Friday's Fab Etsy Finds: Neckwear

There are some days when you feel like standing out. You want to wear something with a little extra oomph. If your closet is leaving you less than inspired, neckwear could just be the missing element in your wardrobe. Neckwear is a fairly foreign concept to most women. Now I'm not talking a tiny little gold chain or rayon scarf. I am talking bold, unique statement pieces that can only be found in a marketplace like Etsy. Whether you are looking to set the next fashion trend or break out of your shell of shyness, these fabulous Etsy finds can help you achieve your fashion goals.

This dramatic neck ruffle is made from a rare and intricate soft French lac and tied together with two rows of cognac orange velvet ribbons. It would be perfect for adding a romantic flair to your work attire. Just pair the ruffle with a plain black or beige pant or skirt suit and a white button down shirt, leaving the top few buttons open.

This elegant neck shawl is crocheted from soft, white acrylic ruffle yarn with silver thread. It would be a great pairing with a low cut evening gown or satin cami.

Here is a floral bib made of ribbon flowers and yarn. I especially like this one because it has more of a casual feel. I would wear it with a white or lightly patterned crewneck or V-neck tee.

This necklace boutonniere displays a delicate arrangement of ivory and beige chiffon flowers with a maroon button center and is offset by the chunky gold-plated chain. This is a versatile piece that can dress up a refined outfit or bring a little funk to a casual one.

Thursday Throwbacks: Headbands

Introducing Thursday Throwbacks! Each Thursday we'll bring you a look into the past through fashion, housewares, photographs, beauty tips and everything else vintage. Stay tuned for more retro finds and tips on how to incorporate the old with the new.

Headbands began going out of style in the mid 90's, and no one has been caught dead wearing them for over a decade. In the past year though, as retro fashion is coming back in style, headbands are coming back, but not as the thick, fluorescent or polkadot accessories from Full House or Clarissa Explains It All. Headband designs now come from an era much further back. We're talking the flappers of the 1920's and before.The two main designs that are bringing back the headband are flowers

and feathers

They're much more chic and feminine than the cheetah-striped headbands that you might remember Jessie Spano or Kelly Taylor sporting, and I believe that is because they're going for an old-fashioned feel rather than modern.

Flower headbands are meant to make the flower appear to just be placed in the hair. They're opted for over clips, because headbands stay in place much better. The bands are also now very thin to help conceal it. Headbands are coming back into style, but the band itself is meant to be barely there. The flowers themselves vary greatly as there's not only just one ruling style. They're usually worn at a tilt, a vintage trend from the 20's, 30's and 40's. Another style from the yesteryears is wear it at the front of the head rather than at the center.

Different from the originals though, are new types of designs and materials for flowers. Flappers' headbands were meant to look lavish, expensive and elegant, made from the best materials. The flowers had to look authentic for the effort put into them. Nowadays, headbands are more simple, basic and don't have to emulate a real flower exactly. A major trend it to use to fabrics, especially cloth for the flowers. It's very cute, very colorful and pays homage to the flappers' design while still creating a design all its' own.

Of course authentic-looking flowers are still made. The types of flowers mirrored are more diverse now, but the original idea remains the same. The style is quite pretty and if you want a classic cute look, it's the way to go.

The other major headband design making a comebacks is the feather. I love this one, because it hasn't been seen since the 20's. Flowers have always been prevalent in all types of fashion, but feathers have been popular only here and there. Feather headbands can only be associated with the flappers and this gorgeous throwback in making it's way back into fashion again. I love to see them becoming popular once again.

Feathers can be incorporated into designs with flowers or be the design itself. The style I think is the coolest is one large feather going across the entire head. Like the flower headband, the trick is made the band not visible and unlike the flower headband, it is never really worn at the front of the head. For a vintage and rare look, you can't go wrong with this.

Now that headbands are becoming trendy again, the designs, like everything else nowadays, are becoming numerous. Along with flowers and feathers, there are other natural elements being designed onto headbands such as starfish, seashells, butterflies, beads and many more. They're not throwbacks, but throw-back inspired. Stay tuned next week for another Thursday throwback find!

