Dressing Etsy

My journey through Etsy-land has been profound and prolific. I've found so many great and unique items, and I know there are so many more to discover. For my final installment of promoting all things Etsy -- but in no way my final posting of Etsy finds -- I present to you some sophisticated yet quirky, comfortable yet classy Etsy-certified dresses. Enjoy!

Donna Dress, BelleNoel, $120; English Rose Ruffle Dress, Lirola, $117


Orange Leaves Dress, Katyaskvo, $229

This Floral Life, Replicca, $40; PR Dress, Carol Hannah, $275 (she is a contestant on Project Runway!)

A Handmade Tale

Once upon a time, a sprightly young girl was salvaging through the vast and often unpredictable forest we shall call "the Web" looking for some unique and undiscovered accessories. She wanted jewelry that wasn't mass produced or purses that every other woman had hanging from their shoulder. She wanted... an Etsy-find!

She quickly typed in e...t...s...y... .com, and was whisked away into a word of quirkiness and eccentricities. A place where craftiness wasn't a trait to condemn, but a valuable asset to promote.

She found handmade items galore and vintage finds a plenty -- she had found the mother lode of unique and wondrous gems: peacock headband, lovely necklaces, chic convertible totes and rose petal scarves. And the prices weren't bad either!

With a wave of excitement, she clicked "Buy," "Buy," "Buy," and was elated in knowing that her finds were exactly what she was looking for.

When they finally arrived at her front porch, she was excited to try them on. She starred confidently at herself in the mirror, knowing that she would carry these one-of-a-kind pieces with love and pride.

From that day on, she was hooked on that magical place called Etsy!

Pretty in Peridot Ring, $18; Love Necklace, $27 (both from PianoBenchDesigns)


The Beatrice - Handfelted Scarf, $70, Azul; Diana Feather Headband, $18, LiveInStyle.


Vintage 60s GOLDY Heels, $42, DearGoldenVintage; Vintage Cream & Bow Fedora, $34.50, Pudding


Nap Sack/Shoulder Bag, $89, Mims; Amber in Mahogany/Wine Red, $110, StudioOneDesigns

Etsy-a Great Find

If you haven't yet heard of the handcrafter's marketplace called Etsy, then I beg of you to visit the Web site immediately and peruse the countless hand crafted jewelery, clothes, art pieces, furniture and antiques that populate this wonderful collection of people's varied talents. And, because there is so much to view, the site designers have added some very functional features for discovering the many treasures that can be found there.

In my curious visits to the Editors' Picks, Gift Guides and Featured Artists, not to mention the daily newsletter of themed finds, I have come across some one-of-a-kind pieces that are affordable and memorable. It's also a bonus helping out independent artists and designers. I always imagine how happy they must be for every purchase; knowing that someone wants their creation.

In an effort to promote independent labels, I'll be doing a few series of blogs highlighting some great pieces I've discovered on Etsy.

First up, a Fall preview of cozy sweaters & stylish jackets.

Sapphire Blue Cowl, $55, Replicca; I need a flower Shrug, $84, Laslopezlas; Rosemont Sweater, $145, LittleHouses


Goldsboro Jacket, $140, LittleHouses; Unusual Coat, $199, Agnieszka Swiatly;