Although we’ve featured bits and pieces of Ruche here before, I wanted to do a full post on some of their lovely women’s fashion trends today.  Have you spent time looking through ShopRuche.com?  It’s one of the greatest things since sliced bread (not even exaggerating).  I love their indie/vintage looks.  My fashion dreams now consist of filling my entire closet with Ruche items… and their JEWELRY is so dreamy, too.  But, alas… I need to quit typing and start showing you why I’m so crazy about them!

Sprouting Up – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-sprouting-up-c-24_114.html

Even though this shirt has sold out, I had to feature it.  Isn’t it lovely?  And I think it could work beautifully to be made modest with a pretty v-neck/scoop-neck shirt underneath, especially with sleeves that end at the elbow.  It would also look gorgeous with a simple cardigan on top.  You’d want to leave it open, though, so the lovely embellishing could shine through.  I think the thing that draws me most to this outfit is the simple colors (tan/khaki with white linen pants) with the bright pop of blues in the embellishing.  This top would also be fabulous for people like me that need some proportion-compensating for not being as well-endowed in the chest region (a.k.a. members of the “flat like a wall” club).

Picture Frames – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-picture-frames-c-24_116.html

This is a really great outfit, combo.  I especially am crazy about the belted look in the final picture.  The top is quite loose fitting, but it’s well-balanced by the form-fitting leggings.  This looks like such a comfortable outfit that wouldn’t look sloppy.  It could work well for a day running errands with the kiddos or even a get-together with friends.  Since I’m a food photographer by profession, I have this vision of things that work well as a “photographer outfit” and this would definitely classify as something I’d wear to a shoot.  It would look professional, but still casual enough for my clients to feel comfortable (even though I’d be so drop-dead sexy they’d have a hard time focusing on the food – always a problem… ha, ha).  Just fabulous.

Orange Sherbet – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-orange-sherbet-c-24_100.html

I also have a BIG thing for orange… oddly enough my high school’s colors were green and orange (lucky, right?).  This orange top is just gorgeous.  I love the pin tucks along the bottom, as well as the vintage embroidery across the bodice.  They’ve paired it perfectly with the chocolate-colored cardigan and sailor pants (aren’t sailor pants AWESOME?!!).  Yes, I’ll take this whole outfit right away please.

Here’s some of my favorite tops: Celestial Embroidery Tank, Poplin Zipper Top, Daisy Wings Cap Sleeve Top and the Bella Embroidered Striped Tunic

And a few fun shoes: Pink Studio Leisa gray platform wedge sandals, Gray Studded Pointy Heels and Rocket Dog “Dart” frayed canvas ballet flats (I love Rocket Dog shoes!!)

Here’s some of their sexy earrings: Up Up and Away Dangling Earrings, Coral Moondrop Swarovski Earrings, Mini Mesh Rose Earrings in Silver, Golden Flower Drop Earrings, Jaded Dangling Hoop Earrings by Ollipop and Golden Daisy Sparrow Drop Earrings

A few rad bags: Box Pockets Purse in Chestnut, Leaf Bag in Avocado and Take Me With You Clutch

I love these necklaces: Not So Typical Diamond Locket Necklace by Thursday Island, Cream Rose Indie Necklace, Cherokee Feather Necklace by Thursday Island and All in a Dream Sparrow Necklace

To-die-for accessories: Chenin Grape Scarf in Chocolate, Sweet Sage Flower Headband, A Straw Hat for Huck’s Girl, Grey Berriflower Headband, Mustard Seed Ruffled Scarf and Astrantia Melody Headband

And now, the grand finale… yummy rings: Flower Child Oval Cocktail Ring by Ollipop, Purple Quartz Daisy Ring by Ollipop, Baby’s Breath Ring by Ollipop, Lost in Time Capsule Cocktail Ring by Ollipop, Lorelei Pearl Ring and Green Leaf Flower Ring

So…. are you loving Ruche like I am?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Around Christmas time last year I bought 4 fun hair accessories from Kaang (featured this creative chick’s store in the very beginning of CreatedByChicks.com). Every time I wear ANY of them, I get TONS of comments about how fabulous they are and am asked where I got them. Honestly, it’s been the best discovery since sliced bread to know that on any given day I can take my hair from drab to fab by just adding a clever hair accessory. Girls, you’d be shocked to know what kind of fabulous, dirty hair styles you can get away with by doing this…. shocked.

