My Glamourology

Erica Conte, A friend of mine from High school and College, a super talented textile designer also has her own line of jewelry EConteDesigns that I'm totally obsessed with. I've blogged about her line before and I have a few of her stack-able rings that I seriously wear every day! I even bought a set for my mom for Mothers Day and she wears them every day as well. I also have earrings, and a necklace that I adore!  Well anyway a week ago she told me she was sending me one of her new rings that are double dipped in 18K gold. I couldn't wait! The anticipation of this package arriving was eating at me! A few days later my ring arrived and I couldn't even wait to get up to my apartment and open it so opened it in the elevator...cue GASP! I swear it was the prettiest little thing I had ever seen! So delicate, the gold was so BRIGHT and shiny, I put it on and twisted my hand in all directions so the cuts in the gold and the stone (white topaz) could sparkle. Side note: I was in the elevator with about 3 other people who all stared at me like I was a loony as I said to Quintin "OHHHH look how pretty!!!" Quintin politely responded by sitting next to the strangers with a look on his face like "mom your seriously weird and wheres my treat"

Visit Erica's Etsy shop for some of her other amazing styles! AND she will be in Soho on the corner of Greene and Prince street August 7th, 21st, and 28th, go check out her stuff! I'm thinking about selling some of my own line with her at the end of August. I'll keep you all posted!

Photo Credit: Lomography.com

I've been obsessing over Lomography for sometime now (I guess this will be my next hobby- cupcakes, jewelry, and now photography?). I have been fussing with my digitals on photoshop to create an imitated look of the a Lomo shot (I'm sure you all noticed). But enough with the imitations!! I want real authentic shots!!! Ones I can develop and put up on the walls, or place in pretty little photo albums! Ones that make me feel nostalgic!!! I LOVE the energy you can feel through them and I think some art around my apartment would be a good thing!  (There's no way I can hang up any of my own art because I'll pick it apart till the day I tear it down!)  So I was  on the search for a really great lomo camera, they are all over eBay. Originally I wanted an old vintage one. The real deal, from Russia or Korea! But I've read that the originals can be fussy and parts are most certainly not easy to come by, so instead I perused Urban Outfitters and Lomography.com so see which one would best suit me. THERE SO MUCH TO CHOSE FROM! In the end I did not want a crazy colored one (so not like me because almost everything I get is pink!). I just wanted the feel of the authentic vintage ones so I decided on the Holga 120N in black/silver from urban outfitters (I scored it on eBay for much less than the $48.00 listed on their site!) I also felt like I would need the flash and the 35mm film converter because 120 film can be hard to come by. I got the whole kit and caboodle on eBay for $40.00!! I cant wait till it arrives! The "Boy" and I will promptly be venturing over to Coney Island for a fun filled day of photography!

The black and silver Holga 120N I purchased on eBay.

I'm also obsessing after this Diana Dreamer which is an Urban Outfitters exclusive (could NOT find it on eBay at all!) ! I think ill need to get this one too..... eventually. I'm thinking about starting a little collection! There are just so many! And they do all sorts of different things!

Anyway I hope to be posting some interesting lomo shots as soon as it arrives!

xoxo M

The Lovely Monserrat Fernandez of FASHION BOOK did an amazing post on my jewelry line!! I'm so thrilled and thankful to her and all my other fellow blogger friends for all the positive feedback I've been getting. It's seriously amazing to me how tight knit this little blogging community can be. Everyone is so supportive and its great to have that! You guys are the best!!! Please please go visit Fashion Book, it's a fantastic blog! Great fashion tips and great articles!!! Thank you Monserrat for taking the time to write about Justina Leigh!!!

On another note, I've been out of the blogging world a bit, I can't even say it's because I've been so busy working. The boy (he hates when I call him that) and I have been doing so many things!! Beach days, dinners, brunches, concerts! All fun summer stuff, and of course in between, some real life work! I hope to be back to posting daily soon! And I have a TON of blog reading to catch up on! I just looked at my bloglovin account and WOW  there is so much I've been missing!!! I hope to get to that tonight. Here's a quick shot of John and I in Central Park at the Black Keys concert. Such a good time! Great music, great wine, great company. Cant wait to do it again!

xoxo M

HOPE EVERYONE HAD A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!!

