So… apparently thanks to Hallmark, its currently Administrative Professionals Week (April 22 - 28, 200). Today is technically Administrative Professionals day (previously known as Secrearty’s Day) and though I find random holidays like this annoying and tiresome (once you celebrate one of these you’re forced to celebrate all of them), I do have much love for those in the “Administrative Professionals” field. I was an “Assistant to the CEO” once, and let me tell you, that job was pretty darn miserable. I was totally taken for granted. The funny thing is, the whole place would have fallen apart without me (sounds arrogant, but its true). I imagine people in the administrative field know exactly what I’m talking about!

Jen, of the Naughty Secretary Club came up with the name for her adorable site because she too was an administrative assistant before she was a jewelry designer and a craft host. She’s inviting you to join her for the 5th annual Naughty Secretaries Day sale and is offering 25% off! Just enter the promotional code 310004017 in the voucher field when they check out in order to receive the discount. She figures a 25% off sale is a better gift than a cheesy card and an awkward lunch with your boss. I’m sure you’ll agree!

Three years ago Shana Victor started Pixelgirl Presents (a web-site with beautiful desk-top backgrounds and icon-sets) as a hobby with just one icon-set… over time the site grew and today it offers some of the hottest OSX and Windows icon-sets and desktop images. Shana didn’t stop there. She decided to build on the success of Pixel Girl Presents and created the Pixelgirl shop. Her goal? To give people an alternative to shopping at chain stores, while exposing people to talented artists and the new modern craft world. Today Pixelgirl shop is thriving with several talent indie designers displaying their finest work. Go glam-up your desktop at Pixelgirl Presents, and stop by her shop for some adorable indie goods.

Etsy is one of those places I frequent all the time and just assumed I had written about a long time ago. I know some things got lost in my move from Blogger to WordPress, but after searching both places I’m beginning to think I’ve never written about this little Internet gem and that’s a shame (right M?)! Etsy is a giant on-line marketplace for independent designers… it has everything from hand-made bags, to t-shirts, to jewelry, to well… you name it! The site offers several ways to shop…. by color, by location, and of course, by category. There are literally thousands of pages of products on this site!

Some cool Etsy links:

• Flux Productions
• Naught Fashion
• Citizen Jane
• Quiet Doing

The best part is, most of these items are very reasonably priced. Additionally, GenArt Pulse is reporting that starting February 1st, Etsy is opening up a “lab” in Brooklyn.

Etsy’s warehouse at 325 Gold Street will offer resources such as a silkscreen press, letterpress, sewing machines and a jewelry making station to budding artist. The warehouse will also host classes, parties and trunk shows… reason enough to hop on the subway and head down to BK.

Time to get a new watch! (Ah memories of 3rd grade come flooding back with that one). In all seriousness, if you’re in the market for a new watch or if you’re looking for a distinctly modern gift, Nooka is the place to go.

Nooka is the brainchild of artist and designer, Matthew Waldman. in 1997, Matthew had a flash-back to a first grade math class while staring at a large wall clock in a London hotel and was struck by how few options there were for time display. He then sketched his ideas for potential designs on a napkin and brought them back to New York. After working on the designs, he submitted them to his legal team, and indeed, they were unique enough to patent!

6:22 on a Monday morning and I’m already late… how is that even possible? If only I had a Nooka to keep me in check!

There’s no denying it . . . moving SUCKS. Sure the end result is great (in my current case I couldn’t ask for more!!) but the process is draining. First, there was my insurmountable stack of clothes. . . then there was my cat (would he let her come?), then there was the stress, sweat, and suckiness of the move itself. Box after box after friggin‘ box!!

Aside from the stress, there are benefits to even the most annoying parts of this endeavor. For instance, during the process of packing I was able to donate 5 contractor bags of clothes to a local thrift store. Five 45-gallon bags! That’s like. . . (doing mental math, insert jeopardy theme) 225 gallons of clothes! So you’re probably thinking thats an absurd amount of clothes, and you’re right, but do keep in mind I still have things from high school (don’t remind me how long ago that was). Plus there were no issues with the cat- which was great. In fact she turned out to be quite the little helper.

Speaking of little helpers, Sabrina Dehoff made a charm in her “little helpers” collection that looks just like my cat (Black C Panther). Ms. Dehoff is a well established German designer who makes adorable charms out of gold, silver, and leather. They’re unique, eye catching, and hand crafted so you know each one is special. I’m obsessed!

