Furious Shirley » accessories

Silver & White: Etsy Style File

Shannon Shirley — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:15:18 +0000

Sterling Baby Elephant Ring by Michelle Chang

Vintage Silver Pouffs from Fabulous Mess

Sea Urchin Votive Bowl by Element Clay Studio

Silk Scarf by Under the Violet Leaf

Tip Top Bag by Ployly Mingzy Bb’

Snowball Accent Lamp by Filigree Creations

Sterling Compass Pendant by Just Jaynes

Silk & Linen “Evelyn” Dress by Three Little Ducks

Spring/Summer Purses [that are kind to your wallet]!

Shannon Shirley — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:35:30 +0000

Your purse is one of your most important accessories. It holds things that are near and dear to you – the things you need to get through each day. Keys, phone, make-up, credit cards, glasses, tampons, breath mints, bobby pins … and the list goes on and on. It is a reflection of who you are – not just on the inside, but the outside too. A great purse is the key to looking and staying put together … I mean, if we trust these bags to hold such precious commodities, shouldn’t it look good doing it?

The fabric choices from Charm Design just scream SPRINGTIME! SUMMERTIME! I am in love with these zippered pouches, but they also have a wonderful selection of shoulder and tote bags too. Pretty, fun, and simple – just the way I like it!

The hand woven cotton on this bag from Tippy Thai is the perfect pick for warmer weather. There are lots of rich color selections to choose from in a variety of natural fabrics [cotton, hemp...]. Excellent casual bag.

Don’t be afraid of carrying leather in the hot summer sun. While it may not be the ideal choice for a day at the beach, a leather tote is perfectly acceptable [and looks so cool] for a day lunching and shopping or a night on the town. The bags at Hoakon / Helga are made from vintage leather jackets and other upcycled materials [awesome!].

You’ll definitely turn a few heads carrying this bright yellow pouch from Farrago Bags. Their bags also come with a key chain monogrammed with your initials for a personal touch.

These simple and classic sailor totes from Bayan Hippo are just the thing for a day at the beach or strolling through the park. Choose from a wide assortment of colors … I think I’m going to have to get one of these!

This bag by Spongetta is made from upholstery remnants and wrapped around two rattan rings. Great bag to just pick up and go with!

How chic are these metallic zip pouches by Marketa in NYC?! You can fill it up and toss it in your bag to help stay organized or use it as a clutch for nights out when you don’t want to lug around a huge purse! There’s something about shiny things that just makes you want them … meow.

This gorgeous handbag [the manzanilla] by Zelaya was made with incredible attention to detail. A raw cotton fabric [manta] is used and then embroidered with polka dots and sewn together with thread dyed using chamomile tea and finished off with a hand carved wooden handle. It’s elegant, yet casual and I think it’s probably my favorite bag. This one goes on my covet list for sure.

Robot Love

Shannon Shirley — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:38:19 +0000

What could possibly be more romantic than cold, metal, heartless, robots? Well, lots of things … but for some reason robots are cute. At least these robots I found in my weekly Etsy search are …

Robots may not have hearts, but they can give them, as depicted in this adorable greeting card by JulieAnnArt. $4.00

The perfect card for your very own love machine, designed by ArtbyKellie. $4.00

These mini art blocks are the perfect gift for the robot lover in your life. I know they would look great on the shelf in Mike’s office. Crafted by artist, John W. Golden. $48.00 / set of 8

You can customize these canbots or pick out of the many creative designs at Sage12888‘s Etsy shop. Made from recycled cans. Prices vary.

Show off your robot love with this shrinky dink ring from Dillon Designs. $8.00

I love this T-shirt – design by Youngsun Compton, available at the Whootiz shop on Etsy. $18.00

Here’s something for your little love machine – a cute onesie by Give A Good Day. $15.00

I found this zipper pouch at Nancym4‘s Etsy store. It’s perfect for storing loose items in your purse or in your child’s bookbag. Available in a wide range of patterns/styles. $10.50

These robots can get you clean. Robot soap from LoveLeeSoaps is made from glycerin and shea butter with a fresh lime scent. 1 4oz. soap, $5.00

Top your wedding cake with these cute creations from The Junk Bucket. $40.00

I had to include these guys because they are so darling [and inventive!]. Made from vacuum tubes by Justina Kochansky. $10.00 each

I also love this little sculpture made from various materials by Morning Bicycle. $35.00

And even though it’s a dog, it’s still a bot that you can’t help but love. Available at Adoptabot on Etsy. $195.00

Holiday Inspired [Handmade] Jewelry with Year Round Appeal

Shannon Shirley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:03:58 +0000

With the big holiday season approaching, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some selections inspired by major holidays that can be worn all year. There is nothing like a great piece of jewelry to add a little flair to your outfit. Jewelry can be very personal or just for fun. Like a necklace I have had since I was small with a tiny ruby hanging on a tarnished gold chain or a big chunky colorful bracelet that makes me smile. Since baby Ava loves to tug on my necklaces and earrings [ouch!] I have been wearing more bold rings and bracelets … but still find it hard to resist a killer necklace.