This weekend I tried a few new jewelry ideas and this new bracelet is my favorite! The "JAYDEN", its a little bohemian mixed with some rocker chains! I did a few different styles with some colored threading I'll have to take pics and post soon, I've been slacking!! I also have a new necklace which is way different from my other necklaces. Its super delicate and wearable for every day. Ill post that tomorrow! And stay tuned because once I figure out how to actually use one of those give away counters there will most certainly be a give away! But here's the "JAYDEN" (I also make this style with leather strips!)

I've been a bit busy this week, hopefully next week i'll have some more time to post some of my looks! Quintin is already relaxing!!! Have a happy weekend enjoy!!!

and now he's hiding! hehe!

xoxo M

Valerie of Beauty and the Budget did a feature on my post Cheap Thrills. I just wanted to say thank you!!! It was so nice seeing that in my inbox yesterday! I'm happy that I, as well as all the other fabulous bloggers out there can be recognized for affordable fashion. It's so important to know we don't need labels to make us fashionistas, its all about personality, and personal style and you most certainly can do that on a budget! Valerie does such a good job on her blog of pointing us in all the right directions for affordable fashion AND shes a fantastic writer. One of my must reads daily! Check her out!!

xx M

Let me start by saying Lindsay Lohan happens to be one of my least fav celebs. BUT I simply adore all works by Ellen Von Unwerth and her latest editorial work for GQ Germany August 2010 is stunning! Lindsay looks flawless. I've been in love with Ellen Von Unwerth's photography since my first year at FIT when my then roommate who happened to be a photography major introduced me to her work. I even have a few snaps she took using me as a subject in a bathroom Ellen Von Unworth style. If I can find those shots I will most certainly scan and post!

I Have to give credit to Johanna of Sketchbook Six for doing a post on this spread earlier this week. I simply fell in love as I usually do with Ellen Von Unwerth's work! Here are a few of my older favs...

OK so my boyfriend corrects my spelling ALL the time. I know it's terrible as well as my grammar. I never know what to do with commas, apostrophe's, and semi-colons, really all I know how to use are periods. Sometimes I feel like there are certain words that just look better spelled incorrectly so my creative brain I guess just wants it to look that way... or I have dyslexia. I don't know, but I'd like to apologize for my complete butchery of the written word.

Not that this should be an excuse as we learn to read and write at the age of 5 or 6, but I went to fashion school, I can sew buttons pretty damn well but if you ask me to write you a story, I might be able to make it witty and funny but it will look like a 9th grader wrote it! I'm just terrible. So I'd like to apologize for any miss spellings and grammatical errors along the way. I do try and go back and edit once I notice them! Thanks again LOVELIES (I noticed that one in my last post and went back and edited hehe).

I'm off to a wedding weekend! Rehearsal and Dinner tonight, wedding tomorrow, Brunch and swimming at my parents on Sunday! Hope you all have an eventful weekend! xoxo M

My sisters fav of my cupcake creations - Dark chocolate cupcake filled with salted caramel topped with salted vanilla/caramel butter cream finished off with drizzled caramel! I promise when I have time I'll post my recipe, its a long one!

Just spotted this Chloe bucket bag. The bucket bag trend is growing on me big time!

I've been listening to My "Black Keys" play list (thank you John! <3) on Pandora non-stop lately and today it had me feeling so retro. Blame it on "Muddy Waters" and his bluesy rock and roll vibe!! (that added to the bottle of wine we finished last night haha)

H&M high waisted super wide leg jeans - purchased 4 years ago, found buried with tons other old stuff!

Forever 21 silk blouse - Purchased earlier this spring not sure the price

Mulberry Alexa Bag - Purchased on eBay

Zara Wooden shoes - $69.00 on sale!

