Have You Seen This?

I really dislike all the plastic, manufactured junk that is on the market for kids, particularly for babies.  First of all, it probably comes from that country that sells poison baby formula to its own citizens but more importantly, we want our new little people to wake up to the tactile nature of the world and experience the luxury of having senses.

When I saw these teething rings I went wild for them!  The colors draw you in to want to touch, to feel the smoothness of the wood and the downiness of the yarn.  I want to know what they feel like - for that matter, I wouldn't mind putting them in my own mouth!  I particularly love this orange and grey set (I'm the mom of a boy so they look like the baby colors I would have been drawn to, back in the day) but they come in other whispery colors to suit any young one.

                  Orange & Grey Hand-Crocheted Wooden Rings

Made of cotton, natural wood (with a coat of food grade bees wax) that is hand finished, they can be put in the washing machine in the organic cotton bag that they come with.  This fine quality item is the creation of Nina Link, of Red Hook, NY who is a mom who comes from a legacy of artists, artisans, designers and crafters.  Her shop is mimiandlu and apparently her 3 "alarmingly well behaved children", (her words) allow her the breathing room to create these serene, safe and aesthetically pleasing natural teething rings.

Have You Seen This?

The seasons are changing, we're digging out the cold weather clothes - happy to see some old favorites and wondering if it's time to let go of that old raggedy skirt that you have worn into the ground.  There's also the holidays coming on, sooner than we're ready for, and the party clothes could use an upgrade.  Myself, I have just 40 lbs of tonnage and I have hungry eyes for some new things for my incredibly empty closet.

Check this out!  Color, pattern and style wrapped (excuse the pun) in a modern design that can be dressed up or down to take you anywhere.  Nice simple neck with a purple landing spot for a fabulous statement necklace.  Boots or pumps could rock this.  I love this dress!  (PS - does anyone else covet that beautiful red hair on the model?)  When you go to the listing be sure to click into the back view too.  It is spectacular.

Zig Zag Wrap Dress

This fashion gem comes from Meerwiibli by Sarah-Maria of Phoenicia, NY.  Merwiibli means "mermaid" in Swiss-German and Sarah-Marie says she has been sewing since she was a little girl.  Just the sort of passion and experience that would produce such  blazing hot wearable art.

Have You Seen This?

I know, I know.  In this heat wave who wants to even think about a jacket.  Right now we're interested in putting as little clothing on as we can get away with in public.  But I'm telling you, that snap of chill in the air is just around the corner and when it comes, you are going to want something, light, cute that still reminds you of summer and colorful fun.  This stylin' little item is a red and white, (some of my favorite colors) mixed pattern/mixed fabric short jacket with a peplum and Elizabethan sleeves that button up with red snaps.  It's perfect for jeans and would dress up any old shift dress for work or dinner.  Made by Sarah-Maria Vischer of Merrwiibili in Phoencia, New York, her Etsy shop is stocked with many, stylish, hip items to bump up any wardrobe.  Check her out!

Panning Stripes Red and White Jacket

Have You Seen This?

I don't know about you but this is the time of year that my feet start to get cold.  I am a barefoot girl all the way so when I have to start wearing shoes and socks, I am not happy.  I defiently walk around barefoot until my frozen toes can take it no more and I look for something really warm with shoeless comfort that isn't socks.

Aren't these beautiful?  Now these felted clogs by Molly's Purl not only look warm and comfy - they look gorgeous.  You could just sit on the couch, put your feet up and just stare at these groovy slippers.  These can make a barefoot girl not mind putting something on her feet.

Felted Clog Slippers

Have You Seen This?

Thanksgiving used to mark the beginning of the holiday season but more and more we seem to slide into the festivities at Halloween.  For as much as we enjoy the trick-or-treating kiddies, we also love to dress up ourselves and entertain friends.  Whether we're serving a pumpkin martini (I made that up) or hot apple cider, we still want to slip something under our guests' drinks before they set them down on our carefully culled, mid-century modern coffee table.  Forget about those dorky paper, ghostly cocktail napkins.  Slip one of these silvery webbed coasters under their glass.

Made with hand cut and embossed, white stoneware clay these coasters are made by Noelle at her Moonfire Pottery studio in Saugarties, New York.  Dedicated to making functional pottery, Noelle certainly doesn't leave out the fun in functional.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58662723/cobweb-coasters

Have You Seen This?

I love this bag.  It's really simple - I love this bag!  The colors are so warm and smart and the styling is sophisticated.  I like a bag that is longer than it is deep (easier to find things, less digging in the depths) and the structure of the round, wool covered handles contrast the loose slouchiness of the bag in a really cool way.  Sometime I look at it and I see a Ralph Laurenesque American west kind of style and sometimes I see sturdy Pendleton Adirondack style.  I can't think of any color coat that this bag wouldn't compliment.  It's so versatile that it would look great on a date in the city or adorable with jeans and a sweater on a stroll across the Beacon bridge.

This beautiful bag comes from Virtuosity in Carmel, NY and is made by Jackie Andrews.  Jackie is a long time member of the Hudson Valley Etsy Team and has 2 other Etsy shops.  She makes hand stamped, inspirational jewelry for Charms of Faith and clay ornaments and cake toppers for Virtuosity Clay.

This luxurious hand knitted bag is a fine example of Jackie's artistry.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/34417702/xl-camelbrown-purse