Stylish with Substance

Knitted bags are somehow not around the mainstream shops this season, instead, it's slippers. I wish it were shoes, but ah, no. Not this year anyway, though trends tend to evolve each year - something to look forward to. But winter 'tis the season for cozying our toes, anyway. Let the flats come back in Spring, after all!

Shop by budget:

Impressive:

Juicy Couture - on sale for $46

Recessive:

Old Navy - on sale for $10

Constructive: (crochet pattern)

UnRavel Me (on Etsy) - $4.50

*Warning: this post might be inspired by humbleness, and therefore doesn't sugarcoat my faults.*

So with my personal weaknesses it's likely a real killer that I still get paid when I don't -well- work --on the blogs. Sure I have to come back eventually, and I could make more if I updated like mad, but this fall I've felt very ill, so I just depended on getting by.

And even when better, after not blogging for a while, I face the oddest writer's block. Every. single. time.

And I haven't even been selling old bags on the bay like I should - it's just an upsetting/daunting thing to do, I guess.

But I decided to end my break from creating accessories and crafty/knitty goodies. And what started as "try out selling on Etsy.com again before gift-buying stops" turned into addiction and over-time-consuption just like that site tends to inspire.

Although somehow I haven't been all that "product"-ive with what's published on my new shop (Ella Mode Made @ Etsy). I'm a "terrible" perfectionist and it's been hard to get new photos up to my standard. That combined with the slowness of knitting and getting "start this new design project" fever (before finishing the current---the many current) - I'm not really making headway with "finished objects" either.

collage features a Flickr photo of a grey sky by Green Velvet.
depicts: actual grey FL skies, photography issues, sore knitter's
wrists, sewing machine annoyances, me adoring my online work,
lack of money and waiting for snail mail supplies.

Really even though I just had my 27th birthday and have been living on my own for a year, I'm far from being a grown up. I just ... well ... stink. At life? Le sigh.

But at least I have talents, and when I use them enough I have good work. Soon, maybe not soon enough, but soon I will have a stocked product catalog and regular blog entries. And money. Oh yeah........that green stuff, right? Heh.

It's pretty "stinky" that being disabled forces me to not work well for others, yet I can't even force myself to work enough, period. (It's like when in a class the teacher doesn't check homework.) And government help? It's not perfect, but I we have HOPE. And that inspires me.

Also I have about a week straight to be alone and work, because my BFF is away, and that combined with writing more about what else I'm involved with (I know I've said it before); mainly indie, will help this site be "stocked" with words. I might even add a few related features, but by now you know me and my lack of sticking to plans.

Or is that to say falling through on promises? I think I must start my new year resolution early, and that is to follow the mantra, "What would Barack do?"

You know, if he were only a slightly less awesome, design-y/writer chick. ;-)

*P.S. It didn't really fit into the article, but I also have my own domain/shop for Ella Mode at http://ellamo.de :-) .

I'm not a trend follower of late, but the announcement of this one excited me for a very important reason. Seeing the hot, neon, sparkly, etc. pumps on the show What Not to Wear started my love for shoes, which brought on this blog, which introduced me to handbags, and ultimately that led to my handbag line I'm finally ready to start!

But back to the blog for now, and well the shoes..

Reports say bright shoes are in for Spring. Fun! Cute, and definite excitement in your steps.

I'd like to go over some "hot" (pun intended, as per usual) choices in different categories ...

First, fashionista in different price points:

$$$$$ Manolo Blahnik
Velour Brooch Slide $645

$$$ Banana Republic
Shielded Sandal $78

$$ Not Rated
Juicy $43

$ Forever 21
Sweetheart Flip Flop $5.80

Different types of shoes:

Sneaker Flat
Piper Lime

Indie Designer
Etrelles

Rain Boots
Kamik

... I guess this is women taking fashion back from the gays?

What do you think?

According to this article, the show is being opened up to more middle-aged designers, as well. Fits with Lifetime, right? Right on for all ages, but I hope the show and the styles don't turn into the carp-hole that is the Lifetime Network. Television for feminist housewives.