Need to know what direction your life is going? Trying to stay level-headed? Wondering exactly how hot you are? Well you can do all these things in style with Individual Icons.
I don’t remember exactly how I learned about Individual Icons (I think it was a suggestion based on a suggestion…. like a riddle wrapped in an enigma…lol), but once there, I was hooked. As you know it takes a lot for jewelry to move me. I appreciate it- but at the same time don’t wear a lot of it. These pieces are great as their originality appeals to the casual wearer like myself, but also to the woman who has everything due to their playful, yet sophisticated design.
Plus, individual Icon’s designer, LeeAnn Herreid is a RISD grad and you know how much I love people who spent time in Providence! This innovative jewelry is more than just decorative, they are pieces with purpose. I’m sure you can relate.

So… its 4th of July weekend and I just wrapped up an 8-hour day of studying. Ask me about Congressional authority… go ahead… ask me! Anyway, since the night sky will be lighting up in a couple days I thought I’d write about a different kind “bling…” the kind that thumbs its nose at gaudiness and shines with clean lines and a very interesting form. Danielle Mavel makes really cool jewelry out of precious metals and acrylic. I know what you’re thinking… but trust me, her designs have this really cool way of being both cute and sophisticated at the same time. Her playful concepts drive the collection and separate her work from the rest of the field. Definitely worth checking out!
Have a great long weekend.

If you’re like me during the summer, you’re always on the lookout for that perfect beach day. Unfortunately, if you’re really like me, the beach day usually falls on a Tuesday (following a rainy weekend) and the best you can hope for is an early morning or late evening jog for a glimpse of sun — the beach a 10-mile-away-dream out your office window. Well dream no more. Or at least take the step of brining your dream along with you to work. I’m obsessed with VivaTerra’s Recycled Sailcloth Bags. These cute summery designs are actually made from recycled sails with likewise, sail-inspired graphics.*

The hand tote’s nautical rope handles provide a sure grip, and the oversized beach shoulder tote features a roomy inside zipper pocket and green grass design. The larger bags display the sail of origin on an inside panel. Constructed to stand up to the heaviest weather, these bags prove indestructible for the same reason sail fabric doesn’t rip apart in squalls. Prepare to catch an admiring eye on land or sea.

VivaTerra also has some beautiful seaglass jewelry so you can literally keep the ocean close to your heart as you work. Speaking of work… Instead of joining the “tennis shoes + sock” ladies on the subway, why not slip on a pair of comfortable flip flops? I”m still a fan of Mella Usa’s Terry flip flop and must say my Teva “Olowahu’s” are honestly the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever worn!

*GenArt recently did a post about similar “Sea Bags” that you may also want to check out!
*P.S. in case you were wondering scutllebutt (I know, you probably weren’t… but just in case).

Sometimes its those little extras that get us through the week. I’ve collected some little gems for you today from places near and far on the web. The first, above is one of the coolest organizers I’ve seen, designed by Reinhard Schmoelzer. The concept, touts Plasticashop, is simple in that you make your own design from “Harry’s” unique flexible wires. You can shape them into hooks, rings, claws, whatever you want. Whoever thought art and organization could co-exist?
“Harry” from Plasticashop.

Another gem, which actually incorporates gems into its design is the: “wheresoever you go, go with all your heart” sterling charm bracelet from GretaGreatbatch.com.
I’ve always loved sterling charm bracelets in the summer, and this one includes a huge faceted amethyst (my birth stone!) and inspirational words to live by. This company makes each design by hand and most take up to a week to complete! Grab these one-of-a- kind and limited edition jewels while you can. Made in Australia.

Lastly, summer is the perfect time to indulge those secret desires of yours. . . whether it be a new romance, a great new summer job, or a trip planned for late August, every socialite needs a place to record her secrets and desires. Where better than a beautiful handcrafted journal from Hammer and Daisy? Using a square knot binding technique learned at the Cenro Del Bel Libro in Ascona, Switzerland, Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison make every element of their journals by hand. They hand fold the paper of every journal and the holes along the spine are hand punched, one page at a time! They hand select fabrics from all over the world for their gorgeous covers, and have truly created a line of journals worthy of your juiciest secrets. Again, made in Australia. Crikey!

For more fashion and commentary be sure to check out Coutorture!

So I took my advice from the other day and not only read for a while this weekend, but also received a small piece of self-indulgence in the mail… a gorgeous ring from Carolyn Koslen!! I must say there’s nothing like wearing original designs! Much like my experience with the Evil Kitty sweatshirt, I was flooded with compliments every place I waved my right hand.
I mentioned to Carolyn before receiving the ring, that I had once seen someone else wearing one of her designs. I asked the woman where she got her ring and she smiled smugly and said “my little secret…” I was tempted to say the same when asked this weekend, but of course I didn’t and directed them all to Carolyn’s site!

