Pretty, Fabulous...Etsy

A New Venture!

2010-04-01T16:16:00.002-06:00

Those of you who read my blog obviously know that I am obsessed with jewelry! In order to give myself yet another creative outlet for this passion, I have become an independent stylist for Stella & Dot. Their stuff is AMAZING and has been featured in fashion magazines such as Lucky, O the Oprah Magazine, InStyle, Good Housekeeping, and Cosmopolitan.

Since this blog is dedicated to Etsy, this is the only time I will post about my new venture. I just wanted to share my exciting news with all of my readers!

If you'd like to check out the Stella & Dot line, please visit http://stelladot.com/sites/mels

Or come and find me on Facebook or Twitter!

Facebook - Stella & Dot by Melodi Schooler, Independent Stylist

Twitter - mel0325

Thank you to all of you who support my styling passion through this blog!

Mel

Accessories: Not Just For Your Body Anymore

2010-03-19T23:52:00.003-06:00

One of the things I love most about spring is the promise of a garden. A flower garden, a vegetable garden, an herb garden...it doesn't matter what kind of a garden, I just love the smell of fresh cut grass, wet soil, colorful flowers, and fragrant herbs.

However, you should not mistake my love of promise for actual skill in creating a garden. I tend to kill things that are supposed to grow. Thus, the reason my husband and I don't have children yet. ;)

Anyway, whether you have a green thumb or a tendency to forget that plants need water to survive, every yard or garden needs a great accessory...or two...or three...or four. Check out some of my favorite garden accessories from Etsy.

These herb garden markers from Nina Gibson Designs are so cute, they almost make me want to try my hand at growing my own herbs. Almost.

I love this colorful mosaic birdbath from Gardens and Crafts. What little bird wouldn't be delighted to fly over and splash around in a bath as gorgeous as this one?

After the birds are finished with their bath, they can hang out in this shabby chic little birdhouse from Bacon Square Farm.

Express yourself with these rustic Live, Laugh, Love garden stakes from Metal Garden Art. If living, laughing, and loving aren't your style, you can choose from a variety of other words for your garden.

This amazing decoupaged basket from Nila Poff Custom Crafts is perfect for carrying around your garden tools and seed packets. If you're like me and just like the idea of gardening, this would be great as a craft basket instead.

I love the sound of wind chimes swaying in the summer breeze. I love them even more when they are as gorgeous as this stained glass creation from tskDesign. Hang this one on your front porch and you'll be the talk of the neighborhood.

Look closely at these little golden flowers from Lot 5 Studio. These charming garden guardians will keep watch over your flowers all season long.

I love the idea of this wine bottle hummingbird feeder from Glass Galore Gal. What a great way to recycle an old wine bottle while attracting the elusive hummingbird to your yard!

Soak up the sun in style with this pretty floral garden apron from Pamwares.

And finally, no garden is complete without its own garden gnome. This one from My Other Little Shop cracks me up!

I hope you enjoy accessorizing your real life garden as much as I've enjoyed shopping for my make believe one. :)

.

New Giveaway Winner!

2010-03-19T17:25:00.000-06:00

Since I did not hear from the original giveaway winner within the allotted timeframe, I have selected an alternate winner!

Random.org chose comment number 30, which means that Rachel is the new winner of this giveaway! (again, I did not count the one duplicate comment or the two comments that were posted after the deadline)

Rachel's comment was:

"I love, love, love Etsy!! I am really glad I found your blog because sometimes Etsy can be overwhelming and I love all of the things you post! Thanks for the giveaway!"

Rachel, please comment below and I will respond with my email address so that you can contact me to claim this amazing bracelet.

Thanks again to everyone who participated! I plan to do a giveaway once a month and have learned some new tricks to make them run a little more smoothly in the future. :)

And the winner is...

2010-03-15T21:50:00.001-06:00

Thank you all for your fabulous comments on the bracelet in my giveaway post below! I enjoyed reading them and am thrilled to have so many people interested in what Etsy has to offer!

