Fall Fashion 2013 ║ Film Noir Inspired

Want to add a bit of glam to your look this fall?  Recall an era of sultry screen sirens, shadowed by dark drama, with signature vintage pieces and retro inspired new classics!  Bold, seductive lips, smoky come-hither eyes , and elegantly tailored fashion pieces contrast beautifully to create the look of a fierce femme fatale.  It's easier than you might think and you don't have to be a total  vamp to incorporate this trend into your everyday style.  Here are several pieces that add some old school glamour with a look that's all 2013!

1.ink spot print silk scarf by cinne worthington

2. felt and feather hair comb by ginnyandjudes

3. long wool coat by sofiaclothing

4. vintage 1940's navy leather heels by missfarfalla

5. art photography by lucysnowephotography

6. natural mineral lipgloss in harvest queen by blushie

Take Five || Tote Bags

In the last week I have sent off parcels to Northern Ireland, Australia, Norway and the US. It left me thinking- Etsy shop owners really do have the world at their feet. While this is utterly fantastic, it also causes a bit of a problem, of lots and lots of choice for buyers.

So with a world of choice out there, where do you start?

So, what if you are looking for that perfect everyday shoulder bag, try a tote, they never go out of style. There simple construction means they are practical and convenient. Designers have a blank canvas to which they can accent in numerous prints, styles and fabrics.  From minimalist to stylish in linen ( 1. like Independent Reign in New York ) to bold and nautical in leather ( 2. from Coriumi in Lithuania). Try a Mexico inspired hand dyed canvas print (3. from scout and catalogue in Canada), or maybe some advice on how to be happy with typography print in cotton ( 4. from Toodle Noodles in New Zealand). Finally, how about a tattooed cat print to make you smile      (5. from Sophie Parker in London). Which would you choose?

Our Giveaway Design Challenge with Bonn Bonn

Every month we hold our Lucky 7 Giveaway which you can enter here. It runs from September 6th through the 13th and you won't want to miss out on this months prize from bonnbonn!  The lucky winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Bonnie's shop.  The hard part will be deciding what to choose.  In honor of our giveaway we asked our talented stylists to create collections around the featured item. Since this month's prize was a gift certificate they were able to choose anything from bonnbonn's shop.  What's your favorite collection?

Collection: Autumn Adventure

Curator: Jillian Rene Decor

1. 1940's vintage suitcase // bonnbonn

2. pomegranate lip balm // ripe shop

3. scheherazade garland // palimpsestic

4. tear drop earrings // lunarbelle

5. chunky knit scarf // knitbranda

Collection: Sand and Sage

Curator: lebotanicals

1. cross body bag // skmodell

2. linen tea towels // bonnbonn

3. yarn bowl // karoart

4. studded pillow // jillianrenedecor

5. rustic wedding soap favors // swampangelsoap

Collection: Gifts for the Hostess

Curator: 88 editions

1. pear serving dish // romyandclare

2. whole wheat tea towel // giardino

3. modern wine holder //  mile112

4. diy cheese kit // urbancheesecraft

5. linen apron //  bonnbonn

Collection: 8 Days a Week

Curator: by Cinne Worthington

1. market tote // milkhausdesign

2. vintage glass juicer // bonnbonn

3. tassel necklace // ninapaco

4. set of 3 ceramic mushrooms // orlydesign

5. colorblock clutch // ddsllgirlsstore

Fall 2013 || Color Focus: ACAI

It's finally here, well almost here at least officially. I am talking about Fall/Autumn or whatever you may call it.  I've said this many times before but it is my absolutely favorite season of the year with Spring being number two.  With the new season comes new and fun colors to explore.  Pantone has released it's fall color palette and I am going to be sharing my favorite items on Etsy that show off these fabulous fall colors. First up is Acai, a deep purple, which always seem to be a hallmark of fall fashion. 

Acai:
1. circus pillow by knit frekkles
2. floral silk scarf by Cinne Worthington
3. fifties brooch by Trees 4 the Wood
4. color block planter by Sea & Asters
5. purple pillow boxes by Green Bug Marketplace

Etsy Shop Introduction || Elena Rosenberg

merino wool capelet
silk crocheted necklace in green
silk crocheted necklace in mustard
rococo knit shawl

As the temperature starts to cool down it's time to start looking for those perfectly cozy fall accessories. What's even better is finding that perfect accessory that's handmade as well.  The one thing that's so wonderful about buying handmade items is that you know that each item was made by someone that has a love for what they create.  Elena Rosenberg is one of those passionate artists. She loves designing knit and crochet wearable fiber art for her shop Elena Rosenberg wearable fiber art.  Each piece in her collection is her original design and she adds new designs throughout each season. Her beautifully knit pieces of wearable art include: scarves, cowls, shawls, shrugs, hats, gloves, fiber jewelry and other innovative pieces. 

