StyleThrive

https://www.stylethrive.com/blogs/news

[stylethrive]

On The Rise: Enamel Pins

Emily Stokes Staff Writer

Every now and then, you stumble across something so devilishly cute that it disrupts your usual order of operations. If you’ve recently delved into the adorable depths of Etsy’s enamel pin subculture, chances are you’ve also been struggling with that age-old internal conflict between charm and utility (What are these for? Why am I suddenly compelled to buy them all?). Luckily, you’re not alone. Many of us desire things for their mere likeability rather than their overall function—why else would people own wall hangings, waffle irons, or cats? Our appreciation of the artful unnecessary is, after all, what makes us human.

Instead of taking up space on your couches and cabinet shelves, the enamel pin is a discrete and streamlined fashion statement. Wear one on the lapel of your favorite button-down or blazer, or decorate that old tote bag. Like a sequin jumpsuit on jazz night, let’s embrace the glamor of gratuitous embellishment! Here to help is a large (though by no means complete) international sampling of enamel pin designs from boygirlparty, Pony People, Surfing Sloth, Sootie Limetree, We are out of office, and many more. From food items to fanciful creatures, these amazing designs will leave you wanting more:

Coffee Carafe, InTheLavenderHaze

Pink Crystal Gem Glitter Pin, FinestImaginary

Mix Tape Enamel Pin, Nataly Kim

Strawberry Milk Enamel Pin, StudioVcky

Camper Enamel Pin, InTheLavenderHaze

Oh Hai All-Seeing Eye Pin, Heather Buchanan

Terrarium Pin, FinestImaginary

Cactus Pin, Heather Buchanan

Roller Skate Pin, Wildflower and Company

Tandem Sloths Pin, Surfing Sloth

Platypus Pin, Boygirlparty

Tent Enamel Pin, We are out of office

BFF Cats, ILikeCatsShop

Comic Book Enamel Pin, MightyPop

Otters Holding Hands, Boygirlparty

Banish the brooch and say hello to the new age of enamel pins! Now go get lost down your own Etsy vortex. Geez.

Cover Image: Plant Kitty by Pony People

[stylethrive]

Scary-Good Style: Fall Decor Fit for Halloween

Image: Maegan Tintari, Sweet Paul Magazine 2010

Savannah DiGregorio Contributor

As we move into October, the distinct smell of cinnamon, scarecrows, and big, orange pumpkins imbue our surroundings.  The transformation of seasons has always been symbolic of change, making it the perfect time to re-make your wardrobe and home with warm color palettes and cozy, textured accents.  This season, it is easier than ever to evoke a festive spirit with eclectic pairings, bright hues and vintage accessories.  For the Halloween lovers, this means those spooky, macabre pieces don’t have to be boxed away once the holiday ends.  

           For a subtle approach, try placing Poe-inspired raven book-ends on your shelves, use shimmering, metallic serving trays, or decorate with adorable black cat home accessories.  Feeling especially enthusiastic? Try mixing antique elements such as gramophone, typewriter or vintage-inspired furniture with eerie statement pieces, like Ouija board pillows or a howling wolf print. Last but not least, arrange a curated selection of fall-themed candles to create a mysterious but warm ambiance.  

           To help you get started, here are some of our fall favorites!

Image: Palm Reading Chart Woodcut Print, Horse and Hare

Image: Molded Sugar Skulls from DemBones

Image: Owl Journal with Coptic Binding, The Nib and the Quill

Image: Moon Print in Embroidery Hoop, Wordosaurus Text

Image: Nevermore Bookends, Dot & Bo

Image: Black Skull Plate, Lavinia’s Tea Party

Image: Chalkboard Skull and Gold Skull, KingFour

Image: Vampire Bat Linocut Blank Greeting Card, Horse and Hare

Image: Absinthe Hand-Poured EcoCandle, Soap for Your Soul

Image: Skull Planter, SewZinski

Image: Gold Bug Earring Studs, Sea Blue Boutique

Image: Ouija Board Hand Printed Pillow, Horse and Hare

Image: Headstrong Desk Caddy, Dot & Bo

Image: Black Cat Tea Towel Printed with EcoFriendly Inks, Gingiber

Image: Home Tweet Home Throw Pillow, CozyHomeStudio

Image: Parisian Perfect Desk, Dot & Bo

Image: Dictionary Skull Print, WordAntique

Image: Ceramic Painted Skull, SewZinski

Image: Kitty Flats, Charlotte Olympia

[stylethrive]

Top 12 Transitional Jackets For Your Cold Weather Wardrobe

Source: Free People, Faux Fur Bliss Coat

Bundled up doesn’t have to mean dressed down.

