal. I'm planning on wearing teal and purple all Fall and Winter long. This will go on blazers, bags, hats, skirt, all over the place, I think.



I know I have a Champagne tag necklace but I couldn't not get this Brandy one. The little charms give it a more cutesy appeal plus it's kind of a personal joke... my parents almost named me Brandy! It would not have been a good combo with my last name. I would have sounded like a drink order. Eek!





I fell in love with this necklace from Heatherly Designs. She does these really interesting vintage inspired pieces and I thought the shape of this was so unusual. I love the deep crimson color of this too.





I also got this piece from her. The pendant reminded me of cinnabar.



I even like the chain.



This piece was from The Hand of Fatima's store (same as the Brandy necklace above). She makes pieces from re-purposed vintage pieces and I really like that unique element. This pendant reminds me of the jewelry in one of my favorite Marilyn Monroe movies - The Prince and the Showgirl.



I even like the chain detail.



But on a another note, I like utter modern, totally Bubblegum Plastic-ness of this this cameo necklace from Zombuki. She has other colors too, so check them out.



And last, but certainly not least, more delightful strangeness from Paraphernalia. I can wait to wear these around my more conservative friends and co-workers. The heart makes them look twice, what will the skull necklace do?



I still love owls even if the "fad" is over for a bit. A confused owl? Yes please.



I'm going to have a Poochie nameplate at last! I'll need to take a picture in this.



I may wear this all the time. Especially when I'm going out. ; ) I don't think I really trade it away but maybe I'll get some good offers.



Have you made any great Etsy or hand-crafted finds lately? I'd love to see what's out there!