Independent Luxe - Your Style is Here

Sale Alert!

2008-05-07T16:27:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm a little slow- as you can see, I sometimes have some trouble keeping up with this blog. You know, owning a business, running that, I have a puppy, I try to have a social life... to make a long story longer, I sometimes forget to check my IL email, and then I post about sales a little late.

But, who cares? The sale at Accessory Bug Ends tomorrow, so there is plenty of time to get your shop on.

All you have to do is enter the code mom08 during checking to receive 20% off. As the name suggests, they have a ton of accessories that I'm sure you'll love and know that you can afford.

Bath & Body Review: Ciao Bella

2008-05-07T15:53:00.007-04:00

I didn't really know where to begin with the products I received in the mail from Ciao Bella because they were both so fabulous.

So, I decided the easiest route was to review what I tried out first, first.

The day I received the package from Ciao Bella, I opened it immediately. My body was in dire need of some exfoliation, I needed to take a shower, and this was the perfect time for me to try out their beautiful Yuzu Grapefruit Sugar Scrub.

Looks good enough to eat doesn't it? But, I don't recommend it, of course!

I grabbed the jar, opened it, and was hit with an amazing burst of citrus that had a beautiful softness to it. Not overpowering, not underwhelming, but just right. Invigorating and relaxing!

I found the scrub absolutely delightful. The sugar was coarse enough to do its job, but gentle enough to leave my sensitive skin happy.

On their website, they state, "Our scrub is rich in olive oil, shea, soy and Vitamin E, it removes dead skin cells while the oils penetrate and moisturize the skin for a beautiful glow." They are right on. My skin was soft, smooth, and perfectly moisturized. It didn't feel greasy at all. My skin reminded me of velvet and that was a thrilling reaction.

The after-scent is not quite a strong, but this is not at all a bad thing... the softness I was talking about earlier is stronger and you smell completely fresh.
I absolutely LOVE this scrub!

You can get a gigantic 8 ounce jar of this scrub (available in an array of scents), for just $24 at ciaobellabody.com. Totally worth it. Your skin will thank you!

Can you handle more? I have one more thing to review and I am just as excited about it! What is it, you ask?
Well, it is the Lychee-Apricot hand & body cream. It is divine. Luxurious. Definitely in the top three that I've reviewed on Independent Luxe since the beginning.

You can see it, but you can't feel it- this hand & body cream screams luxury! It is thick and the scent is to die for. Just $18 for 5 ounces of feeling like a queen at ciaobellabody.com

That is the lovely jar that you will receive! I got sample sizes. ;)

I don't even know what Lychee is, but I like it. I can smell the citrusiness of the Apricot, but there is an underlying earthy freshness that I'm assuming comes from the Lychee or the combination of the two. LOVE IT!

A lot of creams leave you feeling overly moisturized and take f.o.r.e.v.e.r. to absorb. This one does not. This one is a dream come true. When I put this stuff on I forget because it absorbs THAT quickly. But, when I touch my skin, I'm quickly reminded that I used the Lychee-Apricot cream from that amazing ciaobellabody.com.

My skin is as soft as a babies bum, and let me tell you, I have the worst dry skin ever when it comes to the winter/spring. My body just has this horrible time adjusting, but this stuff WORKS. And, it works for hours. You can't do better than that, my friends.

Go buy some stuff. Let
Ciao Bella know that you heard of them here. And, then, come thank me for introducing you to this
fabulous line of bath & body products.

And, another bonus for you: enter MOM during checkout to receive 15% off of your order.

Jayda Online: eco-friendly stationery & gifts

2008-04-21T13:06:00.002-04:00

We're all going greener these days.00

Thankfully, I was introduced to Jayda Online who offers eco-friendly invitations for weddings and baby showers, save the dates, and announcements that are elegant & brilliantly designed.

Below are a few of my favorites, that I know you'll appreciate.

The Blossom invitations are ethereal, feminine, and beautifully simple. Shown here in a beautiful blue- you have a slew of color options from yellow to pink to green to burgundy! The options are endless... click here to see them all and for pricing information.

