Made With Love ~ Designs By Elsebeth Mousten

Elsebeth Mousten is the designer of an incredibly charming (and unbelievably affordable) handmade accessory line that includes a range of whimsical patterns and fabrics, from bold contemporary graphics to vintage-inspired florals. 

Originally from Denmark, when Elsebeth moved to the United States with her husband and two children, she knew she wanted to delve into artistic pursuits (having been a creative and crafty person her entire life), which led to designing and creating handmade products. Last fall she started making Christmas ornaments, and was so inspired, she decided to open a shop on Etsy (just three months ago). 

Realizing that every woman needs a purse, she quickly expanded her line by creating handbags, clutches, and totes. She started looking around and found some shapes and frames that she liked, and then brought back a lot of fabric from Denmark (during a holiday trip). Elsebeth "loves fabric with a clear pattern" and is "inspired by nature, flowers, the beach, and (her) kids." She is especially inspired by Danish, Scandinavian, and Nordic design for it's "clean, clear, modern" aesthetic. But she says she's also a "big romantic", so she tries to mix that in too.

Her line is quickly gaining recognition amongst fashionistas and Etsy customers. In response to all the positive feedback and consumer interest, Elsebeth says she is "just really humbled", because she is just doing what she really loves.

Below are three of her favorite designs for spring and summer, including a romantic garden themed tote bag, playful turquoise and yellow floral motif clutch, and a modern clutch featuring bold pink flowers on a green background.

{Handmade Shopping Bag/Tote with matching Coin Purse $35}

This large bag/tote is a great size for shopping, a day at the beach or just every day use. It is accompanied by a matching coin purse, which could also make a sweet present. It is made of cotton, has several layers of interfacing, and is nicely lined with a matching fabric. Colors are off white/cream, pink, green, yellow, light turquoise, orange and the text on the fabric is braun. Appx. size of this reusable bag is 16.5 " wide (42 cm) and 15.5" tall (39 cm) without the shoulder strap. The bottom of the tote is 5" wide (12.5 cm).

{Modern Clutch with Pink & Purple Flowers $28}

This clutch is the perfect size for a night out on the town, attending a wedding, as a gift for your bridesmaids or for a special friend. Made of designer cotton from Joel Dewbery in pink, purple and green colors, the purse is nicely lined with a matching cotton and several layers of interfacing. The frame has a contemporary look and is made of silver nickel. Appx. size is 6 3/4" across top (17 cm), 9" across bottom (23 cm), 4.5" high (11,5 cm) and 3" deep (7,5 cm). Easily fits your cell, credit cards, a little makeup and keys.

{Spring/Summer Clutch in Turquoise & Yellow Flower Pattern $28}

This clutch simply says spring and summer, and is ideal for any occasion, since it can be paired with jeans for a casual daytime look or dressed up with heels for evening. The purse is made of Scandinavian designer cotton in a vibrant turquoise and yellow color combo with a modern floral pattern. Nicely lined with same fabric as used on the outside and it has several layers of interfacing. The frame is a modern style made of silver nickel. Appx. size is 6 3/4" across top (17 cm), 8.5" across bottom (21.5 cm), 4.5" tall (11.5 cm) and 3" deep (7.5 cm).

Sponsored Post

Seashells and Sunshine

Every golden goddess who loves seashells and sunshine knows that in order to look and feel gorgeous for years to come, she has to use the right sun protection, especially during summer, when the risk potential for getting a sunburn increases dramatically. 

Covering up doesn't mean you can't look stylish or even sexy. When you're spending time out of the water, toss on a short, figure-gazing beach coverup or caftan, like this colorful one by Diane von Furstenberg. Pair it with a floppy hat (to minimize sun damage on your face) and chic oversize sunglasses (that provide maximum coverage for your eyes). And don't forget sunscreen and a bit of bronzer (for an alluring faux-glow)!

{Diane von Furstenberg Iniko Beach Short Silk Coverup $385}

Brighten up your basic beach look with a silk floral print coverup from DVF. The draped styling and short silhouette is as alluring as your favorite sundress. Featuring Kimono sleeves, a drawstring tie waist and collar, and a vibrant floral motif, this will be your go-to beach coverup and lounge wear all summer long.

{Dior Round Oversized Open Temple Sunglasses $325}

Chic oversized Dior sunglasses with open temples and circular metal detail along arms, provide 100% UV protection, and feature brown gradient lenses and signature logo accents on the temples. 

{Forever 21 Sashed Floppy Hat $15}

An adorable (and affordable) floppy hat featuring a colorful sash band trim and straw like feel. Also features an interior headband, is unlined, lightweight, and woven material. Great for lounging by the pool or heading down to the beach. Just toss it into your tote bag and you're ready to play in the summer sun.

{Too Faced The Bronzed and The Beautiful Bronzer Collection $38}

This bronzing collection will teach you how to achieve the bronzing tips and tricks used backstage to ensure you stay bronzed and beautiful. The portable set includes three of Too Faced's best-selling bronzing formulas and shades, an exclusive complexion-enhancing golden powder and a deluxe Primed & Poreless SPF 20 Tinted Primer. 

{Jergens Natural Glow Daily Firming Moisturizer $9}

Jergens® Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer gradually creates natural-looking color with a subtle skin darkening complex and is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The collagen & elastin formula firms skin, so in as little as seven days of daily use you'll experience tighter, firmer skin with less noticeable cellulite and improved elasticity. Designed specifically for medium skin tones, you'll reach your optimum intensity of color after about one week of daily use. Continue to use it daily to maintain your healthy glow.

