Mix it up

B says that if it were up to me, we'd have patterns everywhere (he's probably right.) My obsession w/pattern isn't just about decor. When I was in art school I painted mostly figures, but towards the end of my undergrad I painted patterns. Some people find it a superficial subject, but I'm memorized by pattern, period. On the Designer's Guild website you can find an array of show rooms that present so many different patterns. Even though these rooms are for presentation, I really like the mix of patterns used. It's easy for too much pattern to become quickly overwhelming, but I think these rooms are great examples of how "mixing it up" is supposed to work.
Floral + Floral

The perfect beach house. Plaid + Floral + Stripes
Stripes + Floral
source: Designer's Guild

Do you have a favorite pattern combination?

Recycled Trunk Show

I know I've posted about Olio United before as I'm a huge fan of the concept behind the website (made with love, ethically responsible). Currently they're having a trunks show of recycled clothing and jewelry! It looks as though designers have taken apart used goods and rebuilt them into new, gorgeous pieces. The trunk sale is only 4 days long, ending on Thursday, and all orders ship free within the U.S. Some of these pieces are quite expensive, but I've picked the most affordable designs that I would wear in a heartbeat.

This would be a great piece for a cool spring night.
Bella Shrug $85
The detailing on this tank make it very unique and that color is so striking.
Hopeless Romantic $68
A feminine twist to a menswear piece and that color would go w/just about anything.
Two Way Top $65
This sweet little necklace is delicate but kind of tough.
Glories Strung Like Beads $47.50
This industrial looking piece is actually a watch (look hard and you can see the seahorse!). I have no clue how it works but it's pretty stinking cool.
Modern Seahorse Watch $59
Alright, so this trunk sale ends Thursday and I have to say I'm kind of smitten with that watch. What do you think about it (the watch, that is)? Have you ever seen anything like it?

La vie en rose

I don't know what's wrong with my lately, but I CAN'T STOP looking at pink interiors. Maybe it's hormones? Anway, I ran across this space and I had to share. (Side note- Do you ever worry that design posts have been posted over and over again and that what you find interesting has already been commented to death?). Regardless, this room makes want to have romantic candle lit dinner (WHAT?!?, I need to go slap myself now.) Seriously though, look at that table, and the mirror!

source: marie claire maison

Ottoman #2

Here's another ottoman I'm lusting over. I don't want to cheat on the other that I love so much, but sometimes you can't help having a divided heart, right?

source: Apartment Therapy

Tag, you're it!

I mentioned on Friday that I've picked up a third job. This means no day off during the week; however, before you start feeling sorry for me, understand that I used to be a state social worker (investigating child abuse) so never having a day off is a relief from what I used to do. Regardless, I just got home from my cafe shift (Saturdays I work at a vintage clothing store, and during the week it's grants administration at the University) and I am pooped. Part of the reason I'm so physically sore is b/c today on my way to heating up a quiche, I busted my butt on some water in the kitchen I didn't see. My feet just about flew over my head, the quiche skidded across the floor, and I landed on my side w/out breaking my fall b/c I wanted to help the stupid quiche. Owwwwww. Now for the point of my post.

Blair, from Delight By Design, tagged me in a sort of blogger "challenge" I was asked to pick a (most of you probably know Blair, but if you don't check out her blog; I promise you won't be disappointed) photo that epitomizes or describes my style. In case you think this is an easy task, think again friends. Not easy.
I suppose if I had a freakin' camera that worked I would have taken pictures of my own decor, but since that's not possible, I decided upon a photo that I feel like embodies my sense of style, or at least what I think I portray (what you think you portray and what others are seeing are not always one in the same!)
source: Domino via {flickr}
Here's why I chose this photo:

Artistic, old world glamour meets graphic, modern details. There's a sense of personality in this room; I visualize the owner being a creative reader or someone who likes to surround themselves with items of sentimental value. The room doesn't take itself too seriously as reflected in the playful wall color and cheeky sculpture. Although there is a sense of purposeful design, there's also a feel that the room is truly lived in. As with my personal sense of style, the room isn't strictly modern or strictly vintage, but rather a mix of the two. Whew, that was tricky. To keep this game alive I'd like to pick a few people to play along:
Lesley from Homemade Grits
Tanya from Captivate Me
Callie from A Different Shade of Grey
Karen from Blog Goggles
Rachel from Dwellings and Decor
Ladies, if you've already been chosen, don't worry about it, but pass on the love. I don't want to be the only one frustrated with finding the "perfect" picture (does that exist?). If you want to play, join in the fun!

