Kathy's Krochet Nook: Ruffle Tote Giveaway!

by
90 Comments


I'm not sure if this is public knowledge or not, but I have a slight problem with tote bags (exhibit A). I love them. I use them as my work bag, my purse, my sewing bag, craft bag. I give them as presents (my MOH and Bridesmaid are getting ones!); I use them for moving, storage, anything and everything. So, when I came across the beyond adorable hand-made ruffle crochet tote bags from Kathy's Krochet Nook, I got so, so excited that I had to share them with you all. Kathy, who hand creates all her pieces in Wisconsin, is an expert crocheter. Having learned at an early age, she effortlessly whips up scarves, shawls, baby blankets, mittens, and her signature tote bag. Lucky for all our devoted Lovely readers, Kathy's Krochet Nook is happy to give away one of her awesome, original, and truly lovely tote bags to a Lovely reader! One of you will win a Tweed Dark Brown Ruffle Tote!

This tote is just the right size, not too big or too small! It measures 12" wide & 11" deep. This tote bag is made with a nice brown yarn with tiny multi-colored specks in it.

How can you win this lovely tote? It's so easy! Head over to Kathy's Krochet Nook and take a look around. Then leave a comment on this Lovely post telling us which piece is your favorite. You may enter as many times as you like. Make sure you include a way to contact you in case you win!

For additional entries: Friend Lovely at Your Side on Facebook and comment again letting us know; for yet another entry, Friend Kathy's Krochet Nook on Facebook and comment again, letting us know. The contest will end on February 6th, at 12 PM EST. A winner will be randomly picked and announced the next day. Good luck!


Update: Diane, #35 won! Thanks for playing!

Blustery Weekend Websites

by
1 Comment

Don't you love this pinup girl necklace? I so need this!

Happy Friday, loves! Is it me or does it feel like January has been going on, and on, and on? Well, we're finally almost at February...and one month closer to Springtime! Phew. What are you all doing this weekend? Eric and I are continuing our work on re-arranging/re-designing the apartment; it's fun, but a lot of work! If you have a little down-time this very chilly weekend, check out some of our favorite websites and blogs; there's nothing better then Saturday morning omelets, coffee, and some good blogs/online shopping on a blustery winter day. Have a good weekend, everyone! Stay warm! (or, for our warmer climate readers, send some warm weather our way!)
  • Check out the blog of our favorite local store, Milk & Honey. Seriously, whenever I walk into the store I am blown away with how gorgeous it is. Not only do they hand pick everything they sell, but everyone who works there is a total sweetheart. If you ever come to Long Island, it is a must stop at place for (affordable) gorgeous accessories, clothing, shoes, and jewelry.
  • I am slightly obsessed with the items from Layla Grayce. It's like preppy meets shabby chic meets vintage. Everything is well priced, truly lovely, and would make such great gifts.
  • I love, love, love Stephanie Johnson's Cosmetic Bags; you can search her website by bag design, and just go see how many different bags you can chose from! You can also search by collection, and Stephanie has gorgeous colors, textures, and designs to pick from. This would be a great present for a best friend/sister/mom/grandma. There's bound to be a bag for you!
And don't forget to check out some Lovely posts you may have missed!

"How Ardently I Admire and Love You..."

by
1 Comment

Lovelies, what's more romantic around Valentine's Day than Jane Austen? Pretty much nothing. Check out these Pride and Prejudice inspired items from Etsy, and don't forget to curl up with some tea and the BBC version of P&P (it's $13 on DVD!)...there's nothing more lovely than Colin Firth and beautiful houses, right?


Te Amo!

by
No comments yet

I love Valentine's Day; it's a special little day to show the people you love that you love them. However, I also love when we can find awesome little Valentine's Day gifts, with meaning, that are super cheap. Take for instance, these Spanish Sweethearts from Fred Flare. Does you sweetie/best friend/family member study Spanish or love Spain, perhaps they adore the poetry of Pablo Neruda? For $2, these would make a cute gift on their own, or a special addition to a larger gift. Now, I only wish they would manufacture these with Latin on them!

