NYC Digs: KT Collection Jewelry & Giveaway!

Its a new year and its time to kick it off with a true bang by having a great giveaway, right? Well I do not dare disappoint! While shopping the many Christmas markets in NYC this past holiday season I found a plethora of wonderful NY artists, designers, and foodies... Katie Thompson of the KT Collection was no exception.

Initially impressed by her well designed booth, I had high expectations even before walking in! And her jewelry line definitely did not disappoint. I could see any of her pieces complimenting my wardrobe quite nicely... or any celebrity on a glossy spread for that matter.

Jewelry making from the age of 10 and dabbling in everything from European politics to a glamorous New York magazine, Katie never lost touch with her first love and it is clear why. 

Katie's designs are sleek and stunning. With prevalent Eastern influences from her vast background as a fellow traveler to her unending supply of inspiration from the never disappointing New York City streets, the KT Collection has the perfect blend of style and culture.

And GREAT NEWS mes cheries! Katie is giving away one of her signature Adjustable Rings to one of you lucky Embellishers! Oh la la! What will you wear it with? Well first things first, you have to win it...here's how:

 {Thank you KTCollection for product pics}

1. Visit the KT Collection and comment below, sharing your favorite piece (for 1 entry)
2. Tweet this giveaway! (@embellishedblog and @KTCollection) Leaving the URL below (for 2 entries)
3. Become a fan on Facebook! KTCollection here and Embellished here and comment below (for 3 entries)
4. Be an follower of The Embellished Life! and comment below (for 4 entries)

Giveaway ends Monday night January 17th at Midnight NYC Time, so HURRY!

Bon Chance my loves!

Stay Warm and HOT in this Cold Weather

It may be cold outside but baby you can still look good! I found this emerald green beauty last night surfing Etsy which has me green just waiting to get one myself. Brooklyn based shop, Vital Temptation, has done an A+ job...so delicate!

Keeping in mind the whirling winds of Gotham, I would pair it with a cozy turtleneck, like this Cream Anne Taylor. Some True Religion jeans tucked into riding boots a la Rag & Bone. And of course no winter outfit is complete without a snug wool coat to accentuate all the right curves while still leaving you looking Lights, Camera, Action ready for your own winter romantic comedy! Try this funky Stella McCartney for size...and if you're anything like me...you won't forget your underlayers for the needed warmth with your fashionable self!

Pourquoi Pas?

Its rainy in NY today and the perfect day to don your favorite hat, trusty trench and go for a stroll in those cute golashes!

So why not grab that ultra chic pagoda umbrella, these statement over the knee Calvin Klein rain boots, and try on a luxe cloche hat for size? I do believe you'll turn some heads in the process!

{merci weheartit!}

And speaking of turning heads, I just saw Harry Potter this week and was blown away by how much Emma Watson has grown! She had turned into quite the little gamine and I can't wait to see what she does post Hermione. The super statement pixie cut I believe is only the beginning. Lets just hope that certain shades of limelight don't wreck this blossoming girl's complexion.

Cyber Monday DEAL!

Did you have a fabulous Thanksgiving break darlings? I hope you got to eat a great meal and then shop to your little heart's content. I certainly enjoyed my break and am energized to be back to work and routine!

Here are some of my favorites from Embellished. I hope they start your Cyber Monday off right!

Something for the Fashionista...

For the Anthropologie Fanatic...

For the Rockstar at heart...

Mention this post and get 10% off your purchase!

Bird Themed Turkey Day,

As the sounds of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade fill the air and the smell of stuffing begins to fill your kitchen, I thought I would fill you mind with some inspiration. I am not sure if it is morbid to have a bird themed post on a day staked out for Turkey... buuut these are some great things I have found on Etsy lately and I wanted to share. Also, for some reason I love birds in design... although I am not a big fan of them in person, not sure how that is?

This vintage statement necklace from Vogue World would totally complete your holiday look without appearing like a grade school teacher. A+ for showing up in high style!

My latest Etsy obsession is the Black Baroque shop filled with beautiful sketches on vintage book paper. Perfect for great decor... and my living room just happens to be peacock... hmm.

I am not normally a baby blogger but how adorable is this little number by Beatknits?

I am a firm believer in the lost art of a handwritten letter. This one by Molly Au Contraire is simple and elegant.

And not to have a twisted sense of humor but since this will conclude the end of your meal... make a wish! Maybe you'll get this fab print by Lucky Bluebird Art!

