The Succulent Wife's Favorite Things

Catch the MonkeyBoy spirit. Egdy clothing for your little monkeys!

Anna Beard of Monkeyboy believes in making a child's life full of laughter, in giving them wings and dreaming right along with them. Monkeyboy is a pet name given to Anna’s first son. With him, came a whole world of imagination, wonder and fantasy.

From old-time circus characters to pirate scenes to vintage tattoo art to just plain cool one-off images, the MonkeyBoy collection take themes that capture kids’ imaginations.

Illustration ideas are a result of Anna’s own childhood memories and of things that make her and her family laugh. So, it seemed inevitable then that when Anna’s two year son said “look at my big, big muscles, mommy!” the Strongman illustration would be developed. The T-Bone shirt you ask? That was simply created because it was a funny thing to put that on a kid’s tee.

The MonkeyBoy onesies and tees make for the most original gift ideas for babies and other wee ones.
SHOP THIS COOL COLLECTION HERE

Sweet and Happy Collage Gift Ideas by Collage Artist Becky Shander

Give Positive Thoughts!                  

Becky Shander, an ingénue collage artist, proposes wonderful little gift tokens that are bound to lift those hesitant spirits or to spur on the perseveringly positive ones!

Truly, we all need these reminders in our lives:

• Dream
• Think Positive
• Celebrate Life
• Live Big
• Soar...                                                            

These inspiring thoughts can adorn your wall with Becky’s mini wall hangings or can be worn as pendants. Either way, gratitude will be the other positive feeling that will be manifested by this offering!

Shop Becky Shander’s Collage Collection Here at TheSucculentWife.com

...AND exclusively for The Succulent Wife’s Blog Readers - 20% off any Becky Shander Collage Piece!
Use Coupon Code “Sweet” to receive your discount! Valid till October 26, 2007.

Cinch that gorgeous waist with Chelsey Loren's One-of-a-Kind Belts

BELTS ARE BACK! Thank goodness! The Succulent Wife is quite excited to see that belts are back in style. And, she is especially thrilled to introduce this exclusive line of belts by Chelsey Loren. Whether you are curvy or straight as a pole, a belt is a feminine and beautiful way to accent your figure AND your outfit. Wear it with your favorites jeans or wrap it around a sweater or a jacket. Just gorgeous dahhhlin'!

Each belt is a ONE-OF-A-KIND, made, signed and dated by Chelsey. Her unique belts are handcrafted from antique, Victorian and vintage findings on authentic vintage buckles.

Visit this page to find out more about Chelsey herself and this page to view her entire collection.

... AND exclusively for The Succulent's Wife VIP readers:  20% off any Chelsey Loren Belt. Use Coupon Code “Chelsey” to receive your discount! Only valid until Oct 15/07!

The Succulent Wife's Deal of the Moment: D.A.Y.S. by Stepania's New Collection at 25% off!

D.A.Y.S. by Stepania, a Bold New Collection: “The Known and The New”

This new collection by  Stepania was created to match this fall’s favorite fashion trends: the simple yet bold lines of this jewelry will add a pop of color to the new deep greys, plums and espresso palettes that are so prominent for winter.       

Natural semi precious and caged stones dangle on gold filled or sterling silver chains to add character and flirtyness. A rich and bold look… just like you always wanted.

And now, 25% off until September 30.

      

Need an  additional perk?  There is FREE SHIPPING on all D.A.Y.S.  Collection Jewelry, also till  September 30, 2007

Darling Back-to-School Accessories by Branching Out Creations

Remember when you were little and contemplating those the last days of summer? You were anguished over seeing your lazy days come to an end and, at the same time, you were filled with a sense of trepidation for your return back to school. Yes, and you remember that looking good was primordial.

It is this whole sense of Back-to-School anticipation and excitement that Debby Jewesson of Branching Out Creations was channeling when she created these very cute items. The monogrammed tote bag is perfect for carrying those very first reading books, notebooks and crayons that will fit in the charming matching pencil case. The Branching Out Creations signature wool felt barrettes will perfectly complement your little girl's new back-to-school outfits. And there could not be a more adorable way to pack wee snacks and lunches than in this too-cool-for-your-shoes yellow zebra mini tote.

         

These items are offered at a special price, in limited  quantities, till September 4th only.
And yes, there’s more! Buy two or more items  for an additional 25% off.

         

See the items here at The Succulent Wife's gift shop. Enter code "cute4skool."

         

Who gets the A+ now?

