As a big fan of Wendy Brandes’ swear rings, I told her about six months ago that if she ever came out with a “<3″ ring, I’d be the first in line to purchase. I’ve always wanted one as I feel it’s the ultimate accessory to represent someone who loves fashion and all things digital.

Well, she did it and it became available a couple of weeks ago. She even went as far as saying it was inspired by me in her launch blog post. I wasn’t the first to purchase, but I just got it in the mail this morning, Valentine’s Day. What a perfect first day to wear it.

You can purchase your own for $150 via her online shop.

P.S. Notice where my thumb and ring finger are pointing on the keyboard in the photo? That was on purpose. #nerdalert

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a special blogger screening of Edward Burns’ latest venture, Nice Guy Johnny (trailer above). Hosted at one of my favorite NYC spots, Meet at the Apartment, I walked in to find buckets of sugary treats, three flavors of popcorn, a glass of wine and a tall, charming ”Eddie” Burns standing right there to greet me! He brought co-star Kerry Bishé to host a Q&A before the film. Wow, hearing about the making of an independent film really adds to the viewing experience (almost like the culture of wine)…which is why I’m going to tell you!

First, let me give you the two sentence schpeel on the film. Johnny Rizzo (Matt Bush) is about to trade his dream job as a sports radio journalist for some snooze-ville gig that’ll pay enough to please his fiancée. Enter Uncle Terry (Ed Burns), a rascally womanizer set on turning a weekend in the Hamptons into an eye-opening fling for his nephew. Nice guy Johnny’s not interested, of course, but then he meets the lovely Brooke (Kerry Bishé), who challenges Johnny to make the toughest decision of is life.

Without even knowing the background, you’ll still love the film. It hits home by touching on different feelings we’ve all had at one point in our lives – the different flavors of quarter-life-crises, if you will. However, here’s a little insight into how it was made from Mr. Burns himself.

Ed explained part of the inspiration for this project was going back to when he first started making films – having the ability to see a creative vision through from start to finish and working with hungry, talented actors with a fire in their eyes. They only had 10 days to shoot the film and the budget was what a lot of people might spend on a car. They had to find scrappy ways to accomplish what normally is solved through a production house. Ed’s car had an exciting role, the actors styled themselves head to toe and Kerry even made a reference about Ed BBQing lunch for the entire cast and crew.

Kerry made a strong impression on Ed from the second she spoke in her audition and he’s forecasting an incredibly bright future for her. I think the entire room of bloggers was pretty mesmereized by her. Brooke, her character in the movie, is the kind of person everyone wants to be friends with and it translates to her presence in real life, just a little more sophisticated. This girl is smart!

Overall, Nice Guy Johnny is a beautiful film and you have it see it when it comes out on October 26. For more info, check out the Facebook page and you can also tweet with Ed on Twitter with @edward_burns. Here are a couple more pics from the night:

Above: With Carolyn and “Eddie”

Photo Credits: Nice Guy Johnny/The Digital Brand Architects

Leave it to Wendy Brandes to steal my heart again with her “talk to the hand” jewelry smarts (you might recall her swear rings). The newest additions to her sterling silver collection are the OMG and LOLz rings, now available for pre-order. The best part is that she is selling them through Kickstarter, a great site where people share businesses/passions they want to pursue where others can help fund…because every little bit helps.

Above: Wendy rocking the OMG rings

Wendy, being the smarty she is, realized producing the rings in the US would cost buyers over $1,000 per set. Producing the sets overseas reduces the cost dramatically, but in order do so, Wendy needs to commit to a $7,000 minimum order. Using Kickstarter allows her customers to pre-order the new styles and/or purchase other styles in the form of pledges, which helps track her progress to creating the new styles.

Guess what? She only launched a few days ago and has already reached her goal! You can still purchase via her Kickstarter for 26 days. Who knows, if she doubles her goal, maybe we’ll see even more Wendy Brandes designs later this year! You can get the OMG rings for a $300 pledge and the LOLZ rings for a $400 pledge. Pledges start at $20 and jewelry is sent to pledges starting at $50. Go here to see more about the designs and purchase.

Photo Credits: Jennine Jacob of The Coveted, Wendy Brandes

The lovely Sara Seumae of SPUN clothing has done it again with her stylish, innovative, sustainable pieces. Available starting now, the BLACK/BLUE collection mixes dressy with casual in flattering shapes. Check it out for yourself in the SPUN online shop! I’ve got my eye on the strapless dress, all the skirts…and basically everything else!

I’ve been browsing Etsy a lot lately for inspiration, mainly because I’ve been a little bored with what’s being offered in my usual stops. Etsy has so many designers and it’s easy to get lost, so I thought I share some of my findings with you.   

DAIXIAOLE

Luscious Legwear

Shop URL: www.daixiaole.etsy.com 

This seller offers vintage-esque tights at a really reasonable price of approximately $15 a pair depending on the style. Heading into spring/summer, I’m trying to stay away from black tights, but I’m not always in the mood to go bare leg. I’m debating between a couple of different style. Will report back…

luckyduct

Playful Jewelry

Shop URL: www.luckyduct.etsy.com

This seller offers jewelry with personality in that each piece sort of tells a story. I’m particularly fond of the Ms. Pacman rings – so original! Prices are around the $100 range – not bad for handmade jewelry.

takeyourclothesoff

One Garment, Two Ways

Shop URL: www.takeoffyourclothes.etsy.com 

I’m a total sucker for pieces that can be worn more than one way, intentional or not. This seller has a cool top/dress that can be worn two different ways by turning it upside down. Love it! It’ll only set you back $60 too!

Tattoo Socks

Talk to the Legs…

Shop URL: www.post.etsy.com

When I came across the “follow me” tattoo tights, I knew at least a few of you out there would appreciate it. I love the idea of these tights, but the only place I’d probably wear the Twitter style is at a blog meet-up or work activity involving social media. I love how all the styles, based on the photos, really look like tattooed legs! Prices are in the $20 range. What do you think?