Winter Specials!

F&F knows the holidays can be a stressful time because it's so hard to find a special gift at an affordable price for the special women in your life. Luckily, we have an aesthetic that appeals to all ages, and timeless craftsmanship! Because we want your focus to be on spending time with your loved ones instead of stressing about paying bills, we are offering 25% over half of our merchandise, free sustainable gift wrapping automatically, and ALWAYS free shipping. So take a deep breath, relax, and visit www.figandfaun.com to find unique suprises to be cherished by those you cherish :)

Happy Holidays!

F&F Fridays!

Every Friday, Fig & Faun will feature one exclusive item for 25% off for the entire day! It's just our way to help you start your weekend right :)

See http://www.figandfaun.com/ or follow us on facebook for details EVERY Friday :)

F&F Halloween Looks

Take yourself from casual workwear to halloween cocktail party style with the following simple looks!

Check out http://styleunveiled.com/wedding-inspiration/spooky-wedding-ideas.html to see more

Spooky Halloween Style

Today, Fig & Faun is being featured along many other very talented and inspiring businesses, in Style Unveiled's Spooky Wedding Inspiration article! We were honored to be among such creative company, and think you'll find our beaded lace necklaces and earrings, pearls, and statement necklaces perfect for the Spooky Season!

Style Unveiled Spooky Wedding Inspiration:
http://styleunveiled.com/wedding-inspiration/spooky-wedding-ideas.html

How to Make Use of Old Jewelry

I recently came across a box of my grandma's old 'dress up' jewelry, that was handed down to me when she passed away. While some of the pieces are high quality and sentimental, others are just plain ugly and out-of-date. There are plastic strands of beads, fake pearls of every color, rhinestone brooches, rhinestone base metal rings, and rhinestone clip on earrings. I began to make a pile of stuff to throw away and give to goodwill, after I sold what I could at a Cash for Gold party (more to come on that in a future post ;) ), but just couldn't bring myself to trash things that my grandmother might have found special when she was my age.

So, I decided it was time for a little something I like to call:
DIY MISSION: reWork what yo' granMammy gave ya!

The first hideousity (pronounced: hid-y-oss-e-tee) to be found was a gaggle of base metal, rhinestoney, bauble-encrusted brooches! Luckily, brooches are super easy to craft with and turn into something gorg!

MAKE A STATEMENT!

To use a brooch to make something modern, clip it assymetrically on a strand (or more) of pearls:



GET YOURSELF IN A 'HAIRY' SITUATION!

Simply use some super glue or mod podge to adhere plume of feathers (found at your local craft shop) to a thick bobby pin or comb clip. If you are having trouble making them stick, apply the glue, then tightly wrap thick string around the feathers and bobby pin or clip, and glue the string -- this will provide extra security! Once feathers have dried thoroughly, take a brooch or as many as fit nicely, and pin them through the bobby pin or clip and over the feathers. Make sure the glued end of the feathers is completely covered by the brooches. A tossled side bun is the perfect accessory to this easy DIY accessory! Also makes an awesome bridal gift :)

DO THE SHOE!

An pair of boring old pumps the the perfect reason to get crafty with some old jewelry! The only catch is, you will need two match brooches. Luckily, I found two rhinestone hair pins that were identical, so this project worked perfectly!

First you need a cute, simple, pump or flat:

Apply a liberal amount of mod podge to the front, or back outter edge, and wait until tacky. Once it is tacky, hold the brooch on it. You may want to tape the brooch in place so that it dries in the right place.

The second hideousity to be turned into something extra fab is fake pearls! Pearls are super easy to make an awesome statement necklace or bracelet with! Just wear multiple strands at once, tangle a mess of them together with a few strands of rhinestones for an easy statement necklace, or braid or knot strands of 4 or more for a thick but neat look!

Hopefully this has helped you salvage some of your granny's special items! And if you haven't inherited anything yet, you now know what to keep your eyes out for at garage sales, flea markets, and goodwill stores <3 Happy DIYing!



Boots to Boot!

Following our must-have list, we have recieved a ton of questions about where to get the boots featured in the our post (http://figandfaun.blogspot.com/2011/10/f-top-10-for-fall.html). Those boots are from http://www.urbanog.com/ and are only $34! Can you believe it?! That's super duper cheap! That's how much we spend on lattes in one week. boom!

Anyway, if you're searching for an awesome new pair of boots for fall and winter, check out our favorite picks below, including a mashup from House of Harlow <3 and make sure to let us know if you find a great deal or style! Girls that boot together toot together!

