We have been making these and we love them. We think you should love them too. What I love about a piece like this is you pair it with plain tank, a skirt and some sandals and you’re all set to turn heads. And who doesn’t like turning heads? Make a statement with your accessories by coming down to Common Era and picking up one of these show stopping little numbers.
Also, commonly referred to as: card cases. Look how sensational these are! This lovely pair, along with ALL of our card cases are one-of-a-kind. That means you will never see anyone else with the same one. They are like snowflakes, only better because of the storage capacity and the vibrant colors and their resistance to melting (unlike snowflakes.)
So now that we’ve established that these unique mini pieces of artwork are amazing, let’s take a look at what goes inside. I mean, what exactly do you use these for?
Well, as the name indicates, their most common use is as a business card holder. How cool is it when someone asks for your phone or email and instead of scribbling on a coffee stained napkin you pull out one of these babies and casually flip the lid to reveal your cards inside? It doesn’t matter if you have the lamest business card- all thin and flimsy, black ink on a white background with a generic blue globe-looking logo. No one will even think to question why you are still at that crummy job when you keep your cards in a case like this.
They’ll be too concerned with guessing what other kinds of cool secret stuff you have and what kind of life you live- they’ll begin by imaging that you retro-fitted an old car to run on biodiesel, that you are busy designing your own line of super witty greeting cards, that you make a great massamon curry and you are taking capoeira classes in your free time.
Feel free to imagine your own way cool life, maybe even drop hints that you are planning to move to Milan for a year just to “expand your horizons.” Why not? With these card cases anything is possible!
Last but not least- not the business card type? You can store other things as well:
Don’t see one you like? Our amazing and crafty employees/salespeople/artisans are making new ones every day, so you can always check back. AND!!!!! If you feel like making your own, you can come to our OPEN STUDIO every Sunday (1-4) and Monday (3-5) at our Boulder location. For the same price as the card case we make, you can make you very own- using our supplies and workspace and getting help form our crafty, crafty employees. It’s really quite amazing.
Yay for the holidays! Yes, it’s freezing bloody cold out and no you don’t feel like leaving the house but now is the perfect time to get for yourself what wasn’t under the tree! What better way to warm yourself up than by trying on clothes- it’s a very brisk activity and is sure to lift your spirits. Especially when you consider all our CRAZY SALE PRICES.
And let’s not forget- New Year’s is only a week away! Now maybe you can get away with a big reindeer sweatshirt on Christmas morning, while you are scarfing down your pancakes and ripping open presents. Sure, go ahead. But New Year’s is for looking hot! Celebrating the beginning of a new year is like celebrating the beginning of a new you- a hotter you, a flirtier you, a dancier you and a more confident you. We’re not saying you’ve got to go with a mini skirt and 4 inch heels (now that’s a challenge with this weather and these icy roads!)
But why not slip into some of our great flirty dresses layered over some adorable stockings and a crocheted cardigan? Or what about some slim black jeans with ankle boots and a jewel toned halter? Already have an outfit in mind? Come on in and see our wide range of clutches, purses, necklaces, earrings and all kinds of holiday inspired accessories meant to cure your winter blues and get you started on the right foot for 2010!
Try updating a more sophisticated look with these chunky strands of pearls
One of our favorite trends this season is fringe!
Don’t forget the purse! The studded embellishment on this one gives the boring black color a little more edge.
Almost everything gets cuter when you shrink it: people, ipods, desserts…Some people would say dogs too, but I tend to disagree since I find all small breeds to be yappy and without much personality. Hats, though, are great when they are small- a touch of refined elegance in a sea of dark overcoats that mask our individuality. Wearing one of our hand-made mini hats lets you show the world that these fabulous creations aren’t only for church-goers or people with names like Liza Doolittle- they are for anyone awesome enough to make a statement. Come on in and try yours on today.
With winter wonderland weather just around the corner, you may be dreading the scarves, hats, gloves, and layers upon layers of bulky clothing. After all, isn’t it nice to throw on a flowy, a-line dress and feel like the prettiest girl in the world? Well, you still can- just throw on some thick stockings underneath, some knee high boots and a cardigan and you’re set for chilly fall afternoons. Take a look at this cutey-pie dress from Sole Mio. As I mentioned last week, our owner just got back from a buying trip to Los Angeles where she found some delightful additions to the Common Era collection. This deep-V shape with ruffled panels is very flattering and feminine, while the rounded collar with beaded embellishment keeps it slightly conservative- perfect for a first date. At only $45 and available in grey as well, why not get one of each? After all, with dates on both Friday and Saturday nights, it’s a convenient (and adorable) solution.
