52 weeks of downtown lancaster:: week 14 - hmb designs

This is dangerous, you guys. This adorable shop is way too close to where I live. It's stocked with lots and lots of sparkle, all by artisan jewelry designers, and much of it is handmade. Plus they've got lots of other accessories, like belts and bags, and wine stoppers made with antique pulls and door knobs, and original art by local artists. What don't they have? Those pretty little lampwork earrings in the last picture because I snapped them up during the Art Walk (and immediately wore them). See, I told you. Dangerous.

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52 Weeks of Downtown Lancaster is my photo project for 2011. It's meant to keep me creative and posting about a consistent topic on a weekly basis. And I'm also pretty hellbent on to getting the word out that there's more to Lancaster, Pa. than Amish buggies, farms and outlet shopping. View the rest of my 52 Weeks of Downtown Lancaster pictures here.

All pictures taken by me, unless otherwise noted.

Dress dilemma: cupcake-ification

I bought the Chocolate Dipped Strawberry dress from ModCloth a while ago. And usually when I buy something new, I can barely wait to get it home, rip the tags off and wear it the very next second.



But this. This has just been hanging forlornly in my closet with the tags still attached, like that sad little kid picked last for dodge ball.

It's not that I don't like it. It's a sweet little dress. But that's also it's biggest flaw. It's too sweet. Too literal.

Chocolate-cupcake-with-strawberry-icing literal.

And so, I've been scouting around, trying to find pieces to wear with it that don't make me feel like I should have a candle on top of my head. I think I've found a few pieces that might get this dress out of my closet and onto the dance floor.

Idea 1- Toughen it up
J. Crew solid ripstop field jacket | Unlisted Shelf Help shoes from Zappos | Madewell fringed chain necklace | Deena & Ozzy zip-front moto satchel from Urban Outfitters


Idea 2- Soften it up
Outdoor cafe cardigan from Anthropologie | Anticipation heels from Anthroplogie | Louise upcycled earrings by Erica Leilani Designs | J. Crew Jericho tote

Idea 3- Embrace the cupcake-ification- add some sprinkles!
Glacier necklace by Surf and Sand Jewelry Design
| Satin bow clutch by Mermaid's Dream | J. Crew Starling heels in rose gold

So what do you think? How should I style this dress?

Online shopping :: Madewell

I'm ridiculously, super-excited that Madewell, my beloved J. Crew's sister store, finally sells online! A few things on my shopping list:

neon lights belt | colordrop bracelet | layered ruffles tank | floaty floral dress | city slouch trousers in lantern | fallen needles skirt | the canyon messenger | the sunset sandal

Outfit of the day :: indie artist love

I went to Target the other day for some toothpaste and somehow ended up in the clothing department. I'm not entirely sure how this happened, since those two departments are nowhere near each other. I'm pretty sure there are strategically placed wormholes all over the store. How else would I have ended up there? I certainly didn't wander in on my own. Ahem.

And of course, I didn't intend to buy anything, but then a cute little t-shirt caught my eye. And I recognized the artwork as one of my favorite Etsy artists, The Yumi Yumi Shop. So then, I had to buy it. How could I not, given my love for all things indie and this is sort of indie, right? I mean, the artist got paid for licensing her art, so I'm okay with the big box purchase.

So, aaaanyway, here's how I styled it (the very next day for casual Friday at work, since I couldn't wait to wear my new purchase).

(Excuse the ridonkculous look on my face. I'm still trying to get used to the remote. It doesn't always click when it should and then I make weird faces.)


Top: Target (buy it here)
Cardigan: H&M
Jeans: Gap (similar here)
Scarf: Ruche
Shoes: Nine West (sold out in nude, but still available in black online)

Oh, aqua :: recent shopping

So, since my recent obsession with an aquamarine engagement ring has been squashed*, I'm turning my obsession with the color to other wearables, like dresses and non-engagement-y type jewelry.

Vintage aqua rhinestone earrings and vintage starfish brooch from Merelle | Lampwork beads by Chase Designs | Freshly Minted Dress from Modcloth

I plan to rework the vintage pieces into something new and I'm going to make a pair of earrings with the lampwork beads similar to these I made previously. And I can totally see me rocking out in the Freshly Minted dress with black capri leggings, a boyfriend blazer, and my nude Dolce Vita heels (and maybe one of those aquamarine cocktail rings I love so much).

*A highly reputable local jeweler talked me out of aquamarine since the stone is too fragile for every day wear and tear. So instead, we are looking at blue diamonds, purple sapphires (which look a lot like tanzanite), and possibly, blue-green tourmaline.

Speaking of California...

You didn't think I'd go all the way to San Diego and not shop, did you? Here are two yummy pieces I picked up at one of my new favorite boutiques, Shop AnnMarie in Del Mar.



Both pieces are from LA-based indie designer, Theme.

SQUEEEEE! SCORE - Anthropologie Winding Ruffle Boots!

They're mine! All mine! The much sought after (but sold out everywhere) Anthropologie Winding Ruffle Boots are mine!