Me, rockin’ my very fun, Kaang butterfly headband, with my sweet friend Brooke at Anastasia’s Attic.

Me (bein’ snazzy with my Kaang pink flower clip) sitting between two of the most hilarious chicks whom I’m so lucky to call friends, Kristina and Steph (on a SassyScoops.com review).

So, now I’m the biggest fan of funky hair accessories on the planet.  My oober-hip friend, Carina, has been rockin’ them for awhile (she’s always ahead of the times) and I tell you what: she always looks fantastic and polished.

Today I was hunting for more fab hair accessories and came across a really fun new designer called Feather & Bloom.  I really found some great pieces that would brighten up any bad hair day, instantly.  Check them out (as always, click on the pic to be redirected to that item in their store):

CALIGO pink feather headband – $24.00

SALLY beige feather headband – $22.00

EVA rose flower hair clips – $24.00

RAQUEL chartreuse feather headband – $18.00 (cuz green is my FAVORITE color – love this!)

ENIGMA beige flower hair clip – $28.00

AMY purple feather headband – $22.00

Aren’t these fun?!  I’m definitely crushing over them and adding them to my wishlist.  I especially love the ENIGMA beige flower clip because it’s so stunning and would go with just about anything, quickly dressing up your hair.  But there’s soooo many fun choices that I had a really hard time not putting even more in (I know… such a long post today).

Thanks for inspiring us with your creativity, Feather & Bloom!  We’re diggin’ it!

What hair accessory is your favorite from Feather & Bloom?  Have you branched out and tried a funky, feather headband yet?  Do you dare wear flowers in your hair?  What’s your comfort level with hair accessorizing? Do you need some ideas on what to pair all of these with? You’d be surprised at how much can “go” with fun, bright colors like a lot of the hair accessories featured here today.

Disclaimer: no one paid for the promotion of these two fabulous stores… just my own adoration driving this post.

I woke up early this morning to find something fabulous to feature on CBC today, when lo and behold, in my email was a sweet little note from a really lovely Etsy artisan!  I checked out her store and immediately wanted to feature her and her beautiful, vintage earrings and hairpins… soooo fun!  So, without further ado, check out these little beauties, created by Erica of {Little Lovelies}.  p.s. don’t forget to click on the pics to be redirected to the item in her store.

Purple Gardenia Flower Lovely earrings – $7.50

Orange Ornate Floral Hair Lovely – $2.25

Light Blue Gardenia Flower Lovely earrings – $7.50

Lily Pad Hair Lovely – $1.50

Coral Leaf Heart Lovelies – $7.00

Oooh, la, la!  I could snag up every single one of these!  I think I would quickly become addicted and my other earrings and hairpins would wonder what they ever did to never be worn again.

I snagged up a fun little jade green beaded bracelet from a fun online shop I stalk and wore it every day until the Sunday before last when my 1.5 y/o pulled on it and the bracelet broke, sending beads all over the chapel floor (very reverently, though, of course).  I’ve definitely felt a void in my wardrobe and have decided that I am a person who thrives on wearing green accessories.  Call me crazy, but I swear it helps me stay centered and happy during the day.  So… I think these little babies from {Little Lovelies} would be the PERFECT addition to my wardrobe (looking at them feels heavenly… ahhh….):

Celery Sprig Vintage Flower Cabochon Studs – $8.00

What’s your favorite from {Little Lovelies}?  Do you have a color that you love to wear and especially accessorize with?

