Sparkle Sparkle Joy Joy

It cracks me up that as I'm watching old episodes of L.A. Ink with the hubby that almost all of the jewelry the girls wear on the show is Tarina Tarantino.  Cute tattoo-ed girls love the sparkly goodness of her designs.

I only have one tiny tattoo myself but I've been a big fan of her crystal pave heart necklaces and was actually searching them up on her store and eBay just this week.  Luckily they were part of the ideeli sale and I was able to nab my two favorite colors for about half the regular price. Wooo hooo!

Jet:

Fuschia:

Sadly they won't arrive until mid-April but that will be okay because I plan on wearing these a lot!

Trick the Eye - Chanel Trompe L-oeil Tattoos

While I was not (and am still not) enamored with the Chanel Spring/Summer 2010 clogs, I did fall in love with the overall aesthetic... especially the use of the temporary tattoos on the models.



They added an unexpected layer of frill, froth and girliness and I was a smitten kitten.

So when I found out they were releasing a limited edition set... well... you know those are some of my favorite words.

The kit comes with 55 tattoo components so you can "build your own" look.

To test them out I started off small with a pear bracelet and logo combination.

The tattos were fun and easy to apply and are still going strong, which was almost a week ago. They're a great way to add a layer or wear jewelry when you don't want to wear real jewelry because it might get damaged or lost. I can't wait to mix these in with other bracelets or necklaces.

The set is $75 and you can order them by calling the Chanel counter at Bergdorfs - 212 872 2779 or via the Chanel website.

How would you wear them?

Keep Me Covered: Tights on Gilt

As you probably know, I'm a huge fan of tights. Solid colors, patterned, lacy, you name it.

I've been asked before where I get my tights and while I do keep an eye out all time time, I do have a few favorites. Check them out here.

But I need to add a new resource to the list... Gilt!

I have recently found some really cute tights on the site, marked down, and was able to snatch a few of them up before they sold out.

I grabbed a pair of these matte black tights with grey diamonds from the Valentino & Wolford collaboration. Wolford tights are typically around $50+ but they are so well made. I have a pair I bought over 10 years ago and they are still in perfect condition.



These are pretty subtle and can easily be worn at work.



I have a real fondness for pin-striped tights and these Cynthia Rowley tights have a great taupe and blue stripe.

These are also Cynthia Rowley and even cuter in person. I wore them on a client trip paired up with a basic black top and pencil skirt. The tights added a layer of interest and had a bit of sparkle as well.

Remember, you don't have to limit yourself to just muted colors, have some fun with it!

If you don't have an account on Gilt, or the other shopping sites, click here and check out the latest deals:

Invite to Gilt

Invite to Rue La La

Invite to Ideeli

Invite to Haute Look

Happy Shopping!

Spikes and Sparkles: nOir Stack Pyramid Rings

Spike encrusted accessories seem to be my new thing. I'm trying not to go overboard, but I just can't seem to help myself.

When I heard nOir jewelry was on Gilt, I immediately downloaded the iPhone app and snatched this set of mixed metal spike rings. Luckily I was able to get a set because I know a number of other blogging ladies were excited about these too! I think we have a photo planned.



The mixed metal set is glamorous and shiny and sparkly in person. I had bought a size 7 set to wear on my middle finger but I found them to run pretty small. I wasn't the only person to find that to be true. I would say mine fit a size 5.5 or 6 rather than a typical 7.



Because they ran small I was wearing them on my ring finger and I have to say, these would make a kick-ass wedding set. When I stack them I've been wearing the wide silver band topped with the gold band then the rhinestone band.




Not that these are a very expensive set. Their regular price is only $60.

nOir has a ton of other necklaces, bracelets and rings ranging from more studs to crystal encrusted animals. I love the quality of my rings so I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for them on Gilt again.

If you don't have an account on Gilt, or the other shopping sites, click here and check out the latest deals:

Invite to Gilt

Invite to Rue La La

Invite to Ideeli

Invite to Haute Look

Happy Shopping!

Joomi Lim Jewelry - Love Hurts

Don't you just love when you stumble upon something and then, unexpectedly, fall in love?

