Down and Out Chic

Gift Idea: Temporary Tats

2013-06-19T11:41:00.001-04:00

I must have missed it but when did temporary tattoos become so hip? And well designed? And not marketed towards kids? I ran across this pretty temporary love tattoo recently and started poking around for more options. Two shops that stood out: Pepper Ink and Tattly. Tattly has a giant selection (designed by lots of different artists you probably recognize), my favorites being from the typographic group. And if you're looking for a custom name tattoo, Pepper Ink has your back.

Wouldn't these make fun gifts? I'm thinking party favors, stocking stuffers, tucked into thank you notes or just give a few to the friend that's thinking about getting their first tattoo. Just for fun.

Another idea for temporary tattoos? Business cards.
I have six very permanent tattoos. You can see a couple of them peeking out in this photo.

Shop: Bridge & Burn

2013-06-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm loving the casual cool vibe of Portland based apparel line, Bridge & Burn. Their summer line consists of pieces I could wear, no problem, every.single.day. And when the weather cools down, I've got my eye on this jacket. Check out the full selection here (also check out their tumblr site. It's purdy).

A Birthday Wish List

2013-06-12T10:05:00.000-04:00

I turn 30 in exactly one month. YIKES! I've narrowed my wish list down to three items that wouldn't normally make their way into our budget. I figure that turning 30 is a good excuse for a little extravagance (that's what I keep telling myself anyway).

1) I have absolutely no experience taking care of nice sunglasses. In fact, years ago, I vowed to spend no more than $20 on a pair of shades because of my talent to lose and abuse any pair of shades that were unfortunate enough to find me as their owner. But, surely I've learned some responsibility in my 20s and can now be tasked with taking care of some pretty aviators. Surely?

2) A handcrafted tote made from Argentinian leather, this bag by Cuyana could easily become my everyday work bag. I love the soft powder pink color but there are only 2 left so if you're reading this and happen to be my husband, hurry!

3) Ah yes. I understand that many people would not even consider spending $140 on a hairbrush, and normally I wouldn't either but I'm turning 30, remember?! I've read so many positive reviews about Mason Pearson brushes (I want this particular style) and I'm thinking with a brush this nice, you'd only need one for your entire life. Assuming you don't lose it of course, which is probably something I would do. Hmmm.

So that's it. Three items for my 30th. I'll be happy with one. Or with none assuming I get flowers and whiskey. I'm really not that high maintenance when it comes down to it. Don't let that $140 hairbrush fool you.

Art: Sarah Walsh

2013-06-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Illustrations by Kansas City based artist, Sarah Walsh. I ran across her Sirens series on Etsy and just love her playful use of shapes and color. Her shop (also featuring the work of Colin Walsh), Petite Reve, will undoubtedly make you smile. I mean, who doesn't love a friendly unicorn?

Interiors: Just a touch of blush

2013-06-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

I just love pink in small, muted doses. Don't get me wrong, I like a bold pink wall every now and again, but blush is definitely my preference. So soft and approachable, no? Now if only I could talk B into thinking so. After five years, he is no less averse to pink than he used to be. Obviously, I'm doing something wrong.

If you love interiors, check out my tumblr page because there's a lot more from where this came from over there.

images: boligliv; juell photography via decor8; hitta hem; alidegeorge; simply grove; la maison d'anna g; homelife

100% Pure Lip and Cheek Tint

2013-06-04T09:26:00.002-04:00

Have you heard of 100% Pure? I'm totally intrigued by their line of lip and cheek tints ($15) which contain ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, grapeseed oil and are tinted with actual fruit- cranberry, raspberry, grape, plum. All of the 100% Pure line is 100% vegetarian and gluten free and free of parabens, sulfates, harsh detergents and synthetic chemicals. Check out the full selection here. If you've tried something from this line, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

p.s. My recent beauty product obsessions include this dry shampoo and this sea salt spray. They're magic.