High-End vs. AFFORDABLE

Just because you want to wear the latest fashion trends and styles, doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune. Summer is the perfect excuse to be daring and take a walk on the wild side. In this edition of "High-End vs. AFFORDABLE", today's set features animal print knee-length dresses, espadrille sandals with leather multi-strap detailing, and bangles with mixed metals and materials, ranging from uber-luxe to ultra-affordable.

High-End

1. Lafayette 148 New York Cassandra Animal Print Dress ($598): A wild zebra print takes to a tame Lafayette 148 New York sheath for a refined walk on the wild side.

2. IOSSELLIANI Mixed Metal Bangles ($515): Mixed metal bangles in silver and gold from Ioselliani. This set of six stackable bangles feature multiple colored rhinestones and studs.

3. Michael Kors Leather Espadrille Wedge Sandals ($1000): Espadrille wedge heel measuring approximately 5.5 inches with a 2 inch platform, brown (calf) leather multi-straps,  sand topstitching, open round toe, and sexy wrap-around ties at ankle.

AFFORDABLE

4. Anne Klein Dress - Animal Print Dress Sheath ($119): Polished enough for the office yet daring enough for after-dark, embrace your fashion fierceness in this Anne Klein Dress animal-print sheath.

5. Bar III Bracelets Set, Gold Tone and Wood Bangles Set ($47): Bohemian-inspired baubles. Bar III's ultra-cool bangle set is not once, not twice, but 15 times the fun! A chic mix of gold tone, burnished silver, and burnished copper tone mixed metal bangles combine with opal-hued crystals for a totally-chic appeal. 

6. Jimmy Choo Porto Leather Espadrille Wedge Sandals ($395): Bronze metallic shiny leather espadrille wedges featuring a light gold-toned logo buckle at the side, rounded cap, leather upper and insole, and rubberized sole.

Minty Fresh

Inspired by a sweet and summery fruit cocktail such as a grapefruit mojito, mints and corals are a refreshing and feminine color combination this season. From playful polka dot pumps to minty fresh accessories, why not give your sweet tooth something tempting to try this summer.

{Blaque Label Sweetheart Chiffon Dress in Sugar Coral $130}

A pleated sweetheart neckline leads way into a mini dress with a gorgeous high-low overlay. The Blaque Label Sweetheart Chiffon Dress is a show stopping number in a vibrant color color. Wear the dress as is for a flowy bohemian look, or pair with a sleek rhinestone chain belt (like this one) to cinch your waist and add an element of glamour. 

{TOPSHOP Faux Python Make Up Bag $30}

This adorable mint colored make up bag with studded bow detail can easily double as a clutch, whether you wear it during the day or evening.

{Bebe Shoes 'Kenley' Peach Com $110}

Feel bubbly and flirty in this sling back sandal by Bebe. A peach satin upper is covered in white polka dots from top to bottom. Kenley features an adjustable strap, 6 inch heel and 1 1/2 inch platform to make your friends see spots!

{Kendra Scott 'Fleur' Earrings $55}

Delightful stone earrings inspired by the fleur de lis add a pop of color to any outfit. Kendra Scott is known for designing jewelry that is both eye catching and elegant, and is frequently worn by celebrities for television appearances and red carpet events. Since her pieces are ultra-affordable, you can dress like a celebrity for less.

{BaubleBar Tangerine Teardrop Bib $34}

Kick up your crafts with in-season statement colors. This citrusy statement bib features lush layers of acrylic slices on a thick ivory cord.

{Willow & Clay Colorblock Asymmetrical Hem Dress $108}

A semisheer colorblock motif in sweet mint and cream pastels with yellow piping, defines a delicate dress with a sweet notched-keyhole detail at the neckline and a flowing skirt with a drape-back hem.

Summer Garden

Gardening for those of us who don't naturally have a "green thumb" can be a daunting situation. But luckily, this is the type of challenge that can be pretty easily overcome with the right know-how, a little patience, and some good old-fashioned manual labor.

Now that summer is (unofficially) here, it is the perfect time to change out the flowers in the garden (from winter to summer blooming ones), add some fertilizer to the lawn, and put nutrients (like Miracle Grow) on the plants and flowers. 

Over the weekend I went to our local nursery (Grigg's Nursery in Carmel, CA), that offers a wide array of options, from luscious shade-dwelling plants (like Camellias) to bountiful flowers that thrive in full-sun (such as Gardenias). 

{The flower selection at Grigg's Nursery}

Whenever I have questions about which plants will do well in my climate/terrain (without major maintenance and tending to), I turn to these books:

• Home Landscaping California Region
• The Everything Landscaping Book
• The 400 Best Garden Plants

Since I was replacing the "perennials" in our flower box, I decided to go with a durable plant that does not require a lot of water or tending to, thrives well in partial sun, and will last a long time (from many months to a few years). I chose a Pelargonium (otherwise known as a Geranium). These are "flowering perennials loved for their round flower clusters and long season of bloom from spring into fall." (Source: Home Landscaping California Region, pg. 174)

{The Geranium options at Grigg's Nursery}

How do 'Perennials' differ from 'Annuals' you might be asking. "A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years; the term encompasses a great range of plants, including bulbs and trees." (Source: The 400 Best Garden Plants, pg. 114) Whereas, 'Annuals' are planted more frequently, since their blooming/life span is significantly less (a season or two at most). These flowers are great to fill-in spartan areas of a garden, or to place next to the perennial plants when they are in a dormant (non-blooming) phase. 

{The red colored Geraniums I chose for our flower box}