HOPE YOU HAVE A ...

My last ensemble of 2009. 

Wishing you a colorful 2010, filled with killer shoes and lots of jewels!

SEYCHELLES SPRING

With Christmas decorations still on display, looking forward to spring's return seems a little premature. But it's easy to forget about the freezing temperatures when I look at these cutesy kicks from Seychelles' spring 2010 collection. 

AND THE WINNERS ARE.....

I'm happy to announce that winners of the Lia Sophia jewelry giveaway have been selected. Contestants check your e-mail for a congratulatory message from Accessory Source.

For those who did not win, there's always next time! Stay tuned for another giveaway in January.

Image from zazzle.com

SALE!

Just in time to cash in all those holiday gift cards, Piperlime is having its semi-annual sale. Selected shoes, jewelry, handbags and apparel are up to 40% off. You can be on the site for hours -- trust me, I just spent a solid 45 minutes browsing a smidgen of their goods.

Number 100

It's my 100th post! Quite a feat for a girl who was pretty much computer illiterate when she started this blog.

coat-vintage, hat-UBI, shoes-Spring, bag-Rebecca Minkoff, necklace-Lia Sophia, rings-vintage, top-Silence + Noise, skirt-Liquid, wool scarf-BEGG

I'd like to take this time to thank my boyfriend/editor/sometimes photographer for all his help. Couldn't have done it without you! 

I hope you've had as much fun reading about accessories as I've had writing about them. Here's to many more posts!

"ON" THE CUFF

I start my holiday shopping early each year, but without fail, I'm always scrambling the week prior to Christmas. Mainly because as I shop for others, I get sidetracked finding things for myself. I know you can relate! So please forgive my recent spate of tardy posts. 

Also, by shopping early I have time to change my mind, rethink and complicate the situation, like these bracelets. 

I purchased these wood cuffs for friends weeks ago and then decided more recently that they were rather plain.

So I headed to my neighborhood vintage bead shop and bought some antique findings.

I used this glue that I highly recommend if you are doing any jewelry crafting. It's easy to use, wipes off if you make a mistake and hardens very strong. Ignore the stated directions of letting the adhesive dry for 2-10 minutes, and let it sit for 24 hours.

 

Ahh... much better. Embellished wood cuffs for all!

STUD FINDER

I spotted these fancy footsies on the subway today. Immediately the designer Bess came to mind, since the line is known for studding one-of-a-kind vintage items -- meaning I can forget about owning a pair like these. But I had to know for certain, so I asked the girl who was wearing them. 

I was happy to hear they're Dolce Vita! And even better... they're currently on sale.

DIY: CHAIN GANG

Like my necklace? Check out my tutorial on how to make your very own on M.I.S.S.

HOLIDAY FOR HARLOW

Normally, I frown at celebrities having a clothing/accessory line, often because their collections just look like cheaper replicas of designers they wear. (Not an ounce of creativity!)

Nicole Richie's House of Harlow 1960 is different -- the pieces have personality, like her.

Here are a few gems from the holiday collection, now available at Bloomingdale's.

This stud bangle is my fave.

Just like her, right? Cool, smart and fun.

NO BABY REQUIRED

Believe it or not, this striking carryall is a baby bag!

Shocking, right? Timi & Leslie's diaper bags have been in production for almost a decade, and the line continues to get better as it expands. Liz Lange's collection for Timi & Leslie is pure mommy-chic. Its contents include a bottle holder, changing pad and detachable "pouchette." I've been a fan of them for awhile and just noticed that Neiman Marcus (who has an extensive selection) has them on sale. I may be toting one of these myself soon... minus the baby.

PLAYGROUND OF JEWELS

Until recently, when I thought of Swarovski, two things came to mind -- the countless jewelers who design with Crystallized Swarovski Elements, and those little breakable figurines. That changed last week when I visited the Swarovkski Crystallized concept store in SoHo.

Let me walk you through what I consider a playground.

First, a glowing wall of over 2,ooo drawers immediately grabbed my attention. I was told that it's called the Library of Light. The library consists of crystals in every color and spans the length of the retail space.

Some crystals have closures (seen on the right) so they can be clasped onto anything. Others are without, for crafting (left).

There was a wide selection of reasonably priced ready-to-wear jewelry. I was actually surprised at how affordable everything was.

And now for my favorite part -- the store has a DIY section. Yes! It was awesome! There's a color chart to choose stones, cord and hardware findings.

The fun doesn't stop there. Need a cocktail? Past the retail section is a bar and restaurant.

After you imbibe a little, visit the lower level museum for a brief history lesson on the company and a display of old artifacts embellished in Swarovski. Like this circa 1940s crown worn by an Italian celebrity.

By this point, you'll probably need a rest, so pull up a stool in the lounge, Swarovski embellished of course!