Wedding Trends: Bridesmaids Dresses

Moving back to the subject of wedding attire, we’re moving onto bridesmaids’ dresses. Sometimes being a bridesmaid is equated with being drafted. You have to do what you’re told from your commander (the bride) and are given tons of duties that don’t involve your agreement. Now as bridesmaid, you usually don’t mind this because it’s your friend. The situation gets sticky though when it’s time to walk down the aisle in a hideous garb that some people would call a dress. Luckily, the trend seems to be shying away from ugly dresses on the bridesmaid to make the bride look prettier. So that’s good news for those on bridesmaid duty. A major trend for bridesmaids in wedding ceremonies (and in all of the wedding itself) is making the bridesmaid comfortable. This means allowing them to wear what they like (usually within the brides’ taste). The major fad is small variations among the dresses or different dresses altogether among bridesmaids. So if you’re about to be a bridesmaid, don’t sweat just yet, you might get to choose what you wear.

Traditional bridesmaid dresses are very uniform. It’s one dress, meaning one style and one color on each woman. It’s as if it’s done so you can be spotted among the other guests at the wedding. In the most recent years, this very steady fixed fad has had some twists put on it. Some that aren’t wanting to stray from tradition completely are using the same dress buy varying small details of it on each bridesmaid. For instance, the dresses will be the same length and shape, differing only in the straps. One may be strapless, another halter, and another tank top. Another fad is to have the same dress but in a few different colors. Or lastly, a fun light-hearted trend that is still obeying tradition is to have two or three colors of a dress with two or three different types of straps. It’s definitely more comfortable for each woman than the traditional one-dress-for-all model, but still shows that thought and care for matching attire were taken into account.

For complete rejection of tradition, some brides are opting to allow their bridesmaids to wear a dress of their choosing. This is usually done at very casual weddings, though. There are usually still some restraints on the bridesmaids, because weddings are meant to be classy, no matter what the motif. Dress of course match the overall wedding design, but bridesmaid are left to themselves to find a dress. This is done because the dresses don’t need to be the same length, shape, color or design. They just can’t be completely conflicting with each other, but if bridesmaids stay within the wedding design, this shouldn’t be a problem. This is the newest trend for bridesmaid dresses, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most popular. It is truly only for very casual and often modern weddings. It’s not a returning old-fashion, but actually an emerging one. So in a way, it is one of the only aspects of the wedding which conflicts with the overall trend of returning to simple elegance and old-fashionedness. It’s more of a ‘get together and wear what you want’ feel, hence exceptionally casual.

No matter what trend of bridesmaid dresses you choose to have, be certain that you are happy with it. Your style and wedding design will greatly factor into what you choose to do along with the comfort and style of the bridesmaids. After all, they’re your closest friends and family, so put them at ease, so they can enjoy your big day as much as possible.

Friday's Fab Etsy Finds: Knitted Accessories

Brrrrrr!  The cold weather is upon us and I don't know about you, but I need knitted accessories.  During this time of year I love to throw a scarf around my neck adding just a bit of flare.  Or a hat on my head to keep me warm and cozy.  Even a pretty knitted sweater will do, but I never thought of throwing something knitted around my coffee cup!  Heading to the ever fabulous Etsy, I discovered some knitted wonders that make want to jump in the snow just so I have a reason to shop.

I'll start with the knitted coffee cup sleeve I just mentioned.  When I saw this, I almost died!  I love coffee and now I can have warm - but not scorched - hands and be fashionable while holding it.  Just amazing.  And for only $12 this is the perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer.

Of course, I am a hat girl.  They just look good on me and so I'm always in search of new a classic trends.  When I discovered a knitted flapper hat I thought, "I can be warm and trendy?  Yay!"  Though this is a bit expensive for my taste at $38, I believe having a warm and pretty head is well worth it.

Didn't you know that knitted bracelets are all the rage this season?  Well they are.  And this particular company is having an amazing deal right now.  You get three of these little beauties for only $20.  I'm ready to be head to toe full of knit!

And speaking of toes, crochet slippers can seriously be yours if you know anything about knitting.  Spend just $5 and you can make slippers for yourself and everyone in your family!  I am crazy about this idea.

What Was That Outfit Again?

I'm wondering if you've ever felt this way: You go to your favorite clothing store, pick up a couple of versatile pieces and while in the fitting room trying them on, the sales associate shows you how to create different, fashionable looks by combining these new items with one's you may already have in your closet. She (or he...) help make you look fantastic! But then a few days, weeks or months later when you pull those pieces out, you've forgotten everything they showed you. You think, "What was that outfit again? I just loved the way it looked on me. Darn it!" I know I've been there a few times, and I'm sure you have too. You can never quite piece the look together yourself. Did they tuck this one in? Should I add a belt? Was this cardigan pared with a ruffly blouse, or just a simple tank? It can turn a quick "getting dressed" moment into "I'm going to be late for work!" And now your rushed and frazzled. It's okay my dear's, I have an experience and solution.

