design of the week SPRINKLES NECKLACE

It's delicious, not nutritious....but who cares? The Super Sprinkles Heart Necklace by Sapphire Squares is as cute as a button and makes the pop-perfect valentine piece.

It makes me happy just looking at it!

Check it out at the Shana Logic store

slideshow JANUARY 2010

January 2010

January has started, in fact we are almost half way through so here are some of my favorite pieces from independent designers this month so far. Check back again, I will be adding more soon.

designer SUE SZABO

Jewelry designer, Sue Szabo's work is just fabulous - if not a little hard to categorize. All of it is good, but for entirely different reasons. The handmade silver stilletto shoe is so absolutely adorable and girly. Her bold resin work is fun, colorful and modern - and her enamel work has a modern wabi-sabi feel.

One of my favorite pieces is the Bauble ring (top left), which looks like a candy filled toy, but is actually 14 k and 18k gold, filled with faceted rubies and colored sapphires. Delicious, but not edible!

Check out more of jewelry designer, Sue Szabo's work at her website and Etsy store.

jewelry MINI GUIDE TO LONG NECKLACES

I've been working on this mini guide for the last couple of weeks, inspired by the new design of the fall guide. There were really many more necklaces that I could feature, the guide could easily have turned into the ultimate guide to jewelry designers. Hmmm - there's a thought!

Well, I hope you like the guide and please feel free to leave a comment about your favorite designer or favorite piece.

jewelry 5 FAVORITE BAT NECKLACES

Years ago I received a bat brooch as a gift and wore it every halloween. Last year, I decided to turn it into a necklace - well, I kind of broke it. So now I am on the look out for something to take it's place.

Now my favorite is Batsu, center stage, from Australian designer Corky St Claire. So although my heart is set on him, I don't think he'll get here for Halloween. Corky, please tell me - will Batsu be home for the holidays??

Well, I've told you my favorite, now you tell me yours. The designer with the most votes will be a featured designer on the blog.

FEATURING
+ Silverwing Necklace by Wear Thou
+ Going Batty by Vision Quest
+ Vampire Bat Necklace by Fictionary Duck
+ Batsu by Corky Saint Clair
+ Oxidized Bat Necklace by Axel Honey

Check out our Stylehive for even more bats from independent designers

slideshow OCTOBER PICKS

The October slideshow is dedicated to everything halloween. I hope you enjoy it - and feel free to leave a comment with your favorite design.

design guide BIRDCAGES

It's been a fun and busy month - obviously not a lot of blogging going on - but a lot of work on the new INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // fall 09.

Not only does the design guide feature new designers, it has a new design of it's own. With inspiration from glossy magazines, and my own preference for flipping through pages - I designed something to do just that.

Here are a few of my favorites from "La Cage", a feature of this seasons birdcage theme.

To check out birdcages and more, visit the new INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // fall 09

theme CHIMPS AHOY

You don't get to say it often, but when the opportunity arises you should try these words ~ "Sure, it's behind the chimp!". I first said it to the workman who came in to fix the fridge - and it felt great. Yes, at long last, I have the OneUp chimp on my bathroom door (see #1).

And what better way to celebrate than to show a selection of chimps and monkeys from independent designers. In fact, go ahead....vote for your favorite!

1. Chimp wall graphic, $30, OneUp Designs
2. Chimp kids tee, $14, Funky Fresh
3. Monkey cufflinks, $99, Corky
4. Women's monkey t-shirt, $28, Formoda
5. LaLa Pix key fob, 7.50 €, FunkyPix

designer MAGALI ANIDJAR

Inspired by an announcement via Stylehive, I just had to check out some rings on the MOCAshop website. I was immediately drawn to Argentinian designer, Magali Anidjar. Some pieces are clean and modern, and some - like the Fired ring - look like happy crafting accidents.

Check out more from jewelry designer, Magali Anidjar at her website: www.magalianidjar.com

independent design guide SUMMER 2009

Last week I launched the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // summer 09 - and I love it! Of course, there is the oh-so-slight chance that I am biased since I curated the guide.

Plus, one of the designs is going to be our next giveaway....I bet you can't guess which one!

Check out more from the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE and then don't forget to vote for your favorite designers.

event MAKERS FAIR

Let me say this, I 100% admire the makers at the Makers Fair. I mean making a live webstreaming instrument out of a quarter, 2 egg cartons and 29" old modem cable - that's amazing! I didn't see it, but I know it's possible because the makers/inventors at the Makers Fair do that kind of thing for breakfast....probably.

