Casual Friday

Here's what I wore to work last Friday. I like to think it proved that sequins and leopard are casual Friday appropriate. At least, no one asked me to change. Or sent me home.

The coat is a bit of a stumper, if I do say so myself. As in, what's with the three quarter sleeves? I mean, it's a coat, right? Part of me wants to stand strong and insist that I was very warm in it, on principle of its "funness". But truth be told, my arms were a bit chilly. As for the puffy factor, the bf (affectionately) said that I looked like a marshmallow Peep. For those of you who are curious, it came from the "she said . . ." line at JCPenney and cost me a banner $13.98, marked down from $69. There was a whole rack of them, in various sizes. I don't think they sold a single one full price. Come to think of it, they may have sold only the one on clearance . . .

Who Wouldn't Like to Write About Shoes?

Be our guest, be our guest . . . blogger, that is. That's what online catalog MetroStyle was asking, and I, always up for a fashion writing challenge, answered its siren call. Of course, I found out about all of this while shopping for -- what else? -- shoes. Pictured above are the two pairs that hooked me. And here's the link to my little blurb on the MetroStyle blog.*

*Link deactivated.

It's a Tote, it's a Print, it's Tote Trove Wall Art!

I've long thought of my totes as art, portable paintings if you will. So, it wasn't a leap when I decided to make my large totes into prints and offer them in my Etsy shop. Each print measures 8.5" x 11" and is just $10. Now, as the bf pointed out, the tote straps are visible. But I think they lend a sort of kitschy charm and have the potential to be a conversation starter. I can just hear your guests now. "Why, is that a purse hanging on your wall over there above the rainbow sherbet punch?" they'll ask. And you, resplendent in a fabulous frock, with trendy cocktail in hand, will reply, "Why, yes, it is! It's a print of a purse! Isn't it a scream?" And then you'll all laugh so hard that punch comes out of your noses. Or something like that. I don't know what I'm saying, as my own punchiness seems to have taken over. Use your imagination. :)

These Just In

I just posted four new tiny totes to my Etsy shop (pictured here are the three you haven't seen yet). The first time I tried to post these (along with about twenty barrettes), I was horrified to discover that I'd taken all the pictures on the highest resolution on my camera instead of the lowest. As any Etsy seller knows, Etsy doesn't accommodate high res photos. So, I had to start all over again. Although this has happened to me many times, it didn't prevent me from having a good cry about it. I just really hate the whole picture-taking part of listing items. And I never claimed that maturity was one of my strong suits . . .

The Outrageous Owl Tote Lands on What Katie Wore

Apparently this is the week for me to toot my own horn. I recently mailed Katie of What Katie Wore fame (if you've been following my blog, then you've heard me gush about WKW before), and she worked it into one of her outfits this weekend! I must admit that seeing it up there did my little Tote Trove heart proud. Visit this link for a peek.*

*Link deactivated.

Giveaway Winner

Last week or so I hosted another one of my giveaways (in conjunction with Tracey Knits, who was kind enough to feature me on her blog). Anyhow, the prize was my Medium Rainbow Fierce Flowers Tote, and the lucky winner was Kimberly of Karma's Crafts. Check out what she had to say about it on her blog.*

*Link deactivated.

And stop by her shop too; she has fun things! :)

Barrettes to Beat the Band

Last fall I made myself a bunch of feather barrettes, which I've been wearing ever since (they kind of bring out the five-year-old in me). I think I made just one to sell on a whim last summer, and a happy teenager snapped it up at a craft show. So last night I got inspired to make more. I broke out the barrette backs, permanent adhesive, rhinestones, and, of course, feathers, and set to work making a bunch while I watched The Office. (Pam had her baby, and I found the whole episode kind of dark. Feel free to chime in if you saw it.) Pictured here is what I have so far, but more are in store (In anticipation, I stocked up on supplies at A.C. Moore during lunch today.) All should be available in my shop before the end of the weekend. :)