New York International Gift Fair

A quick inside look at the NY International Gift Fair - in case you couldn't make it.

The accessories were abundant - I had many favorites, but my phone eventually died so I didn't get to shoot everything I wanted!

Dana Gibson was also there. I wrote about her work here - I love her newest items!

Owner of Pyar & Co. - her skirt was sooo neat! Loved her, she was so kind! Her booth was super cute too!

Candy - loved the colors so much had to show you.

Tokyo Milk - one of my favorites - have you tried their stuff yet??

Coco Cozy - This girl is one of the nicest business owners out there. It was such a pleasure to meet her finally! 

My husband actually did her website - she always says such nice things about his work. You can see it here. Her tweet yesterday made my day -

- pics by jen ramos

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Klury: A Luxury Fashion Exchange

Klury is a cool site where you can buy pre-owned (good condition) designer clothing online. Also, if you have designer clothing you want to get rid of - you can also sell them on Klury, neat huh? 

It's a great way to add some designer pieces to your wardrobe without spending a fortune!  Featuring fashion items by designers like DVF, Alexander Wang, Manolo Blahnik & more! I selected a few of my favorite pieces on sale right now! Happy Friday!

How do you feel about pre-owned fashion? Would you ever consider shopping on sites like Klury?

-images via klury 

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Design: Designer Gillian Lefkowitz

It's Drew here, bringing you another dose of design inspiration. This time, let me introduce you to designer, Gillian Lefkowitz. After seeing this California home, I automatically want to run out and search for a modern architect to build me a house that resembles this incredible home!

I love the clean and minimalistic white walls with bold, contrasting pops of color in the decor and artwork. There is an obvious modern approach, but the touches of vintage accents give it such a charming impression.

   

How stunning is the gold light fixture outside of the living room and the crystal chandelier in the dining room? Gives each room just the right touch of glam, that I go crazy for.

I love how each space is so open and inviting. The curtain separating the dining room and other living area is such a great way to use as a divider or opening.

Can't you just imagine waking up to such a sunny and bright kitchen?!

What a great color choice of sage green for the cabinets. 

I don't even have to tell you what an incredible wallpapered accent wall that is in one of the bedrooms. High ceilings and windows are a huge plus too!

Then of course we're left with a shady and lush backyard. Spending summers out on that porch would automatically give me the itch to plan an outside barbeque and have friends and family over for a fun evening in this perfect spot!

Thanks for living through this little dream of mine through this extraordinary, California abode!

Until next time!

-post by Drew Humphries

    

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My Birthday

Today is Aug. 15th, my birthday. 

I was born 39 years ago here in NYC.  I've been through a lot of things in my life - both good & bad and like most of you, kept on moving forward. Age didn't scare me until a few days ago when I started feeling sick & ended up in the emergency room at Lenox Hill hospital. According to the doctors, they didn't find anything obviously wrong. Great. I don't know if I should be celebrating or concerned. It did remind me (after viewing my X-rays) that I had mild Levoscoliosis of lumbar spine. The first time I found this out was about 5 years ago. It has now brought up concerns about my health & posture.

So much so, that I decided I'll sign up for some type of stretching class & physical Therapy to perhaps slow down the curvature. It isn't obvious if you look at me, so don't count me out yet.... Anyone else have this?? I'm curious. The only thing I've experienced is lower back pain off & on, especially if I'm sitting in one position for too long.

Sure, I got a little sad, but my sadness stemmed from how my partner would look at me 'if' this got worse. Would he think I was ugly? not attractive? You know, all those ugly, awful thoughts we should really avoid but can't help but think about. After expressing my concerns to him he told me he would love me no matter what & that he thinks I'm beautiful both inside & out. I believe him, he's never proven otherwise. 

So today I celebrate, because it's another year of life that God has given me to live. Another year he has given me to celebrate with my family & friends. Another year to grow my business. It's another year he has given me to love HIM & care for others.
 

I am thankful & know that worrying will only cause the bad thoughts to start rolling in. So, I will continue to move forward and allow more love in my life & less worry.  I'm not going to lie, I'd rather be turning 25. But continuing to wish that would be living in the past & not in what life has for me today. 

As I look out my window the rain is starting to come down. As I look to my left I see a dog who loves me unconditionally & then I look at the bathroom mirror at what my husband wrote this morning. So cute.

Hope you're having a great day. I'll show you on My Twitter what my guy is cooking up for my Birthday later tonight! Can't wait.

-top image by janis nicolay

-bottom image by jen ramos

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New at MadeByGirl

New at MadeByGirl - a gorgeous hammered 14K brushed gold skull bangle. This is my favorite so far!  

Are you on Pinterest? I am. I just pinned this & several other things. Feel free to follow me here. 
 

-image by jen ramos

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Design: Glammed Up

Hi Made By Girl readers! It's Amanda again. When Jen posted the new Chanel No 5 print in her shop, I've knew I had to get it and style a room around it. It's the perfect added touch to any room... and it's classic! Here's how I would style it and some quick tips when adding pink accessories to the home. 

How do you add pink to your home?

1 Sofa | Throw | Leopard Print Pillow | Pink Pillow 

2 Greek Key Rug 

3 Mirror Accent Table 

4 Coffee Table | Glam Centerpiece Bowl | Mini Bauble Box | Letter Sorter | Tin Cans 

5 Books: Impact | Herb Ritts L.A. Style | Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs | Tom Ford

6 Brass Lamp 

7 Gold Pig 

8 Ikat Box 

9 Iron Feather 

10 Ottoman

______________________


-post by amanda dietz

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Not Your Average Camera Strap

Any photographers out there? Well, I'd like to introduce you to the coolest strap you've seen. It' not made out of fabric, but instead fabric, leathers and chain. Sounds sexy no? I'd say so! 

Sarah Frances Kuhn is her name & these super hip straps are her creations. I came across her straps online & knew I had to have one for my camera. My camera had a plain boring CANON logo strap, you know, the same one everyone else has. Well, these are unique and certain to be a hit anywhere you carry your equipment. 

They'd also make a fantastic gift to any photographer! You can have her custom make you one or choose one of the designs available on her site. Awesome no? Some of you are probably wondering, isn't that thing HEAVY? It's a little heavy, but not in a way that makes it uncomfortable. I love mine.

Below is the custom camera strap I had Sarah make for ME. 

I was soooo undecided at first, whether I should do something colorful or just black. I thought, hot pink or a pretty pastel, but then I thought about my outfits and how I should try to coordinate things...

So, in the end I decided an all black & gold strap would suit me the best. What do you think??

- image 4-7 by jen ramos

- images via nicolette mason , style bubble, shop fruition, glam rawk

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