Local Las Vegas jewelry artist Ashleigh Edwards is quickly establishing a name for herself and her designs. With an exclusive collection featured at Gaia Flowers, a presence at the popular arts and music street festival First Friday, and an online Etsy boutique, Edwards is gaining popularity while offering shoppers one-of-a-kind creations.

I first discovered Edwards at a First Friday event. Her jewelry caught my eye because her pieces are so unique. The designs are very earthy and organic while maintaining a very modern and feminine style. While Edwards’ pieces have a certain Boho sense to them (many of her pieces are re-purposed and eco-friendly), they’re not what I would label as “granola.” Hey, I’m all for saving the earth, but I don’t hug trees and wear Birkenstocks. So while I can appreciate upcycled fashion, I certainly want to remain chic. And I can do that as I wear jewelery from Ashleigh Edwards Designs.

Edwards describes her line as “global glamour.” She finds the process of jewelry design to be therapeutic. And while Edwards has been designing for over six years, influenced by her mother’s passion and her father’s insistence that she can accomplish anything, she has been selling her pieces in Las Vegas for just the past three months. “I can’t keep up,” says Edwards. “I didn’t expect for it to be like this in just three months,” she adds, referring to the momentum of her sales.

“I was thrilled to have Ashleigh join us,” says Gaia Flowers Head of Marketing Heidi Kyser. “I like that fact that she has some pieces that are upcycled and repurposed. That’s a big part of Gaia, being eco-friendly.”

Prices are comfortably affordable, with some necklaces priced as low as $20. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind, but they all look beautiful when layered together. So when purchasing an Ashleigh Edwards Designs piece, considering purchasing two or three at a time for a hip, fashionable layered look.

Edwards will have a booth where she will be selling her jewelry at this coming First Friday, which is this Friday. Look for her near The Gypsy Den at 213 East Colorado on August 6 between 6 pm and 9 pm. During First Friday, visit Gaia Flowers at 4 East Charleston, where you can find an Ashleigh Edwards Designs collection sold exclusively at this shop. If you can’t make it to Las Vegas, visit Edwards’ Etsy boutique at www.etsy.com/shop/Ashleighedwards.

WIN ASHLEIGH EDWARDS DESIGNS
You can win this fabulous braided bracelet with a floral design. Wear now or in the Fall. Just leave a comment below letting me know what you think of Ashleigh Edwards Designs or tweet me at www.twitter.com/lollieshopping.  Receive one entry for a blog post comment and an additional entry for a Twitter reply, for a limit of two entries per person. Giveaway offer ends August 31, 2010.

Other Jewelry Designs from Ashleigh Edwards Designs:

This piece is my favorite. I tried it on, and it felt so good, laying flat against my neck. The stones felt so cool and comforting.

These two necklaces are sold separately, but look how great they look layered.

I adore these earrings Ashleigh Edwards gave me as a "thank you" for this blog post. I wear them all the time and I find women staring.

The artist Ashleigh Edwards wearing one of her own designs.

Congratulations to Angela C. who won the Lollie Shopping She Felt Pink giveaway. Angela won a $15 gift certificate to SheFeltPink.etsy.com. Happy shopping, Angela!

Mother’s Day is May 10th. And if you’d like to get your mom something lovely and save money while you’re at it, then you must shop at Art Box Design and reference Lollie to SAVE 10%! Here are a few of my favorite picks:

Now that I’m growing my hair out, I may have to get these vintage hair combs for myself. $10.

I love modern and contemporary design. This art glass would look great in my home. $39.

My absolute favorite pick is this luxurious vintage alligator clutch from the 1930s. Isn’t is just yummy? $295.

I’m obsessed with peacock plumes. But I’m far too smart and savvy to allow myself to indulge in every gorgeous peacock plume accessory I see. And believe me, there are a lot out there. One or two peacock plume accessories are enough, such as this vintage acrylic bracelet I purchased at The Gypsy Den for only $15. I love it and get lots of compliments on it.

Let’s face it. My latest obsession is just a passing fancy and I’ll be over it by spring. So, since I can’t give in to every pretty plume accessory I see, here are a few of my favorite picks just for you. Enjoy!

Single 6″ Peacock Sword Earring from AHJewelry at Smashing Darling. $49.00.

CHLOE peacock head piece from Portobello at Etsy. $38.00.

Gold Chain Necklace with Beads from the Peacock Collection by Michelle Roy. $122.00.

Gold Silk with Peacock Feathers

Clutch by RedRubyRose at Etsy. $105.00.

L.A. fashionistas get the credit for this one, sporting pretty printed, summertime scarves. But in my sweltering town, scarves during summer are simply impossible. So I compromised by adding scarves to my handbags, dressing them up and changing their look.

From Gucci to Coach, we’ve all seen stylish handbags adorned with an added scarf, but I figure why buy a new bag embellished with a scarf when I can just add a cool-looking scarf to my already existing handbags? Below is a before and after shot of one of my go-to bags – a quilted metallic Marc by Marc Jacobs.

While the scarf in the photo is from H&M, I’ve been collecting most of my scarves from thrift stores, including ShopGoodwill.com, and local antique stores. My mother hit an estate sale in her town (Austin, TX) and picked up a load of scarves to add to my collection.

But with fall just around the corner, I can finally start wearing scarves around my neck. And, I can’t wait. Right now I’m sticking with silk and chiffon scarves, but soon I’ll be shopping around for thicker, warmer materials. Here’s where I’ll be looking:

Indigo Sky NY – They have the greatest collection of Tolani scarves. Better hurry fast. They can’t keep these in stock! The one in this photo was seen on Jessica Alba.

Etsy – Where else can you find unique, one-of-a-kind looks? Check out ratedrclothingco‘sMy Skull or Yours scarf.

Blue Fly – This is my chance to get something fancy for as much as 40% off, like this La Fiorentina cashmere scarf.

Where I won’t be shopping for a scarf is at Urban Outfitters. I love UO, but if I buy a scarf there, more than likely 5,000 other women will have the same exact one, and I don’t want to blend in with the masses. So, where are you going to shop for your fall scarf?