Miss Modish- Mojo Maker

Under the sea

I LOVE this necklace from Rena Tom's new autumn 2006 collection.  Elements of the sea are still apparent throughout her work for the fall, but I love that this piece hearkens to the ocean world without using an actual piece of sea life, like coral.  This little jellyfish like necklace features a black horn cap as the head with green tourmaline woven into sterling silver chain to serve as the tentacles.  Perhaps that's not what Rena Tom had in mind, but that's the first thing I thought upon seeing it.  Add a little ocean flair to your neckline this fall with this pretty, exotic and unique tourmaline tassel necklace. 

The countdown begins!

A new online crafty zine called What You Make It is set to launch tomorrow, August 1st!  It'll actually be online at 12am EST, so if you're a night owl, you can get a peek at it a little early!  What You Make It is written and edited by Melissa of April Fool Handmade.  It'll be packed full with the best that the D.I.Y. movement has to offer, from crafts to art to fashion.  Also, you'll be able to read interviews with some of the talented crafters/designers at the helm of the D.I.Y. ship.  So, be sure to log on, check in, and see what you make of What You Make It!    

Ooh lookie lookie...

...at what I just bought!  A vintage Zakka travel jewelry case from a new shop called Appleseed!  I've long since been trying to find a protective, yet sheik, yet girly case to carry my jewelry in when I travel.  (I do have quite a bit of jewelry seeing as how I make it, and all.)  Normally I travel without it because I don't have anywhere safe to put it, but alas, my dilemma is solved!  And solved so cutely! 

This is a one-of-a-kind vintage find- yay for me! Boo for you, I know.  But there's lots more vintage love to go around at Appleseed.  Check out the other cute finds that Meredith, Modish reader/long standing e-bay seller/Appleseed owner, has in her shop.  It's brand new so I'm sure there will be lots of updates and additions coming soon, so check in often!  And you can get sneak peeks at what's to come in Meredith's blog.  (LOVE those Melmac plates!)

D-lightful!

Totes are just a good thing to have a lot of.  Why?  Because you can use them for anything!  For your yoga/gym bag, book bag, shopping bag, farmer's market bag, dirty sweaty sandy beach bag, whatever you'd like to do, a tote has got you covered!  I think this one by sheila d is pretty and perfect for the summer- stash a book, some water and a sandwich in it on your trip to the park, or take it down to the local craft fair to hoard all your finds in style.
It's especially cool because it's reversible, with luscious pink corduroy on one side and a spicy floral pattern on the other.  Art Center grad, sheila d, had the bright idea to create totes that'll meld with your many moods (and outfits.)  Mixing and matching is always a covetable design element to me.  Check out the whole she-bang on the sheila d site, home to larger totes and small (and matching!) little coin pouches as well. 

Flip the switch

An often neglected, yet very practical place to add a little home decorating flair is your light switch covers!  Forget the drab, boring white ones, especially if you have a bold colored wall.  One of these Dexter and Emma Paper Goods light switch covers will add a burst of color to a monotone room, or can blend in nicely with your rust red living room or cerulean blue kitchen. 
I received one of these from the latest Sampler, and love it!  Unfortunately, it won't fit my current light switches (damn track lighting!) but, I hope to be able to use it when (yes when, not if) I move.  Each one is varnished for protection, and comes with handy little screws.  It's a fun, simple way to decorate, and at around $6 a pop, why not get one for each room in the house?  Check out the other designs at the Dexter and Emma etsy shop!

Modish Giveaway!

