recently, i ventured into Popina Swimwear to try on swimsuits (yes, i know – i am very, very, VERY brave).  such a darling shop and i was thrilled to find several suits that would work for both Operation Post-Pregnancy Cover-up and Yessirre, I Can Nurse My Baby in this Suit Without Exposing My Entire Rack.  Plus – i’d like to wear this suit beyond the nursing time frame -and my Jantzen Vamp does just that (on a side note – Jantzen originated here in Portland!).

but this post isn’t about my darling, retro-inspired new swimsuit.  it’s about the headband i bought at check-out.  i adore headbands and have a ton made by my dear friend Helen with Cookie & the Dude (another great buy, by the way).  these were different than all my others- they have a little elastic at the bottom and at a retail price of $12.50 – it was a very easy add-on.  i didn’t even flinch.

and did i mention these headbands are reversible? it’s like two in one.  every shop should sell these!!  they’re made here in Portland by Ginza Girl Designs. You can choose your fabrics or Elita can create an assortment to match the flavor of your store.  i wanted dozens of these – all the fabrics are really great.  and they’re comfortable.  she makes them for women and girls  – and no minimums!  you really can’t go wrong – these are a clear winner!!

Buyers: contact Elita to get these darlings in your store:  ehill@ginzagirldesigns.com

Shoppers: tell your favorite boutiques to order these!  they are only available in Portland right now at select boutiques as noted on her website.

i have so many errands i need to run while my son is sleeping – but i just had to take a moment on a friday afternoon to express my love for plaid pants.  i have two pairs that i love, love LOVE and they both happen to be Trina Turk.  i’ve had them for YEARS and they still look and feel impeccable.  always chic, always a little funky – they are my go-to pants for anything in the fall (sadly – i rarely see a nice spring/summer plaid?  why?).

the last couple of years i’ve noticed an absence in new, geek-chic plaids.  so i was thrilled beyond words to see that Miss Turk has added a little dose of dreamy purple plaid into her Fall III collection.

Behold the magic:

i’m totally getting these.

yummy!  i love that when i wrote Rubinia i found that we had known each other from the ooma days!  and what a delightful re-discovery she is.  with simple, modern and elegant designs in an array of vivid colored stones – her jewels are exactly what we all need to fell pretty in the dreary months of winter (and the rest of the year too!).

here’s a sampling of some of my personal favorites – and you’ll be impressed by the beauty and quality of her stones.   the mix of subtle pale topaz and sapphire stones with the gold metal looks so amazing – and refreshingly different.  how pretty with a creamy sweater and jeans.  $78

another winning color combo!  warm chocolate brown, bright ruby and a dreamy chalcedony.  love the stones swinging from a mini gold chain – a fun pop of color with a simple outfit.   $75

finally - the branches.  with the promise of spring and the elegance of a single faceted topaz – these are both dressy and casual enough for everyday wear.  $65

And these are just earring samples!  She also creates loveliness to grace your neck and fingers.

shoppers:  shop your heart away at her newly launched online store.

buyers:  she has a wholesale site  just for you.  10 piece minimum order – and you can customize most items with your choice of stones.  brilliant for merchandising with your apparel collections.

they say diamonds are a girls best friend.  well – i say diamonds are gorgeous and all – but that metal made to look like a diamond is a much more interesting, modern and conflict-free friend.  Stephanie from Metalicious creates stunning faceted metal ”gemstones” that sparkle and delight in a totally unique way.

the earrings studs are perfect (and if you have an infant or small child – you may need to put your dangles and hoops in a drawer and just wear these until those grabbing hands find something else to do).  in a variety of traditional cuts (brilliant, emerald, oval)  and available in sterling silver and shiny vermeil.

and then there are the modern rocks rings.  it’s like having all the glam of a diamond – but with a little more edge (and a lot less moolah!).  served up in a variety of cuts and colors – these lovelies look amazing when stacked.  heck – i’d stack them with my real diamond!  that’s some serious POW!

though i’m focusing on the Modern Rocks collection- there are plenty more amazing goodies to be found at Metalicious.  From organic inspired looks – to perfectly cast circles – everything is as the name implies:  metalicious!

retail buyers:  contact stephanie:  metalicious@yahoo.com for line sheets and order info (hurry up for holiday orders – she’s having a baby very, very soon!)

shoppers:  you can buy online at Metalicious.

now these are HOT.  i mean really HOT.  i spotted these on Etsy quite a while ago and was eager to post about them – but they were not selling wholesale at the time.  now they are!!  i think the gals shopping at any shoe or apparel store would go GA GA over these. 

for example, when it comes to style, i am very non-committal.  i really enjoy mixing it up and having a wardrobe of choices.  variety is my spice of life.  which is why i’d never get a tattoo – they’re pretty permanent (plus i’m a scared-y kat).  but i would LOVE to wear these tattoo socks.  they provide that sexy, mysterious, coolness of a tattoo without the needles and such.

how amazing would these look with a simple black dress and pumps?  it would really take it to the next level for under $25.  now that sounds like any easy sale.

 they come in knee-high, thigh-high and full length styles.  minimum order is 50 pairs and the prices range from $8 – $13 (unless you’re placing a ginormous order).  you have 9 styles to choose from in 5 lovely shades.

 

contact Gabby at postdesigner at yahoo dot com for order forms and line sheets.  she’s a designer and will be shipping these from Tel Aviv (!) – so they should be a pretty original find for you USA shop ladies!

 ooh lala, indeed.

ps:  if you are a portland store – let me know if you’re ordering them!  i’m DYING for a pair!!  i’d love to add mine to your 50 min!!