Friday Finds: Pear Journal
As a jewelry designer and writer, I find my inspiration everywhere. My sources include high end designer wares, vintage treasures, people watching, enjoying the great outdoors and scouring magazines. All the visions that fill my head have to end up in one, organized place or nothing will ever be accomplished and a notebook/journal is one of the apparatus I use.
What better place then to store my ideas regarding pear shaped fashion tips and jewelry sketches then the “Fruits of Your Labor” ($36) book from Three Sheep Studio shop on Etsy.
As a professional multi-tasker balancing in need of balancing all my creative endeavors, I have an arsenal of basic tools to keep me on track. Included are my PDA (I even walk around my house with it), colored pencils, tape and of course a notebook. When my current one featuring a retro, Mary Quant print is filled, I will need to move onwards, and this pear adorned spiral may be the thing to keep me on track.
Friday Finds: Refrigerator Magnets
Many times refrigerators become the central communication station for American Households. Art, coupons, “to-do” lists and recipes all find their way to the magnetized surface of the ice box and cute fridge magnets are the way to delightfully display the latest household headlines.
Thanks to Tamar Hammer’s shop on Etsy not only can we pay homage to our favorite fruit, the pear, but a whole fruit salad ($7.50) completes this set of 5:
The vintage style of the images are based on the artist’s “original mixed media digital design” and the magnet strength is deemed very strong. If you are looking for a great holiday gift under $10, I think these cute as a button set would serve the purpose quite well.
November Jewelry Giveaway: Etsy Jewelry and Design Shops
The Etsy Jewelry Design and Supply Shops team members bring you November Jewelry Giveaway:
Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to win great handmade prizes. Click on the Picture to enter today.
All prizes in this giveaway are from a member of the independent, handmade community
(i.e. the artisan sells their own work; no corporate stuff please)
Friday Finds: From the desk of Pear Shapely
Self loathing is an ugly waste of time. Instead of beating yourself up for being born with a pear shaped figure, embracing your inner fruit is such a smarter move. Remember, those who are blessed with a pear shaped body actually have many health benefits over other shaped women. According to anthropologist Elizabeth Cashdan those who have a smaller upper torso in relation to their bottom half are:
- Stronger
- More competitive
- Handle stress better
- At a lower risk of heart attack then apple shaped gals
Personally, even though I want to drape my curves to look my best, I am proud of what I have and plan on flaunting it until gravity decides otherwise. Paying homage to my curves can even trickle down to the personal correspondence I send and this writing set by Scatter Box Originals will subtly say from the “Desk of Pear Shapely”:
Life is too short to not fully embrace your figure. If you choose to purchase this writing set, make sure to send yourself a love note praising your curves and read it every day!
Friday Finds: Pear Coasters
Holiday shopping is a drag and with more and more retailers feeling the economic crunch, the season has already begun. Instead of contributing your hard earned cash to the big-wigs of the world, why not help the little guy this season and consider emulating Santa by shopping handmade?
If you need a great hostess guest for an upcoming celebration, then these handmade pear coasters can affordably ($16 for four) do the trick:
They are lean, green and help support the handmade movement, the total lifeblood of the Etsy community.
Best Cardigans for Pear Shaped Gals
Cardigan sweaters rock! For years I have sworn by these must have layering pieces because of the versatility and ease of wear. This year the fashion industry has finally caught up with my taste and have been promoting these garments as the addition to purchase for your fall wardrobe.
Pear Shapely lasses looking to add some selections to their wardrobes will feel like a kid in a candy store! From preppy argyle finds of 100% cotton from Old Navy ($29.50):
To luxurious cashmere styles available on Shopbop.com ($295):
You can have it all. Regardless of how much you want to spend and the style you are interested Pear Shaped women need to think and ask themselves some questions before purchasing to ensure that they buy the right item for their needs. Questions to ponder:
- Fabric choices: Acrylic sweaters tend to add unnecessary bulk without providing any warmth, so make sure there is something of the earth like cotton, cashmere or wool involved in your purchase
- Allergies: Angora is a fur component from little bunnies. If you are allergic to cats and dogs make sure that this component is not in the sweater you are eyeing as you may react poorly to it in the long run
- Fit: Like with any garment for pear shaped lasses, showing off your little middle will flatter your shape most. Cropped cardigans, longer sweaters with ribbed neck trim that will lock the sweater above your waist or duster duds that have a belt feature will keep you warm, cozy and stylish.