I know I said I wasn't going to announce the winner until Wednesday but I had some free time tonight and I figured you guys wouldn't want to wait! :) Was I right??

As outlined in my giveaway rules, I did not count any duplicate comments nor did I count any of the comments that were posted after midnight MST on Sunday, March 14. Sorry guys, I wanted to make sure it was fair to those who posted in the allotted timeframe! I chose the winner randomly with Random.org.

So without further ado...the winner is...BROOKE!! Her comment was:

"I ADORE Etsy! It's such a wonderful place for people to connect with each other and help support each other. I love to tell others about it and am so glad I discovered it!"

Brooke, please post a comment to this post with your email address and I will contact you for your ship to address. :)

Thank you all for your participation in the first of what I'm sure will be many giveaways on my blog!

Attention Etsy Virgins!

2010-03-10T23:09:00.002-07:00

Besides providing a creative outlet for me to share all of the beautiful things I find on Etsy, this blog also gives me the opportunity to raise awareness for all of the amazing artists that make Etsy such a huge success.

With this in mind, it is with great pleasure that I announce my first Etsy giveaway!

Recently, I was poking around in some different shops looking for bracelets for a friend. By sheer luck, I stumbled upon Dolores Mederise 's shop and was instantly intrigued. Her decoupage bracelets are some of the coolest pieces I've discovered on Etsy!

Dolores has a wide variety of designs available in her shop ranging from edgy and raw (check out the Little Graffiti Grunge or the Love, Hugs, and Kisses) to sweet and delicate (take a look at the Dogwood or the Paisley II). I already have several favorites!

For my giveaway, I have chosen the Old World bracelet, which I think is one that anyone can appreciate and easily wear. The mix of yellow, orange, and aqua is striking yet soft and pretty and I love the swirling detail of the flowers and leaves.

According to the description, this bracelet was created with a lightweight aluminum base that has been decoupaged with a medium weight paper. Several coats of sealant were applied for shine and wear. It measures 7.75 inches and can be adjusted to fit your wrist.

I really think the winner of this giveaway will be thrilled with this fabulous find!

Here's how you can win!

1. You must be a subscriber or blog follower to qualify for this giveaway.

2. Please leave a comment! You can comment about my blog, about Etsy in general, or about this amazing bracelet, whatever suits your fancy!

3. Please log in and only comment once! Anonymous or duplicate entries will not be considered.

4. Comments will be accepted until Sunday, March 14 at midnight MST. No entries will be considered after that time.

5. Random.org will be used to pick the winning entry. I will announce the winner on Wednesday, March 17.

6. The winner must contact me within 24 hours to claim the prize and provide his/her mailing address.

A big thank you to all of you who have supported my blog since I started it! I love seeing your comments and I hope you are enjoying discovering all of the new and exciting things available on Etsy!

Make a Statement

2010-02-28T15:32:00.018-07:00

Hands down, my favorite outfit of all time is this white V-neck T-shirt that I bought at the Banana Republic Factory store and my dark wash Flirt jeans from Old Navy. If it's cold, I throw a blazer over the T-shirt and zip my tall black boots up under my jeans. If it's hot, I slip on my favorite flip flops or if I'm feeling adventurous, my bright red peep toe heels. If I could wear variations of this outfit everyday, I would.

As much as I love this outfit though, it gets a little boring sometimes. In this case and as I have stated in previous posts, this is where accessories come in. Lately, I've been going nuts over all of the beautiful statement necklaces that have been popping up all over the place on Etsy. It's so easy to take a simple outfit, throw on a cool, funky necklace, and make an impression. You don't have to be the most fashionable person in the world to do it. Anyone can take a blank canvas like a white t-shirt and jeans, pick out a long, layered necklace in gold or silver, or a short beaded or floral necklace in your favorite colors, and strut down the street like the confident, chic woman you know you are.

Here are some of my favorite necklaces from Etsy. I hope you find something that will help you make your own statement!

