Six Eighty Eight Shop is LIVE!!!

Hiiii Peeps!! I know, I know... it's been a long time and I promise I will explain everything in tomorrow's post, but today I have some very exciting news! My Etsy shop full of jewelry, gift packaging, paper products (coming soon!), and art (coming soon!) is now LIVE and ready for you to shop, shop, shop! 

Currently in the shop I have several delicate gold plated necklaces that are perfect for layering with other necklaces in the shop or can be worn as a stand alone piece. I love these necklaces and have worn every single piece. Each piece (priced $18-$26) is made to order based on the charm you would like as well as the length of chain. I will be working around the clock to ensure that I fulfill, ship, and deliver all pieces in my shop before Christmas. 

I'm also offering gift wrapping for all of the items I have listed in the shop. If you would like your purchase to be wrapped, simply add the gift packaging item to your cart ($3), as I'm happy to take this one gift wrapping task off your list. You know me - it's all about the packaging!

Finally, in the shop I have created two holiday greeting cards. I plan to add a lot more paper products after the holidays (handmade cards, wrapping paper, and gift bags/tags) so stay tuned.

My all time favorite Christmas movie is The Christmas Story, and one of my favorite parts of the movie (while there are so many) is when Ralphie finally gets the nerve to ask Santa exactly what he wants for Christmas. The facial expression he has once Santa tells him "you'll shoot your eye out kid" is priceless - so I decided to create a hand-stamped greeting card that only my fellow Christmas Story fanatics will appreciate. ($4)

With all of the racial conflict going on recently, I decided to create a hand-painted card in celebration of the holidays and in remembrance of those that have lost their lives to hate and misunderstanding. “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

So there you have it - the shop is LIVE!!! Once you have some time to shop around - I would love to hear your thoughts. As the shop will continue to be a work in progress - let me know what you would like to see. I can't wait to hear to what you think!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all of the love and support. I can't even begin to figure out how to thank all of you that have encouraged and supported me throughout this process. It hasn't been easy and I can tell you for sure that I wouldn't have been able to hit that "GO LIVE" button just a little while ago without you. So again - THANK YOU!

Now go shop!

{Pillow Love: Be Still Shop}

Be Still Shop on Etsy is one of my favorite shops simply because I'm obsessed with pillows! The shop was created by Australian Industrial and Graphic Designer, Sarah Robinson, after she moved from Bangkok in 2008 and fell in love with all the fabrics and patterns she found there.  To shop Sarah's store, click here - and check out my faves below:

{Something New For The New Year: Shine On!}

Who says that wearing something shiny is only for special occasions and holidays? While surfing Etsy last night for some new year quote posters to post today, I put in the words shine on and it {mis}lead me to these amazing finds {I get distracted so easily}. So while this post took a little bit of a turn, my same intention remains - shine on!

Can you believe that all of the items above are handmade from Etsy designers? Love - right? To purchase ~ click here for the metallic high-waisted pants, here for the cashmere cape, and here for the silver ballerina flats.

I'm in save mode right now - but I really love the flats...really love.

{My Christmas Wish List}

After I posted about how me and my sisters {while we are all grown adults} are still required to make Christmas wish lists - I got several requests to post what was actually on my list. And while we have to include exactly what we want, my parents still want there to be surprises on Christmas morning, so we have to add lots of items to our list {knowing of course we won't get everything or even near} for them to choose from. So without further ado:

What's on your Christmas wish list??? If you want to add any of the items above to your list and would like to know where to get it - just leave a comment below and I'll let you know. Enjoy your day Peeps!

{Lovin Lampshades: Studio Jota}

You know how when you see something that you really want, decide to leave it at the store to see if you still think about it the next day? Well that's what I'm going through, however, it's been several days now. I saw this fantastic lamp while out to lunch last week at NOFO, and I've been thinking about it ever since. The problem - it's $228. I came home that night and scrubbed the web trying to see if I could find it for cheaper. I found several lamps and lovely drum shades {as seen below} but nothing quite as amazing as the one I saw.

{All lampshades are made by Etsy store Studio Jota}

So what to do, what to do... Should I buy it? Write a letter to Santa? Make it one of my Christmas presents to myself? Or leave it and keep hunting? I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture of it so I could show you. Maybe I'll back this week to look at it again...and grab one of my favorite bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado sandwiches. Stay tuned....this book is not closed!