- Length: Make sure the sweater you are eyeing does not fall mid thigh as it will highlight the bulkiest portion of your body. If you must get a sweater that hits that region, make sure that the item is not boxy and that there is either a built in belt or you can belt it to show off your curves
Whatever you choose, make sure the fit is right, that you can immediately picture wearing the item a number of ways and that you do not go into debt purchasing the said garb. Then with that extra cash, feel free to shop at Hurricane by Jane Jewelry and treat yourself to a little something, something like the stylish and affordable Swingtown Earrings ($32) and Necklace ($37)!
Hot Rockabilly Style
Mod Cloth has added another affordable and adorable dress perfect for curvy girls. For less then $45 you can own this luscious beauty:
The garment also comes in basic black and a vibrant yellow. Purple is always a favorite for me, the cut can be worn either to capture a rock-a-billy look or be a bit more contemporary especially when paired with the Lucky Charms Necklace in Sterling Silver ($94)and the Dream Drop Earrings ($29) by Hurricane by Jane.
Friday Finds “Green” Pear Tote Bag
No matter what your “bag” is, taking the time to do your bit for mother earth should be part of it. One simple way to contribute to the cause is by bringing your own tote bag to the market and just saying no to the plastic or paper options provided by your local store.
Alabama artist, The Lily of the Valley, has a wonderful option for only $8:
According to the creator herself “This tote is 100 percent cotton canvas and is perfect for groceries, books, lunch, beach etc. When it gets dirty just machine wash in cold water and low setting on drier and you are good to go!”
What better way to save the earth and honor your curves? UPDATE: it looks like the pear tote already sold so I have updated the link to take you directly to the Lilly of the Valley shop and you can contact the artist directly about getting the bag.
Fall Jackets for Pear Shaped Gals
Nearly everyone uses their wardrobe as their main means of expressing themselves. Whether someone drapes themselves in designer labels, vintage garb, indie fashion or the infamous khaki pant and blue top ensemble, what you choose to wear is your greatest form of expression.
The key to individual style is being 100% true to yourself, setting your own trends and dressing for you body shape including the lovely Pear Shapely. By using that basic philosophy and not being beholden to one store, designer line or even era you will surely come up with your own unique style.
One of the greatest contributors to this cause is “indie fashion” just like Hurricane by Jane Jewelry. All my pieces are handmade by me, in small batches in fine materials like sterling silver, freshwater pearls and other goodies. One website dedicated to the movement is Mod Cloth and they have tons of excellent fall offerings for curvy gals.
As the temperatures continue to drop, finding great and flattering outwear is a necessity. Pear shapely women need to stay away from such trends as swing coats, boxy shapes or cropped jackets that have no structured shape at the bottom. However, the world of Mod Cloth is filled with a full array of structured coats perfect for pear shaped women that will keep you cozy.
The Madison Jacket ($107.99) is one such delicacy:
Herringbone never goes out of style and with the belted waist and amble coverage for our bottoms, Pear Shapely ladies can easily (and affordably) participate in the trend. The Mobile Earrings would pick up the subtle detail of the gold belt closure on the jacket:
Perhaps you are itching to get a great plaid piece into your Pear Shapely wardrobe, then Union of Plaid jacket ($139.99) would do the trick nicely:
Cinched waist, check! Long and loose enough to provide ample hip coverage, check! Epaulets detail to draw the eye of the viewer to your top and balance out the overall figure effect, major check-a-rooni! Paired with the earrings in silver and gold, you will master the look!
Seriously, Mod Cloth had dozens of styles perfect for fantastic Autumn layering and many of the offerings are well under $200. If you are in the market for a layering piece, do yourself a favor and check this site out for yourself.
October Jewelry Giveaway: The Etsy Jewelry Design and Supply Shops
The Etsy Jewelry Design and Supply Shops team members bring you October Jewelry Giveaway
Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to win great handmade prizes. Click on the Picture to enter today.
All prizes in this giveaway are from a member of the independent, handmade community
(i.e. the artisan sells their own work; no corporate stuff please)
