bolo because, yolo

Yup.  That's a bolo tie.  Granted, I'm easing my way into this, tucking the leather strings (ties?) inside my sweatshirt.  But still, wearing this thing made me feel like a brave cowgirl.  In fact, every time I looked in the mirror I got this song in my head.  Wild west, the 80s, and Bon Jovi, all in one little accessory so neatly tucked into my otherwise unassuming outfit.  What's not to love?

Here's the details...

being the bird

Speaking of birds and trying new things and seeing them through...  I have also vowed this year to make more things.  I am throwing myself whole-heartedly into makerdom.  So far I have made a patchwork cushion, a fleece coat for my pooch, and this little fatty.  My first real embroidery project.  I'll admit it, I'm pretty fond of him.

Check out the close-up...

tee time

Great Lakes tee

Just to set the record straight, there is no shortage of t-shirts in my closet.  But graphic tees?  That's another matter.  I'm craving something slouchy and neutral (read: grey) with a unique and smart graphic printed on it.  So I scoured the web and found some that feel super personal, without me actually having to learn how to silk screen.  Plus, as a bonus, rather than buying from a superstore, you're supporting small businesses.  Like Zip-Dang in my hometown, responsible for the Great Lakes t-shirt above.

Check out these other great graphic tee finds...

strathcona stockings

Speaking of socks.  I've never worn anything so nutty on my feet in my life, but I'm feeling kind of wacky and adventurous, and these Strathcona Stockings with my new boots might be just the thing to scratch that itch without getting a piercing.

Canadian artist/designer Ryley O'Byrne makes wild handprinted stockings, available through her website and etsy, and I think I may have to get a pair.  Or a three-pack.  And it's not just the designs that are crazy; this photo from her lookbook just cracked me up and made me want some of her work even more:

Awesome.  More of her covetable socks...

light layers

It's officially spring here in Madrid.  We've done daylight savings time, there's little blossoms blooming everywhere, it's chaotically alternating rain and sun in a totally unpredictable way, and it is finally warm enough to go outside without a big coat on.  Rejoice!  Since it's been a while since my last outfit post, and nothing makes me happier than lots of layers (they call me an onion around here) and I thought I'd show you how I've been piling it on lately.  Nothing fancy, just simple, comfy, easy lightweight layers.

On the left: hat - Anne Demeulemeester // sunglasses- Paul Frank // necklace - mashallah pendant I've had (literally) since I was born // hoodie - American Apparel // parka - Filippa K // t-shirt - T by Alexander Wang // pants - Zara //  sneakers - Zara

On the right: hat - forte forte // jacket - the kooples // scarf - zara (ancient, but it's just a sheet of jersey fabric - DIY anyone?) // bag - cos (last season) // blouse - zara // jeans - fidelity // boots - moma

As you can see, a lot of these items have been in my closet for ever, so you might not be able to get the exact same pieces now, but here are some other options currently available...

snow globe joy

Remember back in december when I recommended these mason jar snow globes?  Well I made some of my own, and they turned out pretty awesome (if I do say so myself), and, since I avoided any traditional holiday themes, pretty seasonless as well.  So never mind that the holidays are behind us, make yourself some fake snow magic and enjoy it year-round! 

Follow these little guys and see how the magic was made...

it's a wrap

I wanted to go sort of minimalist this year with my wrapping, but still keep it light and fun.  Done and done.

My three wrapping essentials for 2012...

last minute lite

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Still doing your christmas shopping?  Yeah, me too.  And if the last gift guide seemed a little too dignified and mature, if you want a little more frivolity in your choices, here's another bunch of ideas to make sure everyone on your list ends up smiling...

behind the ears

Did you see this on the Sartorialist the other day?

Those ear cuffs pretty much blew me away.  I couldn't find the exact pair she's wearing (if any of you know what they are please let me know in the comments), but I did find some similar pieces.

The best resource I found was Anni Jyrgenson, a very young lady who also has a blog (worth checking in on; both she and her (even younger) sister have great style).  Plus she makes these insane ear cuffs.

See more from Anni and others after the jump...

stash

Looking for a new way to store your ipad?  I am.  I bought myself an ipad last month (loving it, in case anyone had any doubts) but refused to spend money on a cover.  I know, ridiculous.  Wrapping it in a t-shirt is far from acceptable.  So now I'm hunting.  I found this wonderful etsy store called Stash, and they have beautiful cases for all sorts of technological items.  Like ipads.

Gorgeous, right?  Something about the heavy textured fabrics and the somewhat masculine design just makes me want to hold them.  As in, own them.

See options for laptops, ipods and cameras after the jump...

whisssper in your ear

Whoa.

How bad-ass is this ear cuff/earring?   The perfect way to express your darker edgier side.  And wouldn't it be a great stocking stuffer?  Or even better, wouldn't it be awesome to find it in your own stocking? 

Found on svpply.com

viva mexico

Since I didn't have time to do any shopping in mexico I'm doing it now and pretending I'm still there.  Long live the internet.

I'm loving these vintage embroidered pieces from Aida Coronado's etsy shop.  She also has a separate online store with over 350 pieces which ate up a good chunk of my morning.   

Check out a sampling of the collection after the jump...

miki and nora

These jacks earrings by local artist Miki and Nora are probably some of my favorite earrings.  Ever.  I bought them here in Madison this winter and they've been in heavy rotation ever since.   They wear a little bit vintage, a little bit tough, a little bit 50s elegant, and a little bit punk.  I don't know how they manage to do all that, when they're basically jacks, but I try not to question these magical design moments.  Lucky for you guys, you don't have to come to Wisconsin to get your own Miki and Nora pieces; just head over to her store on etsy.  Here's some of my favorites, including the cone earrings which I think I will have to pick up before I leave town (here they have them in oxidized silver rather than just the antique gold finish available on etsy.  Sorry for the rest of the world, cause in gunmetal they are absolutely perfect).

scout's honor

How pretty are these scarves by Scout & Catalogue?  This one is hand dyed sheer wool and "inspired by the sky just after a thunder storm and the ocean on a glassy morning".  Gorgeous.  They also do cotton scarves with this ingenious studded leather looping mechanism, and beautiful little handmade clutches.

 

Not only do I want everything they make, but these images also make me want to hand dye my own fabrics and leathers and make beautiful things with my own two hands.  Inspiringly lovely.  Check out their store and their blog.