Trend Worth Trying::: Hot Pink and Navy Blue

Photo: Mary McDonald

As I've probably harped on and on about, I think navy seriously is the most versatile color in the wheel, and you can pair it with just about anything. I love it with lime and teal, and also with gold or bronze, but although Mackenzie already knows and proclaims, I am only just learning (accepting?) that seems bright pink is a serious winner, too. The only reason I have a couple hot pink items at all in my closet now is simply to wear this winning team.  I know, I am super late to this shindig...

Holy. Damn. These. Are. HEAVEN.

So a while back, I was bored at work as usual and looking on Etsy for candy treats, leather goods and another iPhone case I cannot possibly need. And thankfully, or not, the shop I get those cases at is "closed" for school season. That helped my wallet. Sorta.

I came across a shop called "HaveItConfections" when searching for salted caramel, something I got addicted to when designing packaging for Bissingers Chocolates. They had a product called Margarita Salted Caramels which I can honestly down a pound of in one sitting (hence the fatness...). I still occasionally stop by a store here and pick a few up. Damn they're good. Anyway...back to the point.

My "I don't have them" birthday is coming up (or has it passed? That's as much a mystery as how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie pop) and my lovely and amazing friends B, J and Z (Z always somehow ends up as the AND...) remembered that I had sent a link to this shop a while back.

Today I go open the mailbox to get the stack of bills and junk mail I expect, and instead, there's a lovely box with Have It Sweet printed on it. I tear it open, and nearly lose a finger doing so (im not allowed knives for a reason). Inside is a lovely handwritten note with "A Gift for You, Enjoy :)" on it. Inside the box is a mound of caramel lollipops, and Caramel Fleur De Sel bites individially wrapped.  Of which I might or might not have eaten a few. Or more than a few. What is a few anyway....???  These  things are HEAVEN. They are the perfect consistency, meaning they have great chew but won't pull my crowns out, and melt in your mouth. The buttery flavor...holy cow. SO GOOD.  I may or may not be ordering more this week.

So to the girls: THANK YOU!!  I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!  YAY October!!!!

And second of all, THANK YOU to the lovely folks at Have It Sweet (Vincent and Bethany!) for this awesome gift and surprise.



I seriously think I have a problem on the horizon.  Oh who am I kidding. I have and will always have problems.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Speck Candyshell iPhone 4 case

Photo: Speckproducts.com

So one of the many expenses that go into a new phone purchase, a hard case is definitely one I always immediately grab and always recommend. I am not particularly clumsy with my phones, but in the event that it takes a dive, I want as much protection as possible. Especially with all the reports of broken screens on the iPhone. I got myself a Speck Candyshell, and one for the husband as well, in part because it works well with a screen protector (I like Invisible Shield and Phantom Skins, both wet-apply) and because it seems to have an extra space or airgap between the phone and the case. 

ETSY SWOON! Fingerprint wedding bands.

Photo: Fabuluster's Etsy Shop

These are totally awesome....a little steep, probably because they're a lot of work, but they are AWESOME. Very personal and very sentimental. 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/fabuluster

MORE ETSY LOVE: Some TO DIE FOR Clutches, perfect for a wedding.

I came across this seller today when I was bored at work, and looking for reasons to blow money. I think this is pretty amazing reason! Really the four below are all pretty amazing reasons!  I LOVE them, I wish I had checked into this prior to the wedding.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49912057/salegolden-peacock-silk-lined-clutch

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49951708/salepeacock-clutch-in-iridescent-silk

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48437568/salepeacock-feather-silk-dupioni-clutch

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48437633/salepeacock-feather-silk-dupioni-clutch

ETSY LOVE: Necklush...looks really cool!

I spotted these on Etsy today, they look pretty fascinating. It's like a scarf necklace combo. I might have to get one for later in the year.

Ill be honest, the first person I thought of when I saw them was Anna. She liked scarves, and she brought me back the most amazing one ever from Greece, which I still wear in the winter. Got lots of compliments in NYC!

If anyone gets one I want photos!

Doh...helps to show one!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48253813/necklush-ultra-misty-aqua-blue-w-print

ETSY CRAZINESS: I sense an addiction brewing.

I was reading my new Real Simple while I ate lunch today and as I was browsing through the "Gift Guide" I came across a listing for "This Charming Candy" and their interesting suckers. So I checked out the seller's shop and now I am having to block it out of my mind. Two different lollipop options have me going nuts. First is the Salted Caramel Lollipop shown in this beautiful photo. 

Photo: This Charming Candy's Etsy Store.

I think I need a 'segment' about Etsy, aka holy spending trap..which segues poorly into purses..

Etsy is friggin' awesome. It's like your favorite little boutique mixed with a fleamarket mixed with a vintage shop mixed with some kind of bespoke design shop. I have purchased way too many things from various artisans, and in some cases many from the same. I have a ridiculous list of favorites and favorite items, though not enough funding to actually buy all of this stuff.  But as far as regular sellers go on there, Valhalla Brooklyn has been on my list forever, and I am dying to get a bag from her. I am hopeful she's willing to someday consider a "custom" job, because some of her bags are perfect except that I like them tall and not wide.  Her bags are just the right amount of structured with the zips and pockets (though I do wish there were sections for the interior...) and totally unstructured and dare I say Boho. Which is really not my typical look.   My "look" is pretty...non-looky.  Prior to this new job with the business casual attire requirement 4 of the 5 days, I was in jeans, running shoes or flipflops or Frye Harness Boots (or Uggs which is a recent development), and a tshirt or multiple layered tshirts and tanktops. I had quite a serious layering thing going on. Probably would count as a uniform.  My closet would make Stacy and Clinton yawn, gag and cry.  Speaking of which--anyone want to nominate me, you go right ahead. Ted Gibson seems to actually care what people want for their hair, so I am content that he will keep my hair flamingly orange and long.