You can't beat one of a kind...

Earlier this week I had the thrill of being able to watch a one of kind piece of jewelry being made...for me...from scratch. Ron Ostlund, Jr. is a local talent that produces cool works of art like clocks, lamps and jewelry from scrap metal. Plus, he's completely self taught...

​Check out my pix below from the 3.5 hour session:

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the sheet of copper is cut and buffed into shape...​

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the collar starts to curl and take its shape once the hammering begins...​

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the final, shining product...​

There were tons of little tweaks done to the piece as it started to take shape and it was interesting to see how each small change made a huge impact. Watching a flat sheet of metal transform into a wearable work of art was fascinating.

HUGE thanks to Ron for allowing me to help create my own piece and for letting me sit in on the making of...​

Why don't you...

...use a pill box or contact lens case for your toiletries next time you travel? Both types of containers are meant to hold precious cargo and in the case of the contact lens case, liquid! ​The chambers are big enough to hold a few days supply of cleanser, toner, serum, cream, primer and foundation and most of the containers are air tight.

​Bonus: If you have extra chambers in the pill box, stash your rings and stud earrings inside!

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Casual dressing...

As much as I like sky high heels and pretty dresses from time to time, I really just prefer to be comfortable. It's no easy feat to find pieces that are both comfy and stylish - not frumpy. I just purchased a sweatshirt (during #FNO) that just happens to be both!​ Check out the label WILT for soft tanks, floaty t shirts and anything but boxy sweatshirts.

Wilt Women's Raw Crop V-Neck Shirt, Black, Medium

Wilt Women's Slanted Sweatshirt, Vapor, Medium

Wilt Women's Racer Cutout Tank Shirt, Brick, X-Small

​Just pile on the jewels and some dope kicks to take the look from casual to chic!

Bonus: These comfy and roomy tops will be perfect for Thanksgiving Day feasts!​

Why don't you...

...create your own lip color? Using a clean knife, slice off a bit from a few different colors and mix up into a small, lidded pot (I save sample cosmetic jars and buy new empties when I run across them). Keep blending until you're satisfied with the shade. For a more sheer balm, add in a dab of petroleum jelly alternative like Waxelene (actual petroleum jelly is pretty disgusting). ​

Waxelene 2oz jar

​This could also be a really fun "girls night in" activity with children or friends (and wine). Don't forget to come up with a fantastic name to go with your custom color!

back to school...

True, I'm no longer enrolled in school but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a little "Back to School" style update!​

Instead of pencils, Trapper Keepers and Oxford shoes, I stock up on leggings, a brand spankin' new handbag and deep hued nail colors.

Rebecca Minkoff Women's Mab Mini Bombe Shoulder Bag, Blood Red

If you could choose just one "Back to School" style essential for the upcoming season what would it be?​

Fashionable Friends...

I'm a lucky girl. I know many, many stylish ladies who posses fantastic personal style. While I love observing the high fashion looks from the runways and red carpets, ultimately I strive to make NWS a celebration of accessible and everyday style.

Models and celebs have access to the latest and greatest in fashion and beauty and a cadre of talented people who help them put it all together. I believe true  style can be found by looking on the streets, at friends, family members and neighbors. I like to see ensembles put together by women with limited clothing budgets (like me) and who don't have access to a wide array of boutiques and stores.  

This season I'll be introducing my fashionable friends who embody unique personal style and who inspire me daily. Stay tuned!

#FNO is here!

It's here - tonight is Fashion's Night Out! I love FNO because it's a fun way to celebrate the world of style and beauty! There are tons of events happening tonight across the country and the rest of the world. Most events feature discounts and/or giveaways, hors d'oeuvres, celebs and great music - find your local or online event by clicking here.

​I'll be spending the evening with some friends at my favorite local boutique, Symmetry!

Why Don't You...?

I am a longtime admirer of Diana Vreeland. Though not a "classic beauty", she had fantastic style and a great sense of humor,​ which is way more valuable in my eyes than a pretty face or a perfect body (though I'd take all of the above, please).

Vreeland's Harper's Bazaar column, Why Don't You? , was a collection of fun tips and suggestions for her stylish readers. While her ideas were not always realistic they were , and remain, most definitely creative, humorous and inspiring in their oh so high end way.

I adore reading her tips (some faves below) so I'm going to try my hand at a few of my own. Keep your eyes peeled for my Why Don't You?  ​post every Wednesday...

Just a few of D.V.'s classic suggestions:

...wear violet velvet mittens with everything?

...bring back from Central Europe a huge white baroque porcelain stove to stand in your front hall?

...have an elk-hide trunk for the back of your car? Hermès of Paris will make this.

...have your cigarettes stamped with a personal insignia?

...paint a map of the world on all four walls of your boys’ nursery so they won’t grow up with a provincial point of view?

…wear, like the Duchess of Kent, three enormous diamond stars arranged in your hair in front?

​If you haven't read D.V., her "facticious" autobiography, you must do so immediately. It remains one of my all time favorite books as it captures the essence of her wit, personality and imagination. Buy it on Amazon RIGHT NOW! You'll also want to pick up Diana Vreeland by Eleanor Dwight to learn more about Vreeland and to see her flamboyant life in pictures.

September is Yoga Month!

Rather than suggest all the things you could buy to enhance your yoga experience, I asked a yogini friend of mine what her #1 piece of advice was for taking your yoga to the next level.​

The fabulous Erin says the key to deepening your practice is, ​"Pranayama (breath). Follow the breath and the physical practice will come naturally."

Download this free app for guidance.​

OMMMmmm...​

Photo courtesy of the uber talented, super awesome and totally handsome Tony Frantz.

Fall for a bold lip...

It's September 1st which means it's time to start thinking of Fall style. For me, this means it's time to break out my red lipsticks! A bold red lip is always a perfect complement to the rich textures and warm hues of the season.

Be sure to keep your pucker exfoliated and hydrated - nothing ruins a red lip look like flaky, cracked skin!

​What's your must have lipstick shade for Fall/Winter 2012? 

gorgeous red lip colors