Lucky Find: Lace-Up Ankle Boots

I totally forgot to post about this, because my NY trip took over all of my attention last week. I was very excited to find these 80's-throwback lace-up ankle boots at the Goodwill near my house for $3.99! This is the third pair of cool 80's era shoes I have purchased there, and they are in perfect shape.

Ironically, there is a very similar pair on Zappos for $69.00 (which is still not a bad price, but under 5 bucks is even better). Hurray for lucky thrifting!


Zappos.com: Fitzwell, District ankle boots.

Motorcycle Jackets: Real vs. Vegan

I have been trying to decide whether these badass beauties over at facehunter.com are wearing real or vegan leather jackets...either way, they look great!

This weekend, I plan to start shopping for a motorcycle jacket -- an item that has been on my Fall wish-list for a while now. I have been pondering whether or not I want to purchase a "real" leather version or opt instead for a faux/vegan version. To be honest, I love real leather -- I love the feel, the look, and the smell. In other words, I'm not a vegan. But, if you told me I had the option of a jacket that looked as good, cost less, and saved an animal's life, I would definitely be persuaded!

What I've decided to be the best course of action is to first try and find a used/vintage leather version. It is actually more eco-friendly to purchase second-hand than to purchase something newly produced (vegan or not). If I don't have any luck with that, I am going to opt for a new vegan jacket. I have had my eye on several options that I have found online. Here are some of the more tempting ones -- the Urban Outfitters option is probably my favorite so far (though the Target prices always tempting):

Target: Mossimo Faux Leather Wide collar Jacket, $34.99

Urban Outfitters, Silence and Noise motorcycle jacket, $128


Target: Exhiliration Faux Leather Bomber Jacket, $29.99

Vegan Essentials.com: Vegan motorcycle Jacket, by Vegetarian Shoes, $179.95

I'll keep you all updated on what I end up buying...and of course take some pics!

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)