Fall 2013 Accessory Trends

Despite the fact that it's probably been the hottest week of the summer here in Southern California, it's never too early to start prepping for fall. Small steps, though. Before worrying about warm-weather clothing let's focus on Fall 2013 accessory trends.

Here are the items to start picking up now.

The Classic Beanie: The accessory that will never go out of style. I bought this Urban Outfitters beanie months ago and have been eagerly waiting to wear it.


Embellished Belt: Studs, sequins, and beads - the more the better. In exchange for a statement necklace try a fancy belt. In addition to being gorgeous, they're figure flattering.


Midi Ring: I have an obsession with BaubleBar midi rings. Pair with simple, delicate rings, and stack up each finger. Forget the arm party, it's all about your digits this fall.


Oversized Clutch: The oversized clutch is my best friend because it's the perfect place to store those flip flops for a night out on the town. And it's in style, double bonus!


Nude Matte Lipstick: Natural makeup is on-trend this season. The easiest way to incorporate a natural look is with nude lipstick. Opt for a matte as opposed to a gloss.


Are any of these trends on your radar this fall?

Red Love Balloon Giveaway!

Today I am SUPER excited to introduce you to a brand new Etsy shop called Red Love Balloon! I am thrilled about this shop for two reasons, 1. it was created by my amazingly talented co-worker, and 2. the items for sale are unique and one-of-a-kind.

So without further ado, let me introduce you to Kimberly of Red Love Balloon! Here's a little Q & A session between the two of us:

When and why did you open your shop?
My shop opened with a deep breath and one salamander gulp two weekends ago as I clicked publish on my first Etsy piece for sale. I poured out my energy all summer long into weekends and evenings after work for this moment.

I opened my shop for a couple reasons. I have all of these creative ideas swimming in my head that I want to do but wasn’t sure which one to try first. So one day I jumped up like a squirrel finding an acorn and decided to take on this project with a little careful planning. I wanted a new direction to my voice while connecting with people who might enjoy what I make. After all, I am happier than a bunny with a carrot when I make things for people. I thought, if I can be financially successful in something my heart's in, while making someone happy, then it’ll be worth it.

Where did you get the name for your shop?
Back in elementary school we all wrote our addresses down on paper and stuffed it inside multi-colored balloons. We walked outside to the baseball field and let them fly away in tall hopes someone would find them and we’d become pen pals. My balloon was red and I watched it take off until it vanished.

I never got written back to. Even now I catch red balloons floating in the sky or skimming the ground almost out of air. They show up at the oddest moments and have become a personal symbol of hope and love to me each time I see one. I also really like Banksy’s piece that features a little girl and a red heart balloon. His piece wouldn’t leave my mind after I saw it and I called it red love balloon.


How would you describe your shop?
My shop is some cotton candy for the circus out there. It’s for the neon screamers and good luck believers.

Where do you get your inspiration?
Things like outer space, strawberries, art, finding good luck charms, and watching planes in the sky. Music such as David Bowie, The Cure, Fever Ray, Michael Jackson, Joy Division, Stevie Wonder, and Gary Numan all keep the sun shining for me. Though, most of all being in love is the strong breeze that keeps my pinwheel on spinning.


I’ve always heard a rumor you were affiliated with Project Runway. Is that true. and if so, how?
I sent an entry in to be on the show including a video and they interviewed me. They asked me if I’d be comfortable sewing a gown for the red carpet and I said no. I guess that was the wrong answer, ha. It didn’t go any further than that. I still have that video somewhere...?

As you can tell, Kim is really awesome - from her fun personality to playful designs! Every day at work she looks so stylish and regularly wears items that she made for herself. It only makes sense for her to start selling her creations. I am confident that Kim is going to go very far!

By the way, that pretty lady in all of the pictures above - it's Kim wearing her own creations!

Here's your chance to own a Red Love Balloon item, made with love. One lucky person will win this "Party Dinosaur" handmade felt clutch with snap closure. Um, score!


To enter, you must be a Google Friend Connect Follower of Join the Gossip.

For up to five extra entries, you can do any of the following:
-Add Red Love Balloon to your Etsy favorites (2 entries)
-Like Join the Gossip on Facebook (1 entries)
-Follow Join the Gossip on Twitter (1 entries)
-Tweet about the giveaway (1 entries)

One winner will randomly be selected and announced on Tuesday, October 11. Good luck!

My Goodies!

Check out these goodies I won from a giveaway hosted by Jen of A Girl in Pearls & A Boy With Toys!

Here's what I got:

Vera Bradley Charmed Pouch in Simply Violet

Light turquoise snakeskin wallet/clutch

3 multi-sized silver bead bracelets

As well as a SURPRISE - a pair of adorable earrings!

So sweet of her to throw in that extra gift. Unfortunately, the photos really don't do justice for the clutches. They are really pretty.

If you haven't discovered A Girl in Pearls & A Boy With Toys def check it out!

It Doesn't Get Cooler Than Coca-Cola

This week my co-worker, Megan, received a package from her sweet momma. Inside was the coolest clutch I had ever seen--a bag made of recycled Coca-Cola wrappers.

Of course as soon as I laid eyes on the beauty I had to get more info, so I began Googling until I found the company that makes these bags, Ecoist. Here's what their site says:

"Ecoist and The Coca-Cola Company have partnered to repurpose misprinted and waste-bound bottle labels. These classic, limited edition, handcrafted purses are made by a fair trade women's cooperative in Peru."

And it gets better! Wait for it...for every bag they sell they plant a tree. Seriously!

Ecoist has a variety of bags, too! From M&Ms to bar codes, they are all so creative. With one of their "art pieces" you are sure to get plenty of compliments.

As Megan pointed out, her Coca-Cola clutch will look great with a black outfit, adding a pop of red to spice up her look. I'd totally rock it for a night out on the town. How about you?

I'd also buy some of the other styles. As a journalism major in college, I have my eye on the newspaper and magazine styles ;)

Photos courtesy of: my iPhone and Ecoist

The Shoe Saga Continues!

Last week I blogged about my dilemma purchasing boots. I bought the wrong Steve Maddens and I couldn't decide if I should return them or not.

Well I've made up my mind--they're going back because they've already been replaced. The shoes on the left look the same as the Steve Maddens, except they are gray instead of brown. Oh and the other difference? They are Candie's that I found at Kohls and purchased for $37 on sale. So basically, I am saving $50 with this replacement pair!

I asked others' opinions on which pair look better on and the Candie's won hands down. Yay for saving money! Now I just have to wait a few months for the weather to cool down so I can actually wear them =)

While browsing Kohls Web site, I came across an adorable Candie's bag. I'm in love and I gotta have it now. This Faux-Snakeskin Clutch also comes in dark pink and black. The price: $15!

I'm loving me some Kohls right now. They have great work attire.

Photos courtesy of: Kohls

The Perfect Little Clutch

I recently visited my neighborhood Payless ShoeSource and found this adorable little clutch. Actually it's not that little, I can fit cash, credit cards, a camera, and even have some room for makeup in this purse that can easily be carried in one hand.

The bargain shopper that I am, I only paid $5! That's quite a steal for an accessory that can be worn to dress up and outfit or to complement the perfect cocktail dress.

And of course while I was there I also picked up some shoes (you can't go to Payless without gettin' some foot fashions!). One pair is very similar to the ones from Old Navy featured in the blog below, just priced lower at $19.99, and the others are $8 peep-toe, faux alligator skin heels. Oh and I almost forgot, I also bought a $3 pair of black and red jewel earrings.

Now that's what I call a successful hour of shopping!

(photo courtesy of: http://www.thisnext.com/)