I’m not a trend follower of late, but the announcement of this one excited me for a very important reason. Seeing the hot, neon, sparkly, etc. pumps on the show What Not to Wear started my love for shoes, which brought on this blog, which introduced me to handbags, and ultimately that led to my handbag line I’m finally ready to start!

But back to the blog for now, and well the shoes..

Reports say bright shoes are in for Spring. Fun! Cute, and definite excitement in your steps.

I’d like to go over some “hot” (pun intended, as per usual) choices in different categories …

First, fashionista in different price points:

Entry continued, read more »

… I guess this is women taking fashion back from the gays?

What do you think?

According to this article, the show is being opened up to more middle-aged designers, as well. Fits with Lifetime, right? Right on for all ages, but I hope the show and the styles don’t turn into the carp-hole that is the Lifetime Network. Television for feminist housewives.

Also, big bitch slap to the Style Network and WE, huh? Snap.

Do you give your lady high-priced items or more fairly priced yet quality gems?

Well, here are some ruby jewelry options for three budgets:

Budget Blower:

Cushion-Cut Ruby Ring
highest price, but synthetic stone,
plus cubic zirconia accents
by Fantasia by DeSerio
$630

Quality Keeper:

Poinsettia Flower Pendant/Necklace
with 5 ct. center ruby, fine silver
by Lucinda Fox Wood

$299

Passionate Cheap Thrill:

Jewels of My Heart
shaded rubies & sterling silver
by Sky Dreams

$89

Notice the materials get more quality, truer gems or silver, when the price decreases? Take a lesson. Although the fake ruby and the “fine” silver (aka silver plated, etc.) look more expensive, and are more expensive, they’re less of the “true” fineries. Hmmmm?

That being said, there’s nothing wrong with fine silver, or any of these items. But $630 for faux stones is wrong, imho. Thanks, Needless Markup.

I’ve been putting off debuting my shop and my own items, thinking, “I’m not ready!” and “I want the optimal day/time/exposure!” Oh bah. Stop procrastinating. My readers need to see this! I’m going to feature one of my items every week, so as not to over do it.

My designer company name is Milly & Nans, and I stress everything yarn, knitting and crochet accessories. I have lots of jewelry made and eventually will have lots of great purses.

What you see here is a large coin purse, knitted, with a zipper and a bracelet wrist strap and decorative button. It features a gathered design and is fully lined. It measures 4.5″ x 3″. Price: $14. Buy here on Etsy! Craving another colour? “Convo” me through Etsy!

This was the first purse I’ve ever made, but I have more in the works for Fall.

*Update* What I meant was it’s the first purse I ever designed and made. It’s still the only style of which I’ve brought to life, but I’m working on another and more are waiting to be made!*

My shop address is www.millyandnans.etsy.com and the blog is at www.millyandnans.com! (The ad to the left is moi, easily clickable anytime!)

Yes, congratulations to me, I’m starting my dream! And I’m really enjoying it.

The “Dentelle” floral lacing on Louis Vuitton’s new Speedy is kind of beautiful, until it’s embroidered onto the busy LV monogram pattern both the company and fans are addicted to.

Do I like it? As a fan, but not an obsesser, I can be fair. And personally, I say put it on a light canvas, like the designer’s Damier Azur, and it could really rock. Of course, putting it on a more “blank” canvas, like a black suede - would truly make it art.

A lot of Vuitton’s monogram embellishments are things crafty and creative fans can do themselves. (And they even come up with their own ideas and post photos online.) And well, I think I could seriously make this with the embroidery machine I just purchased on eBay (I’m ecstatic). Still, I’d rather put it onto my own print, which I can make myself as well with either screening or printable fabric I also purchased and my new ink jet printer (needed a fax upgrade - finally!). Yes, I am awesome.

OK back to the ponderment at hand. LV’s Dentelle MC Speedy 30, is it a classic made elegant or an overpriced exploitation by Marc Jacobs of the house? Fabulous or … trashtastic?

Since Rihanna’s new single, “Umbrella”, features mon nom I just have to feature today’s “treasury” selection on the front page of Etsy.com: all rain and umbrellas!

A treasury, until items sell out, is actually always available when you click on the creator’s username. You learn something new every day, huh? Here is the link for this Rain Rain Go Away collection.

Of course, if you are just now learning for the first time about Etsy’s existence, get to shopping! All indie, all hand made. Oh yes. I’ll wait here. (Or at Etsy, myself.)

Sparkle and charm with America-themed jewelry from Etsy sellers.

Diva $$$: American Icons Charm Bracelet: $70

Fashionista $$: Lampwork Bead Bracelet: $22

Budgetista $: Shooting Star Fireworks Earrings: $14