I am really big fan of a save the date being a bookmark. It is reusable, and like all of the fine goods at Jayda Online, eco-friendly. And, of course, it's completely customizable. There are other bookmarks, as well, that are equally as lovely. You can also get magnets, which is a really cool idea.

The Foliage wedding invitations are my personal favorite. They are modern, yet classic. Simple, but striking. Click here for all the options and pricing info.

All of the stationery at jaydaonline.com uses 100% cotton paper, printed with soy-based inks making them very eco-friendly! Another thing I love is that Jayda Online offers this wonderful eco-friendly line without sacrificing the all important elegance many of you desire when seeking out invitations of many kinds.
They realize and appreciate the fact that going green doesn't mean you have to be earthy crunchy- you don't have to have flecks of this & that, seeds, flower petals or any of that (though it can be beautiful). You can have smooth surfaces, even color, and texture while taking steps to be enviromentally friendly.

Show your appreciation at jaydaonline.com, and if you order, tell them who sent you!

TAX-IS-OVER sale at miSPA

2008-04-16T15:02:00.002-04:00

Well, one of my favorite little bath & body boutiques is having a generous sale that I wanted you all to know about!

miSPA will give you 20% off now through April 21st! Just enter TAXisover during checkout to take advantage of this awesome offer! One thing, though, you must be a registered user at miSPA to use the discount!

And, bonus! the first 50 orders will receive a slew of coupons from Totally Indie to use at other handmade shops!

P.O.S.H. Chicago

2008-01-29T11:03:00.000-05:00

We all want something unique in our landing spot. We get bored with run of the mill, mass produced junk.

Thankfully, there is a little shop in Chicago that gets it.
Filled with an eclectic array of home accessories and gift items, but like they told me, "that just sounds so generic and doesn't adequately describe our merchandise."

They're right on with that, too. So, my best suggestion is to check out the P.O.S.H. Chicago website for yourself to see what they have to offer. For a sampling of a few cool things, look below- I think you'll be intrigued and find yourself spending a good amount of time on their website. If you're near their shop on State Street right of of Michigan Ave. in Chicago, go visit, you'll have a blast!

the
French line box of teas, $90 at
poshchicago.com

I love tea. And, I especially love good tea. Tea with a bit of history is quite cool as well... to quote from P.O.S.H:
Established in 1861, the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique - known in the United States as the French Line - became world-renowned as sailing some of the most luxuriously appointed oceanliners across the Atlantic. Reaching their glory during the 1920's, the ships were exclusively supplied with the world's finest teas by the Dammann Fréres Tea Purveyors of France.

Reissued by Dammann Fréres, the exquisite teas once enjoyed by the passengers onboard the prestigious French Line ships. A quartet of deliciously aromatic teas with a decidedly glamorous provenance.
Tea with history and taste.

French Absinthe spoons, just $18 at poshchicago.com

And, finally, my favorite thing. There is something alluring and dangerous about Absinthe that makes me want to try it some day- but not here in the U.S.A.! However, these reproduction spoons offer the same allure in their design and are made of stainless steel, so you'll never need to buy them again, unless someone steals them from you! And, they might, since they are so cool.

Wired Originals Jewelry

2007-12-03T15:04:00.000-05:00

Wrapture bracelet, $70 at wiredoriginals.com

Life can be a little chaotic, but we have to admit: there is a sort naturalness to this chaotic life. It can be a little messy, but there's a formula, and sometimes it comes out in art. And, it can be beautiful.

Empire earrings, $30 at wiredoriginals.com

The jewelry at Wired Originals takes my lovely theory and uses it to create well made, handcrafted jewelry using beautiful stones & glass with intricate wire weaving and wrapping. There's also some leather in the mix, which I am huge fan of.

Isis I necklace, $42 at wiredoriginals.com

To quote the designer of
Wired Originals, I make each loop, dangle, clasp and wrap entirely by hand. Like many wire artists, I never use glue or flimsy jump rings in my designs.

Wired Originals also offers rings, which are fabulous. The Doily is my favorite.

