The Accessory Lady

Enter the newest Giveaway!

2010-09-14T00:07:00.001-04:00

Click to stop by the new The Accessory Lady blog and enter the latest giveaway!

Summer Sale and Summer Bliss

2010-07-11T22:00:00.008-04:00

Now that the heat wave has finally broken and we've hit a nice temperate 85 degrees is time for The Annual Summer Sale.
Stop by for a discounted selection of uniquely handcrafted bracelets, cuffs, bib necklaces and hair accessories. Save even more with coupon code SUMMER20 - 20% OFF.

© Photographer: Bradcalkins

As for the Summer bliss. What could be more delicious than fresh raspberries or blackberries. I had the pleasure of going berry picking during the 4th of July weekend and fruit right from the tree or bush is simply the best.

What is your favorite Summer fruit and how do you enjoy it? Do you eat them fresh or in a recipe?

Glimpse of a Sunset

2010-07-03T23:26:00.000-04:00

Summertime Summertime Sum Sum Summertime

2010-06-24T17:49:00.010-04:00

Well, the calendar says June, but outside it feels like the dog days of August. To celebrate the sticky, humid, run to the beach weather, here is a hot tamale coupon to use at the shop. SUMMER20 - 20% OFF.
How are you keeping cool in this weather? Are you watching the FIFA world cup in your air conditioned room? Visiting your local pool or walking around in your unmentionables?
Whatever you may be doing I wanted to share another favorite thing that just might help you cope with the unusually hot weather:

© Photographer: Fotografieberlin

Few things are more refreshing, healthy and delicious than a bowl of frozen grapes. So grab a handful, pop 'em in the freezer for a few hours or overnight and enjoy. Make sure to eat them within 5 days of freezing or else they will loose their flavor. Happy Summer!

Favorite Things - Ice Cream on a Warm Spring Day

2010-05-17T08:31:00.002-04:00

© Photographer | Agency: Dreamstime.com
With all the despairing news that we get to hear and see on a daily basis, I've decided to start a series about some of the simple things that bring us joy and smiles. I experienced one of those moments this past weekend by indulging on a small cup of refreshing vanilla soft serve ice cream at the street fair. No fat free, low fat or yogurt, I'm talking about the creamy, cool deliciousness of 100% ice cream. True bliss!
When do you like to indulge on a bowl, cup or cone and what is your favorite flavor?
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The Spring SALE is ON! 25% off all Items. Free shipping for orders $50 and over with coupon code FREESHIP

Super Spring Sale - 25% OFF All Items!

2010-05-14T13:21:00.006-04:00

Although Winter tried to make a brief reappearance this past week, it is quite decidedly Spring in all it's flowery, polleny & colorful glory. Stop by for the fabulous SALE. All items are reduced by 25% (prices already marked down) and use coupon code FREESHIP on orders over $50 for free shipping!

More bracelets have been added to the Friendship Bracelet Collection, also included in the sale! Take advantage and grab a few early Birthday, Graduation gifts or treat yourself to a unique handmade Summer accessory! Sale ends on 5/25.

Recycled Silk Bracelets - Making Something From Something

2010-04-12T17:24:00.037-04:00

After a couple of months of considering what to make with my beautiful piece of recycled silk I finally settled on these double strand bracelets with vintage buttons. It was my first project using re-purposed materials with many more to come. Handling fibers with a prior life must be done carefully to prevent tearing or fraying, but it's precisely this weathered quality that give the bracelets a really cool
vintage look. What is really wonderful is that once the material is re-braided, loomed, sewn, or crocheted it becomes a sturdy and brand new eco fashion accessory for your wardrobe.

Thank you to all the fabulous followers of this blog which has now reached two milestones: 100+ followers and 60 posts!