Emily Stokes Staff Writer

Preparing your wardrobe for fall and winter is a tricky undertaking. Every item in your closet suddenly begs for seasonal validation, and forces you to make tough decisions on which items to store away or sneak cleverly into your cold weather layers. The struggle is real.

Luckily, the exciting onslaught of new jacket and coat designs can help ease your cold weather woes. This year’s jacket trends are full of cozy details, like suede sleeves, fur-lined collars, and loose silhouettes. Ideal for fall transitional wear, the classic peacoat has gotten a serious makeover, featuring a number of unique textures, layered designs, and minimalist shaping. If you’re not ready to haul out the down parka, check out this season’s StyleThrive roundup of the top trending fall-to-winter jacket styles.

Source: Gilt, Via Spiga Belted Wool Coat

Source: Free People, Slouchy Sweater Menswear Coat

Source: Bailey44, Gramercy Coat

Source: ModCloth, Diagonal Alley Coat in Merlot

Source: Gilt, Via Spiga Short Puffer Coat

Source: Free People, Teddy Coat

Source: Gilt, Rachel Roy Brushed Plaid Coat

Source: Modcloth, Once Upon a Thyme Coat

Source: ModCloth, Liberal Arts Cottage Coat

Source: ModCloth, Aviation Admiration Jacket

Source: ModCloth, In the Kindling of an Eye - Southwestern

For more jacket-related ooh’s and ahh’s, check out our Jackets, Coats, and Overthingspinboard for the ultimate inspiration guide.

[stylethrive]

Wake Up Duvets Gives 5% to Charity!

The bedroom is an intimate, personal space where we can relax, rejuvenate, and recenter. It's an extension of our being that reflects our very own unique style, hidden from the rest of the world. In an effort to personalize this sacred space, designer Natalka Abrat from Wake Up Duvets creates original artwork that gets transformed into luxurious bedding. 

Each piece features hand painted watercolor paintings that are digitally edited to creating a soft, fluid feel against crisp flat color. The artwork is then individually printed and sewn in the USA using quality materials including 320 count sateen cotton and super-soft wrinkle resistant prints. 

Wake Up Duvets is partly a social enterprise and donates 5% of all sales Opportunity International Australia. An awesome organization that provides small loans to families in developing countries so that they can start a business, earn an income and leave poverty behind.

Natalka writes, “After traveling through Asia and Europe I quickly came to realize that not everyone in our world has the same opportunities. It was important to me to create a business that would empower people to take control of their lives and give them choices when they would otherwise not have the resources.” 

Wake Up Duvets is offering Style Thrive readers 15% discount storewide from now until July 1st! Just use STYLE15 coupon code at checkout. Enjoy!

Turkish Hues Queen Duvet

Arrow Duvet Crib Comforter

Floral Duvet Cover

Turkish Hues Queen Duvet

Like what you see? Check out the full Wake Up Duvets collection on Etsy!

[stylethrive]

Featured Maker: OhThisNose on Etsy

Emily Stokes Staff Writer

It’s rare that a single maker takes center stage in a StyleThrive roundup, but the OhThisNose Etsy storefront begs for stardom. The creative mother-daughter duo Jeanette and Julie work from their hometown in Eugene, Oregon to offer shoppers a delicious assortment of wool blankets, hand-knit accessories, tote bags, pillows, banners, and more. Their Etsy shop is a visual feast of creative items, fun colors, and unique designs—making them a perfect place for your holiday browsing! 

Jeanette and Julie celebrate the riches of using high-quality fibers and fabrics through their selective choice of Pendelton mill wools, silk blend yarns, and a whole host of other sumptuous materials. Their selection of hand-dyed wool creations also shows willingness for creative adventure and experimentation. 