Erin Lilies Handcrafted Jewelry & Jewelry Boxes

2007-11-09T17:24:00.001-05:00

I like chainmail. There is something about it that brings forth a feeling of strength.

At Erin Lilies you will find jewelry created using classic & modern chainmail styles. The jewelry is elegant and expertly handcrafted.

Jaded Necklace, $129 at erinlilies.com

Stunning Earrings, $42 at erinlilies.com

Ballroom Blitz bracelet, $72 at erinlilies.com.

As you can see from these photos, each piece is created with great care and attention to detail. "Simple" designs made with meticulous planning and craftsmanship that you do not see often enough.

Strong jewelry for strong women at Erin Lilies. There are also incredible handmade jewelry boxes made by the designers husband available. Just as strong, beautiful, and elegant as the jewelry.

Mi SPA Holiday Pre-Sale

2007-11-08T14:46:00.000-05:00

The beautiful online boutique for lovely home spa products, Mi SPA, is having a holiday presale.

A number of great things to pamper yourself are 20% off now through November 21, 2007. From candles, to lotions, diffusers, and gift sets- there a plenty of things to indulge yourself or your friends & family in.

INDEPENDENTluxe has reviewed Mi SPA products in the past and loved them! Click here if you're interested in reading the review.

Shop the holiday presale at mispa.com now.

30% off sale at Kelly Meeker Designs

2007-11-01T12:43:00.001-04:00

Kelly Meeker Designs is having a midseason sale now through November 15th, 2007.

Everything on the site is included! Just enter midseason in the vouchers section during checkout & click recalculate to receive your 30% off!

This is Kelly Meeker Designs' biggest sale yet, so take advantage of it while you can!

Tons of new jewelry has been added to the collection in the past couple of weeks, as well.

Add some more sparkle to your wardrobe, shop now!

END OF SUMMER SALE at KELLY MEEKER DESIGNS

2007-08-30T17:19:00.001-04:00

Kelly Meeker Designs is having an end of summer sale. Get 20% off* of all jewelry on site, coin Pearl jewelry is included in this sale, as well!

Just enter HOTHOTHOT in the voucher section of the checkout page, hit recalculate, and receive 20% off your entire order!

Go shop at kellymeekerdesigns.com!

Tell your friends about the KMD sale..

* Sale codes are not valid on custom orders or previous purchases!

* Sorry, codes are NOT combinable with other promotions.

Cool Event: Project de moda

2007-04-27T13:23:00.000-04:00

Product Review: 5th Avenue Bath Co.

2007-04-02T14:40:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I received an unusually large package filled with a ton of bath and body goodies created by 5th Avenue Bath Co. This review has taken me a little longer to get up than usual because I had so many new things to try! And, of course, you need to try things one at a time to get a true sense of how much you like something and how it works for you.

I received a package with SEVEN samples. Seven different fantastic goodies to try!

So, please accept my apologies for taking longer than usual to 5th Avenue and my readers. I think you'll find it worth it. In the future, if something is as generous with their samples as 5th Ave., I'll break it up into a few different features.

Hand & Body Cream, $19.95.

I first tried the Luxurious Body Cream.
Fresh!Spring!Day! That is what this reminds me of. The scent is SO refreshing and airy and crisp. The cream itsself does an awesome job of moisturizing your skin. LOVE IT! This absorbs nice and fast, as well. INDEPENDENTluxe really appreciates fast absorbing moisturizers. I usually don't have time to wait around to get dressed, so this is ideal.

Then, I tried the Luxurious Body Moisturizer in Blackberry Pear. This is a very fruity, sweet scent that is striking. Not for those of us who like to be subtle. :) This is also a beautiful moisturizer. It works. It feels great and absorbs with the quickness. The consistency is smooth and light. I highly recommend trying it.

When I tried the next product. I fell in love with it. I have never tried a moisturizer that was this thick and creamy in my life. It feels amazing and makes your skin look absolutely phenomenal.

Foot & Leg Moisturizer with Shea Butter, $12.95

I received a sample in the Bergamot scent. It's citrus-y and fresh. Light and delicous.

