Boulder and the Beautiful

My fashion column this week is about mancessories.
According to Urbandictionary.com (which, by the way, has totally gone downhill in the past few months and is now almost entirely a bunch of unfiltered, trashy inside jokes), one definition of mancessory is:

“The objects worn by the overbearing surfer or college-type dudes that really like to think they’re chicks and sport necklaces, ‘cuffs’ (really just big bracelets) and other completely unnecessary apparel just to convince the chicks of how earthy and hot they are. ”

Which totally works, because I love mancessories.

Other related definitions:

Flair: Buttons and other decorative accessories added to a work uniform, esp. at chain restaurants. Almost universally despised by restaurant workers and customers alike.

Giblets: Slang for accessories or stuff or extras that come with a product. Derived from the term Giblets, which is the extra parts of the turkey that come wrapped and packaged with the turkey. Extra parts such as the turkey liver and heart.

Now that we’re all on the same page, here are some giblets I think are a great way to flair up a man’s outfit.

1. Interesting, yet understated, neckties.
This silver raven-print tie is only $25 from www.etsy.com/shop/RokGear. (Check out Rok Gear’s wide variety of hip and unique ties.)

2. Funky/quirky cuff links.
Cufflinks.etsy.com makes all kinds of crazy cuffs, like Legos, Monopoly houses, shotgun shells, Scrabble tiles, pennies, keyboard keys and dominoes (starting around $15.99).

Or you could get all wild and score a pair of these Mr. T cuff links ($24.99 at www.etsy.com/shop/bellamodaartist).

3. Skinny/knit ties.
Former Boulder fashion blogger Ken Izawa (www.styleforall.blogspot.com) is loving skinny and/or knit ties right now.
$19 at Urban Outfitters.

4. Highly polished not-bling.
As in, you won’t need a chiropractic appointment after wearing this necklace. $125 at Nordstrom.

Or a classic dog tag, just spiffed up.
$160 from Nordstrom.

5. Rugged and brass.
I love the rugged look of this Guess belt buckle, on sale for $39 right now at Macy’s.

6. Bright pops of color.
A foolproof and simple way to make an average outfit stand out.
Guess Rallysport yellow watch, $95.

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$45, http://www.etsy.com/shop/kalliber

Of course, knuckle rings are not at all practical or subtle. But gosh darn it, they’ll help you win any bar brawl.

$12, http://www.etsy.com/shop/kingshandpress
$24.50, http://www.etsy.com/shop/FashionableRx

$18, http://www.etsy.com/shop/FashionableRx.
It’s so overrated to be able to bend your fingers.

Not all knuckle rings have to be tough.

$15.95, http://www.etsy.com/shop/theringleader

$106, http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckyduct

As always, then it goes all wrong.

$8, http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetlobe

This boom box is made out of cupcake sprinkles.

And nothin says tough like BRENDA:

$82, http://www.etsy.com/shop/PersonalizedJewelry

I don’t even know what’s going on here.

$225, http://www.etsy.com/shop/Fleathers

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Disclaimer: Sorry to people out there with latex allergies. Really, I am sorry for you.

Think latex is only for black dominatrix dresses and Halloween costumes? Think again. Here are some other ways to wear this sexy and shiny fabric.

Neck cuff:

$99, www.etsy.com/shop/HMSlatex

By the same designer:
Latex rose bracelet, $25:

Bow mittens, $45:

Hair rose, $50, http://www.etsy.com/shop/oohlalatex

Handbag, $90, http://www.etsy.com/shop/oohlalatex

Latex and lace hat, $65, http://www.etsy.com/shop/Amstatik:

Feather hat, $96, http://www.etsy.com/shop/oohlalatex

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My husband (an artist) once made me a hand-painted pair of heels. He bought black pumps and painted on them in silver. I loved them so much I wore the heels down to the little nail nubbins.

Needless to say, I love these hand-painted shoes. Although at $250, that’s a bit extreme. I know a guy who will paint you shoes for a fraction of that price!

www.etsy.com/shop/cocopunkz

Here are some other gorgeous hand-painted shoes from Etsy:

$90, www.etsy.com/shop/norakaren

These are literally a work of art, featuring the works of Edouard Manet on the wedges. $335, www.etsy.com/shop/hippyofdoom.
Here are some sexy, hand-painted shoes that are super cheap – only $12:

www.etsy.com/shop/kalliber
By the same designer for $30:
These make me smile.

AND THEN… there are these:
Edward and Bella high tops.
$125, www.etsy.com/shop/AyinX.

All of my fashion senses tell me “No,”  yet I feel oddly drawn to them… like the lamb falling in love with the … something.

Edward vs. Jacob shoes:

$199, www.etsy.com/shop/alcat2021.

AND…. Perhaps even uglier than Jacob-Edward kicks are these puff-painted “upcycled” heels. Those are broken sea shells glued to the heel.

$20, www.etsy.com/shop/dmattliano

No, no, it gets worse!
Now you can wear closed-toe shoes but look like you’re wearing fugly sandals and that you have hideously misshapen toes!

$34.95, www.etsy.com/shop/TinaKauffman

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Just look at this dress! Pure beauty. $210.

Peach ’50′s Style Tulle Prom Dress.

www.etsy.com/shop/makemeadress

Or this one:

Apparently what I think qualifies as the perfect dress is pink tulle.
$840, www.etsy.com/shop/ouma

$44.95, www.etsy.com/shop/TutusChic

$280, www.etsy.com/shop/ouma

Pair the pink tulle with a black and white striped bodice for some edge.

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Look at this one and tell me you’re not.

Poodles. And balls.

OK, maybe you can deny obsession with this but I can’t, nor do I want to.

www.etsy.com/shop/dotsdiner

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I am writing about the cost of clutter for Sunday’s Daily Camera, in honor of Get Organized month.
Here are a few gorgeous inspirations to help keep your clutter in check.

Butterfly jewelry holder, $70, www.etsy.com/shop/sarahlizzytish

Double flower hook, $16, Urban Outfitters.

Birdcage wire jewelry holder, $28, Urban Outfitters

Jewelry frame, $38, Urban Outfitters.

Brigitta dresser, $798, Anthropologie.

Magnetic bathroom jars, $28, www.etsy.com/shop/GneissSpice

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