Boulder and the Beautiful

And I thought it was difficult maneuvering while pregnant.

Then again, I thought the pregnant belly was the best built-on shelf. You could organize an entire Thanksgiving dinner on this model’s mid-thigh.

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www.CalaverasApparel.etsy.com — This Etsy shop blends traditional Day of the Dead themes into modern textiles, handmade accessories and original art works.Former Fairview High School student Tom Stetler, along with his Denver girlfriend Valerie Pierce, started Calaveras Apparel out of the desire to blend trendy graphic design with the classic Mexican skulls and artwork — and at reasonable prices. Each item is handcrafted, from beginning to end, and the artists also often collaborate with other Etsy artists.

The interest in Day of the Dead skulls came from Pierce, who grew up in New Mexico.

The accessories are unique, like a bracelet made from old records screen-printed with an original skull design, for only $10.50. Or a wooden box, featuring a hand-drawn and wood-burned skull-and-wings image for $13.

Calaveras Apparel also makes wall clocks, posters, light switch plates, memory boards and apparel. Hand screen-printed shirts, made to look vintage, cost $15.50.

http://www.dailycamera.com/fashion/ci_14324982

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Need more than 10 fingers and 10 toes to help you add? Good thing you have your tally mark earrings.

$50, www.etsy.com/shop/NinaGibsonDesigns

Another unique design by Nina Gibson:
Penny for your thoughts ring, $42

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Check out my fashion column on Friday (Jan. 29) about pregnant belly henna. You can read it online at www.dailycamera.com.
Here are some more pics of my experience. I had so much fun that it was ridiculous.

Photos by Maureen Sullivan. Henna by Leah Reddell. Stylist: Summer Trembley.

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Two-headed kitten necklace, $190, www.etsy.com/shop/AnomalyJewelry

Victorian owl-head necklace, $48, www.etsy.com/shop/CosmicFirefly.

And then…. there is the Worst Shop Ever (www.etsy.com/shop/TheWorstShopEver).

“Jesus Christ on a Cracker. What more can I say? The real saltine cracker is preserved in a strong coating, making it durable enough to wear.”

$8

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Just when you think you’ve seen the same boring outfit reinvented 10 zillion times, a brilliant designer shocks you.
Designs by www.etsy.com/shop/POUTfits.

$110

$130

$38

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Which is why I need this purse.

$100, www.etsy.com/shop/tsurubride

Or maybe you’re more of a squirrel gal.

The squirrel is only $90. I guess squirrels aren’t as cool as foxes.

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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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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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