But I didn't just go to the Makers Fair so my husband and I could wrestle our children and stop them from making their very own science project out of the Slurpee that I just bought them. I went because of my commitment to seeing new and interesting design. Of course, the emphasis was hard-core craft, but this work would stand on it own in any design store.

If I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the cardboard surfboard. Built by a surfer when his old board was no longer seaworthy and he didn't have the cash to buy a new one. Not only does this designer capture the DIY spirit, but the resulting board is stunning to look at.

FEATURING:
+ xtra large hook earrings, $52, sasha bell jewelry
+ sonia platter, $28, ezme designs
+ carnival gone mad t-shirt, $25, fat rabbit farm
+ cardboard surfboard, from $196 for a kit, sheldrake
+ t-shirt graphic illustrations, $26, martin hsu

designer NERVOUS SYSTEM

I have been an admirer of Nervous System's work for a while now. Their work is always amazing and avant garde, but in a way that is wearable.

This new line, Cell Cycle, is no exception - the jewelry is bold, yet simple - but the story and theory behind them is art in its own right. Inspired by "the complex forms of radiolarians" and made with "Selective Laser Sintering, a kind of 3D printing" Nervous System successfully connects art and science. As an added touch, you are able to experiment with, and order, your own jewelry designed with interactive applets on the website.

For more information about the process, or just to order some kick-ass jewelry, check out the Nervous System website: www.n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com

color TEAL WE MEET AGAIN

Teal is such a fun little color - somewhere between the navy of mid winter and the light aqua of early summer. I would go so far to say that teal is the color that says "you know, I think the economy will turn around soon...I'm going to buy something I don't need".

Whatever your opinion of the economy or the my anthropomorphous obsession with color, I'm sure you'll agree that these pieces are rather lovely!

FEATURING:
+ carved resin ring, $65, quercus silver
+ octavia bag, $530, rebecca ciccio
+ harbor graphic t-shirt, $24.95, puckish
+ acanthus keychain, 10 €, stillwater designs
+ 3 logo circle tee, 32,90 €, silber fischer

launch INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE

Spring is here...and not just because it's sunny outside and birds are chirping! Spring is officially here because I've just launched the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // spring 09.

The poster child of the guide is the gum popping girl in the Bubble Lights "organic" silk scarf by Yosifa Silk. There is something so incredibly spring-like about the style of the scarf and photography. Carefree in a sophisticated sort of way.

This guide started off a little differently - very slow. Even the designers who are usually the first to sign up, put all spending on hold while sales slowed down. I considered not doing a guide - however instead I decided to support to very designers who had supported the guide over the past year and offer several free spots. The response was overwhelming - and so I am especially proud to launch this guide.

As a result, I have decided that I will continue to offer 3 free juried spots to designers in every guide. I will also continue to suprise the odd designer by including their work at the very last minute, these designers are usually new designers who I haven't featured before.

Juried spots will be awarded to the 3 top designers from the previous guide. This will be determined by a combination of the following:
+ saves on StyleHive
+ saves on ThisNext
+ or leave a comment on this post

Thank you and enjoy!

designer SINCEAR JEWELRY

Part mardi gras, part disco diva. These bold beauties are the perfect things to banish winter forever - or until November.

Check out all the many color and design variations at the Sincear Jewelry website.

designer FINESTRA

Pinch me, I might be dreaming! This work combines some of my all time favorites - jewelry, photography, abandoned barns and good causes. And I am not joking about the abandoned barn thing - I just love the way that old barns slowly seem to get absorbed back into the land.

The photography is simple, evocative - and in the designer's own words "... use(s) my art and photography skills and to give back a little to organizations I believe in". Now, that's something I can believe in.

Check out more work at the Finestra website

designer NORWEGIAN WOOD

Don't try this at home folks. I mean wearing these 3 pieces together might be a little too much, but individually these pieces add an avant guard flavor to the wardrobe. The designer herself warns against going head to toe pattern.

That being said, it is refreshing to see work that is individual without being pretentious. My favorite piece has got to be the "Maximum" feathery necklace - something that can infuse fun and fashion into. A jeans and t-shirt wardrobe.

For more from this designer, visit the designers Norwegian Wood

color HELLO YELLOW

The sky is grey - rain, rain go away - but spotted here and there in the garden are daffodils. And, this seems as good a time as any to feature some spring like yellow products from some fabulous independent designers.

