Geek chic! My review of Erin Etc.

 For today's blog, I am excited to team up with Erin. Etc.  Erin Etc. is a fab Etsy shop created by my sister Erin.  She offers geekery at it's finest, the cutest accessories with designs that are all things pop culture, movies, comic books, cartoons and more.   Erin makes earrings, keychains, ornaments and other fun little baubles to compliment your wardrobe and bring a smile to your face.  I am a lover of accessories, as well as a bit of a geek chick so I enjoy wearing items that have my favorite characters on them.    Many of the designs bring back fond memories of childhood and I love anything that inspires happy nostalgia!
  

Outfit Details:
Earrings: Bambi Earrings C/O Erin. Etc
Brooch: Little Lockheart by Erstwilder
Hair Flower: Delightfully Dainty Double in Pink by Daisy Jean Floral Designs
Dress: Deer Print 50's Dress from Clarence and Alabama
Cardigan: Cropped Cardigan in Black by MAK from Pinup Girl Clothing
Lipstick: Red Velvet (1946) by Besame Cosmetics
Hair done using Curlettes

I love these Erin Etc Bambi earrings!!  I am a sucker for Disney movies and Bambi has some of the cutest characters.  Also, Michigan is known for our beautiful White Tailed Deer and I have begun a bit of a collection on that theme.  The earrings are perfect, just the right size and cute as a button.  The detail is great with bright, sharp color and each pair is hand cut so they are very detailed.  The earrings are made with nickel free studs so they are safe for those with sensitive ears, I have issues with some earrings but these are comfortable for long wear.  People really noticed these Bambi earrings when I wore them out!  I received lots of compliments and had a few people ask where they could get a pair for themselves.

I wore my Erin Etc Bambi Earrings with this Clarence and Alabama 50's dress and Erstwilder Little Lockheart brooch for an adorable deer themed outfit that was perfect for a day out with my husband, we even enjoyed a little bit of fun playing in the snow.  I love to use accessories to create outfits with a ton of personality!  Erin Etc offers such a wide variety of designs that you are guaranteed to find something you love and if for any reason you don't, she also does custom orders. It's hard to chose with so many fun characters but there are a few I could not resist:

Ren and Stimpy:  My favorite cartoon during my teen years, I remember laughing until I cried with my friend over the weirdness that is Red and Stimpy!!

Sarah and Jareth AND The Worm from Labyrinth: Probably the movie that we watched the most in our home during our childhood, Labyrinth is still a family favorite and it's characters seem like old friends of mine!

Sophia from The Golden Girls:  Many an hour was spent with my grandmother watching The Golden Girls and wisecracking Sophia was always my favorite!

Strawberry Shortcake:  One of my most loved childhood cartoons, I still have my Strawberry Shortcake doll from when I was a little girl!

Go check out Erin Etc and tell me what are your favorite designs?

Kiyonna Sunset Stroll Bellini Review

It's almost here.  Winter!  I love living in Michigan but I have to admit winter is my least favorite time of year, the snow and the bone chilling cold make it a trying time to live here.  The snow is late to arrive this year giving us a bit of reprieve, because by this time last year we had already gotten 29 inches of accumulation across the state. Winter in Michigan is beautiful but tough!

I will admit, I am not a pants wearing gal.  I have an extremely hard time finding jeans that fit my shape correctly because my waist is 39 inches, which measures a size 18 in most pants but my hip/butt measuring at 56 inches make me a size 22.  I  love how I feel in vintage style dresses, they fit my personality to a "T",  so that in combination with the fit issue, make it a rare occasion for me to wear jeans.  Living in Michigan however necessitates that I must wear pants at times, a dress in blizzard conditions is just not practical or safe!  This means I am always searching for pretty pieces to pair with items in my wardrobe so I can maximize the amount of outfit choices I have on those cold days when I wear jeans.

I love the Kiyonna Sunset Stroll Bellini in Cabernet.  A lightweight versatile cardigan perfect for every season.  Marsala was chosen as the Pantone Shade of the Year so this shade of Cabernet is trendy, a robust and earthy wine red.  

I am always chilly so I prefer to wear layers and this is the perfect layering piece.  The Kiyonna Sunset Stroll Bellini is very versatile, it looks lovely paired with a lace cami and jeans, over a long sleeve tee and jeggings or worn over a dress.  Made of super soft lightweight jersey knit with 3/4 sleeves that hit just below my

elbow, the bellini is a light but warm outer layer.  The drawstring waist is adjustable so you can wear the bellini open in front or tied shut, whichever is your preference.  I am wearing my Sunset Stroll Bellini tied shut which gives the neckline a lovely gathering that I find very flattering to the figure.

We snapped these photos while enjoying a nice relaxing day together.  My husband, Kevin and I went for a walk on this rather blustery, rainy day and ended our fun shopping in Lakeview at my favorite place, The Peddler's Patch.  The Peddler's Patch has something for everyone with Peasley's Posies Flower Shop, handmade items, Michigan made/themed items, jewelry, clothing, home decor and antiques, a perfect place to find gifts this holiday season!

I love my hometown of Lakeview with its pictureque Tamarack Lake view, lovely historic buildings and amazing small businesses. The beautiful brick and stone buildings downtown were constructed in 1894 after a fire destroyed most of the original business district.  My ancestors came here as pioneers in 1870 and helped build the town.  I find the town history fascinating and love showcasing our little town!


Photography: Kevin Herzog
Cardigan: Sunset Stroll Bellini in Cabernet Size 1X courtesy of Kiyonna
Necklace: Torch Lake Blue Locket by Smitten Design Studio
Camisole: Lace camisole from Maurices
Jeans: ANA Bootcut Jeans from J.C. Penney 
Boots: Twill Boots in Black courtesy of Bearpaw which were a limited release last year.  The Angelina, a similar style are available HERE


Kiyonna clothing really fits beautifully! I am wearing a size 1X, it feels comfortable and flattering on me with enough room for layering underneath.  Being petite, layering pieces can be too long on my frame but this bellini sits just at the top of my thighs, which is just right.  I found the Sunset Stroll Bellini to be comfortable, flattering and versatile.  I love Kiyonna and their commitment to bringing lovely high quality plus size clothing to us!!