Handmade with Style: Edition 1

If you think style can only come from top designer name brands and upscale boutiques, I believe you're wrong. I have been browsing the pages of Etsy.com again - after all, it IS one of my favorite websites - to bring you some of the most affordable and stylish fashion items. The best part is that these items are all HANDMADE! An added bonus, some of them may never be recreated again, providing you with the most unique stylish items out there today.
Even though we're approaching summer, I have to share this dress because not only is it cleverly designed, but it's gorgeous too. I can envision wearing this on a cool fall day in the North or on an overcast winter day in the South. The lantern shaped long sleeves is the first thing I noticed (well, after my favorite color). I love the femininity this dress exudes! The dress is created by a collective team called: idea2lifestyle. In their Etsy store you can find several other dresses, including the Less is More sleeveless long dress I love, scarves, and ever-so-comfortable wind pants.
I'm sure you know a mother who loves to spend time in the kitchen. If you don't, then you probably know a mother who spends hours in the kitchen even though she'd rather not. Either way, what mother wouldn't love a sexy apron?! Kitschy Aprons is the place to shop on Etsy! The thing I love most about Kitschy Aprons is the super-cute and flattering designs. This I love Mom bib apron is one of the more simpler patterns, but I couldn't resist with Mother's Day around the corner. The adorable heart pocket is just the kind of touch that Kitschy Aprons is known for. No grandma aprons found here!
The sunfashion shop on Etsy is physically located in Bulgaria. Lucky for you and I, shopping online is as convenient as ever! I enjoyed browsing the hip and elegant Corset Belts offered in this shop. Belts of all sizes are the perfect way to dress-up any outfit. I personally love pairing thin or wide belts with some of my favorite dresses. Sunfashion's approach to the Corset Belt is beautiful and appropriate to take a woman from the office to the club for cocktails. This belt dresses up a boring old button-down blouse and can be paired easily with a black pencil skirt or slacks. I find that button-down blouses never fit me right so I'm thinking this fashion item just might be the answer to my problems.
I love purses and handbags. I have a section in my closet dedicated to them. One holiday I was gifted an olive green handmade tote. This tote has been one of my most used pieces. The reason is not aesthetic, but instead function. It has a nice long arm strap and a deep enough pouch to carry around a long-sleeve tee, tissues for the kids, a stack of fliers for my next crafting event, my wallet, sunglasses, and a bunch of other little items. I've even shoved my Nikon SLR Camera and some magazines in there several times. I highly suggest every woman own a great tote. You might be surprised how often it comes in handy! This black and white modern print Everyday Purse from the Sinem Inugur Etsy shop comes with an adjustable strap, contrasting lining, magnetic clasp, swivel clip for keys, and two inside pockets! All that in one bag for $32 sounds like a steal to me.
Well, this concludes my first edition of Handmade with Style. If you have something you'd like to include in my next style edition, please feel free to contact me! In the meantime, happy handmade shopping to all!