Look at how thick that stuff is! AMAZING! Love, love, love it. I'd like about a gallon of this, so I could use it every day for the rest of the year!

Feet need special treatment. They are working all the time! After a rough day on your feet, it's nice to pamper yourself.

Rough Foot Soap with Goat's Milk, $5.99

The exfoliating foot soap from the 5th Ave. Bath Co. is awesome! The lather is really nice and the exfoliating scrubbies work wonders at softening your feet. You kind of feel like you got a pedicure after you use this soap. That is how awesome it is!

Speaking of exfoliators... I also got to try the Tootsie Tune Up scrub, and the Jojoba Exfoliating scrub. Both are really lovely.

Tootsie Tune Up Scrub, $15.95

Since I was just talking about feet, I'll continue with that... the Tootsie Tune Up scrub is nice and rough and filled with great moisturizing oils. If you have feet that are beat up from walking around barefoot or from walking in uncomfortable sandals during the summer, you need to get this. The scrub will kick your callouses ass. That's right! It means business and I love it.

The Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub is brand new at 5th Ave. Bath Co. So new, it's not even on the site, yet. How cool is that? This scrub is subtle, and makes your skin super happy. If you're in the mood for a light exfoliator that keeps that skin from looking like the desert, you should give this a try. I got to try it in the Pomegranate Martini scent, and it is totally delectable. Girly, but not overpowering.

Luxurious Lip Balm, $2.99

We all need a good lip balm. The luxurious lip balm line at 5th Ave. provides moisture that lasts and feels smooth & creamy on your lips. I got the Coconut Lemon Grass and it smells amazing. I love how you can smell it, but not taste it. You know, because flavored lip balms usually taste fake. This lip balm is simply excellent.

So, as I'm sure you gathered. I'm a big fan of the products at 5th Ave Bath Co. and think you'd benefit by giving them a try.

Erika from 5th Ave. wants INDEPENDENTluxe readers to know that not all scents are offered for all of their body goodies. However, if you see a scent you want that's not offered for a paticular product, write her a note in comment section when checking out and she'll do her best to give you what you want!

In Love: Moonblood

2007-03-05T19:22:00.000-05:00

Something happened yesterday. I found graphic tees that made me want to wear graphic tees again.

Blue Scarabs tee, $38. Putty Super Hero, $42. Both available at moonblood.net

Each shirt is hand-printed and hand-dyed. Each will make you stand out in crowd for having impeccable taste and kick ass style.

The brand is MoonblooD. The owners are an adorable couple that go by the names Leo and Amy. Amy has a background in textiles and loves fashion. Leo background is in computer science. An odd pairing, perhaps, but a perfect one. Just look at how sick these shirts are!

Scarlet Feather Flight tee, $42 at moondblooD.net

The Feather Flight tee comes in a couple of colors, as do a few of their
other designs. This one in particular really stands out to me. The print really pops from this scarlet background. The Native American inspired drawing gives it a tribal appeal without making you feel like you're wearing something that you don't know about. You know what I mean? I see people in distressed Pink Floyd tees because they look cool, yet these people know nothing about Floyd (don't even get me started on that). They have just the
right amount of artistry that shows where the inspiration comes from without any fakeness.

As you can see above, they make shirts for boys, too. That is great, huh?
Men's Tut $38. Mauve Super Hero $38. Both at moonblooD.net

I love that they have tees for boys that don't look like every other tee you see. They have this artistic kick that makes them really different. They also aren't cluttered and overbearing like a lot of what's out there right now, either.

When they say, "Amy’s solid fashion background coupled with Leo’s European sensibilities give MoonblooD tee’s a unique flair." They are totally right.

Go support these awesome designers at moonblooD.net.

Product Review: Charlyn Koo

2007-03-01T00:19:00.000-05:00

Package from Charlyn Koo.

I opened a package. Inside, I found a parchment paper envelope tied in brown satin ribbon. After removing the ribbon and opening this envelope, my breath was taken away by what was inside. Beautifully designed cards that are suitable for almost any occassion.

