Everyone has purse essentials – the stuff you can’t go anywhere without. Tell us yours by posting a photo and description as a comment on this post! A winner will be selected randomly from entries placed by Friday the 30th at 1 pm, and will get the Overboard Bag in blue and a Whale Spin wallet. Good luck!

Although I get to see the adorable Winston almost every day, I’ve been pining for a little dog of my very own. I’ve researched, made countless phone calls, and found a new apartment with a fenced in yard and a landlord who doesn’t hate dogs. While it will be a few months until the crate training and puppy cuddling begin, I’ve already begun shopping. I know that somewhere deep down in her little puppy heart, my future dog will cherish carefully selected accessories from Etsy.

I love these collars from Annie’s Sweatshop; not only simple and cute, they also speak to the environmentalist in me. Featuring beds, leashes, collars, and harnesses made from sustainable materials, Annie will also recycle your dog’s old collar and give you a rebate. The above collars are my favorites but I don’t know if my puppy will prefer cute and feminine or tastefully gender-neutral. I’ll ask for her opinion when I meet her but for the time being, which do you like best?

Sorry things have been a little slow around here recently; we’ve been super busy getting our new space organized and, on top of that, we’ve been traveling to find new inventory. We were in Manhattan a few weeks ago and couldn’t resist the call of the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market. Since I knew I didn’t have room in my suitcase to buy much of anything, I decided to approach the flea market as a photographer instead of a shopper. My logic? If I couldn’t own it, at least I could have a picture to remember it always.

Vintage dog figurines. Aren’t they adorable?

Vintage mirrors. Bonus points if you can spot the photographer.

Quite possibly the most perfect vintage chair ever.

I did leave with a small but significant find: a vintage ring (only $1!!) with my first two intials “SM” spelled out in rhinestones. I promptly fell in love with it and it, in return, promptly turned my finger green. Unfortunately, I think it’s going to have to be a display piece on my dresser from now on.

How to dress your boyfriend, Part II:

One of my favorite things about Etsy is the availability of custom-made clothing. Too often people buy garments that don’t fit properly, this is true of both men and women. They promise to take them to a tailor and lose interest when they learn how hard it is to find a decent one. You’ve heard it before but it’s true; by investing extra money in well made pieces that actually fit, you improve your entire wardrobe and save money in the long run.

Encourage your boyfriend to value fit and quality. This jacket from A Broken Spoke is made from organic cotton and is machine washable. Provide accurate measurements and quickly (only two weeks after payment) receive a custom and stylish wardrobe staple.  Military in spirit but improved with clean lines and covered buttons, it will last long enough to warrant the investment. Should his tax return really go toward his vinyl collection, beer, or another gaming system?

I love burlesque artist Dita Von Teese for many reasons: making pale look sexy, making curvy look stylish, having the perfect shade of lipstick on at all times…

This picture of her at the Coachella music festival makes me love her even more.

Even among the heat and crowds of an outdoor festival, she’s perfectly accessorized, dressed up but comfortable, and completely gorgeous.