Etsy Find of the Day: Onyx Ring

$685 Antique Onyx and diamond ring

The diamond in the upper left corner is a round mine cut diamond set in a hexagonal mount, which I think sets it off and makes it look bigger. It is one of the Art Deco settings I like most.
The setting of the diamond also plays nicely against the elongated octagon of the onyx it is set into.

The black onyx is smooth and shiny and a good canvas for the painted decoration on it.
The lines painted on remind me of an old fashioned film plate, you know what I mean?

Etsy Find of the Day: Red Leather bucket tote

$139 Red shoulder bag

This would be a really good work bag, good for holding your lunch and a magazine and whatever else you need. It looks sleek and professional and doesn't have too much decoration, but still stands out because of the bright color and gold hardware.
Classic.

Really Ugly Really Expensive Swimsuit

With a title like that, you gotta want to see more, no?
I found this lovely item browsing 6pm.com:

$349 Michael Kors Lux belted python cutout maillot
First of all, when you see that many words used to describe a <1 yard piece of material, you know you are about to be ripped off.

Here is how I think the design process for this bathing suit went:

"Hmm, women always say: I want to wear a bikini, but I'm a little too modest.
I know, I'll get one of those mono-kinis everyone is talking about!
Yeah, this is awesome, no one can tell I have a belly button at all!
Oh wait, I am worried about my love handles and stomach flab.
Well, belts solve everything...
I am going to belt it.
Done. Awesome. Sell it."

Etsy Find of the Day: Sheer vintage dress

$225 Sheer Vintage lace dress

This is a very pretty sheer dress with lace at the neck and small buttons down the back.
Over a bright slip, it would look neat and unexpected.

Another view:

What do you think of designer kids clothes?

This article highlights some parents who buy their children the latest designer fashions, costing hundreds of dollars.

What do you think about pricey kids clothes?
I don't have any kids but I am pretty sure that when and if I do, they are not going to be wearing Lanvin dresses. Hell, I don't even wear those things.
But honestly I would not even buy kids the designers I can afford and wear.
It seems like such a waste to spend a lot on something they will outgrow so quickly and probably barf or crap on depending on their age.

My view of designer pieces is that they are ok when they are investments in something you will get a lot of use out of and have for a long time.
I wouldn't buy a trendy neon designer top because who knows how long neon will be in?
I wouldn't really even buy a designer gown since I wear them so infrequently and the cost per wear would be so great.
Designer bags or work outfits or shoes are what I would invest in.

Buying designer items for kids totally goes against my system for what o spend money on.

Plus, if your kid was wearing $300 pants, wouldn't yoube worried the whole time she was playing outside with her friends that she was going to rip or stain them?

I would rather have my imaginary kids focus on other things than fashion, even as much as I like it.

While it is true that clothes telegraph messages about who you are and how you want to be perceived, the primary purpose of clothing is to protect your body from the elements. Let's not forget that. You don't need expensive skirts to do that.
And if it is true that what you wear reflects something about you, do you really want your kids to be known or their fancy clothes instead of their personalities or even their own senses of style from the outfits they choose to put together?

Special occasions like a family wedding or the first day of school or a birthday or something might be a time to spend a little more, but there are ways to find a fancy new outfit and feel like you are dressing up without buying a super expensive designer piece.

Two thumbs down for me.

Back on track, and at camp

Sorry for the unexplained hiatus there, I was switching jobs and taking some time off!
But now I am back (sort of, I am lining up posts for you to see while I am off at camp in Maine).



Speaking of which, you should know about this awesome camp for disadvantaged girls that I volunteer at every year.
I'll copy and paste bc I am lazy:

"The Main Idea is an extraordinary and distinctive 10-day camp experience for girls, ages 9-14, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend summer camp.

Sharing the same idyllic setting as Camp Walden in Denmark, Maine, The Main Idea provides a closely knit, family oriented camp environment which allows each girl the opportunity to fully develop her own personality and skills.

The closeness, friendships, and bonds that develop among campers of different age groups, counselors, and staff are all ingredients in The Main Idea's special mix of warmth and spirit.

Although the girls are together for only 10 days, many of the friendships formed continue to grow long after their magical summer experience has ended."

Also, you can donate!
$1,500 sends a girl to camp
$500 buys t-shirts for all Main Idea campers
$150 pays for a campground for one night
$40 buys a camper a sleeping bag
Or you can give whatever you feel like! Anything helps us keep the program going.