Cards from the Glitzy & Golden Collection at charlynkoo.com.

I actually don't know where to begin with this review. When I said my breath was taken away, this was not an exaggeration: I gasped when I saw the beauty of these cards. They are rich and well made. They stand out. The designs are completely unique and completely gorgeous, even frameworthy.

Tree card from the Glitzy & Golden Collection at charlynkoo.com

The first collection of cards I saw was from the Glitzy & Golden collection. Each card is rich in color with gold foil designs that are feminine, yet strong.

Inside the Tree Card from charylnkoo.com.

Inside isn't just blank paper, it's another sheet of paper with little flecks of color- this makes me think this paper is recycled, though it doesn't look or feel that way. It's perfectly smooth and very easy to write on.

The Glitzy & Golden collection from Charlyn Koo is absolutely stunning. Each design shimmers and sparkles with metallic yumminess and strong femininity.

Autumn After Rain collection from charlynkoo.com.

The next collection from Charlyn Koo that I have the honor of reviewing is the Autumn After Rain collection.

Koi Card from the Autumn After Rain collection at charlynkoo.com.

I can't even begin to tell you how much
I love this collection. It is colorful, imaginative, evocative, and ethereal. Really, it's inspiring. The combination of colors, it's subtle impact- these cards are
true works of art.

Inside the Koi card by charlynkoo.com.

Aside from the stunning exteriors of each card in the Autumn After Rain collection, there are interiors that are just as thoughtful. I never thought I could open a card and be impressed, but I was with these cards. Each is different, but equally as gorgeous.

Check out this page for a list of stores you can purchase Charlyn Koo's work from.
You will love it!

New Kelly Meeker Designs website

2007-02-24T13:08:00.000-05:00

Kelly Meeker Designs has launched a new website for 2007 with a ton of new, fabulous jewelry.

KMD is offering FREE PRIORITY MAIL (international customers: FREE GLOBAL PRIORITY MAIL) shipping to their customers with the code thanks.

Go scoop up some new sparklies with free shipping at kellymeekerdesigns.com!

Product Review: Luv 4 Country

2007-02-13T22:07:00.000-05:00

With a name like
Luv 4 Country, you probably think homemade, craft fair goods of some kind. While the name may imply this, there is nothing homemade about the
awesome body products created by this small brand. Everything I tried was amazing.

Lotion, shaving cream, and healing salve from luv4country.com

London Lemon Curd Lotion, $10 at luv4country.com

The first product I tried was the London Lemon Curd Lotion. It smells delicious -literally- I opened it up and put it on my skin and was reminded of elementary school birthday parties with yellow cupcakes and vanilla frosting. If you are a fan of those and that scent, you will adore this lotion. Not only does it smell edible (don't even think about it, folks), but it feels fantastic- it's silky smooth and fast absorbing. It makes your skin feel GREAT.

Shaving Cream, $10 at
luv4country.com

The next thing I tried was the
shaving cream. Whoa, girls! I don't want to go the TMI route, but I have to be honest and let you know that I get razor bumps in the most inconvenient places pretty much every time I shave, but I didn't get ONE -not ONE- razor bump when I used this
shaving cream, and I used it several times.
It is amazing, people. And, a little goes a long way!

I have to tell you that it takes a little getting used to, as it's not like your commercial
shaving cream. But, it is totally worth the adjustment. This stuff is smooth and it
lathers up beautifully.

Healing Salve, $3 @ luv4country.com

The last product from Luv 4 Country that I used is the healing salve. It works super well- being a jewelry designer, I often get little nicks and cuts that make wire wrapping and other things a little difficult. Having something like this healing salve makes those heal up super quickly. It works and it doesn't sting or anything. Love it!

Bold and Beautiful: Linda Trent Jewelry

2007-02-05T13:27:00.000-05:00

Harvest bracelet, $100 or $110 at lindatrentjewelry.com

Sometimes you want to wear truly striking, colorful jewelry that draws attention from across the room. Linda Trent has jewelry that accomplishes this, as well as more delicate pieces for days you're feeling more ethereal.

