Arcane Angel Necklace

I love how the 19 Moons website writes of this necklace: “Fly through time with this original Steampunk necklace by 19 Moons!”

Cute. I want to, 19 Moons, I do!

This antique jewel watch is set in brass wings and hangs from a elegant vintage cable brass chain. 17 genuine rubies reveal the movements of its mechanical workings. Made from vintage materials, this eco-friendly piece can be your companion throughout time, and that’s something you might need when the world seems like it’s going to pieces around you.

Designer Niffer Desmond’s diverse background spans fifteen years in assemblage art, animation and jewelry design. Based in Pittsburgh, Desmond is inspired by Steampunk, Neo-Victorian and Industrial Design where “anachronistic technology and natural forms are juxtaposed to create creatures and emblems of fantastical realms. ”

“I find inspiration everywhere both in nature and the manmade,” Desmond says. “Organic forms like birds or rocks are on equal footing with perfect circles and squares of type-keys and clocks. Anything that visually sings! I also like the idea of giving old technology new life, appreciating it for its beauty as much as its former function.”

We like how you do all this, too, Niffer. Leave a comment below to be entered to win. For more details go here.

I’ve always been impressed at how much longer my husband’s shoes last than mine. Some pairs he has had for 20 years and has simply re-heeled and polished them to make them last. He even keeps the boxes.

But now that he is on the public transportation circuit – like so many other good green worker bees – it’s important to wear a comfort shoe that doesn’t pinch when you’re running for that bus or train.

The good news is vegan shoes have become much more stylish, from the old boxy Earth Shoe and hippie Birkenstocks of yore to the oxfords and buckle slips-on on the market that emulate many of the swank Italian shoes.

Sure, the vegan varieties have a softer appearance but that’s part of the allure. The greatest advantage is not just the material but the price. Most brands are reasonable (under $200) and are built to last.

Here are a few to take you through fall:

Princeton Vegan Shoes in Brown or Black, $58 at Alternative Outfitters.

The dapper yet durable Brouque wing-tipped from Moo Shoes, $150.

Handsome yet rugged Dennis Shoe from Novacas,  $140.

The Noharm Slip-On, $275 at Togged.

Noharm Lace-Up Ankle Boot, $299 at Togged.

Men’s Baker Brown Vegan Loafer, $55 at Alternative Outfitters.

New Hidalgo Camel Workboot, $68 at Regazzi Vega.

Main Image: Regazzi Vegan

19 Moons Watch Ring

Like jewelry that’s really different? Me too.

The more unique, the better, so as to inspire conversation on the fly. I’ve come across 19 Moons limited edition jewelry and am pleasantly surprised at what they’re doing with their eclectic collection of vintage and recycled materials.

I figure if I wear a piece of their jewelry everyday I can network constantly with fashionable folks who appreciate the finer, more eclectic side of life.

Sample conversation:

“Wow, that ring is AMAZING!” The stranger says, intrigued.

“Thank you, do you enjoy eco-fashion?” I say, with a smile on my face.

“Why yes. Why do you ask?” The stranger says, touching my ring and twisting it.

From here I undoubtedly lure her into the web of EcoSalon and good writing to which she becomes an instant and voracious reader of all that is eco and stylish.

But I digress.

19 Moons says they are the “source for original Steampunk, Neo-Victorian, retro & industrial designs,” and frankly, I never knew so many different niches of design could come under one category. But they make it work!

I love how they assemble the pieces and am completely addicted to the Watch Rings – but you just might like the necklaces, earrings or funky cufflinks for your significant other.

Lunar lunacy? Nope, just creativity at its finest from a San Francisco Bay Area native named Niffer Desmond.