All of these products are super sunny looking, but my favorite has got to be the jolly looking "egg pants". So get in touch with your inner "spring" and check out these delicious things!

FEATURING:
+ hello cards, $6 for $13, in vita
+ hand batiked linen fabric, $25, margot bianca
+ mirabel anorak, $180, suzabelle
+ egg pants, $20, design glut
+ yellow yarrow ring, $53, bario-neal
+ "lovely taka the ninja" leather keychain, 13 EUR, leather prince

feel the warmth

They don't actually keep your ears warm - but have an aura of warmth that felted wool tends to do. I do love felt - and there is plenty of felt goodies to choose from. Anyhoo..Amy's wool earring are a fabulous nod to the winter weather.

Check these earrings, and Amy's other work at her website: www.amytavern.com

candy cane colors

Candy canes are so minty fresh and festive! Just make sure that you don't get carried away and buy things that are so Christmassy that they are back in the box - or donated - before the new year!

Here are a few finds from independent designers that will still be looking good in the Spring!

FEATURING:
+ candy cane soaps, $4.25, karen's soaps
+ enamel + beach stone necklace, $14, rotsina creations
+ blossom iphone 3G sticker, $12.49, shtickers
+ red resin bangle, $66, rroth

shop talk NEW FROM IMOOI

I am very excited to announce that I have added a few more IMOOI pieces to the WHATdesigners store.

These new, beautiful, modern designs are on wood and encased in steel. In the collection, I have added necklaces for women and cufflinks for men, but you are after rings or earrings, let me know and I will see what they have.

TODAY ONLY - IMOOI items are 15% off!

giveaway : charm pendant

It's been a long time since the last giveaway - but I hope this one is worth the wait.

Ergane's canister pendants are delicious little concoctions. The canisters are handmade and sit alongside charming charms - a wing, a bauble and a dagger-like stone. They are romantic, timeless and like some untold story.

Visit the designers website : ergane.etsy.com


To enter the giveaway (US addresses only):
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you if you are worried about spam).
2. Join the mailing list

back to black

Whether you are celebrating Halloween, in mourning for the economy - or like me - just afraid of too much color...then take a peek at these best of black designs from independent designers.

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ Keep Calm Poster, $20, cut paste print
+ Sevilla Noir Bag, $398, sabrina love
+ Planet Bracelet, $22, chocolate cake jewels
+ Little Black Dress, $89, just vic
+ Black Swing Necklace, $15, gas up the zamboni
+ Zinfandel Dress Shirt, $64, apexmuseum

zombies and bats and ghosts - oh my!

There is something delightful about Halloween. Sure kids dressed as the undead may be a little unseemly. And of course, you'll have a sugar hangover for about 9 days. But apart from all that; it's the beginning of the holiday season.

So, put on something Halloween-y, get out last years candy - and please don't knock on my door after 8pm....I'll be watching House!

FEATURING:
+ halloween card, $2.50, isabell's umbrella
+ metal monster necklace, $81, blend creations
+ zombie t-shirt, $30, nooworks
+ skull cufflinks, $55, angel silver
+ every day is halloween buttons, $6 CAD, sick on sin
+ battie enamel earrings, $26, ruby girl

jewelry by EMILY ELIZABETH

Sometimes silly and random; sometimes sophisticated and feminine - always stylish! That's Emily Elizabeth's work in a nutshell.

My absolute favorite has got to be the Saltine Necklace ($24), but it's hard to choose since they're all so silly and delicious.

CHECK OUT MORE AT: www.emilyelizabethjewelry.com

go shopping : FALL DESIGN GUIDE

I've just launched Fall edition of the INDEPENDENT DESIGN SHOPPING GUIDE. The guide features work from Britain, France, Australia, Canada and, of course, the US. It's international flavor is matched by the individuality of the designers creations. I mean, how delicious is a hand embroidered revolver on wool herringbone fabric?

Some of the designers have generously offered free shipping and other discounts...but you'll have to check out the guide to see who's offering what and why!

