oh joy gift guide: accessories

Accessories are always a fun gift to give because they are pieces that can be personal and speak to the style of your recipient. Here are some of my favorites to give in a range of price points. Plus, all of the items for this guide are from businesses owned/run/designed/made by women of color!

1. Oh Joy! x Keds (on sale now from $60-80), 2. A.Battiste earrings ($32),  3. You Go Natural Headwraps ($35), 4. Camp by Julia Wester socks ($12), 5. Amu Cherian scarves ($90), 6. Wanderlust + Co. ring ($35), 7. XOUXOU phone accessories ($69), 8. Julia Vaughn necklace ($85), 9. Coco and Breezy sunglasses ($285).

let me shop for you: rainbow for fall!

I'm channeling optimism and joy during a week that might feel strange and overwhelming. Rainbows aren't just for the spring but anytime you need a big smile...even in the fall! Here are a few very fall-appropriate and fun pieces that are making me smile right now...

(Left to right, top to bottom: Vintage Veloria sweater ($20, size 14), Boden rainbow stripe dress ($99 on sale), Zion Kitty Art Glass drinking glasses ($78 for 2), Alex Mill shirt and skirt ($148, XS-XXL), Retro and Me shoes ($32, size 7), MuffysAttic scarf ($20).)

oh joy for clover is here!

I'm so excited to announce our newest collection out today...Oh Joy! for Clover kid's pajamas! These are the softest and most wonderful quality PJs, and we were so thrilled to bring you a collection with our whimsical Oh Joy! patterns and designs inspired by our Oh Joy! Kids Story Books. Put on your new PJs while reading your favorite books for an extra fun and cozy bedtime. Sizes start from 0-3 months and go up to 4/5T!  Here's a closer look at all the fun designs...

1. Slumber Party Pals- Find your favorite characters on your PJs from our books! Read along and spot your favorite friends!

2. Goodnight Galaxy - As our Curious Cat flies into the sky on his balloon, your little ones can join in on the fun!

3. Sweet Sleepy Stripes - Stripes are always in style and are a fun way to remember...you are you, and you're OKAY!

4. Dreamy Dots - Our Curious Cat and his curious spots have been reimagined in cool blue tones to make your little one as curious as a cat, and also just as sleepy! 

5. Daydream Daisies - There are "hidden" daisies all through You're Okay! Can you find them all? 

All of our designs are available now in a Footie or Cloverall style and a Two-Piece Shirt and Pant style. Plus, you can get them bundled with the book if you don't have your copies yet! The quantities are limited and this collection will not restock, so get them while you can! 

 

Special thanks to: 

Lifestyle photos: Photos by Lily Glass, styling by Joy Cho

Kids' Photos: Photos by Charlie Wrzesniewski, styling by Lark & Co.

Book illustrations and pajama prints by Angie Stalker, Designer for Oh Joy!

my favorite power rings!

My favorite accessory right now is what I like to call a Power Ring. It's typically a bolder or oversized ring (but one that is still comfortable to wear) that feels fun and makes you smile. Here are some of my favorites in a range in price points, both new and vintage—some are novelty and some are investments you'll want to keep forever.

Sources: left to right, top to bottom: Julia Vaughn Edie Ring ($78)*, One Five Six Jewelry Smiley Face and Daisy Rings ($98), Roam Vintage Serafina Ring ($138)*, Wow That's Beautiful Aqua Ring ($44), Ariel Gordon Pave Letter Ring ($2350), Maya Brenner x Sarah Hendler Pearl Ring ($650), Wow That's Beautiful Black and Gold Ring ($79). (*BIPOC-owned)

a few things i'm loving right now for your closet and for your home...

Sources: Print by Paula Champagne*, Suku Home forest duvet set*, vase from The Styld Life*, Leanne Ford for Crate Kids lamp.

Sources: We Dream in Colour studs*, OK face mask, Phenomenal Woman "I am an American" sweatshirt*, LemLem scarf/sarong*, Charlotte Stone clogs, Camp by JW jumpsuit*.

(*indicates BIPOC-owned brand/BIPOC-created work)

transitional pieces i'm loving right now...

Fall is upon us! While some of us are still living in the hot summer temps, the transition to fall is on its way. Here are a few fun things that work now AND later that I'm loving right now all from independently-owned brands.

(left to right, top to bottom: Doen plaid top ($208), snake earrings from Chauncey & Coco ($36)*, CV x Melissa McCarthy Moyen Messenger bag ($495), CV x Melissa McCarthy 3/4 Sleeve Sweatshirt ($135), Roam Vintage dress ($72)*, orange leaf earrings from The Tiny Tassel*, AAKS woven bag ($153)*, Celia B woven jacket ($300). / *indicates BIPOC-owned)

oh joy for keds is here!

Two years in the making, and I'm excited to share with you our new collection with Keds that launched today! Inspired by bold and bright colors, extravagant textures, and finding that perfect balance of whimsy and sophistication, these shoes are meant to add a bright spot to every adventure we take (whether simple or grand). Here's a look at the four styles in the collection...

