Published by Vanessa Brunner under Accessories

I am a total Etsy addict.

I spend far too much time perusing the hundreds of thousands of amazing, handmade goods (most of which are eco-friendly!)

So many beautiful, creative goodies out there!

Here are a few of my favorites right now:

Custom Recycled Necktie Necklace, by prixprix

Image courtesy of PrixPrix on Etsy

Not only is this a chance to get rid of your significant other’s funky neckties (or Dad’s…If your Dad dressed anything like mine did in the 80s…), but you get a gorgeous and completely unique piece of jewelry in exchange!

Wooden beads are knotted into the inside of each tie, creating a piece of jewelry that can easily be dressed up or down.

I love the idea of sending in the tie and getting back a new piece of jewelry. The perfect trade.

Sunny Day Carnation Flower Pin, by Marang97

Image courtesy of Marang97 on Etsy

Made mostly from recycled t shirts, Marang97 has oodles of beautiful fabric flower pins in her Etsy store. I fell in love with this one though. The happy, sunny yellow is the kind of accessory that puts everyone–whether they’re wearing it or not!–in a good mood.

Pretty Birdie’s Recycled Leather Belts by stephanieteague

Images courtesy of StephanieTeague on Etsy

I love the look and feel of leather, especially as it ages. I think it’s a great material that reveals character and gets unique and even more beautiful as its worn and used.

That said, I usually feel really guilty about buying it. Which is why I’ve started buying re-used, recycled, or vintage leather items!

These belts from Pretty Birdie (stephanieteague’s eco-line) are made from old leather couches, skirts, and jackets. Beautiful, real leather, but reused. It stays green and already has some of that character built in. Each belt is made-to-order, but is adjustable for size.

Three Tier Vintage Zipper Tape Teardrop Dangles by AmaliaVersaci

Image courtesy of AmaliaVersaci on Etsy

While I absolutely adore all of AmaliaVersaci’s jewelry on Etsy (she makes everything from vintage and recycled zippers! Amazing stuff. Please check out her store) these teardrop earrings immediately caught my eye. Constructed with vintage zipper tape from three different vintage zippers, each “teardrop” is sewn individually, then sewn together, and hung from sterling silver jump rings/ear wires.

The contrast is gorgeous, and completely unique (which is what accessorizing is all about!)

Silk Lined Tweed Frame Kisslock Clutch by BrianaEdelmanDesigns

Image courtesy of BrianaEdelmanDesigns on Etsy

BrianaEdelmanDesigns makes beautiful, made-to-order clutches with classic frames and unique fabrics. I love this tweed one–perfect for fall.

This clutch is made with a subtle tweed on the outside, and lined with 100% silk dupioni. BrianaEdelmanDesigns uses a layer of batting for the body and padding, which is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Each bag saves about 1 bottle from a landfill.

Bow Belt by desirapesta

Images courtesy of DesiraPesta on Etsy

Desirapesta’s best selling bow belt performs the ultimate accessory function: it can easily transform any outfit. Featured in the February 2009 issue of BUST magazine, the belt is made entirely from scratch in cotton satin. The belt is also reversible, and is stitched in black on one side, and pink on the other. Since every belt is made to order, you can get them in a multitude of colors (although I recommend sticking with the classic looking black. Very Betty Draper.)

Old Memories Recycled Locket by ecoblingcouture

Image courtesy of EcoBlingCouture on Etsy

Since ecoblingcouture’s jewelry is made entirely out of recycled materials, each piece is completely unique in its design.

I’m a big locket fan, so this was my favorite.

Made out of a gold swirl chain with pearls, and gold links with blue Swarovski crystals, the locket on this necklace has a filigree dome and is accented with an brown crystal.

Gorgeous. and perfect for a picture of loved ones.