My imaginary, but maybe someday soon real, $500 shopping spree...

I do this sometimes... play pretend.  My predisposition to daydreaming makes it an easy and effortless past time.  When we get a catalog in the mail, I'll go through it and tell myself that I can choose one thing from each page spread.  Or I'll grab a real estate magazine and choose my favorite house from each page.  Or I make a list of all the crazy good food I'd love to have in our kitchen.

Doing this helps me to manifest good feelings- and is not really about the material attainment.  I can get the same sense of well being, better even, by staring out the window or taking a walk and watching the flowers peek through or citrus growing on the trees or having a coffee or tasty lunch with a good friend.  It's pretty much about that sense of abundance in general and it's an easy fix on those days when I feel like crap or are ready to move toward my next goal.

So sometimes I tell myself, "Okay, I've got an (imaginary) extra $100... what will I put it toward?"  At times, I go for the practical: new underwear, new socks, wood for new molding in the hallway.  Other times, I get a little giddy with trinkets: a new pot for growing herbs, too fancy knee socks, a perfect vintage dress, a red umbrella.  This time, I told myself I could go nuts with $500 on Etsy.  This is my lust list...



Takes up the majority of the spree, but- darn it- it's worth it!  From Poetic Home.

Oh my gosh... how could I not?!  This awesomeness is from Link Ray Photo.

From Pretty Raccoon ... slick. and an incredible price

And about 6 orders of these from Cupcakes in Jars .

Yep. That should do.

How about YOU?

The Lovely Models...

Meet Jennifer and Sarah, the stunning and beautiful and striking models I am lucky enough to have model some of my jewelry and hair pretties.  SUCH a fun photo shoot.  SUCH sweet and lovely ladies.  Have a look at how their wonderfulness brings out the life and radiance in each piece.  I'm thrilled with the results.  And most of these are now available on the website and the etsy shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aren't they awesome?

Thank you, Jennifer and Sarah!

♥ Take a Survey ... Win a Gift ♥

Over this past year, I've had a huge increase in custom orders for bridal  hair adornments.  And since I've been enjoying working with these particular materials and color palette, I started to create limited production pieces based off of bits and goodies of some of these custom work designs.  But I'm curious as to which of the following YOU find most appealing.  You could be a bride to be, a gal drinking tea (or a stiff drink) or someone who just finds a particular one more lovely than the rest.

I'm in the process of pitching to Bride magazines so you're opinions would be much appreciated.

Please choose your favorite from the following and add your comment below.  I'll pick one of the entrants as the winner (see the very last photo for the prize).  And pretty please don't forget to leave your email in with your comment so I can contact you if you're the winner.

Ready?

♥Exhibit A♥

♥Exhibit B♥

 

♥Exhibit C♥

♥Exhibit D♥

 

♥Exhibit E♥

♥Exhibit F♥

 

And this is the prize for the lucky winner ♥♥♥

(A pair of deep subtle metallic red textured fabric buttons on gold bobby pins... perfect for beautifying your hair and making the winter months nice and cozy.)

Thanks a bunch!

* Vintage Explosion *

It's been a while since I've had time to make one of a kind jewelry that wasn't a custom piece.  So after I sprawled all the fabulous vintage findings in front of me at my work station, I just went nuts making the goods.

I call the line "Vintage Explosion" 'cause it kind of is just that.

This is "One"... the Golden Age of Hollywood Glamour necklace...

The snazzy "Violet" Necklace...

"Twilight Harvest Moon" reversible necklace... so fun...

And some pretty hot  limited production earrings.  I likie...

All of these (and a couple new ruffle inspired hair adornments) are up on my website--> Ciara Obscura
Yay for vintage!

Ruffles.

It is something of a teaser to have ruffles presented before me and not be allowed to touch them.  They're like mini clouds, but with more texture.  My hands just want to fiddle with the flow of fabric.  But if  these ruffles are on someone's else's clothing... AND on someone else's body... then it's probably best to just keep my tactile obsessed hands to myself.  That's why I'm wanting these beauties below all to myself.  So I can wear them, and touch them like a maniac and dance around in them.
*Note to Readers:  I am perfectly willing to receive these as gifts* (too forward?)

This luminous Victorian Inspired Silver Silk Bolero by Bonzi is nothing less than perfect.  I'm in love with this shop, based out of Ireland.  You can just feel the crisp gorgeousness in each of their designs... all handmade... all stunning.

Go Ask Alice.  Such a great name for this dress, handmade by Kate Towers. Can you see how easily your mood would lift if you wore this out maybe on a romantic stroll through the autumn woods?  It could happen.  People take strolls through the woods all the time.  And with this killer dress, I can do it while smiling AND glowing.  It's a win-win.

Oh my gosh.  This is the fluffy cloud ruffle I was talking about.  It needs me to be wearing it.  And it's called A Peaceful Afternoon and it's another handmade beauty by Sarah Seven.  If you happen to offer me a shopping spree, I'd like to use it in this dreamy shop.

Now.  Because black and red are generally a staple combination in my wordrobe, this Black Lace clutch by Sew Lola will have to be added to it in the near future.  I can't get over the sassy pants lace ruffles, like the ruffles in THESE sassy pants....

Jasmine ruffle side-tie panties by Espalore... dear me.  I think I'd take these in a lavender or petal pink.  Or black.  Or one of each.  Point is, they're pretty awesome.

I'm off to make some one of a kind ruffle hair adornments... mini clouds for your lovely locks.

Exactly Perfect earrings in Exactly Perfect ♥NEW COLORS ♥

Patent Leather style bows with a pop of Swarovski crystals.  So perfect.
Now available in these adorably fabulous new colors...  Black, Fuchsia, Light Blue, Red, White and Light Pink.

Get 'em here:  Ciara Obscura website
And here:       Ciara Obscura Etsy shop

Yay!!!!