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Etsy Favourite: Riordan Roache

I first discovered Riordan Roache through another Jane… Jane of the blog Simple Pretty and was instantly smitten with these easy and stylish pieces. I also included one of their dresses in our recent seersucker round-up, but couldn’t resist shining the spotlight on them for a little longer. Here are some of my favourite pieces…

Style Inspiration: Salwar

This style inspiration is a request from Emily Greene. She’s just purchased this salwar from Toast, but is nervous about how she’s going to wear them.

I included something similar in this previous churidar Style Inspiration, but decided to take a second stab for Emily!

Product information: Nicolette from Fay Andrada (via Mustard & Sage) / Microspun pocket tank from J.Crew / Trompe l’oeil scarf from Madewell / Chan Luu 14-karat gold vermeil leather bracelet from Net-a-Porter / Cotton salwar from Toast / Chloe Perfume from Sephora / The Tote (in provincial blue) from Moop / Suede Astria sandals from J.Crew

Wrapped up in a Bow

Bows, like tiny little boxes, glitter and cupcakes, fall into that sugar and spice and all things nice category – girlishness at its frothy, delicious best. But, I wanted to find some not quite as pink and frothy as you might normally conceive. These are a little more graphic and stylized, and rendered in a neutral palette, giving them some broader appeal.

Product information:
Row 1: Gift Earrings from Melt’m Design Studio/ Lanvin Bow T-shirt from Net-a-Porter
Row 2: Miu Miu bow clutch from Net-a-Porter / Silk taffeta bow monde dress from J.Crew
Row 3: See by Chloe Crystal Bow Sweatshirt from Shopbop / Big bow tote from Soraam
Row 4: Remember Me Bangle from White Fly / Viktor & Rolf Bow Shirt from La Garconne
Row 5: Moschino Cheap and Chic sweater from Net-a-Porter / Lauren Moshi Bow Top from Revolve

An Etsy Engagement

If you’re getting engaged and looking for something a little more creative, don’t rule out an Etsy purchase. Many fine jewelers have alluring choices available and many are ideal for the budget-conscious shopper (and a lovely alternative to high-street jewellers). Here’s a round-up to get you inspired…

Product information:
Row 1: White Sapphire Ring from Kate Szabone / Diamond sky – 14K gold ring from Artisan Look
Row 2: The Original Modern Rock from Metalicious / Sapphire pear ring from One Stone New York
Row 3: Sapphire and Cubic Zirconia Silver Ring from Virine / Tiny Oval Diamond Ring from Priyanka Sodhi
Row 4: Vintage Art Deco 40s Ring from Ageless Heirlooms / Petite Diamond Ring from Kate Szabone
Row 5: Rose Cut Diamond Ring from Bloom Studios / Champagne Diamond Ring from Daniel M Jewelry

Etsy Favourite: Extraseed

Not long ago, I blogged about this range of Eco Vegan Shoes. These flats from Extraseed are just another delicious option! These shoes utilize recycled rubber that comes primarily from used car tire. And the makers use scrap fabric or leather considered waste in garment factories to produce the upper of the shoe.

Style Inspiration: Croquet-stripe Caprese Tunic

I’ve had a recent run of good luck at J.Crew. I found myself coming up short on outfits that were cool enough for the searing heat we’ve been having this summer and was able to score some easy tunics and dresses that worked out perfectly. My purchases did not include this stripped tunic, but I may yet go back for it.

I especially love it in the “dusty shale” colour. In the distance it looks like there’s some red in there, but it’s pink and black. I picked up the pinky hues in some of the accessories.

