Bright Lights, New York City

After a non-stop week of packing, moving, driving cross-country (and within NYC, I might add), and rearranging plans due to the sensationalist reporting on Hurricane Irene, I am finally settled in my New York apartment. Before I left Austin, I churned out a few new pieces and was lucky enough to arrange a photo session with Treaty Oak Photography. I haven't had time to update my Etsy shop, so please enjoy this sneak peek until I can do so.



More to come soon!

-Action Jackson out.

A Few Lovely Things...

I was featured in an all laser cut acrylic Technicolor Treasury today, and it inspired me to check out the new laser cut acrylic jewelry on Etsy. Here are a few lovely finds my search brought up:

Pink Nude Butterflies Necklace (and earrings) by indomina, $22.00

Silver Acrylic Bunny Connector Necklace by imyourpresent, $12.00

Victorian Cameo Necklace (black or ivory) by sarahkeyes, $28.00

Laser Cut Acrylic Antler Brooch by MishMc, $29.00

So, what are your new favorite laser cut finds?

Action Jackson out.

Want it, Need it: Scalloped Shorts

Every season, I find there's at least one elusive fashion trend that I fixate on and cannot find until months (or sometimes years) later when I either a) lose interest b) find out everyone else has one at that point or c) both. This summer, I think scalloped (hem) shorts will fill that place in my heart. I don't mean to pull the Goldilocks card, but none of the pairs I've seen online have been exactly what I wanted. I'm also somewhat pessimistic that they would look flattering on me.

If I was a more skilled sewer, I would consider making my own pair. Craft even has a tutorial on creating ombre scalloped shorts from a pair of jeans (though I'm not sold on the denim look).

These are the pairs I've found so far:

Chic Shenanigans Shorts on ModCloth, $62.99

Sweet Green Tea Scalloped Shorts on ShopRuche, $37.99

Scalloped Hem Shorts on ASOS, $51.72

Scalloped Shorts with Removable Peplum Skirt, alexandragrecco.etsy.com, $150.00

So far, I haven't found a color/style/price combination that I like for any one pair of shorts. If I find the inspiration to hunt down a pair in person and shed any guilty feelings about buying clothing prior to my New York move, I'll set aside a day for sifting through Austin boutiques. If anyone wants to point me in the right direction, feel free to do so. Also, let me know what summer fashion trends strike your fancy.

Action Jackson out.

Tasteful Americana

July 4th is coming up, and despite the annual Austin Symphony concert and fireworks cancellation, I'm excited. Don't look at me like that. I know this holiday gets a bad wrap for being tacky (search '4th decor' on Etsy and tell me I'm wrong) and characterized by a misguided notion of what defines patriotism (and no, it's not being pro-war and it's not wearing those terrible excuses for clothing that Old Navy passes off as acceptable $5 t-shirt attire).

I think this holiday, like most others, is worth getting excited about because it gives us an excuse to indulge in foods we don't normally eat and get together with friends (not that you should need an excuse for either, but a nudge in the right direction never hurts). And, it doesn't need to be celebrated in a tacky manner. To prove this, here are a few awesome finds from Etsy:

Swim Dandy Swimsuit by FablesbyBarrie, $106.00

I am in love with this as well as the Sailor Swimsuit. This piece is so cute that you definitely aren't limited to wearing it just on the 4th. The model this shop uses for pics is awesome too.

Beach Breezes Lighting by BootsNGus, $185.00

Since Austin has a fire ban in effect, I think mason jar lighting and strings of white lights are a good substitute for fireworks as a way to illuminate nighttime celebrations.

50 Aqua Barber Striped Straws by isakayboutique, $7.98

I always see these straws on fancy event planning websites and love the sweet retro feel they add. These come with free blank paper flags too!

4th of July Star Sparklers Cupcake Toppers by TwoSugarBabies, $15.00

In case you're wondering, these "sparklers" are edible. Amidst all the bad cupcake decor on Etsy, these cute and playful fondant pieces really stood out.

So, what are your favorite Fourth finds on Etsy? Do you plan on going to the lake, spending all day outside, or hitting up the Tiniest Bar in Texas Vegan Hot Dog Eating Contest?

Action Jackson out.

Make it Work

As of tomorrow, I have one month left at my job. Naturally, that kind of foreseeable end date leads to daydreaming. Lots of daydreaming. To dissuade myself from the morose "but I don't want a new goldfish" outlook moving is bringing out in me, I'm trying to get excited about pairing down what I own and decorating a new space.

Gorgeous gothic/Victorian-inspired armoire I spotted here on Apartment Therapy.

What does this mean for me? Spending more time on Apartment Therapy than any normal person cares to, field trips to Ikea, and possibly a major garage sale (for which I don't have a personal garage and would gladly accept any offers). I'm especially interested in small space storage solutions because I'll only be allotted one coat closet in my new sublet. For my clothes, I'd like to fit everything into a wardrobe or underneath my bed. I don't have any ideas for non-clothing items, but my goal is to have a living space that doesn't look like a cluttered dorm room.

Some make it work with even less than what I'll have though. I'll leave you with this awesome food for thought in the form of a simply chic 125 square ft studio I found on Apartment Therapy.


Action Jackson out.