Check it out: INDEPENDENT DESIGN SHOPPING GUIDE // FALL 2008

Featuring the work of:
Home:
Napoleon, One Up Designs, J-me, Etcetera Media, harmonie intérieure

Art + Paper Products:
12 Fifteen, Sweetbeets

Fashion:
Ahpeele, enju

Jewelry:
Simone Walsh, Alice Roche, Caught Red Handed, Coquito, Jewelry by Natsuko

Bags + Accessories:
Moop, Backerton, Paco+Lupe, Sarah Padgham

Baby + Kids:
Ciuccio, Sweetbeets

jewelry : sara lagacé

As a designer you would have to be just a little mad to even think you can get away with "shed dog hair" as a material. More amazingly, is that the jewelry comes across as elegant in an off-kilter sort of way.

Of course, not all of Sara Lagacé's work is made from dog hair; she also uses beads and the occasional feather. And her work is just so charming you're willing to forgive the occassional eccentricity, plus recycling dog hair should get an "eco-friendly" nod.

My favorite piece is the yellow beaded number featured above. To see more from Sara Lagacé, check out her website: saralagace.etsy.com

sponsor spotlight : hooked design

handmade. bold. unique. hookeddesign.etsy.com

puzzled

A couple of weeks ago I came across this darling blossom puzzle piece by button envy (top right) ....then all of a sudden I saw another puzzle necklace - not sure whether it was a new magnificent obsession, or just happenstance - I decided to go looking around etsy for more. See more of my favorite puzzle pieces in the WHAT designer hive tag "puzzle".

FEATURED [clockwise]:
+ 14K gold puzzle necklace, $230, macha jewelry
+ pink puzzle blossom necklace, $14, button envy
+ tiny puzzle piece, $45, metalsugar

giveaway : mau studio

Mau Studio is that combination of cute, irreverent and pop - that I adore. This giveaway is for a cute bracelet and earring set (the earrings are shown top left).

For more delights, check out the Mau Studio website.

To enter the giveaway:
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you if you are worried about spam).
2. Join the mailing list

spotlight on: wear no evil

If you want glamor with a bit of an edge, you can't go wrong with the hand carved pvc bracelets of Kath Inglis. PVC isn't really a material I associate with jewelry, but these pieces are just awe inspiring. The collection is a combination of avant garde and modern, mixed with the vintage patterns of cut glass.

These hand carved bracelets start at $155 and can be purchased through the designers online store. Also check out her collaborative website with fellow Aussie jewelry designer, Naomi Schwartz at: sodaandrhyme.com

word up (Stylehive guest post)

Here's my latest guest post for Stylehive and I was thrilled to have the post featured on the front page of their e-magazine. That's very AWESOME!

FEATURING [clockwise from top left]:
+ Filthy Necklace, $50, Trashy Deluxe
+ Words Bracelet, $18, Paloma’s Nest
+ Yes No Maybe t-shirt, £36, YesNoMaybe
+ Nosce Teipsum Ring, $65, Melanie Favreau
+ C’est La Vie poster, $45, studio mela
+ Now Later Never magnets, $10, Cicada Studio

...AND HERE'S SOME MORE
+ snob bracelet, £50, Tallulah Tu
+ Love t-shirt, $21, Neneee
+ Rockstar bracelet, $14, insane jellyfish
+ OK light, $30, Perch!
+ Make Out t-shirt, $32, Every Little Counts
+ big words bracelet, $6, boqinana
+ Optimism buttons, $9, Reed Seifer
+ Typewriter key necklace, $20, Keys + Memories

READ: the post on StyleHive

featured designer: franz schnaas

Modern. Clean. Beautiful. And a little like something that you could find at the local hardware store. That is in no way an insult, I love hardware stores and the bits you can find there.

These pieces are part of the designers Adjektives and Moddifiers line which has a minimal aesthetic without being, well, minimal in construction. The womens line is not girly, but it is fabulous. The mens line includes necklaces and "wristworks" too - I'd like to see some cufflinks, but that's only because I am going through a cufflinks phase right now. Don't forget to check out the mens and womens collections as they're pretty unisex and there are more pieces over on the mens side.

Necklaces start from $55. See this and more at the designers website at: adjektives.com

designed to thrill

Dramatic and definitely not for the faint hearted - NRDC, a Barcelona based design studio has just launched their line of conceptual and sculptural jewelry. Their goal, and a good one it is too, is to open a NY showroom to showcase the work of Spanish designers under the NRDC brand umbrella.

Although they look lethal, these pieces are made from elastic cording and plasic fasteners. Pair with a simple sheath dress though, and you'll look dressed to kill!