Check out this small (though incomplete) look at the offerings from OhThisNose:

Wool/Toile Pillowcase in Black and White

Wool Arroyo Throw Blanket

Plaid Wool Blanket Red and Green

Rust Blue and Brown Wool Throw Blanket

Wool Blanket, Classic Stripes and Cross 

Wool Blanket, Black and Multicolor

Plaid Merino Wool Infinity Scarf

Rorschach Wool Throw Blanket

All-Weather Gold Tote Bag

Hand-Dyed Wool Scarf

Buffalo Plaid Tote Bag, Black and Red Wool

If this little photo stream made you smile, check out all the rest that OhThisNose has to offer on Etsy. There’s still time to order your Christmas presents; it’s time to make moves!

Cover Image:

Wool Blanket Turquoise Orange

[stylethrive]

Best of Etsy: Pop Culture Coloring Books!

Emily Stokes Staff Writer

If you’re struggling to shop for every name on your list, you might want to consider a more creative Christmas solution. Enter stage right: the perfect coloring book! Sure, the adult coloring book trend has been happening for a while now, but these handpicked books offer a fun new twist on the usual mandala-inspired visuals. At the forefront of pop-culture fanaticism and creative expression, these styles from Etsy sellers across the U.S. and U.K. might be JUST the gift you're looking for:

Gordon Ramsay Colouring Book, Fanomenal Crafts (UK)

Breaking Bad Colouring Book, Pizza Eaters (UK)

Seinfeld Rainy Day Colouring Book, Pizza Eaters (UK)

Gilmore Girls Coloring Book, The Card Architect

Drake Coloring Book, The Card Architect

Mean Girls Coloring Book, The Card Architect

Jimmy Fallon Coloring Book, Shana B Design

The X-Files Colouring Book, Pizza Eaters (UK)

While these next two aren't necessarily related to pop culture, I just couldn't NOT showcase their unique design concepts and hand-drawn illustrations:

Coloring Book, Yellow Paper House

Coffee Break Companion Coloring Book, Coffee Break Ink

There you have it folks! These unique coloring books (or, if you're British, "colouring" books) are perfect for curating a super personalized holiday gift. Wrap them up with a special set of coloring pencils or markers and you're sure to delight even the pickiest creatives in your life.

Cover Image: Stranger Things Colouring Book, Estelle Morris Shop (UK)

[stylethrive]

Esty Trend Watch: Printed Enamel Mugs

Lauren Ray Contributor

Coffee lovers and tea aficionados rejoice! Enamel mugs are making waves in the Etsy world. As a useful kitchen accessory, printed enamel mugs are extremely popular amongst the camper sub-culture of the Etsy realm. They’re perfect for sipping your favorite liquors or cozy fall ciders, but they’re also great for filling with candy, homemade cookies, socks, or soap as a cute holiday gift.

Discover the fun and quirky world of enamel mugs from the likes of brands like TheWildCreatives, a brand of passionate and creative nature lovers beckoning you to embrace your wild side, DRIINKY, a company started by a designer who took the leap into freelance, and lanomada Illustration, run by a talented illustrator out of Barcelona.

These mugs are made of sturdy enamel, making them perfect for the great outdoors or frequent kitchen use. Traditionally, you'll find enamel mugs with a blue-dipped rim (which is featured on many of the designs we're going to showcase). We’ve rounded up our favorite designs made to fit even the most specific of personalities, from the nature-lover, to the nerdy book fiend, to the modern day lumberjack. From creative puns to artful prints, these mugs will absolutely leave you wanting more.

The Mountains Are Calling And I Must Go Camping Mug; Rosalynnelove

Adventure Awaits, DRIINKY

Nerdy By Nature Enamel Mug, DRIINKY

The Book Was Better Enamel Mug, DRIINKY

Coffee or Gin? Enamel Mug, SophiaVictoriaJoy

I Like My Coffee Intents Camping Enamel Mug, DRIINKY

Tea or Whiskey? Enamel Mug ; SophiaVictoriaJoy

Sawdust Is Man Glitter Camping Mug, DRIINKY

Floral Gin Mug, DRIINKY

Beer Mug, Cut the Sheet

Kitchen Vegetable Print Enamel Mug, ChaltonStore

Get a head start on your holiday planning with these adorable enamel designs! From boozy brunchers to outdoor fanatics, you're sure to find something for every name on your list.