Etsy Find of the Day: Dot tie

$9 Vintage men's dot tie

The fun primary colors and geometric shapes make this tie pop.
If you wore this with a retro suit, it would look very Mad Men.
Even if just a little of it peeked out from under a v neck sweater (over a button-down), it owuld liven up an outfit.

Word to the Wise: Sample Sales this week

Issey Miyake women's wear

Issey Miyake men's wear

Issey Miyake 

Deal: Deep discounts on various lines of men's and women's clothing at the designer's sample sale.

When/Where: Tuesday, August 14th, 9am—4pm. Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, fourth floor (212-226-1334)

This looks like a fun sale, and it's conveniently by Union Square so I might go check it out.

Lauren Merkin

Deal: Up to 70% off handbags, clutches, and accessories, including limited editions, plus a bargain box starting at just $30

When/Where: Tuesday, August 14th through Thursday, August 16th. Daily 11am—7pm. Lauren Merkin Showroom, 231 W. 29th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, suite 201 (212-239-2459).

I've been to this sale before and gotten great deals in the bargain box, including a striped clutch for my sister

Brooklyn Fox

Deal: 20% to 40% off all summer items with further markdowns to come. A silk Tibi dress is $264 (was $440), and a Mara Hoffman printed cross-back dress is $198 (was $264)

When/Where: Wednesday, August 8 through Wednesday, August 15. Mon—Fri 12pm—8pm, Sat—Sun 12pm—7pm. 200 Bedford Ave between N. 5th and N. 6th Sts (718-388-7010)

I'm still searching for the perfect Mara Hoffman piece to own, but I'm not sure I want to schlep out to Williamsburg to find it.

Lotus Bridal

Deal: Up to 80% off bridal gowns, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, prom dresses, mother-of-the-bride gowns, veils, headpieces, and jewelry at the store's annual blowout sale. Appointment only.

When/Where: Thursday, August 9th through Monday, August 13th. Daily 11am—6pm. 1822 Avenue U between E.18th and E.19th Sts, Sheepshead Bay (718-332-4385)

Don't get excited, I'm still not engaged or looking for dresses. This just seemed like a good deal for anyone out there who is. There might be dresses for galas or special occasions that aren't bridal, as well.

Etsy Find of the Day: White Curved Vase

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80s small ceramic white and gold pot vase

$12 Ceramic vase

I think this would look even better with weird pom-pom-like flowers coming out of the top. Or some strange seeds and leaves.

"Small, adorable small pot vase in white Bavarian ceramic with
genuine gold edging.

Suitable for candlelit dinners, romantic dates, valentine's..

Approx. size: 2,5 x 3,5" (6 x 9 cm)."

Groupon deal on Molecular Cocktail kit

$29 Molecule-R cocktail r-evolution kit (was $77)
Available on Groupon through Sunday

This kit comes with a bunch of additives in pre-measured packets and a recipe book so you can make crazy cocktails with foam and gel things and generally impress your friends as they get drunk.

Save the most impressive drink for last so everyone's like WHOOoooaaaaaa

Sign up through my link and I'll get some credit!

Etsy Finds of the Day: Faceted glass knobs

$5.99 for a set of 2 faceted glass knobs

These could  be used as draw pulls on your dresser, desk, kitchen cabinets, etc.

They would look so nice with a turquoise paint job or a clean white piece of furniture

Orla Kiely and Method pretty soap bottles

$3.99 Orla Kiely for Method hand soap

Designer Orla Kiely is teaming up with Method to make a line of liquid soaps.

You can buy them online at the Method website or at Target stores.
If you buy from the Method website, enter code RMLE7876 and you'll get 20% off!

Each fragrance comes with a different pattern.
I like the primrose pattern (above) the best, but I am not sure what they smell like yet!

In addition to the gel hand soap, there is also a spray bottle, a dish soap, and foaming hand soap. I think a set of them would be a great housewarming gift:

Etsy Find of the Day: Copper disk earrings

$33 If You're Going to San Francisco earrings

These dangly earrings have copper disks featuring a floral design.
Many different techniques were used to create these earrings, and I like to see them mixed. The  flowers have pierced centers, engraved petals, and stamped leaves.
The textures will make them shine and reflect light in cool, eye-catching ways when you wear them.

Bags to buy from the Barney's Warehouse Sale

For the first time, this year Barney's warehouse sale is happening online in addition to in person in the NY and LA locations.
Instead of elbowing grabby lizard women to get some roughed-up items, I'd much rather pleasantly and quietly shop online.