Check out more of their designs online at: nrdesigncollection.com

butterfly collector

There's nothing quite like the flutter of a butterfly to make your think of warmer days. It just makes me want to grab an ice tea and sit on the veranda - only it's 6am, chilly outside, and I would really rather have a steaming cup of joe. But warmer weather is getting closer and butterflies are just so beautiful - so here's a tip of the wide-brimmed hat to those days ahead.

These designers have infused a modern twist to the sometimes saccharine butterfly motif. I was surprised to find some new favorites - the cards by design hut and the real butterfly wing pendant by popko - are just must have!

FEATURING:
+ butterfly notecards, $9/4, design hut
+ butterfly pillow, $62, Janessa Bautista (available through Shevon Ceramics)
+ butterfly wall graphics, $34.95, luka
+ real butterfly wing necklace, $38, popko
+ butterfly jubilee wallpaper, modgreenpod
+ butterfly pillow boxes, $5/ 4, field and sea
+ butterfly pendant, $88, simone walsh

+ SEE MORE + "HIVE" YOUR FAVORITES

giveaway : sprout studio [finished]

Sprout Studio has just the most delicious array of vintage thingies. Vintage buttons made into rings; fantastic plastic necklaces.

This weeks giveaway is for a pair of white bird earrings (left) - and they are truly lovely. They're this side of cutesy and just make me want to put on a girly dress - or at least when it gets a bit warmer.

Check out these and other delights at the SproutStudio.net

To enter the giveaway:
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you if you are worried about spam).
2. Join the mailing list

enamel amore

I took an enameling class at college and I loved it - I even wanted to get my own kiln at some stage. With enamel you don't see the finished color as you work on it - you have to fire it, and wait to take it out of the kiln - a beautiful suprise or horrible mistake!

There are no horrible mistakes with these designers - all beautiful, modern and vibrant.

FEATURING:
+ target necklaces, £83, kokkino jewelry
+ samurai orange necklace, $36, verre encore
+ mid-century modern necklace, $42, orange peel enamel
+ oiseau bleu necklace, $46 AUD, dreams and jewelry
+ truss buckle, $125, swear jar design
+ raspberry drop necklace, $28, jewelry by natsuko

Want to see more enamel work? Check out my enamel wishlist on Stylehive and "hive" your favorites.

giveaway : 2 sisters

When I received the earrings for this weeks giveway - they nearly didn't make it to the blog! They are these delicious little faceted drop beads on loosely coiled wire - both delicate and dramatic. The photo just doesn't do it justice.

The giveaway is for the earrings, but just had to show the Norah lariat necklace ($95) - what a set they make!

Check out all their work at: www.twosistersjewelryboutique.com

To enter the giveaway:
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you).
2. Join the mailing list

giveaway : coquito designs [finished]

Congratulations to Beatriz - these earrings will be on their way to you soon!

I'm very excited about this weeks giveaway! It's for a pair of earrings from Coquito Designs' "alloy and earth" collection. The silver and gold are so delicious together - kind of makes me think there is some warm weather just around the corner!

To enter the giveaway:
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you).
2. Join the mailing list

good design : jesse danger

Yes, it's "good design" Thursday - the day that I get to feature in all their glory a designer who's work is environmentally friendly, sustainable or socially conscious - hopefully all 3. Now is does seem to me - and I have mentioned this before - that a great number of independent designers seem to follow some "good design" maxim. Which is even more reason to stock up on independent design.

Anyway, this week I came across designer Jesse Danger. His work is bold and modern - just the way I like it. But this is what makes him a "good designer" (1) he works with fair trade, recycled Argentium silver which is refined using environmentally friendly procedures, (2) his packaging is recycled and sustainable, (3) 5% of his profits go to Earthworks.

So, pop on over to his shop, buy some fabulous jewelry - and feel good about doing it!

hoop dreams

The 80's buzz these days has inspired me to find some super-fabulous hoop earrings. So backcomb your hair and put on a pair of these modern beauties!

FEATURING:
+ circular mahogany earrings, $38, orno
+ double disc earrings, $30 AUD, kitty fisher
+ half looped earrings, $105, lisa levine
+ silver + steel earrings, $100, megan auman
+ multi layer hoops, $28, mary + jane

Want to see a few more hoops? Check out my "hoop dreams" list in StyleHive.

rain, rain

I’m pretty lucky, weather wise - I live in California. No snow, except where you want it; no twisters or tornados. Yes, there’s the occasional earthquake and devastating forest fires, but apart from that…..