{All Things Warm And Cozy}

I feel like when I left for Italy is was 90 degrees outside, and then when I returned it was 60 and when I wake up at 6:30 in the morning, it's still pitch dark out ~ what happened? Not that I'm complaining because I absolutely love the fall, but I don't feel we got much of a transition period. In preparation of all things warm and cozy, I did a little search and found a few new Etsy faves that I thought I would share. Now that my trip is over, I don't have to save every dime and penny....so with that, I'm lovin the vintage train case below...hmmm....

1. Hopscotch Mat, $60

2. Leather Bicycle Bag, $65

3. Vintage Train Bag, $82

4. Vintage Spool of Twine, $26

5. Grey Cowl Scarf, $55

{A Bunch of Randomness...}

I'm feeling a little random this morning, so my post today is going to reflect exactly that...random.

{There's something about hot air balloons that I just love. I came across this fantastic pic that not only includes hot air balloons, but they are in my favorite colors - mustard and gray. Love! Click here to purchase the pic and to browse through the entire shop}

{You had me at Leather Tote. Isn't this fabulous? Click here to view this fantastic bag and the rest of this lovely shop}

{I am a collector of many things, and boxes to hold "stuff" in are one of those many. I really really love these and think they could be the perfect accessory to the perfect gift. For example if someone wanted to buy me the Michele watch I've been obsessed over for my birthday 1 month from today {clearing throat} this would be the perfect box to put it in {clearing throat again}. Click here to see more of these amazing boxes}

{I also collect the letter "J". [NOTE - as your searching the web and /or out vintage and flea market shopping, if you ever come across a HUGE (as in over 3 foot tall) letter J, I beg you to let me know where you see it. I saw one on Etsy about a year ago, and of course procrastinated a little too long and someone bought it ~ I've been obsessed ever since.] Click here to visit this vintage shop - they have every letter in the alphabet...}

See I told you, a bunch of randomness...but sometimes that's ok, right?

{Pajamas or T-Shirts?}

I'm not a big pajama wearer - I'm more of my high school cheerleading and marching band {don't judge} vintage t-shirts and shorts kind of girl - but I stumbled across a pair of pj's on Etsy and that started a search that resulted in all of the cuties....

{Pink Print Voile Lounge Shorts & Robe}

{Pink Love Poppy Gown - this one you could wear as a dress or pjs!}

{White Linen Cami & Shorts}

{Amy Butler Pajama Pants}

{Cotton Cami & Bloomers}

{1930s Cotton Pajama Set}

Cute huh? Gotta love Etsy...

{Blog Archive: QUOTE Handbags}

Good very early morning! I'm headed up north for the day {6:00am flight} for a video shoot for work. Since I'm up oh so early, I thought I would dig into the archives and pull out an oldie but goodie. Since I just purchased the bag below for my trip to Italy, I decided to choose the post I did on Etsy seller Quote...

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{Enjoy this oldie but goodie} Over the weekend I happend to stumble across Etsy seller Quote. Now if you're obsessed with handbags like me, you're sure to love Quote’s unique contemporary bags. Quote is a Bangkok-based design studio, ran by Jim and Vicki, who designs and handmakes these quality bags. My favorite is the houndstooth tote shown below (first pic on the left), which one is yours? To see more of Jim and Vicki's designs, be sure to visit their etsy sight. Fab right?

Have a great day - make it lovely!

{Etsy Love}

No rhyme, no reason, just really love these Etsy items...

1. Mustard Clutch - I so love this and have blogged about this bag before...{clearing throat, my birthday is coming up in October}

2. Stacked Antique Gold Necklace - I bought this necklace for my sister several months ago, and I am thinking I should have kept it for myself! Maybe when I visit her in LA I can steal it {as she loves to "borrow" my stuff - lol - sorry T, you do!}...or I may just buy one of my own!

3. Gold Dotted Notebook by Bailey Doesn't Bark - I received these cups last year for Christmas and I more than adore them. The notebook above is so lovely and for only $17 it's a must have. Love love love...

4. Mustard Organic Cotton Fabric - I really like this simple and modern pattern and would love to make a couple of pillows out of it.

5. Rustic Handmade Stacked Ring - so elegant, so simple, an I love the mother of pearl stone in the center.

6. Vintage Fedora Hat - you know me and hats...nuff' said!

Great finds eh?

