Put a Ring on It

We've all been there before. You're at a swanky lounge sipping a strong mojito when you suddenly notice Mr. or Ms. Gorgeous holding court at the end of the bar. Just when you're about to approach, you stop and wonder, "Ohhh — single or not?"

Awkward hesitations be gone with Singelringen ('single ring' in Swedish), the world's first unisex ring for singles. The sterling silver band with a turquoise acrylic overlay is meant to be worn on your left hand — a placeholder for an engagement (or wedding) ring — so you can flaunt your solo status. Terrence Howard, Monique Coleman and Vivica Fox have been spotted rocking them once upon a time.

Signifying your eligibility goes beyond a single band. Other Singelringen products include necklaces, bracelets and mobile phone accessories. The imported jewelry can be customized with charms that represent spirituality (Buddhism, Christianity), hobbies (travel, sports), interests (pets, music) — allowing for the ultimate in instant messaging.

Because single is the new turquoise!

Get Funky with Funky Lobes

In the spring of 2008, Marie Jean Baptiste stumbled upon something in her Brooklyn neighborhood that changed her life—a going out of business fabric and yarn store. Marie immediately took advantage of the deeply discounted merchandise and purchased tons of yarn. “When I finally got home, I didn’t know what I wanted to make,” said Marie. “I just wrapped the colorful yarn around some earrings and things just started coming together.”

A few months and ideas later, Marie birthed Funky Lobes, a jewelry line filled with handcrafted yarn earrings, bangles and necklaces. Exploring new colors and fashion trends are important to Marie, and since her debut last year, she has upgraded to imported yarns from Italy.

Within her jewelry collection you’ll find an array of multi-shaped pieces daunting gorgeous palettes. Although the pieces are easy on the eyes, the process for making the jewelry is no easy task. Aside from using her strength to tightly wrap the yarn, Marie uses three glues for binding purposes. “It’s a long process,” says Marie. But it’s a task she embraces.

“There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on new outfits when you can spice up your already owned pieces with one of our fabulous pieces,” said Marie.

So what’s up next for the fashionable gal? Marie is planning to create a collection of yarn handbags and provide a small collection of vintage dresses for Marie’s Closet, a clothing rental boutique for industry professionals—another endeavor Marie has up her sleeve.

Funky Lobes retail anywhere from $15 to $55 and can be found in Pieces and Kiini Ibura boutiques or online at http://www.funkylobes.com.