Okay, so I casually, kinda, sorta mentioned something about a "giveaway" a couple days ago and I just wanted to fill you all in on the actual details.  So.  Modish will be sponsoring a monthly giveaway for a gift box filled with tons of goodies made by some of the very indie businesses you've seen featured here, and others that you have yet to discover!  All you have to do to be entered into the giveaway is sign up for the Modish newsletter!  It will be a once weekly (or just about) newsletter detailing my favorite finds from the week, special deals for Modish readers only, and other good stuff.  I'm hoping to launch the first one on August 15th, and the first giveaway will be at the end of August.  I've already got some hairpins, earrings, notecards, bags, body products and more going into the first goodie box!  A winner will be randomly chosen from all newsletter subscribers at the end of each month.  So, get in on the goods, stay informed and be entered to win every month!  Just sign up!  Tell your friends to sign up!  Tell your husband/boyfriend/lover/roomate/dog to sign up for you!  Good luck, and thank you for helping the little Modish that could.  With your help, it'll be a steam train someday, soon!   

Someone get me an ice water.

This dress (and I use that term loosely) is just too hot to handle, and too sexy not to post!  I must be on a lace kick or something.  Perhaps its the fact that lace is very, um, breathable (?) in this heat wave we're having.  Well, whatever it is, I'm likin' it!  Check out this navy, vintage slip dress from Bleubird Vintage.  Probably meant as a slip when it was made, it could be your party dress now!  I'm in love with the lace detailing on the neckline and the ruffled hem.  Paired with a belt and some girlish accessories, you'll be the talk of the town, the hot mama on the block, the ow! in wow!  You get the picture.  This is an e-bay find, so if you're interested, you only have 4 days and 3 hours left from this moment to snatch it up.  Let the bidding war begin!  And thanks Katey from That's Hot for sharing the Bleubird Vintage love! 

Blik's for indies!

It's always nice when a larger, more established company, like Blik, elicits the design help of talented independent designers, like those seen on Threadless, rather than out right copies their designs (see: http://www.urbancounterfeiters.com/).  What ensues is pure genius in design collaboration that helps spread awareness of indie designers.  Blik, home to innovative wall decals for those with decorating A.D.D., sponsored a contest called Blik loves Threadless, which called for independent designers to submit ideas that would work for a) a threadless tee and b) a blik wall design.  The products of that collaboration are two new great sets of wall decals and two cute new tees!
We should be grateful for companies like Blik that are helping to increase awareness of talented indie designers, and doing it with such style!  (Via design*sponge)

Site of the week: Sweet Thunder

Like a hot, balmy summer's day when you're craving relief from the heat (which has been, um, everyday for the last 2 weeks in almost the entire country!) and then you hear it, the low rumbling thunder rolling in, and you know that rain will soon come to the remedy to cool off the land.  I thought there was no thunder as sweet as this, until I found Sweet Thunder.  From amazing vintage re-constructed jewelry to a custom wedding collection to beautiful ephemera collage notecards, Sweet Thunder will relieve you from all your accessorizing woes.  If you've seen the site before, take a look again, as jewelry maker Jenny and her card making hubby RJ have revamped the site and updated it recently with incredible new items.  Take a look at some of my faves!

Beautiful re-vamped vintage earrings:

And incredible re-vamped vintage necklaces:

Custom wedding accessories and reconstructed heirloom jewelry:

And gorgeous yet quirky handmade greeting cards:

If you need some relief from the summer sun, a drab outfit or a run of the mill birthday card, Sweet Thunder is here for ya.  And with free shipping and free gift wrap, there's really no excuse not to go explore it.  Just beware of the lightning. 

The ol' dog and pony show

What exactly does that mean, anyway?  The dog and pony show?  Is it to give one the run-a-round?  To put on a show for someone?  I googled it and got even more confused.  Someone enlighten me please?  Why am I talking about this in the first place, you ask?  Well, because of this cute little plaid pony coin purse that I found down at Lillie's Five and Dime!  She definitely ain't giving us the old dog and pony show with this one (at least, I don't think so...) with the lush suede feeling fabric and fancy red pony on the front.  Handmade in small batches by Lillie herself, this coin purse is a little bit country and a little bit glam.  Find it amongst notecards, pretty pillows and more all down at Lillie's Five and Dime!  10% of all sales go to the recovery in New Orleans, so hop on that pony and shop away!   

My, what good taste in tees you have, Grandma!