Shop: Elena Rosenberg

Facebook: @ElenaRosenbergWearableFiberArt

Website: elenarosenberg.com

Giveaway Design Challenge with LoVintage Finds Burlap Pouf

Every month we hold our Lucky 7 Giveaway. It runs from the 7th through the 14th and we are beyond excited about this month's prize from LoVintage Finds!  The lucky winner will receive a  (5.burlap pouf/ottoman) handmade by Kathy. We asked our amazing curator's to design a collection around the pouf and here are the results. What's your favorite collection?


Collection: Natural Home Decor
Curator: Semi Sweet Studios

1. Raven Study Art Print No. 1  • The Haunted Hollow Tree
2. Air Plant Cube •  Sea and Asters
3. Serving Bowl Set  •  Karo Art 
4. Set of 3 tea light holders  •  Phil Rao

Collection: Global

Curator: Geometric Electric

6. Origami Lamp Shade • Studio Snowpuppe 

7. Lion Head • Mahzerandvee

8. Beach Photo •  Semi Sweet Studios

9. Shell and Leather Necklace • By Jodi

Collection: Sitting Pretty

Curator: By Cinne Worthington

10. Owl Stoneware Sculpture • Studio by the Forest

11. Gold Leopard Print Pillow •  Giardino

12. Autumn Floor Lamp •  Furnished Modern

13. Couple of Birds Ring • La Chica de los Anillos

Collection: Out of Africa

Curator: Studio by the Forest

14. Messenger Bag  •  Bayan Hippo 

15. Striped Infinity Scarf  • Seven White Rabbits

16. Animal Print Lavender Sachet  •  Gardenmis 

17. Vintage Hippo  • Monki Vintage

Don't forget to enter our giveaway!

Back to School - Adorn Yourself!

There are many different angles to take on how to prepare for going back to school.  The common theme here is "new", right?  Even if you like to shop at consignment shops, it's "new" to you.  Sure, not all of us are getting ready to head on back to classroom 408 in Dexter Hall for Advanced Calculus and yet that feeling of getting new outfits for the start of the school year stays with us.  Today, I'm taking a look at some jewelry options for the fall.  Colors start to transition to warmer tones and away from the sunlight juiciness of summer.  Jewelry is really a year round favorite and is something you can enjoy everyday!  

So, even if you're not going back to school, you can give yourself permission to splurge on some new outfits and dress it up with handmade jewelry from Etsy!


top left   eco resin bracelet   |||   rosella resin
top right   sterling & fused gold ring set   |||   kathi roussel
bottom left   ceramic bead necklace   |||   shinos world
bottom right   feathered sterling earrings   |||   o bliss jewellery

Summer Stylist Series || Go Vintage #3 with Miss Farfalla

We're rounding out the end of the month with our last Go Vintage Summer Stylist Series by Chris of Miss Farfalla.  Each of her previous 2 posts have explored a different time period - first to the Roaring 20's and then onto the Depression Era of the 1930's.  This week, Chris is peeking into the 1940's with a bit of romance in a the cigarette filled bar.  She paints the picture for us below and finishes her post with a song clip with you can almost hear playing in the background.  Each of her period selections are all available on Etsy and would make a dashing impression if anyone walked into a bar dressed with such style and mystery - all in black!

Feeling inspired on what to wear on your next night out?  Thank you so much, Chris!

A Case of Noir

She sits at the end of a smoky bar and the neon lights up her Maybelline. She wonders if he’ll be there tonight or if she should ever wonder ever again. The war’s over and maybe she’ll just leave. Jump the train to Chicago or maybe keep going… Hollywood? She was told she has those eyes. 

But for now she hears the intro. Adjusts the seams in her stockings and walks to the spotlight. Saxaphone for four slow bars. Lucky Strikes glow in the audience. Torch songs for twenty minutes… then dreams in the neon again. War’s over. Maybe he’ll be back. Maybe tonight.

