What I Wore Wednesday

Hi all, Kristin again! I bought a new skirt and I'm just so so so in love with it that I decided to take a page out of Anna's book and show you what I wore with it today.

The skirt is actually a skirt for little girls. We sell it at Old Navy right now and it was on sale for $8! The shirt is from Forever 21 (about five years ago) and the vest is from Gap.

And it's a mirror shot, how cool am I?!?!

My eye makeup was as loud as my outfit; I used purple, yellow and blue eyeshadow!

And I accessorized with these great purple zebra hoops!

Yay for bright colors!

Snap Crafty Cabochon Giveaway!

About a month ago I was reading through articles on the Etsy's Blog - The Storque. There is a fabulous segment called Quit Your Day Job, if you are ever in need of motivation for your Etsy shop this is most definitely where you should go! I'm so excited to have stumbled upon an article featuring Sandra of Snap Crafty - a successful Etsian, fellow Michigander, and all around fabulous woman who is sponsoring this week's giveaway! (You can read the article Sandra was featured in here!)

Enter to win a 50 Piece Cabochon Set ($20 Value) from Snap Crafty now through 5.22.11, 7 pm Eastern!

Sandra left her job as a scientist to focus more on the things in life that she enjoyed. This lead her to opening a jewelry supply shop - Snap Crafty - which many people, from all over the world, frequent and enjoy. Her science background or at least the work it took to gain her PhD in science taught her how to research, work hard, and be independent - traits that have helped her maintain a successful Etsy Shop.

Sandra is all about her customers. Researching where else they spend their time on the internet and choosing to advertise in those areas. Reading as much as she can about business, customer, service, and marketing. Maintaining a a newsletter that keep clients in the loop and draws in new customers. This lady certainly works hard for her success!

I absolutely love Sandra's tips for those considering a similar path... "Do what makes you happy! Seriously, life is too short to settle for a mediocre job you’re only ho-hum about. Many times, what makes you happy will be something that you’re good at anyway." (Amen Sister!)

When asked if she has any regrets about her carear choices Sandra comments that she only wishes she had left the world of science sooner!

Although she is very successful Sandra still faces challenges. Time management is an issue as she spends from 2-3 hours daily answering e-mails without getting lost surfing the web! (Holy Cow! This also means she must have the patience of a saint!)


The flower cabochon mix is the most popular item sold by Snap Crafty. How exciting that a mix of these could be yours! Customers take these colorful cabs and create a variety of projects - jewelry, place card holders, making clay molds, etc...

How to win a 50 Piece Cab Mix ($20 value) from Etsy Shop Snap Crafty:

• Visit Snap Crafty - Share your favorite item & how you would use the Cab Mix!
  Example Post: My favorite item is the Ivory Scalloped Daisy Bouquet Cab Mix I would use them to make necklaces for my fabulous bridesmaids!
  

• "Like" Snap Crafty on Facebook - Say "Hi" to Sandra on her wall!
  Example Post: I "like" Snap Crafty under the name Stunning Anna K. Designs.

• Follow this blog!
  Example Post: I follow this blog under the name Stunning.
  
  
• "Like" Stunning on Facebook
  
  Example Post: I "like" Stunning under the name Stunning Anna K. Designs.
  

** This giveaway will begin 5.16.11 at 8 am Eastern and will end on 5.22.11 at 7 pm Eastern. Limit 4 entries per person. Must have valid e-mail address to win. **

BHLDN - Hair Adornments

Anthropologie recently launched a bridal line called BHLDN - I was sold when I read the goal of this great new line:
"Our goal, and the reason we drape, fold, bustle, and stitch, is to start a conversation with our customer—to build a resource where she can come to find inspiration and to share with those closest to her, as well as our broader coterie. BHLDN’s story is unfolding; and we’ll look to our customer for cues and guidance going forward. "

Those of you who know me in real life know just how much I love a fabulous headband, BHLDN's "hair adornments" are fantastic to say the least. Here are some of my favorites which span from affordable all the way to spending your life savings... (click the photos to go to their web-page!)

paperfeltfabric Garland Giveaway

Now through 2/20 you have the opportunity to win a fabulous 16' garland of your choice from Etsy shop paperfeltfabric!

Sarah of paperfeltfabric started making garlands to give rooms a special touch for parties. She believes it is a simple, fun and classic way to decorate without overpowering a space. Materials like old books, maps, crossword puzzles and various papers are old favorites - while wool, felt, and scrap fabrics are a recent and exciting venture. Sarah loves the challenge of bringing new life to fabrics that would otherwise be discarded.