Doiles, crochet and lace have all recently taken on a new and improved, modern twist.  Who knew Grandma had it right the whole time?  Here's one stunning example of how centuries old craft techniques have turned contemporary and oh so sexy: the Grandma's Lace Tee by Alison Rose.  It features a black lace cut-out with hand applique pieces on a vintage soft alternative apparel poofy sleeve tee.  One-of-a-kind, this sexy tee is sure to turn a few heads and may solicit a touch or two from curious onlookers.  Watch out.  Take a closer look at this pretty tee at Alison Rose, and be sure to check out the limited edition screenprinted tees and kooky light switch covers while you're there!

Boom bap! Bo-boom bap!

As a girl raised in the age of Beat Street, with a boyfriend who used to walk around with a piece of cardboard as his portable "surface" to practice his break moves on, I understand why this i-pod Ghetto Blaster Peel by Lime grabbed me in that certain special place.  No, not that special place, I mean my wallet.

Hey, I have a new video i-pod and am still using the little white flimsy felty case that came with it?  For shame, I say, for shame!  I had to buy it.  Plus, I'm all about the gray and turquoise color combo- perfection.  In fact, I think it was the blue peeking through the interior that forced my fingers to click, "I want it!"  Not to mention, it's oh so stylish and will protect my precious pod ever so well.  You can purchase this particular one at Pixelgirlshop, or see the full line of lovely peels and other cute accessories in the Lime shop! 

Bestill my heart

I'm very attracted to images of vintage ephemera featuring washed out sepia toned prints of women with oil painted cheeks and flowers in their hair.  Part of their appeal is their mystery- who was this woman?  What did she like to do?  Was she in love with someone?  But often vintage postcards, prints and such feel a bit like snooping, like you're prying into someone's personal life where you don't belong.  Well, now I've found the perfect combination of familiarity and vintage mystery- the Bespoke Collage by Paper Relics!

These hand collaged 8x10 prints are compiled from photographs that you (the customer) send in and which artist Hope Wallace lovingly puts the silly and frilly vintage touches on.  Perfect for a wedding gift, a very cool and unique family picture or a way to celebrate a long friendship, the sky's the limit really, as you can work with Hope to create whatever you have in mind for any occasion.  I'm so in love with these, I want one with me and my kitty!  I'll have to find some good pics to send in!  Order a collage for yourself, and browse around the site for lovely vintage inspired postcards, keychains, magnets and much more!  (I think I want almost everything!)

The ol' ball and chain

Never has the threat of living out your days with a ball and chain been so appealing, until now.  Mood Swing has re-invented the old cliche with this sleek, shiny, "ball and chain" necklace!
The ball is made from large brown sequins that catch the light oh so cleverly, and it hangs from a chain of copper.  Long, lean and shimmery, this would be perfect to dress up a skinny tank and jeans for a night out on the town.  See what just a little accessorizing can do for ya?  Check out this necklace, and other wonderful vintage inspired baubles at Mood Swing! 

New New New New!!

Yes folks, that's NEW times four!  (remember, with me, everything comes in fours.)  I'm skipping Music Monday today because I'm too excited to tell you about other things...here goes.

NEW #1: Modish has a new flowery look?  What do you think?

NEW #2: Remember that shopping directory I said I was going to make?  Well, it's up!  Sort of.  Right now, all of the sites that were featured in April are listed.  It will be frequently updated until I'm caught up to July, and updated weekly after that.  I wanted to show it to you now though, so you can bookmark it, tell your friends about it, and get a feel for how it's set up.  So, go ahead, check out the new Modish Indie Shopping Directory!  Your feedback is appreciated!

NEW #3: Spurred by frequent requests and a burst of motivation this weekend, Modish will now have a weekly newsletter!  Sign up now to stay abreast on my favorite finds from the week, receive special offers and discounts from indie businesses and be the first ones entered into a monthly giveaway for an indie goodie box!  The first issue won't go out until I have some subscribers <hint hint>, so sign up and help me put it into action!  It's gonna be purty.
*If you're an indie shop owner and may be interested in donating an item to the giveaway, please e-mail me for more info!