Fred Flare Does Valentine's Day

by
No comments yet

Check out these sweet kitcheny Valentine's day presents. Get them for your favorite gal, or for your handsome man-- he can take the hint and make you a sweet cup of cocoa. Or some eggs, whisked with love!


A Baker's Necklace

by
2 Comments

How adorable is this Baker's Necklace from Luxe Adornments? I love that it has the measurements on the spoons, and that the pan is a little discolored (from all that baking!). What a great present this would make for the gal in your life who always whips up those impeccable brownies/cupcakes/cookies that you know you can't live without. You think Bakerella has this necklace? She certainly should!

Happy Weekend: Good Deals!

by
No comments yet

(Ah! I love this little notebook from Campfire Chic, makes me want to jump in the car and take a road trip this weekend- somewhere new, and snow-less!)

Happy Friday, loves! Just a quick little note to say have a great weekend, and if you're stuck inside because of the snow, check out these great deals...

Remember the Campfire Chic designs from yesterday? They are offering Lovely readers a deal!


Your readers can buy a custom finished piece (not a print, but the actual hoop and fabric-yay!), a kit to make their own, or a pattern to start from scratch :) They can use the coupon code CAMP10 for 10% off their order.

Awesome! Thanks, Campfire Chic!

Also, I hate to tell you this, but JCrew is having their factory sale...check it out here! (40% off and free shipping over $100!)

And of course, don't forget to enter our Piece by Peace Giveaway! It's open through Sunday night, so don't forget, loves!

Happy shopping, beauts! Tell us if you buy anything...we'd love to know what you're all wearing these days!

Simply Lovely in a Necklace

by
No comments yet

Lovelies, don't you simply adore this necklace from Nest Pretty Things? This necklace, The Marilyn, is "16" length, made with a rare striking super high quality vintage black glass bead chain that connects to a gold plated chain, the charms and cameos include a black and cream bust cameo, a blush rose, a little vintage yellow rose cameo, a vintage daisy and little gold toned brass flying bird charm." I love the idea of wearing this either to a wedding as a guest, or the bride. It is so charming, and truly encompasses the concept of loveliness. What you you wear this necklace with? A dress and boots? A summer dress and cardigan? Do share!

A Lil' Campfire Love

by
1 Comment


Don't you love these adorable wall hangings from Campfire Chic? What a sweet Valentine's Day gift for the camper in your life. (Full disclosure: Eric loves camping and we haven't gone yet...whoops!) You can buy either a finished print to hang on the wall, or buy a PDF and give yourself a go at embroidery!

Olivia's Wedding Hair Inspiration!

by
1 Comment

So, now that the dress is bought, all I need is some rockin' shoes and a great hairstyle. I knew what I wanted to do with my hair, but when I saw these images from Martha Stewart Weddings, it totally fit the idea I had in my head! I love the lose waves, bump in the back, and soft romantic look to it. Plus, it doesn't even look too difficult to do!








Lovely Lyrical Outfit

by
2 Comments

My favorite song is Famous Blue Raincoat by Leonard Cohen. Cohen said that he actually had a blue raincoat-- a story which I love:
I had a good raincoat then, a Burberry I got in London in 1959. Elizabeth thought I looked like a spider in it. That was probably why she wouldn't go to Greece with me. It hung more heroically when I took out the lining, and achieved glory when the frayed sleeves were repaired with a little leather. Things were clear. I knew how to dress in those days. It was stolen from Marianne's loft in New York sometime during the early seventies. I wasn't wearing it very much toward the end.
I actually got a lovely blue raincoat for Christmas from my momma. Here's a great outfit I put together inspired by the song!