IN THE BAG

I recently met handbag designer Constance Victory at a Swarovski event.* I wasn't surprised to find Constance toting a bag from her own collection, Victoire Focx, that launched March of this year. (The bag was exquisite, btw.)

Crafted with exotic skins, antique chains and Swarovski crystals, Victoire Focx bags are unique -- I dare say timeless. It's like investing in a work of art. Should be, they start at $1,150. 

I know I can't be the only accessory junkie to protect a handbag like a newborn -- you know, not taking it out in the rain or putting it down just anywhere, swaddling it... these bags are worthy of that care.

Currently these beauties are made to order, but Constance informed me that several retailers are interested in carrying the line for 2010. 

If I had the funds, I'd be rockin' this tomorrow. A girl can dream, can't she?  

* Stay tuned to hear about my pleasant and unexpected evening at the Swarovski store.

CLIP ART

I've always felt that a well-placed accessory could transform an outfit into something new, and now I know the same applies to footwear. These Absolutely Audrey clips have honestly revamped my shoe closet.

Boots aside, I've been clipping them to everything: slingbacks, ballet flats, mary janes -- you name it!

When I met designer Crisa Barriball, she told me that a plain shoe looks naked to her. Now I totally understand! I'll never look at these pairs the same.

I love the retro feel of my clips, but the line actually consists of three collections: evening, casual and bridal. With prices ranging from $12-$30, I'm seriously considering collecting them all! 

I'M SOLED

My friend Stefanie was the first person I saw wearing TOMS shoes. I remember that before I could even ask, she was enthusiastically telling me about the charitable company. (For every pair sold, TOMS donates a pair to children in need.) I was moved by her initiative to wear them, and even more by the company's objective. But, to be honest, I wasn't that crazy about the overall look of the shoe. 

Fast forward a year and a half, and I've noticed that the designs have evolved drastically. Check out this silver glitter pair for example. (It comes in black too!)

Now we're talking -- they're cute and benefit a good cause!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE (Ho ho ho!)

It's already December. And unless you're planning on giving gift cards this year, it's time to start your holiday shopping! While gift certificates are convenient and useful, let's face it, they're not all that thoughtful. Every year I pride myself on finding creative and unique presents that my loved ones will appreciate.

Here are 13 items that have made my list, and I think they're worth sharing.

Keep that iPhone fanatic from freezing their fingers off with Echo Touch gloves. They have specially designed fingertips for touch-screen use and are available in a rainbow of colors. Echo design ($30)

Accessory Source tried, tested and approved!

Add some wow to your man's wardrobe with these snazzy socks and matching tie by Stanley Lewis. Stanley Gentlemen ($173.86)

What's in a word? Silver or gold, if you gift your pal with a custom-made script ring by Sylas. Sylas by Nashelle ($58)

Or identify the ones you love with Nashelle's identity collection.

Turn fantasy into reality with an Alice in Wonderland bangle by Disney. Shop the Look ($18)

Help your friends lighten their load with Its-Las-Tik. The reusable bag made from a strong elastic material stretches to carry large hauls and bounces with you while you walk, making everything feel lighter. Available in a variety of colors, prints and sizes. Whatsurbag-usa ($14.99)

Accessory Source tried, tested and approved! Honestly, they will make carrying groceries a pleasure!

Pack your little jet-setters with panache. Timi & Leslie

Need a stocking stuffer? Your elders will love these compact and cleverly designed reading glasses by Foster Grant. Choose from two styles: the book mark, or the purse friendly mini. Available at your local pharmacy.

Keep things cookin' for the baker in your life with this apron and glove combo by Carolyn's Kitchen. ShopManhattanite, apron ($42), gloves ($22)

Allow your tot to walk on the wild side in these Chuck Taylor Animals. Converse ($30)

Give a scentsible gift with the Crazylibellule & The Poppies Les Garconnes, a no-spills solid perfume stick. Amazon ($18)

Accessory Source tried, tested and approved! I have one in every handbag.

Gather up all those priceless photos and create a personalized calendar from Kodak. In a few steps, you can create a 12-month masterpiece. Kodak Gallery (about $20)

Forget the Kindle -- upgrade to the Barnes & Noble Nook. This eBook has features like book sharing and remote access, not to mention an array of designer covers. Nook ($259)

Create a custom-made set of bracelets with Alex and Ani's bangle bar. Hand pick your metals, bead choice and charms on their interactive web site for a one-of-a-kind gift. Alex and Ani (prices vary)

Take recycling to another level by wrapping your presents in baggu tote bags. Click here to learn how.

If all else fails, I recently discovered Elfster, a free online service similar to a Secret Santa, with wish lists and gift suggestions that all your friends and family can join. It takes the guess work out of gift giving and makes the whole process painless.

Happy shopping!