Native American Beadwork

Just because I grew up in Oklahoma (whose state motto is, "Native America"), doesn't necessarily mean I grew up loving Native American art or jewelry. My appreciation came with time and was helped along by the fact that I lived away from OK for many years -- absence definitely made my heart grow fonder in this case.

Beadwork is one of my favorite elements of Native American art, and I have been spying Native American-inspired beaded jewelry in a variety of shopping chains lately. I almost bought a beaded bracelet at Forever 21 a few weeks ago, but stopped myself because I felt guilty about the idea of buying something that was basically a "copy" of an authentic craft. Now, I'm not usually a stickler about this kind of thing, but I guess because I have grown to appreciate the artistry and heritage involved in the making of native crafts and jewelry, I realized it was better to spend a bit more money and actually support these artists, rather than shell out a few more bucks to big businesses that won't really miss the few extra dollars.

Websites like Coyote's Game, sell original, truly hand-made items from New Mexico and the Southwest and showcase the artists and artisans of these areas. Here are some beautiful examples:

These two are TOO pricey for me, but so exquisite to look at...


Navajo artist Nora Johnson made the light blue/multi diamond pattern loomwork for this belt using 14º seed beads, $366.50.



Rug pattern necklace made with dark royal blue/multi seed beads, $161.50

Some more wallet-friendly options:

Navajo/Comanche bugle bead pyramid earrings, $42.25


Navajo artist Mary E. Tsosie's hoop earrings, $22.50


Navajo Friendship Bracelet, $30.75


Navajo feather/diamond pattern cuff bracelet, $52.75

Ruffle Your Feathers

In my travels to Brazil, I was always enamored by the beautiful Brazilian girls wearing colorful, exotic feather earrings. I bought a pair on one of my visits, but they were unfortunately ruined in my suitcase on the way back home. Luckily, feathers have been making a comeback in accessories and jewelry. I don't know why I haven't yet purchased another feather accessory. I think I am having a hard time deciding what I want the most: A headband? A barrette or comb? Earrings? Feathers are not exactly an understated accessory, so I don't want to overdo it too much... or do I?

I discovered an amazing store on Etsy named WildSpirits in the Sun House. The family of feather artisans is based in the San Juan mountains of Colorado, and their feather-work is over-the-top, ostentatious, and dramatic -- a perfect excuse to overdo it for a change! They make earrings, clips, combs, headbands, and hair pins. Here are a few of my favorite pieces. Of course, I'm still having a hard time deciding! What do you all think?


Peacock barrette, $26


Peacock and bronze feather hair pins, $14


Feather head-band, $38


Peacock combs, $28


Tropical feather earrings, $26

Just for fun (and because I'm a history nerd), here are some images I found featuring feather hair accessories and hats from the Edwardian period (1901-1910) up through the 20's. These make the feathered beauties above seem understated:



Edwardian feather headdress and hat (from alldressforms.com)


Flapper hat with feathers (Bennett's classic Art prints)



Feather flapper cloche hat with rhinestones (originally uploaded to auntjudysattic.com)

Back from NYC...with Goodies Galore

My birthday trip to New York was fantastic! We spent most of our time shopping and eating great food. My boyfriend and I stayed with my sister in Fort Greene, Brooklyn -- we really got to explore more of Brooklyn this time, and I fell in love with the neighbourhood-y feel of Fort Greene. We tried to avoid touristy spots and just enjoyed walking and exploring...

I finally had time to take pictures of some of my great NY shopping finds (the natural light was really bad today, so sorry for the poorly lit photos). No single item cost more than 50 bucks (which is saying A LOT for NY!). I definitely "broke the bank," but considering my limited budget, I think I did very well.

I was really excited to visit Uniqlo (a kind of Japanese super-size Gap), and I have to say it did not disappoint! I think the fact that everything is so well-priced and uber-organized really impressed me. The choice of colors is amazing too -- the interior looks like an art installation, with walls and walls of sweaters, jeans, and cotton tops arranged by every color of the rainbow (I'm a sucker for color-coded stores). I bought two pairs of jeans that were both on sale for $19.99!! The ones on the left are a faded-peachy color. the dark denim jeans are super-baggy boy cut -- they look great rolled up. I also bought a pair of super soft burgundy, straight-leg cords. These are going to be perfect with boots and a blazer in fall/winter!



I think my two new favorite colors for the season are burgundy and peach -- weird because I barely owned anything in these colors until this week. I just seem to keep being drawn to them! In addition to the pants, I bought a simple burgundy button-up cardigan at Uniqlo.