Marguerite - 1940's Black Wool Hat  ||  The Mad Hat Lady
Gold Plated Vintage Cigarette Case  ||  Power of One Designs
1940's Slow Dancing Dress  ||  Wildfell Hall Vintage
Vintage 1940's Necklace  ||  Old Chestnut Cottage
Ivory Satin Silk Pumps 1940's  ||  Slate Vintager
1940's Vintage Corde Handbag  ||  Salome Vintage

“You go to my head and you linger like a haunting refrain
And I find you spinning 'round in my brain
Like the bubbles in a glass of champagne

You go to my head like a sip of sparkling Burgundy brew
And I find the very mention of you
Like the kicker in a julep or two”

Inside Etsy Studio Visits \\ Seven White Rabbits

1. Where is your studio located? Give us a sense of the town or city where you reside through a photograph.

My Studio is located in Playa Del Rey, California. Its a beach city in Los Angeles, just south of Venice Beach.  Its a quiet beach town, but still close to everything Los Angeles has to offer. 

2. How did you get started in your craft? What inspires you?

I've been making things for as long as I can remember. My grandma taught me to sew when I was 5, and I don't think I've stopped since. 

I graduated from college with a degree in fashion design, and in addition to my Etsy shops, I also work as a designer for a clothing company in Downtown Los Angeles. A lot of the fabric I use for Seven White Rabbits is salvaged from the leftover production fabric remnants of my day job. 

I look for inspiration everywhere- street style, fashion blogs, and museums. Sometimes I need to escape from fashion and look for inspiration at the beach or park with my boy.

My son is my unofficial mascot, and my inspiration for my baby and kids line (www.sevenlittlerabbits.etsy.com).

3. What are the top 3 tools that are most important in your craft?

My sewing machine, fabric and a good pair of scissors!

4. Does music play a role in your creating or do you like to work in silence?

My father and brother are musicians, and music has always been a big part of my life. I often have music playing when I work, although there are times when all I want is silence, as I'm sure most mothers of young kids can appreciate.

5. What are the greatest rewards of creating something that is handmade?

I love making things, to me there is something so satisfying about taking a pile of fabric and turning it into something. Especially when I can take something old or destined for the trash and make it into something new.

Chelsea :: Seven White Rabbits

Instagram :: @sevenwhiterabbits

Facebook :: SevenWhiteRabbits

Etsy Summer :: Geometric Jewels

Geometrics are a year round favorite for me.  Since it's still summer and I have yet to pull out anything closely related to wool - I am all about getting some new jewelry to wear!  Summer is pretty much the quintessential time to show off some new jewels on that bare skin.  Hopefully, not real pale skin - you do want to have some color to offset the pasty whiteness of winter.  I've put together some of my Etsy jewelry favorites with a focus on geometric shapes.  I would be quite happy with any of these beautiful handmade items, but most happy if I had them all!

Which one tops off your list of favs?


top left  Wood Nugget Geometric Necklace  ||  Mmim
top right  Mint Macrame Bubbles Ring Bracelet  ||  La Chica de los Anillos
bottom left  Geometric Triangle Stamp Necklace  ||  A Quiet Curiosity
bottom right  Faceted Geometric Ring Set  ||  O bliss jewelry

Summer Stylist Series || Go Vintage #2 with Miss Farfalla

Through our Summer Stylist Series this month, we're putting the focus on vintage clothing through our personal stylist Chris of Miss Farfalla!  Each week, Chris is taking into the world of vintage fashion by putting the spotlight on a certain time period.  Her first post took us to the Roaring 20's and she selected her items accordingly.  However, she doesn't stop there!  I love how Chris incorporates a little blurb to bring out the mood of the era and then finishes off with a song clip from that time period.  Now, we can really feel the vibe!  

This week, Chris takes us back in time to the 1930's!

"So the crash came and Gatsby died in the swimming pool and thank goodness for the WPA!

What to wear to that little job around the corner now that the parties over, Dear Working Girl... well this sweet set: cotton print frock, tilt top hat, whimsical butterfly handbag and those marvelous servicable shoes... perfect for standing behind the Woolworth 5 & 10 fragrance counter all day long."

Vintage 1930s Cotton Print Pocket Dress  ||  Rococo Vintage 
1930s Vintage Tilt Topper Hat  ||  Living Threads Vintage
1930's Vintage Beaded Purse  ||   Midnight Mart
30s Woven Oxford Shoes  ||  Jess James Jake

Song Clip:

"I work at the Palace Ball,
But gee, that palace is cheap.
When I get back to my chilly hallroom
I'm much too tired to sleep.
I'm one of those lady teachers,
A beautiful hostess you know,
The kind the palace features
At exactly a dime a throw.

