Gifts

How the SPIbelt looks in product shots...

When I was asked to check out a product called the SPIbelt, the Small Personal Item Belt, I really wanted to like this product. After all, I walk/run with my dog on a daily basis and carrying a purse on these occasions doesn't make much sense. Still, I need a place to safely and securing carry my personal items, such as my keys, driver's license and cell phone. That's why I thought the SPIbelt would be perfect for me.

...how the SPIbelt looks in real life.

Unfortunately, maybe I'm not using this thing right, but I found it to be bulky and uncomfortable once I had filled it with the aforementioned items. It also jostled as I ran, no matter how tight I fastened it, and was tough to position so that it didn't look weird. Do I tuck it under my jacket? Over? Push it to my hip or carry it on my lower back? Very awkward. And while the SPIbelt does in fact expand quite readily to fit a lot of stuff, getting things out of that thing is tricky: Because everything is so tightly packed, I'd find my keys falling out when I went to grab my cell phone, and so on.

After taking the SPIbelt out on a couple of test runs, I decided it just wasn't right for me and tossed it aside. However, I can see how this item might work well for someone hitting the gym who just needs a narrow pouch to store, say, a single key. It might work for clubbing, too, as long as you just carried one credit card, one key and one ID. It won't be completely invisible under any tight fitting clothing, though, so keep that in mind. On a positive note, the SPIbelt makes a budget-friendly gift at $19.95. To find out more about the SPIbelt, visit spibelt.com. Want to try one out for yourself? Drop me a comment and I'll pick one reader at random to ship my SPIbelt to.

UPDATE 10/05/09: I used random.org to pick #12 Tanya to test out the SPIbelt. Tanya, look for an email from me soon so I can get your address and ship you your new belt. Thanks, everyone, for your comments!

I dropped the ball on my whole "Etsy Artist of the Week" feature for the past two weeks, so now I'm playing catch-up by presenting 3 amazing artists I'm loving right now. Thanks to my followers on Twitter (@budgetbabe) for tweeting about your fave etsy artists (that's how I found out about Bethany Lorelle, featured below). Feel free to add more suggestions in the comments!

Bethany Lorelle
bethanylorelle.etsy.com

This shop sells fun yet sophisticated hair accessories and handmade headbands for big girls who like to dress up.


Amanda Atkins in a Canary Forest
amandaatkins.etsy.com

I'm in love with this Boston-based artist's prints of mesmerizing heroines who are at once beautifully flawed and flawlessly beautiful.


Savage Salvage
savagesalvage.etsy.com

Each one-of-a-kind piece of recycled jewelry in this collection is a conversation starter that's also easy enough to wear every day.

I'd like to interrupt my usual budget-fashion programming with a brief spotlight on my sister, Chantal Baros, who just set up her very own Etsy shop: Chantal Baros Fine Art. Aside from being a bargain queen, beauty maven and fashion diva (I'm always bugging her to start her own personal style blog), Chantal is first and foremost a ridiculously talented painter whose work focuses mainly on hyper-real portraits with a surrealist twist. Whereas original oil paintings sell for thousands, Chantal has just joined the Etsy community where she's offering affordable giclee prints of many of her most recent works for just $75 each.

Chantal has also inspired me to start a regular weekly feature here on The Budget Babe where I will spotlight various other Etsy shops because Etsy is truly an incredible phenomenon and a remarkable avenue for talented artists to reach a wide audience. And for us shoppers, it's a great place to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for our closets and our homes.

Ok, enough gushing from me already (I'm just so darned proud of the kid!) Check out all of Chantal's fine art prints here. And if you have an Etsy shop you'd like us to check out, drop us a note in the comments!

Elsa Peretti's timeless open heart pendant is instantly recognizable and highly desirable. Treat yourself to one for $145 at Tiffany & Co. (or drop hints to your significant other—these make great gifts!).


If you love the look but can't afford to splurge, pick up this slanted heart necklace instead, just $4.80 at Forever21.com. It won't last a lifetime but it'll do in a pinch.

Need a special gift for the graduating fashionista on your list? This diminutive necklace from Dogeared, a jewelry favorite among celebs, will be cherished for years to come as it reminds its owner that life's a journey. It's these simple yet profound messages that makes these tiny charms so irresistible and totally wearable for everyday. And right now, this Dogeared "Explore" charm in gold is on sale for $48 at YLANG 23. Happy trails!