By Janet
I'm pretty much in love with these T-strap ballet flats, discovered in the recent Garnet Hill catalog. These are the first t-strap flats I've seen in ages (though I see plenty of t-strap heels), and I think they would look just adorable with a pair of tights.
Bloch Tina T-Strap Ballet Flats, $178 (my favorites!)
T-strap Ballet Flats, $98
Nara Shoes Benedetta Floral T-Strap Ballet Flats, $158
What do you think? Worth the splurge?
By Sara
Imagine my delight when I recently found out one of my favorite local accessories shops has locations in pretty much every state. I can share the love with so many people! I've been a big fan of Francesca's Collections since I moved to Chicago after college and have found some really lovely pieces over time. What I love most about Francesca's is that the prices are very reasonable and the items they carry are spot on the current trends. I don't like to spend too much money on anything too trendy and Francesca's always delivers.
The shop carries clothes, bags, jewelry and all manner of accessories to complete your look. Some of the clothes can err on the "young" side but a little digging can turn up great, long-wearing items like the Cozy Up Wrap ($38) below:
I have this cardi-wrap in black and wear it ALL the time. I'm also digging the bright red Washed Ashore Bag ($54):
Or how about this adorable turquoise necklace to spice up a basic white shirt and jeans:
The website doesn't even come close to showing all the goodies that the store has so if you have a Francesca's Collections nearby head on over and snap up some little lovelies for your wardrobe. Maybe you'll find something great for yourself AND a friend (hint, hint).
By Leah
I've had it in my head for a while now that my two-year-old needs suspenders. NEEDS them. Yes, he's a skinny kid whose pants are either falling down or hitting him mid-calf, but honestly the suspender thing is only 1 percent about practicality, and the other 99 percent is about how stinkin' cute he'll look.
The Suspended Recreation shop on Etsy handmakes suspenders for your little guy (or girl), and because they're custom ordered, you can add a coordinating bowtie or even a matching set for a big brother, cousin, dad, or grandpa.
Love the classic red with seersucker.
Hands down, this is my favorite kid accessory for fall.
(Special thanks to the Frog and Snail Society for the heads-up about this great shop!)
By Elisabeth
Just wanted to let you guys know (in case you didn't know already or were busy washing your hair or out of the country) that J. Crew is having a "30% off Final Sale Items" SALE that ends TODAY at 11:59pm ET. It's online only, so check out their website's SALE section and get an additional 30% off using the promo code LOVEIT!
Yesterday, Sarah, from Whoorl, showed us on her blog 12 different looks using the same styled pant in 3 different colors she purchased from J. Crew. I happen to hop on their site yesterday and bought two pair myself!
So, if you're looking for a deal, or a few staples to help round out your wardrobe, then don't delay! This deal will combust at midnight tonight!
{photo credit: jcrew.com}
by Natalie
You know how sometimes you're just clicking around the internet and you happen upon something amazing? (Thanks a lot, PINTEREST. Sheesh.) Well, allow me to introduce you to the online store of Nonchalant Mom.
I adore pretty much everything they carry ... they have an eclectic assortment of labels, all of which are artsy and fun and creative; every time I check out the shop, I want one of everything. The price points are pretty high, but a girl can dream, right?
For my older daughter, who is starting kindergarten in the fall, I'd like this backpack:
I love the pattern and the shape, and the proportions look great for a small child who doesn't yet need a big kid backpack. And maybe for her first day of school, she'd want to wear this dress?
For my younger daughter, I adore this romper, because little girls in rompers are my very, very favorite, and I'll cry the day my girls get too big to wear them.
Let's not leave out mama, ok? I'll take this and this, please.
Now, if only I had an endless fountain of money...
By Amy H.
We all know Etsy is bad for the wallet, right? Every once in a while I stumble upon an Etsy store that I just flip over and I nearly have to physically restrain myself from ordering one of everything. I thought I'd share my latest obsession: allthenumbers. Check out these amazing girls' dresses:
I ADORE this upcycled dress, made from a repurposed men's button-up.
And this one! Want, want, want:
How can I NOT buy this?
Such a great find!
{photo credit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/allthenumbers?ref=top_trail}
by Christina
You have a room that you needs a makeover don't you? Or maybe you just moved in and could use some direction. You know what you like but not how to shop for it or where to find it. I found a website that could help you get started. It's awesome. Nudge. They sell packages called "designer bundles" so you can get going on your own. An art piece and a bunch of fabulous pillows.
There are a few color schemes to choose from. They also sell the art separately as well as a variety of pillows. I think they have done a great job in getting someone started. They've mixed the patterns for you which is a tricky thing to do on your own. You could literally pop one of these bundles in a room with no other color and it would look fantastic. Add a couple lamps, a plant and a few personal touches and you've got yourself a room.
(images via Nudge)
by Christina
I think it's time I share my favorite source for project awesomeness. Emily has a gift for taking the latest trends and recreating them herself and she then shares how she does it so we can, too. It's fantastic. Stuff you never knew you always wanted to make, like flowers out of buttons or a wreath out of felt or a sweater pillow or, or, or.
She has a blog and shop named Jones Design Co, and she is a print artist and her work is available through her blog. It is all beautiful and affordable, as you can see here.
Please check it out. Trust me, I'd not share something this great with you if it wasn't something that heats my ham. (Hot Ham!) If you've got an itch that only making something with your own two hands can scratch, this is the site to bookmark.
Jones Design Company. Sometimes a secret is best when shared.
{Photo credit: jonesdesigncompany.com}
By Lawyerish
For my daughter's first birthday, I wanted to get a cake topper that we could reuse every year until she's old enough to roll her eyes and say, "MOM, birthday cakes are so LAME." I was hoping to find something that's also cute enough to display on a shelf in her room year-round. Naturally, I went to Etsy, and quickly happened upon the SweetiePie Caketopper Shop. I think I actually gasped when I saw these adorable hand-crafted pieces; they are just that cute!
The shop has lots of different toppers available, and the talented proprietor will also do custom work. I corresponded with her about a custom piece, and here's what she made for me:
Could you die? I just love this glittery pink gal and her sweet little lollipop, and I am sure my daughter will, too!
{Photo credit: etsy.com}
by Natalie
I love Etsy as much as the next person, but I've had to take a break lately because I kept falling down the rabbit hole of finding too much amazing stuff. Lately, though, I was reading one of my favorite crafty blogs, Cakies (written by the talented and super-creative Rubyellen) and happened to click over to her Etsy store.
And WHOA! My kids would ADORE one of these amazing pillows!
How adorable is that? A pillow the size of a four year old! And with a tiny doll, to boot!
And wait... look at the inside.
This is such a clever idea, and my kids would go nuts over it. This is the very large size dollhouse pillow, but Rubyellen makes them in slightly smaller sizes as well. Hop over to her shop and check them out!
(Also, if you're in the market for an amazing handmade birthday crown, she makes those, too...)
{Photo credits: Cakies @Etsy.com, courtesy Rubyellen Bratcher}
