A gorgeous fuse between vintage, high elegance and fun, down to earth elements, The Vamoose jewelry and accessories are a great addition to any wardrobe. And after recently finished cleaning out and editing my jewelry collection, I am longing to order some of these beauties for my own.

The Vamoose is a one-woman operation created and maintained in the UK by none other than talented fashion illustrator Kathryn Blackmore, whom I’ve featured previously here.

This collection is all about texture and materials, from vintage brass, to rope embellished with chunks of coral, charms and lockets, these make lovely statement necklaces. The Vamoose collections are inspired by natural history, a clear mix of traditional crafts with modern influence and some vintage finds, and are very affordable. The new shop is finally open for business, so head on over and browse the beautiful collection filled with comfy pom poms and timeless, funky brass necklaces so perfect for fall.

(images: the vamoose)

This season, The Battalion showcases next generation, future forward fashion, inspired by landscape, the desert, and a wolf, all that tell a “road trip story discovering the American West with an old road atlas.”

Designer Linda Wong graduated from Otis College with a fashion degree and established The Battalion with her sister in 2006. This eco-friendly label uses veggie furs that reflect the landscape of the desert with colors like camel, grey and ivory. Simple but original, modern and edgy at the same time, The Battalion specializes in knits and woven fabrics to create a comfort-driven line for women.

The materials used by this brand are primarily bamboo, organic cotton, recycled polyester, promodal and some cruelty free “peace” silk, proving that fashion is not restricted by materials and textures, but it can be eco friendly and stunning as well. The staples for this Autumn/Winter collection are fur trimmed hooded blazers, cardigans, wraps, all oversized with form-fitting short skirts and skinny pants. How I love this look! I am noticing that there are so many eco friendly fashion brands out there emerging, and it is an inspiration for a modern way of thinking, forces designers to get more creative, and it is a great step for fashion.

(images: the battalion)

You can now find lovely limited edition art products, accessories, apparel and decor from Poketo at Target shops!

Founded in 2003 by Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo carries accessible, everyday functional products and wares that are artist-designed and affordable. Promoting the work of international artists, Poketo showcases their artwork through their fun and accessible wares. And you can now find their lovely work in Target shops.

With graphics available in a variety of prints, the talented artists contributing to Poketo have created a great mix of illustrations and designs, colors and shapes. The designs range from organic shapes to geometric elements, and cute little characters too. And you can find them on a variety of wares like bags, umbrellas, wallets, key rings, water bottles and even little cases. I am in love with the bright colors and bold geometric pattern of the gorgeous Weekender Bag designed by Mike Perry.

(images: ye rin mok for poketo)

Unfair Magazine Summer issue is here! A gorgeous new print and digital fashion magazine based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Unfair is about fashion, lifestyle and arts media brand focusing on Arabian Style.

Finally! It is so refreshing to say the least, to see a great fashion magazine like this stemming from the UAE, that is beautifully designed, creative with interesting Pan-Arab content to promote the fashion and talent originating from the Middle East, and share it with the world. In this magazine you will find the latest fashion, trends, design and arts, with a touch of culture, and clean, fun, original layouts and beautiful photography.

Unfair is the first of it’s kind in the UAE, so kudos to you guys for your hard work and great results! The magazine can be found in a few select cities around the world, including New York, Paris, London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I am so eager to get my hands on a copy, but If like me you don’t have access to a hard copy in your city, you can download a pdf of the latest issue here.

(images: unfair magazine)

I promised that I would keep my eyes open for inspiration while I was on holiday, and I had the chance to do another shop tour and snap some photos to share with you. Babybling, established in 2007 by Camelia Mohebi, is the cutest shop I have ever seen!

As you step into the store, you enter a baby heaven decorated in a soft palette of blues and pinks, sparkly accessories and adorable touches for boy and girl. This one-stop shop has anything and everything you can think of when it comes to babies. My favorite spot in the shop had to be the charming little candy bar, with sweets placed in different sized bottles and tubes hanging from above, that is so suited for any occasion and makes a great focus point in the space.

Carrying a wide range of baby gifts and services for newborn babies and parents to be, at Babybling you can find beautiful ready made as well as customized, do-it-yourself hampers, baby room accessories, hampers, funky clothing, jewelry and trinkets that would all make excellent gifts. They also offer party services that cover all aspects of baby related occasions like baby showers, delivery parties and birthday parties as well.

Babybling is currently displaying their Ramadan collection of little onesies. The Arabic writing is a term for gift giving that is done during the Eid holiday, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan. As well as stocking various lines from emerging designers around the world, Babybling carries their own line of clothing, manufacturing a lot of the clothes and jewelry themselves with cute little messages and icons like the Hand of Fatima, the evil eye, and ‘Lock up your daughters’ for adorable boys!

What is best about all of this is that you don’t have to be based in Dubai to enjoy all this, because Babybling ships internationally, so all you have to do is visit their website and place an order.  Babybling also has a Community page where mothers and mothers to be can get information, gain expert advice and talk to one another.

(images: babybling, samia kallidis for burrs & berries)

I’m finally back in Toronto and ready to settle back in with a full day of cleaning, unpacking and grocery shopping. But before I head off to do all that, how about we look at some fashion inspiration? Swedish stylist Mona Norremo has a great eye and talent for fashion, and creates stunning male and female looks in a diverse range of styles, shapes, materials and fabrics.