The only bad thing is that you can't try things on, but that's ok if you are buying a purse. They always seem to fit. :)

$99 Marc Jacobs quilted key pouch (was $225)
Super cute and would make a great gift

$969 Givenchy python miniaudiere (was $1,945)
Pretty pink blush color, and classy gold chain and clasp

$599 Nina Ricci tall beach tote (was $1,535)
This would be a great work bag. It has a detachable braided strap and a lot of room inside.

$899 Proenza Schouler tiki clutch stingray (was 2,160)
I love stingray! It's such a cool texture and really durable.
The rounded design of this bag is lady-like, and the bar on top is cool

Etsy Find of the Day: Deco style tennis bracelet

$2,475 Vintage 14k white gold and diamond tennis bracelet

Ask me how much I love round diamonds in octagonal or hexagonal settings.... THIS MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(That's a lot).

This bracelet is deco-inspired but made recently. It has a bunch of little diamonds in white gold 
 hexagons with engraved lines on the second hexagon outline.

I have a feeling that the pictures aren't doing it justice and that this will be a real sparkler in person.

Who wants to get it for me?
I promise I'd wear it every day and even in the shower and to bed!

Fun kitchen items from ThinkGeek

$12.99 Equal measure cup
"Laboratory-grade borosilicate glass with the standard ounce and milliliter graduation-marks, but if you look closer - you'll find marks for "volume of half a human brain," and "water in a cumulus cloud the size of a bus."
Holds 20 ounces, or as many grains of flour as there are people on Earth "

$14.99 Splash of milk bowl
This is silicone and not porcelain like I at first thought (and hoped), but I guess that means it is safer for kids

$15.99 Bacon candle
Wake your household up with the smell of bacon, and when they get into the kitchen surprise them with a bowl of kale instead :(

$19.99 Mushroom growing kit
Guys, this is getting ridiculous. I have posted mushroom kits and cheese kits a bunch of times now and STILL no one has gotten me one. Get on top of this.

$24.99 Personal pie kit
This comes with the lollipop sticks and the display and pan to cook the pies in. You make them yourself though, which I guess could be fun but I kind of just want a pie already.

Etsy Find of the Day: Vintage milkshake maker

$20 Vintage yellow Van Wyck drink mixer

Do you know someone who wants to open an old fashioned soda shop? Or decorate some retro restaurant?
This would be perfect.
It's not working, but it is colorful and instantly recognizable. 

Maybe you could just put it above the cabinets where you can't reach and everything is basically for show anyway?

5 Dresses to buy at the Saks Consolidation Sale

Saks is having its annual consolidation sale, and there are a bunch of bargains in the mix. Many items are still pricy, I mean, it's still Saks, but there are some dresses that I think are good deals at the price and worth it.

My picks:

$199.20 Lafayette 148 Sylvia linen dress (was $498)
This is a great A-line sheath dress with a fully covered neckline and a digital print of a city shoreline on it.
So fun!

$88.80 ABS Scoopneck dress (was $148)
Very nice body skimming shape on this dress. I like the contrast of the neutral tone and the black edging. This dress looks comfortable and good for day or night.

$130 Tory Burch Atley dress (was $325)
The cheerful print on this dress really makes it. The shape is classic and can go from the office to a party or out to brunch, but the Orla Kiely-esque leaves on the dress really pop. The length is modest enough to go visit grandma, too. Very useful.

$75.20 Ella Moss Printed maxi dress (was $188)
I am very much considering this dress. I still want a maxi but haven't gotten one of the chevron stripe ones I posted about before.
The colors are really vibrant, and the pattern is crazy with all the zig zags.
I went to the Ella Moss sample sale a few weeks ago but walked away empt handed because the two maxis I found there were not quite what I wanted. I was proud of myself for walking away, especially since they were marked down to $60 from over $200. But now this one is on sale for $75, and I like it a lot, so I am thinking about it.

$118 T by Alexander Wang silk jumpsuit (was $295)
Ok so this isn't a dress, per se, but it is super cute.
And silk!
Imagine silk all over your body. MMMMMmmmm
The reviews of this say it is for teeny girls with no hips, so not for me, but if you have a straight figure, please get this and wear it everywhere!
You could wear it to work with a blazer over it, and then put on a crazy necklace or earrings and go out at night.