New colors added:

The New Friendship Bracelet - A Twist on a Classic

2010-04-03T07:09:00.032-04:00

Springtime signifies all things new and improved, but also the return of the comforting and familiar flowers, sunshine and warmth. We come out of hibernation and take more time to reconnect with our loved ones. This is the inspiration behind the friendship bracelet collection. Crocheted with colorful satin ribbon each bracelet is made with a vintage button making each one unique. Give one as a gift or treat yourself to a touch of color for your Spring/Summer style. Check in often as new styles and colors are added!

How to wear them:
Stack 'em for a bohemian look or wear them with your favorite denim:

Complement a romantic Spring or Summer dress:

***In the spirit of giving and sharing a portion of your purchase will be given to DonorsChoose and organization that supports classroom projects.

***Don't miss the $20 Gift Certificate Giveaway. Ends 4/7 Click to enter.

Buttons, Buttons, Who's got the Buttons

2010-04-01T11:35:00.015-04:00

I do! And they just don't make them like they used to. I can spend hours looking at the intricate shapes and designs of vintage buttons. Thankfully, there seems to be an unlimited supply of them. All you have to do is visit a few street fairs and stoop sales, as we call them in New York, and you will find them. Metal, plastic, resin, wood, gold, silver, rhinestony... is that a word? Not likely, but it makes the point. Vintage buttons are one of my favorite embellishments because they are beautiful, eco-friendly and functional. What did we do before all those new-fangled zippers and velcro? We buttoned things up to make them stay on. Buttons have survived the test of time and the onslaught of technology. They still remain fashionable, fun and absolutely useful! Crafty tip: update a tired blouse by replacing boring buttons with a set of snazzy vintage buttons and you'll have a brand new looking garment!

Pictured above: The New Friendship Bracelet in Mint Green & the Mellow Yellow Flower Organic Ribbon Flower Pin.

More buttonlicious creations...I'm really not using a dictionary today:

The wonderful "What's up Paper Cup" Blog is hosting a giveaway for TheAL. Stop by for your chance to win a $20 Gift Certificate!

Today's coupon: SPRING15 - Save 15% on your order!

Lights Out for Earth Hour Tonight

2010-03-27T18:30:00.001-04:00

Www.earthhour.org
3/27/10 8:30 PM

The Lady has a name! And the winners are...

2010-03-25T22:52:00.006-04:00

Thank you all for entering the 'name my model' giveaway! The chosen name is Isabella, entered by Small Footprints and the second $15 gift certificate goes to Jen, who suggested the name: Arabella. If you have a moment stop by their wonderful blogs and take part of Reduced Footprints "Change The World Wednesday" green challenges.

Today's coupon: SPRING15 - Save 15% OFF your order.

Check back in soon for the next giveaway and to see Isabella model the latest creations!

Work in progress - Aquamarine Ribbon Bib Necklace

2010-03-10T21:41:00.008-05:00

Colors and shades of the sea....

Finished Necklace:

Heart of Glass

2010-02-28T21:34:00.016-05:00

Sometimes a project or creation needs a little umph and my favorite umph generating embellishment are glass beads. They come in many varieties including Venetian, Czech and there's even a selection of recycled glass beads now available.
Semiprecious and precious stones are wonderful, but there's something thrilling about the sparkle of glass.

With glass beads, a little bit goes a long way. Just a sprinkle on a hair pin or necklace can give you that shimmering look without being gaudy or overdone.

Here are a few Czech glass bejeweled pieces to bring a little twinkle to your Spring & Summer:

Teal and White Velvet Flower Barrette

Fire & Ice Crochet Orange Flower Hair Pin

New Coupon! SPRING15 - 15% OFF

The Snowacane Begins...

2010-02-25T16:38:00.012-05:00

I'm more than a little fascinated by the Weather. Aside from a major attachment to yarn, I'm one of those people who watches The Weather Channel for sport. Jim Cantore is a genius. In case you are wondering about the name of the storm, it's being called a 'snowacane' because the barometric pressure within the storm resembles that of a Cat. 2 hurricane, it's also making a loop right over NY, which makes it an unprecedented Winter storm.