[stylethrive]

Best of Etsy: Marble Housewares and Accessories

Emily Stokes Staff Writer

This season, designers near and far are mad for marble, adding a distinct natural texture to home design schemes, outfit extras, and—of course—handmade goods. From Elle Décor to Harper’s, this trend is making a splash in the design world and translating wonderfully into the homes, wardrobes, and craft studios of everyday style champions. As the forefront of grassroots product development, there’s no better place to follow the evolution of this trend than with our handpicked selection of Etsy sellers.

From delicate pendant necklaces to throw pillows and trays, our favorite makers prove that marble has a place in every room of your home. The sheer volume of marbled designs makes every iteration of this mineral-inspired trend more exciting than the last. Shops like MARMoreWorks and MeAConcrete have made marble a core element of their creation process, while other designers like rennadeluxe and HelloDelicious experiment with marble finishes in new and inventive ways, transforming our concept of the material itself.

Check out our top Etsy picks and find the inspiration to bring this tasteful trend into your life:

Carrara Marble Pillow, wallpaperie

Semicircle Marble Moon Brass Necklace, Kalinkati

Grey Stone Marble Macbook Case, RealDesignRocks

Marble Bracelet, lovelifestyle

Black and White Faux Marble Necklace, Unforgettable Jules

Marble Mousepad, afterimages

MARBLE Toiletry bag, rennadeluxe

Hexagon Marble Coasters, MeAConcrete

Marble Pendant Necklace, WaekuraBijoux

Pencil Case, ANJESYDESIGN

Oven Mitt Pot Holder Set, HelloDelicious

Lapis Lazuli Necklace Marble Necklace, EdnaCatherine

Cover image: Marble triangle earrings, heyjuneshop

[stylethrive]

Best of Etsy: All-Natural Cold Process Soaps

Soap the Good Old Fashioned Way

Emily Stokes Staff Writer

In the summer heat, cool showers and rich soaps are the best way to refresh. Even better, this selection of naturally derived cold process soaps delivers a deep clean that’s nourishing on skin and free of parabens, artificial lathering agents, and synthetic glycerin. Cold process soap is cured for several weeks as essential oils in the liquid soap react with lye and the soap becomes hardened through emulsification. After this reaction is complete, no lye (sodium hydroxide) remains in the soap.

Cold process soaps are also good for the environment, as they don’t contain the chemical agents found in many store brand soaps (such as antibacterial triclosan, which is a known carcinogen for humans and sea life). While natural cold process soap might cost a few extra dollars per bar, these signature scents and gentle moisturizing agents will make you feel like you’re living in the lap of luxury.

From Australia to France, this global list of the top cold process soap makers is filled with unique scents and quality plant-based ingredients, so your soap is also vegan. Support small batch soap artisans and reap the benefits of quality handmade beauty products.

Wild Raven, Almond & Nutmeg

Fierce & Fancy, The Bees Knees

Right Soap, Cambrian Blue Clay

Wild Raven, Coffee + Oat Scrub Bar

StyleThrive Handmade (that’s us!), Apricot Iris

MYHAPPYSOAPS, Lavande

The Wash Shop, Carrot + Guava

Urban Soapsmith, Dead Sea Mud Bar

RightSoap, Pumpkin

Emerson Soap, Tangerine Basil Sea Salt

The Naked Skincare Company, Mint, Rosemary & Spirulina

MYHAPPYSOAPS, Fraise

Life is short, so why not find the soap that makes your heart sing? With a wide array of heavenly scents and velvety soft bars, this squeaky clean Etsy round-up proves that simple luxuries are always in style.

Cover image: Emerson Soaps, West Indian Bay Rum

[stylethrive]

On The Rise: Enamel Pins

Emily Stokes Staff Writer

Every now and then, you stumble across something so devilishly cute that it disrupts your usual order of operations. If you’ve recently delved into the adorable depths of Etsy’s enamel pin subculture, chances are you’ve also been struggling with that age-old internal conflict between charm and utility (What are these for? Why am I suddenly compelled to buy them all?). Luckily, you’re not alone. Many of us desire things for their mere likeability rather than their overall function—why else would people own wall hangings, waffle irons, or cats? Our appreciation of the artful unnecessary is, after all, what makes us human.