Belt - Thrift Store find - $3.00

Jewelry - Justina Leigh "Hendrix" necklace, "Monte" bracelet, and "Charlie" bracelet - Made by me!

Ring - Gift from my mom bought in - Turks and Caicos

I'm so glad everyone is loving my looks! All you lovelies have been making my day, everyday!!!

xoxox M

I spotted this perfect little jacket at H&M last week and just had to have it! It's perfect for the office without feeling too stuffy. It also has a bit of drama to it with the light shoulder padding and shirring up at the shoulders. And while I still do love the boyfriend jacket I felt in major need of an update, the cropped mini jacket is just that! They had it in black and cobalt blue. I immediately wanted the cobalt for weekend affairs and black for a less dramatic statement during the work week. So I said what I always say "if you think its nice buy it twice" (when it comes to deals of course and this jacket was only about $35.00)

I wore it with my H&M Skinny jeans which are my absolute favorite. I have them in regular waist, low waist, and super dark wash as well. They fit amazing and at approx $40.00 they are well worth it! The style is called "&SQIN" - SLIM LEG  in case anyone wants to go try them on. Last fall I stopped buying expensive name brand jeans/pants and H&M has been my go to spot for a great fit and great washes.

I also wore my Forever 21 Tee that reminded me of one of my fav tee brands "Wildfox" but it only cost me $12.90. Also my Forever21 shoes.

Last but not least my Justina Leigh "Monte" bracelet makes yet another cameo. I added an "M" charm because they finally came in the mail and I love the personalization! I've been thinking about doing a giveaway for one of the Justina Leigh bracelets, was wondering if anyone thought that would be a good idea? I also would have no idea how to do a give away! How does one choose who to give it to? How do I use one of those little random trackers?... I guess I'm not as tech savvy as I thought! haha

Sometimes even the cheapest of outfits can be glamorous!

Dress - Heritage 1981 (forever21) $28.90

Shoes - Forever21 - Found on bottom of closet- price unknown

Leather Belt - Vintage - Thrift store find $8.00

Necklace - Justina Leigh - Made by me

Feeling super girlie and Glam and totally un-cheap - Priceless!!

I've been having a weird obsession lately with thick hardcore leather backpacks, messengers and briefcases. I Stumbled upon the Saddleback Leather company on my on line search for a great fall bag and I have to say I'm super impressed!! These bags look amazing and while a $600 price tag may seen expensive in reality its not when you compare it to Muberry (which quite frankly probably knocked them off) at $1200 and up a pop and when you see the workmanship that goes into the bags.  They even offer a 100 yr warranty! Aside from the love affair I'm having over these bags I got extremely teary eyed over the Their Story. Please please read it!! It might be my case of emotional PMS but it's inspiring and tear jerking ( what girl doesn't love a tear jerker) From his dog, to finding his wife who he refers to as "hot" on myspace. The story alone could get me to be a loyal customer because I feel like I know him now! I love that feeling!  I'll definitely be investing one soon! (but I'll save for it I promise no more huge splurges!!).

Photo Credit: www.saddlebackleather.com

Sir Quintin says HAPPY WEEKEND, enjoy!!!

xoxo M

Things involving dinner or anything other than baked goods in the kitchen is not my forté, BUT I've been getting creative and trying new things and this Tart/Quiche I made for dinner the other night is just to DIE for. I know that sounds a bit dramatic (typical of me) but really it was just SO good. I made this little number up as I went along so I didn't measure anything but I'll try and give you the recipe to the best of my knowledge. I had some left over Mini Red Potatoes, Ricotta Cheese, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh basil, one whole squash, and red onion in the fridge so this is what I did...

