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THE NEW DEAL

So...when I was interviewed for the Etsy Storque last week, one of the questions that was asked was 'do you have any new features planned for spiralbound_?"

I thought about it...and this is what happened. The New Deal: Each week, I'm going to try to find 2 wonderful items to feature here on spiralbound_. One will be a high-end item, and the other will be a comparable handmade alternative.

Here's the first installment!
Chanel No 5
Classic. Classic. I could bathe in this and never have enough.
Price $155

vs

Signed 5 x 7 Chanel No 5 Print by emmakisstina.
Beautiful for your boudoir. Handmade.
Price $15.00

ELKE THE OBSCURE.

Ohhhh, wow. I really love Elke Kramer's little pouches for her jewelry...more of which is available at Modamuse, the fantastic AU and NZ online boutique...perhaps even more than the jewelry itself. They make for an absolutely wonderful experience with an independent designer...worth every penny for a truly unique experience.

She also makes pendants that are more abstract...but I am a big fan of this Legacy Brooch, which looks sort of like one of the medals that people used to wear in the 1910's...for membership in some obscure club. I'd love to see her explore that obscurity further. This little piece is fantastic. More, please!

They remind me a little of McSweeny's in their mysterious and out of context writing style.

MEZMERIZED

Can someone pleeeeaaase translate this for me?

Because I need one of these. It's funny, I spend lots of time contemplating lots of visual styles...then, I come across something as simple as a bunch of wood in a simple, flat, geometric design, and I'm floored. (No pun intended). I love these– especially the top. Being that big round earrings are my favorite thing to wear lately, I would LOVE to have any of these made into a pair.

These are made by ViVá, who recently added me as a contact on flickr.

There are also some beautiful, double-drilled square necklaces in the same, mezmerizing horizontal motif. But, I'll let you see those for yourselves.

PLUNGING NECKLINES

Yes, it's true... I posted about incredible jewelry yesterday...but I had to follow up with another when I found Rust Belt at the new 'designer direct' shopping siteSupermarket.

I'm completely smitten by the textures and colors combining in this work. I love the way the rough edges, organic texture, and matte finishes play with the more formal elements, like clasps and chain.

Above: Metal Necklaces, Earrings, Jute Necklace and a Bracelet...trés jolie.

CLEVER GIRL

If you're not familliar with the work of Elizabeth Yarborough, then go take a peek right now.

What I truly adore about Elizabeth Yarborough's design is her love of the quality of objects, and her abilty to not just transform them, but to celebrate them for their BEST qualities. It's clever, yet not overly ironic.

A leather button becomes a simply gorgeous ring with attitude...
A frizzy piece of mohair adds delicacy to a chunky bangle...
Simple necklace clasps transform a charm necklace into a functional and beautiful, and wearable, customizable toy...
A big satin bow gets the royal treatment...

ALL THIS, AND MORE.

2008 Color Forecast and New Trend Ether

Inspiring colors for early (still cold) Spring to Summer 2008.
Drawing on India-themed colors...think spices and saris...
bright yellow gold and filigree.

BUT...take it into a country weekend beatnik palette with truly acidic greens, bright red matte lips and brassy, bronzy yellows...added to faded, mismatched blacks and green-browns.

Musty old books and Weekends at the Farm.
Reading Ginsburg.
Redheads in Pink Sweaters.

Nubbly Textures and vintage wear combine with foggy silks and misty denim.
Naples Yellow. Your mom's old box of oil paints.

Mauve Happens.

Watercolor washy blues and dark eyelashes.
Orange and umbers the color of fox fur.

And, last but not least...a new feature on spiralbound_ ... the Trend Ether...Which will serve to remind me what I think is coming up. Vague at times, but hopefully information enough for accuracy.