Owner: Blooming Lily URL:www.bloominglily.blogspot.com Join Date: Wed, 08 Nov 2006 13:40:33 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: This is an independent style blog featuring reviews and features of the most promising indie independent up-and-coming designers in fashion, jewelry, accessories, and design. Site statistics:Click here
Cool Site of the Week--Nole Mi Magazine 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I just looked through the premier issue of Nole Mi Magazine
, a new on-line mini magazine, and had to feature it as my cool site of the week. Editor, and indie lover, Ayana E. is fearlessly dedicated to promoting and showcasing the works of independent designers and has done a remarkable job of showcasing some truly beautiful, original and unique designs from some of the coolest names in fashion, jewelry, and home accessories (to name a few!) emerging today. The March debut issue features 51 pages of really stunning photographs, including beautiful vintage inspired jewelry by various talented artists, delicious looking recipes, stylish toddlers (you can nominate your own child HERE), and interesting articles such as the relationship between food and beauty. This is a magazine that deserves to get widespread attention and I hope that everyone will spread the word!! Want to be in Nole Me magazine? They are looking for models and springtime brides HERE. Want to have your products featured?
Brighten Up 2007-03-02 16:30:00 Spring is coming. I can feel it. I just don't see it yet. But, until the flowers start to bloom in my garden, I can satisfy my floral cravings with these beautiful flora pendants by Green Kangaroo. Featuring real pressed flowers embedded in transparent squares of resin, these charming necklaces are available in a variety of different flowers so you are sure to find a favorite! Hell, at prices starting at only $27, you can start your own flower garden inside. No watering required. Read more:Brighten
This Bag Was Made For Walking 2007-03-01 16:00:00 I absolutely had to feature this bag because I think it is so hilarious and statement making. Yes, you are seeing that right. A'N'D, a fabulous clothing and accessories line, created a zipper top leather handbag made with men's oxford shoe soles. Fashion with a sense of humor. How wonderful!! Read more:Walking
Cleveland Style--Winter Cool 2007-03-04 18:00:00 Cleveland
is very gray and dreary in the winter. (If you live in a cold climate you might have the same problem!) I ran into this woman at a restaurant and had to feature her because I loved her vintage inspired coat. Here's a fact you might not know about me: I have an obsession with coats. I have over 50 in my collection. So, I am always checking out other people's coats. Here, I love that this woman managed to stay warm and still look very chic! Read more:Style
Breath Palette Kit 2007-03-05 17:30:00 This is one of the coolest products I have come across in a long time!! Invented in Japan and now available exclusively at Firebox, Breath
Palette is a naturally derived line of flavored toothpastes that will change the way you look at brushing your teeth. Available in 20 different (and when I say different, I really mean it) flavors, this product is simply ingenius. There are 4 palette sets to choose from: 1) Sweet Tooth Palette: Vanilla, Bitter Chocolate, Caramel, L'Espresso, Pumpkin Pie; 2) Smoothie Palette: Freshness Yogurt, Monkey Banana, Kiwi Fruit, Strawberry, Blueberry; 3) Zen Palette: Lemon Tea, Cola, Rose, Lavender, Honey; and 4) East Meets West Palette: Darjeeling Tea, Indian Curry, Cinnamon, Tropical, Pineapple. I want to try all of them!! Each kit comes with five .9 ounce tubes of toothpaste for $22.95. More expensive than Crest for sure, but what a great gift idea for the man or woman who has everything. Including halitosis.
Cool Site of the Week--Be a Super Hero 2007-03-07 16:30:00 Ever wondered what kindo of superhero you would be? Well at Humor Scope, you can be a different superhero each day! A fun way to kill some time when you are bored, simply enter your name and your new "identity," including a brief bio and picture, is revealed. Here is mine for today:Name: Golden FlameSecret Identity: ElleabelleSpecial power: Crackling EarsTransportation: Nuclear BicycleWeapon: Electron GrenadeCostume: Alligator Evening GownSidekick: Dirk DeadlyNemesis: Melvin the SneakyTragic Flaw: Addicted to emailFavorite Food: Cheese Read more:Super
, Super Hero
All in the Details 2007-03-06 17:00:00 Belts have always been a basic in my wardrobe. Not something I have ever put much thought or time into. Not until now that is. The funky, bright, and bold belt buckles of Chromosapien show me that I have been missing out on a cool accessory to my wardrobe and that basic can be anything but boring. These incredible fused glass buckles instantly turn into a focal point and would liven up any outfit. At prices starting at only $46 for ready made, and $60 for custom made, this is truly affordable, and wearable, art! Check out more of her gorgeous glass designs--including hair accessories and serving ware, at her etsy shop.