I am giddy over this gorgeous bib necklace from No Plain T's. The beautiful silvery grey color would be amazing with black, navy blue, or pewter grey tops or dresses and the detailing is insane. This is a mini version of her Poppy Necklace. If you like bigger necklaces, the larger size is available in red and in purple.

I love this fresh, summery necklace from Beads by Evelyn. The yellow filigree with the rose detail is just enough color to add a little sunshine to your favorite sundress or t-shirt.

I have this necklace from Wiyomu (shocking, right?) and it is absolutely one of my favorites. I wear it with just about everything. It's a great basic piece that's not too plain and not too fancy.

This necklace from Smadar's Treasure is definitely one of those pieces that makes an inexpensive outfit look expensive. The stylish asymmetrical shape, the beaded flower detail, the sparkle of the Swarovski crystals, and the gorgeous shades of blue are all well worth the investment.

I think I should look into being a paid advertiser for this next Etsy seller! I am in love with just about every item in Shlomit Ofir's shop. Everything she makes is the perfect balance of classic elegance mixed with subtle, beautiful details. If you buy only one thing from Etsy, buy something from her shop. You will not be disappointed. Here are a few of my favorite creations, I think they speak for themselves.

This sweet little butterfly necklace from Sparkle Peach is utterly irresistible. The antique brass finish lends a very vintage feel and the elaborate scrolls and swirls of the butterfly wings make this necklace so unique and special.

I am a sucker for necklaces that are created unexpected materials and in interesting textures. This next necklace from Paleolochic is probably not for everyone but honestly, for the price, I think everyone should have one! A little experimentation with something outside of your fashion comfort zone is a good thing! Personally, I love this necklace...the beautiful silk over the wooden beads is surprisingly fabulous. I have featured the pale gold color but it also comes in black, navy, and silver.

This necklace is also from Paleolochic. I love the coral color and the length is just perfect!

This cute little beaded flower necklace from Mornin Gloria's shop is so adorable, I couldn't resist posting it. The teal color of the beads is so gorgeous, this is definitely a great focal piece for your favorite jeans and t-shirt.

This lariat necklace from Gosia Meyer is so simple and sexy, perfect for showing some skin on a date night with your husband or a girls' night out.

Keep an eye on my blog in the next week or so, I am planning my first giveaway! :)

A Little Goes a Long Way

2010-02-20T14:51:00.010-07:00

I am a huge fan of accessories. I tend to dress in fairly simple clothing and then add dimension to my outfits with gorgeous jewelry, pretty scarves, and cool belts. Probably my favorite accessory is a fabulous pair of earrings. Whether it's a pair of dangly silver earrings, a sophisticated pair of matte gold hoops, or an understated pair of drop earrings with a colorful gemstone, this simple accessory can add instant glamour to any ensemble.

I purchase almost all of my earrings from Etsy. There is such a wide variety of styles available, it's impossible not to find something you love. Since I do buy earrings so often, I try to find stylish, pretty pairs that won't break the bank.

Here are some of my favorites for $20 or less. Enjoy!!

These delicate gold Moroccan earrings are from Ann's Crafts. I love the classic pearl paired with the intricate design of the gold filigree. Her shop seems to focus on bridal jewelry but she has a lot of pieces that are great for everyday or other special occasions. $15

These colorful sponge coral drop earrings are from seller Pat's Pretty Things. The perfect little pop of color for your little black dress or branch out and wear them with a turquoise top and dark jeans for spring. $12

I love these hammered brass ring earrings from Urban Heirloom. Simple yet stylish...you can wear them with anything but I think they would be especially pretty with all of the nautical styles that are so popular right now. $18

These rich blue sapphire earrings with underlying tones of sandy brown topaz make me dream of the ocean on a hot summer day. I have several pairs of earrings from Dreamy Vintage and they are every bit as gorgeous in person as they are in the pictures. $16

These beautiful silver chandelier earrings are from one of my favorite sellers, Roundabout. Lovely with an updo for a special event or twinkling from behind a curtain of hair with your most casual outfits. $18

These wood earrings from Anna's Jewels are my current obsession. I love the delicate colors of the flowers with the rich tone of the wood, they are absolute perfection for spring.