White flower vessel

It's still raining here this morning, well no scratch that, it's actually storming and the weather service says possible tornadoes this afternoon. I like storms...I don't like tornadoes (I mean, who really likes tornadoes?) They're cool to look at, but hopefully, I won't be seeing one today.

So recently I discovered that B isn't thrilled w/white things (i.e. white frames, white accents). This is a problem b/c I like white accents; they instantly add a modern touch to just about any space. I'm also thinking that some white, ceramic vases would be really nice in our bathroom. I'll have to find a way to compromise with B...
All vases shown are under $50!
Dent Bud Vase $26
source: Olio United
Ceramic Pigeon Vase $45
source: Three Potato Four
Pure ceramic Vases, Classic $16-$39
source: West Elm
Stylish White Vase- Second $12
source: Pottery Seconds
Arbor Trunk Vase $24.99
source: Target
Bird Vase- White $19.99
source: Target
Do you have a favorite?

Sherbert-y goodness

Today is a GROSS day here in Athens, GA. It's been raining for the past couple of days and I've been out in the rain to attend a meeting across campus. Needless to say, my boots are wet, and I have a strong desire to crawl under my desk and go to sleep. I've decided to cheer things up a bit and post some sherbet colored deliciousness. There are aspects of each of these rooms I really enjoy and I certainly wouldn't mind being in one of them on a gloomy day like today.

The splashes of red with the pink toughen up the space a bit. Those stools would be super convenient to have around too.
source: The Kitchn
Sherbert blue vintage kitchen accessories would certainly temp me to do some baking. (If anyone would eat it, that's another story).
source: LivingEtc.
I'm thinking Lemon/Lime sherbert with a bit of berry thrown in.
source: Domino
Pops of pastel color in a small space make the hodge podge look a bit more cohesive. I also really like the idea of bringing a table into the bedroom making the space multi-functional.
source: Apartment Therapy
Minty kitchens looks fresh and retro at the same time.
source: Apartment Therapy
I may not have a sherbert room in the house, but I'd like add a little bit of sweetness with this lovely print:
Love Candy Seafoam $25
Source: Made By Girl
Check out the very talented Jennifer over at her blog.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. As for me, I've picked up a THIRD! job, so I'll be a busy bee. The posts will keep coming, though, so be sure to pop back in. As always, thanks for reading.
~Christina

Outfit #5

Do you ever just want to get spend the day in a new place, where noone knows who you are, and you walk around looking any old way you please and just spend your time meandering? It's not that I'm unhappy and need an escape, but sometimes I just want to wander around (alone) in a fabulous outfit and feel no pretense whatsoever. I can picture myself in a marketplace looking at interesting objects, in this outfit:

Blissfully Lost - by Anonymously Chic on Polyvore.com

Yes, I did it, I joined Polyvore. I consider my trial run with this website blogging peer pressure. I hopped on the bandwagon (and I like to consider myself a non-conformist, but perhaps I'm delusional). True to the theme of this blog, everything you see here is affordable (I promise!), just click on the title for details. Oh and if you've never worn canvas sneakers with a feminine dress, I suggest you try it. It's quite liberating.

Neon Feet

Neon apparel is one of the trends this season that I think I'd like to pass on. I see neon and I picture raves and hear that song by John Mayer (what was it again?), however, I ran across these shoes at Stuff Under Twenty and I think these could be the neon exception. With a white T and skinny jeans...

Neon Flats $18.80
source: Forever 21
What do you think about the neon revival? (Oh and neon sunglasses don't count, b/c those are just cute).

Ghosts are furniture too

When I first ran across the "ghost" chair, some time ago, my initial thought was "well that's kind of silly." I tend to shirk away from spaces that are extremely modern b/c although they may be aesthetically pleasing, I prefer a warmer, more comfortable space. The ghost chair seemed to fit perfectly into the category of uber modern, too clean for me, kind of look; however, I've unwittingly become increasingly fond of this trendy piece. If I could find a chair that I could afford, I think I would seriously consider purchasing one. Here are some I like, but unfortunately they're all out of my price range.