The snow falling today is like nothing I've ever seen. The flakes are absolutely ginarmous... yes, not really a word, but it certainly applies. They were as big as large feathers, or leaves. Very impressive, beautiful but quite difficult to navigate. It is slush central out there and later on tonight the skating will not be at the Olympics, but on the sidewalks of New York City.
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New Video!

The Accessory Lady on YouTube!

2010-02-24T13:22:00.011-05:00

Check out the new video:

Feel free to share, rate or embed. Thank you!
Click to visit the YouTube channel.
New Giveaway!
New videos and creations coming soon!

How do you Bib it up?

2010-02-23T20:33:00.008-05:00

Enter the latest giveaway for a chance to win a $15 Gift Certificate!!

Even Grown Ups Wear Bibs

2010-02-21T16:17:00.020-05:00

Not the large cotton bibs you put on to chow down on crab legs or barbecue chicken, but the beautiful array of gemstone, lace and floral neck decor that is all the rage these days. I have chosen ribbons and the colors of Spring as my inspiration for TheAL collection of bib necklaces.
Pastel Fields Crochet Bib Necklace

The beauty of bib necklaces and chokers is that they can pretty much be worn for any occasion. You can jazz up a simple jeans and tank outfit with an elaborate neck piece or wear a dainty or more dramatic one with a cocktail dress. They can make a statement and enhance a plain prom or bridesmaid dress.
Spring Awakening Bib Necklace

They also have a romantic, vintage elegance that makes an ordinary look extraordinary.

Flamenco Nights Black and Red Beaded Necklace

What other colors would you like to see in the Spring/Summer collection?

Don't forget to enter the latest giveaway!

Work in Progress... Spring Awakening Crochet Bib Necklace

2010-02-19T19:18:00.007-05:00

Streaming ribbons of brilliant color... I want to will the flowers to bloom and the sun to shine longer...
Can a necklace make it happen? Perhaps not, but it will surely make this day brighter!

New Giveaway! Name my new Model!

2010-02-17T08:46:00.015-05:00

Introducing the new model for The Accessory Lady: The stunning... well that is just it, I cannot find the right name for my trusty new partner. I tried to get Emma Watson for the job, but she was too busy with Burberry and her new fair trade/organic clothing line. As for Zoe Saldana, she is getting ready for the next Star Trek movie. So...this lovely lady has graciously offered to model my handmade collection. Sometimes it's difficult to imagine what a hair ornament, headband or necklace will look like without displaying it properly so I am very glad to have her on board!

To enter the giveaway, follow this blog and leave a comment letting me know what you think her name should be. Two prizes for this one! One for the best name idea and another winner will be randomly picked from all entries. Each will receive a $15 gift certificate for the shop! The winners will be announced on March 25th.

On the photo: Curly Flower Crochet Velvet Choker

Happy Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year!

2010-02-14T22:01:00.012-05:00

Hope you all enjoyed a wonderful day!

The end of Winter seems miles away, especially considering the fact that at some point this week there was snow in 49 States! DC is still digging out from several feet of snow. Thoughts and wishes of Spring invade my brain at every turn and I stared at the Valentine's Day flowers quite wistfully.

To put me in a Spring state of mind, I finished one my flowery works in progress. A curly flower barrette with blend of lavender velvet and silky navy blue ribbon with a sparkly button accent.

Stay tuned for more Spring creations!

Why I love Bloglovin

2010-02-02T09:48:00.016-05:00

I don't usually write about the technical aspects of blogging, but I'm so impressed with Bloglovin I had to share. I began using it a few months ago and I found it to be the easiest, most rewarding way to keep track of all my favorite blogs. There are plenty of blog readers out there, but this one is just so attractive, sleek and functional, which makes it the go-to tool for many fashion blogs. You may have noticed the Bloglovin buttons around the blogosphere:

The beauty of the platform is that your preferred blogs don't need to have a Bloglovin button to add them to your list. You just type in the web address in the search field and follow the blog. You can then assign it to one of your own categories. Every time you login you can easily see all the newest entries for your followed blogs and at a glance you can preview which entries you might want to read further or comment on. There's also a little heart you can click on to make a particular entry a favorite. I like to use that feature to save recipes or projects I might want to try later.