The point is that it’s a little stormy here at the moment and, if you paid close attention to the news, you would think the world was about to end. So this is my ‘homage’ to the inclement weather.

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ white vinyl rain coat, $39.99, modcloth
+ umbrellas, from $55, tray6
+ Coltrane cloud tee, $10, wooden shoes press
+ umbrella skateboard deck, $85, sprout studio
+ little rain cloud pendant, $8.50, imogen

what + coquito designs

I have just added coquito designs to the WHAT designers website.

I love the way jewelry designer Kristen Berge combines gold and silver in a way that is both bold and beautiful.

See more at the WHATdesigners.com and coquitodesigns.com

I'll have a chandelier

Okay the title sounds good to me, but I've had a cold and feel strangely serene after popping a couple of those "behind-the-counter" sudafeds.

I've noticed that chandeliers used for lighting have a fabulous modern feel while chandelier imagery as embellishment is very much vintage.

CLOCKWISE:
+ chandelier, grey design
+ coral chandelier, moth design
+ chandelier necklace, $21, junk posse
+ chandelier wall graphic, $29, one up
+ chandelier and damask cards, $12.99 for 6, papernosh

spotlight on: beth pohlman

I see a lot of absolutely fabulous jewelry. I would wear every piece I feature with joy. Then there are those unusual pieces that when I wake in the middle of the night I think.....I really should buy that black necklace (top left).

All of Beth Pohlman's jewelry is beautiful and just a little unusual - and all available through her online etsy store.

monochrome set

If you haven't noticed, damask and wallpaper motifs are oh so popular right now. I must admit that it has grown on me - obviously taking a while to adjust to the trend. Although, I couldn't truly appreciate the more colorful origins, I just love these pared down graphic retakes.

Once again, the boys got missed out on this post, but I have found a little damask action for them...stay tuned!

CLOCKWISE (from top left):
+ old news wallpaper, $85 / roll, ferm living available through design public
+ embellish bangle clutch, $49, posh by tori
+ damask card, $4, earmark
+ mismatch earrings, £90, hannah louis lamb
+ damask tee, $22, latak

bubblicious

Blowing bubbles and watching them float and pop against a background of blue sky is a simple pleasure. Trying to show your kids how to blow bubbles is not quite so relaxing, but hella fun!

I love all these pieces, but the piece that started me thinking about bubbles was Nina Dinoff's bubble ring (top left). Colorful, fun and modern. Nina Dinoff is part of WHAT designers and you can find some of her work in the store, the ring is available directly from the designer.

CLOCKWISE (from top left):
+ bubbles necklace, $22, junedesigns
+ multi colored buble ring, $40, nina dinoff jewelry
+ bubble necklace, $30, brevity
+ bubbly bubbles earrings, $8.50, jewelera
+ zen bubble ring, $42, the muses jewels

octopus me

Oooh, these saucy cephalopods are popping up everywhere I look....even in my email!

They are pretty clever creatures too; disguising themselves, opening jars, navigating mazes - plus expert baccarat players

Whether mythical monster or delicious dish - here are few items for everyone's taste.

TOP (l to r):
+ big head octopus pendant, $15, squid glass
+ hot pink octopus necklace, $20, relish dress
+ octopus sillouette necklace, $12.25, happy hour housewives

MIDDLE (l to r):
+ silk octopus tie, $20, jes switaj
+ "live" greeting card, $4, apak
+ octopus tee, $24, looking for fiddleheads

BOTTOM (l to r):
+ giant octopus buckle, $18, under the big top
+ kids octopus tee, $18, turtle papers

ring me

I am such a lucky girl! My husband recently returned from a conference in Vegas with a superb Teno ring. Now if I wasn't such a darn romantic, I might be asking myself "did something happen in Vegas that stayed in Vegas". Besides it was shiny and I didn't go beyond "it's shiny and it's mine!"

But sometimes the best gift can be loving yourself....and what better way to say "I love me" than buying yourself a shiny ring. Here are a few gorgeous rings to get you started.

CLOCKWISE (from top left):
: sprout ring, christine j brandt
: wrapped crystal ring, $121, anne maa designs
: zoe, $78, kiwi studios
: grass, $48, bella lulu
: square wood, $40, studio AMF
: owl, $28, kris nations
: gear ring, $65, imooi
: moon glow, $17.95, waterfall