Have You Heard???

There's a lot going on over at the new blog Lower East Dry Goods

And on Etsy

The Beginning and End....

 

Okay so tomorrow is already February and this is my first post since last year....to say that I've been a tad bit preoccupied is an understatement but I have really great news.

I HAVE STARTED A NEW BLOG!!!!!!

Everything about creating a blog is a learning experience and sometime last summer I realized my happiness with Naughty Baubles was fading.  Torn between what to do I just kept riding it out and finally with the new year on the horizon and a strong desire for something new I went ahead and started up a Wordpress blog back in December that so far I am pretty happy with.  Its a completely new vision for 2013 from the blog to the jewelry and I can't begin to tell you how excited I am.

So don't forget to take some time and check me out over at LowerEastDryGoods.com (my new home) and hopefully you stay with me during this transition. 

P.S. The one thing that's not changing...can you guess...the DIYs. I have a stack of things to make so I couldn't possible forget those.

Model Off Duty - Gifts For The Wang Lover

So your best friend loves Alexander Wang but your holiday shopping budget just won't allow you to snag that Diego Bucket Bag she's been craving?  No problem because below you'll find over 20 amazing gifts any Wang Lover would cherish even if the label reps someone else.  All fall relatively under $100 minus a cashmere snood or thermal dress and just in case you really want to strive for that air gasping moment there just so happens to be a few originals in the mix that will do it. Take a look and click on an image for more information.

DIY H&M x Margiela Leather Glove Coin Purse Necklace

So your best friend waited in line and still didn't manage to grab a single piece of the H&M x Margiela collection.  That's unfortunate and judging the prices on eBay for some of the merch its looking like she will just have to catch the next one or really, really pray that some of the stuff ends up at a local Salvation Army like with the Missoni for Target.

Considering how completely unlikely that last idea is I would suggest this easy DIY and surprise her with a unique piece of her own based of the collection she missed. (DIY after the jump)

Wake Me When Its Over - What I Wore

Jacket - Vintage Levis, Sweater - H&M, Floral Shirt - H&M, Necklaces - Naughty Baubles, Faux Leather Pants - H&M, Shoes - Lulu Townsend

Last Minute DIY Gifts 002 - Hostess Edition

Alright, so my For The Hostess Gift Guide didn't quite do it for you.  Being the crafter that you are, you really want to wow with something homemade.  Not a problem because just below you'll find over 20 amazing DIY gift ideas for the home and for your Hostess.  From infused liquor ready in a week to quirky, glitterful candles perfect for any mantle or holiday table to savory edibles that may not make to the giftee.  But enough talking, just clicks the link below to get started.....

Happy Crafting!!!!

F O R    T H E    H O M E

• DIY Snowflake Coasters 
• DIY Dipped, Color Blocked Spoons

DIY Party Animal Candles

DIY Chalkboard Coasters

• Handmade Binded Notebooks
• DIY Branch Candle Holders
• DIY Fabric Covered Pots
• DIY Wine Cork Bath Mat
• DIY Duck Tape Artwork

DIY Mini Succulent Garden

• DIY Glittered Deer Table Decorations
• DIY Lemon Sugar Scrub
• DIY Stenciled Animal Mugs
• DIY Stenciled Decorative Pillow

DIY Sparkly Rustic Tray

• DIY Geometric Paperweight
• DIY Personalized Storage Boxes

F O O D   F U N  

 Homemade Infused Vodka 

• Homemade Coconut Pecan Muffin Mix
• Homemade Chocolate Chunk Hot Cocoa Mix 

Homemade Flavored Salts

• Homemade French Chocolate Truffles
• Homemade Drunken Cherries

Homemade Olive Oil with Rosemary and Pink Peppercorns

• Homemade Vanilla-Orange Sugared Cranberries
• Homemade Spiced Tonic Water

Thanks For The Invitation - Gifts For The Hostess

 

The emails are piling up and if one more invite pops up on Facebook you may actually throw your phone into the freezer for hibernation.  The holiday party rush has officially kicked off and although you haven't decided on what to get your boyfriend's sister's boyfriend yet, you may want to take some time and think how not to wind up at the event empty handed. 

I know what your thinking.  

Why in the world do I want to add to my already growing giftee list??

However I implore you to consider a few things.  For one, its a really nice gesture.  You are being invited into someone's home for a night of free food, free boos and free entertainment.  If you've ever enjoyed a night out on your own, you know the how quickly the cost sky rocket,  so just imagine what your lovely hostess shelled out to make sure the night goes off without a hitch.  

Another interesting point is the parties are happening before the big day and in your house party hopping you may be able to shorten your list.  If your cousin Brenda is throwing a party this weekend then you may not have to worry about bringing her one for the big family dinner.  

Still freaking out?  

Don't worry. I will leave you with this last point and that is you don't have to spend a lot of money and the gesture will leave a lasting impression that will undoubtedly come back to you...maybe even when you hold your own holiday party in 2013.  

Enough talk though. Check out the great guide below filled with goodies any host or hostess, from fine cheeses to quirky cookie cutters to beautiful scarves and stationary that will all be graciously accepted....and more importantly used.  From your boss's soiree that has you waking up sweating to you high school friend's party that is sure to be Facebook photo worthy, there is definitely something that fits.

Happy Shopping!!!

