Down and Out Chic

Wise Words: Clueless

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

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.'

Paper Goods: The Paper Club

2013-04-17T15:13:00.001-04:00

A little something for every occasion from The Paper Club. This line is designed by the same folks who created Sass & Peril, another great shop for handmade gifts (perfect for the little ones). I really like this mint and black combo and want a collection of these cards so I'm never caught unprepared without a card at the ready. I always prefer a 'Heck Yeah!' over a sad face though.

6 things

2013-04-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

1// tea towels $24 by anna joyce 2// silverware print $20 by elizabeth mayville 3// blueberry print $45 by anek 4// pyramid ring $16 by alina & t 5// be happy print $8 by nicola rowlands 6// mini wallet $26 by alex bender

Smile and be happy! It's a new week!

You can "follow" my hearted Etsy items here and see previously featured items on '6 things' here.

Art: Picky Eaters

2013-04-10T10:29:00.001-04:00

For all the little picky eaters out there - this one's for you! These fun illustrations are by NY based artist Samantha Cotterill and can be purchased in her shop mummysam. Her style reminds me of illustrations found in vintage children's books with the saturated color and spunky characters. Check out more of Samantha's work here: blog / flickr / shop

Interiors: One Green Chair

2013-04-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

I was hoping to find more examples of this dining set up - black chairs with a single green attention seeker at the end. It's a pretty unique set up though and I consider myself lucky for finding two that share so many similarities. Those green chairs pack quite the punch, wouldn't you say?

images: 1// blackbird 2// nicole franzen

Under $100: Colorful flats for Spring

2013-04-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen

It seems like the older I get, the drabber my closet gets in terms of color (why is that?!). Bright flats are an easy way to pep up a neutral wardrobe and all of these options are under $100 so why stop at just one pair? #7 and #13 are my favorites and #1 would be perfect to have around for rainy days. See any you like?

Art: Lisa Golightly

2013-04-02T19:35:00.000-04:00

Is it not a bizarre experience gazing at a portrait of someone without a face? It's uncomfortable, isn't it? Or is that just me? When I look at a faceless face, I immediately want to turn away. I wonder why the subject is faceless? Are they even human? I'm intrigued by Lisa Golightly's work (her site and shop are called "Kiki and Polly"). I'm intrigued because I wonder why she chosen to omit what some might consider the most important part of her subjects - the face. Their eyes. The windows to the soul. Her paintings have me coming back for more. I have visited her shop over and over the past week (damn this silly budget). The Fire starters is my favorite painting. I don't see a fire but I know those two are up to something.

Check out more of Lisa's work here: Blog / Website / Shop

6 things

2013-03-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

1// clay flag clay toppers $18 by hello plum studio 2// kitty notecard $4.75 by branch & olive paper 3// vintage push pins $12.50 via beca runs 4// bar necklace $48 by virginie millefiori 5// whale plates $42 by yvonne ellen 6// smoky quartz watercolor $29 by expeditor

Today's roundup of Etsy faves features some really fun items. I'd like to use the push pins in my office, build a plate wall around the whale plates, and top a batch of these cupcakes with those adorable clay flags. And don't grey and aqua make a pretty pairing? I'd say so.

You can "follow" my hearted Etsy items here and see previously featured items on '6 things' here.

Wish list 3.27.13

2013-03-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

1// dress 2// ring 3// sandals 4// shorts 5// luminizer 6// pouch 7// tank tops 8// necklace 9// flats

Warmer weather is happening and my wardrobe needs a pick me up. My wish list is all about pieces I can mix and match in neutral tones that are anything but boring. Wish, wish, wishing...

Art: Emily Green

2013-03-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Each of these watercolors by Australian based artist Emily Green tells a unique color story. The colors are so vibrant and yet thanks to the watercolor medium and a talented hand, there's a lovely translucence to the color. I love all the little intersections of color where one circle bleeds into the next. The images remind me of organisms viewed under a microscope. If I stare at these long enough, I feel like I see movement. Kind of trippy, I know. Prints of these watercolor "clouds" can be purchased in Emily's shop along with her line of jewelry and scarves (check out her watercolor scarf, it's fantastic).

Bags & Pouches by Júlia Marco

2013-03-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Spring/Summer 2013 textile collection by Valencia based designer and illustrator Júlia Marco combines so many of my favorite things: totes, pouches and, of course, triangles. Oh, and 100% organic cotton and leather. I like those things too. The bags are reasonably priced at 38 euros for the totes and 16 euros for the pouches with shipping available to the U.S. What's not to love here? Check out Júlia's shop to purchase. Happy Monday!

Shop: Saturday

2013-03-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

jeans // pouch // skirt // weekender // top // dress // phone case

Have you seen visited the new Kate Spade Saturday online shop yet? I've been looking forward to this more affordable line for some time now and goodness knows there's been a lot of hype about it online. And for good reason, if I don't say so myself! As you can tell, I'm quite smitten with this bright, abstract pattern that's available on everything form skinny jeans to an iphone case, pillow cover and even sneakers. There are plenty of stripes and solids available to. So much goodness over at Saturday. Have a very happy weekend!

Art: Brooke Wandall

2013-03-20T10:23:00.000-04:00

Mixed media paintings by Pennsylvania based artist, Brooke Wandall. Brooke paints abstract landscapes and terrariums but I'm particularly taken by these landscapes that remind me of the ocean (waterscapes, if you will). From calm to tumultuous, I see the sea in its many moods in these paintings. Check out more of Brooke's work on her blog and you can purchase originals in her shop.