Product information: Clubmaster sunglasses from Ray-Ban / Croquet-stripe caprese tunic from J.Crew / The Lovers by Vendela Vida / A Scent by Issey Miyake from Sephora / Ice Blue Pave Band by Anne Sportun / Posie Tint by Benefit from Sephora / Wicker handbag from Maggie’s Pride / Rachel Comey Cousins Twist Flat from La Garconne

25 Cycle Chic Accessories

There’s no doubt that bike-riding has become ultra-chic. Bicycle brands like Pashley, Kronan, Velorbis, Electra Bike, Fisher Bikes and Madsen (to name but a few) are coveted. But before you hop on your bike, there are some necessary accoutrements you might want to consider. First and foremost is a bike helmet. There are lots of stylish options out there, so there are no excuses for overlooking safety. Other accessories range from tools for bike maintenance to panniers and baskets. With so many options, you’ll be able to accessorize your bike in a way that complements your style.

Product information: 1. Cyliner bag from Electra / 2. Trouser Strap from Brooks / 3. Bell from Electra / 4. Nutcase Helmets / 5. Handlebar mirror (Pink/White) from Electra / 6. Yakkay / 7. Hoxton Basket from Brooks / 8. Coloured Cape from Bobbin Bicycles / 9. D-Shaped Tool Bag from Brooks / 10. Sawako Furuno Helmet Ribbon from The Bicycle Muse / 11. Wood carrier crate from Velorbis / 12. Bell from Electra / 13. Bern / 14. Straw Shopping Pannier from Bobbin Bicycles / 15. Postbag Pannier Blue from Bobbin Bicycles / 16. Polka Saddle Cover from Bobbin Bicycles / 17. Rear Mount Wicker Saddle Baskets from Electra /18. Yakkay / 19. Yakkay / 20. Carrie Front Basket from Public Bikes / 21. Saddle from Brooks / 22. Crank Brothers Multi-5 Tool from Public Bikes / 23. Brass Bell from Public Bikes / 24. Nutcase Helmets / 25. Nantucket Wicker Bicycle Basket from The Bicycle Muse

Etsy Favourite: Shaina Mote

Self-taught designer and seamstress, Shaina Mote makes each garment by hand in Los Angeles. She emphasizes fabric choices that are environment-friendly and her high standards of production strive to make each garment as long lasting as it is beautiful.

Etsy Favourite: Spool + Sparrow

Julie of Spool + Sparrow designs the most adorable kids clothes using natural fiber and eco-friendly fabrics. She also hand-carves blocks to print the sweet horses, bicycles, birds and more you see on these items. She’ll soon be adding woman’s sizes too, so there’ll be something for little and grown-up girls alike!

P.S. Please note Julie’s summer vacation schedule in her shop announcement if you’re contemplating an order!

Style Inspiration: Mociun Meteor Skirt

I saw this Mociun Meteor Skirt at the very start of the S/S season and I fell deeply in love with the print. But I didn’t buy it. Still, I keep coming back to it, again and again. You know when something gets under your skin in that way?

So, in an attempt to get it out of my system here’s a little ensemble for the skirt. When I see it pulled together, I realize what’s holding me back: I adore this look, but it’s not one I’m able to pull off. On the upside, I know just who this look would be perfect for and I know she’d love it too. The moral of the story? When you can’t wear something you love, play imaginary dress-up on somebody who can wear it!

Product information: Amethyst charms necklace from Bosquez / The Row Rockwell silk-blend jersey T-shirt from Net-a-Porter / AESA Gold Stud Earrings w/single black diamond from No6 Store / Windsor Oxford by Rag & Bone from La Garconne / Mociun Meteor Skirt from Beklina / Tannis Hegan long strap bag from Lark

Keeping Time

I got an e-mail from Ginger this week. Her Mom is looking for a new watch strap and is having trouble finding this once-ubiquitous accessory. The difficult part about this request is the sizing. Watch straps differ hugely brand to brand and style to style. So, unless I’m incredibly lucky, odds are I’m not going to turn up the perfect strap. But, I’m hoping that I uncover a few sources that Ginger and her Mom can use as a starting point!

