Cobalt Blue is a color all designers have used in different collections, and even though it looks more like a winter color, it is also used in many summer collections! Made famous in the 80s, it is now back!

Why? Well, in my opinion, cobalt blue is a color that looks good on ANYONE! Blondes, brunettes, redheads, etc!
Yup. Don't believe me? try it on! Start with a small touch like a brooch, a silk scarf on the neck, a headband. Then build up from there, combine a cobalt blue shirt with your clothes. Or maybe a coat, why not? It will brighten those fall and winter days.

But beware! It looks good on anyone, but not with any other color! Use black, grey, white, silver for a more sophisticated look. Other people recommend to combine with yellow or brights like red, pink and green. For me that is too much color, but it all depends on you :)

You can also range from electric cobalt blue to softer tones, but I rather do the medium tones or deeper ones.

And of course I have picked a small selection of cobalt blue clothes and accessories for you!



Sellers, left to right, top to bottom, are: Ureshii, TailorMadeVintage, elysiumdesign, MarieCurious, VigilanteLabs, Harajuku, SkinnyandBernie, apocalypsevintage, zwzzy, avantanthologue, LolitaVintage, mitallo

What do you think? Will you dare with this blue? =)

One of the reasons I have been so busy is the editing of VivaLaModa! It was finally published online at beginning of May and so far got really great reviews! =)

So... the new issue of VivaLaModa (the handmade fashion online zine) is out!!!

You can read it here: http://www.vivalamoda.co.cc/

This third issue has 104 pages full of goodies picked by 24 collaborators.
As always, it mainly focuses on handmade & vintage items, and anything related with them, this time with a special take on the wedding season with two big articles: A Vegas Wedding with vintage dresses, and Unique Wedding with custom made gowns.

I specially love the designer spotlight (this issue the designer interviewed is Kate Towers, also on the cover), Get Joan's look (the sexy secretary at Mad Men... who doesn't just adore that show?) and Top 10 fashion items (a collection of 10 items every woman should have in her wardrobe!).

I really hope you like it! Don't forget to check the amazing collaborators and advertisers that made this magazine idea a real thing.

If anyone wants to spread the word about the magazine, you can grab a banner at:
http://www.vivalamoda.co.cc/link.html

And if anyone wants to advertise in the next issue, find information and rates here:
http://www.vivalamoda.co.cc/advertise.html (ads starting at $25 and I make ads at no extra cost)

So, do you like it? Any topic ideas for next issue?

If you like it and want to know when the next one is out, subscribe!

See a smaller version of the magazine here. Please visit the website to see the full version.

This week: Springtime Necklace by 6Carmen6


I love to see out of the ordinary beaded jewelry! =) Love this design. Really fresh.

With this necklace you can feel like it's spring already. The pendant has all the beautiful colors of spring: mauve, turquoise, purple and light pink plus all the beads are in a flower shape. Very hippi-like, isn't it?

I used perfect bohemian firepolished beads and japanese seed beads. The pendant is on a silver plated chain which closes with a heart shaped toggle clasp.

Size:
Pendant: 1.2"
Chain: 18.5

Rules to enter:

1. Visit 6Carmen6' shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 22nd March at midnight EST. Good luck!




If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

This week: Little orange flowers earrings by ZsBcreations


Wow, they are so gorgeous! And I love orange =)

Little lovely dangling flowers, made with orange acrylic frosted flower beads, brass and oxidized copper findings.

The length is about 2 1/4" (5.5 cm)

Rules to enter:

1. Visit ZsBcreations's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 22nd February at midnight EST. Good luck!




If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

Well, I know it is not Monday, but this week the giveaway starts on Saturday and ends on Friday... so be fast cause this is an amazing pendant!!!

This Week: Heart Pendant by TheSilverLakeStudio


This pendant is made of silver and handcrafted by TheSilverLakeStudio. It is an unique and original piece that screams LOVE! Perfect for Valentines Day, or any other romantic celebration ;)

Some details by the author:

It is about 1 3/4" wide and just under 2" tall. It is marked .925 The finish on it is what I call sparkle-brushed! I'll include a ribbon as well.
This is my own design and can't be copied.

Rules to enter:

1. Visit TheSilverLakeStudio's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 6th February at midnight EST. Good luck!




If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

First of all, Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays)!!!