ETA: These earrings were recently featured on the front page of Etsy and sold out. I am keeping the picture up since many sellers can make duplicates of their items. If you are interested in these earrings, I encourage you to contact the seller! Here is another pair of similar earrings from this shop, a little different but equally beautiful. $14

These amazing silver and light sapphire earrings from Sora Designs are so pretty and fresh. They make me want to go lay on a blanket in the park and gaze up at a light blue summer sky. That's really the only comparison I can make to this beautiful blue color. $16

This gorgeous pair of pink gold plated filigree earrings are from Shlomitofir, another one of my favorite sellers. The elegant filigree details dangle from thin hoops so that they swing effortlessly with each toss of your head and the Swarovski crystals at the bottom give you a little extra sparkle. $18

These 3 tier brass and green drop earrings from Neke Designs are interesting and unique without being too far out there. I think they would look great with a cute navy or ivory top and a ponytail to really show them off. $18

For those who don't care for dangly earrings, here are some of my favorite stud earrings.

I am loving all of the corals and pinks that are showing up in abundance this spring and these pretty coral rose earrings from Chrys Designs Jewelry are perfect for those who want to experiment with the color palette but may not want to commit to a coral top or dress. $7

I love these two simple designs from Shlomitofir. Both come in silver or gold and add a little understated elegance to any outfit. Perfect for everyday. The silver scrolls are $17 (gold are $18) and the twisted hoops are $19 (silver and gold are the same price).

I love these ceramic post earrings from Sofia Masri. The floral design and pretty saffron color are just too cute. Wear them with white, navy, green, ivory, and any other color that suits your fancy. $15.99

The addition of a simple or elaborate pair of earrings can take any outfit from "just okay" to "just stunning"! I hope you enjoy shopping for your own perfect pair!

Personal Shopping Service?

2010-02-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

I really hope this blog has inspired you to visit Etsy and do some searching for your own favorites!

However, if wading through all of the search results for "earrings" or "necklace" or "handbag" becomes too tedious, let me help!

Some of my friends have suggested that I offer an Etsy personal shopping service. You tell me what you are looking for, I do the searches and the sifting through hundreds of results, send you some options, and hopefully, you like them enough to buy something!

I'm going to offer this as a FREE service for now just to see how it goes. What do you think? Is this the kind of service you could use to choose a unique gift, find an amazing dress or jewelry for a special event, or maybe even some new napkins or glassware for your home?

Etsy has so much to offer and I am here to help you find that perfect gift for yourself or someone else.

Please let me know your thoughts on this service in the comments. Thank you!

Inspiration: Beautiful Bags

2010-02-16T02:13:00.005-07:00

I love a great bag. Be it a functional shoulder bag for my laptop or a colorful little clutch that only holds my Chapstick and keys, I like whatever I'm holding or wearing on my shoulder to stand out in a crowd. I love bright colors, interesting textures, adorable details and cool patterns but I'm also a sucker for a fabulous neutral that goes with everything in my closet.

Here are some of the great bags I've discovered on Etsy:

This bag is from seller Morelle . Her bags are a bit pricey but they are beautifully crafted and definitely worth the splurge.

These next two bags are from seller Bayan Hippo . This emerald green color is to die for and the lemonade color is so fresh and bright.

I love this little grey wristlet from Handbags by Daphne . Perfect for those occasions when you don't want to carry a clutch but a large bag doesn't really fit the bill. I think the little brooch adds a little something extra. This bag comes in yellow, orange, black, olive, and brown as well.

This is a great plum colored bag from Infusion. The pleats add some detail to an otherwise plain bag. If you aren't obsessed with all things purple the way I am, this bag also comes in several other colors.

These leather satchels in classic shapes and rich colors are from Art on Crafts.

This is another classic from Christy Studio. You can never have too many black clutches!