Piece by Peace Jewelry: Necklace Giveaway!

by
101 Comments


When I was in high school, our cousin got married in Arizona. Never having been out West at that point in my life, I was excited as the whole family traveled out to Sedona for a long weekend. I had no idea what to expect. When we got off the plane and traveled through the desert roads, I was amazed. The colors were outstanding. I felt like I was in some sort of National Geographic coffee table book. The hues, saturation, light, and textures were nothing like I had ever seen before in my life! When I came across the jewelry by Leslie Robin of Piece by Peace Jewelry, I was taken right back to the moment where we stood in a vortex, on a mountain, in Sedona. The colors of the jewelry are amazingly breathtaking. The turquoises, jades, agate stones, and tiger's-eye are not only reminiscent of Arizona, but all the jewelry is created by hand right in Tempe, AZ! Leslie has been, "operating this solo business proudly in Arizona for about 11 years! All designs are one of a kind, and materials are cruelty-free, as sustainable as possible, and mostly stones of the earth (many with healing and strong energetic properties), some recycled materials, and/or handcrafted by another local/independent artists." That sounds pretty darn lovely to me! And lucky for us Lovelies, Leslie is excited to giveaway one of her original pieces! One of Lovely's lucky readers will win a turquoise and agate necklace with a silver music note charm...perfect for all you music loving gals!

This necklace is great for a musician or music lover, as it features a silver music note as the drop surrounded by turquoise and agate stones, completed with a toggle clasp. Length: 17.25 inches.

How can you win this musically inspired beauty of a necklace? It's so easy! Head over to Piece by Peace Jewelry and take a look around. Then leave a comment on this Lovely post telling us which piece is your favorite. You may enter as many times as you like. Make sure you include a valid e-mail address in your comment so we can contact you in case you win! Entries not including an e-mail address will not be considered.

For additional entries: Friend Lovely at Your Side on Facebook and comment here with your name. The contest will end on January 23rd, at 12 PM EST. A winner will be randomly picked and announced the next day. Good luck!

Tribal Cashmere & Turquoise Funky Beadwork Bracelet; Terrapin Station- Carnelian Necklace; End of the World Party- Jasper & Tiger's Eye Earrings; The Britta Necklace

Lovely Weekend Wrap-Up

by
No comments yet

Hi Lovelies! How was your weekend? We had a delightful time going to Brooklyn Saturday night. The Jalopy Theatre is a-dorable. And, if I don't say so myself, it would be quite the offbeat place for a wedding! Eric played with Jen Larson and North River, and they did a fantastic job (as always!). Check out Eric doing a guitar solo (don't you love the lights around the curtains?)--doesn't he look cute up there? I think so!

Did you all watch the Golden Globes? They are my absolute fave awards show. I turned them on, washed dishes, and dreamed about what I would wear to the show, if I ever went (you never know! And, the answer to that is a navy, sweetheart neckline, strapless Monique Lhuillier, in case you were wondering...). What would YOU wear to the Globes? Who did you think looked the best? I loved all the navy colored dresses, especially Mandy Moore. I also loved Eva Longoria's look (so classic!).

Lovely Brooklyn Bound Weekend!

by
1 Comment

Hi Loves! We made it to Friday (okay, we sort of cheated with a snow day on Wednesday)! What are you all doing this weekend? Eric is playing a show at the Jalopy Theatre in Brooklyn on Saturday night, so that's where I'll be, singing and clapping along. I've...never been to Brooklyn (Editor Jenny's note: that's not true, you have been to Brooklyn, many times.), so I'm excited to trapse out there with Jenny and one of my best gal pals. Speaking of Brooklyn, check out four pieces from amazing Etsy designers based out of Brooklyn...which one of these would you wear out to a Saturday night show? (PS. Don't forget to enter my New Year's giveaway to win anchor earrings from Cookie and The Dude!)