And after weeks of working on this project, my gift for you guys this Christmas Eve is a new online fashion magazine! All focused in handmade / vintage / indie clothes, designers, etc. You will find info about new trends, designers, looks, and many more handmade related articles.
Hope you like it, it took me forever to finish lol =)

And the new magazine is: VivaLaModa
www.vivalamoda.co.cc

Click on the link to read it full size. here you have a small preview of all the goodies you will see in it!

Get your own - Open publication

I would love to read your feedback on it and what you would like to see in the next issue!

And, for those who want last minute gifts, I want to remind you of the gift guide we did about gift certificates. Buy one today and it will be emailed to you, you can print it tonight, place it under the tree and your friend will love you forever ;)

Hope you get a lot of great gifts tonight (or tomorrow) and that you have a lot of fun with your family! =)

I'm back with more giveaways! =)

This week: Key Fob by SewMuchDetail

You can choose any (1) Key Fob you want from her shop. She has some really fun pieces, like this one =) They are super cute and quite useful to not loose your keys ;)

Rules to enter:

1. Visit SewMuchDetail's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 30th November at midnight EST. Good luck!




2 for 1 this week! I am participating in Modish's November giveaway.
I sent a pair of silk earrings similar to these:
A lot of artists are participating in the giveaway, that is worth $805! WOW!

Click here to participate or read more!

If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

This time the gift guide is written by me, I jumped into my favourites and selected the jewelry items that I liked most. Obviously all of them (or at least most of them) are jewelry for women. After all, most women are addicted to jewelry! (I know I am!)

Every family has a member who loves earrings, necklaces, rings or bracelets. In my case it is earrings! So I hope this gift guide helps you out when choosing a present for that person.

Some of these items are quite expensive, that is why they still are in my favourites and not in my pocket! haha And I have many many more in my favourites, maybe some other day I will share them with you too =)

Enjoy!

Sellers, left to right, top to bottom: ShereDesign, modernbird, indiaylaluna, Ricksonjewellery, AngelaGerhard, pepperberrystudios, bethpohlman, sirenjewels, bcyrjewelry, catiesblue, lunaticart, daniellejewelry, imogeneANDannie, lake, nervoussystem, sudlow, melaniefavreau, eninaj, ashhilton, Joannarutter, FigsAndGinger, Galeana, Yoola, naturalezanica

Hope you like these items =)

This week: A Sailor’s Tale by Vadjutka

It looks so bright and colorful, almost like candy! =)

Also, Judit wanted to announce this:

**VADJUTKA’S XMAS GIFT 4 U**
Free shipping over 30 USD orders between 15th November and 15th December.

A Sailor’s Tale – fused glass pendant on leathers in turquoise, deep blue and red colors.

This Sailor pendant woke up one morning and found herself wearing a red stripe instead of a blue one.

’I don’t want to be a Sailor anymore. I am a Cherry Blossom from now on’ she thought and sailed away.

This pendant has turquoise, deep blue and red glasses fused together. The pendant hangs on three strands of leathers in matching colors.

Size of the pendant:
5 x 2,5 cm
2 x 1 inch

Length of necklace:
41 cm
17,7 inch

Rules to enter:

1. Visit Vadjutka's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 16th November at midnight EST. Good luck!



If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

Another gift guide! This time of the year is a little crazy with all the gift hunting and so on, so that is why I am trying to post as many gift guides as possible before Christmas in case anybody needs inspiration =)

I think this one is uber cute: Items to get kids into crafting! Thanks to Kate of katedowding

Sit a kid in front of a playstation or x-box and they will more than likely pick up the controller and instinctively know how to hold it, what the butons do and how to make Lara Croft jump off the ledge, make her spin around that pole thingy and land elegantly on the other side and not in a crumpled heap on the ground (ouch! thats enough of my frustrations)

Sit a kid at a table with a needle and thread or a stack of card and glue, will they get stuck in? Well probably, yes, kids are awkward like that and can turn their hand to anything. But, if your children think crafting is all about drinking tea while knitting a bumper supply of christmas jumpers, then take a gander and these 'make your own' kits which should steer them away from the TV screen for a little while.

Sellers, left to right, top to bottom, are (link to the item): kitsandcaboodles, orangemoontoys, feelingfuzzy, sweetpeababy, heatherknitz, MyKangaroo, blackbirdfashion, katedowding, kitsandcaboodles

Kate's shop:
katedowding



If you want to write a gift guide for the blog, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

Here you have a new gift guide =) This time: red items! Thanks to Beth of bethan009

Gift Guide - Red, Red, Red

I don’t know about your presents-to-buy list, but mine seems to get longer and longer every year – where do you find enough inspiration (not to mention time and money!)?

