The Big Etsy

On the hunt: Cute Raingear

It was raining cats and dogs and I think hamsters too in L.A. last weekend and of course, I was woefully unprepared.  My Urban Outfitters anorak turned out to be very not water-resistant and I nearly ruined my favorite leather boots.  It’s supposed to rain again this weekend and I want to rush all of these items straight to my home!  You really can be well-dressed in the rain even when there’s no one else outside to see you.

Such adorable little rain shoes…how I wish they were in my size!

This rain jacket is amazing - it doesn’t even look like rain gear.  The material resembles chambray and with the cute little drawstring - so flattering!

A sweet vintage umbrella

Woah cool - rain boots that look like cowboy boots.  Enough said.

The most versatile reversible raincoat (versatile reversible…say that 3 times fast)

And to go with it, these modern rainboots (they have a wedge!) in a cheery bright green.

On Trend: Bullet Casing Jewelry

It’s fun when you come across Etsy trends that you wouldn’t know were trends unless you really had spent hours on Etsy.  One of my favorites currently is using recycled bullet casings functionally in jewelry.  They’re great for anchoring stones, they’re a nice color brass, and they’re something that would otherwise be total trash being put to good use.  And if you want to think about it too much, you’re kind of taking something destructive and re-inventing it into something beautiful, in a make love, not war sort of way…  Anyway.  They make for some really cool jewelry.

My faves:

This mixed-metal chain fringe looks laid-back and undone

A cool and really well-priced quartz necklace - this is crystals done in a not dirty-hippie type way

Brass bullet casings with clusters of brass teardrops make these look both floral and industrial

Emerald green feathers.  Enough said.  (this is the best color ever)

a peruvian leather tie necklace with semi-precious stones that is the epitome of desert-cool.

And last but not least, a part sweet-part badass ring that screams “Don’t mess with me!  I am into re-purposing things!”

Sourcing: Artful Calendars

OK, so I know some of you are going to find this post boring, and that’s fine.  For the OTHER 99% of you, let’s talk calendars!!  I looked at my wall this morning and I thought, how do I not have a calendar this year?  Nobody gave me an ironic puppy calendar and I somehow neglected to buy one myself.  Well, turns out it’s actually a GREAT time to buy a calendar - because 2011 calendars are totally on sale!  I also found some interesting options you can use year after year.  And of course it has to look pretty, that’s a given.

A clever wall decal-turned chalkboard calendar, to be used and reused every year!

I can’t live without my perpetual calendar (for remembering birthdays, anniversaries, etc!)

I LOVE the art on this minimalist calendar - would suit any decorating style!  (plus 10% goes to charity)

SALE alert: this lovely desk calendar is 65% off!!

Or print this beautiful calendar yourself for only $6 - no shipping!

Finally, support a talented artist with this incredibly innovative version

Hunting for: Tribal Clutches

I’m not one to take huge fashion risks - and that may sound like an understatement when I tell you I consider animal print a “risk.”  But lately I’ve been wanting a new clutch for night events (instead of lugging my giant lady purse full of chapstick and loose papers) and I’m realizing that a clutch might be the perfect place to let loose some of my inner fashion desires.  I found some really fun options that I can dress up or down and give me a pop of something wild!  Rarrrr!

This clutch is a beautiful cognac color - but the real selling point is the gold tiger head hardware!

A super-affordable, funkier version that’s more sculptural than animal print.  Complete with the perfect leather accents.

Giraffe print.  Obviously.  Love giraffes!

Cream leather w/ a tortoise-shell handle - not real so you don’t have to feel guilty.  But this is an understated option.

For the bombshell in all of us: Ladylike leopard with a hot pink interior!

And for the eternal jetsetter - this woven ikat clutch with beautiful red accents

Gift List: For Lovers

Okay, you knew it was coming!  The Valentine’s Day gift guide.  Valentine’s Day generally grates on me, and I’m not saying that as an embittered single girl, but I think what it boils down to is V-Day just comes too soon after Christmas and I don’t have the energy to get excited about it.  But if you’re the Valentine-giving type, I’ve compiled a few ideas for your loved ones that don’t make me want to wretch.  Buying on Etsy is a great option for handmade gifts - but you have to account for shipping time, so I’m giving you plenty of time. 

For your special lady: The not-quite diamond ring diamond ring.  A beautiful, modern ring that doesn’t say more than you mean it to say!

For your fella: Personalized cufflinks.  These are simple, cute, and for a personalized gift, you don’t get a better price than this!

