Sinfully Sweet

Ah, it's always fun to take a quick perusal of Etsy. Sure, there's a lot of godawful stuff (crocheted Barbie dresses, anyone?), but sometimes there are some real gems. Today's discovery is SweetHeartSinner, who sells handmade business card/cigarette cases and necklaces. Very cute, not to mention mercifully affordable. Will ultimately have to see a piece or two in person to verify the quality, but they look quite professional. Some of these little baubles would make excellent gifts.

I Only Have Eyelashes for You

Damn. I meant to mention these a week or two ago, but I forgot. These eyelash necklaces are totally nuts in a surreal, vaguely Dali-esque fashion, but are also pretty and delicate. Know what else they are? Totally DIYable. And think of all the nifty variations you could make by using different kinds of funky eyelashes. Ooh, project!

New from the Department of Ridiculous Accessories

Okay, these sequined-ball bracelets are ridiculous but sorta rad. The high-heeled flippers, though? Sheer retardation.

Jane Jetson's Jewelry

What a cool bracelet! It looks like something Jane Jetson would wear. I want one. Or several. In different colors and widths. That seems to be a problem, though—once again, I find myself enamored of a product that isn't available for sale. Bah.

Ring-A-Ding-Ding

While ambling around Etsy, I found some awesome stuff. (As usual, I s'pose.) This time I was trawling the ring section.

I love both of these chunky, funky bits of gorgeousity.

This nipple ring cracks me up. (No, it's not for your nipple. It is a nipple.)

Not sure why I like it as much as I do, but this fox ring is both sorta cute and sorta rugged.

And just about everything by nanopod is bizarrely, extraterrestrially (or interthoracically) awesome.

Classing Up Crochet

Boy, I wish I could just whip up some crocheted metal jewelry. Until I learn how (and I'm not holding my breath—I'm kinda busy these days), I guess I'll just have to drool over this collection. I don't want every piece, of course. Just, well, most of them. Oh, and if that's the designer, Arielle de Pinto, modeling the jewelry, she's pretty cute herself. (Via NOTCOUTURE.)

Orgy of Anthropologie

Once in a while, I find myself compelled to check out the goodies at Anthropologie. They're seldom affordable, but a girl can dream, right? Here are my most recent lust objects:

Cirrus Bedding—I can't decide whether I prefer the grey or white. I think the grey, though. It just looks like such luxurious, light summer bedding.

The Poet's Necklace—Not that any poet could afford it, mind you. But it's pretty cool. Am busily trying to figure out how I could make one of my own without slicing myself to ribbons.

Who's the Fairest? Mirror—So delicate. I think it's my top pick. And, at $148, it's cheaper than either the bedding or the necklace.

Adorably Vulgar

I love these shirts. So delicate and feminine and cute...yet so horribly vulgar. How me. I'm not as crazy about the jewelry, but I do like the Petite Salope necklace.

Just Jewelry

See, I've found a lot of awesome jewelry online recently. And I've long thought, "Hm. Why don't I post some of these gorgeous little things in my Valentine's Day gift guide?" "Of course I must!" I replied to myself. But I've gotten a bit carried away and could probably continue unearthing treasures of the jewelry variety for quite some time. But then you wouldn't be able to order any in time for Valentine's Day. Hence I decided to give myself a kick in the pants and publish this post. So here it is.

You would get her a jewel the size of the moon if you could. (Or at least that's the line you're going to use on her.) But you cannot. So instead present her with a metal gem ring, which is funky, stylish, and suggestive of a horkin' huge stone without actually being a horkin' huge stone. (Or worse, a horkin' huge paste stone, which is just tacky.)

Pretty much anything from Tatty Devine would make a fabulous present. Faves include the great bear brooch, the spectacular dinosaur necklace (for something slightly lower-key, yet similarly themed, try the fishbone necklace), and the clever trapeze necklace. Perhaps the most V-Day appropriate choice would be the adorable horse and carriage necklace. So cute.

The Dick & Sassy line of jewelry is pretty nifty, too.

Also, for some truly unusual—but lovely—rings, check out Saya Hibino's collection. I rather fancy the (unfortunately named) Black Weave Ring.

Why Do Birds Suddenly Appear?

I have never been a fan of Lladró—it tends to be sappy, pallid, expensive knicknacks. However, while out and about yesterday, I noticed this stunning jewelry collection, pretentiously named Re-Cyclos by Bodo Sperlein. (Be forewarned: The Lladró site design is appalling.) I didn't even know they made jewelry, but these necklaces and the ring are just lovely—delicate, organic in appearance, elegant. Doubtless expensive, too.

Felt With Feeling

Check out the adorable felt jewelry creations of Made by Moxie. This cuff and these rings are a must for diehard Katamari fans, and I just plain old like the power button ring and argyle cuff.

So yeah: Buy handmade this Valentine's Day. Your Valentine will think you're all sweet and thoughtful and resourceful to find such quirky, unique goodies. Then she will have sex with you. Which is really the point, innit.

I <3 NY (And So Does My Valentine)

Personally, I think this ring is designed well and would make a fabulous present for any stylish New Yorker (or for us transplants). Not only is it unisex, it also covers a variety of New York boroughs. Yay all-inclusive jewelry!

Hm. Is That Blinky, Pinky, Inky, or Clyde?

If you're looking for some non-hokey jewelry for both guys and gals who are either children of the '80s or video game fans, take a gander at the Pac-Man Fever collection by Tiny Armour. I love the ghost and Ms. Pac-Man jewelry, but I do think the collection is severely lacking in that it contains nothing of Pac-Man himself!

Since We're Discussing Shoes...

...I do have some shoe-related suggestions for the holiday gift guide. These earrings are so cute—check out the heels, which double as the earring backings. And there are matching necklaces! I'm going to drop dead from a cuteness overdose.

Mooning Over Jewelry

Ooh, I love this Smoon Bijou necklace. It looks like you're wearing the moon around your neck. So pretty.

Crystal Crazy

This may just be the answer for those of us who simply adore chandeliers but hardly have the room or funds necessary to bedeck the house. Wear some vintage crystal jewelry instead.

Hm. I wonder where my grandmother's old chandelier has gone?

Because Diamonds are Passé

Tell her she lights up your life (without saying anything nearly that sappy) with the Crystal Fuze Necklace.

How about some Champagne without the drunkenness? This necklace is just as bubbly.

If you can spare some big bucks, go for the awesome Swarovski Nepal Ring. (Incidentally, I think it can double as a weapon.) If that's out of your price range, try the glass Bling Ring.

For the geekettes (or those who love geeks), go for the surprisingly elegant Capacitor Necklace.

For another decidedly unusual choice, check out this Ruler Bracelet.

This is a personal favorite. Show her that she's yours and you're not letting go with a Handcuff Bracelet. (On the topic of handcuffs, keep this rule in mind: Handcuff bracelet=cute. Fuzzy handcuffs=overplayed.)

To spell it out, try one of these Definition Necklaces.

And, if you'd like to go a more traditional route (as in candy) without actually giving candy, the Chocolate Bon-Bon Necklace is an excellent and adorable option.