Thank you for your fabulous creativity, Erica!  We LOVE your {Little Lovelies} shop!!!

p.s. Erica has a stinkin’ fun blog I’m going to start following now because I think she’s hilarious and possibly a long-lost sister – check it out: Erica’s Bloggity Blog.  She’s also a preggo photog, just like me!  Seriously, meant to friends or what?

Today I’m featuring the fabulous creative chick, Chante’, of Black Satin Shoes.  Her tagline is, “Perfect accessories to wear with your black satin shoes.” I don’t even own any black satin shoes, but now I think I better look into it because all of her accessories would be SOOOO perfect for a lovely night out.

From her profile I found this tasty bit of info that I loved: I love making things that are fun and girly on my off time. I love bows and pearls, so you will find that a lot of things i make are based around that. I also have the problem of wanting to keep everything i make, but who does not.

Doesn’t she sound so fun?  I love that she struggles to sell her creations because she loves them all.  I can totally see why, too.  Here’s a few of my favorites from her shop (click on pics to be redirected to that item in her store):

Kerry Anne (mustard yellow) – $17.00

Pink Cluster Shoe Clips – $17.00

Camille Headband – $18.00

Red Velvet (shoe clips) – $17.00

Serraphina Headband – $19.00

Cream and Gray Cluster Shoe Clips – $16.00

Now I bet you’re just like me, itching for somewhere fancy to go – heck, even going to a movie could be fancy enough to wear heels and pull out some of Black Satin Shoes’ shoe clips!  And the headbands… oh, the headbands.  I think I’m in love with the boho chic look.  I think I could get addicted to buying these fabulous headbands very quickly (already am getting near the “too many” danger point).  Loving your creativity, Chante’!

— Part 2 in a 2-part series: Part 1 – Fashion Friday Bring in the New Year with Color! (due to technical internet issues, this post is showing today, rather than Friday when it was originally intended) —

As we move from 2010 Spring/Summer weather into Fall/Winter life, the tone in color obviously has a cooler mood. But mentally we don’t totally change from one color to another. So our muted lilac from summer now has a little gray added to neutralize it and calm the intensity. This new deeper purple is called eggplant.  (Click on pics to be redirected to the item in their store).

Hand Woven and Hand Dyed, Pure Wool Shawl by SR’ design – $40.00

The vibrant bold blues will move to a sustainable navy. Navy is a classic for business and most other occasions. More women will be joining the workforce to try to supplement reduced family incomes or take over where a job has been lost. The mature business mentality of both navy blue and dull lilac will be admired for sophisticated occasions.

Stylish soft jersey V neck wrap dress in navy blue and plum by Daniella Besso – $120.00

Velvet Millinery Flowers in Midnight Blue for Fascinators, Hats, Corsages, Brooches, Altered Art by Mary, not Martha – $6.95

The vibrant Raspberry or fuchsia of the summer will be lightened, softened, and toned down to almost a pink; but you can still see the blue undertones that give it a raspberry feeling. This will be idealistic for casual activities. It has a younger, more spontaneous, yet feminine look for daytime clothing.

Crocheted Raspberry Newsboy Cap by Winona Min – $36.00

The vibrant tangerine will also tone down, so much in fact that it will seem more like a vibrant, skin tone. This will be great for layering in different weights with a stark white for contrast and to show off its color.

The eco-friendly green that was so playful in the summer becomes almost a seafoam teal. This color will soften the sharper business cuts of clothing.

Green and Orange Flower Clip by Blue Yodey Baby Boutique – $2.75

Opal is the gem that will tie in any color from this palate – so any piece of jewelry containing this iridescent stone will be the crowning touch of your wardrobe.

Precious Stone Blues by Jellies Jewelry – $188.00

CHA–CHA CELESTE. luminous gemstone charm Ring by Beijo Flor – $49.00

All this month I’ll be talking about 2010 color and fashion trends, so be sure to subscribe and Google Follow (sidebar) CreatedByChicks.com so you don’t miss any of it!