Sometimes you find the perfect thing straight away, or someone has been determined enough to tell you what they would like, but most of the time this doesn't seem to happen, and with so much out there it is often hard to know where to begin.

That’s the great thing about these gift guides that Gilbea is co-ordinating – someone else does a bit of the work, and hopefully provides a helping hand and a different perspective.

So, here is my contribution: gifts in the colour red, for the people you know who love a bit of brightness.

Beth

Sellers, left to right, top to bottom: karenfaulknerart, onegarnetgirl, creamrose, Sugarcane, OiOi, quiltification, craftyloren, sugarloop, FireflysTrinkets, lyptis, marsupialmouse, marymeestudio, whichgoose, tinymeat, replicca, frogandtoadsattic

Hope you liked this gift guide for you or your friends who love red! =)

Her shop:
Aneksi Designs



If you want to write a gift guide for the blog, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

Sorry if I don't answer all emails right away, these days I am a bit distracted, even though I spend most of my day in front of the computer, I only have eyes for job offers lol. I have an interview next week near London!! I'm a little afraid, have to take train, plane, and then train again in England... I hope I don't get too lost =/

Anyways, I'm back with more Get the look of articles! =) Phew!
This week: Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs!


100% indie girl, even to the point of making her own outfits! So what can you do if you can't make your own outfits and want to look as alternative as her? Take a look here:

Sellers, from top to bottom, left to right, are: iheartnorwegianwood, RockyMountainRetro, hellosweetmarie, vicmes, iheartnorwegianwood, Itkin, stewwie, exclamationpoint, frabjousfrocks, vintagegoodness, nomadshop, dara43, fieryliondesigns, TrashinThreads, gerrijo, incraftwetrust

Hope you liked this article! If you want to see somebody's look portrayed here with handmade/vintage items, feel free to say it! =)

We all know men are the hardest to buy a gift for. Unless they have a list of what they want, like my father has lol But if they are not specific about what they want, then it is total nightmare, because most of the times they answer with a "I don't know, get me whatever you want, I don't need anything" ARGHHHH
Of course most men don't appreciate things that don't have a real use, like most women do. Now with the younger generation I think this is changing. Men care more about what they wear, electronic gadgets, games and so on.

I contacted TimothyAdamDesigns because I am clueless when it comes to buy gifts for men, and I thought he could help us out! He is always helping fellow etsy sellers with his tips to promote, set a shop and video tutorials.

So, even if buying something for your father will still be difficult, here I present you a selection of items that could be great gifts for the younger men in your family. All thank Timothy!


Sellers, left to right, top to bottom, are (link to the item): Shauneil, GetReadySetGO, snowconecollective, TimothyAdamsDesigns, ccce, solidio, mybirch, vital, toybreaker, 1byliz, ashhilton, teaforbini

I hope this helps you out choose some Christmas gifts for your men =) This starts a series of gift guides that I hope to keep writing until Christmas.

Thanks Timothy!

His shops:
Timothy Adam Designs
z00m

His blog: http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com

If you want to write a gift guide for the blog, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

This week: $10 Gift Certificate by TheBrassHussy


Her earrings are lovely!
You can choose anything at TheBrassHussy's shop for $10 or less =)

Rules to enter:

1. Visit TheBrassHussy's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 26th October at midnight EST. Good luck!



If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

This week: Simple Biwa Pearl Earrings by Azaiez

I love the shape of these earrings, so original!

What the artist says about it:

Natural biwa freshwater pearls in a unique shape measure about ain inch in length and are wrapped in sterling silver. The perfect simple, elegant earrings for any outfit!

Rules to enter:

1. Visit Azaiez's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 19th October at midnight EST. Good luck!



If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

The contest for the copper waterfall earrings by MusetteMade still runs until Sunday Midnight, but since I am moving today, I needed to post next week's giveaway today, so you can start participating.

This week: Autumn's Alchemy Art Pendant by heartworksbylori


Lori makes the most fabulous art pendants ever! The images she uses are stunning. Don't you want this on your neck? =)

What Lori says about it:

I have the extreme pleasure of collaborating with Etsy award-winning photographer, Irene Suchocki. Her stunning work was featured on a recent episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". She creates 'little poems for the eyes' and our talents merge to bring you little poems to adorn your neck!

This photograph is printed on Kodak Endura's gorgeous metallic paper. The colors are exceptionally vivid and the image has a unique three-dimensional quality. The paper has a lovely pearlescent sheen and it's simply stunning in it's brass frame. The beautiful & vibrant image is mounted on an antique oxidized brass square filigree frame and hangs on a tiny brass link chain. It's sealed with a glass-like coating for protection and shine and is finished with a lobster clasp.