The best part of Bloglovin is the categories. You can click on the side and choose to look at the new entries in one category and within that section you can click on a blog name and just look at the last posts from that particular blog. All from one page and from on clean menu on the left. It makes blog hopping fun, easy and efficient.

What do you use to surf through your favorite blogs?

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Stay tuned for the latest work in progress and next giveaway!

Warm those Ears! Handmade Warmers & Muffs

2010-01-18T22:01:00.011-05:00

One of the biggest Winter fashion issues is how to keep your hair in place while staying warm. Hats and beanies basically smush your hair down to an unrecognizable mess and we all know that hat hair is not cool! I started wearing ear warmers a couple of years ago. If they are fluffy and snug enough, they keep the wind and cold at bay and your coif in working order. Muffs and warmers can make a fashion statement all by themselves. So much so that you might not want to take them off once you head indoors!
Stay toasty with these hand loomed and crochet headbands:

Burgundy & Beige Velvet Ear Warmer (just added!) and Blue & Burgundy Tie on Ear Warmer

Brooch it up! Part 2

2010-01-17T17:35:00.011-05:00

Guess who is brooching it up now! A few months ago I posted an entry with the fabulous Emma Watson on the cover of Teen Vogue wearing a pair of fabulous D&G flower pins. Looks like the first lady is setting her own trend with this ornate and bright orange flower brooch. She really manages to be age appropriate, fun and stylish all at once during her appearance on Super Chef.

Check out the rest of Michelle Obama's look book at NYMag.

How do you brooch it up? Let TheAL give you a hand:
Burnt Orange Crochet Flower Brooch

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Help Haiti Guide: A comprehensive list of reputable organizations and links.

Making Something From Something - Recycled Silk Project

2010-01-09T17:28:00.012-05:00

Reduce, reuse and recycle... it is a motto that has become standard operation in my daily life. I pretty much try to find use for as many items as I can so they don't end up in a dump or polluting a body of water miles away. If I cannot find an application for them I make sure they are recycled or donated so someone else can take advantage. What I have not done before is to take the plenitude of materials around me to create something new. I have used organic fabrics and yarns to design eco-fashion in the past, but this will be my first journey into truly re-purposed fashion. I found an old piece of silk fabric that used to be a table runner. It has a slightly weathered look, but the color is beautiful and I think it will become a very interesting piece. Hope you'll stay tuned to see the results!

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Stop by and play Top 3 of the Decade to enter the Facebook giveaway!

I say brrrr, It's Cold in Here!

2010-01-04T09:09:00.013-05:00

If you are familiar with the cult favorite "Bring it On" then you recognize that quote... or cheer. I wish I was talking about Cheerleading, but I'm actually talking about the brain numbing, face paralyzing temperatures that are currently gripping much of the of the United States. I lived in Maryland for a few years. I happened to be there during a particularly bad stretch of Winters...Blizzard of '96 anyone? So I get to New York and I'm thinking, this is cake. I can do this. The past five Winters have been positively balmy. Well the honeymoon is over and the Polar weather endures.

That being said, this lady from the tropics has learned to look at Winter in a whole different light. It can be beautifully haunting and the perfect time to slow down, sip some hot chocolate, drink gallons of lovely teas and put your crafty hands to work. So break out the blankets and fire up your favorite movies. It's time to embrace the cabin fever.
Winter tea recommendations: Good Earth Original Herbal Tea Spicy, warming and delicious!
Winter movie: Signs Anything that makes your heart race helps to keep your warm!
Latest Creation:
Brocade Gold and Burnt Orange Round Crochet Pin