Friday, March 5, 2010

Tribal Gardens - Friday Fashion Finds

One of my favorite trends for Spring this year is mixing up fun outfits with tribal, ethnic and floral patterns. Check out these fun pairings from Vogue's most wanted article - I just LOVE the pink and oranges together!

But how do you do this without looking like a clown? I think it's really about playing up bright and fun accessories like purses, shoes and (of course) lovely scarves, while keeping the rest of your outfit toned down with clean, bright whites, tans, etc..

Here are today's Friday Fashion Finds ~ a medley of fantastic floral and tribal treasures from Etsy plucked to share with you and get excited for Spring!


I'm in love with every one of these delicious pieces, so much that I just have to gush a little here.. not to mention give you the links so you can check them out for yourself ;)


This necklace is beyond awesome statement piece! I love the tiny pieces that have been packed into each "tooth" and can almost hear the drums beating in the background. It automatically adds that goddess like, tribal touch to any outfit. Wear with a floral dress, plain T shirt with jeans, and add in some colorful shoes and purse.






How cool is this skirt? Super luxurious made out of silk and so simple, this can just go with anything! Add a solid color top, pretty scarf and white sandals to give that lovely, casual Spring look. Toss in an ethnic purse to pull it all together.







I love these shoes!! The colors are so happy and they just look so comfy. Perrfect to toss on with a white/tan dress, jeans, or shorts and a T. Don't forget your pink floral ring or orange scarf to play up this whole tribal/floral trend.







HOT HOT HOT! These babies can be worn with anything or anywhere and are just hands down, fantastic! Wear these python snakeskin shades with a floral dress, and right there you are ready to greet Spring in style.







This ring is so great! Love the vintage pink petals and the spikey gold fronds poking out really add a little tribal flavor to it! This is the ultimate cocktail ring, but could really be worn with anything for a pretty, Spring accent. It's so unique, in fact, the more I look at it, the more I want it!





Hand painted on silk crepe de chine, this lovely scarf has the bold pinks and oranges for Spring and Summer, and dresses up any outfit. The deco floral fits right in with our Tribal Garden theme, and when it gets too hot, just wrap it up on your purse handle for that extra POP of color!







This hand woven, hemp bag makes me want to pack my toothbrush, a book, and head out on an adventuresome road trip. Super cool naturals and reds are so yummy together. Take it anywhere - the farmers market, shopping, or like I said, on a fun adventure!






This is definitely a must-have basic for your Spring/Summer wardrobe. So chic and simple, yet sylish - this feminine jumpsuit can be styled so many ways. I would wear with a tan belt, boots, floral scarf and tribal tote - how about you?







So cute! An elegant and adorably petite ethnic handbag to add that little something wild to your outfit, while keeping it red, brown and tonal. Wear with tans, whites, and some fun tribal/floral jewelry.




Perfect shoes for Spring! These classic, gladiator sandals say,"take me to the beach, and then shopping, and then for a nap in a hammock. Oh, and by the way, I'll take a Mojito on the side." Well, that is what they said to ME anyway :)






11. Ethnic/Tribal tote with pom poms by Dazzlinglanna
Hot mamma! This gorgeous embroidery and hot, lively colors are irresistable in this fantastic tote (comes complete with a Hmong baby carrier!). What could be better to add a splash of floral hues to your Spring outfit?





Soft, sheer, and romantic, this watercolor bloom silk georgette scarf immediately dresses up your look. Great for adding that little sunshine orange for Sunday brunches or dinner date.








Super glam and gorgeous, these snakeskin bangles have just enough shine and bring immediate style and attitude to toughen up your floral wardrobe. They are so sexy!



Ultra feminine and super sweet, wear this 80s vintage skirt with a white tank, sandles and fun ikat purse for a carefree stroll in our Tribal Garden. I love the happy-go-lucky colors and can just see it swaying from side to side while enjoying a Spring Day.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

OTT light Artist Feature!

I think all artists should have an OTT light to showcase their work beautifully. Today I am so honored to have been featured as one of their "rock stars" on the OTT light Blog - check it out to read about how this wonderful light has allowed me to grow my Muse Silk Paintings business :)

By the way, I'd just like to add that being featured by my favorite light on 3/03/10 is pretty.. darn.. awesome.. (you know who you are to appreciate this point)
xo,
A

Friday, February 26, 2010

For the Love of...Branches! Artful Friday Finds

I remember on summer days running around in the park. The smell of fresh grass, the sun shining bright, and collapsing out of breath for a break under a tree and looking up at the sky.. and oh the branches! I loved to stare up at them so intricately intertwined and creating mesmerizing patterns, and full of life, daydreaming away.

Today's Artful Friday Finds are dedicated to the amazing artists I've discovered on Etsy who have expressed their artistic voice with elements of branches. Each piece is so unique and breathtaking, resonating strong emotions ~ which one speaks to you?


"Cedar Dance I"

watercolor by Helen Klebesadel


"

Hair"

Photograph Fine Art Metallic Print by studiocvh


"Nocturne"

watercolor painting by CynART




abstract fine art print by Mandy Budan












Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Elusive Treasury making - revealed


So a little birdy told me that you wanted to learn how to create a Treasury on Etsy. I have to admit, of all the new things to learn as an Etsy seller, this feat has proven to be the most complicated, but nowadays, it's a breeze. Thanks to my amazing CCCOE team support, now it's a piece of cake. Creating treasuries is a great way to make friends, expand your network, promote fellow artists, groom your curating/editing skills, and you just never know when a grateful fellow Etisan might toss a cross-promotion your way in the future.

1. Dont be Late for your Date
Check the Treasury Clock to see the next time the Treasuries will open up. Treasury West opens when there are less than 222 lists, and the Big Treasury opens at less than 333.


