Cinch That Waist

Belts: the fashion accessory of our age. Curator Beatrice has a secret love affair with them, a love affair that has only increased as I watch Mrs. Obama pull them off so flawlessly again and again (FLOTUS can work a belt, Stalkers).  Belts add definition to your waist, providing shape and form. They jazz up an otherwise blah outfit. And at their most functional, they hold up your pants.

Cinch That Waist

Jennifer Kent has built an entire shop around the concept that you buy one leather belt (for a pretty price of around eleven dollars!) and then simply snap on any of her gorgeous belt buckles. A great way to change up your look and add some pizazz. Choosing a favorite was hard, but I so love this one she calls “The Great Escape.”

From the funky to the (slightly) more traditional, Curator Beatrice is completely enamored of Patriot Leather‘s Random Blocks Belt. “Inspired by inlaid wood, this belt has a whimsical and random look that makes people stop and ask ‘Where’d you get that belt?!’” This belt is custom made freehand so each one is unique. Want. Want. Want.

Long before leather belts held up Levis, women were cinching their lovely little (or not so little) waists with corsets. How awesome is Lousie Black‘s steam punk play on the idea in the “Dandy Victorian Peacock Cameo Corset?”  (Curator’s Note: If you hear shrieking right now and don’t know why, it’s because all of the project runway fans out there are FREAKING OUT like Beatrice and Violet are right now. Seriously, and please excuse the yelling, but sometimes Curator Beatrice can’t control herself: ONE OF MY FAVORITE DESIGNERS THIS SEASON IS ONE OF OUR ETSY PEEPS! GO LOUISE! Etsy Stalker loves you to pieces.)

This next belt caught my eye as something I’d love to get Mr. Curator for his upcoming birthday (the fact that I just told you that gives you a good clue as to whether or not he reads this blog, doesn’t it?). Barking Maddison will custom make a belt in your choice of shades with up to 70 words of your choosing. Favorite poem? Love song? Vows from your wedding? Daily reminders to take your medication? Whoops. That would be mine, not his. Check it:

This raw silk obi belt in shades of red and green is nothing less than wearable art. Beatrice keeps running her fingers over the screen because she’s convinced there’s some amazing texture going on here. By Under Reconstruction:

Kids need belts, too, right? Ah, forget the kids. This canvas robot belt by Craft Addictions is totally all mine. I would ROCK this.

Twisted Crystals makes a stunning array of custom bridal sashes to suit any bride. Why did I get married before Etsy was around?!

Oh, Desira Pesta, how do I love your organic cotton bow belt? Let me count the ways. A gazillion. Violet, do you think I could pull this beauty off? Think carefully before answering.

Gentlemen, start your engines. Cause you’re gonna want this buckle. Well, I know I want it for Mr. Curator, which (let’s face it) is pretty much the same thing. By Buncombe Buckles:

Have you been inspired to adorn your midsection? Follow your instincts, Stalkers. Cinch it, baby.

Curator Beatrice