{Etsy Love: Leah Duncan}

After doing a search on Etsy for "Summer Scarves" {don't ask me why because it's hotter than HE-double hockey sticks and the last thing I want is something around my neck} I stumbled upon Austin-artist Leah Duncan. I really do love the soft colors of the scarf below on the left and think I need to purchase it for when it gets a little cooler outside {or for Italy. PS. I promise you - you will get sick of hearing me talk about Italy, I'm sorry, I'm just so freakin excited!}.

In addition to Leah's lovely handprinted scarves, she includes a collection of prints, cards, calendars, tea towels and so much more. To check out her shop click here ~ her blog click here ~ and her website click here. ENJOY!

{Satin & Sass + Giveaway}

“I wore a bird in my hair” said our fave SATC friend Ms. Bradshaw {now Mrs. Preston} lol! I think that the most fabulous brides all have one important thing in common—they all pay special attention to the details that make them look unique. One way to ensure your distinct sense of style on your big day is to shop for handmade, unique pieces that you instantly fall in love with. Like my friend, Allie of Satin & Sass, Etsy is full of fun little gems like these wedding hair accessories, so it makes it a great place to start. Allie recently started her shop on Etsy, and I got the chance to ask her a few questions about how she got started, her influences, and trusting your creative intuition. Check it out:

 

Q: What made you want to start your own hair accessory line?

A: It was a matter of chance, really. My best friend recently got married and I was asked to create the rehearsal bouquet from the leftover bridal shower ribbons. I was quickly disappointed with the traditional method (which involves tying the assortment of leftover ribbons to a paper plate and calling it a day) and remembered seeing in a magazine how to make ribbon flowers. I gave it a shot and the end result was an elaborate bouquet of ribbon roses. I tested a couple different methods of making different flower shapes and had the half-brained idea to put them on hair clips...and the rest was history.

Q: What inspires you/who are your influences?

A: I find inspiration in many forms. Sometimes it's in the fabric of a vintage dress. Other times it's in a random idea gone wrong that turns into something else entirely. I try to stay open minded during the process and fun things tend to happen. More specifically, I gravitate towards the timeless and feminine styles of Old Hollywood. I am a huge fan of Ginger Rogers and the amazing costumes featured in many of the classic "Fred and Ginger" films.

Q: What do you love most about Etsy?

A: Etsy has so many great qualities....how to choose?! But to love the most, I'd say it's the sense of community that you can acquire with fellow artists. It's always nice to have the support and inspiration of being surrounded by other creative people, and with Etsy's "conversation" feature and chat rooms, it's so easy to share ideas, get and give advice, and ultimately create a support group for your business.

Q: What other thoughts would you like to share?

A: If you have the itch to be creative, trust your ideas and just go for it. Even if the ideas don't work out the way you initially envision them, something else even better often comes out of the effort. There's something so satisfying about creating something that is a unique expression of yourself. Go out make something! It's fun! And well....if you're not the creative type....check out Etsy and you'll find some cool stuff!!

HOW TO WIN:

1. Click here to visit Satin & Sass

2. Leave a comment below with the name of the Satin & Sass piece you like the most and why {NOTE: only comments left below will be included; comments left on my Facebook or Twitter, even though I always love to hear from you, will not count} 

3. Giveaway ends on Friday, June 25 at 2pm, ET, and a winner will be randomly chosen using the Random Number Generator. Please check back on Friday to see if you are the lucky winner!!!

Good luck & and congratulations Allie on your new shop!!!

{Etsy Lust: Frosted Willow}

I've done it again!!! I've stumbled upon another amazing Etsy designer, Frosted Willow, who makes these lovely AND affordable {$9.50 - $24.00} bangles. Katrin Lerman, after a happy childhood in Germany, her plans were to come to the US as an AuPair for a year, and perfect her English. Instead, or in addition, she met her future husband and never left.{hmmm...what do you think, maybe this will happen to me when I go to Italy???}

After graduating New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University in Boston, we loved working as an Interior Designer, but after having her baby girl, she returned to her first passion of creating jewelry. Interior Design as well as creating jewelry is all about color, form, and texture – and that’s what she integrates into her jewelry designs. Check em out...

Fab right? With these designs and prices, how can you not visit the shop and order one....or some?