Briolette Perfection

I love the Sundance Catalog jewelry....it's so organic and so beautiful and I am told a great deal of thought and review goes into selecting any jewelry that is included in their offerings. Each ring or pendant has a unique name that highlights its beauty. In my search, I discovered a designer, Anne Sportun of Canada, who has designed a unique diamond briolette necklace with matching earrings and wanted to share them with you. If you would like to see the earrings, click on "Sundance Catalog" in the "link list" at the end of this page!

Just Breathe.....for....."Ever After".......

One of my favorite movies, "Ever After", about a true rebel heroine who saves herself in the end and lives a life of happiness with a rebellious prince.....but so many hurdles and obstacles along the way and, yet, in the end she triumphs - light wins over darkness. The beautiful and eclectic dress she wears one night is ethereal in beauty and design - one of a kind, made by the costume designer, Jane Law. A true work of beauty and art.

The Beauty of Felting

So many amazing artisans and creators on etsy.com! Today, I found this wonderful artisan from Latvia, Inga Veilande of "CreartingAC", who creates works of wearable art out of wool felt combined with silk, alpaca and bamboo. This designer also makes journals, bookmarks and necklaces out of leather and creates upcycled fairy-like sweaters. Her creations are beautiful, rustic and inspired!

Once Upon a Time.......

As a true "fan" and follower of the new series, Once Upon a Time, I wanted to write a bit about the amazing actors who portray the characters and the inspired costumes that are featured in each episode. So far, my favorite characters are Belle and Rumplestiltskin, as well as Mr. Gold and Emma......one must admit the costumes for these characters have been amazing, especially those of the Queen and "Rumple". If you haven't seen the show, take a peek on Sunday nights at 8 PM on ABC........it is rebellious and full of fairytale lore and "magic"! Here are a few costumes from the show that have caught my eye!

A "Fateful" Find from the UK

As I perused etsy.com for another unique designer, I came upon Penny Sampson of WyrdWear, a maker of "Upcycled Avante Garde Fashions". After reading about her and the origin of the shop name being connected to the "Three Fates" or "Sisters" of Scandinavian mythology, I was compelled to show one of her designs. Inspired and made by a fateful muse!

From a "Beautiful Place"

In my search for more eclectic "finds", another caught my eye. The etsy shop "BeautifulPlace" features handmade items that are handknit or felted including this very unique "treasure bag", with the title, "Lady of the Morning Mist".

The description by the shop owner is magical itself! "...once we spied her, far away through the tall pines... just as the morning mists arise, she walks on softly in her quiet realm...rustic handknit from soft handspun curly mohair in natural greys, undyed and accented with recycled sari silk ribbons in grey and purple and old rose. long and drapey wrapped tassles. the opening is rimmed in soft curls of handspun kid mohair in natural dark grey/brown...braided strap of soft baby boucle wool yarn and silk ribbons...a soft and gently sparkling woodland wandering in mists bag..."

A beautiful bag by an inspired muse!

A Dream of Eclectic Fashion, Design and Writing

In October 2010, I came up with a concept for a line of clothing and accessories called "Rebel Muse"......only in the past few weeks have I finally created the blog and facebook page and am finally on my way to hoping I can make this dream come true......this connects with my love of fashion, design, the eclectic and writing, as well as being able to share my own unique "finds" with you and to be able to offer my own ideas along the way......all in one.......love it!

A Rebel "Romance"

A true nordic-inspired tailored trench coat from Finland. Yet, another beautiful, romantic design by Lumme Designs. Another timeless piece for the "rebel"!

A Dress for a True Rebel Muse

Another beautiful muse-like creation from Gibbous Fashions.......just love how they create eclectic designs out of scraps of recycled materials! This dress is called the "Willow Gown". Their description illustrates in words how inspired the designs really are.......

"......a gorgeous gown for a spring fairy...tiers & tiers of ruffles explode
from a beautiful textured bodice,
making for an amazing silhouette~
lace, tulle, antique precious pieces,
they are all quilted together
in a sea of stitches.
lovely pale green strips are sewn
all over the bodice in
pretty diamond formations.
It zips shut in the back
with a vintage corset zipper,
and is adorned endlessly with tiny
antique buttons & flowers.
The straps are also from
vintage corsets, and are adjustable.
a dream come true, this gown is
awaiting a very enchanted girl."

Inspired by a Muse.....

I just could not help but notice the beautiful and eclectic design of Bella's wedding shoes in "Breaking Dawn". I finally was able to see "Part 1" of the movie this weekend and was struck by the one-of-a-kind design. As for the dress, not only did it rival another very famous wedding dress of last year......it may be more unique in design. The shoes......so "fairytale"!