After the Blogger Meet-up during Fashion Week, I made a point to head over to my favorite Bergdorfs. Even if I don't get something I like to have a quick browse around the shoe salon, take in the windows and just soak in the shopping atmosphere I don't get at home.

While I was taking the escalators from floor to floor, I noticed this lovely lady standing next to her gorgeous jewelry on display.



Joomi Lim was at Bergdorfs doing a small trunk show of her "Love Hurts" series and we were able to chat for a bit. I tried on a number of her pieces which were very layered and textured, featuring pearls, spikes and mixed metals.

I was totally drawn to the spiked necklaces and debated about the long version or the choker.




In the end I went with the long necklace version because not only is it a great length to wear alone or combined with other pieces, it triple wraps perfectly as a bracelet (Thanks for the suggestion, Joomi!).



I've worn it at least 5 times already since I bought it and just love it. It has a great weight, is very comfortable and a fun addition to toughen up a sweet dress or work outfit. I mix metals a lot so I really liked the two tone version.

Joomi has an online store, in addition to being showcased at Bergdorfs, and a tumbler, so make sure to follow her to keep up with her latest happenings, events and new pieces.

Etsy Love - The Devil's Haircut

I love so much of talented art on Etsy. I've bought a number of drawings but this piece caught my eye today

The Devil's Haircut by Vanessa Boynton



This would be great for my office especially. I love the dress combined with the wicked flames.

My title at work is Inferno. We all have fire-related names due to our company's name.

Inferno, but definition, means:

hell; the infernal regions

1. A place or condition suggestive of hell, especially with respect to human suffering or death: the inferno of battle.

2. A place of fiery heat or destruction.

Appropriate, no?

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.

Sparkle Like Tom Binns

I am a big fan of colorful and sparkly and pine away for a Tom Binns flower cuff. But, well, they are a bit out of the range I want to spend, no matter how sparkly they are.



So when I walked into Anthropologie over the weekend and I saw these giant multi-colored cuffs beckoning me from the jewelry table, I knew I had to have them.



These are big, about 2.5" wide.



They come in two other colors but they are more tonal. I prefer these with all the different stones. I got two and plan on wearing them with an equally bright top to cap off each sleeve. Of course they would also be great with a party dress but I like to wear my sparkle every day.

Anthropologie Earth's Caverns Bracelet $58

Breaking News?

Wow. Net-a-Porter is really on the cutting edge of trends, huh?

Their copy for this Alburtus Swanepoel Wimbledon straw boater is:

After last season's panama comes the new hat du jour, the boater. Albertus Swanepoel's classic shape is the perfect accessory for vacation sightseeing and lounging poolside.




Not only were we talking about boaters back in March but they were 3% the cost! And in my opinion, way cuter!!!




Mine has a green and navy ribbon.



And while I love my Stephen Jones boater because of its traditional look, I'm quite fond of the mini-boater I made.



If you like, I'll make you one too and we can be leaders of the fashion pack together.

Acme Made Laptop - Kate

I have been on the lookout for a good laptop bag for a while now. I've already broken the straps on two because I have a tendency to carry way too much stuff and carry it around all the time.

I have a lot of criteria too and because of this I actually resorted to, after breaking the straps on one bag, tying the straps together just so I could keep using it.

This is not classy or professional.

I don't think what I want is really that outrageous but apparently laptop bag companies do not agree.

Here is what I was looking for:

- Able to hold my 15" laptop
- Room to hold all the cords, portable disc drive and files I bring home with me every night
- Sturdy straps that are long enough to swing over my shoulder and wide enough so that I don't cut off circulation in my arm in the process
- Be cute
- Not be too expensive (ideally $100 or way under)

I have had cloth bags and vinyl, so the material was less of an issue to me than the style but I did want to avoid leather.

I was reading VegNews a few months back and saw this really cute bag highlighted but at the time I wasn't sure of the material or the size (and my current bag and not fallen completely into shreds yet) so I waited. But I was at BlogWorld this past week and saw a girls carrying the exact bag I was looking at, the Acme Made Kate style. She very graciously let me check it out and I decided then and there to order one from the site.