Instead of taking up space on your couches and cabinet shelves, the enamel pin is a discrete and streamlined fashion statement. Wear one on the lapel of your favorite button-down or blazer, or decorate that old tote bag. Like a sequin jumpsuit on jazz night, let’s embrace the glamor of gratuitous embellishment! Here to help is a large (though by no means complete) international sampling of enamel pin designs from boygirlparty, Pony People, Surfing Sloth, Sootie Limetree, We are out of office, and many more. From food items to fanciful creatures, these amazing designs will leave you wanting more:

Coffee Carafe, InTheLavenderHaze

Pink Crystal Gem Glitter Pin, FinestImaginary

Mix Tape Enamel Pin, Nataly Kim

Strawberry Milk Enamel Pin, StudioVcky

Camper Enamel Pin, InTheLavenderHaze

Oh Hai All-Seeing Eye Pin, Heather Buchanan

Terrarium Pin, FinestImaginary

Cactus Pin, Heather Buchanan

Roller Skate Pin, Wildflower and Company

Tandem Sloths Pin, Surfing Sloth

Platypus Pin, Boygirlparty

Tent Enamel Pin, We are out of office

BFF Cats, ILikeCatsShop

Comic Book Enamel Pin, MightyPop

Otters Holding Hands, Boygirlparty

Banish the brooch and say hello to the new age of enamel pins! Now go get lost down your own Etsy vortex. Geez.

Cover Image: Plant Kitty by Pony People

[stylethrive]

Handmade Trends We Love: Shibori

Emily Stokes Staff Writer

The ancient Japanese tradition of hand-dyed indigo textiles has made a major comeback in our latest DIY, fashion, and home decor trends. With origins dating back to the 8th century, the timeless technique of shibori involves twisting and tying plain fabric, then dunking or drip-dying it with indigo (just think of it as the original tie-dying). Natural indigo is plant-based, though many of today's commercial uses of the dye, such as blue jean coloring, are synthetic. This exciting resurgence of natural, handmade shibori goods has taken shape in the Etsy community, celebrating quality items with purpose.

From home décor to fashion and lifestyle goods, shibori continues to make its mark on our creative landscape. In fact, the sheer volume and variety of techniques, fabrics, and product designs made this round-up post a particularly difficult task. We loved SO many of the handmade shibori goods we found, and we think you will too. Have a look at StyleThrive’s top shibori finds!

Hand-dyed Shibori Cushion, REW Homeware

Shibori Zipper Pouch, Gray Green Goods

Natural Indigo Dye Kit, The Wild Dyery

Indigo Soak Dress, LindenCA

Shibori Pillow Cover, IndigobyME

Tortoiseshell Pillow Case, JenniferLesleyDesign

Circle Shibori Pillow Cover, IndigobyME

Indigo Shibori Dress, GiveGrowLiveShibori

Hand-dyed Shibori Coasters, IndigobyME

Indigo Bamboo Cardigan, Masha Apparel

Indigo Shibori Pillow Cover, Imprints and Indigo

Shibori Linen Scarf, Affric

Bamboo Shibori Low Side Tank, The Wanderly

Shibori Separates, AnnaJoyce

Shibori Jumper, EastKnot

Whether you're making your own shibori or supporting your favorite handmade seller, the crisp lines of these indigo goods are perfect for spring and summer. Breathable cotton and linen add a functional base to your wearable shibori items and add a distinctly fresh look to your warm weather wardrobe. Check out these amazing finds and more on Etsy!

Cover Image: Indigo Pour Crop, LindenCA

[stylethrive]

The Ultimate Tea Lovers’ Style Guide!

Emily Stokes Staff Writer

Whether you’re a green tea junkie or oolong maniac, tea lovers agree that sipping a perfectly-brewed cup is one of life’s purest pleasures. Loose leaf infusers, sachets, and even home-grown tea kits represent the cornerstones of steeping variety. If you’re a true fanatic, however, your love of tea extends beyond the brewing process and finds its way into your housewares, home decor, and even fashion.

From serving accessories to specialty goods, our comprehensive tea lovers guide brings you the top handmade goods for sipping your ceylon in style. Check out some of our favorite tea-centered lifestyle items from a variety of Etsy sellers and designers:

Wooden Serving Tray, Homestead 1227

Anti-Ox Tea, New Moon Tea Co.