Uniqlo is also giving American Apparel a run for their money -- they have leggings and tights in every color (and for less cash). These purple and mustard tights I found will be an awesome accent to many of my more basic grey/black/brown items.



Of course no trip to NY is complete without a trip to H&M. I have to say I was not as overall impressed with the selection in the two stores in Soho as I have been in the past. Aside from their "limited edition" section, many of the items seemed cheaply made (OK, duh...). I think I am getting pickier about material as I get older -- stiff, scratchy cotton is definitely a pet-peeve of mine. I did, however find two items that were a bit on the high end price-wise for H&M, but they are silk-blend and fit really lovely. This white top has adorable button and pocket details:



This peach silk dress seems really classic, and I think it will look great with a belt, dark tights, and some vintage-style heels.



I'm excited about this silky-fringy scarf -- it seems a little dressier than your average wool or cotton scarf, and the fringe makes it feel more special (it also has both peach and burgundy shades in it!)



I bought four really versatile and comfy cotton tops. I don't have many occasions to dress up, so cotton items make up a large portion of my closet. I always try to find T-shirts that are a little more elevated in some way than your average, everyday T-shirt -- stripes, cut, details, etc. This striped, boat-neck top from H&M is very French gamine. I found the loose navy blue tee at Urban Outfitters in the West Village -- the ruffles down the front make it stand out.



I also went ahead and bought a tee and a tank I had been eying on the American Apparel website for a while -- both are tri-blend (the softest, most luscious cotton blend).



After my shopping frenzy, I made myself promise I wouldn't spend any more moolah, but sister suggested we go to Buffalo Exchange in Williamsburg and this Free People silk dress was calling my name! I can't wait to pair it with a chunky sweater and some riding boots.



We all went to the Brooklyn flea market on Sunday, and I was overwhelmed by the amazing selection of vintage clothes and furniture -- a person could really do some damage to their wallet if they went there often! My boyfriend saw me lusting over these vintage Minnetonka moccasins, so he bought them for me as one of my birthday gifts.



The only thing I enjoy more than shopping in NY is eating in NY. I was dying to try Pinkberry because I had heard so much about it. It was so scrumptious, we ended up eating there twice! It is indescribably creamy and tangy and they top it with any fresh fruit you can think of. I got raspberry, strawberry and mango. Delish!!!



As a perfect end to the trip, my lovely friend Audrey made a decadent strawberry cake for my birthday. We all sat around, drank sangria, chatted, and enjoyed her beautiful patio. I found myself thinking...for just a moment or two...that I might want to move back to NY one day...we'll have to wait and see I guess ;)

The New Bob Haircut (No, Not That One)

I will be coming back from NYC with some great finds to share, but until Tuesday, here are two posts to tide you over --

I mentioned last week that I would probably be obsessing about hair from time to time, and here it is: unless you've been in a cave, you've probably noticed many celebs have been chopping off their hair and sporting new, short bob haircuts. All I have to say is: I get it already! OK, you have perfectly straight, sleek hair. No frizz, no cowlicks, no weird layers. Yes, yes. You look just like 20's screen siren Louise Brooks. Stop taunting those of us with frizzy, wavy, dry hair!





Above: Christina Ricci, Victoria Beckham, Katie Holmes, Louise Brooks.

I I were actually brave enough to chop my hair off, I would proudly sport the early 90's wavy/frizzy bob and give those gals a run for their money. Here is the amazing M.I.A. bringing it back old-school!



You know you love them: The lovely ladies of Dirty Dancing, Top Gun, and Twin Peaks do the bob right!

Chunky Gold Rings

There is something simultaneously classic and artsy about chunky gold rings. I have been hunting relentlessly for the just the right one for a while now (right look + right price). I was about to give up, but as I was flipping through the TV channels a few nights ago, I came across QVC, and they were selling one that came close to perfect! I decided to check out the QVC website, and what do you know? They have several options, all reasonably priced. They also have a great return policy, so if it doesn't fit or I don't like it, no problem. Apparently, QVC is not just for old ladies any more. Or maybe this means I'm an old lady now? Here are some of my top contenders:


Pinuccia Scatizzi Polished and Hammered Wide Band Ring, 14K
QVC Price: $287.50

10mm High Polished Band Ring, 14K Gold
QVC Price: $98.00


Choice of Satin Finish or Polished Bold Band Ring, 14K Gold
QVC Price: $168.00

Satin and Diamond Cut Wide Band Ring 14K Gold
QVC Price: $207.00