OK, you know how you’ll find something totally awesome and feel like it is exactly what you NEED, like it was actually invented with you in mind? It could be a fantastic bagel shop, an adorable skirt, or the hippest new band. And you love it and you enjoy it and life is good.
Then all the sudden one of your friends comes along and starts talking about how cool THEY think that thing is. And you’re like “Yeah, me too.” And then you hear a co-worker mention it, and you’re like “Oh, really…” And then you hear your 65 year old neighbor mention that she read a story about it in the newspaper and she thinks it sounds really neat. And almost as soon as it begins- the “cool cycle” comes to it’s end.
A prime example is Twitter, of course. Originally aimed at the “youth of today” to whom texting is like breathing, Twitter was something for those who were “in the know.” Now, only three years after it’s creation, twitter is a term being tossed around by corporate new anchors as a way to “connect” with a younger audience.
Crochet, as it turns out, is just the opposite. It was never cool, it was just a way for housewives to pass the time and create winter garments for their children or to give as gifts. And even now, I think it would be hard to argue that crocheting is cool, though it has enjoyed a substantial comeback.
We like crocheting because we like most things that you do from scratch (like cooking and sewing and painting and lots of other creative activities.) But we also like crocheting because it’s one more way for us to transform our already limited edition items into VERY limited edition items (a.k.a. “one of a kind”). And it will only run you between $40 and $50!
Now that winter is just around the corner it’s probably time to come in and try on one of our delightfully edgy librarian cardigans with completely original hand crocheted flower embellishments. And bring some friends- you can each buy one and then go home and rent Ghost World. That’s what I would do.
Seychelles is one of our favorite brands, and here are three fine examples of why we love them so much. It’s no secret that we pride ourselves on offering great prices and these heels are no exception, especially when you consider the quality of the shoes, the materials, and the craftsmanship. In fact, not just any old store can carry this brand of shoe- we had to go through a rigorous “cool test” before Seychelles agreed that their shoes and our clothes were a perfect match. Good for us and good for you- since these autumn hues are too good to pass up!
In general, a neutral toned shoe (like the one on the right) can be worn day or night during any season. Formal or casual, this delightful nude heel is versatile and might just make you feel like a princess. Well, not a princess exactly- with the mini-size small peep toe and the striking ankle strap this shoe isn’t as frivolous as say, a glass slipper. This shoe is for women who are strong and independent, but aren’t afraid of a little glamor. Like maybe a professional poker player who also gives tango lessons…? Or maybe Carrie Bradshaw when she matches a nude heel with a pinstripe suit for her interview with Vogue magazine… By the way- she gets hired.
As for the other two toasty styles, these are perfect examples of “autumn chic.” With jeans, with a pencil skirt, with wide-leg slacks or with a creamy, cowl neck sweater dress- these heels embody what I like to call “cozy authority.” Don’t be surprised when you are inevitably invited to spend a weekend away in a semi-rural setting. After a long hike and a warm bath you’ll be thankful and proud to show off these appropriately rustic heels as you cuddle up on a bear skin rug.
Either that or you’ll just wear them to work and get a few jealous glances at the water cooler.
Believe it or not, 2009 has seen its share of headbands in magazines and on the red carpet. A far cry from the brightly colored plastic variety that came as part of a 6 pack and caused a migraine by the time recess was over, the modern headband has taken a cue from 1920′s flapper style. Pushed further down across the forehead and off to the side for a more pronounced look, these headbands tend to feature softer neutral colors, metallics, feather embellishments or vintage jewels and buttons. Everyone from Mischa Barton to Nicole Richie and Natalie Portman have been spotted crowning their heads with these creations and now you are lucky enough to know just where to get them!
Of course that isn’t to say you would be paying the same prices that celebrities pay to look this good. At Common Era we want you to look good and still be able to pay your rent!
And one more thing- don’t worry about anyone having the same headband as you, one of the best things about Common Era is our collection of amazing one-of-a-kind accessories- from headbands and barrettes to earrings, necklaces and even cigarette cases.
Make no mistake, these are the kinds of accessories that get noticed. It’s a small investment that can make an outfit out of anything at all. Throw on some skinny jeans, slouch boots, a long black tee and one of our headbands and the next thing you know Vice magazine is begging to take your photo.
Not sure it’s the look for you? Well you’ll never know if you don’t try. That’s why Common Era has charming young girls working behind the counter, to give advice, to hold up a mirror, to adjust a stray feather, and to steer you in another direction if it isn’t the look for you.
Listen, I never thought I could pull off a beret until I tried on about 7 different styles. Now I look better than Blair from Gossip Girl…I’m just saying.