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I’ll start with this Wishbone Necklace by Lanyapi Designs. Make a wish and this gold charm could be yours for only $23.00.

I debated whether this Candy Corn Lariat should be part of the Halloween inspired jewelry, but the autumnal colors made me lean more towards Thanksgiving. Hanging on an antiqued copper chain, these agate stones are lovingly strung through a hand hammered brass and copper ring by Sally Stearns of SASessories. $39.50.

I cannot believe Christmas is next month. There are some people in our neighborhood that already have their decorations and lights up – ridiculous! If you can’t wait for that yuletide cheer, adorn yourself with this awesome “made from vintage” piece by That Jewelry Girl. A rhinestone button attached to a brass locket and strung with a medley of brass chains make for an eye-catching piece. “Hanging of the Greens” can be purchased for $32.50 [free shipping for November!!].

I looked at hundreds of snowflake jewelry trying to find something that didn’t look so ‘tacky Christmas’ and it was no easy task. Finally, I found this charming little necklace by CrArt. I love the copper patina snowflake pendant falling down the side towards the bluest of blue teardrop briolette. It looks so delicate … just like a snowflake. $29.00.

Next on our journey through the holidays is Valentine’s Day. A day easily associated with jewelry. I am hoping that this “Yes No Maybe Love Me Love Me Not” charm bracelet by A Likely Story will BE MINE soon! Charm bracelets are so fun … I would wear it all the time [hint hint, Michael]. $39.95.

I had to include these beautiful earrings by Royal Princess Designs – they are made from REAL ROSES preserved in thin layers of resin. How cool is that?! $42.00.

All Those Threes is to thank for this gorgeous Love Mandala necklace. Handcrafted from 99.9% pure silver and hanging on a fine sterling 17″ chain. $58.00.

There are so many icons associated with Easter – crosses, colorful eggs, lilies, and of course bunnies. This adorable little bunny charm created by Mariska goes by the name of “Tumsy”. $28.00.

This wonderful Easter Lily Bracelet was made from antique spoons [circa 1907]!! Village Boutique, in my home state of Ohio, turns vintage silverware into amazing pieces of jewelry! $44.99.

The Fourth of July doesn’t have to be all Red, White, and Blue. Rebecca Dubay of Vernon Bea Studio created this Patriot Necklace – a hand cut star and stamped tag hanging from a 16″ sterling ball chain. Love it! $53.00.

Halloween is such a fun holiday. Pretty much anything goes. Maybe that’s why I was so taken by this steampunk “Gothic Owl” Necklace by Cosmic Firefly. $45.00.

And the final piece of jewelry inspired by a holiday is this “Death by Citrus” piece, which conjures up images of Dia de Los Muertos [Day of the Dead]. I love the color in this necklace – that vintage enamel flower is awesome! It can be your very own one of a kind Bionic Unicorn creation for $76.00.

I’m in Love with These SCARVES

Shannon Shirley — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:42:10 +0000

I started writing a post about handmade children’s costumes for Halloween, but stopped dead in my tracks when I happened upon these totally awesome “Foks” scarves by Celapiu on Etsy. I can’t imagine a more hip scarf to keep me toasty warm … very sly.

The handmade scarves come in a variety of sizes and colors … all the way from Poland. They also have some really cute gloves and hats to match. Oh, and I can’t wrap this post up without showing you the “Golden Chain” scarf [comes in other colors too].

How rad is that?! I am in love with this brand … playful without being too silly to wear around. Add these to my gift list!

If I Can’t Make It, Someone Can

Shannon Shirley — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:46:30 +0000

When I was pregnant with Ava, I wanted to make something for her nursery … something that I could look at and say with pride, “I made that”. I dusted off the box my [never before used] sewing machine was in, figured out how to thread it, and one week later I had made a tiny pillow. It is a very cute pillow, but to this day the opening where I inserted the stuffing has never been stitched closed. I never quite figured out how to do that, and so it has become a “one day I will finish that” project – like so many projects I have started or thought about starting. I see certain handmade goods and think, “It would be so easy to make that myself”, and maybe it would be, but I lack the patience and dedication of true craftsmanship. So, I will stick to admiring and buying the items other people make. Handmade things have a certain special quality to them that mass produced goods lack … maybe it’s knowing that someone put their heart into it. Big thanks to all the crafty artists out there and your truly inventive goods! Speaking of inventive ….

Cork. I have seen bulletin boards made out of it and photo frames from wine bottle corks, but never purses! The cute wristlets by aptly named, Cork and Cotton, are so cool!

Forks. Artists have a way of looking at something ordinary and seeing something unexpected. These fork easels by Dinner TIme Chimes are an excellent example of that. Great for holding recipe cards or photos.

Paper. These works by Julene Harrison are amazing … and done BY HAND. You can order custom paper cuts for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and just because at MadeByJulene. Beautiful, intricate works of art made out of paper. Bravo.