Closet Challenge 2/15—2/22 - www.welltodoyou.com

For this week's style challenge - 3 looks with 1 item in all 3 "looks", I decided to go with a pair of Jeffrey Campbell "Brit" boots, very edgy and "rebellious". I love the closet challenges at "welltodoyou" as they are showing me what I should be doing with what I have in my "closet". This is so much fun!

Look 1:
Kenar Skinny Leg Pants (TJX)
Max Studio Tunic Top (TJX)
Cynthia Rowley Silk Scarf (TJX)
Black Stretch Belt (BCF)
Jeffrey Campbell "Brit" Boots (FP)

Look 2:
Dylan George Jeans (eBay)
Free People Augustana Top (FP)
Black Jersey Knit Scarf (TJX)
Lucky Brand Charms Pendant (TJX)
Jeffrey Campbell "Brit" Boots (FP)

Look 3:
Dylan George Shea Pants (TJX)
One World Crown Top (TJX)
Jeffrey Campbell "Brit" Boots (FP)

And, with every "look", I wear the same Sterling Silver CZ earrings........once I am stuck on a pair of earrings, I can't seem to wear another pair!

Eclectic "Gorgeousness"!

Through "Pinterest", I discovered "Gibbous Fashions" - a small designer house comprised of four designers, who create absolutely eclectic and gorgeous designs out of recycled fabrics and various "trinkets". As they describe on their site, they infuse "soul" into every piece they create. And, this dress is just a glimpse into how beautiful and truly inspired they are!

Eclectic Fashion and Designs from the Woods of Orivesi in Finland

I fell in love with the designs of an artisan on www.etsy.com named Tiina of Lumme Designs. Items range from eclectic clothing to fashion for the home. From the beautiful fairytale forest-style bed to the handcrafted leather "Angel Wings & Orchids" handbag, the items are unique and one of a kind and I would love to own so many of them! To see the beautiful designs, go to http://www.etsy.com and type "Lumme Designs" in "search". You will love them!

Cold Winter Night Fashion Fun

On cold winter nights in the late hours, I like to search for unique designs and, from there, I get ideas for upcycling or might get an idea or two for something to look for when I am out sale shopping. A favorite site is www.freepeople.com where boho chic is rampant, as well as a flair for layering that defies genius. Cool designs with a very unique "edge". They not only design and sell their own signature line but also carry high-end, eclectic designer items such as Jeffrey Campbell and other stand-alone, signature brands such as Frye. Many other designers are featured, as well as their own "Vintage Loves"....vintage clothing for sale including Missoni, among others. It makes me wish I had kept that denim jacket from the 80's! Retro chic is in without a doubt! Check the site out if you haven't already found it - it's so much fun.

"Upcycled" Jeans

Upcycling - great concept that I love! Months ago, I saw a cool pair of jeans on a famous maker site for over $200. Thought I would give it a try. Started with a cute pair of skinny jeans, ripped out the seams to the knee. I wanted something unique for the inset so I shopped the men's department at T.J. Maxx and found the perfect t-shirt. About two hours later, I had my skinny to flare jeans for less than $20!

Closet Challenge 1 - www.welltodoyou.com

Closet Challenge 1!

I was so impressed with Suz Stephenson's "Dress to Impress" January Challenge at www.welltodoyou.com that I wanted to try the February Challenge…..finding three ways to use one piece to create three different looks. I chose a Victoria’s Secret Black Wrap Sweater to create my three “looks”. Here they are!

Work Look

Black Wrap Sweater (on sale) (VSecret)

(worn with one end draped over shoulder)

Black Tee (TJX)

Gray & White Pinstripe Joe Benbasset Flare Pants (on sale) Kohl’s

Sterling Silver & CZ Earrings (TJX)

Date Night Look

Black Wrap Sweater (VSecret)

(worn straight down)

Black Velvet G&S ¾ Sleeve Tee (TJX)

Guess Flare Jeans (TJX)

Braided Leather Bracelet with Pewter Charms – Rebel Muse

Weekend/Casual Look

Black Wrap Sweater (VSecret)

(worn knotted in front)

Marika Tribal Embroidered Yoga Pants (TJX)

Black Tee (TJX)

Fairytale Dreams Bracelet

One of my newest creations.....a leather braided "Fairytale Castle & Dragon Dreams Charm Wrap Bracelet made from soft, durable deerskin lacing. The bracelet is meant to be wrapped and overlapped on the wrist and can either be tied on with the loose ends or held on with ends looped underneath. The pewter charms include a unicorn, treasure jewel box, "i wish", two crowns, castle, dragon, knight and a fleur de lis. You can see this in my etsy store located at www.etsy.com/shop/ATHENAMUIR!