2. Let your creative genius run free
Create your Poster Sketch. You don't have to save it either - it will save on it's own. I recommend having 2 browsers open while you are searching for your favorite items - one with your poster sketch and the other on Etsy to search items. Copy and paste the listing # to your poster sketch. Move them around until you are happy with your selections. The 4 slots on the right are "alternates". They are there because if your Treasury makes the front page, and one of the items sells, an alternate will take it's place.

3. The early bird gets the worm
Whenever the next time pops up, open up the Big Treasury page or Treasury West page (depending which is opening up at that time). Actually I suggest checking in 20 min. prior because sometimes people with existing lists start deleting them and the box opens up sooner and you miss your chance.

4. Stalk like a Tiger
So you have figured out the opening time, have your poster sketch ready, the Treasury is about to open in 20 min. and now you wait. and wait. and wait. Do NOT refresh your browser - just be patient. You can organize the lists by clicking on "expiration" at the top. You will see how many minutes and just watch them wind down. 336, 335, 334, 333... here it comes!!

5. Pounce!
Once the list drops to 332 (for the Big T), if you are lucky, a little white box will pop up at the bottom of the page. Quickly write in your title of your Treasury and click "OK create". Woohooo! Your Treasury list has been snagged! It's time to copy and paste from your poster sketch to your new empty T template (again I recommend having 2 separate browser windows open for this). Now, the little white box does not always open up, especially if there are too many people stalking at the same time. So if you miss it, don't worry - just try again the next time the clock says it will open up again. Treasuries only last a few days so there are plenty of opportunities to get one :)

In fact, I just created one this morning with a mystery/magical forest secrets theme - check it out HERE!




6. Alert the Media!
Well, err.. at least the artists you have featured. You don't have to, but I always like to try to send a little convo with the Treasury link to the Etsy sellers I have featured so they can enjoy checking it out and spread the word. You can also check to see if your shop has been featured by checking the Treasury Hunt - just write in your store name.


7. Make it HOT
The more people that click on your treasury and leave comments, the "hotter" it becomes. The hotter it becomes, the more visible it is to the Etsy admin teams and just MIGHT get picked to be featured on the coveted FRONT PAGE! So spread the word, click on ALL 12 images and encourage others to leave comments. I have had a few front page experiences so far and it's amazing how much wonderful exposure it gives your shop! To see the FPs Muse has been lucky enough to be featured in, click HERE. I think I had over 200 views on a front page treasury once - thrilling!

8. What goes around, comes around
I strongly believe that by sending out positive energy, celebrating and promoting other Etsy seller's shops only comes back three fold to you. Whether it is making new friends, just expanding your network, or even translating all the exposure into sales (yey!), it's all good. So go on, make your Treasuries - send out the love, and feel it come right back :)

Friday, February 19, 2010

Dreamy Florals - Friday Fashion Finds

NY Fashion week is over *whew* and all the reports on the Fall 2010 collections are in! I have to say, wading through all the fun trends were difficult (graffiti, hot pink tights, all black, "non" minimalism, etc..) however I have to say my favorite look was definitely the ephemeral, floral pieces here and there. So beautiful and romantic, and can easily be worn right now for Spring.

Here are a few of my favorites from the Runway shows:












I love how Rodarte's collection feels like Ghost Girls walking through a floral shadow dream. Click here to see the entire show.














Bold, yet pretty - DVF mixes feminine and masculine with the hot bright floral prints and blacks. Click hereto see the entire show.














Possibly my favorite this season - LOVE these ephemeral, brocade like florals! Click here to see the entire show.


I was so happy to see that one of my newest Spring scarves, "Garden Floral Dream" echoes this mood perfectly. It's the perfect accent to add this ephemeral and elegant feeling for both your Spring AND Fall wardrobe. And speaking of putting together gorgeous outfits, here are today's lovely, floral unique treasures from Etsy.

Dreamy Florals
Here is a wonderful Spring outfit which can work for just about any occasion. Let's start with this nutmeg, silk tank(5) and snuggly cinnamon brown cardigan(1). Pair with this flirty gray tweedy skirt(4), your favorite tights, and these HOT to trot, snakeskin heels(7), and you already have a great outfit going. Slide on this wood, ultra sexy, rose ring(3), and toss on this beautiful scarf to tie in the gray, brown, coral, and reds. These brass, brocade cutout earrings(6) and antique tapestry floral vintage necklace(8) add an extra feminine charm to the whole look.
Ready to smell the roses?




Friday, February 12, 2010

For the Love of... Cosmic Paintings! Artful Friday Finds


On the eve of this Valentine's Day weekend, I am taking a break from our usual Friday Fashion Finds to introduce a new type of Friday list. Welcome to the first posting of "Artful Friday Finds" which will mainly focus on fine art. So keep checking in to the Muse Blog as every Friday will have either delightful fashion OR art finds to kick off your weekend!

Cosmic Paintings
Is there anything more mysterious or alluring as the starry skies above? These pieces below just take my breath away with their unique depictions of the celestial masterpieces the universe creates. Each artist has their own hand and unique way of expressing this glorious subject matter. While there is so much art out there, these were my all time favorites from Fine Artists on Etsy. The gorgeous plays of color, light, and movement evoke such grand emotions and lovely inspiration, that I could think of nothing more appropriate than to share them with you, with love, of course.


Original Painting on Canvas by Eleanor Gilpatrick






"Sunken Treasure No.11"

Original painting by Kristan Hodge




Original oil painting by Marina Petro



"Clouds Mountain Sunset Tree"

Original Landscape painting by Matt





"Jupiter's Moons"

Original abstract painting by Sally Trace