Gemstone Encrusted Hoops, $90 or $100 at lindatrentjewelry.com

These gem enrusted hoops are so versatile, it's ridiculous. They are rich and sparkling with quality stones and craftswomanship.

Stormy Skies necklace, $150 or $160 at lindatrentjewelry.com

Moody and bold, this necklace is going to receive a ton of compliments. Beautiful stones and interesting design make a timeless piece that's worth every penny.

Looking for bold sparkle, shop at lindatrentjewelry.com.

Fabulous Find: Elnie Dress

2007-01-16T13:56:00.000-05:00

Everyone is always looking for a dress that will work from work to drinks or a date with your guy. This is the dress! It is sexy, the fit is absolutely gorgeous.

For work, wear a nice, simple camisole underneath to make that keyhole a little less risqué. After work, take that cami off and look absolutely hot!

The subtle details make it really unique and the price is unbelievably affordable for such a versatile piece.

Throw on some fishnets and patent leather peep-toes and you are ready to go.

Elnie Dress, just $210 at shootoutthestars.com.

INDEPENDENTluxe readers will receive a FREE GIFT when they order the Elnie dress at shootoutthestars.com. Just email the designer (kkofibru AT gmail.com), Kpoené, with the code Mluxe to get your free gift with the dress. No, I don't know what the gift is! But, who cares, the hot dress is what matters!

Product Review: bōbē bath essentials

2007-01-08T13:11:00.000-05:00

Whoa! bōbē bath essentials really knows their stuff when it comes to whipped body butter and lip balm.
I want to run down the streets screaming about how amazing this stuff is and how flippin' inexpensive it is for what you get!

Bag o' goodies from bōbēbathessentials.com
First impressions are everything, right? Well, I agree and disagree, I mean someone may be having a really bad day when you first meet them, which is certainly going to effect them in some way that isn't the norm. Anyway, I liked this first impression. The clear cellophane bag let's you see what you're getting right away and the curled ribbon makes it feel like a gift- which it practically is, since it's so inexpensive!

bōbē bath essentials buttercream vanille and candy apple kisses lip balm, and raspberry lemonade body butter. Awesome stuff!

Raspberry Lemonade soy fabulous whipped body butter, $6.60 USD (what?!?) at bōbēbathessentials.com

So, you open up a nice jar that is sealed securely and you are hit with this refreshing, crisp scent- a mix of fruity raspberry mixed with zesty lemon. It's amazing. You stick your fingers in the whipped body butter and feel this amazing consistency. I don't even know how to describe it because it's not like any other lotion, body cream or butter that I have ever tried. It feels luxurious, thick, airy, and cool.

You put it on your skin and and your skin screams from utter joy! You feel exhilirated and you smell absolutely delicious.

The photo of this raspberry lemonade body butter doesn't really do it justice. You know how great it looks here? Well, it looks even more amazing in person and feels 100 times better when you get it on your moisture deprived skin. This is the stuff that you've been looking for and there are a million (um, something like that) more scents available- I'm sure they'll be just as delicious!

I am kind of a lip gloss and lip balm freak. I just love it- I mean, what's not to love? It can add moisture, shine, color, or flavor, or all of the above at once. Some days, though, I just want a simple lip balm that tastes good and simply moistures without any riff-raff.

Candy Apple Kisses and Buttercream Vanille lip balms, just $2.91 USD at bōbēbathessentials.com.

These lip balms do just that. The moisture perfectly, aren't sticky or any kind of weird on your lips. Just smooth, creamy, and flavored so well that you want to eat them. Of course, DO NOT EAT THEM! I made my old boyfriend (or whatever) try the buttercream vanille and he was like, "I want to eat this it smells so good." Seriously, if you have a craving for cake, you should try this- maybe just the scent will satisfy the urge to indulge- it's that good, people!

Treat your self to tasty and delicious bath & body goods at bōbē bath essentials. You'll love their stuff!

Cool Find: Bryozoan Arts

2007-01-02T16:13:00.000-05:00

I'm a fan of art. Glass, painting, sculpture, pottery, metalwork. Bryozoan Arts has a little bit of everything and I like it.