Even better, when I went to place the order, the bag was 35% off! Just use code AMSIG9 at checkout.

This bag meets all of my criteria above, is made of a great faux animal leather material so it seems very durable and it's super cute!

The inside is roomy with a cushioned laptop sleeve and lots of pouches for pens and space for papers and files. The two zippered outside pockets are perfect for stowing those things you need to grab fast like cellphones, business cards and pens.

It even comes with this cute matching pouch to tuck in side (or use as a clutch).

I just got this tonight but I'm already excited to take it to work tomorrow. It fits on my shoulder great and I was able to comfortably fit in all the crap I carry around. I ordered the white with orange stitching but it also comes in the black with purple.

This is the most perfect case I've seen in a long while but check out their other styles too. If they are made as well as this one, you will be in good shape.

Let the Wild Rumpus Start

Sometimes you just have to go where your heart leads you.

Now I was never a huge fan of "Where the Wild Things Are" as a child. I was never a "wild rumpus" kind of kid and I actually liked going to my room.



So while I may not be anticipating the movie as much as many other people are, I did get a but rumpus-y about the WTWTA collaboration with Opening Ceremony. I think the fur suits are a bit to far into the "furry" realm but I love the coats and shawls and I totally fell for this full skirt.




Who wouldn't want to wear a bit of crazy fuzziness every now and again.




I plan on wearing this with dark brown tights for winter but how cute is this with the strappy sandals for warmer months?

Maybe there's a bit of Max's wolfishness in me after all.

Ironic Iconic

New (ironic) art I want.

I am worthy but still fun.... ; )



Via Raphaël at My Dead Pony

I believe in Pink

Ditto!

Blurring the Lines

I like art. I'm especially fond of prints and photography and have bought quite a few from Etsy, art shows and when traveling.

In addition to supporting artists on Etsy, I am really fond of 20x200. They always have an interesting artist pick or feature. Plus you can't beat the price!

And really, while I don't have much room left at home or at work and I have things I already need to get framed, I'm still drawn to these pieces. So much so that I just bought them.

Vogue July 07: page 145 (Ripeness is All)

These two prints by Laura DiCioccio are created using an interesting tecnique -

I make sculptures and paintings about my anticipatory nostalgia for obsolescing paper media objects. The softness of a read newspaper page and the glossy slickness of a fresh magazine page are sensations embedded in our physical memory — the familiarity of touching these objects allows a relationship to form in the process of consuming the information they provide. When these objects disappear from our culture and assume the homogeneous texture of a back-lit screen, I fear that some of our intimacy with the process of reading will fade.

Fashion magazines are the source materials for my series color codification dot drawings. I make each piece on a sheet of frosted mylar laid over a magazine page. After assigning a color to every letter in the alphabet (numbers are in grayscale, 0=white and 9=black), I apply tiny dots of paint over every character on the page. Each drawing I make has a different color codification, and therefore a different palette. The resulting painting is a legible blur of dots in the form of the article’s layout — like a system of Braille for the color inclined.

Vanity Fair May 2008: pg 269 (and, incredibly, looking not a day older)

As a fan of the printed word, graphics and color, these appeal to me and resonate with me. I think they are going to be a great addition to my work space but they would also be great at home too.


If you haven't checked out 20x200 (or Etsy for that matter), your walls are missing out. Please take down any Michael's print of Van Gogh and get yourself something unique for your space. Plus, who knows, your artist may be famous someday!

Vintage Inspiration - Ears

Whimsical hats (and hats in general) are making quite a resurgance in the market right now. But facinators and, especially, ears are popping up all over. We've seen ears in runway shows, in designer collaborations with Disney, and for Ascot.



While everyone is ga-ga over the "innovative" ears, I think this 1920's girl was the quirky ear-wearing girl of her time. Look at her... she's adorable.

I may need to get a pair of my own. Personally I like these lace ones from Maison Michel.

Now if only I could hop on a plane to Paris to get them in person!