throw girls & boys

If I had an extra $150 lying around I would probably shove it into my savings account like all the other nickels and pennies I find. But I’m not saying I wouldn’t be tempted to head on over to Throwboy’s checkout and order myself a set of these adorable Icon Pillows.

little bow-peep-tie.

Beads of rain stream down from the heavens as if Zeus himself has taken pity on our dry, frigid earth. He has opened the heavens to unleash his gift; cold, damp beads of water cling to every surface to which they land, illuminating tree branches and painting the roofs of parked cars. The romance of the Rain God’s thoughtful gesture, however, quickly washes away to reveal the February blah’s, and the one quick fix for such an ailment is none other than: shopping.

Personally I don’t have a disposable cent to my name, thus making the quest for an antidote to the dreary weather outside my window that much harder. I am forced, then, to look through my window to the world: my MacBook equipped with a reliable internet connection. Making absolutely sure all credit cards are hidden under lock and key in another room, I make my way to a precious boutique all the way in Edinburgh, Scotland, owned and operated since February 2007 by Edinburgh College of Art Masters graduate Keira Thorley.

Walking into this boutique I decided to throw caution to the wind and tell my tight budget to go to hell: I’ve got some serious imaginary spending to do. The ankle bow, pictured in cream but available in a rainbow of other colours, will go into my imaginary checkout bin for the low low price of £27.50. And not a moment too soon! I’ve been in desperate need for an ankle bow for some time. Now if only I could find out how to get those shoes to match.

Not only are the accessories (bows have never been received with so much warmth) the perfect balance of working woman offset with delicate demure, the clothes are their perfect match.

I fell in love with the Mademoiselle cut (No. 3) from her Spring/Summer 09 collection insantly, and simply had to see it up close. According to the description there is a “cheeky bow” on the back! And what no dress should be without: pockets. So many times have I had to leave a dress on the rack, virtual or otherwise, because of my lust for pockets and the lack of attainable frocks equipped with them.  The Memphis Belle (No. 1) is the same cut as the Mademoiselle, and in a virtual world where anything goes I would get both of them. I cannot get over the colour or the cut and how vintage it looks but contemporary it feels. Or is it the other way around? I’m still trying to figure it out. At £135.00 each please cue up the checkout bin with a loud, triumphant “cha-ching!”

The final item in my shopaholic basket this morning will be a two-in-one: from Keira’s Nouveau Debut collection, the Paris Nuit dress and belt; £145.00 and £65.00 respectively. The sassy leopardprint fabric (with matching leopard face!) and giant black satin cuffs and collars. According to Keira it’s made from her trenchcoat cut, which makes the garment all more interesting to stare at wistfully. The finishing touch, which can be bought in red or black leather, is the handmade Paris Nuit belt. Luckily for us fantasy shoppers, leather is Keira’s specialty.

Check out more of Keira’s fine work by clicking the logo above.

carelle for the cure.

L’Oreal Paris decided to begift all the female nominees of this year’s Golden Globe Awards (the best actress in a comedy and drama categories, anyway) with an accessory for the new year. Jeweler Carelle was put to the task of designing a befitting compact for the star-studded throng of nominees, entitled “Harmony”, making one extra for charitable purposes.

You too can engage in the quest for the cure, specifically ovarian cancer, by bidding on this stunning gift meant for the stars. You and Angelina can swap stories about the handy accessory and the struggle of a loved one battling cancer for only $500! Play your cards right on this one, though; the price will undoubtedly skyrocket as the piece is valued at $3650 USD.

According to the eBay auction information, Harmony “is a silver compact plated in 18K gold with shimmering combination of lemon citrine and pale green quartz stones with diamond details in honor of the Golden Globes. The compact evokes a calming, balanced aura with yellow citrines that symbolize optimism, positive energy and enhanced creativity. The yellow is a perfect compliment to green as it represents harmony and “attracts success.”

To place your bid, be sure to log in and check out the eBay auction page here.