Happy Thanksgiving Darlings!

Wrap up Darlings!

Beautiful Fall weather has been keeping me happy lately and I am so excited to dive back into my boots and layers. I'm currently on the search for some brown Over the Knee boots like these fabulous Report Boots! Les cuissardes are just fabulous and I personally can't get enough of them. Many of the NYC women strut around in a wonderful array of great boots a la beret and cute pashmina, and it makes me so happy.

But rather than your typical pashmina, why not dress up your neck with something handmade and shabby chic. I found this wonderful scarf on Etsy and fell in love. Deniz's shop has a nice variety of colors in this crochet wonder...get one and feel fierce darlings!

{Thanks Deniz}

What is your must have Fall accessory?

Happy Labor Day & Giveaway Winner

My darlings, I hope you are soaking up the warm Vitamin D while you can. It has been quite a Summer and I have loved every bit of the warm weather, but I must say, Autumn is my favorite season, and I am very excited for colorful leaves, adorable layers, and pumpkin flavored coffee!

But while we still have the warmth and a day off from our working lives, grab your loved one's hand and head to the lake mes cheries. Grill out with friends and family, pull up a chair and fill your plate with hot dogs and slaw.

And while we're celebrating, its time to announce the winner of the Celeste Lauren Designs Jewelry Giveaway! Someone's Labor Day is about to be doubly awesome!

And the winner is...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:3Powered by RANDOM.ORG

#3 ... Shawnee Hopkin or My Fair Ladee!

Congratulations girl!

You can officially snag your first new Fall accessory,

these rain drop earrings by Celeste Lauren Designs! Enjoy them!

Happy Labor Day to you all darlings!

Drop into Fall Giveaway

Lovelies, something I can't get enough of in Autumn are the mille feuille rich jewel toned colors in my wardrobe complemented by gorgeous gold statement accessories. Celeste Lauren is a local Charlotte artisan that really brings her A Game to her Etsy shop, Celeste Lauren Designs,packed with items you could easily wear to work or to spice things up for a night on the town. Enjoy a little handmade goodness and get your game face on for Fall Fashion darlings...the big guns of NY, Paris and the likes are about to hit you in the face with another dreamy Fashion Week soon.

{Harper's Bazaar}

What got you started in jewelry? Ive always been a creative, artsy person that liked to paint, draw, create etc. but hadn't done anything in years with it. So one day I decided that I wanted to make a necklace and went to a local bead store and it all went from there...I became addicted to beads and gemstones. Ive taught myself everything with a lot of trial and error and its been so much fun. I always get so excited to buy new supplies and gemstones are like candy to me, so sparkly and gorgeous!

What inspires you the most? I'd say what inspires me most is current fashion and trends. I try to make jewelry that most people would want to wear on a daily basis whether its at the office or out for the night. If I don't like something and wouldn't personally wear it, I wont put it up for sale in my shop. I never really know what I will create ahead of time, it all depends on my mood that day so I end up with a great assortment of jewelry.

What are you hoping for the future of Celeste Lauren Designs? Ideally I'd hope that I can create jewelry full-time. There is something that is so fulfilling about creating something with your own hands and have others enjoy it as much as you do.

If you had a super power what would it be? Remember the Jetsons where they could just zap themselves wherever they wanted in a flash...well I wish I had a little zapper button I could push and be magically transported to the place of my choice. I could relax on the beach, explore in the mountains all at the press of a button.

Be a winner of these beauties above darlings!

Contest ends Thursday, September 2nd Midnight NYC time

*US Residents Only*

Enter by:

1. Tell me your fav piece from Celeste Lauren Designs

(comment your fav piece below)

Optional Extra Chances:

2. Tweet/Facebook Contest

(comment URL below)

3. Be a fan of Embellished on Facebook

(comment below)

4. Be a follower of The Embellished Life

(comment below)

Good luck darlings!

Pourquoi Pas? & Giveaway Winner

Why not go to the pool today?

Bring the latest edition of your favorite fashion mag,

some stunnah shades, and your handy SPF.

Enjoy the sunshine and serenity while it is still here to be adored. Summer days are officially numbered and before you know it that brisk wind will fly in and its out with the gladiator sandals and mini skirts and in with the layers and leggings.

With your winning smiles poolside,

its time I announce the winner of the Musette Giveaway!

and the winner is...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:6Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Rachel of The Dalai Mama!!