For your bestie: Leather zippered pouch.  Nothing says you’ve got her back like a place to put her emergency tampons!  Seriously though, this is cute.

For your nerdy girlfriend/kid sister/niece: Adorable lego heart necklace!  At $7.50, you really can’t go wrong.

For your Mom: A beautiful hand-stitched lavender sachet.  Moms love everything you give them, but seriously, she’ll love this!

For YOU: 14K gold-filled heart necklace.  An organic-shaped heart and pearl are unassuming and don’t “scream” Valentine’s Day, but what better way to reward yourself for making good decisions?  Plus it’s on sale and incredibly priced for 14K gold.

For everyone you know: hand-printed Valentines!  There are hundreds upon hundreds of unbearably cute and hip prints and sayings of various degrees of affection.  Almost to an annoying extent, really.  Here are a few of my favorites - this, this and this.

On the hunt for: Laptop Bags

There are endless potential laptop bags on Etsy.  I mean you could basically use any bag as a laptop bag, but to narrow it down I made sure they looked sturdy and would cradle your computer like an egg.  I put together a bunch of different options at different prices…I think they are all under $50.  Not bad!

First I found this gray vinyl bag which is handmade and new and a steal at $28! 

These canvas bags, also a steal, come with tons of different animal prints.  And they look super sturdy.  I chose seahorses because the males carry the babies!

This bag is SO professional.  A beautiful leather attache case that’s simple enough to not look weird or costumey.  Very Angelina Jolie in The Tourist!

If you just want a padded laptop sleeve so you can put your laptop in a bag you already own, there are SO many cute patterns and fabrics.  Try this store or this one for a bunch of well-made options!

Hipsters, eat your hearts out: it’s a real vintage Apple laptop case in a gray that goes with everything.  And it’s in excellent condition. 

And finally, in a pure stroke of genius (if I do say so myself)… a vintage stewardess carry-on in a really pretty blue!  I love the idea of using this for a computer bag, it’s so unique.  Someone is going to snatch this baby up quick.

It’s Lonely at the Taupe

You’re going to think I’m crazy but taupe might just be my favorite color.  It’s a little bit grey, a little brown, sophisticated and totally neutral.  I find myself gravitating toward taupe accessories all the time because I think they go with everything and feel like a more unique alternative to classic neutrals.  On Etsy today I found some really great taupe accessories for any budget.

Possibly the most perfect taupe leather boots, ever.

Embellished taupe leather gloves - highly wearable even if you’re not the leather-gloves-wearing-type!

Just-right taupe loafer flats in amazing condition - on sale!

A beautiful shimmery taupe eyeshadow - how does someone make eyeshadow?  I have no idea, but that’s cool.

A taupe accent pillow for your couch from a home goods store I love

One common misconception is that the internets are for loose women and harlots.  Not so!  Even the most refined of characters can now indulge in the treasure trove of vintage ladylike accoutrements.  The following are all Jessica Tandy-certified lady wear (but remember: a lady never reveals she paid wholesale prices!).

A gorgeous - cheap! - shoulder bag with elegant elephant embellishments!  Say that 3 times fast.

These sensible flats are a wardrobe staple for any budding Jackie

A Kathryn Hepburn-esque wool hat, with ladylike bow and clever feather

This totally awesome coat.  Seriously, how cool is this coat???  Answer: very.

And of course, the most ladylike accessory of all: long black leather gloves for driving and disposing of evidence.

Getting Organized in Style

Happy New Year, everyone!!  I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things after 2 weeks of not regularly and compulsively using the internet.  But I have some great posts lined up that I’m excited about, the first of which involves GETTING ORGANIZED.

It became clear to me over the holidays that I need a better “system” in my office that will encourage me to be filing away as I go and not just moving piles from one place to the other.  Here are some great office accessories I found on Etsy:

A beautiful vintage brass desk lamp and a lovely brass letter rack to match (only $11!)

A really cool broken-in leather briefcase/file carrier.  Carry it to starbucks and even if it’s empty, people will assume you have a job!

It’s the cadillac of filing cabinets!  Expensive…but so gorgeous.

An adorable pencil pouch in this great vintagey fabric

A great Danish-style end table with drawers…hand refurbished and lovely for the price.

And while anything really counts as a paperweight, this vintage quail family is precious.  You heard it here first people - quails are the new owls.

Now you’ve got a lovely new office setup, go start your taxes!  Okay, I’m not crazy.  But take the receipts out of the garbage bag you’ve been storing them in at least.