Louis Ghost Chair by Phhilippe Starck $410 (yikes!)
source: Zwello
Ghost Side Chair $199 (0n sale, but still yikes!)
source: Mod Lines by Design
La Marie Chair $319
source: Ylighting
I like the juxtaposition of acrylic and steel in this chair.
Eiffel Clear Acrylic Ghost Side Chair $139.99
source: Emmanuel Georges
A ghost dining table.
source: {We love Domino}
So what do you think about the ghost chair, take it or leave it? Does anyone know of affordable options?

Eureka! It's a dog bed solution

So as you may or may not know, I've been on the hunt for a dog bed that I can live with both visually and monetarily speaking. I was feeling really discouraged one day before our big move, and I brought it up to B. His response, "Why don't we just get a papasan cushion." Ding, ding, ding, ding HELLO! Sometimes I need to give B more credit and if I had brought this up to him earlier, I would have saved myself much needed time in my endless search for the perfect dog bed. That night we made a trip to our local Pier 1 and much to my satisfaction, returned with two reasonably priced, stylish "dog beds." Even better, the cushion is so big that our both of our furry monsters fit on it w/space to roll around. We saved one of them for back up in case Bella decides to eat the bed (which will happen eventually).

Ours were on sale for $45 a piece, but I think they're usually $60. We have one in green and the other in brown (both work nicely in our light blue bedroom).
Here's a patterned option that wasn't in the store, but may be worth ordering online:
Do you have chewer? The outdoor cushions may be the way to go. They're a bit pricier but will last longer.
Coral Outdoor Papasan Chair Cushion $100
My dogs have been sleeping on their cushion for a few weeks now (no complaints!)

I'm back from Savannah and the trip, although emotional, actually turned out to be a lot of fun. Don't get me wrong here, I wish that the trip had been under much different circumstances, but I was with some of my closest friends and we made the best of a difficult situation. Thank you for all of you warm thoughts and kindness and please continue to keep my friend in your prayers.

On a more superficial note, on the way back from Savannah we stopped at a local Urban Outfitters (I know I'm on a budget, but following rules was never a strong suit). The "impromptu" trip ended with me spending a bit more money than I had planned, b/c I had planned on spending NO money. But hey, at least I spent my money well and if I'm going to be poor, I'll be stylishly poor. Here's what I bought:

Round Circle Stamp Rug $14
I'll place these two rugs in the stair landing leading to the upstairs space. The stairs double back on themselves so we needed something to bring our decor "down" into the stairwell. They will also serve the purpose of getting the dirt off of our shoes before entering the living area.
Round Indigo Floral Rug $14
This dress is so comfortable and the vertical strips along the side helps lengthen the figure. Had it been horizontal all the way across, it would not have had enough shape for me. I'll throw on a cropped blazer, belt and boots for work and a simple pair of sandals for non-work time. I have a feeling I'm going to live in this dress come summer. You can't see the little pockets at the bottom in this photo, but they sealed the deal for me.
BDG Striped T Shirt Dress $39.99 (sale online) I payed $48 in the store...grrrr.
These sandals are comfortable and the off white will go with pretty much anything. The back zipper make them just a bit funky.
Twist Filigree Gladiator $38
Here are a couple of items I didn't buy but totally would if my self control hadn't kicked in:
Metallic Linen Ruffle Wallet $28
The light gray color and exposed zipper combo are a perfect nod to the 80's. Click here for more exposed zippers.
Silence and Noise Denim Zipper Skirt $68
This belt is the perfect width (any bigger and I'm uncomfortable.) The stretch makes it super easy to wear.
Knot Leather Stretch Belt $24
Ok, so I had been doing really well not impulse shopping, but I think seeing things in person makes my self control crumble. Do you have the same problem? Do you think online shopping allows for more self control or are you able to walk away regardless?

Book and in other news

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions on a book to read. I decided on one that the author of Bookwormz recommended (I'm sorry, I don't know your name).

Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster

source: BetterWorld Books
The subtitle pretty much says it all. This is a memoir about a an ex-sorority girl that grows up and falls upon hard times, all the while elbowing her way through corporate America and cursing anyone who stands in her way. The author is HILARIOUS and I simultaneously want to slap her and hug her. She knows she's a bitch (excuse my french), but she doesn't care and if she does care she's not doing anything about it. I'm only halfway through, but I love it. If you need a good laugh and you're not offended by bristly, politically incorrect humor, than this is the book for you. I love her on paper, but in person, I'm pretty sure I'd kick her in the shin and then run screaming for fear she'd unleash her wrath. Thank you Bookwormz for the recommendation!

In other sad news, a dear friend of mine lost his mother this past Friday. I am leaving out of town eary tomorrow morning to attend the funeral. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and this is a most difficult time. I won't be able to post or comment until sometime Tuesday. Until then, I hope eveyone's week starts on a positive, hopeful note.
~Christina

We're having a girl, no wait , a boy

There's something you should know about me. I'm a bit flighty...ok, maybe that's an understatement, but I like to think of it as having lots of thoughts and not always know which one to chase. My flightiness sometimes makes me look like an ass. Today was one of those times.

So the baby shower I was looking forward to went something like this: me getting really excited shopping for GIRLS clothing and then realizing at the VERY last moment that I don't know if the couple is actually having a girl. So I panic. Big time. I end up having to call the soon to be father b/c no one else is answering their phones, and ask him what the sex of the baby is...if you haven't guessed by now, they are having a baby BOY. A baby BOY. Not a girl. I get off the phone and immediately burst into tears and continue crying as I make my dip (which was yummy thank goodness). Luckily my friends are super cool and didn't mind that I would bring them an appropriate gift later, but I still felt quite embarrassed. I mean WHO doesn't check the sex of the baby before shopping??? Here's one of the outfits I bought the non existent girl baby:
DwellStudio for Target Pleated Top-White Bath (I love DwellStudio's line for babies)

DwellStudio for Target Side Pocket Pant
I decided I should treat myself to a little something for the baby shower and decided upon this super spring-y sheath dress. This photo is poor quality but its a super sheer dress that comes with a slip (which I always detach and use for other things so it's kind of like a two for one deal). The sleeves and bottom hem are a different floral pattern and it fit like a dream. I paired it with a blazer style denim jacket and a pair of worn in, tough brown boots.
Junior's (ha! Juniors) Xhiliration Flutter Sleeve Dress $21.99
Source: Target
What I learned today:
1) KNOW the sex of the baby you are shopping for, unless the parents don't know the sex and then stick with the neutrals.
2) DO NOT overreact after finding out you've made a mistake and cry over the food you're making, potentially getting tears and snot in it. (That didn't happen, but it could have).
3)Don't get caught up in all the pretty baby clothing and read the FRIGGIN registry. If I had followed this rule I might have gleaned that baby is a BOY.
Jessie, darling, if you're reading this, I'm sorry I'm ridiculous. I hope you won't hold this against me and will still let me be #1 babysitter.
Oh and the book I decided on is wonderful, but more on that later.

New header!

I can't tell you how excited I am about my new header. This was designed, specifically for Down and Out Chic, by a very talented friend of mine. Since this blog is new, I had been waiting to get a header that would fit the feel of it (kind of like waiting to name your new puppy so the name is just right!) Keith Rein is a designer who's work covers "graphic and multimedia design, from stationary, invitations, and business cards to fine art prints." His design business, Paper Thin, is fairly new but well known in Athens. I hope you'll take the time to check out his website.

Keith does very unique custom portraits. This is of our mutual friend, Jenna. The great thing about these portraits is his ability to capture someone's personality through colors, symbols, and patterns. The background pattern is also available in wrapping paper!
This is of our friend Sam who is, to put it simply, is a rock star (literally). If you know Sam, you know this portrait fits her perfectly.
This is a self portrait of the artist and yes, he is that good looking. I think I've mentioned Keith before in the context of being my most stylish (straight) male friend.
If you love pattern as much as I do, you can understand why I love this work. There's always more than what meets the eye (see the shoes?).

'Corie wrapping paper'. This is named after his wife, and my good friend, Corie. Who doesn't love a good bird pattern?'Anchors Away' Wrapping paper.
There's so much more on the website so if you're in need of a gift or invitations, business cards, or wrapping paper for yourself, I hope you'll consider Paper Thin. For the more provactive side of Keith's work, check out his blog here. (Please note that the key word is 'provactive' as in not for the bashful).