Hunter Boots are adorable, super super comfortable, and practical! Perfect for frosty mornings and rainy days! Annnd they come in a ton of styles and colors.

Herve Leger Fabiana suede booties are super cute with skinny grey cords and a big comfy sweater, but unfortunately, they have a sky high price to match they're awesomeness.

Heeled Hiking Boots are super cute for fall but not work attire friendly...or hiker friendly ;)  Anyway, they're perfect for a weekend pub crawl or window shopping!

This Week's Inspiration

This week's inspiration is channeling 70s mod. Bright & nature-inspired, greys, greens, blues, and pops of yellow and white are the perfect combo for design, personal style, and art.

The F&F How to Wear It Guide

Enhance Your Style with Jewelry

There is nothing that brings a smile to our face like a pretty ring, a fun statement necklace, or some sparkly earrings. Big or small, fashion-y or classic, understated or over-the-top, jewelry lifts the spirits. It also lifts a look. Colorful beads or chandelier earrings could be just the thing to make an ordinary outfit outstanding. Use these tips on how to best use jewelry to your fashion advantage.

Show Your Style Spirit

While jewelry is a very personal thing — gifts from your significant other, family heirlooms, purchases to mark milestones — it can also be a reflection of your style spirit. Some people can't go out of the house without loading up necklaces, while for others simple studs will do. Some women prefer an armful of bangles, and some load up on brooches. No matter your preference, bits of baubles are all about adding joy to your look — so don't stress, have fun with it.

Keep It Chic

Keep it chic. In some instances, loading up on the sparkles is an exciting way to accent. But know when to stop. An armful of bangles, for example, means you should think minimal with your necklaces and earrings.

Tone it down when your clothes have a lot going on. A ruffle-front blouse can look sweet with a thin chain in the mix, but not with a big, ornate number.

Bring Life to Outfits with Necklaces

There are so many directions you can go when it comes to necklaces, from subtle (a simple gold chain or a strand of pearls) to bold (a wide bib or colorful beads) and lots of places in between.

Five Necklace-Wearing Guidelines

Layer up! A mix of necklaces in varied shapes and lengths can look festive. Stop at a few strands. You don't want to look weighed down.


A wide choker or bib demands attention and should be your sole statement maker. Forgo other jewelry when wearing such a fetching item.


An open neckline on your top highlights your glitzy accent. The same goes for a solid-color shirt.


A draping necklace is lovely with a long frock. Choose a shorter strand with higher hemlines.


Consider the vibe you are going for. Add colorful beads for a boho feel, silver chains for a touch of punk, or pearls for a prim and proper air.

Face-Framing with Earrings

Whether you prefer simple studs every day or dangly drops, earrings have a big impact on your outfit. Yes, they are relatively small, but they are in the direct line of vision of anyone you talk to, so they should be well considered.

3 Ways to Wear Them

Small studs are perfect if you like a tad of glitz and don't change them every day. Diamonds are the ultimate and go with everything, but pearls or gold or silver studs are just as versatile.


Chandelier earrings draw attention. Keep your accoutrements limited to these stunners; pass on a necklace, brooch, or bangles.


Dainty drop earrings are the middle ground between petite studs and major danglies. They also offer a way to work color into your look.

Up the Glam Factor with Rings

You don't have to have a major rock to indulge in an eye-catching ring. From classic gold bands to exotic stones, there are styles to suit all tastes and budgets. Use rings to make an even bigger statement every time you talk with your hands.

Accent Your Arms

Bracelets can be exotic, simple, or just exciting. They're all about adding extra oomph. Whether you stack them, opt for one wide cuff, or pick one filled with trinkets, they give your style personality.

Referenced from Harper's Bazaar

F&F Top 10 For Fall

 1. Boots. These boots:

They're cute. They're practical. And they let you channel your inner 70's Roadie wherever you are. Just remember the cardinal rule of boot-sportin': Just like college camping excursions -- the higher, the better! Boots are awesome and we hope they never go out of style.

2. Big Sweaters! Sweaters meet our clothing requirement of the 3C's (and we're not talking about your well endowed cousin with the third nipple) -- cozy, comfy, and cute! Another perk is that during fall you may be starting to put on your winter 'layer' from all the pumpkin pie and stew you'll be eating, and a long, wool sweater will keep people from saying 'when did she get so fat?' and instead have them saying 'when did she get so PHat?' You know what i mean? Its all about the sweater.