Top: Mint Opal Paisley Earrings from Brooklyn Grace; Blond Braided Leather Bracelet with Aqua Blue Quartz Drop from Born in Brooklyn; Bottom: Antiqued Button Necklace from Andy's House; Karma Circle Jasper Bead Bracelet from Brooklyn Thread

Olivia's New Year's Giveaway: What's Your Fave?

by
60 Comments

Hi Lovelies, we have a very special giveaway for you all! Remember how last week Jenny gave away her favorite item from Milk & Honey? Now it's my turn! Jenny and I each chose a piece which we wanted to giveaway from the gorgeous Long Island store, Milk & Honey. Milk & Honey (a favorite of Britney Spears) has the most unique, lovely, fashion forward, and beautifully sassy jewelry, gifts, and clothing (not to mention, totally affordable!). Jenny got me my Christmas present from Milk & Honey, a tiny harmonica on a chain! Loves it. I've decided to give away these lovely handmade anchor earrings from a great independent store, Cookie and The Dude. Cookie and The Dude makes awesome hair/life accessories which would perk up any winter outfit.


How can you win these adorable Cookie and The Dude anchor earrings from Milk & Honey? It's so easy! Below I have a list of my favorite posts from 2010, all you have to do is comment on this entry with your favorite post from my list below. To gain another entry, comment on this entry with a favorite Lovely at Your Side post not mentioned in my list below. For yet another entry, friend Lovely at Your Side on Facebook, and come back here to tell us; and for yet another entry (yes, we love you gals this much!), friend Milk & Honey on Facebook and come back here to tell us. You must put a way to contact you in your comment so we can tell you if you won. Contest ends on January 20th at 12 PM EST.
So, which post is your fave? Tell us and you could win these beautiful anchor earrings! Happy New Year, loves!
UPDATE: We have a winner! Number 20 :) Thanks for playing, everyone!

Happy Friday!

by
No comments yet

Happy Friday, winter babies! We made it: it's finally Friday. What are you all doing this weekend? Eric and I are supposed to (if the snow is nice to us) go to Connecticut to see a band we want for the wedding play. I'm excited! Speaking of weddings, don't you just love the back of this bride's dress? I adore a criss-crossed back; it always makes me think of ballerinas. Well, whatever you do this weekend, stay warm! And, don't forget to enter Jenny's favorite posts giveaway to win a lovely gold colored butterfly necklace from the famous Milk&Honey...and don't worry, my fave post giveaway is happening soon!

(Photo by Simply Bloom Photography; more photos of the wedding at Love and Lavender)

Lovely Gingham!

by
3 Comments

One trend that never goes out of style is women wearing men's style clothing. Take for instance: the gingham shirt. Gingham, which "originates from an adjective in the Malay language, ging-gang, meaning stripe" (Wikipedia) is a common shirt type for Oxford style shirts, but now the style is popular for adorable fitted shirts for women. I love pairing gingham shirts with white jeans and a headband in summer, or a cardigan, jeans, and brown boots for Fall, and I even wore a red and white gingham shirt with a black dress to see The Nutcracker a few years back. It's a classic style, never trendy, and looks classy and feminine on any lovely lady. What would you pair these gingham finds with?

1. Gap Gingham Shirt (red or black); 2. Old Navy Blue Gingham Shirt; 3. Old Navy Gingham Dress (on major sale!); 4. Forever21 Gingham Picnic Shirt; 5. L.L. Bean Gingham Cotton Shirt (black or purple); 6. JCrew Gingham Perfect Shirt

Lovely Bracelets

by
2 Comments

One of my favorite nursery rhymes is Ride a Cock Horse. It goes like this:
Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross
To see a fine lady upon a white horse
With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes
She shall have music wherever she goes
A few days ago I decided that I loved the last two lines, and I would make them my personal motto. I shall have music wherever I go. Easiest way to accomplish? BANGLES. Multiple bracelets, slipped over the hand which make a jingle-bangle-ba-angle sound when worn. I used to own an amazing set which I cannot find, so I invested $4.30 in these two sets of bangles form Forever21. I've been wearing them with a set of three gorgeous ivory and gold spring bangles I picked up in a flea market in Paris. My dream for my bangles collection is to wear fewer and fewer Forever21 ones and replace them with other bangles with stories.

Check out some of the amazing options on Etsy.