Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Packing Prints

I'm new to the love of Liberty of London, the purveyors of all things printed, floral and lovely.


But they have totally targeted my weakness... luggage. And not just luggage, but small little cases covered with sweet, sweet floral prints.


I have way too many suitcases and mini-travel cases. I really do not need this but, they are very hard to resist!

Liberty of London Print suitcases - £60.00

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

English Summer cloud and raindrop necklace


Bubblegum Plastic is where we talk about all the other fun stuff... where I try to think about more than just shoes!

I love cute little whimsical necklaces, especially from the talented folks on Etsy. When I was browsing around the other day, I saw this sweet cloud and rain necklace from Mixko.


The piece is about 4" from the top of the little felted cloud to the bottom crystal raindrop.

Even though it is a raincloud, it's a happy little cloud with sparkly blue raindrops. So it makes you smile!

English Summer rain and cloud necklace - $30 from Mixko on Etsy. She also has an adorable rainbow necklace and some delicate butterfly rings that I love too. Check her out!

Friday, July 9, 2010

New Changes

You are noticing the changes here, I'm sure. Or at least I hope so!

I'm hoping to bring Bubblegum Plastic into the Shoe Daydreams world a bit more, so I'm going to be posting updates in both places.

If you just want the cute accessories, Bubblegum Plastic is your spot! But I'll also be bringing this content into Shoe Daydreams as a part of the whole.

Thanks for dropping by!

Luv
Poochie

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The choice of a new generation

There is little to no doubt that I am giddy for the new iPhone 4G. Better display, more functional interface, additional features plus Face Time!



But now I need to really decide - black...



or white?



They are both slick and have a gorgeous look. I'm torn torn torn! Black is more edgy and techy but white is so clean and slick. I leaning towards the white one and it will go with my current case and computer bag.

Now I just need to get the hubby on it too so we can video chat.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Tickled Pink

I am not a purse or bag person. I like don't covet the latest "it" bags and I don't have a huge amount of purses. I'm also pretty picky about what I look for in a bag. I like a classic shape in an interesting color.

I don't want it to be too huge and I usually prefer to carry it on my arm rather than over my shoulder. I don't like soft-sided bags; I actually want them to have some structure to them.

I have a few small bags and clutches but they rarely get used and are usually vintage. Most of the purses I own I keep for years and years and tend to be very lazy about changing them out. I carried my Emerald Alto bag for 2 years straight. The color range for my day-to-day purses includes emerald green, dark orange, sky blue, white and a croc brown. In the Fall I was thinking about a black patent but didn't findy anything I really wanted so that's by the wayside for now.

But for some reason I'm really considering pink.

I started out looking at this pink Emily Satchel from Coach.



It has a great shape, just the right amount of detailing, is the right size and gives the options of carrying on your arm or over your shoulder.



But I wanted to see what non-leather options were out there too. I don't really go purse shopping that much so I thought this would be a great opportunity to see what's out there.

I started out at Matt and Nat, purveyors of some of the best, most stylish vegan bags around. After searching by color I found this cutie - the Tundra-Stellar. It's also a good size and very cute. A bit more of an edge than the Emily but you could carry this to work and out afterwards.



If you are a bit more casual, I think the AstroSatchel's Cherry Blossom messenger is the cutest. This line has a ton of fun graphic designs.


I branched out into more vibrant pinks with this larger Verena satchel. I love the buckles on the end. Plus it comes in five equally eye-catching colors.



The Morgan has a bit of the "doctor-bag" shape to it, which I really like. It was tempting to show it in the gorgeous dandelion versus the raspberry, plus there are two other colors!




If I still want a patent bag in the Fall, I'm coming right back for this Mariah design. It's hard to choose between the amazing colors. The maroon and olive ones here are my favorites but there is also a stunning sapphire and a dark grey. Plus it's under $50, if you can believe that.







As I was searching for vegan options, I found these amazing Vegan Queen pieces. These are expensive but they are amazing. I first spotted the Eco It Bag, as bowling bag shaped piece with vintage hardware...


But then I was stunned by the City Bag. This piece is decadent and simply gorgeous. As I said, I'm not an purse girl but this almost makes me reconsider.


Well, we ended on a high (priced) note but most of these are very resonable, plus vegan, plus CUTE! Have you seen any I should add to the list? Make me into a purse girl too.
; )

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

In Need of a bit of Whimsy

Emotionally it's been more clouds than sunshine around here. So when I was on Etsy the other day and saw this adorable and clever necklace I realalized that a bit of whimsy was just what I needed to brighten my day.



I love the unique and clever idea of making the clouds from rolled jersey and the tiny ceramic blue bird perched there.



I can't wait to pair this with a breezy dress and tees for Summer.

Check out all of the other adorable pieces in the collection - LoveAndDream on Etsy.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

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!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

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?

Monday, March 8, 2010

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!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

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!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

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.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

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?

Thursday, December 17, 2009

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.