The Kickstart Sneaker! This pair combines the beauty and sophistication of gold metallic foil printed on subtly pink leather with an unexpected and perfectly juxtaposed bright neon edge. We added bright pink around the edges for a seriously happy detail. This pair has three different lace options that will be hard to chose between—white with an understated mix of gold and gold metal ends, solid pink, or play up the party element in an ombre pink. ($90)

The Champion Sneaker! This pair has Keds' iconic silhouette with a fun neon pink Jacquard with flecks of gold woven throughout. This pair comes with two different lace options—white with subtle gold woven throughout and gold end, and light pink laces with a bright neon end to match the color palette of the shoes. ($120)

The Double Decker Mule! This pair is a subtle, yet sparkling, addition to your summer wardrobe that goes with everything. The texture is printed in holographic foil printed on leather combining shimmer and soft, beautiful material. The elastic on the top and the sides both have a shimmer which I love. The mules are so easy to slide on and off during these warm (I mean HOT) summer months! ($90)

The Triple Decker Slide On! This pair is simply a party for your feet! The triple decker heel adds a fun boost of height while the slide-on style makes it easy to pull on and off. The shoe is made of a confetti mix of pearlescent, metallic, AND neon color sequins. I especially love the tiny runs of rainbow sequins  that bring a subtle multi-color mix. The elastic up top adds a fun pop of neon that is sure to make you smile every time you slip these on. ($90)

Which one is YOUR favorite? You can shop them all for a limited time right here!

(Photos by Lily Glass, styling by Julia Wester, styling assistance and crafting by Jess Hong.) 

let me shop for you: button-up shirts!

Button-up tops are an easy and versatile summer staple. Whether worn with shorts, pants, skirts, or dresses, they have the ability to be both casual and more dressy depending on how you're feeling! Here are a few of my favorites in both solids and patterns I've found for you...

1. Hot Cocoa Vintage off-white top ($34, medium), 2. Sonnet James playsuit ($188, size 0-16), 3. Rachel Pally linen top ($158, size XS-XL), 4. Chronically Glittery vintage striped top ($15, M-L), 5. Hey Tiger Vintage floral top ($24, no size marked), 6. Aarica Nichole plaid top ($35, size 16), 7. Flying Apple Vintage eyelet top ($45, x-small), 8. XO Threads Ethel set ($49, 2XL)

(Top photo by Lily Glass) 

let me shop for you: mini dresses!

It's heating up out there as we reach (almost) summer! I've been sticking to my Fancy Casual looks at home and as we slowly venture out with limited activities. Here are a few of my favorite summer mini dresses I found for you...a mix of both new and vintage in a range of price points and sizes. I've often listed the size of the item when we're looking at one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, but going forward, I will also include the size ranges available for new items, too!

1. AaricaNichole Vintage Green Floral Dress ($63, size XS/S), 2. Lisa Marie Fernandez for Target one shoulder dotty dress ($45, sizes XXS to 3X), 3. Selkie Collection Dress ($189, sizes 2-18), 4. Vintage Floral Shift Dress from ShopExile ($55, size M), 5. Cushnie for Target ($45, sizes 0-22W), 6. Vintage Mini Mod Dress from ShopExile ($57, size M), 7. Celia B pink dress ($255, size XS-XL).

let me shop for you: vintage caftans!

If you watched my recent IGTV video, you know that my number one go-to at home piece right now is a vintage caftan. It's colorful, fun, chic...yet comfy, too! Since we can't shop at our favorite local flea markets or vintage shops in person right now, there's so much available through vintage shops on Etsy in a range of sizes and prices.

Here are some tips I keep in mind for buying vintage caftans online:

1. Remember sizing for a caftan is more flexible than other clothing. Here's a case where you can wear sizes that are larger than your size since they are meant to be roomy. If you're getting a piece that isn't your size, you have to make sure that the fabric is flowy enough to still drape your frame properly. OR, you can also get them altered (which is generally not too expensive with a simple caftan shape). 

2. The pricing will reflect the quality. You can find some for $25-45 which will likely be a vintage polyester. Those will be durable and easily washable but may also be a thinner fabric. Anything in the lower $100s is likely much nicer quality and will last longer...those however, may be silk or other more precious materials so keep in mind if you'd prefer wear and wash pieces than anything too nice.

3. Keep specific search terms in mind to find more. I searched for "Vintage Floral Caftan" or "Hawaiian Vintage Caftan" to get these results below!

Here are six of my favorites available right now on Etsy....

1. Hawaiian Caftan from ShopExile ($65, size XS/S), 2. Caftan from VintagePrepGirl ($125, size 10-12), 3. Silk colorblock caftan from MilkTeeths ($150, size 10), 4. purple floral caftan by IggyAndBo ($68, size XS, S), 5. Multi-color floral caftan from PendulumVintage ($47, size M/L), 6. Abstract caftan from PurnaPalace ($124, size S).

(Top photo by Casey Brodley)