Love the magical feeling of this Fairytale Garland

The 5 acres of land she lives on as well as the contrast between country and city life are currently inspiring Sarah. Other inspiration is stored on her Tumblr, Walk On By. Seriously, stop by her Tumblr - it's great!

With Spring right around the corner Sarah is looking forward to the transition from brown to green, pulling out her dresses, and exchanging candles for flowers! (We are too girl!)

The Sea and Cake Garland is simply elegant - love the scalloped edges!

Here are several ways you can enter to win a fabulous garland of your choice Etsy shop paperfeltfabric:

• MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit paperfeltfabic and pick/heart your favorite item.
  Sample comment: My favorite item from paperfeltfabric is the Sea and Cake Garland.
  

• Become a follower of Stunning through Google Friend Connect or Blog Lovin
  Sample comment: I am a blog follower of Stunning on Blog Lovin under the name stunningannak
  

• Update your status about this giveaway on Facebook
  Sample comment: I mentioned the paperfeltfabric giveaway in my Facebook status http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stunning-Anna-K-Designs/17656779684#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=188377254518656&id=17656779684
  
  
  
• "Like" Stunning on Facebook
  Sample comment: I am a Stunning Facebook fan under the name Chelsea Smith
  
  

• Tweet about this giveaway
  Sample comment: I tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/#!/StunningAnnaK/status/29556954032508929
  
  

• Blog about this giveaway
  Sample comment: I blogged about this fabulous giveaway: http://stunningannak.blogspot.com/greatgiveaway
  

• Add the Stunning Button to your blog
  Sample comment: I added the Stunning button to my blog www.chelseasmitherocks.blogspot.com
  

*Please leave each entry in a separate comment*

**This giveaway will begin at 10 a.m. Eastern 2/15/2011 and will end on 2/20/2011 at noon Eastern. The winner will chosen from a random number generator and will be announced in a post Sunday evening.**

Kaleidoscope Felt Headband

louandlee create the most fabulous headbands and this one is a favorite of mine!

Mixed Media Collage Vintage Eyewear

This fabulous Mixed Media Collage comes to us from ANDstudio
I am so into vintage frames right now...

Cloche Hat with Flower

GreenTrunkDesigns makes lovely hats - this cloche is my favorite and very appropriate from the snow we woke up to today in Michigan!

Have a great day!

Seed-Bead Post Earrings

Etsy Item of the Day!!

3 Pair of Seed-Bead Post Earrings from one of my favorite Etsy Shops, babblingbrookes

Bing Bang by Anna Sheffield

Anna Sheffield creates super cute jewelry with a sophisticated edge through her line Bing Bang.

This beautiful line of costume jewelry is created in New York City and follows a punky aesthetic. You'll find lots of chains, lockets, charms, and a mixture of baubles worked into these pieces. Feminine, yet funky, pieces that will give your look the edge it so desperately needs this season!

Here are some of my favorites:

Victorian Emerald Studs - Love these!

The Sweetheart Charm Cuff - Such a vintage girly feel

Anchor Drop Necklace - A wonderful twist on nautical chic

Boxing Glove Studs - Definition of cool!

Did you find something you loved?

Simply Loving Burnt Orange

Right now I'm crazy about burnt orange! This has got to be coming from all of the beautiful fall leaves that I get to walk through as I'm traveling across campus!

Nothing puts a little splash of Fall color into an outfit like a burnt orange accent piece...

urbandwellers created this gorgeous necklace!

Girls of all ages will go crazy over this oak leaf headband from CraftsQueen.

This fair trade necklace from lizbriggsdesign is lovely.

This little tote from loddelina is darling & on SALE!

What is your favorite fall shade?

Click above to win an Onion Tote from Etsy Shop peggylapoint!

littlepinkplum's Glamorous Giveaway

This week's giveaway comes to us from Janette and her fashionably functional store

littlepinkplum!

You have the opportunity to win 5 of Janette's adorable pocket mirrors!

This bulk lot of pocket mirrors would be great to attach to gifts or toss in each of your bags!

Janette has been crafting jewelry of all kinds for a while now --- she made the switch to button making after she purchased a toy button maker for her children. She took a big step by buying a professional grade button maker and the rest is history! littlepinkplum is a very successful Etsy shop with over 1,000 sales!

Audrey Hepburn pocket mirror - functional and fashionable!