Ingredients:

1lb (approx) red potato - Sliced very thin

1 whole squash sliced very thin

2-3 TBSP (approx) of red onion chopped small

1 cup (approx) ricotta cheese

1/2 cup cubed fresh mozzarella

few sprigs of fresh rosemary

1/2 TBSP (approx) fresh parsley finely chopped

Generous dash of Kosher Salt

Generous Dash of fresh ground black pepper

1/4 cup of milk

1 egg

1 Pillsbury pie crust

Directions:

Boil the red potatoes for 10 min. Saute the Squash in olive oil, salt and pepper till they are very soft and slightly golden on both sides. Drain the potatoes and put in the bowl (leaving out a few to spread along the top of the tart) with the ricotta cheese, squash, fresh mozzarella, pepper, salt, parsley, red onion, and rosemary and mix well. In another bowl whisk milk and egg together till incorporated then add to the ricotta mixture and mix well. Pour into Pillsbury pie crust and spread evenly, place remaining boiled red potatoes over the top. Also you can crumble a few bits of fresh mozz on top also.  Bake for 1 hr. Then ENJOY!

I love stumbling upon a shoe sale, which is what happened last Week at Macy's. And to top it off I had what my mother would call GOODIES (20% off coupon). I Got these Dolce Vita Platforms I had been Eyeing which went on sale! and these super sweet Marc Fisher Cut out Bow Pumps also on sale! Super yummy!

I just want to thank A Brit Greek for giving me among 5 "The versatile Blogger" award! I'm SO grateful and couldn't be happier to know that my blog tickles her fancy!!! It's really a HUGE compliment especially coming from such a talented blogger! If it were ok for me to send this award right back I would most certainly do so! So thank you again you are absolutely fabulous!!!! xoxox

So now I'll divulge 7 things about me as  this is what is required when one gets the award, so here goes...

1. I used to have a small baking company and I'd create all sorts of unique cupcakes like Pina Colada, Mudslides, Samoa (like the girl scout cookie) and even Lavender Honey which I actually made for one of my very good friends weddings!

2. I'm a shoe junkie....this is probably no secret, but really I own more than 200 pairs of shoes. So much that I can't fit them all in my apartment and I have to store at least half at my parents house and switch off every season...its a sickness....

3. I met my amazing Boyfriend on Match.com...that's a HUGE one for me to reveal!!! The whole Match thing started out as a little fun side thing that me and a couple other girlfriends were doing together (lead to some seriously funny date stories!!)  But we are very much in love, so in love that I'm not quite sure that anything I ever thought was love before, really was, and this was totally unexpected for both him and I. I highly recommend other single lovely ladies who are looking for Mr Right to give it a shot...if not match than any other unique means of dating, because you just never know! I just couldn't be happier! (PS if you see me around Match.com ads its because I did a photo shoot for them when a friend of mine worked for the company that owned them and I just found out they are using the pics!!! Kinda exciting that I can be a match.com mini celebrity! haha)

4. My favorite flavor ice cream is Ben and Jerry's Coffee Heath-bar Crunch, but I scoop out all the chunks of heath bar first and then just leave the remains of coffee ice cream. (my boyfriend is so kind to actually scoop out chunks for me!)

5. This is the first time in 10 years that I've had long hair!!! Seriously, my closest friends and family STILL think it's weird and constantly ask if its extensions because I did have a those for a bit! But its all 100% mine and I have no intentions of cutting it!

6.  I LOOOOVVVE to dance!!

7. I usually have bruises on my hip bones bc I misjudge the amount of space I have to turn corners...on every corner!!! I'm one of the clumsiest people you'll ever meet!

And now to my 5 favorite versatile Bloggers...From food to fashion and makeup to Manolos you bloggers have it all and make my daily reads over morning coffee worth getting up an extra 30 min early for! xoxo

Grit and Glamour --- I especially love Friend Fridays and your fantastic Vlogs!

Style and Charm --- I always look forward to your daily wish lists!

All Natural Annie --- Thanks for all the helpful beauty and healthy tips!!!

NYC Island Gal --- Your stories are wonderful!!

Sketchbook Six --- Your Photos are inspiring!!!