         

The "Story" Jewelry Collection - Vintage beads and paper charms

Betsy Carr of Foundling has done it again! First she brought us her Charmed series petite pendant necklaces. Now, she introduces another achingly adorable “Story” collection with her signature vintage pager charms as the focal point.

For the “Pink of the Evening” Story collection, Betsy has designed jewelry pieces with romantic summer sunset themed charms. The delicate charms feature snippets of vintage fabrics and words pulled straight out of a mid-century dictionary. This necklace and earring set will have you conjure images of pink sunsets, a sweet breeze in the air and other summer delights. Ahhhhhh….

The "Open Road" Story collection features vintage based travel themed charms. These little charms feature old map snippets and more words from mid-century dictionaries. Wearing this little number will having will have you fantasizing about driving down Route 66 in your 1955 Bel Air Convertible.

An exclusive with The Succulent Wife.

Succulence from Italy! Paola Frusteri, Fabulous Glass Jeweler

The Succulent Wife is proud to introduce this exclusive and breathtaking jewelry collection by Paola Frusteri. Inspired by nature, history and Paola’s own poetic sensibilities, her pieces are purposely imperfect, evocative of objects found in nature or treasures brought back from the sea.

With fused glass as the focal point, Paola also uses brass, copper, silver or steel to fashion her miniature wearable sculptures. Highly unusual, bold and modern, these one-of-a-kind pieces are actually easy to wear and the only accent you will need to complete and complement your latest outfit.

Made in the artist’s studio in Genova, Italy.

See all of Paola’s Collection HERE.

The Cutest Etched Glasses by Bread and Badger - Great Men's Gift Idea!

Clearly, The Succulent Wife caters to women, but we are quite excited to propose this really cute gift idea for the guys: etched pint and double old fashioned drinking glasses by Amanda Siska for Bread and Badger. Inspired by tattoo art, these retro pin up gals are so innocently seductive.

A great gift for anyone who appreciates the female form. Think Fathers Day, Bachelor Party, Brother’s birthday… Indeed, here are some women you won’t mind your man holding on to…

An exclusive design for The Succulent Wife, you will not find these anywhere else.
 

Retro Electro Aprons -- Functional Succulence at Work

You need to see these absolutely adorable aprons by Retro Electro. Made from a clever mix of new, vintage and salvaged material, they are too cute for words.

The girls at Retro E managed to design aprons that are not only unique and adorable, but playful AND sexy at the same time. The Succulent Wife and staff had a great time unpacking this shipment. Indeed, a young male colleague (who, for his own safety shall remain unnamed) exclaimed “Wow, what do you wear underneath?” Well, that would totally be up to you and to how you prefer to entertain!

Take a look at the fun bistro aprons that would make a perfect gift for the man who has everything.  Actually, any of these aprons would make great housewarming or hostess gifts.  Hurry, hurry, these are flying off the shelves!!!  Oh, and read the instructions below to get your coupon code.

Very "Joli Jewelry"

I fell in love the second I saw this line. Colorful, eclectic,old-fashioned-in-a-modern-way, a little bit bohemian, it has everything to have me hooked...  I had to have them in my store!

Jody Lyons is the designer for Joli Jewelry and she creates limited edition pieces by mixing vintage findings and new materials. Joli Jewelry’s materials of choice are semi-precious stones, deco glass, enamel work, metal stampings or findings, mother of pearl, 1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s, 50’s or 60’s vintage plastics and Bakelite Celluloid. These materials are masterfully combined into sculptural and textured compositions, each becoming a little piece of art in its own right, to wear as a pin or necklace. We love the quirky juxtaposition of the vintage materials and bright colors.

The part I like best is the versatility of the pieces. Thanks to a clever “slider” that attaches to the pin, the Joli Jewelry brooches easily convert into necklaces. I sell them with a black satin cord necklace. Very elegant. You can also attach the pins/brooches to the black bead cuff bracelet.  See how a Joli Jewelry brooch perfectly adorns an otherwise ordinary piece?  See the collection on The Succulent Wife's website right here.

This is versatility in jewelry at its very best!

Love, love, love it.

I said that already.

Retro Electro Funky Hostess Aprons

I love, love, love these aprons by Retro Electro! Each is a one-of-kind piece, totally handmade from an eclectic mix of vintage and modern fabrics. They are brand new on The Succulent Wife.

Sarah Mortensen and Roxanne Isaac meet as bartenders in 2001. They went searching for something fun to wear to work. They quickly discovered there weren't any cool aprons on the market; all were generic looking and "made overseas." So out of necessity, they decided to collaborate on a distinctive line of aprons. And these girls managed to design aprons that are not only unique and adorable, but playful AND sexy at the same time. The Succulent Wife and staff had a great time unpacking this shipment. Indeed, a young male colleague (who, for his own safety shall remain unnamed) exclaimed “Wow, what do you wear underneath?” Well, that would totally be up to you and to how and whom you prefer to entertain!