1. Coach – These watch straps go with the Coach watches and come in a fun assortment of colours and finishes. If they’re a fit, this might be a good source for a mix-and-match approach, allowing you to change straps on special occasions, for different outfits etc.

2. AlFresco Unique Group – What did I do before Etsy? If you want to find a genuine craftsperson who can make whatever you want in a variety of leathers and finishes, this is your stop. The products on her site are mostly multi-wrap straps, but I’m sure you can work with Kobe to find what you want!

3. Galeatherlady’s Leather Products since 1972 – Something a little more avant garde from this Etsy store. The intricate details on these straps makes a definite statement. The store also sells belts, wallets and more.

4. Strapped for Time – This is one of many similar sites that I came across through a Google search. I cannot vouch for the buying experience on this site and the design is not the most user-friendly. Still, their assortment of straps is incredible, from metal to leather, exotic skins to calf skins, brand names to custom made.

Seersucker Round-up

This post is in part for Nole of the lovely blog Oh So Beautiful Paper. She asked me on Twitter to find her a seersucker summer dress. I’ve included a few other seersucker items for those of you looking for other alternatives. It is one of the sweetest fabrics out there and perfect for light and breezy summer looks.

Product information: 1. Seersucker Pocket Sundress from Riordan Roache / 2. Seersucker X-back tank from J.Crew / 3. Thread Social Seersucker Dress with Bow from Shopbop / 4. Seersucker Cross-Back Dress from Rugby / 5. Seersucker Brown Skirt from American Apparel / 6. Seersucker Playa Dress from J.Crew / 7. Seersucker Vintage Inspired Dress from Kay-em-Kay / 8. Seersucker Bubble Dress from Tortilla Girl / 9. Tux-Stripe Seersucker Short from Rugby / 10. Seaside Seersucker Wrap Dress from One Avian Daemon

Etsy Favourite: Nadinoo

Nadinoo’s creations are definitely for the young-at-heart and ultra-feminine. But, even if this is not your style, you won’t fail to be endeared by these pieces. There’s an insouciant charm to this collection, a light-hearted, romantic appeal that makes these the perfect eye candy. And, if you are lucky enough to be able to pull these off, you’ll no doubt elicit sweet smiles from passerbys. Shop here.

Style Inspiration: Chilly Night, Campfire

When I saw this sweater from L.L. Bean Signature, I thought what a great sweater to throw on on a chilly summer evening.

And then I started to fantasize about campfires and toasting marshmallows. The rest, as they say, is history… Here’s the complete look:

Product information: River Run Earth Necklace from Obella Naturals / French Sailor Sweatshirt from L.L.Bean Signature / Marshmallows from Butter Bakes Goods / Cubist Camel Throw from DwellStudio / Women’s Canvas Cargo Pants from Lands’ End Canvas / Citronella Candle from Fur Feather & Fin / Ash Canvas Women’s Classics from TOMS / Adirondack Chair from Adirondack Chairs & Cushions

10 Casual Bracelets

Friendship bracelets, leather wraparounds, woven wristbands – whatever you call them, they’re a great accessory option when you want to dress down an outfit but still want a little embellishment. And these casual bracelets have come a long way from the primitive friendship bracelets you exchanged with your BFF when you were twelve years old and plotting against parents and rival siblings. Here are ten amazing options…

Product information:
Row 1: Tubular silk cord bracelet from Minicyn / Me+Ro Cord Bracelet w/ Silver Paisley from Moondance Jewelry
Row 2: Swedish Lapland Bracelet from SwedArt / Black Magic seven wishes bracelet from Be Charmed Designs
Row 3: Double wrap w/ Silver from Be Charmed Designs / Graham Studded Leather bracelet from Gorjana
Row 4: Shashi Suede Single Row Crystal Bracelet from Shopbop / Silver seeds noir leather wristband from Minicyn
Row 5: Chan Luu silver wrap bracelet from Net-a-Porter / Handwoven navy cotton and gold bracelet from Dores