A few days ago I went out shopping with my youngest sister who is currently working in an office as well as heading out to many a job interview. She is a rather petite young gal and dresses pretty casual most of the time with tee-shirts, tanks, jeans and flip-flops (we do live in southern Cali...). Because of the jobs, she needed more professional clothing and had no idea where to start. Having about 8 years of retail experience under my belt (and just plain good fashion sense) my little sis enlisted my help. I was glad to be her leader on this treacherous journey. We stepped inside The Mall!

Luckily, she was pretty willing to try on most of what I showed her and everything fit rather nicely. She has also been on the more Tom-Boyish side most of her life and so ruffles, ribbons, flowers and frill are out! We went with basics: solid tanks for under cardigans, sweaters and blouses as well as black and tan pants. But I did want her to have a little style so we paired things with belts on the outside of tops and simple jewelry that brightens and livens up her outfits. She left the dreaded mall, happy and satisfied. But not being one for fashion, I was afraid she would forget all of the outfits we pieced together. I live about an hour away from her and would hate for her to be stressed when choosing her outfit for the day or even worse, look boring and bland.

So here is my solution to this problem I think may be more common than not: take pictures. As soon as you get home (so you don't forget) from your shopping trip, put on the outfits that the salesperson (or loving sister!) showed you. Then have someone take pictures of you. Once you've done this for every outfit, have the pictures printed and then tack them to the inside of your closet door or on cork board that you have hanging inside for easy view. Now everyday you will have your own stylist right there with you. This will also save time when packing for a trip too! Now if you want to get really crazy (and I know that you do), you can to do this with all of your clothes and begin to create categories for types of events or feelings. Feelings? Yes, you know you dress based on mood or how your body feels. You can have a "Feeling Fat" section, a "Feeling Sexy" section or even Church, Bridal Shower, Tropical Vacation or Date sections. It will make getting ready a real "snap".

Add a Cup of Joe to Your Life

Are you a serious coffee lover like me? I am obsessed and in a very bad way, a little addicted. I must have my cup every morning (or two or three) and then perhaps another later in the day. The smells, the tastes, - and yes - even the colors energize me and get my creative "java" flowing! I love all shades of brown and cream. They have this way of turning something rather ordinary, into intriguing as well as soothing. Plus if you use them as a undertone, they will tame brighter and bolder hues that you accent with. So wether it's your blouse, your kitchen table runner or the paint on your walls, these latte color inspirations will invigorate you!

With Fall just around the corner, this Eddie Bauer ensemble makes for a classic, comfy piece. Not only will you be sharing the same colors with you favorite cup of joe, but you will also be cozying up right along with it in this cotton and cashmere blend cardigan. To be honest though, my favorite part of this outfit has got to be the satin blouse. The caramel color and ruffles down the front bring me back to another time. But then of course the belt reminds us we are in the 21st century. If you wanted a hint of color in there as well, try adding a scarf in orange, green or grapefruit.

The color of this chair calms your visual senses, especially when a room is filled with bright colors. But the dark brown wood adds more interest to the piece without drawing too much attention. What i love about this little snippet of a room is how even though there are bold yellows, oranges and even greens, it is still soft and inviting.

Then of course there is picking paint colors for the rooms of your pretty home! Better Homes and Gardens has a few suggestions on coffee shades that will help you paint these beauties in their right place:

Macchiato can be used anywhere, but it is an exceptional background for a wall of art.

Dark Brew reminds us of that string french roast, but matches so handsomely with cream trim or wainscoting.

Milky Foam has such soft yellow hues that pairing it with a muted robin's-egg blue is perfect.

Extra Cream would be surprising in tone-on-tone stripes with the color Artisan White. Guests will adore this one!

Friday's Fab Etsy Finds: Legwarmers

I don't think that there is a girl alive that doesn't (openly or secretly) love legwarmers. They are fun, flirty and so versatile. Sure, you can rock them during a step class with a leotard. But the legwarmers of the 21st century have moved well beyond the gym and into every day attire. Now we wear them with minis, under cropped jeans, over leggings or skinny jeans, around our pumps, above our boot cuff and other in unexpected ways. Now that fall is on its way (pardon the heat wave), this is a great time to revive this classic look in your own wardrobe. Here are some Etsy finds to show you just how many ways leg warmers can work for you.

