A piece of jewelry can shift your mood. Or whisk you away to a different time and place. That’s how I felt when I wore these exquisite steampunk rings from The Rose of Stonestreet.

Designer Marilee fuses antique and modern aesthetics in her handmade jewelry. Her choice of materials is intriguing: clockwork pieces, natural Japanese sea glass, antique brass and bronze, vintage finds.

These multidimensional rings are lead and nickel free, and incorporate little metal gears. Bubbles in the gloss give the ring an uncanny, underwater quality.

I’m a fan of steampunk, and The Rose of Stonestreet is a fascinating take on the culture. New jewelry is frequently posted on their Etsy; they’re also on Facebook and Twitter. (Support indie designers; keep them in mind as you Christmas shop.)

Big collar winter coat: a sample from my Hong Kong uncle’s clothing factory
Key dress: Banana Fish, from Closet Child
White lace knee socks: Spider, from Hong Kong
Ankle boots: Michael Kors
Mini black purse: vintage Guess, from my mom’s closet
Lolita white rabbit charm: Putumayo

PS: thanks to FashionZest for interviewing me about my blog and view of fashion.

PPS: Need something to cheer up a dark day? Enter my fat cat, Basil Farrow, wearing a mini-sombrero that I bought in Mexico!

<< If you smiled, let’s be friends on Google Plus.

Where in the World is La Carmina? Los Angeles for big, new TV projects. Then, I’m spending Christmas in Vancouver with Seba. After, we’re in Italy for the fashion blogger event. (And maybe Paris for New Years…)

What do you think about Steampunk designs and culture? Do you make an effort to support indie businesses? If so, how?

Song of the Day: Supermad – Only love can break your heart (amazing cover)