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!

DRIPPING IN NOIR

Today I was channeling my inner pin-up. What I lack in attitude, I make up for in garb.

Necessary components to pull off the look:

vintage romper

retro baubles

red lipstick

Old World pumps

Romper from Beacon's Closet

Necklace, clip-on earrings and bangles by nOir; lipstick by Sally Hansen in Sagria

Thrifted lace pumps

And here's a funny story for you. I went to my neighborhood market to grab a cup of coffee when I was approached by Mash (a.k.a. co-owner and designer of nOir). He commented on how he designed the pieces I was wearing and then proceeded to tell me that I was wearing the necklace wrong. Ha! How embarrassing! He proceeded, unsuccessfully, to try and shorten the chain (while still in the deli!). He extended an invitation for me to come to his studio and promised to customize it to my neck. How great? True story.

LOVELY LACE

It was beautiful in New York today--the perfect day for lace.

To some, I may have looked like I was wearing a negligee, 

but I'm okay with that. I love the ladylike detail of this  

Cynthia Steffe dress (She's one of my favorite designers). I will 

probably layer it with a sweater and tights later in the season.

wide ring-Rings Eclectic, first bangle-Noir, 

floral cuff-Rachel Leigh, everything else-vintage

pumps-Giuseppe Zanotti

VINTAGE GALORE

I know...I'm awful -- it's been 12 days since my last entry. Not okay!! 

But I have a good excuse: I moved. It was a painful process, and I'm actually still not completely unpacked. So please, cut me some slack.

Taking a break from settling in, I took a trip to one of my favorite finds in Carroll Gardens -- UNION MAX.

Located at 110 Union Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, this mother/daughter-owned shop is a jewelry designer and vintage lover's dream. 

 

There is antique jewelry just about everywhere you look, and their unconventional ways of displaying it (like on a grid against the wall) make your experience there even more fun. 

I LOVE thrift store shopping.  I would say I'm addicted to feeling of rummaging through things to find something spectacular.  But it's kind of nice when all the junk has been edited out and the only thing available is the good stuff. That's what it's like there.

 

They specialize in beads, but I really like their unique selection of clasps and hardware. They carry styles you don't see in an average bead shop.

In addition to beads and jewelry, Union Max carries clothing, shoes, handbags and kitchy home goods. A lot of their customers are stylists, designers and store owners that will resell their goods. The prices are reasonable, more expensive than the average Goodwill but cheaper than the overpriced shi-shi Manhattan thrift store.

Offering a little bit of everything, this place is worth crossing over the BQE for.

REINVENTING VINTAGE

Looking at the Pequitobun collection, I want to rummage through my old broken vintage jewelry or run to the nearest Goodwill for items I can piece together. I love how designer Sherry Libedinsky creates one-of-a-kind accessories by refurbishing old ones. 

Before being doctored into her creations, pendants were once broaches, earrings were worn as necklaces, and clasps were lapel pins. On her site, she identifies the origins of each vintage item.

Her clever craftiness has created a romantic, girly and unique handmade line.

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