Layer upon layer, loose and form fitted, Mona puts together looks that are nothing short of fabulous, and always complete with the perfect accessories. This is one stylist who is not afraid of using color, and she uses it boldly. Whether it is pairing a hot pink men’s blazer with a white shirt and mauve pants, using multicolored print jumpsuits, or an all black look, Mona makes it look so effortlessly chic.

She has fun with fashion, and it shows. I love that the huge shoulder pads are back, but it’s also all about being yourself and representing your own style. Apparent in her work are boundless elements of fashion; prints, color, fabric, shape, and lots of texture; all that radiating intelligence and confidence. She accentuates femininity and bends the edge of style.

(images: mona norremo)

Happy Thursday everyone! It’s almost the weekend, and finally time for a new week of Etsy Love showcasing some beautiful shops of jewelry, art, fabrics and even cake!

Ayofemi jewelry is the shop of designer and student Ayo, in Phoenix. Ayo makes jewelry in her spare time, mainly consisting of pretty, charming necklaces, bracelets and earrings from a mix of gold and gorgeous soft colors like coral, lavender, and turquoise. Oh I plan to pay this shop another visit very soon!

Esther Ramirez is a talented crafter, designer and illustrator from Chicago, and sells her beautiful creations at Essimar. The abundance of color and pattern in her shop emphasizes the whimsical element in her screen prints and paper crafts, which are gently made one at a time in small collections.

For fun and quirky fabric design, handmade bags, and quilts, just head on over to Aunt June. Lauren Hunt designs and prints many colorful fabrics that could become totes, pillows, anything really as far as your imagination takes you! I love all her fabrics from the feathers, to boats, and bird prints too.

You can find absolutely anything on Etsy! Even the most precious cake bunting shop, Kiki La Ru for all things pretty, striped and flowered is available here! Homemaker and artist in Austria uses primarily vintage and upcycled fabrics and supplies thats she purchases on Etsy to create her sweet homemade cakes!

(images: sources listed above)

It’s so refreshing to see talented artists and designers emerging out of different parts of the world with distinct styles and inspirations. I find that a very big part of what makes traveling interesting. I always anticipate the beauty I will find whilst here in the Middle East.

Qatari-based fashion brand Toujouri, which translates to “treasure chest” in Arabic, was launched in 2008 under the creative direction of Lama El Moatessem. The striking Autumn/Winter 2010 collection combines traditional techniques with modern silhouettes to create a gorgeous, bright palette and Middle Eastern inspired beadwork.

I absolutely love the lavish fabrics (mainly consisting of silk georgette, crepe de chine, and silk twill) of the kaftans and use of intricate hand embroidery that creates an edge with elegance to the new line. The rich hues and geometric shapes and patterns only add to this new collection’s unique and exotic look and feel. Also detailed with jeweled cuffs, cutwork and statement oversized beaded necklines, the pieces range from soft and flowy kaftans to figure flattering cocktail dresses. Available in select boutiques across the world, I find these qualities are what distinguish this lovely brand with a style that one can usually find only in the Middle East.

(images: toujouri)

I am ready to delve in and get inspired by the work, dedication, passion, and talent of a crochet artists today. After a few weeks off, I am craving some creative energy! And you?

The work of Vera João Espinha is original, distinct, and fun to say the least. With a background in graphic design and painting, she currently works as a graphic designer in a publishing house, and dedicates her spare time to her love for crochet. Her beautiful pieces can be found at several retailers in Portugal.

Vera João Espinha learned to crochet with her grandmother at a very young age as a way to entertain herself after school, and as her skill evolved, she began making clothes for dolls. A painter and an artist as well until her daughter was born, she began to commit to crochet instead, and created accessories. This won her an honorable mention in 2005, in a Portuguese contest for contemporary jewelry, and encouraged her to further this talent.

Vera João Espinha’s stunning colorful, textured work is based on the manual production of contemporary accessories. Her unique jewelry is all handmade, mostly in crochet, but some collections may also include other materials. I am so in love with the little crochet balls, also their composition in the bowls and their photography. It feels like it’s all a part of Vera’s work.

Vera finds inspiration in nature, colors from photography, previous work, or her grandmother’s doilies. The color combinations in her work are divine, and the scarf looks so warm and cozy, and could be worn flexibly – I can see it with jeans and a T-shirt, highlighting the artistry of the scarf itself. What I love most about this talented artist’s work is that she first creates a piece and is true to herself and art, and then thinks about their commercial viability, because after all an artist also has bills to pay.

(images: vera joão espinha)

Fashion designer Clarissa Labin’s debut collection is nothing short of brilliant. Her Autumn/Winter 2010 Lookbook features unique and daring styles, prints, colors and textures for the bold individual.

With a degree from the London College of Fashion, Clarissa has a professional background in luxury and high street fashion. She began her career at Swedish retailer H&M as a product designer, and also has six years of experience designing womenswear for the retailer in Stockholm. She has also had two years experience as accessories designer at Christian Dior in Paris, and recently moved to Berlin to launch her first collection.

This eclectic new line portrays a fashion forward and experienced way of thinking and designing, and is what having fun with fashion is all about. I absolutely adore the quality knitwear and highlights in leather and pattern. Clarissa proves to be daring and embraces a unique and edgy, but very approachable, comfortable and wearable style. A mixture of sophisticated and playful color and surface combinations gives multiple variations for several tastes and styles, and expresses the femininity of the brand.

(images: clarissa labin)