Handmade Spoon Rest, KaraLeighFord

Honey Pot, Ceramic Art One

Tea Buddy Rawr Infuser and Mug Set, The Other Labs

Beehive Honey Jar, Modern Mud

White Tea Rose Scented Candle, North Ave Candles

Old Gas Tea Kettle Raglan Shirt, Mintage AU

Tea Alphabet Print, Becka Griffin

Hello, It’s Tea, Victoria’s Monograms

Teapot Card, Anna Grunduls Design (Use Coupon Code THRIVE5)

Handmade Ceramic Tea for One Set, AST Pottery

Herbal Tea Seed Bomb Kit, Garden Bon Bons

Tea Printed Pillow, Little Joobie Boo

Lil’ Teapot and Teacup Stud Earrings, The Little Things

Tea Party Rings, Shimrita

Whether you’re enjoying tea for two or sipping your evening mug, celebrate your love of the teatime experience. Check out Etsy for a huge variety of handmade one-of-a-kind goods to suit your fancy.

Cover Image Credit: Artful Tea (Organic Ceylon Black)

[stylethrive]

Maker Spotlight: Amazing Embroidery by Amy Jones

Kimberly Payne Contributor

Decorating a living space not only makes your home pretty, it also tells a story. Handmade décor does this better than most, and these woven beauties from artist Amy Jones are no exception. Jones lives in Auckland, New Zealand, where she stitches the embroidery art that makes up her collection Cheese Before Bedtime. This collection contains seven sub-sections: Kids, People in Masks, Floral Crown Girls, Hipsters, Cacti, Hanging Planters, and New Zealand Animal Masks. Each category depicts Jones’ great talent for creating depth and intricate details with the age-old practice of needlepoint. From vibrant colors to modern image detailing, Jones has put her own unique and beautiful twist on these stitched scenes and characters. The artwork comes in a variety of sizes and backgrounds, the playful polka dot pattern being my personal favorite. Delicate and expertly drafted details make the collection one-of-a-kind, and Jones’ artful blend of bold colors with accessories such as floral headpieces, hats, bows, scarves, and sunglasses help create a sense of fashion-forward originality. Jones’ talents also stretch to make even the most overlooked items a vision of beauty. Take the simple cacti, which Jones has expertly captured in its simple, prickly beauty.

The Cheese Before Bedtime collection entices visitors to make that second and third trip to the Jones’ imaginative kitchen:

‘Hudson’

‘Freya’

‘Nat’

‘Vivienne’

‘Cactus 1′

‘Jackie’

‘Pots in a Row’

‘Chelsea’

‘Zebra Girl’

From left to right: ‘Thea,’ ‘Macie,’ and ‘Lou’

Left: ‘Margot’                                                                         Right: ‘Faith’

Can’t get enough? Check out more of Amy Jones’ masterpieces in her Etsy store!

[stylethrive]

Top Picks for the New Year from Rent The Runway

Elizabeth Staub Contributor

If the holiday rush has left you with little time to search for that perfect New Year’s outfit, check out Rent the Runway. This foolproof dress rental process is the perfect way to make all of your glittery, sequin-embellished dreams come true, without the commitment of buying something you may only be able to wear again in Vegas. If you have a big event coming up in 2016, consider Rent the Runway your saving grace.

The increasingly popular online dress rental offers an impressive catalog of designer cocktail dresses and evening gowns for a fraction of their retail price. Rent the Runway has been delivering to doorsteps across the country since 2009 and launched their first brick-and-mortar store in 2013. Shopping online for a special occasion dress can be discouraging, but RTR assures we’ll be looking and feeling our best with detailed size and fit descriptions, dozens of tried-and-true customer photo reviews and a complimentary back-up size just in case. Already have a dress but looking for some stand-out accessories? You can rent a sparkly minaudière or bold cocktail ring that you may not get much use out of after first wear. Rent the Runway makes your outfit selection a no-brainer with styles starting at just $20.16 to ring in the New Year. Here are some of our favorite style inspo dresses and jumpers for your countdown to 2016!

Nanette Lepore, It Girl Shift - $85 Rental, $378 Retail

Slate & Willow, Johnny Dress - $65 Rental, $325 Retail

Badgley Mischka, Gold Swank Sequin Sheath - $75 Rental, $440 Retail

Slate & Willow, Mae Sequin Shift - $60 Rental, $348 Retail

Badgley Mischka, Emma Jumpsuit - $85 Rental, $495 Retail

Slate & Willow, Moonbeam Shift - $99 to buy, $495 Retail

Parker, Hanging Beads Dress. $65 Rental, $462 Retail

BCBGMAXAZRIA, Offsides Jumpsuit - $20.16 to $65 Rental, $338 Retail

Sarah Magid, Mixed Metal Ring Stack - $20 Rental, $128 Retail

Diane von Furstenberg Handbags, Evil Eye Minaudiere. $50 Rental, $328 Retail

Happy New Year, StyleThrivers! In the words of Rihanna, shine bright like a diamond.

