a little tribute.

I've always had a "thing" for the United States. Though I grew up in Indiana, I spent many days on the road with my parents--be it driving back and forth to South Carolina to visit my grandparents or searching out Civil War battlefields. It should have come as no surprise to my parents that about halfway through my sophomore year, I transferred into the American Studies program at Georgetown. After all, it was my mother who instilled in me that love of American history.

After I finished my "AMSTUD" degree, I stayed in DC for my full-time job and also worked weekends in a precious boutique. I constantly found myself discovering new designers {and new ways to break my budget}. One such budget-buster was the Maya Brenner jewelry which made its way into our store. The pieces we received featured different states, like New York or California--and I soon discovered you could order it any any state you wished. Though I desperately wanted one of her necklaces, I had to pay the rent...and have been dreaming of them ever since.

I hadn't forgotten her magnificence, but when a few of her beauties resurfaced in this month's issue of People Style Watch, my interest was peaked again.

{Colorado - maya brenner designs}

{Indiana - maya brenner designs}

Along with Maya Brenner's beautiful pieces, they featured Kris Nations...a considerably less expensive option {though the final look is a bit more funky, but still very fun}.

{California - kris nations}

Knowing the wealth of wonderful jewelry designers on etsy, I thought it would be goofy not to check that crafty mecca for some other comparable pieces...

and I'm so happy I did!

Take a peek at my etsy finds:

{US - sudlow jewelry}

{ok, France isn't in the States, but I love it - lucky troll}

{North Carolina - boneofart}

{Texas - applechampagne}

{North Carolina - ginnae}

{Pennsylvania Pride - arieltelsa}

The current winner for my affection? The designs from tru.che. Stevie, the designer, is also a native Midwesterner...

and her etsy profile had me screaming to buy some of her pieces.

With our current port of call in Rhode Island, this little beauty may need to find its way to my neck soon. The best part? The tru.che designs are a third of the cost of the silver designs from Maya Brenner. SCORE.

{Rhode Island - tru.che}

That's my little tribute to state pride...and my new blog header!

Can't wait to announce the winner of my Minted giveaway tomorrow morning...

keep your eyes peeled for that! Until then, go enjoy the Super Bowl--

or just the commercials ;) xoxo, {av}

P.S. Your unending blog love continuously makes. my. day.

Don't forget...my line is always open!