The pendant measures 1 1/2 inches x 1 1/2 inches. The chain is 16 inches long, but can be lengthened to 18 inches per your request.

Rules to enter:

1. Visit heartworksbylori's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 12th October at midnight EST. Good luck!



As I said earlier, I am moving to Madrid today! I don't know when I will have internet again but will try to answer all your emails and post from time to time. Don't stop visiting the blog! If all goes well I will post minimum twice a week =)
I'm so nervous! I start a new job on Monday! Well, talk to you soon guys!

If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

This week: Potential for Flight baby pendant by MyAphrodite


I really like this pendant =) Little birdie!

All ideas have the capability to sprout wings. Keep this metaphor close to your heart with this miniature pendant crafted entirely in Sterling silver with gemstone bead accents.

The pendant is made of sterling silver and has peridot and citrine accents. It measures approximately 3 cm in length and come hung from a 17 inch colored leather cord.

Rules to enter:

1. Visit MyAphrodite's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 21st September at midnight EST. Good luck!





If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

Bye Bye Summer!! :(

I know I know, last week was lame and I didn't update enough. Seems getting a job interview is harder than I thought! Anybody knows of Software Engineering jobs? :D

Anyways, if you take a look at the left column you'll see that today has starts the advertising campaign on the blog. If you want to advertise, please read this.

About the giveaway, this week: Tempting Turquoise and Pink Earrings by TheresaRose

Nice earrings! =)
Theresa says:

These earrings are a hot color combination - turquoise blue jade and hot pink coral!
The ear wires are sterling silver, as is the wire wrapping. The earrings are 1 1/4" (31mm) from top of ear wire.
I would like to offer these earrings OR any other pair of earrings from my store of equal value or less. The winner can select a different pair if these aren't her style.

Rules to enter:

1. Visit TheresaRose's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 7th September at midnight EST. Good luck!




If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

So sorry last week I didn't really post much! It was a little of chaos. Trying to apply for a job isn't as easy as I thought hahaha!
But! I bought a couple fashion magazines (something I only do twice a year lol), inStyle and Vogue. And Vogue was an especial edition and had 2 really thick magazines, in total weighted more than 2.5 kg!!!! Can you believe that? So soon I will have lots of reviews of the latest fall/winter trends ;)

This week: Steampunk inspired cuff by lovemaryxoxo


This cuff is fabulous! I'm liking more and more the steampunk objects! =)

The artist says:

The cuff is made from man made ribbon and antiqued chain. It measures 4cm x21.5cm = 1.5 inches x 8.5 inches and can stretch. It's of an 1890s sort of Edwardian style. Very vintage in feel.

Rules to enter:

1. Visit lovemaryxoxo's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 31st August at midnight EST. Good luck!




Winners of past giveaways:

• vadjutka's bracelet: AmandaSue
  
• idreamicanfly's earrings: Tabby
• tangente's gift certificate: Sylvia P
• terrygraziano's hat: lupinbunny
  

If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

WHAAAAA! I know I know. I don't want to look like Johnny Depp. BUT. You might want your men (aka boyfriend, friend, husband, father, grandfather, son) to look a little bit more like him. Why? Oh well, because he has a rad style! Don't fool yourself, the hat, glasses and everything else makes him even hotter! haha


While most of us remember him dressed as a pirat (maybe the hottest and gayest? pirat to ever appear on the screen) his regular style is also very fashionable. So what can we find in Etsy for the Johnny Depp in your life?

Sellers, left to right, top to bottom, are (link to the item): Delilah42, NeverNeverDesigns, CubistLiterature, VintageEtc, elizabethwrenvintage, theVINTAGEward, seekconnectlove, abrokenspoke, laboheme, stewwie, aPassionForFashion, jenn3star, NicoleLorentz, transaction, lizjac, theVINTAGEward

I'm not going to tell you how to do your hair or makeup to look like him :P haha but you will indeed need makeup if you try to look like Jack Sparrow! =)

Get a hat, a pair of old fashioned sunglasses or glasses, a lot of leather and small beads necklaces and there you go! Add a leather cuff and a bandana as scarf or cuff for the extra touch =) Voilá! Your own Mr Depp.

I hope you liked this article and, what other men would you like to see featured? I am also thinking on doing movie/tv series characters. Who would you like to see here?

Photo from ipis