Lately: Autumn 2015

Autumn in Seattle is usually as perfect as our Springs, but this year has been odd (not unlike the rest of the year). It's been unseasonably warm (in the 60s to 70s) and the leaves are too tired to do much. I can see the color changing a bit but most trees seem to have lost their leaves overnight. Like the rest of Seattle, they've had more than enough sun for one year. Today is cooler and the rainy skies are a welcomed sight. My plan for the day: coffee and a late breakfast, a bit of cleaning, and then, later, I'll meet my sister-in-law at the bins for some thrift shopping. We're going to bingo this weekend and shoulder pads and sequins are required.

If you have instagram, you're probably already tired of pumpkin pictures.

My love affair with malachite continues with my newest handcarved stamp. I was happy when my dad identified it as malachite, but he said it was mostly because he knew me. I think I might try incorporating it into my Christmas cards.

Singles are available on Etsy right now, and come with a shibori-lined envelope in Paper Source's limited edition color, Spruce.

♠

New Obsession: Faux Malachite Ring Bowls

If there's anything I love more than malachite, it's faux malachite. These little bowls are just as fun to make as they are beautiful. I can't stop making them, so I have more than enough to sell on Etsy! There are two variations: gold edge or copper edge. I prefer the copper. How 'bout you?

♠

2014 Holiday Wishlist

2014 Wishlist by fleur-d-elise featuring fruity floral perfumes

They're here again... the holidaazzze! Halloween is over, which means I can really get going without everyone shaking their head. I freaking love Christmas. Thanks to my Etsy shop, I actually had an excuse to get started early this year. I've been making Christmas ornaments and Christmas cards since September!

Anyway, my wishlist is steadily growing, but I've decided to limit myself to 5, okay maybe 6, top picks. Don't want to sound too 'gimme gimme', right?

1. Yes Please by Amy Poehler. I'll probably just go buy this for myself. I really love books by funny ladies. It's my favorite genre.

2. Black Arrowhead Clutch from Such Sweet Tierney. This clutch, and everything else on the site, is made right here in Seattle. By my former boss, actually. Pretty awesome, right? I've been drooling over her stuff ever since she abandoned us at Paper Source to pursue her dream.

3. Madewell Malachite Studs. I really love malachite.

4. Birthstone Notecards. Have I ever told you how much I love rocks and gems and stuff? Yeah, that obsession is still going strong. This pick also feeds my paper obsession.

5. Pom Pom Beanie from White Lodge Knitwear. This hat is so cute it's stupid.

6. Ineke Deluxe Sample Collection. I got a sample of Ineke's Edged in Gold from a small shop in Fremont a couple years ago and just ran out. I think I want a whole bottle (it's so complex, so "opulent"), but I may get this set so I can try the other scents in the collection, too!

What's on your wishlist?
♠

Look of the Day: Kimono & Sheinside Jumpsuit

Sheinside sent me this awesome jumpsuit months ago, right in the middle of our summer heat. The last thing I wanted to do was put on pants, so I put the jumpsuit in my closet and promptly forgot about it. Luckily, the Sheinside team was very patient with me and just sent me an email last week asking if I'd gotten it. I feel awful for forgetting, but better late than never! The style is a little more Autumn-y, anyway.

 I love the color and the fabric, but it fits really small and the measurements for this one weren't available when I ordered it. Thankfully, you can't tell just how tight certain areas are, haha. One thing that fits perfectly is the bodice and the straps. As a petite person, it's nearly impossible to find anything with slim straps that aren't miles long. Really, I think this is the first spaghetti strap thing I've actually been able to wear! They're out of this exact jumpsuit, but they are carrying this burgundy jumpsuit, that is pretty much the same thing. This navy version is also really cute!

American Deadstock Sunglasses - H&M Kimono (similar) - Vintage Malachite Necklace - Sheinside Jumpsuit - Arizona Sandals

♠

Fall Fashion: 4 Igneous Inspirations

I've never been real big on jewel tones. That term has always brought to mind images of generic office supplies and the worst of 1990's fashion, rather than glittering minerals. Or maybe it's because the jewels that saying refers to are usually totally out of my price range. My inspiration is more semi-precious, but just as gorgeous.

You know, I've also hated on puffer vests so much, my sister questioned whether I was the real Catie when I bought one at Value Village this summer. It's a gorgeously rich forest green. Just the type of thing I'm into right now. Anyway, my point is, never say never. Blah blah blah. Read on for my Fall picks. All in luscious, straight-from-the earth, jewel tones.

1. Malachite & Peridot

Luxe greens are at the top of my list. I've been wearing a silk blouse, similar to this one, all summer. It drapes beautifully and is such a refreshing color. My wardrobe is so full of basics and navy blue, a bright, emerald green has made it a lot more fun to get dressed. I'm also dying for a pair of these French Terry Stockholm Pants from the new Love, Hanna line. The whole collection is right on trend and features the comfortable, relaxed silhouettes that are so hot right now. 

Or if you straight-up wanna look like a giant hunk of malachite you can splurge on this jumpsuit from whit® ann for madewell.

2. Amethyst

And now we come to another thing I thought I'd never like: purple! For years I've had lukewarm feelings about pretty much any shade of purple. I wouldn't ever say I hated it, but it certainly wasn't a top choice. Now, I own the Tocca Jewelry amethsyt necklace seen above and a top very similar to the gorgeous Rachel Comey for Madewell blouse you see below. Very pale shades are my favorite, but I wouldn't say no to this Amethyst Druzy Bracelet. Hopefully they'll get them back in stock!

3. Lapis Lazuli

You just can't go wrong with blue. Especially one as electric as this one. Many languages even derive their word for blue from the name of this stone. If you want a real piece, Kei Jewelry has a beautiful lapis point necklace on Etsy. If jewelry isn't in the budget this season, I would go for these these comfy cinched pants from Old Navy. I bought a pair and can't stop wearing them. They're surprisingly flattering.

4. Marble & Agate

If you're still more a fan of neutrals, but want to add some texture and detail to your wardrobe, go for marbled pieces. Etsy seems to have about a million faux marble iPhone cases. The one I'm really into is the faux agate one pictured above. For a marbled look you can wear, this Oasap blouse is a steal. I just bought one for myself. It's pretty long, but looks awesome with the blue pants I mentioned above! Outfit post coming soon, I promise.

For more of my picks, visit Jewel Tones pinboard.

♠

More earrings

So I've had my ears pierced for 1 year and 8 months. The idea grossed me out so much that it took me 24 years to get it done! When I finally went in I nearly passed out. I am a big baby when it comes to needles of any sort. Do any of you have this fear?

So for the past year and 8 months I've been making nothing but earrings, because I have a lot of catching up to do in that department.

This pair I made with gold fill and Malachite.