j*

Even though I've been in the great Pacific Northwest since...'98...my heart still lies in NYC. Once you're from the Bronx, you're from the Bronx, you know? Anyway, as I was browsing Etsy for some NY photographs to decorate my apartment I came across this little stunner.

[NY Skyline Ring. Imontoya on Etsy. $98.]

Wow, what a piece of work. Such delicate craftsmanship, not to mention creativity! It's pieces like these that make me want to get into metalworking. The Empire State Building, of course, is the centerpiece of this ring but the rest of the skyline looks legitimately accurate, too! This is the perfect gift for a gal who's dreaming of NY.

I'm all about the dainty, elegant designs that suit small women so well. Imagine my joy when I came across Whiteowl on Etsy--these two designers make jewelry from a collection of floral lace, pearls, tulle, sequins, and beads. Sound like a lot? Well take a look for yourself. They are just showy, statement-necklace enough but not gaudy. We've seen a lot of big and bold necklaces this season, so I love how these lace necklaces are subtly different from that trend but still totally fabulous. The prices can't be beat either for this high level of craftsmanship!

[Mariachelle lace necklace. Whiteowl @ Etsy.com]

I'm grabbing myself one of these before they sell out--which nearly of 1/3 of the store already has since the last time I checked (which was yesterday)! Hurry up before they're gone and you're left with a sad feeling you're missing something. Just imagine what you could dress up with this little gem! A strapless black dress in only the beginning...

There is a shoeaholic in all of us. Unfortunately, we can't always have THE heels we want, so sometimes we settle. But now there is no need to settle, because now you can have custom-made, handpainted shoes JUST for you on Etsy. Look at this treausre of a shop I stumbled upon today:

[Tribute to Ms. Lai shoes. Size customizable. $200.00]

I know these are pricey, but all custom orders come with a hefty tag. Besides- bragging rights for having  handpainted shoes can't be measured in money, you know! I love the flower design on these, so delicate but with a little bit of POW. These strike me more as "shoes" whereas some of their other creations seem they should be kept on the top mantle as art. A great colloboration between 2 artists, no one will ever have the same pair of heels as you. Send this link to your significant other and stop dropping hints...who knows how long it'll take him to catch on ;-)

Okay, I know the weather is getting hot and we are all sweaty these days, but I couldn't help but sigh over this amazing leather jacket that shopittome.com sent me this morning. It is THE jacket I've been looking for in the hottest shade of the last few seasons--gray! But a delightful dove grey, not a nasty muddy gray like I've seen some other designers get tangled up with. To me, there are only 2 types of gray: light dove and charcoal. Everything else is just wrong. Check it out:

[Marc by Marc Jacobs Glove Jacket. Shopbop. $558.]

Yes, it eats up 2 of my paychecks but can you say amazing? I love the covered buttons and the contoured bottom hem for a hint of sexy. The collar is so interesting and the pleated shoulders are THE thing this season. You can't see from this picture but the back has great detailed inverted pleating also. The only thing I don't like about this jacket is the hook and eye closure...I hate buttons that don't do anything. From past experience hook and eye jackets have an odd fit for my body. But all in all, this jacket is lustworthy. If I had money to spare, this is at the top of my list (and I already have a leather jacket). Petite girls--lucky you, this is currently still available in a size 0!

So recently I was directed to Etsy.com, a wonderful site for buying and selling handmade items. Seeing I've been in the market for a 30" vintage necklace for a while, I beelined to the locket section under necklaces. I did find the most spectacular array of necklaces, but look what else I discovered!

[KellyisNice. Leather, vintage gold. $48.]

Is that not the most beautiful thing you've ever seen? It's so dramatic but in a quiet way, so vibrant and so confident. I would wear it with a strapless black dress everyday. I love how uniquely sexy it is and just how easy it would be to wear. Of course my closet is all black and white, but this necklace could also work for an array of muted colors like brown or ivory.

I love Seattle for its flair, its diversity, its fantastic Chinese food, and how can I forget the 6AM joggers who inspire me to be more active out of fencing? Yet the thing I truly admire Seattle for is its forward-looking thinking about sustainability. I was lucky enough to help the Zella Company put on the 1st Green Fashion Week in 2007 (huge success!!), and the other day I came across a boutique which exemplified everything that is so lush and green about Seattle. Let me introduce...Rose la biche a.k.a. "Rose the doe"!

This is a designer all about designing in tune with the environment. All her clothes are from American Apparel--fair trade cotton--but made with a whimsical twist. I can just see myself wearing the "SOL" tee into the ground; it is so pretty, dainty and amazingly comfortable. In a time where runway-only couture is slowly moving towards ready to wear collections, Rose la biche exemplifies the reason we are in fashion in the first place. We aren't looking to wear the oddly shaped, ripped up designs from Gareth Pugh--unless you're Beyonce of course--we are trying to find something to express our personalities in a confident and sustainable way! Talk about a win-win situation here. So, all those men looking for Valentine's gifts or those ladies looking to treat themselves I say go ahead and do it!

I consider myself lucky since I didn't have to search for the perfect leather jacket this season. I got mine in Florence, Italy--a fireproof cognac-colored leather blazer. For those who are still looking (and for good reason, they are comfy, fashionable, and warm!) I've found the perfect investment piece.

Happy New Year's, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful and fashionable beginning of the new year. As I finally came 'home' home to visit my parents, I got to get my fashion mag fix of the month. Talk about an hour sitdown with Harper's, Lucky, Glamour, and all the catalogs that came in. As I felt inspiration running through my veins again, I saw the most amazingly unique piece of jewelry in Lucky. It's stunning.

[Cotton-blend and gold vermeil necklace. Aplusrstore.com. $130.]

Okay, it's pricey for just one necklace. But honestly, this one piece has changed how I view the powerful effect of accessories. Can you imagine this with a black turtleneck in the winter, or over a summery chiffon blouse in the summer? Yes, it's absolutely elaborate and will draw plenty of attention (the good kind) but it's 1) not ridiculous -- those baubles and huge beaded necklaces are so impracticable and 2) it's lightweight, so you don't look like a slumpy log. Of course this statement piece shouldn't have to compete with the rest of the outfit, so the complete ensemble should be simple (I'm seeing black shift dress with nude pumps) and this can just come in to WOW the crowd. Love.

What did I discover while browsing UO? Something totally fabulous that I fell in love with, of course. I present to you, the latest concept in dressy casual: the tux cardi.

Just yesterday my mother's overly priced shiseido skin whitening cream arrived, and I wallowed in my $96 investment which only produced a 1.7oz cream. Sigh. Only for my mother am I so foolish.

Anyhow, to ease the pain I knew I would endure, I ordered myself a nice pair of shoes alongside my mother's gift. I finally got to try them on yesterday (I'd been nervous, shoes never fit me), and they are magnifique! Let me introduce you to the latest addition to my closet: