Links á la Mode: IFB Weekly Roundup

>> Thursday, April 30, 2009

Right Sized

Edited by Retro Chick

Hello and welcome to Links á la Mode!

This week I’ve noticed a few posts on the theme of body size issues, with 39th & Broadway asking whether the Fashion Industry is to blame for our skinny bitch obsession, The Curvy Fashionista interviewing the brains behind Full Figure Fashion Week and Dramatis Personae introducing us to plus size fashion line B &Lu.

Also in this week’s selection you’ll find some great DIY ideas, a Competition from The Coveted, tips on keeping to your shopping budget from Work Chic and vintage shopping hints from The Style PA and Culturistas.

There’s the full version of Links á la Mode here in the forums… there’s a lot of great posts there too.


Links à la Mode : April 30th

  • 39th & Broadway - Is the fashion industry responsible for our weight issues?
  • A Typical Atypical - When to ignore the fashion houses - the ridiculous, the impractical and the downright foolish!
  • Broke & Beautiful - Earth Week! The best of plastic bags are highlighted.
  • Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - Take flight with some fanciful feathered jewelry
  • Culturistas - The Culturistas take a trip to the Vintage Expo and give tips on how to shop for vintage
  • Debutante Clothing - A private, curator led tour of the Valentina exhibit in NYC
  • Dirty Laundry - Who needs Marc Jacobs when you have DIY?
  • Dramatis Personae - B&Lu Presents Fun Plus-Sized Fashion…
  • Fashion in my eyes - Interview with Sarah Korsiak Cellier, owner of a vintage shop with designer pieces
  • FashionMind - Dressing up classy but very bright and not boring.
  • Fasshonaburu - A public request for online stores to provide more and better pictures of their merchandise!
  • Gladys L - Construction boots or Lotus shoes? The astonishing Chinese quest for female beauty incorporating small feet!
  • In Pursuit of Fashion - Bleach for beginners: How to DIY the latest trend, bleached jeans.
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers - 6 Do’s and Don’ts for Networking Online
  • Retro Chick - Ethical Design Spotlight - Heart’s Desire Jewellery (+ 20% Discount!)
  • Style Symmetry - My Storage System for Belts.
  • StyleCovered - How fusing trends and culture can create something unique and chic! Who said covering up had to be boring?
  • The Art of Accessories - The Art of Accessories show you how to make your own tinted moisturizer, how thrifty?
  • THE COVETED - The Coveted: Two chances to win Pequito Bun Vintage Jewelry!
  • The Curvy Fashionista - The brains behind Full Figure Fashion Week- Gwen DeVoe dares to bring Plus Size Fashion to the forefront
  • The Style PA - Where to go in Leeds for Vintage fashion and beauty treats.
  • Work Chic - Blowing your shopping budget? It may be your shopping habits!

If you’d like to take part in Links a la Mode, please sign up for next week’s roundup in the IFB forums! Remember, only the best 20 links will be published! So submit your best content! The new thread is posted every Thursday along with the official Links à la Mode post.

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Posted by capitolagirl at 7:33 AM Links to this post 0 comments
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New Pearls in Shop

>> Monday, April 27, 2009


Pearl Wishbone Earrings
Out of the ordinary wishbone-shaped beaded earrings featuring freshwater pearls with gold accents.

~ Freshwater pearls
~ Gold seed beads
~ Dijon gold beading wire
~ Gold plated crimp beads
~ Gold plated flattened french wire earring hooks

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Posted by capitolagirl at 11:36 PM Links to this post 1 comments

The Devil Wears Etsy: Preening & Gleaming

>> Sunday, April 26, 2009


Welcome to another edition of
The Devil Wears Etsy!

This week, the fashion devil in me was was inspired by this gorgeous handpainted black tunic sporting a peacock design. The fashion devil in me also found a bevy of gleaming coordinated accessories that are just perfect for preening with this fabulous feathered find, courtesy of the talented artists at The Devil Wears Etsy group on Flickr.


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Capitola Girl Jewelry Mentioned in the Santa Cruz Sentinel


Capitola Girl Jewelry Mentioned in the Santa Cruz Sentinel

A quick shout out of thanks to the Santa Cruz Sentinel for mentioning Capitola Girl Jewelry in the Community > Name Dropping section of today's Sunday paper (page B4).

Come read what else is going on in Santa Cruz by visiting this link.

Happy Sunday!

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Saturday Sparkle: Peacock-Inspired Jewelry

>> Saturday, April 25, 2009

After Friday's post, I had still feathers on my mind and looked in the Handmade Jewelry Saturday Sparkle group on Flickr for some peacock-flavored finds. Here are some of my faves this weekend:



Happy Saturday & Keep Sparkling!

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Posted by capitolagirl at 11:58 PM Links to this post 4 comments
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Friday Findings: Fanciful Feathers

>> Friday, April 24, 2009



Today's Friday Findings swan song really took wing when I became inspired by all the fashionable feathered jewelry and accessories that have been flight on runways and in fashion magazines this season. From spiky black feathers to shocking yellow and pink, let's face it--there is something fabulously feminine about feathers--so whether you want to be as chic as a showgirl or as fun as a flapper, why not add a pizazz and tickle to your wardrobe by adding just a few feathered accents?

Over at the online marketplace, Etsy, you'll find plenty of pleasing plumes in a myriad of shapes, sizes in and colors (both natural and dyed)…and they are available at prices that won't get your feathers ruffled.

Pow Earrings
Desideratum


I dig this beautifully bold electric yellow pair of natural parrot feather earrings. In addition, the natural iridescence of these cruelty-free feathers are a standout because they have naturally fallen domesticated and farm-raised parrots. Once retrieved, the feathers are washed and set in shining sterling silver (and a matching necklace is also available). Created by Desideratum.etsy.com.

Pink Scandal Feather Necklace
noemiah


A scintillating and scandalous mix of faux pearls, fire polished glass and tigertail wire has been accented with quality craft feathers in brown, burnt orange and pink. The necklace is approximately 15" in length and fits a small/medium sized neck. Available from noemiah.etsy.com.

Raspberry Cotton Candy Feather Earrings
UniqueDesignedJewels


These fabulously fun fluffy pink Marabou feathers have been accented with crazy lace agate focal beads and rose-colored Swarovski crystal accents. These girlish and flapper-like pretties are finished with gold-plated sterling silver ear wires and measure approximately 7” in length. Available from UniqueDesignedJewels.etsy.com.

Spiked Elegance Black Beauty Feathered Earrings
capturedimagination


Sophisticated and sleek, these stunning black Goose Biot feathers earrings come on sterling silver earwires. Don't let the spiky, modern look of this pair fool you-these feathers are silky soft. They are also available in Red, White, Pink and Electric Red from capturedimagination.etsy.com.

LaLa Feather Bangle Bracelet
ciaraobscura


Bodacious boudoir junkies will absolutely adore the allure and drama of this fanciful feathered bangle bracelet. It's been sweetly adorned with handmade silk buttons in a feminine berry color. Available from Santa Barbara-based designer at ciaraobscura.etsy.com.

Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine.

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Happy Etsy Day


Happy Etsy Day!
April 24, 2009

To learn about Etsy Day visit:
http://www.etsy.com/storque/events/etsy-sellers-unite-for-etsy-day-join-in-3821/

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Posted by capitolagirl at 12:00 AM Links to this post 0 comments

IFB Links à la Mode : April 23rd

>> Thursday, April 23, 2009


The SS09 Wardrobe Transition


Edited by Clutch22


In reviewing submissions for this week's edition of Links á la Mode, I found comfort in learning I'm not the only one "nesting" my closet for spring and summer. Thankfully, Agent Lover shows us how to shop for retro swimwear, Super Kawaii Mama shows us some of her favorite pick-me-ups that cost almost nothing and Dirty Laundry gives DIY alternatives to Maison Martin Margiela. Additionally, there are a variety of insightful designer interviews and shopping reviews to check out in this week's roundup. Finally, Retro Chick explains how she used IFB's Little Birdie service to organize a goodie bag giveaway for her one year blog birthday.

There's the full version of Links á la Mode here in the forums... there's a lot of great posts there too.

Links à la Mode : April 23rd

  • 39th & Broadway: Even fashion designers can get scared of a new and forward trend.

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  • Agent Dreamer: An interview with Rachel Lanese of Crafttastrophe – designer of beautiful shoes and other wearable art.

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  • Agent Lover: Hunting for the perfect retro bathing suit, part two.

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  • Breakfast at Saks: A review of independent designer retailer, Moxsie and Itsola dress.

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  • Broke & Beautiful: Miss Elle experiences amazing handmade jewelry in a video post!

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  • Consume or Consumed: Review and hypothetically shopping at Net-A-Porter's sister sale site: The Outnet

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  • Culturistas: Update your wardrobe for Spring using the clothes you already have!

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  • Dirty Laundry: How to wear Maison Martin Margiela without breaking the bank via DIY alternatives.

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  • Fashion Pulse Daily: Perry Ellis surprises with a fall line-up of classics that with please your Dad and your hottie 20-something boyfriend simultaneously!

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  • Felicia Sullivan: eco-friendly fashion on a budget: toggery by kate d’arcy.

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  • Haute World: An inside look to the ever famous Louis Vuitton flagship store in Paris.

  • Hello Kelli: New Japanese technology creates a loose wave digital perm.

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  • Independent Fashion Bloggers: Starting your own blog? IFB helps find the right blog platform for you.

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  • LuciteBox: HBO’s Grey Gardens – beyond the fashionable women.

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  • Retro Chick: Celebrating one year blog birthday with a reader goodie bag giveaway.

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  • Star Fashion Addict: A roundup of the hottest handbag styles for spring.

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  • Style Symmetry: Inspiration Flashback – a look back at Little House on the Prairie.

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  • Super Kawaii Mama: Luxe & Less - Pick me up's for next to nothing.

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  • The Coveted: Basic Investing, is it better to invest in basics or statement pieces?

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  • The Curvy Fashionista: Interview with plus size high fashion designer, Monif C - breaking all plus size stigmas.

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  • The Demoiselles: The Littlest Demoiselle discusses ANTM's Short Model Season, and "under height" models of the p

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  • The Sunday Best: Why Club Monaco should bring back the crewneck.

If you'd like to take part in Links a la Mode, please sign up for next week's roundup in the IFB forums! Remember, only the best 20 links will be published! So submit your best content! The new thread is posted every Thursday along with the official Links à la Mode post.

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Posted by capitolagirl at 11:31 AM Links to this post 0 comments

Sweltering Santa Cruz Heat & Beach Cymbalism

>> Monday, April 20, 2009



Sweltering Heat

Thank Goodness for stalled high pressure systems. Here on the California coast (where houses generally do not come equipped with air conditioners), the heat got up to a sweltering 90 degrees. The record-breaking heat that started yesterday continued today...and that sent throngs of what I believe to be otherwise employed people straight to the beach--and wearing lots of sunscreen.

At lunch today, I had at least 10 glasses of iced tea (no, not long island ice teas....its a workday). But, we did manage to get to spend a leisurely hour having lunch at the Santa Cruz Wharf. And, what a view of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk--clear as Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

It was one of those days where all one could say is.... I can't believe I live here! YAY! It was also the kind of day to inspire me to go back home and create...a whole collection of what I'm going to call my "Beach Cymbal" earrings:

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Paper Dolls April 2009: The Reveal


Paper Dolls:

Do You Play?

As some of you know, I write a monthly post on Etsy's Fashion Design & Lifestyle Street Team blog. Once a month an FDL Team Member picks an inspiration piece and the readers choose haute coordinates to go with the item from Etsy shops. The April Reveal post is officially up...so stop by the Fashion Design and Lifestyle Team blog today to check it out!

Happy Monday!

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Posted by capitolagirl at 4:29 PM Links to this post 0 comments

The Devil Wears Etsy: One Heck of a Hatstravaganza

>> Sunday, April 19, 2009


I love handmade hats and there is such a brimming variety available at the online marketplace, Etsy...I decided to share some of my favorites from The Devil Wears Etsy group on Flickr today. Enjoy!

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Posted by capitolagirl at 10:40 AM Links to this post 1 comments
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Saturday Sparkle

>> Saturday, April 18, 2009

I didn't have time this week to put together a Saturday Sparkle post, so today is just a quick upload of some new items in my shop. I'll be back next week with my regular Saturday Sparkle post!


Happy Saturday & Keep Sparkling!

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Posted by capitolagirl at 10:33 PM Links to this post 2 comments

Friday Findings: Terrific in Turquoise

>> Friday, April 17, 2009


I returned from a trip to the Southwest with turquoise on my mind. I was visiting friends in Scottsdale, AZ where some of the most amazing pieces of turquoise jewelry can be found. Nearly everywhere I turned, turquoise was there. It was in shop windows. It was being worn in all shapes and sizes around women's necks. And, it was on sale (yippee!) in quaint outdoor marketplaces and all the hot tourist spots. It was a veritable turquoise fiesta, and it was terrific.

As we browsed around the shops, I found myself growing more and more intrigued with all the history embedded into each piece of turquoise I saw. It's a striking and distinctive material that is very popular in Native American jewelry and I learned a lot from all the tidbits of information about turquoise that the jewelry merchants were handing out.

Turquoise is a blue-green mineral that forms in compact non-transparent nuggets. The United States is one of the world's major producers of Turquoise jewelry and its primarily mined in Southwestern states like Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada. It also has a long and exotic history as a material for adornments in places as close as Mexico and South America and as far away as Egypt and Persia. In fact, turquoise gets it name (Turquie) because it was so commonly traded in the near East, that the French initially believed turquoise came from Turkey.

Well, wherever turquoise might come from, after my trip to Arizona I know that I'm in good company. Like many Aztec Kings and Persian Queens before me… I really like wearing it---especially when the spring and summer months come around. So, today on Friday Findings, I hope you'll enjoy taking a look around at this showcase of terrific turquoise jewelry designed by independent jewelry artists.

Santa Fe Sunset Round Turquoise Ring
Creations by Cat


This sturdy and stunning native-American inspired ring can be made to order in your size by the artist. It features a single, round Turquoise stone that is set into a silver bezel and placed on a sterling silver band that is also stamped with striking sunset motif. Available from CreatonsbyCat.etsy.com.

Free Spirit Necklace
jacjewelry


I absolutely love the free-form shapes in this one-of-a-kind asymmetrical necklace. Its created with triangular turquoise nuggets and accented with hollow and chunky Israeli sterling silver beads. The necklace measures 20 3/4" inches in length and closes with a sterling silver toggle clasp. Available from jacjewelry.etsy.com.

Hope Springs Eternal Necklace
Sand & Sea Designs


Here's another example of how gorgeous turquoise can be when its mixed with silver. This silver hoop necklace has been accented with Pinto Valley Turquoise nuggets and features a wire-wrapped Nacozari Turquoise pendant from Mexico. It closes with a lobster clasp. Available from sandnseadesigns.com.


Turquoise Teardrop and Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings
SeasideStudio


Silver and turquoise is one of my favorite combinations and these pretty dangling turquoise pear briolette beads are a perfect match. They are wire wrapped by the artist onto hand wrought 16 gauge sterling silver wire hoops. Available from SeasideStudio.etsy.com.


Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Garnet Necklace
YarrowJewelry


This gorgeous necklace features exquisite Sleeping Beauty turquoise rondelles that have been combined with Garnet and Thai silver tubes. It has such an exotic look. The necklace measures 16 inches in length and closes with a sterling silver lobster clasp. Available from yarrowjewelry.etsy.com.

Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine.

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Posted by capitolagirl at 12:01 AM Links to this post 5 comments
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IFB Links à la Mode : April 16th

>> Thursday, April 16, 2009


The Interview Process


Edited by Dramatis Personae


Welcome, Cher, to a lovely round-up of Links á la Mode! While putting together this week’s list, I noticed a trend emerging… we had all of these fantastic interviews and features on independent designers! From handbags at a Few Goody Gumdrops and High Maintenance Woman, to fashion musings at the Demoiselles, Solo Lisa, and Breakfast at Saks, I couldn’t help myself. I hope that reading these interviews is as inspiring to you as it was for me!

There’s the full version of Links á la Mode here in the forums… there’s a lot of great posts there too.

From now on, we will select the best 20 links posted in the Links à la Mode thread as decided by a guest editor.

Links à la Mode : April 16th

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Posted by capitolagirl at 10:47 AM Links to this post 0 comments

Beading for Days

>> Wednesday, April 15, 2009

I haven't had that much to say this week....I'm suffering from little post-Easter/tax season burnout, and since I'm pretty sure it will take a day or two to get it back together enough to resume my usual blogging schedule.. I spent the last few days focusing on the reason that brought me to blogging in the first place...making jewelry.

Sometimes, a gal just has to jewel what she's going to jewel. So, without a plan or thought in my head...I sat down at my beading table and beaded two days away. The result? A bunch of new jewelry items for my shop that are now waiting to be photographed. Here's a few new listings that I uploaded to my shop today:

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Posted by capitolagirl at 5:28 PM Links to this post 0 comments
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About This Blog

This blog first started as a way to share the inspiration behind jewelry making with family and friends. Next thing you know, my blogging became a hobby--complete with a logo!

In my not-so-virtual-reality, I'm a freelance technical and marketing communications consultant who spends her time doing geeky things in the high-tech industry. But my real fun comes from making jewelry, which you can find in my Etsy shop at: http://capitolagirl.etsy.com

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Every Girl Has a Story, and So Should Her Jewelry Capitola Girl is a writer, beader, blogger (and she makes jewelry too!) To contact me via email, use the info on my profile.

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