6 things

2013-06-03T10:55:00.002-04:00

1// terrestre 05 necklace by depeapa 2// cake topper flags $21 by beta wife 3// card set $18 by think & ink studio 4// miniature house $35 by 2 of 2 5// rose mask $25 by wild rose 6// ceramic planter $44.31 by beneath the sun

Happy Monday! I'm kicking off the week with a small selection from the plethora of my latest Etsy faves. Hearting handmade and vintage items is one of my favorite past times, I'll admit. If you missed last week's guest post on the Etsy blog, you can check it out right here.

Art: Samantha French

2013-05-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Latest work by Brooklyn based painter, Samantha French. Originals (most are sold) can be purchased here while prints can be purchased here. You know that feeling of utter calm and solitude you get when you're submersed in water? It's one of my very favorite moments, the silence right before I'm forced to push through the suface for air. These paintings are not only technically impressive (have you ever tried painting water, it's tough!) but I adore the subject and want to be there. Samantha has been painting pool scenes for some time- check out the full collection here.

Paper Goods: 12 Father's Day Cards

2013-05-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

01. / 02. / 03. / 04. / 05. / 06. / 07. / 08. / 09. / 10. / 11. / 12.

I was bound and determined to not be late on my Father's Day card round-up this year. Alas, it appears as though I'm still running behind but we have a little over two weeks to shop so let's get to it! I think #7 is my fave. What about you? See any you like?

Etsy Blog Guest Curator!

2013-05-28T21:14:00.003-04:00

I'm super stoked to be a guest curator on the Etsy blog today! My post features a massive round up of all things rose gold, a color that's so soft and romantic. You can check out the full post as well as links to all of the pictured items right here.

Color: Ruby Red Grapefruit

2013-05-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

1// calia dress $68 via candystore collective 2// ombre clutch $85 via beklina 3// iphone case $36 by rifle paper co. 4// lightweight shawl $195 by virginia johnson 5// ainslie sandal $90 via need supply co

Mmmmmm, juicy, ruby red grapefruit. Just the color palette I was seeking to brighten things up around here.

Style Inspiration: Long lengths

2013-05-24T08:46:00.000-04:00

And a few of my favorite options under $100:

Maxi dresses and skirts have really not been on my radar...until now. I own exactly two dresses and would like to add more to my wardrobe because they're so stinking EASY. I throw one on for work, add a cardigan and a belt, if needed, and I'm good to go (I have yet to try a skirt. Baby steps). It has taken a while but I think I've finally changed my mind about this longer length. Are you a fan?

dresses under $100: 1// construct maxi dress $78 2// goddess dress $92 3// surplice maxi $35 4// zig zag dress $74.95
images: 1// elle&R 2// emerson fry 3// stockholm street style 4// toast ss13 5// love, blair
more style inspiration?: i like your style

Wise Words: Clueless

2013-05-23T12:15:00.001-04:00

as if by brandy shuman

I need this print in my life. It has also been way too long since I've seen this movie. I love you Cher. Always and forever.

Paper Goods: Paper Jam

2013-05-20T19:01:00.000-04:00

One can never have too many thank you cards, amiright? With the exception of this one colorful card (which I also really like), all the cards at Paper Jam Print Shop are in these lovely, neutral palette. I want the whole collection of thank you cards. There's a typeface to fit every mood and every 'thank you' occasion. Check out the full selection of cards here.

Cold Spring Apothecary

2013-05-14T11:33:00.000-04:00

I first ran across Cold Spring Apothecary in early 2012 (blogged here) and have yet to purchase anything (shame on me). I've made some recent changes as to what I put in my body (see this pin board for a snapshot of how we've been eating) but my beauty product regiment needs a makeover (i.e. less toxins, less chemicals, please).

A bit about this company's philosophy: "Cold Spring Apothecary’s goal is to provide our customers with the safest alternatives to the harmful chemicals used in most cosmetics. By producing our products in small batches we can ensure that only the highest quality ingredients are used."

There are so many products I want to try including the dry shampoo, salt spray and eye cream. Have you tried anything from this shop? Any other shops/lines you'd recommend?