Also, big bitch slap to the Style Network and WE, huh? Snap.

Do you give your lady high-priced items or more fairly priced yet quality gems?

Well, here are some ruby jewelry options for three budgets:

Budget Blower:

Cushion-Cut Ruby Ring
highest price, but synthetic stone,
plus cubic zirconia accents
by Fantasia by DeSerio
$630

Quality Keeper:

Poinsettia Flower Pendant/Necklace
with 5 ct. center ruby, fine silver
by Lucinda Fox Wood

$299

Passionate Cheap Thrill:

Jewels of My Heart
shaded rubies & sterling silver
by Sky Dreams

$89

Notice the materials get more quality, truer gems or silver, when the price decreases? Take a lesson. Although the fake ruby and the "fine" silver (aka silver plated, etc.) look more expensive, and are more expensive, they're less of the "true" fineries. Hmmmm?

That being said, there's nothing wrong with fine silver, or any of these items. But $630 for faux stones is wrong, imho. Thanks, Needless Markup.

I've been putting off debuting my shop and my own items, thinking, "I'm not ready!" and "I want the optimal day/time/exposure!" Oh bah. Stop procrastinating. My readers need to see this! I'm going to feature one of my items every week, so as not to over do it. ;-)

My designer company name is Milly & Nans, and I stress everything yarn, knitting and crochet accessories. I have lots of jewelry made and eventually will have lots of great purses.

What you see here is a large coin purse, knitted, with a zipper and a bracelet wrist strap and decorative button. It features a gathered design and is fully lined. It measures 4.5" x 3". Price: $14. Buy here on Etsy! Craving another colour? "Convo" me through Etsy!

This was the first purse I've ever made, but I have more in the works for Fall.

*Update* What I meant was it's the first purse I ever designed and made. It's still the only style of which I've brought to life, but I'm working on another and more are waiting to be made!*

My shop address is www.millyandnans.etsy.com and the blog is at www.millyandnans.com! (The ad to the left is moi, easily clickable anytime!)

Yes, congratulations to me, I'm starting my dream! And I'm really enjoying it. :-D

Since Rihanna's new single, "Umbrella", features mon nom I just have to feature today's "treasury" selection on the front page of Etsy.com: all rain and umbrellas!

A treasury, until items sell out, is actually always available when you click on the creator's username. You learn something new every day, huh? Here is the link for this Rain Rain Go Away collection.

Of course, if you are just now learning for the first time about Etsy's existence, get to shopping! All indie, all hand made. Oh yes. I'll wait here. (Or at Etsy, myself.)

Sparkle and charm with America-themed jewelry from Etsy sellers.

 

Diva $$$: American Icons Charm Bracelet: $70

Fashionista $$: Lampwork Bead Bracelet: $22

Budgetista $: Shooting Star Fireworks Earrings: $14

Here is a simple yet symbolic & bold tote that just screams "HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!"

 

This purse was not sewn by Betsy Ross, but handmade (in America, no doubt) by Etsy seller, Angel Kisses. Buy for $14.99.

 

Maria Palma is a dear Internet friend of mine, and you know her well from blogging at The Runway Scoop. And if that's true you probably are familiar with her own designed jewelry, or at least remember a mention here and there. Salon de Maria is the blogger's other job, with fine hand-made jewelry and even home-designed greeting cards. Pictured above is one of her creations.

You can browse and luckily buy from her shop on Etsy, and while you're there, you may find yourself lost in the other independent jewelers and gosh - just anything that can be made with two hands! Fun. Thanks to indie jewelry designers, or any apparel and accessory makers working from their own homes, the public (you!) can look more attractive and stay unique!

And of course, keep reading Maria's thoughts on the workings of haute couture at www.therunwayscoop.com!

One last note, this designer jewelry offers EXTREME bargains! I ordered one piece, so trust me on this! Order order order before that silly girl realizes she should raise her prices considerably! Your gain is well ... her sale at least!