Spiral Nebula Mosaic Disc by Biolum Glass, $850 at bryozoanarts.com

My favorite section is the Glass & Ceramics part of the site- maybe because that's the most full category. But, every piece that Bryozoan Arts carries is colorful and bold. Truly standout as unique conversation pieces.

Harvest lamp by Biolum Glass, $280 and $450 at bryozoanarts.com

And, with art, we are guaranteed that each disc, lamp, or plate will be different due to being handmade. What's not to love about that?

Blue Fused Glass Plate by Jeff Enderwick, $175 at bryozoanarts.com

Support some artists.

Open Call

2007-01-01T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hey designers,
Happy New Year!

Though some of you may have let me know about your site in 2006, it would be a good idea to remind me of your work in 2007.

Please send an email to independentluxe@gmail.com and let me know what you're pimping.

Keep in mind that I cannot respond to all emails, even if I love your stuff. I'm a busy girl.

Don't waste your time- if you sell cheap-o jewelry, bags that looks like they were made in high school sewing class, or anything too hobbyist looking, well... you won't find yourself on this blog. You know what high end means, I know you do!

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Kelly

Mini Splurge: Spipo Designs

2006-12-27T17:00:00.000-05:00

Jet Caviar Necklace, $105 at spipo.com

I love this necklace. Simple, decadent, unique and versatile. You could wear this with a cashmere sweater or a tank top with jeans- love that! It's a steal for $105, too.
Now, go buy it, you'll wear it with everything.

Submitting your work

2006-12-21T11:53:00.000-05:00

Designers, businesses, PR people,
I love hearing from you, I do. But, to the right ---> I specifically ask you not to send me attachments unless you ask or if I request you email me something. From now on, if an email has attachments without prior notice or whatever, I'm just going to delete. I may decide to not showcase your work ever because of this.

Also, as a designer myself, I always wondered how you were supposed to approach a website or blog that you'd like to be mentioned on. I always thought being polite was the way to go.
Sending an email that says, "check out xxxx.com" without a please or thank you is NOT the way to go. It's rude. Deleted, you are. How about saying something like...
"Hey Kelly, I design xxx, this is my site: xxxx, and I would like you to check it out. Thank you (key phrase, here), xxx."

I've actually received emails with just a URL- well, guess what? You're not that special. I get TONS of emails daily, I need to know some details before I take time to actually check out one's website. Give them to me or I'm just going to delete emails like that from now on.

OH!!!!!!! One more thing, do NOT add me to your mailing list without asking me or without me signing up. This a bad sign to me and makes me wonder if you do this to your customers without permission- SPAM is bad, folks- super unprofessional.

To all of you who are super friendly, polite, and just overall delightful- I appreciate you appreciating IndependentLuxe and look forward to hearing from you.

Shipping Upgrade: Kelly Meeker Designs

2006-12-19T13:39:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to all Kelly Meeker Designs shoppers- if you've been holding out and still want to order something for someone for Christmas, there is hope! All orders over $100 placed before 3 P.M. December 20th will receive FREE UPS SECOND DAY AIR SHIPPING*. Choose UPS 2nd Day air as your shipping option when you checkout to take advantage of this sweet deal.
* This offer is NOT combinable with any other discounts.

Go shop at kellymeekerdesigns.com!

Handbags: Elezar

2006-12-18T12:20:00.000-05:00

Handbags are nice. Functional and pretty.
Elezar brings you more- each handbag has a distinct design with interesting details and high quality construction.

Brown leather Morgan shoulder bag, $378. Green leather Highbury barrel bag, $338.

Launched in Fall 2005 by two childhood friends,
Elezar handbags are still very new and very much emerging.

Pearl Wine leather Morgan large shoulder bag, $558

The large Morgan shoulder bag is my favorite. It's substantial and obviously very well made. The zipper details add just the right amount of uniqueness without being overdone. I am also a fan of the rich pearl Wine color, although it's available in a few more hues, as well.

You'll love the bags at
Elezar, go check them out and
buy yourself one.