just out of the box @ embellish

wendy wise original

2010-07-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

This dragonfly pendant is a wendy wise original, from her Gratitude collection. Five mystically significant gemstones make up the collection: Peridot, stone of wonder, brings good fortune; Tiger Eye, stone of bravery and luck, balances health; Mother of Pearl, stone of motherhood, increases the flow of life force; Blac...k Onyx, stone of protection, banishes grief, absorbs sorrow, and repels negativity; and Turquoise, stone of friendship, is the link with all life.

Rapt in Maille

2010-04-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

Handmade mesh jewelry by local Chicago artist Melissa Banks.

Just in Time for Mother's Day: K. Amato Jewelry

2010-04-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

Accented by gold-filled chains, colorful stones, delicate gold leaves, feminine filigree drops, and hammered geometric shapes, K. Amato offers the perfect blend of fashion-forward yet classic pieces for every wardrobe.

Pleasure Ground Sunglasses

2010-04-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks for staring!

Pleasure Ground eyewear is created out of our commitment to quality for your commitment to fun. We believe that polar is as good as it gets; enough so that its all we do.

Pleasure Ground is inspired by the Southern California lifestyle in which it was born - laid back with an edge. At the end of the day, we're inspired by the classics. That's why we're offering a brand that's for people who aren't necessarily into wearing brands.

Polarized lenses act as a filter between your eyes and the harsh elements, warding off glare and soothing your eyes. Wearing polarized lenses not only extends your playtime outdoors, but extends the natural life of your eyesight. Do it for your vision.

Welcome to Pleasure Ground, high quality eyewear ...for your viewing pleasure.

(From pleasureground.com)

Nino Bossi Hobo

2010-03-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge!

From Nino Bossi's new Cloud leather collection.

Apparently, it's a hobo and not a purse. Please give me a moment to wrap my brain around that, as I'm still bragging about knowing the difference between a clutch and a handba...actually, I'm going to need a few days. I'll get back to ya.

Tutela Handbags

2010-03-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Vintage and reproduction fabric handbags from tutela. Limited production, made in the USA.

Zola Jones Clutches

2010-02-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

Click me

Zola Jones bags are handcrafted in Chicago by designer Jason Loper using vegan leatherette, upholstery fabric, and other eco and animal-friendly materials.

Shiraleah Bags

2010-02-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

Dare we say, some Shiraleah bags in the shade of spring?

Let's be cautious and say neutrals, with green shoots for those looking for a little fun.

Thank You!

2010-02-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

CAN DO! Despite a massive blizzard, embellish customers came through with tons of food donations for the Common Pantry. ...As if there was any doubt.

Thanks for helping out a great cause. You guys are the best!

It's Almost Heeeeeeere...!

2010-02-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

Share the Love: The embellish Food Drive

2010-02-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

Click for details!

Metal Monk

2010-01-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

Click for close-up!

"It’s not easy competing in a fickle fashion & arts industry flooded with imports, but the Metal Monk collection is entirely handmade in the USA."
- Metal Monk website

Necklaces by Leighelena

2010-01-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

click me!

Check out the cool stamps on the backsides of these enamelled glass on copper necklaces by Leighelena (artist Leigh Navarro).

More Squasht Hats!

2010-01-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

Local Artist!

Rising Tide Fair Trade Scarves

2009-12-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

Click for a close-up. Happy holidays!

Necklaces by Juliet

2009-12-16T14:15:00.001-08:00

Don't forget, you can click on any picture to get a better look.

Jewelry by Local Artist Christy Lucius

2009-12-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

Bracelets by Linda Levinson

2009-12-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

Local designer Linda Levinson's extensive background in fine jewelry and her love of antiques are the key elements to her innovative and classic accessories collection. Each piece is hand-crafted with the greatest attention to detail at Linda's Oak Street studio.

Switchin' Things Up

2009-12-03T13:21:00.000-08:00

Paddywax Soy Candles

2009-11-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, the perfect gift for the hosts of the party.

Convertible Totes by Urban Junket

2009-11-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

Made from organic and recycled materials, these eco-friendly totes are convertible. Believe it or not, all you have to do is use the snaps to change the tote's shape, as shown above.

Use the big size to carry your laptop, then convert to the smaller bag to run errands or go out and about in the world.

Bora Necklaces

2009-11-16T14:06:00.003-08:00

Bora's ceramic work is done by two sisters in Turkey. When they're finished, they send the necklaces to their cousin in Brooklyn, who does the sterling work.

Custom Name Tags by Lotus

2009-11-08T16:20:00.001-08:00

Holiday Goodness

2009-11-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

The holidays are upon us. Time for something sparkly!

Just in Time for the Holidays: More Rebecca Zemans

2009-10-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

Peanut!