Freshie & Zero 2007-03-08 16:30:00 I gravitate towards clean shapes and looks that can pass as formal or low key. The organic hand formed and hammered jewelry designs of Freshie & Zero are just that! From the current collection, I am loving this dainty and delicate sterling silver circle necklace that is wonderfully accented with a fresh color combination of apatite and citrine. Equally at home with jeans or a cocktail dress, this is a piece that can be worn all day and into the night. And, at only $40, it won't break your bank account.
Reader Survey 2007-03-09 15:38:00 I am a member of the Coutorture blog network and they have requested all members of the network to ask their readers to fill out a Reader
Survey. Now, I know these can be a pain to fill out, but if you feel so inclined to help Coutorture out, please take a moment to fill out this survey. I will not be using this information in ANY way and it is only being used to gauge the demographic of all the blog readers out there.
Objects of Beauty 2007-03-10 17:30:00 I have always loved glass objects, whether it be jewelry, sculpture or home accessories. So, I was happy to learn about the EGA, a collective of glass artists that have banded together to provide a place where you can shop from these talented artisans in one location. Some of the many beautiful goods available include modern home furnishings by IFuseSolutions, beautiful handmade lampwork glass beads by Avenue Beads, truly stunning stained glass panels by Amy Keith and amazing iridescent fused glass pendants by Lis Kidder. Starting tomorrow and running through March18, the EGA is having a Buy One Get One Half Off Sale! There has never been a better time to support the indie community and get some fabulous goods at even better prices. Read more:Beauty
Lycra is Back! (No, really!!) 2007-03-12 15:30:00 Treehouse 28 is an independent fashion label that has me rethinking my ban on 80's lycra!! Using cotton lycra, a luxe fabric that molds to the body, all of the pieces in this collection put a fresh spin on the traditional t-shirt. Each piece is available in a variety of colors and is made to order. I especially love the ruffled edge and exposed seam detailing and how the pieces layer so well. Cool-without-trying, these pieces look simple but are actually quite sophisticated. And, none of the pieces will bankrupt you: Prices range from $35 for a sleeveless layering top, $20-$40 for armwarmers, $60 for a hoody dress. Check out more of the fabulous collection at Treehouse 28. Read more:Lycra
Cool Site of the Week--Etsy 2007-03-14 15:30:00 If you haven't heard of Etsy by now, you have must have been living under a rock for the past year! Etsy is the online marketplace (NOT auction site!) for buying and selling all things handmade. Created as a place to support the independent artist and create real alternatives to mass-produced objects in the world's marketplace, Etsy is truly the home of the most amazing and talented artisans. Ready made fashions, stained glass, stationary, bath and body products and jewelry are some of the great finds on Etsy. Everything is reasonably priced, in fact, in my humble opinion, underpriced for the quality and time that it takes these artists to create their products. Below is just a few of the items that I have bookmarked as some of my favorites. Very easy to navigate, this site is addictive!!
Maryam's Soap Nook 2007-03-15 15:32:00 I have always been a bit obsessive about skin and body products. And, as I have gotten older, I have started using more natural products, ones that my children can use as well. So, I have got to tell you about some products that I have been using for the past month that are quite amazing. Maryam
's Soap Nook is a family run business that offers a wide selection of handmade bath and body products that are 100% natural. Known for her absolutely beautiful handmade soaps, Maryam's Soap Nook offers more than 50 varieties of naturally chemical free, super mild soaps with pleasant, and not overpowering, scents. I got the Gardenia and Jasmine for myself (a lovely light tropical scent) and the Exotic Rose and Bergamot (romantic and calming) for my mother. Made with goatsmilk, shea butter, Vitamin E, and various oils (palm, olive, coconut, and mono de Tahiti), these soaps provide a wonderful lather and are gentle enough for your face. And, as you can see from the photos above (taken by me!), th
Feeling Lucky? 2007-03-17 17:04:00 Add a little luck to your life today with this fabulously cute and clever 4-leaf clover ring by Silver Style Designs. Handcrafted from glass and wire-wrapped with sterling silver, this is the perfect amount of Irish spirit for me on this St. Patricks Day. Luck of the Irish to you!! Read more:Feeling
, Feeling Lucky
AP2 Creative Designs 2007-03-19 07:30:00 Gorgeous vibrant fabrics with lovely top stitching and hand sewn delightful and charming details such as buttons, rhinestones and pearls, make these one of a kind handbags by Kimberli Werner of AP2 Creative Designs
a must have for the Spring wardrobe. I especially loved the color combination and quirky details in the Clotho Bag from her oversized collection. Made from an emerald green taffeta, with a dark green chiffon overlay, I love the contrast red stitching and the floating objects of coins, pearls and beads. Perfect for throwing all my junk (oops, I mean stuff!) into and still looking fashionable.