Etsy Finds of the Day: Art Nouveau car picture frames

$18.99 Vintage Art Nouveau brass picture frames

When I first saw these, I thought they were dragonfly earrings.
But when I looked closer I saw that these are actually the fronts of old cars, with a space in the middle for a photo.

These would be very pretty on a nightstand or mantle with one person in each one.
They are small, approximately 1 1/2" long by 2" wide, so good for a face.

30% off and free shipping from Tarte

It's Tarte friends and family time, which means you get 30% off and free shipping until Aug 6 when you spend over $40.
Use code FFAUG at checkout!

Here's how I think you should spend it (Prices are before the 30% discount):

$30 Tarte Cheek stain 
I really love mine, and I'm still on my first container even though I use it 2x/week and bought it over a year ago (I know, throw out old makeup, blah blah not going to happen)
True love is my color.

$32 Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay tinted moisturizer spf 20
This is their equivalent of a BB cream, and I've tried a sample at Sephora and it was pretty good. Goes on smooth, light coverage, feels like you aren't wearing anything.

$25 Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush
This has gotten great views for its color and staying power. I like the Blissful color and think it works well on most complexions since it is warm and peachy and natural.

$21 Maracuja divine shine lip gloss
I've heard this stuff feels really good on and moisturizes your lips well, but I haven't tried it myself.

Finding the right jeans

This can be a really hard task even for seasoned shoppers.

There are so many factor to consider: color, pocket placement, length, flare etc.
This article does a good job showing the differences between jeans with the right and wrong elements.

Your butt can look awesome if you get the right combination!

Etsy Find of the Day: Vintage Square snuff tin

$12 Red vintage Square snuff tin

Unopened!
What would it look like inside? COuld modern can openers even open it?
Mysteries for the ages.

This is really just appealing for the bright color, the design, and the fact that it's snuff. I mean, it's crazy to think that snuff is real. I always read about it in books but have never seen any in real life.

Looking at this makes me want to be in an old hardware store, you know?

Bathing suits that match book covers

This tumblr (Matchbook) is really funny: the author finds bathing suits that match covers of famous books and post them next to each other.

I like them!

There are also links to purchase the bathing suits, like the one above Kudeta Bikini. $45.

It's a novel way to dress. GET IT?

Anyway, if you don't know what to wear, try matching your favorite book. Dudes too! there are some swim trunks there as well.

Mailing envelope ipad case

$22.95 Undercover tablet sleeve

This case looks just like a used envelope, but is actually a nice foam padded ipad pouch.

"made of strong PE foam construction with a tough outer layer of tyvek (think FedEx envelope). It's shock protected, splash proof, writable and tearproof"

Which makes you wonder if you should just use a padded mailer for real...

Etsy Find of the Day: Opal and gold ring

$449.99 Opal and gold ring

This estate ring features three opals and a teeny weeny .02 ct diamond in a pretty, textured 14k gold band.
The opals look like they are solid (not doublets or triplets that have a thin slice of opal sandwiched between quartz or glass).

The design is nice and curvy, with parallel engraved hashes on the bottom that make the shoulders of the ring look like wings or feathers.

What to Buy from the Sigerson Morrison sale

Sigerson Morrison, known for well-made stylish and comfortable shoes, is having a sale up to 70% off right now.

Here are my picks:

$117.70 Walton slingback (was $395)
I like the curved heel of this one and the sleek look of the toe. It reminds me of a shark.
It would look good with tailored slim pants or with a skirt.

$111.70 Warhol slingback (was $375)
This one has clean lines and can be worn anywhere. Work, dinner out, weekend, religious ceremony, whatev.

$117.70 Dynn wedge sandal (was $395)
I looooove the color of this one, and the shape of the heel. At first you think it is a standard wedge but then you see the little kick back of the extra wooden section and you see that it is special. This color is suede, but you can also get black and silver in leather.

$127.50 Bottice open toe pump (was $425)
Cool colorblocking on this one. It looks like Frankenstein, with the different pieces bolted together.

$88.50 Kade sandal (was $295)
This leather sandal has a ladder effect in the open work on the main strap. I like it in coral as shown but it also comes in black, silver, or rose gold.

Juicer that fits on a bottle

$12.68 Umbra Sombrero juicer

This is a smart idea- juice your fruit right into the bottle of seltzer or water you want to flavor.
You don't lose any of the juice transferring from container to container, and it's easy to clean up.