NEW #4: This news is more specifically for indie shop owners, but it's news all the same!  I'm now offering up banner creation services starting at only $10!  If you need an eye-catching banner quickly and cheaply, for your ad on Modish or any other site, just e-mail me!  Check out the advertising page for more info, samples and rates and put my graphic design skills to use for you!

Alright, I think that's it.  As you can see, I had a pretty productive weekend.  I'll be back later today with the usual posting goodness so, please go check out all the new stuff in the meantime!  Happy Monday!
<3 jena

Morning glory

If someone has a special day coming up, you can make it even more special with a pretty, handmade art card from Lisa Kaus.  Based off of original artwork by Lisa, printed on eggshell cardstock with a deckled edge, each card is lovely and unique!  There are many to choose from and I had a hard time picking just one, but was attracted to this colorful morning with tulips card.  It'd be perfect as a congrats on your new home card, welcome home card or get out of my home right now you lazy pig of a house-guest card.  Check out all the other gorgeous designs featuring flowers, birds, cakes, collages and other goodies all at Lisakaus.com! 

Sugar me Sveet.

Earlier this week I received a big ol' goodie box from Marie at the Sampler filled with more crafty goodness then I could handle!  One of my favorite items was this cute little flower brooch made from fabric scraps by sweet little Chandra of Sveet Couture.  I promptly wore it the very next day and received countless compliments!  It made me feel like the belle of the ball, the bees knees, the queen of Hamburger Hill (wha?).  So, I figure it can, and should, do the same for you. 
Each one is a little different and will spice up your plain ol' American Apparel tanks or corduroy jacket.  And, at $3.50 a pop, you can buy one for yourself, one for your seester, one for mama, one for your yoga instructor, one for your facialist...you get the idea.  Check 'em out at Sveet Couture or Chandra's etsy shop! 

Monosyllabic, almost.

Cute shirt.  Vintage.  Birds.  Pop art.  8 bucks?  What?  Say again?  Can't speak.  Just look.  Looks good. 
Mandarin collar.  Green, white.  Shoulder Ruching.  So cute!  8 bucks!  Pop Fizz! 

Site of the week: Snapcrafty

Snapcrafty is special in that it offers covetable items for indie shoppers and crafters alike!  Part shop, part supply store, it has original jewelry and accessories, as well as spinning fiber and beads.  Huh?  Yup, Sandra, the brains behind the operation, has created a new genre of indie shop altogether.  And it seems to have gotten her recognized, as her work has been seen gracing the pages of N.E.E.T. (my favorite!), won the Fredflare Next Big Thing contest, and was in a recent issue of Vogue's Knit1 magazine.  Way to go Sandra!  There's too much to love at Snapcrafty, but I'll attempt to cut it down and show you some of my favorite standouts:

Her lush vintage flower and vintage lucite apple necklaces are gorgeous:

These vintage hairpins and crafty patches are unique:

And for the crafters, there's hand-dyed spinning fiber and vintage beads! 

Whether you're looking to buy something pretty, or create something pretty, you can find what you need at Snapcrafty.  Stop on by and give Sandra a hello before she becomes too famous to write you back =). 

A little flower power

I'm a firm believer that drinks taste better when you're sipping them out of a cup you love.  I have a favorite mug that was my Dad's 30 years ago and has been handed down to me, and I swear, my coffee just tastes better when I drink from it!  Little Flower Designs seems to believe in that theory as well, crafting cute tea cups with feminine designs that are sure to last the ages.
This one looks a bit like some Martian landscape with red earth and strange plant forms.  Hand carved and glazed by Linda Johnson, this stoneware tea cup is not only pretty, it's dishwasher, microwave and oven safe!  Original and appealing, it's sure to add a little sweetness to any liquid that is lucky enough to fall within the rim, from tea to whiskey to soy milk.  Find this among other lovely items including sushi sets and tea pots, at Little Flower Designs.