Down and Out Chic

Wish list 1.26.12

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

1) Do you see those little blue shapes on the top of that dress ($80.57)? They're cats and they're awesome! Cheeky but still very wearable. I need this dress.
2) Nautical never gets old for me and this anchor bracelet ($60) by Miansai is the perfect blend of casual meets chic. I'd wear it to dress up a plain tee and jeans.
3) What's better than a pair of comfy, colorful oxfords ($148) to transition out of boots for Spring? The little tassels on the shoelaces adds the perfect finishing touch.

Can you tell that I'm getting ready for warmer weather?

Interiors: Country Home in Tasmania

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

This house tour, as seen in Home Life, features a country home located in Tasmania that was built from salvaged and reclaimed wood. The bedroom attic is what initially caught my attention (I mean, HELLO) but the whole home space is filled with rustic charm. Do you love this home as much as I do? I'd move to Tasmania just to sleep in that bedroom. Never mind that someone else owns the house. The details could be worked out, I'm sure of it. Check out the full tour here.

found via planete-deco

Interiors: Dark and Lovely

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

It has been dreary, cold and wet in Raleigh for the past few days. Weather like this puts me in the mood for dark, warm, comforting interiors. The two bedrooms are my favorite. Very romantic, no?

1) house and home 2) planete deco 3) homelife 4) remodelista 5) chocolate creative via decor8 6) mi casa es su casa 7) pierre-jean verger 8&9) the design files

Calligraphy for V-Day

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

B and I really don't celebrate Valentine's Day in the conventional sense. Neither of us gets particularly excited about this holiday (I'm still recovering from Christmas in February) but we do exchange cards, a tradition I very much enjoy. This year, I've decided to go with a simple hand-calligraphed card from Sparrow Nest Script. The words are beautifully rendered and the message is clear. I won't tell you which card I bought on the off-chance that B sees this post, but needless to say, I think I've found a winner! Check out the full selection of V-day cards here.

Wish list 1.20.12

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

1) I'm in the market for a new eye cream and this mimosa and rosehip oil blend ($38) by Coldspring Apothecary contains natural ingredients without all of the scary chemicals that I have no interest in putting right near my eye balls (know what I mean?)

2) Made from clay, the Space Cadet necklace ($50) makes a statement but would work with just about any outfit.

3) I'm itching for another tattoo, but a print like this hand painted giclee one from 29 Black Street will have to suffice for now.

4) This silky drape top (€ 44,98) is perfect for work and the brass buttons make it special (it's on sale so there's only one size left!). Plus, I love a piece that can transition easily from one season to the next.

Any fun plan this weekend? Any new items on your wish list that you'd like to share or that should perhaps be on my wish list too? Have a good one friends! xo

6 things

2012-01-18T07:50:00.000-05:00

1) hand illustrated card $4 by hello small world

2) giclee print - bedfellows $22 by deerface

3) wool felt tote bag $56 by burlap design

4) flora study no. 3 $30 by miles of light

5) custom arrow mug $14 by wandersketch

6) swingset necklace IV $69 by webbwebb

Sponsor Love: Cupcakes Craft

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

countryside mini notebook $12

Cupcakes Crafts is a new(ish) stationary and jewelry shop featuring unique, fun items - many of which are perfect for cheering up an office space. I'd like to use these adorable memo pads to organize my endless piles of paperwork and this pencil case for keeping track of pens in my workbag. Check out all the entire selection right here.

Cupcakes Crafts is D&OC's newest sponsor. If you're interesting in sponsoring the blog, I'm interested in sending you more information. Email me at downandoutchic@gmail.com for more details.

Photography: Seaglass

2012-01-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

Prints and notecards of Jennifer Booher's beautiful seaglass photographs can be found in her shop Quercus Design. If you love everything about the sea (as I do) you'll love her Beachcombing series which includes collections of various items found along the beach. Wouldn't these look lovely framed and hung together?

Art: Daphne van den Heuvel

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

I ran across one of Daphne van den Heuvel's illustrations on Creature Comforts last week and was pleased to find a whole series of striped-clad figures. Art + fashion + stripes combined? How could I not love this series? Check out Daphne van den Heuvel's full portfolio here.

Interiors: A touch of floral

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Not too much. Just a touch...

images: 1) design files (this home tour is awesome!) 2) emily chalmers via poppytalk 3) homelife 4) design*sponge 5) heart home 6) via design is mine (source unknown) 7) lonny

Art (For the Nursery)

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

My best friend had a baby over the weekend (a big, 9lb 8oz, healthy boy!). I think these letterpress prints ($35) by Sycamore Press are the perfect addition to a nursery. My favorite is the, 'Nothing says you care like a clean diaper." So true. You can purchase these prints on the Sycamore Press website or at their Etsy shop.

