Jewelry with an Edge and DISCOUNT!

I just celebrated one of my best friend's 30th birthday. As a gift, I gave her a "gladiator-esque" ring. She loved it and wore it the whole night. At the end of the night, back at her apartment, we were chatting away about life. She thanked me for her ring and then said how much she loved my bracelet.

Rachel, the designer behind the shop Green Hide on etsy, sent me this leather bracelet for a review. I explained to my friend that it was made from a recycled leather belt and disassembled vintage jewelry.

We both marveled at the bracelet and then proceeded to talk about how it's a good thing we had jobs since we could never be as creative as Rachel.

Rachel became a jewelry designer when she envisioned a leather necklace that she could not find anywhere. Even online.  So she decided to try and make it herself by buying inexpensive leather from the thrift store.

Ultimately, she ended up leaving with a cart full of old leather coats, skirts, etc. of as many colors as possible.  After making her first piece and receiving a plethora of compliments from strangers,  she decided to make more and eventually started to sell them.

In the Fall of 2010, Rachel turned her talent into an actual business with her etsy site and showcasing her pieces at local craft/handmade events.

Everything made by Rachel is 100% recycled and 100% unique. No two pieces are exactly the same... and if you've got some antique jewelry, vintage pieces, etc, Rachel is more than happy to work with you to create something modern you'll love!

As a special treat, Rachel is offering all of my readers a 20% discount on purchases at Green Hide on etsy!

If you happen to be a shop owner, feel free to contact Rachel through etsy to discuss a partnership.

Her mens' collection is gaining popularity, too!  This tie is just one example of something unique for the man in your life. Rachel is constantly adding more mens' items as well!

A HUGE thank you to Rachel for sponsoring my blog.

*I received the bracelet gratis. No monetary compensation was provided to me. Thoughts and opinions of mine are honest and truthful.

Classique Collections Review and DISCOUNT!

As mentioned in one of my last few posts, I am the maid of honor for my sister's wedding in Italy. Her color scheme is pink and yellow (think roses), so while I know it won't be too difficult to find a pink dress, I didn't know how to incorporate the yellow... until I thought about the Rachel Leigh Chain ribbon bracelets that were so popular a few seasons ago.

I jumped on Etsy.com to do a ribbon bracelet search, and I stumbled up the shop Classique Collections. The photos of wedding accessories were amazing! I couldn't believe my eyes with the creativity, elegance and craftmanship of the products... so naturally I contacted the owner, Sheena, to learn more.

Sheena was kind enough to let me review the Eva bracelet in Gold. When I tried on the bracelet, I was in LOVE. The bracelet visualized in person is even better than the pictures on Etsy. The detail and care were obvious. The talent can't be argued.

Sheen told me that she has always had an interest in crafting, but only started making more original and  formal pieces about a year ago. She had to have surgery that kept her from walking for months, so in that time she built up her skills with working with her hands.

Sheena finds inspiration in the world around her, especially the women in her life. Most of her items have ladies names which correlate with the names of the women in her life that she can see wearing those pieces or flowers.

In addition, Sheena finds inspiration from her customers who have a vision of something special and unique but can't quite find their ideal item on their own. By working with her customers, Sheena is able to create something they are excited about.

The Eva bracelet I reviewed is one example of Sheena working with a customer to create a special bracelet specifically for her Maid of Honor.

Did someone say Maid of Honor? That will be my role in a few short months, and I think I'll have the perfect bracelet to wear thanks to Sheena. And if my sister wants me to get something a little bit more yellow than Gold, I'll just contact Sheena!

As Sheena said, "I cut all my petals for all my flowers individually and won't sell anything that I'm not proud of. I'm also totally willing to work with customers to come up with new creations or make changes to the items in my own store to make it perfect for them"

So if you like what you see, head on over to Classique Collections on Etsy and take a look at what Sheena can do you for you.

As a special treat, ALL my readers get a 10% discount on their purchase! Simply use the code ROXYSHOPS10. Code is valid until 3/1/2011





*A huge thanks to Sheena from Classique Collections for sponsoring this review. I received no monetary compensation. The Eva bracelet was given to me gratis.


** Photo from Classique Collections Etsy site.