DIY Vintage Purse Necklace

Okay, so this DIY has been swirling around in my inspiration folder forever.....literally since Issue 11 of ARISE Magazine.  In the mag's fashion spread Great Plains I came across the above snapshot and couldn't help but notice the striking necklace duo fashioned out of coin purse findings.  I loved the idea and since that day it has been on the list of to-do's and this weekend I've finally just gotten around to making it. 

The original design is from Patricia Nicolas (seen above) and is so fantastic.  Luckily its a very simple idea to recreate and my local Jo Anns has a lovely section dedicated to making your own handbags.  Follow below and make your own...

B U Y  T H I S :

• Coin purse finding
• Two different chains (chunky and delicate)
• Jump rings
• Flat nose pliers
• Simple charm

N O W  D O   T H I S :

• Line up your chain with the coin purse clasp
• Begin connecting the chain to the clasp where traditionally you would sew the actual bag to it.  It took about 20 jump rings to fully connect the chain and I only did one side.
• Adjust the chain to your desired length 
• Connect the thinner chain to the charm and then connect that piece to the necklace
• And congrats your done

  

Its super easy and would make a great gift for the Bestie this gift giving season...seeing as it is right on us.  

Saturday Morning - Foodie Alert

When I lived in Boston I was a regular at Au Bon Pain. Not only did they have the best assortment of on the go food and half price baked goodies after 4pm but they had this amazing dish that satisfied my sweet and salty side.  It was apples, blue cheese, cranberries and and gorgonzola cheese all swirled together.  Paired with my venti white chocolate mocha (double shot) and I was ready for Global Markets.  But like all cafes menus change and like all budgets they get smaller and before I knew it I could no longer afford to blow upwards of $50 a week on eating out.  Forced to do it myself I can now enjoy my favorite snack anytime I want...like right now as I am writing this quick post.

W H A T   T O   B U Y :

• Apples (your choice, I went with Gala Apples because of their sweetness and they work well with salads)
• Gorgonzola cheese crumbles
• Dried cranberries 
• Blue cheese dressing

W H A T   T O   D O :

• Chop the apple up into chunks
• Sprinkle cheese crumbles
• Sprinkle cranberries
• Now top with dressing to your liking

Its a super easy recipe and easy enough to make per serving since I am not a fan of browning apples and I love it better when the apples are still crisp.  Although I will have this version for lunch at work you could switch things up a bit by adding a handful of almonds into the mix, pour it all over baby spinach and top with a balsamic vinaigrette instead of the blue cheese.  And depending on how heavy your hand is this quick meal is under 400 calories falling right in line with a standard breakfast.  Whether or not it contains the right amount of whatever is argueable but I can say you will feel much better eating this than an Egg McMuffin or two with its alarming sodium count. 

So here's to a healthy start to your Saturday especially after round 1 of holiday food enjoyment.

Serafina's Separates - Current Obsession 012

As if the Elizabeth and James Spring 2013 collection wasn't enough to spark interest interest in easy, silk separates, designer Serafina Sama just had to go and add to the pot.  The Isa Arfen Spring 2013 collection is full of refined and interchangeable separates that have classic undertones but wears with a modern attitude thanks to the high-low blouses, fun embellished tops, unique layering and sleek silhouette.

And just who is this new designer churning out such amazing pieces.  After working at some of the best labels including Marc Jacobs, Chloe and Marni, the London based designer and Central Saint Martins Alum created the label in 2011 for real women that was more tailored to their real lives than idea of dressing up. 

Instead of using more saturated shades like the Olsen's, Serafina opted for neutral colors with a splash of emerald and blush. 

Although each piece could work with my closet, my favorite pieces from the collection are the high-waisted cropped pants (obviously) and the embellished crop top (as usual).  I could wear these right now to a number of functions.....just like the Opening Ceremony Buyer Kate Foley who was spotted in Serafina's lovely pants at the American Ballet Theatre's annual gala last month.

Covetable Baubles 001

Just in case you missed that powder blue crocodile Birkin on auction over at Heritage and happen to be in the mood for luxe let me introduce you to my latest bauble obsession.

Irene Neuwirth is kind of like of the Isabel Marant of jewels in my book.  Everything she churns out oozes effortless cool and plays well with anything from a cocktail dress to leggings.  Despite falling within the fine jewelry realm, her excellent choice of semi precious stones like quartz, moonstone, opal and black onyx mixed with the category staple, diamonds, takes what could be considered Upper East Side and brings it back down earth and most importantly Greene Street.  The vivid coloring and gorgeous shapes also add to the overall beauty in each piece making the word statement piece a bit understating.

A Southern Cali native, Irene has been making jewelry since her early 20s but her brand didn't see major growth until 2003 after presenting Barneys with a capsule collection they couldn't say no to. Since then her baubles have been on the likes of Angelina Jolie, Katie Holmes and Doutzen Kroes with the brand receiving such recognition as the Town & Country Couture Design Editors' Choice Award in 2006 and Irene becoming a CFDA member in 2009.  And as if adding fuel to the fire,  her recent union with financial specialist and major jewelry fan Tracy Stoll, I am pretty sure these gorgeous baubles won't disappear out of store cases anytime soon. Which is perfect because at least I'll have time to save up for a pair of earrings...

On another shopping note and with it being Cyber Monday and all, have you checked out my closet over at Threadflip.  Right now you can save 30% on any order over $60 and snag free shipping with the code CYBERMONDAY.  That means you can have that Lovers & Collaborators dress for like $180...that's a steal