Oh, and what a fun hostess gift, don't you think?

Check them out here and wear them succulently!

GohGirl

The Goh Girl line is created by creator & designer Liz Goh. She was actually working a "cubicle" job related to her hard earned psych degree when her Goh Girl alter egos began manifesting. Goh Girl's cute, imaginative illustrated creatures are actually secret agents, each with a special power.

The Goh Girl line currently includes Women's and baby tee-shirts and note cards. Secret Agent Pretoria's powers help her hold and grip her enemy, while Agent S. chases down non-recyclers and Agent Tokyo's abilities allow her to propel herself out of danger. Meet all the other secret agents here at The Succulent Wife.

I guess that the psych degree does help discern particular character and personality traits. Liz' creativity makes them special.

Another Mother’s Day Gift Idea. Cute and personalized...

...and soooooooooooo within your budget!

What a beautiful and classic Mother’s Day gift idea:  personalized note cards by juniper designs…   And at $12 a set, it so fits in your budget. Classy and cheap. Can’t get any better!

                  

Help Mom feel like a queen as she signs her notes on her new monogrammed stationery. Totally indulgent, which is exactly what mom deserves.   

ORDER NOW at www.TheSucculentWife.com to get them  ON TIME for MOTHER’S DAY which is around the  corner on May 13.

And apply coupon code “15%off” when you buy two or more and coupon code “20%off” when you buy 3 or more. Hurry! This is only valid till May 6, 2007.

Little Reminder Necklaces By Lucky Accessories

These cute mini pendant necklaces are the best little gift for any of the important women in your life. You know, mom, best friend, sister, aunt, daughter... But these Little Reminder necklaces are especially perfect for Mother's Day. They have a little reminder inscribed inside, simple but important words (aka attitudes and thoughts) to remember and to help keep to keep-top-of-mind throughout the day. The choice of 13 Reminders are Love (bien sur), Laugh, Live, Dance, Faith, Sing, Balance, Listen, Read, Inspire, Play, Speak, Trust. The pendants are two-sided and have vintage wallpaper inside, a different image on each side for reversibility.

I think this is such a cute and thoughtful gift for the budget minded. Like for a young daughter to give to mom, or for a young woman (or young man) to give to another young person. Adorable and meaningful. Love that combo!!!  Find them here on www.TheSucculentWife.

The Hip New Look of an Old Craft

Sunny Leather Rising by Allison Sattinger

Allison Sattinger is re-inventing the old craft that is hand tooled leather. She makes unexpected leather accessories that fuse the classic technique of carving and tooling leather with the airy chic of the California girls who wear her collection of belts, necklaces and cuffs.

The rarity of tooled leather in fashion has made for some really fun conversations with strangers asking, "Where DID you get that necklace/belt?" and more than one on-the-spot purchase. The word has spread from friends of friends to clients and teachers, precipitating the need to create a full line of readily available pieces available at The Succulent Wife’s online store.

Tooth and Tusk Jewelry Collection

Lacey Wilkins is the creator behind the almost eponymous NeckLacey Jewelry line. Her education and training in the field of fashion merchandising allowed her to launch this first collection like a pro. It is cohesive with a palpable fashion forward edge. Lacey is obsessed with the study of trends - existing and upcoming - and loved the idea of creating a "rock & roll" look that moves beyond the now pervasive "skull-with-something-froufrou" product.

The shark tooth selected by her son in a tourist gift shop while the family was vacationing in Florida is what spawned the whole collection. Based on marine elements, the Tooth and Tusk Collection displays a hard edge with shark teeth and sharp shapes which juxtapose beautifully with the vulnerability of the coral. Lacey's unique wire wrapping technique also imparts a sense of irreverence and of "imperfection as the new cool".

No animals were harmed in the making of these great pieces*

* Horns and Tusks are approved but the Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources and the Bureau of Animal Industries and Customs. The shark teeth are fossils from the US East Coast. Sharks shed their teeth naturally many times a year. The coral is from a commercial coral fishery with a license to cultivate from a unique Coral Collection Area with sustainable management guidelines.

New Succulent Artrepreneur

I'm happy to introduce Jessica Pilar to you.  You will immediately recognize her as a talented graphic designer.  I love the patterns that she has created and am honored to feature her product on my website. Take a look right here.