[stylethrive]

Last-Minute Holidays: Letterpress Luxuries

Elizabeth Staub Contributor

Ah, the holiday season is upon us: a time for laughter, cheer and—of course—last minute giving anxiety. If you want to impress everyone on your list with a small token of holiday thoughtfulness, this unique collection of handcrafted holiday cards are just the thing. Nothing says good tidings and good taste like an old-fashioned letterpress card, and these little gems have all the festive trimmings.

Quality is in the details, and these tiny works of art are sure to step up your greeting card game this season. Letterpress printing offers a sense of luxury you can see and feel, making it the perfect complement to a bottle of something special for those impossible-to-shop-for people on your list. Elaborate hand-printed designs, foil stamps and lavish inks make commercial cards seem so passé.

Etsy shops like concreteLace (a personal favorite) offer stunning print designs for the holidays and every occasion. Owner Katie Daniels even offers a selection of cards printed in German, French, Greek and Hebrew. Clever messages and a classic old-world vibe turn the obligatory holiday greeting into a thoughtful display of character and charm. Below you’ll find a range of our favorite picks from Maple Tea, Sweet Peony Press, Bubby and Bean, Guttersnipe Press, Foxy and Winston, and SWEETLetterpress. With a handwritten note, these merry little treasures are a gift in themselves, suitable for everyone from your best friend to your boss. (Click the images for product details via Etsy).

Happy Holidays, StyleThrivers!

[stylethrive]

Etsy Roundup: Adorable Lettered Mugs for Xmas and Beyond

Rachel Sciaba Contributor

As the winter chill settles upon us and the holiday sentiment fills the air, who doesn’t dream about cozying up with a warm blanket and a sweet cup of hot chocolate? Somehow that hot chocolate tastes even sweeter when you’re sipping out of your favorite over-sized mug. Thankfully, this little pleasure happens to make the perfect “one for me” gift. Have fun shopping for a unique mug to fill with holiday treats or pick one for yourself to spruce up the season.

This feel-good item makes a fun and fashionable present for any coffee-loving girl in your life. Coworkers, friends, teachers and just about anyone else can appreciate a friendly and personalized touch to their everyday cup of coffee and will delight in a hand lettered mug. With humorous and playful messages like “Girl Boss” and “Congrats, you made it out of bed,” your gift will lighten up the office and add a touch of fashionable humor to any drab desk. Fill ‘er up with a favorite bag of beans or hot cocoa mix and you’ve mastered Gift Giving 101.

Need some Christmas gift ideas? Here’s a look at some of our favorite lettered mugs on Etsy for the holidays and beyond! Click images for shop info:

[stylethrive]

Dawn of the Hand-Knit Clothing Company: We Are Knitters and WATG

Susanna Mostaghim Contributor

Millennials are the maker generation, and growing trends in the marketplace show that modern shoppers prefer to own something handmade rather than mass-produced. For this reason, sites like Etsy, Craftsy, and small brands that sell unique, quality items often catch the attention of young consumers. Modern shoppers demand to know the story of their item’s manufacturing, and what better way to know your item’s story than to make it yourself? Now, there’s an answer to wanting to learn how to knit or crochet but not knowing where to start: clothing companies We Are Knitters and Wool and the Gang provide tutorials and kits with everything buyers need to knit your their perfect sweater.

Knitting your own clothing gives it a personal touch, and the repetitive motion releases serotonin and dopamine in the brain so it makes you happier as well. Besides,nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment you have when you finish a brand new sweater. Both companies provide easy-to-follow tutorials to help you learn to knit, simply choose your experience level and select your project of choice.If you’re not ready to make your own clothing, you can purchase a pre-made item and support makers around the globe. Take a look at some of these modern knits! (Click images for product details:)

Both companies also offer a selection of free patterns to help get you started. Check out these free patterns at Wool and the Gang and the We Are Knitters Blog to score stitchable giveaways from these awesome brands.