If wearing a mini skirt always feels like you are trying a little too hard then these crocheted above-the-knee legwarmers are your solution. They say "Yes, I can flaunt my legs, I'm just not going to". For a sexy, yet classy look, pair these with a mini skirt or perhaps some pleated shorts. For a more casual style scrunch them down or wear them over leggings. Pick up a pair from Mademoiselle Mermaid for $40.

These vintage legwarmers with yoyo rosettes are all grown up. Like the repurposed wool sweaters they are made from, they exude casual elegance. I prefer them in an understated look as shown in the photo above. However, as you will see on the Etsy page they also go great with a flowing floral skirt. Try them out for $35.

Okay, so technically these are not legwarmers, but they have the same feel so I threw them in here. I love a good pair of riding boots in the fall. And these little Boot Cuffs are the perfect addition to this look. They really do complete the outfit and make it all come to together. There are rave reviews and several color choices on the Etsy page. They go for $38 a pair.

My husband caught a glance of these lace up legwarmers and told me in no uncertain terms to order them. This came as no big surprise since he is a fan of almost anything that laces up. He says that it is because it has the allure getting of a peek at something that is covered up. There is nothing flashy about your calf. But when you lace some ribbon (or yarn as the case would be) around it, it becomes mesmerizing. The legwarmers are made by Two Trees Grow, so it is fitting that they have a subtle tree design woven into them--adding a little extra interest. Snatch up a pair for $56.

Again, these are not technically legwarmers, but I think that spats have a place in this line-up too. They do, afterall, at the very least keep your ankles warm. They dress up heels or flats and add interest without screaming for attention. Mademoiselle Mermaid has this pair listed for $30.

Friday's Fab Etsy Finds: Hair Wear

There are some times when I just need a little something extra. Whether I am feeling discouraged, anxious, upset or just having a bad hair day; there are those days that require a little distraction. Some people turn to shop therapy. Some people turn to rocky road. I turn to the little vanity drawer in my dresser. This is where I keep all of my pretty little hair pieces. There are barrettes, clips, bands, ties and more. And each one has an unique feel to it that makes me feel special. I know that it may sound silly, but it is like wearing lacy underwear. It makes me hold my head a little higher, it makes my step a little lighter and it helps me feel more confident about whatever it is that I am trying to conquer. The next time you need a pick-me-up, you should give it a try. Here are a few Etsy finds to get your collection started.

This Satin Lotus Flower Hair Clip is made with an antiqued brass alligator clip. The flower is a realistically layered lotus flower made of satin in a peachy coral hue. As you can see, it is beautiful. But what makes this such a amazing piece is that the flower can be folded in to be smaller or spread out to be bolder. A few of these would go perfectly with a simple summer dress or they could dress up a tee shirt and a pair of jeans nicely.

This Set of 3 Green Silk YoYo Bobby Pins have tiny hand stitched rosettes complete with pearl centers. They are just the thing to add a little interest and whimsy to a polished outfit. Perhaps, to help you stand out just enough at you next job interview or meeting.

This paisley Liberty of London Braid Scarve take a simple loose braid to a whole new level. It is dainty, chic and apparently the next hot trend in hair.

Purple and Gold: A Dazzling Return

Lately I have had an unyielding desire to pair purple and gold together. Now I realize that this combo tends to conjure up images of Laker uniforms and MC Hammer, but that doesn't mean that it has to be relegated to the ranks of Halloween costumes and cliches. In fact, I think that this dynamic duo is poised to take over the fashion scene this fall. With the economy flopping and flailing all over the place, we could use a good comeback. And this shimmering plum pair could do just that. If purple and gold can recover from its cliche status, there is no limit to dreadful circumstances that we can bounce back from--hey, LiLo might even still have a shot. Here are a few ways that you can use purple and gold to improve our econonic outlook.

Donning this marbled Winter Kate cami under a fitted black suit at your next interview will have potential employers marveling at your bold, sophisticated decision making; thus lower the uneployment rate one fashionista at a time.

Copy this elegantly chic decor by pairing purple velvet with scrolling gold wallpaper. It just may be the unexpected designer touch you need to sell a house that has been sitting on the market too long.

This multi color A.B.S. mini dress will have your man dying to take you out for a night on the town. See, you just stimulated your local economy! P.S. for a more coordinated look, swap those black stillettos out for a pair of gold kitten heels to create a charming girl-next-door look.