Cool Site of the Week--Starr Designs 2007-03-21 08:00:00 Visitors to a website will determine within 10 seconds whether or not they will stay. (See also here.) Accordingly, it is important to grab a visitors attention immediately. One of the best ways to do this is to create a visually pleasing site that visitors want to look at, stay at, and ultimately, come back to. First impressions are very important. Like it or not, aesthetics play an important role, both in website/blog design and life. A great banner will give your blog or site an instant visual pop and can help create a look and feel that is consistent with your messaging. I just had my new banner (see above!) created for my blog by StarrDesigns
. Simple yet eye-catching and colorful, it stands out from the standard blogger, typepad, or wordpress templates. Jessica Stolte, the owner and designer of Starr Designs, created this banner for me in only one day. She listened to my ideas and was friendly, creative, and reasonably priced! Only $20 for a custom banner and avatar! She also did
Full Bloom 2007-03-20 15:30:00 Spring is Coming! Spring is Coming! And that means soon I will be wearing fun, flirty dresses like this one from indie fashion designer Kahri. I am positively obsessed with the gorgeous purple hand dyed and screenprinted hibiscus on this sleeveless jersey hoody dress. And I love the funky and quirkly details like the purple silk chiffon ruffle detail on the neckline and hoody. The dress is versatile too--I think it would look great alone or over a pair of wide legged trousers! Read more:Bloom
For the Love of Jewelry 2007-03-22 15:30:00 For the Love of Jewelry
is a beautiful and classic line of jewelry that marries delicate and bold beads with sterling silver and 14K gold filled wire. From the current collection, I am loving this necklace that features hand painted cloissone beads and faceted peridot on gold filled chain. The fresh colors and dangly design are totally sleek and would add instant chic to any outfit! So rich looking, and, at only $75, such a great price. The designer, Noelle, is also working on establishing a collective of independent designers, who also happen to be moms, to showcase their talents in one convenient place. Check out her blog HERE for more information.
Suiting Up 2007-03-23 15:30:00 Be one of those people who gets recognized for their style with the one of a kind couture suits by fashion label Autumn Russell. Designed for the independent fashionable woman who needs to effortlessly transition from day to night, these suits are meticulously designed and hand sewn with incredible detail and workmanship. Starting at $200, these wildly glamorous suits are easily transformed into office appropriate or day appropriate by wearing the individual pieces as separates with a dress, basic black wide-legged trousers or jeans, or a solid colored top. One of my favorites in her collection is the summer suit, pictured above. Made of a light colored stretch suede with gorgeous crinkle satin contrast paneling, the capped sleeves, slanted seams and scalloped edges make this a truly chic one of a kind outfit.I also love this white subtle plaid rayon suit, pictured below. The fit and flare give it a dressy look, but the luxe fur trim and satin lining give it an interesting off-beat edg
Blossoming Belly 2007-03-26 09:00:00 I think pregnant women should flaunt their shapes rather than hide behind overalls and baggy t-shirts. And cool maternity clothing can accent your body in a really beautiful and sexy way. Like this absolutely amazing maternity corsage by German designers Lilo und Dicke Dinger. Made from rayon, cotton, and leather, this belly belt can be worn with just about anything to instantly make you feel and look fabulous! Since the belt cinches in the back, it can be worn throughout the entire pregnancy and behind. What a fun way to flaunt your blossoming figure!!
Jumping Jack Flash 2007-03-27 16:30:00 Alexandra Grenham is the jewelry designer behind the line Audrey Jack. Using oversized and vintage inspired beads, she creates big funky necklaces that are bold enough to carry an entire outfit. I have always gravitated towards bright colors, but lately I have been positively obsessed with all things white. So, I am especially drawn to these absolutely fabulous milky white necklaces which feature truly amazing white lucite and vintage beads. This is contemporary urban elegance at its finest. Read more:Jumping
, Flash
Cool Site of the Week--VW Vortex 2007-03-28 16:00:00 I am part of a Volkswagen family. My husband and I both drive VW's and are very loyal to the brand which is why I like the VW Vortex
...a website for the Volkswagen enthusiast. VW just introduced the limited edition triple white Beetle Convertible. It is amazing as you can see from the pics. The best part? I just got my new beautiful white beetle last night!!! Yup...that is me in the photo with my two lovelies!! This is going to be a fun Spring! (And, if you read yesterday's post...you can see why I have been obsessing about white lately!!)
