You can win a copy of Gorgeously Green, the hot new green living book over at Well Heeled Society. Go here to win a copy of the hot new green book

Don’t forget, you can still win a hot boombox necklace from my friends over at zlanarama. You’ve got until the 23rd! Go here to enter the contest for a necklace.

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contest alert: a book and my own

image courtesy of betsi. isn’t she cute!

Tell us a little bit about you. How old are you and where do you live?

My name is Betsi Goutal, I’m 25 years old, and I live in Waltham MA. I’ve lived here about a year now, after having moved around a lot in my early twenties. I’m loving the feeling of finally being a bit more settled down, and being closer to Boston. There is so much to do and see in the city, I’m really kind of a city girl at heart despite growing up in small towns.

What do you love about indie style? What is it that inspires you?

Indie style is generous and brave, because it’s such a form of self-expression. Wearing something because it means something to you, expresses your personality, brings you joy – that’s a form of art. Stepping outside the mainstream of what’s hip and trendy to say something meaningful with what your wear is a courageous act of sharing yourself and your spirit with those around you.

How did you get started designing jewelry?

It’s tough to say, because I’ve been creating and designing with every crafty thing I could get my hands on since I was a wee sprat. I’ve been designing jewelry pretty much my whole life, but got started doing it for a living because I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I knew I had to choose one of my many interests and settle to it, at least for a while. I’m sure somewhere down the road I’ll be doing something else. Right now my work is mainly with beads, but I’m looking into adding some sewn items like headbands and arm warmers in the next year. My creativity drives me, and is always pushing me toward new things.

Give us your favorite undiscovered designer/shop.

Every designer is discovered, by some one at least. But probably my favorite little-known designer is Lindsay from Kid Pirate. She designs awesome characters and graphics and makes them into tees and buttons, and recently even started doing belt buckles. The designs are super amazing and cute, and she has such a distinctive style. I bought this great neon pink ray gun tee from her and I really wish I’d bought it in a more fitted size, but she’s since discontinued it. Her designs are often limited run, so if you see something you like you’ve gotta grab it!

What do you see out your window right now?

Ugh, one of those dreary grey days! Aside from the overcast weather though, the view is pretty lovely. I live about twenty minutes from the wonderfully hip and geeky Cambridge, but living on a little side street I still these amazingly picturesque suburban views. My studio has three windows, facing two directions. From one window I can see beautiful flowering trees in one neighbor’s backyard, and in the other direction is another neighbor’s front yard where lately at nights I’ve actually seen bunnies frolicking around in the dark!

the surprise!

Betsi is kind enough to give away the boombox necklace I was so excited about!

To enter, just hop over to her store and tell us what your other favorite piece is. Leave a comment on this post and you’re entered!

You’ve got until May 23rd, 11 p.m. Pacific to enter.

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take five: betsi from zlanarama