This leaf print purse from Lotta Helleberg was created with the imprints from actual leaves, making each piece one of a kind. An adorable addition to your spring/summer wardrobe.

This is a pretty navy blue clutch with a lime green flower detail from Emma Gordon London . Still trying to think up an excuse to buy this gorgeous little bag!

The pattern on this little clutch from seller Shakuyaku lends an interesting touch to a neutral color palette.

Last but definitely not least, the two clutches that have completely stolen my heart. These colorful beauties are from Red Ruby Rose. Gorgeous!!

Happy hunting for your perfect bag on Etsy!!

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

2010-02-15T23:00:00.005-07:00

I've been purchasing handmade and vintage items on Etsy since 2007. My first purchase was a birdcage veil that I was planning to wear for my wedding. From the very beginning, I was hooked. I moved on to purchase my wedding garter, then earrings, the charm I attached to my wedding bouquet, jewelry for my bridesmaids, my wedding programs, menu cards, and escort cards, and everything in between. I have made a total of 115 purchases on this fantastic site.

For my first post, I thought I would post some items from my favorite clothing sellers. I haven't necessarily purchased from all of these sellers but they all definitely have items on my wish list. I hope this list gives you some ideas so that you can discover your own favorites!
One of my very favorite sellers is Lirola. Combine rich, beautiful colors with effortless styles and you have perfection. Here are some of my current favorites:

This color is seriously amazing and who doesn't love ruffles and a little flower detail? No one I want to know. :) (available in other colors if coral/pink is not your style)

Another gorgeous color and a fit that will flatter all shapes and sizes. (available in other colors as well)

This cardigan should be a staple for all wardrobes. It's so romantic, yet versatile. This comes in several lovely colors too.

Another one of my favorite clothing sellers is Riordan Roache. Take a look at some of her amazing pieces.

I love this sweet little dress. Throw it on during those hot summer months with some sandals and a great pair of earrings and voila!

I'm a little obsessed with this swing coat.

I just discovered this amazing shop and it's already one of my favorites, Sandmaiden. Check out some of her looks.

What's not to love about this chic little wrap top?

Not loving the pose in this photo but I am loving the high V-neck collar and the little ruffled sleeves. Freaking adorable. What a great twist on a plain old T-shirt. (also comes in other colors)

These are really just a few of my favorites, there are way too many to mention in one post! Please go visit these shops and then beat your own path to the other fabulous clothing designers at Etsy!

Etsy Who?

2010-02-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this blog, you probably belong to one of two groups of people. The first group is made up of what I like to call the "secret keepers". You know about Etsy, you shop on Etsy, maybe all of the truly unique items you own came from Etsy. You hold the secret in your pocket, like a treasure, and pat yourself on the back whenever you make a new discovery in the fabulous world of handmade and vintage items that is Etsy.

The other group of people is what I lovingly call the "unenlightened." This is not an insult by any means (note that I "lovingly" say this) but simply an observation of those who have not yet stumbled into the great abyss that is Etsy. Trust me, once you discover this site, you will wonder why you ever shopped on any other website! You will also wonder where all the money in your bank account went, thus the "abyss" description. ;)

The first time you visit the Etsy website, you might feel a little overwhelmed. I know I did. There are so many categories! So much to choose from! So much to explore! Where do you start?

That's where I come in. I have found so many wonderful things on Etsy that I felt I needed to share my finds with someone. I thought it was a shame to keep so many items and sellers secretly displayed in my "Favorites" tab just for me to gaze at several times a day.

This thought brought me to the creation of this blog. I want to share my finds with anyone who wants to look at them. I'd love to inspire someone out there to explore the world of handmade and vintage. Perhaps one of my finds will encourage someone to visit Etsy and try to find their own magical, unique pieces.

It's not the noblest of causes, obviously. I'm not trying to save the world through shopping. But hey, a little fashion and beauty can certainly brighten someone's day and I think that does make the world a better place.

Welcome to Pretty, Fabulous...Etsy. A blog inspired by the world of handmade and vintage. Enjoy.