ETSY
When the countdown to the holidays begins, it can feel as though we are embarking on a shopping, gifting and wrapping marathon. Overcrowded malls, crazed and cranky customers, expensive shipping policies, and an infinite amount of options that never seem to fulfill your specific celebratory needs, the list goes on and on. But never fear, Glam Damn It has got you covered with holiday guides to help you get through the New Year without losing that festive feeling, especially when it comes to your most fashionable of friends.
What to buy for someone who basically bought everything from Gilt Group, One Kings Lane, and The Outnet already? Try sticking to staples, with a twist. Here's a list of must-have accessories.
Nerd alert! On the internet there are tons of cat pictures, but in real life, we have Internet Week. Since 2008, Internet Week began as a City wide celebration of the digital community which includes nearly 200 events from May 14-17. Industry insiders and innovators convene at different locations through out the city at web-focused events to discuss the current trends, history and future of the World Wide Web. Check out these featured events and you might learn something!
MONDAY MAY 14TH
It has been ingrained in our minds for years that recycling is better for the earth. Emphasis on organic foods and biodegradable products is publicized everywhere showing how to live healthy. Both of these are significant influences on our everyday lives, but if you think about it, so is fashion! For most of us fashionistas, what we will wear for the day is calculated down to the last accessory. So why aren’t we taking time to learn about the things that consume a large part of our thoughts during the day? Suzanna, co-founder of the blog Green House of Fashion, was lovely enough to meet with us for an interview to tell us about her eco-fashion blog, and give us a little insight as to what goes into being eco-friendly in your wardrobe and how to be fashionable while still being sustainable.
Gluten-free has become a popular catchphrase lately, and many brands are creating gluten-free breads, brownies, cookies, muffins and more. These treats often have a strange starchy taste, a combination of too much baking soda, sorghum and a mix of tapioca, rice corn or potato starch that just doesn't work.
For the perfect gluten-free treat that everyone will enjoy, try macarons. Macarons are naturally gluten-free, the shell's made with almond flour, egg whites and sugar. Fillings can range from jams to buttery ganaches. With macarons popping up everywhere from Maison Ladurée in New York to the world's first macaron truck, Sweet Spot Macarons, in Chicago, they are the trendiest treat this holiday season.
For the best tasting macarons, look no further than these three places.
Light and airy, yet luxuriously decadent in a blithe Parisian style, macarons are the elitist response to the cupcake trend. Freshness is key with macarons, so your best bet is to get them at a local bakery. In Chicago, Vanille Patisserie is the place to go. But if you don't want to tramp around in the slushy snow, there are several online options where you can order a box of these meringue-based treats from the comfort of your home. A foodie's affordable substitute for a vacation in the French Riviera.
With cold weather knocking on our doors, it can be very easy to let warm and cozy rule out stylish and pretty when we pick out our outfits. Fortunately for the fashion-forward, there are a myriad of ways to accessorize an otherwise dull outfit with pretty accents. And who doesn't love a good deal on pretty accessories? Etsy.com, a go-to for unique and handmade pieces, features designs from Jewelry Silverstone, a line of handcrafted accessories that range from pendants to hair clips. Everything in this line is under $30 so these make perfect gifts for the stylish ladies in your life. With the option of customizing your selections, you can tailor each piece to fit your own personal style. This line is selling out quickly, so get it while you still can! Here are a few of the pieces from my Etsy shopping cart:
Norwegian Wood; remember the name because this fledging fashion company is destined to hit the big time. All designed and handmade by one-woman-show Angie Johnson, Norwegian Wood offers a truly unique range of quirky accessories and clothing.
All the fabrics and trims, some vintage, some new, are sourced from various locations in Montreal, where Johnson is based. After working for eight years in the mainstream fashion industry Johnson gave it up, or ‘escaped’ as she puts it, to work on her own label. Norwegian Wood only made accessories at first, though even they are arguably garments themselves; but now the range carries some clothing too in the form of custom-made leggings, crop tops and skirts.
No matter who you're shopping for, these darling picks make great gifts! Clockwise from top left: Stila mini lip glaze set, www.Sephora.com; brass Forget-Me-Knot ring, www.FredFlare.com, Slim by Cynthia Rowley, www.rizzoliusa.com; star handle magnifying glass, www.BlueTreeNYC.com; porcelain bears, KG + AB; book cover, www.BookCityJackets.com
There’s that one of those actors from Reservoir Dogs in their black suits. The one of Uma Thurman smoking a cigarette with her black bob hair cut and long legs crossed seductively. There’s also that one of Al Pacino with the machine gun, covered in blood and sweat. Then there’s the one of… you, and your friends, at 7am, the morning after the big night before, and the tagline reads… whatever the hell you want it to read. It’s your movie poster, and you are the lead role, the director, the producer, and the script-writer. Welcome to the creative force of Etsy.com. For a meager $75, Etsy can take any image you give them, and, according to a list of preferences, likes and dislikes you have, as well as a few more intuitive questions, create the perfect cinematic rendering to commemorate that note-worthy time in your life.
7/13
The Coolest Pier on the Planet: Hollister Soho Epic Preview, 600 Broadway at Houston Street, NYC. 6-8 PM.
7/13
Gypset Style, 376 Bleecker Street, NYC. 7-9 PM.
Hosted by Cynthia Rowley, in celebration of Julia Chaplin's new book Gypset Style. Featuring 20% off all purchases during the event.
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