The second and fourth Sundays of every month The Old American Can 
I have to stray a little from my normal findings for "Hunting For Handmade" to showcase this incredible wedding dress made entirely out of toilet paper! Not for sale, but instead the winner of a contest at cheapchicweddings.com. The winner is Ann Kagawa from Honolulu, Hawaii and the prize was $1000. 
Amazing! 
Efiafair makes wearing handmade knits an easy thing to do in the summer. With a romantic mixture of laces, ribbons, soft yarns, and pretty florals the pieces are unique and wearable with just about anything. I especially love the spats! To see more and to shop visit the Efiafair Etsy shop.
Two noteworthy exhibits at The Museum at FIT in New York City are taking place this summer. Currently on show is Isabel Toledo: Fashion from the Inside Out running from June 17 through September 26. This exhibit showcases the work of one of Americas most conceptual designers. The upcoming Fashion & Politics exhibit runs from July 7 through November 7 and will explore how political ideologies are expressed in fashion. Both a must see!
Called a "novel accessory" from designer Caitlin Phillips, Rebound is a collection of purses made from old hardcover books. Lined in cheerful printed cotton, and with handles made of candy colored wooden beads these purses are quite adorable. The best part, when not in use, the handles may be folded inside the purse and you can store it on a bookcase just like a real book! Editions of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys seem to be her specialty but you can even have one custom made from a book in your own collection. If you are in the DC area, be sure to check out her exhibit at Artomatic called "Caitlin Phillips and the Mystery of the Book Purse". It runs until July 5th.
I'm loving the romper/ playsuit trend this spring/summer! How about you? Are you wearing them? If so, with what kind of shoe? Chunky heels, stilettos, or tennis shoes? 
Worn with chunky heels. Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear BCBG Max Azria - Runway
Worn with an ankle boot. Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Alexandre Herchcovitch - Runway
Worn with stilettos. Gossip Girl's Blake Lively at a CW event.
I was inspired to write this when I almost choked on my morning OJ while reviewing the resort collections in WWD. Am I the only person who thinks Dolce & Gabbana's rhinestone embellished jeans (left) are the most hideous thing they've ever seen (other than the bedazzled versions found at K-Mart-like stores)? Is this a backlash from mass-produced copies of luxury labels? Now luxury is copying the lowest of low-end apparel design? Here's a tip: if you like this look, you can save a ton of money by buying the cheapee version, and they'll be just as ugly. I do love the tailored jacket and striking jewels though.
In keeping with Grace's post on sexy horror flicks, I think these haunting images from the May issue of Italian Vogue are stunning. Shot by Craig McDean they combine Victorian, goth, and 90's grunge without being cliche. I love the tattered tights and gloves splashed with touches of red gauze. 
"Everything lovely" can be found at Doloris Petunia! This handmade accessory/jewelry line focuses on headpieces and statement necklaces. Custom orders are the specialty with a strong interest in taking your odd broken sentimental jewelry bits and turning it into something quite lovely. To see more of the collection shop their Etsy store.