3. Tea! Tea is a delicious winter treat because it warms you up and is delicious without being too filling. Sure, the first few weeks of September, all you can think about is a vente pumpkin latte, but by late October you'll be begging for a hot drink that doesn't stick to your teeth and give you a belly ache :)

4.  Home-baked treats! You're going to be wearing big sweaters and drinking tea all day, so go ahead and bake yourself and your friends some delish home made baked goods! Shucks, you can even give some to your neighbors :) they will love you for it. Pumpkin pie, berry tarts, and baked apples are perfect for fall!

5. Warm gloves! they're just so cozy!

6. Infinity Scarf. These scarves are cute, chic, and also practical! A bright color adds pop to any outfit on a dreary day and will keep your neck cozy shmozy.

7. Long Walks. Whether you live in the city or country, long walks are the best in the fall. The crisp air and changing leaves is as good for the soul as it is to stay fit, and even if you dread the thought at first, you'll be happy you went afterward! <3

8. Good Book! Cold weekend mornings are perfect for snuggling up with a great book! The Glass Castle, The Quincunx, and Cold Mountain, are great stories that will keep you enthralled throughout at least one cold autumn month :)

9. Pubs. It's rainy and cold, and it's just not as fun to be outdoors. Go to a pub for a beer and some fried appetizers with your friends! You'll stay warm and smiling all night!

10. Chunky Jewelry! Big, chunky, earthy jewelry is great for fall because it makes a statement tucked between scarves, peet coats, and long sleeves! Earth tones just exude autumn, and deep purples, ambers, golds, and greens, will compliment any bundled beauty!



Fig & Faun Fall Style Pick

Horizon Necklace made from maroon and mocha colored stripey agate on gold chain is cute with a big comfy sweater and boots!

   

How to Unleash Your Creative Self

It's not always easy to find your creative self, and sometimes it can be downright overwhelming! However, if you think you may have something creative to offer, you probably do! You just need the courage to tap into your strengths as an imaginative, and expressive individual, with something new to discover in yourself and share with the world.

As a jewelry designer, I am constantly finding that I am drawn to a broad spectrum of styles which makes it difficult to channel my creative self toward one identifiable style. I love everything from tiny precious stones and delicately glittering beaded metal to bulky, carved bone pendants strung on leather cord. But if I merely copied everything I was drawn to I wouldn't really being expressing myself -- I would just be reflecting back what someone else was able to imagine. The trick is to find your voice, your aesthetic, the most pure vision of everything you desire for yourself, and then create it so it can be realized and shared with others (if you wish to share it). 


There are some things you can do to help focus your creative energy and create something beautiful:


1. Go on a walk and pick up at least 3 things along the way, whether its a twig or a piece of broken glass, these findings can help jog your creativity!


2. Flip through magazines or go online at websites like Pinterest, to find new ideas about how to express a certain mood or feeling


3. When you're ready to start creating, make sure that you aren't just copying something you like. You can use other ideas for inspiration and mimic their 'feel,' but you don't necessarily want to use the same materials and colors


4. Always, always, always edit your aesthetic!! Some things might look just okay, and if that's the case, you do not need to develop them! Focus on developing the most bold or pure version of each brainstorming sesh, so that you end up with many great products that communicate your style clearly.

In conclusion, if you want to be a creative person you need to be able to identify what it is you are drawn to and why. Do you love a sleek or earthy design? Do you like bold colors or neutrals? Do you like something simple or extravagant? Always be conscious of what you are trying to evoke, and be certain it is in line with what you love. If you follow these 4 simple rules you are guaranteed to end up with something you value and to which others are drawn! So envelop yourself in the things you love and begin creating!

Words to Live by

New Online Shop

Fig & Faun just opened its first online shop. Items will be added monthly, and price points start at only $15.00! Everything is handmade with the most high quality materials to ensure your satisfaction and our pride. Check out our website for updates and deals! :)
Start shopping at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mhosterman?ref=si_shop

Fine as Frog Hair

Inspirational, whimsical, and sweet hairstyles can show you how to use your hair as an accessory and self-expression.























Shape and silhouette is the most important part of any do', whether its up or down.





Messy braids are gorgeous for spring and summer, and tame unruly tresses in humid weather.





A loose chignon with loose wisps and a few bold flowers is perfect and seemingly effortless.







Headbands aren't just for little girls. Adorned bands are beautiful accessories to easy hair.







Feather headbands subtley add funkiness to otherwise boring hair