Blog Overhaul for March + Etsy giveaway!

OK, folks. Here is the plan:

March is dedicated to shedding the 12 pounds I've gained over the last so many months, which means there really won't be many fashion pics or fashion ramblings on my end since when you feel like a big, lumpy pig, fashion and clothes is the thing you want to think about least.

So, while I'm working my ass off, detoxing my liver, and eating a shit-load of vegetables, I'll be posting more of my Olympics Adventure and finish up posting the rest of the New Zealand trip - I've got SO many stories and photos left, it's ridiculous!

In the meantime though, I'm getting a little blogging help from my friend Kira. She's bravely agreed to guest blog once or twice a week and share her latest findings from her Etsy shop "Tarte Shoppe" or what she's lusting over this week fashion/style/beauty-wise, or just ramble about whatever strikes her fashion fancy.

And so, without further ado, here is Kira (remember to leave a comment below or see the previous post in order to enter her Etsy store's giveaway!):

So I suppose I should do the introduction thing now, so you're not all in the dark. My name is Kira and I have been addicted to crafts for 25 years. Oh, oops, wrong intro. My darling friend Lusty has asked me to do some guest spots on her blog and of COURSE I said yes (actually it was more like *gigglesnort* YES!!). She's been so wrapped up and entranced by the Olympics lately that we thought maybe I could bring some of the fashion back to the blog - in my crafty, nerdy way.

I want to talk about something I have a huge, unwavering passion for: accessories. And more specifically, jewelry. Recently I've come across some AMAZING artists on Etsy (be still, my nerdy heart!) and I thought I'd drop the bomb on everyone by showcasing a bit of their work.

I am an accessory queen. Pushed over the edge by growing up and working in environments where my clothes needed to be bland (private school, professional offices) I've always spiced things up with some flashy bling or a big POW! of charm in other forms.

At one point I even worked at a small accessory store, as did my best friend whom I now work with (at a bland office), so our powers combined have been literally unstoppable in the accessory-shopping department. I'm talking boxes full of belts, scarves, hats, gloves, and full-on DISPLAYS of various jewelry in our homes. It's a little frightening to newcomers, but don't worry, that overwhelming feelin DOES pass.

As an adult now (cryface) I look back and am very proud of how my style has changed (and quite drastically over the years, I must say). Gone are the days of plastic charm bracelets, anything that says "SEXY" or "ANGEL" or knee-height patterned socks. These days I'm progressing into a more classy, sophisticated, and almost "vintage" style, yet still keeping a grasp on the fun stuff when I can. It's really interesting to see myself change so much over the years and bizarre to find my taste in accessories go from one extreme to the next.

Anyways, enough of my babbling - let's get to the goods! These are some of my favourite pieces lately.

"Steampunk" adjustable watch face ring with Swarovski crystal by StJoshua on Etsy:


This Steampunk business is quite new to me, but is SO popular on Etsy that I feel totally out of the loop. Generally I think the idea behind it is upcycled machine parts turned jewelry. Whatever you call it, this is a simple piece that has a ton of charm and brings you back to a day and time you weren't even alive. Oh snap.

"Alice Still Growing" Necklace by mamaslittlebabies on Etsy:


I can't express how adorable this necklace is. It's simple, and sweet, and straight to the point. A picture of everyone's current sweetheart (as the Tim Burton version of Alice in Wonderland release looms) paired with a little red Swarovski heart jewel. I love it. Classic!

Sugar Skull Earrings by WickedMinky on Etsy:


These earrings make me SO happy. I have the necklace version of these, and it makes me giggle with joy. This girl has such amazing talent, and hand-paints every. single. piece. Incredible! All old-school tattoo styles in vivid colours - takes my breath away.

"Daniella" Ivory Lace necklace by LiveInStyle on Etsy:


This lacy number is fantastic, and really makes me want to knock over a thrift store and make my own necklaces like this. It's so classy and simple, and could so easily be paired with ANYTHING, let's face it.

That's it for now, I hope you go and check out these sellers because they definitely deserve your attention.

And speaking of attention, don't forget to leave a comment to enter the TARTSHOPPE GIVEAWAY! Yes, you caught me.. it's a shameless plug! As the owner and mastermind behind Tartshoppe, I can't help but remind you all that you only have ONE WEEK TO ENTER!! The prices are delicious, let me tell you: Cherry Cherry soap bars or a $20 e-tificate to use @ Tartshoppe!

I know there's not much up right now, but I am literally making new items every single night (except tonight, because I'm watching American Idol and writing this...) and adding new things all the time! There is NO expiry on the certificate, either, which is even more bonus. I don't believe in expiry dates, anyways. They're silly. So keep it until you find something you're really stoked on - or give me a shout and we can figure out a custom piece! I'm very friendly and I promise I won't get bite.. much :)

So leave a comment here or on the previous post, and if you tweet about this contest on Twitter (be sure to RT at Wanderlustingkh and leave me comment here to let me know you did so) you're entered to win the Cherry Cherry soap bar giveaway AS WELL. Only a few people have re-tweeted, so the odds of winning are awesome!