Paperclips. Now even your paperclips can have style – what a great idea! These cute paper keepers by Jack and Jane are perfect for organizational freaks and come in sets of three with lots of patterns and colors to choose from.

Spotlight: Anna Butler of Custom Made

Shannon Shirley — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:23:13 +0000

In 2004, designer Anna Butler launched Custom Made out of her love for handcrafting, accessories, and all things adorable. Anna grew up in Oxford in the UK, where she inherited the sewing gene from her “mum and gram”. [My mom bought me a sewing machine that sits in the back of my closet taunting me. I'm lucky if I can stitch a button back on ... and so is my mom for that matter!] A friend of mine in London tipped me off to Anna’s goods and I raved about the Tweet Brooches and French Daisy Necklace in one of my previous posts. Anna creates some of the most darling handcrafted items I have seen in awhile … and with a sense of humor! Check out this awesome “Beware of the Yeti” Brooch – guys can wear this too!

Or these super cute “Mushie Cushies” to dress up your bed, sofa, or children’s room!

And last, but certainly not least, a beautiful Vintage Flower Ring – a perfect spring/summer accessory!

Custom Made’s merchandise has received the praises of London’s Sunday Times Style Guide, Print and Pattern, Indie Quarter, and several trendy magazines and blogs across Europe and the US. Here in the States, you can find Custom Made wares at Renegade Handmade and Komoda in Chicago as well as The Makery in Louisville, KY or you can always order online at the Custom Made shop. Anna also has a BLOG to check out!

Q & A

Anna Butler, Creator of Custom Made [How awesome is this pic? LOVE IT!]

What is the first craft you remember making?
“I used to make outfits for my Barbies. The first item I made using a pattern was a Barbie sun hat!”

What inspires you?
“Inspiration for me comes from everywhere – it can be a fabric I see, a button, a pretty charm. I am really into bright and pretty colors so I fill my head with them at all times.”

Your favorite color combination?
“For me, black and black! For products, anything that goes well with a very pretty turq.”

What are your best selling items?
“At the moment, the Little Dolly Brooch – everyone loves them!”

Five things you couldn’t live without.
“Anthony, my sewing machine, music, books, and at the moment Guitar Hero [sad, but true].”
[Note - No worries, Anna ... I am addicted to Mario Kart on the Wii ... addictive.]

Two things most people don’t know about you.
“I have watched Napoleon Dynamite so many times I know all the words, and I wish I could fly. I dream about flying regularly.”

BIG THANKS to Anna from CUSTOM MADE! I have a feeling this brand is only getting started! XO

Thursday: “Get Dressed”

Shannon Shirley — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:28:24 +0000

Little Ava [aka Furious Shirley] is just about to turn six months old and I can finally fit back into three pairs of my pre-baby jeans! Getting back into shape has been tough – I gained close to 65 pounds during my pregnancy thanks to my, “Hey, if I’m going to get fat anyway I might as well eat whatever I want” attitude. And unfortunately, whatever I wanted was ice cream. I have no time to get to the gym, so I have had to come up with ways to combine working out with play time. Ava loves watching me do floor exercises while she rolls around on her play mat. I count reps out loud to sneak in some number fun and it amuses her to watch my legs going up and down and up and down. I’m pretty sure it would amuse just about anyone – lol. For cardio, I usually “dance”. I put that in quotes because dancing consists of jumping jacks, squats, lunges, and some ridiculous flailing about in time to the music to keep the babers entertained. So far it has been working and I am down to my last 18 pounds! Getting dressed is probably one of the most frustrating times of the day for me because I’m not happy with the way my body looks in anything anymore. So, today’s fashion focus is going to be accessories because a cute bracelet or bag will always be cute no matter what your weight.

I’ll start off with my favorite mother’s day gift – a personlized birthstone sterling tag necklace from MamaBethBling. There are several variations to choose from and the price is just right at $22 USD.

And what would a post about accessories be without a great bag? A purse is a great way to add some color and flair to any outfit and Bayan Hippo has a great collection of colorful and stylish purses that are also eco-friendly!

They also have some totally cute kimono dresses for your little one and I could not resist posting at least one!

Another fabulous accessory choice is a brooch. You can add a dash of pizazz to your jackets, blouses, scarves, and bags with one of these Tweet brooches from Custom Made.

I also fell in love with their French Daisy Necklace.

And yes, even coffee has become an accessory. I know I can’t live without mine in the morning. Reusable coffee sleeves are becoming all the rage and are good for the environment too. I found the best selection of patterns at The Doe and The Mouse , which happens to be based here in Brooklyn [and could be the reason I keep seeing people sipping fashionable coffee!].

If you are an independent designer or make some sort of handmade goods that you think would be perfect for the blog, send me an email! Now, GO GET DRESSED!

Shop the link below for some great fair trade and eco-friendly clothing/jewlerly/accessory finds!