Ten cents a dance,
That's what they pay me.
Gosh how they weigh me down..."

We'll see you here again next week as we explore yet another block of history through fashion!

Build a Collection || Our Giveaway Challenge

Every month we hold our Lucky 7 Giveaway. This month it runs from the 8th through the 15th and we are thrilled about this month's prize from Dark Ride!  The lucky winner will receive a $50 gift certificate  towards any item in Caroline's shop. We asked our amazing curator's to build a collection around Caroline's beautiful jewelry and here are the results.

Collection: Summer Breeze

Curator: Pig & Fish

1. nuno felted dress \\ Baymut

2. beach photo pillow \\ Sweet Reveries

3. beaded bracelet \\ Dark Ride

4. open toe shoes \\ NorTin

5. lighthouse photo \\ semi sweet studios

Collection: Pale Rustic Beauty
Curator: Semi Sweet Studios

1. skull spike beaded necklace \\ Dark Ride
2. ceramic garlic \\ Orly Design
3. vintage chicken feeder \\  tribute 212
4. farmhouse copper rooftop birds \\ farmhouse mud
5. natural lip balm gift set \\ Little Flower Soap Co.

Collection: Take a Break to Refresh
Curator:  By Cinne Worthington

1. mermaid art print \\ Amelia Herbertson
2. gray maxi dress \\ naftul
3. wave test tube flower vase \\ Pig & Fish
4. white vase \\ Julia Paul Pottery
5. chandelier earrings \\ Dark Ride

Collection: Stand Still
Curator: lebotanicals

1. house dress \\ Let's Backtrack
2. thank you cards \\ Homesteading Roasters
3. seed bead bracelet \\ Dark Ride
4. hand printed pillow \\ giardino
5. felt cat bed \\ elevele


Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Going Local || Etsy Favorites from Ireland

We love sharing with you new and fun finds on Etsy. We also love pinning our finds on Pinterest. We've asked our members from all over the globe to pin their favorite Etsy goodies from shops in their state, country or town.  We then take the best of their local finds and share them with you.  If you can't get enough check out our pinterest page and see if your area has already been pinned!

Pinner: Karo of karoart
Home Country: Ireland
Area Pinned: Ireland
Follow Karo: @karoart
Follow Elite Sixteen: @elite16

Going Local Finds in Ireland---

1. geometric clutch || Bag Noir
2. table runner || Project Sarafan
3. dala horse garland || design birdie
4. lost horizons 20x20 || vlad
5. mid century vase || alamesa
6. felt shamrock || Handmade by Maeve
7. suede top || JOD Clothing
8. abstract painting || lola donoghue

Summer Stylist Series || Go Vintage with Miss Farfalla

Our Summer Stylist Series is a super fun way to get to know Etsy.  If you've always wanted a personal shopper to help you navigate the crowded waters of Etsy, then look no further!  This month, we're taking you inside the world of vintage with Chris of Etsy shop Miss Farfalla as our personal tour guide.  Chris has been selling her fine vintage clothing on Etsy since 2009, so she knows her way around and we're excited to follow along!  Each week she'll choose 4 items, share her comments on the inspiration and then she's finishing it off with a fragment of a popular song from that era.  How cool is that?

Her focus for this week lands on the wonderful, roaring 20s!  

"Oh the unstoppable 20s!  Just hop your Pierce Arrow to the nearest Speakeasy in this sweet set.  What a glorious Deco frock!  And those fabulous satin shoes!  Add the perfect little cloche, a sweet little crochet handbag, silk stockings, garters, bathtub gin and some 1928 Standard Oil stock (before crash)... and party on Jazz Babies!"

20s Silk Flapper Dress  ||  Le Mollusque
1920 Summer Hat  ||  Planet Claire Vintage
Vintage 1920s Crochet Purse  ||  4 Birds Vintage
Silk Deco 1920s Shoes  ||  Fab Gabs

Song Clip:

"Beware of frozen funds, ooh, ooh
Stocks and bonds, ooh, ooh
Dockside thugs, ooh, ooh
You'll get a pain and ruin your bankroll

Keep away from bootleg hooch
When you're on a spree
Oh, take good care of yourself
You belong to me"

We'll see you next week for another dive into the past with Chris' creative selections!