2009-10-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

Peanut by Lisbeth; Vancouver, Canada.

It's Officially Hat Season!

2009-10-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

In Chicago, hat season runs from October through the beginning of May. Seriously, I double-checked with Tom Skilling. ...I'll update this when he calls back.

Luckily, embellish is stocked up with hats from local designer Squasht. With Chicago style, Squasht balances a quirky sensibility with subtle sophisitication. Everything you need to stay warm and look good while doing so.

Eco Secret Garden Treasure Boxes

2009-10-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

GeoArt by Cynthia Gale introduces Eco Secret Garden Treasure Boxes, a collection based on the novel.

Lillie & Cohoe: Winter Warmth & Style

2009-10-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Handmade luxury from Canada. ...Hey, be nice to the Canadians.

Brand New Jewelry From Fab Local Designer Rebecca Zemans!

2009-10-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

That's right, fab. As in fabulous. Each piece of jewelry is one of a kind because Rebecca employs an ancient tool called the hammer. With every blow, she forges something special.

Strong and delicate, ancient and modern, her designs are contemporary with a classic look. Conceptually, they derive from Rebecca's fascination with biological cells viewed through a microscope and celestial bodies viewed through a telescope. The organic shapes and geological specimens recall both microscopic organisms and patterns found in space. Movement is also a key component as she strives to create comfortable, everyday jewelry that complements and expresses the exceptional qualities of the individual.

GeoArt Bangles

2009-10-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

GeoArt bangles by Cynthia Gale. Step into a festive look featuring black and white batik bangles with hand-painted gold, fabrics and other natural materials from Bali, and solids as well.

We're Back!

2009-10-13T05:02:00.000-07:00

As CBO of embellish, I apologize for not giving you advance notice that the blog would be taking a few weeks off.

I'm sure many of you out there were left with gaping holes in your day. I can only hope that you were able to find another task that was just as productive as the time you spend here.

I assure you, this will never happen again. Ever. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Cheers,
Scoop Skupien
Chief Box Opener/Chief Blog Officer

Thank You!

2009-09-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone! I believe a good time was had by all who dropped by on Girls Night Out. The party lasted until 9:30 PM. Fun, yet respectful to Thursday.

Now, what you've all been waiting for... embellish is proud to announce the Girls Night Out $100 raffle winner: Deb Elston!

Deb Elston, come on down!

Latico Leather Bags

2009-09-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

It's actually a nice shade of eggshell. Trust me.

Update! Turns out, you shouldn't trust me. Apparently, the color is called eggplant, not eggshell.

In my defense, I quote the great Stephen Colbert: "I don't see color."

Girls Night Out

2009-09-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

Join us this Wednesday for girls night out at embellish and Stellar26! Grab a friend, grab a drink, grab a snack, and check out our new fall wares.

Each item purchased will earn you a raffle ticket. Two lucky girls will win a $100 gift certificate!

See you this Wednesday, September 23rd from 7-9 PM.

Bud in the Mud

2009-09-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

Local designer Roulette 18's bud in the mud. Oxidized sterling silver.

Established in 2003, Chicago-based Roulette 18 is Lyn Pusztai and Rhonda Welbel.

Resin Work by Fenomena

2009-09-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

Latico Leather Bags

2009-09-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Latico leather bags in a perfect fall pallet.

The 44th Annual General Von Steuben Day Parade!

2009-09-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the 44th running of the General Von Steuben Day Parade. It's a lot like Pamplona, if you replace the bulls with guys in lederhosen.

Above is one of the marching bands, as seen from inside embellish.

More J & I Earrings and Necklaces

2009-09-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

J & I Earrings

2009-09-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

Handmade peacock pearl earrings set in silver sterling cups. Dress them up, dress them down. Either way, they work.

J & I Necklaces

2009-09-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

J & I sterling necklaces; handmade in Philadelphia.

ellu totes

2009-09-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

ellu totes, new to embellish, are handmade by a local Chicago designer. While not evident in this photo, one of the best features is the strap, which can be worn two ways. At full length, you can wear it cross-body, or fold it in half to wear over the shoulder.

Rebel Designs Cuffs

2009-09-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

These leather and semi-precious stone cuffs were in the same Rebel Designs shipment we received Thursday. Earrings and necklaces came in as well.

Rebel Design Handbags

2009-09-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

From Gina Riley's leather collection, we just received wristlets, wallets, and brand new leather and denim clutches. Beautiful leather with an amazing attention to detail; a timeless investment.

Do you remember?

2009-09-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome, my friends, welcome.

Right now, you are experiencing the very first post on the embellish blog! So why not start where it all began? Right? Who's with me?

Therefore, we go back in time to May of 2008. This post-demo picture shows what embellish looked like back when the only things for sale were extension cords, dust, and a slightly used commode.