The designs on Janette's designs are inspired by nature, baby animals, current trends, and kawaii things!

Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake pin back buttons - sure to make you smile!

Providing great customer service is a secret to littlepinkplum's success. Responding quickly to convos and e-mails and getting orders out in the mail ASAP are a couple of things Janette does to keep her customers happy.

Isn't this Jumbo Paper Clip Bookmark neat?

This summer Janette has been loving cameo and silhouette designs --- which she has done some really neat things with!

I love this set of black bird magnets.

During the summer you'll find Janette on the beaches of San Diego - Lucky Girl!

This purse hook is such a handy idea - It would make a great gift!

How to win 5 pocket mirrors from Etsy Shop Little Pink Plum:

1) Follow this blog & tell me your current favorite motif - Leave Comment
2) Heart your favorite item from littlepinkplum - Leave Comment w/Link
3) Give littlepinkplum the shop a heart on Etsy - Leave Comment
4) Tweet &/or Blog about this giveaway, Leave Comment w/tweet or link.
6) Purchase a purse hook from littlepinkplum, mention Stunning in Notes to seller and receive a FREE pocket mirror with your order! - Leave Comment w/Order Number

This giveaway will begin at noon Eastern 8/23/2010 and will end on 8/29/2010 at noon Eastern. The winner will chosen from a random number generator and will be announced in a post Sunday evening.

babblingbrookes Will Make You Stylish Giveaway!

Get Excited!
This week you have the chance to win $15 to Etsy Shop

babblingbrooks!

First, let's get to know B - the brains behind babblingbrookes - who let me pick her brain...

This necklace would be a great addition to your favorite summer dress!

B is a student who is about to complete her degree in Secondary Education and longs to teach high school science. Geology is her specialty - lucky for us she uses a fabulous array of stones and gems in her pieces. Currently B works at a bead store where she also teaches classes and supports her bead addiction! In her spare time B is sharpening her photography skills with help of her boyfriend.

These button earrings are so very retro-chic!

B discovered beading early on by partaking in the beaded gecko craze. She was then hit by the need to bead later in life when she was home over Christmas vacation during her freshman year of college. B headed to the library for a "How-To" book - there were none. Although an old book about Native American bead looms caught her eye. She took off running with the idea of loom beading. Next, she discovered the magazine Bead and Button - which along with other publications inspire her.

I love the sophisticated feel of this bracelet.

B finds her inspiration within the beads themselves. Imagining what they would look like as final products helps drive her creative process.


Such a perfect name - The Blue Sky and Sunshine Necklace.

Sketchbooks hold some of B's ideas and inspirations. Recently she's been lucky enough to get to create more frequently the ideas are scribbled on sheets of scrap paper. A moleskin notebook is always in her back pocket, just in case!

I love the dainty feel of this bracelet.

Photo Tips. If you haven't noticed, B's photos are fabulous!
"I started out using a light box and lamps, thinking that it would provide the best light and quality of photos, and it was horrible! I highly recommend using natural light. Slightly overcast days are perfect, but if it is full on sunny, use a spot that is not in direct light but in the shadow near the light. Also, just play around with colors for backgrounds. And definitely get to know your camera. Macro is your best bud, and changing the color ratio is next in line!"

Aren't these Bubblegum Burst earrings adorable?!

As far as new crafting ventures B is loving the idea of both photography and sewing. Taking close up photos of nature is something she enjoys. Recently she created pillow covers for her living room - Next stop, a kitchen window valence - Then a laptop case! Clothing is something she hopes to venture into as well, as soon as she builds enough confidence. (I am very excited to see what she comes up with!)

This necklace will make your friends Green with Envy...

How can you win $15 to babblingbrooks?
You have 7 chances to enter to win the $15 babblingbrookes shop credit:
(One of which involves a FREE pair of earrings!!)

1) Follow this blog, mention in post.
2) Go to babblingbrookes and pick out your favorite item, heart it, then post the item here.
3) Give babblingbrookes a heart, post that you did so here.
4) Tweet &/or Blog about this giveaway, post link to tweet or post here.
5) "Like" babblingbrookes on Facebook & post on her wall - post that you did so here!
6) Purchase from babblingbrookes, mention Stunning in Notes to seller and receive a FREE pair of button earrings with your order!
(Also mention which pair of button earrings you would like for free in Notes to Seller)

This giveaway will begin at noon Eastern 8/16/2010 and will end on 8/22/2010 at noon Eastern. The winner will chosen from a random number generator and will be announced in a post Sunday evening.