Congratulations Rachel!!

Please visit Musette for more

inspired looks for this Fall's wardrobe!

Dive into the Seven Deadly Sins

Pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth.

{winterberrycottage.etsy.com}

{momerath10over6.etsy.com}

{marymaryhandmade.etsy.com}

{espalore.etsy.com}

Which deadly sin entices you the most?

{trixiedelicious.etsy.com}

Check out a treasury and

be inspired by Etsy today darlings!

Find Your Muse Giveaway

The Embellished Life has taken quite a break lately with giveaways since I have been traveling around Europe and relocating my life back to the States. Now that things have settled down, and I am back in my hometown of Charlotte, I am pleased to announce that I will be hosting a little Hometown Pride coming up! And just in time with school starting right around the corner! or maybe Fall is your favorite like me and you need that perfect accessory to kick it off right?

Introducing Shannon the creative genius behind Musette, an adorably vintage inspired jewelry line that has me craving too many things to count!

1. So Shannon, what got you started in jewelry?

I got started making jewelry when I happened across a bead store and wandered in. I was captivated by all the little colorful beads and tools and the owner was super nice. She taught me a few basics and that was that! I have been addicted ever since and that was over 12 years ago!

2. What pushed you to turn your hobby into a business?

I have always been an artist - primarily a painter - and always dreamed of being able to support myself doing something creative. When people started buying the jewelry I was making I realized that it could actually happen if I put in the time and effort. I have been selling for many years in many different ways but once I found Etsy that was it! My business has moved to a new level and I started to be able to support myself with it. I recently started to focus on it full time and am looking forward to it growing even more!

3. What inspires you?

I am so inspired by other artists in all mediums - witnessing other creative people working on their own vision is really inspiring to me. I also get really excited about my supplies! Buying new beads and supplies, finding unique things to work with - always inspires me!

4. If you could have a super power what would it be?

I think it would be really cool to be able to teleport myself to wherever I wanted to go! :)

You 5 days mes cheries

to try and make these Bollywood earrings yours!

To enter:

1. Go to Musette and comment below about your favorite item

2. Tweet/Facebook this giveaway

and comment below with the URL (optional bonus point)

3. Become a fan of Embellished on Facebook

and comment below (optional bonus point)

4. Be a follower of The Embellished Life Blog

and comment below (optional bonus point)

All readers are applicable, but hurry doors close

Monday, August 23rd at Midnight NYC time!

Etsy Front Page!

I was very surprised yesterday when I received a message yesterday on my Etsy photography shop. The Trim Goddess created a wonderful Treasury called The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, as an homage to Sweden and the wonderful book (& series) by Stieg Larsson. I was very honored to have my photo of a little street in Stockholm, Road Less Traveled, included in the mix. Well yesterday that wonderful treasury made it to the Front Page of Etsy! This is the first front page honor for either of my shops and I am super excited!

There is lots more to discover at

Jessica Kelly Photography

darlings so browse around and remember to stay tuned for more!

Amsterdammers

I took a day trip last weekend to Amsterdam with some of my sorority sisters and we had quite a lovely time. I can't say that I can spend more than a weekend there, because there isn't too much to do other than museums, well if you are not looking to partake in the (illegal)legal activities I suppose. But on the whole we had a great weekend and it was nice to visit the Netherlands.

Amsterdam Cool Point #1 is that everyone...EVERYONE rides a bike. The streets are full of parked bikes rather than cars. It was kind of refreshing to see honestly.

Amsterdam Cool Point #2, waterfront city. All waterfront places automatically get my vote. I wasn't born near the beach, it wasn't even our regular vacation spot but for some reason I have an obsession with water. Its relaxing to sit next to, its fun to play on, and its pretty in pictures. Check, check, check.

Amsterdam Cool Point #3, the city seemed pretty lively and exciting. Yes, we did visit on a day of a huge soccer match, so I am not sure how hopping it normally is in town, but I enjoyed watching people run about the city with excitement nonetheless.

Amsterdam Cool Point #4, the people are SUPER friendly. Anytime we got lost which we managed to do many times in one day, someone gladly left everything they were doing to step outside and help us with our bearings. They also did this with a smile and jokes, they were so happy rather than annoyed that someone would dare come visit their city and then not know every street by heart.....ahem...France.

Have you visited Dutch-land mes cheries?