Do More With Your Money: Acorn and Archer

2012-01-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

I've been really into wood accents in jewelry lately and Acorn and Archer has some simple, no-fuss pieces using "reclaimed, recycled, and sustainably sourced woods." You can even choose from different wood types for each design. It's a hard decision but I think I want this one.

pssst...looking for some bold jewelry options? Check out my latest post on Papernstitch.

Wish list 1.5.12

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm in need of some new reusable grocery totes as the ones I have are pretty torn up. I'm thinking these fun map grocery totes ($17.99 each) are a unique alternative to plastic. I'll start with the Atlanta bag please and maybe throw in a couple of zip pouches too. Why stop at just one?

Shop: Coral and Tusk

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Coral & Tusk features work by New York based textile designer Stephanie Housley. The shop includes a variety of embroidered pillows, art work, jewelry, and stationary. Our modest couch needs a pick-me-up and the feather and arrow pillows would be perfect. Check out the full selection right here.

Interiors: Soft Citrus

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Did you have a good holiday season? Ours was busy with plenty of celebration. It was also restful and I think I'm ready to face the new and get back to work. How about you?

Today I'm drawn to interiors with whisper soft tones of lime, orange, and yellow. The combination of orange and lime has been a long time favorite of mine (thanks to one of my favorite movies of all time), and I'm especially drawn to this palette when it's muted to its lightest tones. Soft warmth. Mmmmm.

images: 1) homelife 2) hello sandwich 3) here (source unknown) 4) apartment therapy 5 & 6) design*sponge 7) sf girl by bay

Art: Denise Nestor + Happy New Year

2011-12-29T10:16:00.000-05:00

Expressive portrait drawings by Irish artist Denise Nestor. My favorite is the first one entitled, "Unraveled." I love the look on the figure's face and the bit of tattoo peeking out under sleeve. Check out more on Denise Nestor's Flickr page and website.

On a different note, how was you Christmas?! We had an awesome time with our family in Georgia. It was a very busy trip and I've decided I need a vacation after my vacation which exactly what I'll be doing this weekend. I'll be back to posting on January 3rd. I hope you have a very Happy New Year filled with love, good food and celebrations aplenty! xo

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

hilarious illustrations by gemma correll

Well friends, it's time for me to take a break and sign off for the holidays! B, the dogs and I are traveling to Georgia to spend a jam packed few days with our families. I hope to pop in with a post or two before the New Year. Until then, I hope you have a joyful, peaceful, and safe Christmas. Lots of love to you. xo

Interiors: Shades of brick

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Rich, warm brick in four distinct shades. Which is your favorite look? I'm a fan of the white washed grey look in the third space. Perfection.

images: 1) nomad via desire to inspire 2) design*sponge 3) pierre-jean verger 4) elle interior via emmas designblogg

Art: nano-origami

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Itsy bitsy teeny weeny nano-origami by paper artist Anja Markiewicz. Pretty amazing, right?!

found via design for mankind

Wish list: Holiday Outfit

2011-12-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

1) v back dress $89.90 via zara 2) croc clutch $38 via need supply co 3) holiday glitter trio $36 4) pyramid ring $50 by boe 5) holiday shimmer scarf $80 via scarf shop 6) zip back wedge ankle boot $81.81 via asos

This is what I wish I were wearing this Christmas but I'll probably be donning something a bit less glamorous (think jeans and a sweater). Perhaps I'll get my hands on some pretty glittery nail polish before then though. That seems doable, right?

Gift Ideas: Down and Out Beauty

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

We all do it; wait until the last minute for holiday shopping. Makeup and skincare make useful and thoughtful last minute gifts. Here's a few ideas to make your shopping experience a bit less stressful.

(1) For your friend that likes nothing better than lounging in the tub, Indigo Wild natural soaps smell delicious and will soothe dry winter skin. This gift set ($62) even includes a sample of their all natural laundry detergent so her clothes can smell just as good as she does.

(2) Dior Homme ($54) is the perfect gift for the single guys in your life because it is like a chick tractor beam. A good friend of mine wears this cologne and has to beat the girls off of him. It has a warm, woodsy scent without any musk

(3) I like these Korres lip sets ($15) for dirty santa, white elephant, teacher gifts, or secret Santa gifts that have a price limit. The color of these lip butters is amazing. Its opaque with a creamy gloss and it feels like the most emollient lip balm.

(4) For your makeup maven bestie I love these eye enhancing palettes ($42) from Smashbox. Its a very personalized gift and you can't go wrong with the color choices as they are selected to enhance specific eye colors.

(5) I adore the packaging for this Butter London nail duo ($25)! We all have that one friend whose favorite color is sparkles! This would be perfect for her.

(6) Philosophy makes quality crowd pleasing scents that are a gift no-brainer. This set ($49.50) would be amazing for your mother, mother in law, grandmother, aunts, or anyone put off by over powering perfumes. The scent is very clean but also feminine and lovely.