I hope everyone had a fantastic 4th of July weekend, and for those of you outside the USA I hope you had a fantastic weekend as well!!  I surely did! The boy and I had a wedding to attend and I really wasn't into buying a new dress for this one so I decided to wear my American Apparel convertible dress...here's how I put it together (side note due to the rushing and running around I TOTALLY forgot to have my boyfriend take pics of me in my outfit at the actual wedding, these were taken a day later oopsie!

My Vintage Dolce and Gabbana gold Mesh shoes

Black leather Chanel

Swarofki Crystal bracelet - A gift from the Boyfriend :)

The American Apparrel dress

John decided to stray from his usual skinny tie and wear a bow tie. It's Super trendy and I think he just looked fantastic! I wish more men would dress outside the typical box. BTW I learned how to tie the bow tie pretty damn good!!!

We had a lot of fun! :)

HAPPY JULY!!! Stay Glamorous!!!

July 2010 Glam-Scopes

xoxox M

Ive been out of the bloggoshpere lately. I've been working on a few different side projects, starting to design new jewelry styles, and getting to some much needed organization done!

My newly organized & clean closet makes me so happy every morning!

I bought this Expidit bookcase at Ikea for $69.99!! I love it!!

And the pile of stuff so far of what I'm getting rid of. A TON of this has tags still attached. Whats wrong with me?!?!?

My Boyfriends really good friend Zlata (www.ihavezlatathoughts.com) passed along this awesome website. You Submit your design on-line, you promote it, get people to vote, if you win your garment is produced and sold on-line and you make a profit!! For all you creative bloggers out there with tons of followers this is great!!! Potentially this could make my job obsolete so I probably shouldn't be THAT excited over it but its just so cool!!

www.garmz.com

Last Saturday the boy and I did some wandering around Greenpoint/Williamsburg. One of the things I love about Brooklyn is the randomness you stumble upon. We wandered into the Crest Fest in Williamsburg and enjoyed some interesting treats...

ART

DRINKS!!

Who wouldn't want a margarita from a guy blending it on a bike!!

check out their web site www.bandofbicycles.com to see their upcoming events!

CRAFTS

Dishonestees. A t-shirt line by two friends of mine. Check out their other great shirts @ www.dishonestees.com They also have a line of clothing "Dishonest Apparel" soon to be out in Lord & Taylor!

JEWELRY

Really interesting stuff by Erica Dray. She also makes Sterling silver jewelry. I'm loving these earrings I found on her website www.erikadraydesigns.com

These letter press necklaces are great. Made out of different metals with an old Fashion Letterpress. I don't think they have a website but the line is called "Fundamental Jewelry"

I was unaware I was giving out tattoos, hehe

John just looking studly in his Ray-bans. I'll take one please! <3

And ME prob a bit tipsy...

Hopefully this sat we will stumble upon some fun BK things again!!

I was determined to wear my new Sam Edelman Clog/booties bc I'm really obsessed with them! When they came in the mail I felt they were definitely Fall looking which isn't abnormal for me to buy fall shoes in june, I've been known to shop a season and a half ahead. But I love them so much I just can't wait till September to wear them!!

I paired them with white jeans (haven't worn these in about 2 years!) to brighten them up, a creamy blush pink basic tee, cognac leather belt, Justina Leigh accessories, my LV SC Bag, and I threw on a loose olive green button down bc I always get cold on the subway

I LOVE LOVE LOVE making jewelry and creating new things (handbags will come next!) But I still like my day job.  I'm pretty lucky to be working, doing something fun and creative. I work full time as a Tween Girls fashion designer.  Sometimes it's stressful, sometimes frustrating, but the creativity is worth it...and sometimes seeing little ones in something I created makes it worth the while!

My little cousins (Natalie left, Gabby right) in the "Cindy" dress from our Pogo Club Summer 2010 collection. This dress was a LOT cleaner than most of our looks..usually everything has sequins or rhinestones on it..as if you couldn't tell already how much I love things that sparkle!