Another site I’m happy to direct you to is sui generis…
Halimah Whitby, fonder of this trendy e-boutique is an entrepreneur after my own heart! This self-described, formerly painfully disgruntled corporate employee (I shudder as I remember last summer and a very similar experience), explains, “I hated my job! But I guess I owe that disdain to getting this dream of mine out of my head and into motion… The 9 to 5 girl walking from the subway to the office in a suit and sneakers just wasn’t going to be me.” (Shuddering again…..)
So with that, Halimah created her fabulous e-boutique that embraces individuality and creativity. Halimah hand selects items that offer unique fashion options. The exact opposite of mainstream stores that offer racks and racks of identical items leaving ladies with the dreaded possibility of bumping into someone with the same outfit.

True to its name, (sui generis is a Latin term meaning unique and a class of its own), Halimah’s boutique has established and set itself apart from the rest, ensuring that your purchases will put you in a class all by yourself.
(wouldn’t that ring above look great with this open back tee?)

As you may or may not know depending on how much you read this, I am not a huge jewelry person. I have a few pieces I adore but aside from that, my eyes just kind of glaze over when I’m out shopping and come across it. For instance, I most likely couldn’t tell you the difference between a pair of H&M earrings and a pair from Kara Ross (I know… it’s bad)!

Anyway, a while back when I was shopping on the Cape, I came across a ring that literally stopped me in my tracks. Somehow the jeweler had woven intricate sterling silver bubbles into a truly fantastic ring that not only looked beautiful, but felt amazing! I had never seen anything like it and haven’t since… until now. Turns out the mind behind this lush design is the very sweet and extremely dedicated Carolyn Koslen. It also turns out I was right to be inspired by her designs while home on the Cape, as she draws much inspiration from the delicacy and beauty of the ocean near her home. The best thing about her designs is, as stunning as they are, they’re incredibly tough (good for someone like me who often forgets to take stuff off at the gym)! With their bold colors and relaxed elegance, her works convey the power and grace of both their creator and the woman who wears them.
Additionally, in her efforts to make the world a little more beautiful, Carolyn also makes helping those in need a top priority, donating 50% of her profits on select items to The American Red Cross- Disaster Relief, The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and the Susan G. Komen and Children’s Charities.

If you’re looking for something truly unique that’s sure turn heads (like mine, and that’s not an easy feat!) check out Carolyn’s site and immerse yourself in relaxed elegance!

UPDATE:

I just spoke to Carolyn and she has been kind enough to offer you additionalnal 20% off when you use the code KBRES at checkout!

She has a great sale going on now too, so be sure to order now- things are going fast!

Life is about balance. Getting that perfect blend of work, family, social life, and if you’re lucky, some time alone to reflect on it all. As you’ ve probably noticed, I’m not much of a jewelry person. I always admire it on other people, but in terms of personal style, I tend to stick to the basics. Very rarely does a piece of jewelry strike me as “special.” I guess that’s why I felt compelled to tell you about Blend Creations, a unique collection of stainless steel jewelry combined with some unlikely elements: earthy bamboo, beach colored coral, and elegant mother of pearl, to name a few.
My life has taught me that often the most unique and unexpected combinations lead to the most beautiful creations. From friendships and relationships, to that gorgeous gingham Dolce and Gabbana dress in the current issue of The Daily, to stainless steel combined with antique etched bone tile. Enjoy!

Back in the day, (I’m talking elementary school here) this weird kid “Joe” used to tell us you could get high from sniffing Pixie Sticks. He would bring them in and dare people to sniff them at recess… I don’t recall if anyone ever took him up on the dare, and needless to say eating 2 or 3 of the paper wrapped packs of pure sugar did the trick and made us crazy enough as it was…
Times have changed… but as I’m starting to realize more and more:
the more things change, the more they stay the same. The last I heard “Joe” was serving time for pushing another kind of sniffable high (sorry for the depressing end to that story) and I am still giddy for a certain kind of Pixie .
Stichpixie.com is a one woman show featuring one of a kind handmade bags, adorable accessories and even some cute vintage wear hand picked by the site’s owner. I love the site and her designs… plus 10% of her proceeds go to charity!

R: Handmade bag M: Vintage T R: Handstiched scarf all @ Stichpixie.com

I was never a big accessory girl until I stumbled across a pair of earrings I really liked at H&M for $3. They sat around my room for weeks until I again stumbled across them while cleaning off my dresser. “Why not?” I thought. They always say little things make a big difference… But it was really stunning. “You look nice today.” A free bus ride, “your smile is payment enough”… and a job offer. Now maybe I was just having a really good day… But I have realized that when I take the time to include little accessories into my outfits (which usually consist of jeans and a t-shirt) it makes a big difference. Now that I’ve matured past H&M for all my accessory needs (although you have to admit their stuff is amazingly inexpensive) I turn to the Naughty Secretary Club. From classy, to cute, to downright silly (my favorites!) they have the coolest stuff.
Little things do make a difference… whether it be a pair of earrings, an unexpected smile, or extra attention to that seemingly straightforward brief… real success is always in the details.

All earrings at found @ The Club