Penny For Your Thoughts 2007-03-29 16:30:00 I have kept a journal since I was 10 years old. I write in it every day, some posts long, some just short jots about my day. At the end of the year, I store it away. Since I am 36 years old, I have 26 journals tucked away. 26!! My husband asks what I will do with them and I figure that maybe one or both of my daughters will be interested to know about my life and read them one day. I already have my journal for 2007, but how I wish I had found these gorgeous journals by Tobi Woods before I started this year! Really, just the perfect little book to keep your thoughts, doodles, or grocery lists! Available in 16 different themes and colors with brightly colored text weight paper inside, I especially liked the colors and prints on the Bloom, Bulb, and Flower journals. And, they are only $12 each!! Tobi also makes fabulous notecards, magnets and wall art which feature her signature abstract floral designs on bright bold colors. Read more:Penny
Mod Squad 2007-03-31 03:00:00 Hazel Atkinson is a jewelry designer from London who creates really bold bright and beautiful earrings, necklaces and bracelets from anodized aluminium. Each piece is handpainted and dyed to create these unique colorful wearable scupltures. There is a definite retro/mod feel to these pieces that manages to still look totally contemporary. One of these pieces is all I would need to feel fancy and funky. Read more:Squad
, Mod Squad
2Bird or not 2Bird 2007-04-02 09:00:00 Add a burst of color and a flash of flair to any outfit with these colorful and feminine obi belts by Australian accessories designer 2Birds. The bright colors would look soft against neutrals and would pop against black. Ensuring that they can pretty much be worn with anything! I especially love the vintage kimono belt (pictured above) with the silk wraparound ties and the bright leather belt (pictured below) with the satin ribbon wraparound bow. The perfect addition to accentuate your waist and add some dimension to a simple outfit, I think these would look amazing with a wrap dress, khaki pants or a cardigan! Adorn yourself in something divine. You deserve it.
Cool Site of the Week--Spring Hill Nursery 2007-04-04 16:30:00 One of my greatest passions is gardening. I love getting out in the yard, digging in the soil, planting new varieties, and tending to my flowers. I have lived at my house for almost 5 years, and every year I add more perennials depending on what works and what doesn't. Now that the weather has been getting a bit warmer, and my first blooms are emerging (crocus, hyacinth, and daffodils) , I have been doing the "chore" part: WEEDING. But, soon, I will be doing the FUN part: planting and designing. One of my favorite places to buy flowers is Spring
Hill Nursery
. Besides having the most wonderful selection of plants, the customer service is outstanding, they have great specials and coupon deals, and they have a no-risk gardening lifetime guarantee (If, for any reason, you aren't pleased with any plant upon receipt, after planting or once it grows, they will refund you or send a replacement!!). If you don't know much about gardening...don't worry. The site offers numerous step-by-step
Duchess von Dudik 2007-04-03 18:30:00 A gorgeous abstract print on sensuous fluid silk lends a sweetly sexy vibe to this amazing dress by Duchess
von Gina. The figure-flattering knotted halter top flows into a fluid knee length skirt that creates a feminine and graceful line that somehow manages to be both drapey and body-conscious. Fully lined, this dress is equally appropriate for a night out on the town (throw on some strappy sandals and a pair of sexy dangly earrings) or for Sunday brunch with the family (a cashmere wrap and flat bright colored sandals). See more of the Spring collection HERE.
Scoutie Girl 2007-04-05 17:30:00 Scoutie Girl, a relatively new indie blog that features and promotes the work of independent designers, has featured the Clementine bracelet from my new Etsy shop. Written by the super talented Jan DiCintio, this blog has some really interesting finds like the fitted tank tops by Hannah Kopacz. Jan is also a textile artist and makes the most fabulous handbags, key fobs and headbands from absolutely amazing custom fabrics that she actually makes herself. Available at her online shop Daisy Janie, her prices are really reasonable and, in fact, she is having a fantastic sale right now on all her gorgeous bags!! Check out her collections HERE.
Indulgems Sample Sale 2007-04-06 23:00:00 This just in!! One of my favorite jewelry designers Indulgems is having a sample sale on select items!! I have always been a fan of their use of color and technique. (See this post and this post!) And, now many of her gorgeous pieces are available for 40% to 50% off!! These are just a few examples of some items, so click Here to see more. Read more:Sample
I Can See Clearly Now 2007-04-06 19:00:00 Handcrafting beautiful jewelry out of oversize lucite, Erica Pena's latest collection includes bold, opulent and uniquely modern designs. Substantial and luxurious, her Juana earrings have a sculptural feel to them that are so statement making and so perfect with a simple dress. The earrings, although quite large in size, are suprisingly carefree on the ears since lucite is a relatively lightweight material. So even though they are extremely chunky, they won't weigh you down. Perfect for hitting the town with a sexy, elegant and dramatic look not to be found elsewhere.
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