Wish list 5.13.13

2013-05-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

1// iphone case $35 by eva black 2// sandals $49.99 3// dress $49.99 4// necklace $60 by cisthene 5// tote $98 by coriumi 6// nail polish $8 7// cat print $28 by caitlin hinshelwood 8// pebble tape measures $17

I love color, I really do, but I've noticed that my wish lists over the past few months have stuck to a fairly neutral palette. I have a few theories as to why this might be but they all seem a little silly (like maybe I'm mourning the loss of my 20s as I'm turning 30 soon? ha). Anyway, yes, my wish list this month does include a tape measure. Mostly because these are the prettiest tape measures I've seen, too pretty to tuck away in the back of a drawer. And although I'm not the biggest cat fan (I know, I know, how un-blogger like of me), I do love this cat's attitude. Happy Monday!

Vintage: Tea and Tulips

2013-05-09T10:11:00.000-04:00

pictured above: peter pan collar top $24; mint magic dress $34; somethin' special dress $38; gold dots skirt $30; purple pan blouse $32

There are so many great vintage finds for under $50 over at Tea and Tulips. If you like how these items are styled (what's not to love?), you'll also like shop owner Steffy's style blog Steffy's Pros and Cons. Shop her full collection of vintage gems here.

Wise Words: Change

2013-05-08T14:35:00.001-04:00

So, so true. As I type this post, Guster's Manifest Destiny came on Pandora..."you can always change your mind..." How serendipitous!

image: please let me know if you know the original source. I found this image here via this pin.

6 Things

2013-05-06T09:12:00.000-04:00

1// desk lamp $76.50 by ellen's alley 2// high waisted short $114 by sainte courtisane 3// typography print $30 by faye bradley 4// espresso set $60 by imka design 5// bracelets $29 by fauna y flora 6// abstract shapes print $21 by ammiki

Six recent handmade faves to celebrate a new week. And although I know Monday is hardly a celebration, I'm choosing to think positively. Mind over matter, right?

For more handmade and vintage faves, you can follow me on Etsy here.

Decor: Cotton & Flax

2013-05-03T13:13:00.001-04:00

mint pillow cover $58 / diamond linen pillow cover $40 / coasters $20 / tea towel for pennyweight $28

Owner, designer, and maker, Erin Dollar runs Cotton & Flax out of her home studio in Los Angeles, California. Each piece is hand printed (read all about the process here) and if you like these home decor items, you'll love Erin's line of paper goods. Have a very happy weekend!

Paper Goods: 12 Mother's Day Cards

2013-05-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

01. / 02. / 03. / 04. / 05. / 06. / 07. / 08. / 09. / 10. / 11. / 12.

There's still time to find the perfect card for Mother's Day. Don't forget your grandmother's, mothers-in-law, moms-to-be, friend's mom's who helped raise you, and on and on. There's definitely someone in our lives who would appreciate a thoughtful card!

Art: Jenny Liz Rome

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Drawings and image compositing by Canadian artist Jenny Liz Rome. You can purchase prints of these works here. I would love to see the first two images framed and hanging beside each other. Such a lovely use of color, no?

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Paper Goods: Mom, you were right

2013-04-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

This Mom, you were right series by Farewell Paperie made me chuckle. Each letterpress card is $5 and what better way to admit to your mom that she was right than on Mother's Day?

Shop: Fifi Du Vie

2013-04-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Fifi Du Vie's shop description sums it up pretty well, "Simple products made by hand to make you happy." You may recognize the owner, Izabella Dennis' work from her popular Adventurer's print. Check out Fifi Du Vie's new colorful Spring collection - there are lots of fun gift options. Happy Monday friends!

Wise Words: Live Simply

2013-04-23T11:23:00.001-04:00

Live Simply 18x24 limited ed screen print $19.99 by 55 Hi's

Living simply. I'm sure it's different for everyone. Lately, I've been attempting to simplify things in my own life. I'm getting a little more organized, eating well and feeling better because of it, doing an exercise program I actually enjoy, and I'm slowly learning to be ok with not having to do be doing something every moment of every day. When things start feeling too complicated and overwhelming, it's nice to have a reminder to step back, take a deep breath and simplify. How do you live simply?

for more typographic goodness, check out my pinterest board 'nice type.'