Happy Thanksgiving, creative chicks!!!  I hope you’re looking forward to a day of gratitude and feasting like I am!  We have so much to be grateful for this year and always.  I am grateful for creative chicks that light the way for the rest of us to be courageous and get creative!  I’m especially grateful to rub shoulders with all of my fantastic creative chick readers.  Thank you for your support and for your comment-love.  You have turned this crazy creative-endeavor into something that I truly am excited to be a part of each day.  I hope this blog inspires you to stay on your creative paths as you have inspired me to stay on mine.

In preparation for today’s post I went on a little hunt to find Thanksgiving-inspired handmade creativity via Etsy.  I don’t know about you, but while I do enjoy some occasional cheesy humor, cheesy holiday-inspired fashion and accessories are NOT my thing.  You will never in a billion years catch me wearing little turkey earrings, nor will you find we wearing a sweater with giant pilgrims, Native Americans and the first Thanksgiving stitched into it.  It’s just not my style.  I’m not knocking it; it’s just not how I roll.

However, I do think some classic, holiday-inspired pieces can be an exciting addition to a holiday outfit, home decor and celebration.  Today I wanted to feature some creative, non-cheesy Thanksgiving-inspired finds (click on the pic to be redirected to original site):

Organic Catnip Pumpkin Pie Slice by CatzillaCrafts – $9.00

Candy Corn mock lariat necklace by SASessories – $39.50

Pumpkin Pie Pearl Earrings by Jaros Designs – $15.99

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart Wall Decal by Pop Vinyl Studio – $24.00

Autumn Wedding Flower Hair Comb in Fall Harvest Colors by KimArt – $25.99

Aren’t those finds freaking fabulous?!  I’m completely inspired (and wishing I would have found them a LOT sooner – oy veh).  Now go have a feast to celebrate all that you’re grateful for!  Thanks for sharing a slice of your holiday with me at CreatedByChicks.com!!

I am on a mission to find the BEST hair accessories around & share them with you!  I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets bad hair days.  I’d also bet that I’m not the only one who gets tired of the same old hair do every day.  Today I’m featuring the fabulous designs of Jennifer Birge that are sure to add pizazz to any hair do, any time.

Check out these lovelies (click on pic to be redirected to item in Jennifer Birge’s store):

The Sumptious – $11.00

The Aristocrat – $31.00

The Retro – $24.00

Little Holiday – $8.00 (threw this one in cuz I love it & am already getting soooo excited for the holidays.  I think we all “need a little Christmas” this year – don’t you think?)

Laylah – $20.00

I’m tempted to keep featuring creative chicks that spice life up & give us sexy hair days every day.  Would you like that?

Jennifer Birge’s designs are DEFINITELY a newfound fave!!  And her product pictures are completely stunning!  Love your creativity, girl!!

I think it’s pretty obvious that I’m in a hair crisis right now and am looking feverishly for fabulous hair-finds to take my do from frumpy to fabulous.  Today I’m highlighting some FABULOUS floral headbands and brooches.  For fall and winter my goal is to find simple ways to update my look without spending a lot.  These headbands and brooches fit the bill!  The simplest way to dress up a t-shirt and jeans is to add a touch of fancy via accessories.  Imagine the possibilities with these fab accessories created by creative chick behind Bean and the Sprout (as always, click on the pic to be redirected to that item on the original site).

Purple & Army Green Cluster Headband – $30.00

Royal Cluster Brooch – $30.00

Blue Garland Headband – $25.00

Oversized Royal Purple Brooch – $30.00

Aren’t these gorgeous?  I think these would pair perfectly with a simple t-shirt and jeans.  You could even wear it with something dressy.  Loving the creativity from Bean and the Sprout!  Keep it up, creative chick!  You’re making the world a lot less frumpy and a whole lot more fabulous (starting with me)!!!