(7) My nieces are obsessed with makeup so I always include some inexpensive "big girl" makeup for them to destroy, along with their Christmas gifts. ELF makes super cheap palettes ($10) with all the fun colors for them to play.

Happy Holidays everyone!
-Layne
Layne is a licensed aesthetician and makeup artist working at Urban Sanctuary in Athens, GA. She writes the bi-weekly column, Down and Out Beauty.

Keepsake Feather Necklace

2011-12-16T08:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! Are you looking forward to the weekend? We have a lot to do to get ready for our trip back to Georgia- clean the house, wrap presents, mail gifts, etc. The holidays are fun, no doubt, but boy oh boy is this a busy time or what?

I wanted to share this sweet feather keepsake necklace ($28) Xoxii Shop with you. This is a Netherlands based shop so even though you won't be able to get in time for the holidays, it might be a nice keepsake to treat yourself to, no? Each feather is unique and I just think the idea is too sweet.

Enjoy your weekend friends! xo

Down and Out Beauty: Know your eye shape

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love to watch makeup tutorials and look at print ads to copy makeup looks that I like. Its refreshing to watch how other makeup artists work and gives me ideas for myself and clients. After I've given a makeup lesson, I often recommend that clients watch online tutorials to keep practicing. Sometimes they come back and say they've tried a specific look, followed the directions perfectly, and it looked nothing like it was supposed to look. This is almost always because they had a different shaped eye than the model.

Knowing your eye shape will help you tweak any makeup to look perfect on you. Now that being said, this is not about old fashioned rules saying that certain shapes shouldn't wear certain makeup. I believe everyone can wear whatever they like and that rules are made to be broken. Almost all the pictures I see of Taylor Swift she's wearing fully closed in smokey eye makeup on her small narrow eyes. That's a major rule broken but she counter balances the closed in eye with full lashes and a highlight on the inner corners of her eye. This will just be a guide to help you see what you've got and how to enhance it.

via fashion bomb

Almond eyes: have a cat-like shape, a good amount of width horizontally and they can be tilted up at the outer corners or down. With almond eyes you can pretty much wear any makeup you like. Lucky!

via vogue folk

Small eyes: are proportionately smaller than the other features of the face. Compare one eye to the tip of the nose or to the lips and see if its significantly smaller. Smaller eyes look amazing with a flesh toned liner on the waterline, full lashes on the outer corners, and a well defined crease to open the eye up. Kitten eyeliner with light shimmering shadow under the eye is absolutely beautiful on small eyes.

via listal

Wide set eyes: have a space between the eyes that is wider than one of your eyes. With wide set eyes breakout the makeup and have fun because you can wear anything and look great!

getty images via here

Close set eyes: have less than the width of one eye between the two eyes. By concentrating darker shadow and lashes at the outer corners you can pull your eyes apart and still wear a fully lined smokey eye. The outer corner flick of kitten eyeliner is a great trick to pull eyes apart. Just make sure the liner at the inner corner is thin.

via daily mail

Round eyes: are very open and do not taper off they way almond eyes do. If you've been told you have doll eyes or have innocent eyes they're probably round. Round eyes will look beautifully child-like if you keep the makeup light and shimmery with full lashes. For sultry Bette Davis eyes use darker shadows to define the crease and a heavy eyeliner.

via screencrave

Prominent eyes: are usually larger than average and are the dominant feature on the face because in profile they come farther out than the brow bone. Because you don't have to worry about making prominent eyes look smaller, you can choose very dark colors and go for serious dramatic makeup. To create some depth and give the illusion of a crease, find your socket bone with your finger, use a crease brush to apply shadow on top of this bone, and this will create a crease where there was none before.

Keep in mind that you'll most likely fall in at least a couple of these categories. I fall into three of them; round, prominent, and wide set. No matter what shape you've got, it's beautiful because it's yours. This is all about learning to enhance what you have and to feel pretty. I hope this helps you get a bit more out of your makeup application and maybe some new ideas for Holiday parties.

-Layne
Layne is a licensed aesthetician and makeup artist working at Urban Sanctuary in Athens, GA. She writes the bi-weekly column, Down and Out Beauty.

6 things

2011-12-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

1) letterpress native note card set $12 by hero design studio
2) maple pen $18 by turning pro
3) vintage fair isle gloves $16.06 via pineapple mint
4) endor necklace $61 by iswas + willbe
5) silver glitter twine $14 via knot & bow
6) hand stitched leather pencil case $40 by zenok leather

Just a few recent faves on Etsy this week. Check out all my faves, if you'd like, right here.

Art: Double Merrick

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

I'm digging these vintage poster style three color screen prints from British illustrator Double Merrick for Keep Calm Gallery. I'd hang them together, no doubt. Check out more of Double Merrick's work right here.