Winner and some patriotism

So the ever trusty Random.org did it again. We have yet another winner and this is now the second time that #1 has been chosen!

Who is lucky number one? Well, that would be a previous artist who's done a giveaway here (look at that!)
Pippi Langstrumpf from Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree!
It looks like her generosity is being repaid. Here's what she had to say:
"What gorgeous items. Love the colours and designs. I also love the Helena illustration. I've been searching for a new notebook so this prize would be perfect." Congrats! I will be contacting you shortly.
A huge thank you to 315thomas for offering such a wonderful giveaway. I so adore your imagery and I wish you the best of luck for your business.

You're probably wondering what the "patriotism" part of this post is about. I thought I'd celebrate this fourth of July with a new dress: a red, white and blue dress to be exact.
Purple label-Women's Olive Oil Sailor Tank Dress $34
My nickname used to be "Olive Oil" so I thought it was fitting. (This was a long time ago and if anyone attempts to use this nickname, I will find you and kick you in the shin.)
This is my little act of patriotism, and no the dress will not come in time for the 4th. Oh well. In this dress, I can be patriotic any day I want, so there.

Sea foam rooms to wear your swimsuits in...

I'm obviously having a powerful craving for the ocean and all things sea side. Maybe I should bring the sea to me with some gorgeous sea foam interiors. This color has always been in my top five but it going through a spurt of popularity which makes me both happy and sad. Happy because it's everywhere and sad because I don't want some magazine to say "last year sea foam was in, but this year sea foam is so passe."

I've picked a variety of decorating styles to show the versatility of this beautiful color and why it should stick around.
Bohemian chic:
Sea foam is accented so nicely by orange, saffron, and coral.
via Dwellings and Decor {posted by City Sage}
Classic romantic:
The intensely rich curtains add glamour to this space.
via here
Retro colorful:
This is one of my favorite spaces and I've been waiting for my time to use it. This sea foam is brighter and looks lovely against the patterned yellow. Did I already mention that I LOVE this space?
source: Domino via here
Classic and clean:
The sea foam color in this bedroom adds a soothing background. How awesome is that art wall (and the dwell studio sheets)?
via here
Preppy traditional:
Here seafoam is accented by navy and brown in a "Hamptons" style room. The piece above this sofa is my favorite part.
via here
Vintage-y:
I'd love to see more of this space as I'm getting a retro vibe from the few accents seen. The red and white towel is a nice styling plus.
via Marie Claire Maison
Mod:
Purple and sea foam are an unlikely match, but that's what fun about clashing colors. Sometimes it just works.
via Desire to Inspire
Modern rustic:
Here, the look is subtle and is accented by a large rustic looking bench. The natural light pouring in makes the space exceptional.
via Light Locations
For those of you interior designers, yes I made up the "style" names (my favorite being vintage-y, thank y0u very much). So, do you have a favorite room are you waiting for sea foam to be "soooo passe"?
{Winner of the sketchbook and gift tags giveaway will be chosen tonight. There's still time to enter!}

Retro Inspiration in case you already don't get it

I think these images epitomize everything I want from my future one piece, retro-inspired swimsuit.

I won't do my normal peanut gallery commentary as I think these images speak for themselves.

all images via Conde Nast Store
Now all I need is a cute swim cap and some blueberries.

Wishlist: Retro inspired One Piece swimsuits

I realized that summer is in full swing (it was suffocatingly hot this past weekend) and I have been completely silent regarding swimsuits. Part of this is my normal aversion to trying on anything mainly comprised of spandex, and the other part is that I don't see a beach trip in my near future.

Regardless, this years trend of retro inspired bathing suits makes me incredibly happy because it means those halter topped, boy short type bottoms are super easy to find. There's also no reason to pay a lot because the selection is incredible and at these prices, you can buy a few.
Here are my choice for ONE PIECE bathing suits...I'll talk all about bikinis when I'm feeling a bit bolder.
UO has been ahead of the game with their swimsuits for some time now, so I can't leave them off my list.
Kimchi Blue Polkadot Swimsuit $79.99 (was $98).
Victoria Secret is my go-to for last-minute, super affordable swimsuits.
Eyelet bandeau one-piece $28.99 (originally $98)!
I like the idea of "firm control" (whatever that means).
Firm control twist-front one-piece $100 (was $134)
This one is actually two pieces but it fits to look like one. Too stinking cute.
"Ahoy" Nautical Sailor Betty Pin up Swimsuit w/Red Anchor Embroidery $98
The cherries on this 50's style pin up suit are too sweet to pass up.
Esther Williams Cherry Bathing Suit $70
This classic cut is brought to a new, funner level with the retro inspired floral pattern.
One Piece Lingerie Tank $92
JCrew's bathing suit quality should definitely be taken advantage of when a sale like this comes along.
Seaside Seersucker cross-back tank with flower $59.99 (was $76).
Finally, this handmade piece is the perfect shape and flatters most any figure.
LIZ on piece in Navy $115
Do you like this seasons retro look? What are your favorite places to buy swimsuits?
{If you haven't already, make sure to enter this weekend's giveaway. Winner will be drawn tomorrow!}

I dare you to be ridiculous

I've never shown you any videos of myself, so I figure there's always a first time. I don't actually have any videos featuring me, except for this one. Please note that this is how I spend my Sunday's- indulging my adult/child friend in a dare. The dare was to stuff this whole muffin in my mouth and although I'm laughing, let me assure you, it was quite painful. The girl making comments is the "camera man's" wife. She is rightfully confused.
If you're too mature for dares, or food eating contests, I totally understand. At my age, I should be, but I'm not, and that's that...oh this is also kind of gross and there's a "little" curse word.
(please skip this video if you think you'll lose respect for me).

Happy Sunday to you! If you missed my "Eye on Style" feature at Trust Your Style, please check it out here.
{This is what happens to you when you work seven days a week...so you know.}

Giveaway: 315thomas

{There is a small change on how I'm running the giveaway this weekend so please make sure to read entry rules.}

Happy weekend to you all! This weekend brings me work, a show tonight, a going away party Saturday night, and a BBQ on Sunday. Whoa, it's going to be a busy one. I'm also going to try to catch up on some DIY projects, but I'll need to sleep at some point so we'll see.

This weekends giveaway comes to you from 315thomas:
My first thought when browsing Lesley's lovely Etsy shop was that she uses some of my favorite imagery to adorn her paper goods (i.e. deer, doilies, keys, birds, cameos).
Hello deer...petite notecard set
Ummm, hello? Love at first sight.
Lesley describes her creations as "modern designs with vintage flair." I couldn't agree more.
The GOOD news for you is that 315thomas is giving away, to one Down and Out Chic reader, a choice of sketchbook...
Will you choose the damask, paper doilies, colorful keys, or cameo sketchbook? Each of these gorgeous sketchbooks "contains 40 blank pages of 100% recycled text weight paper, and the cover is printed with archival inks onto 100% recycled cover weight card stock."





Along with your choice of sketchbook, the winner also gets a set of text print gift tags to use for your next gift or paper project! *Please note that these are randomly picked by Lesley so prints will vary.
This is an awesome giveaway and I'm making it even easier to enter...here are the "rules."
1) I'm opening this giveaway up to EVERYONE, however, make sure that you leave me an e-mail address if you don't have an account I can easily find. If I cannot get in touch with you another winner will be drawn!
2)If you link to this giveaway leave a SECOND comment so you can be entered twice telling me you've linked it. (pssssssttt....this will drastically increase your chances, just make sure you leave two separate comments).
3) Visit 315thomas and tell me what you think. You can also see Lesley's blog here.
4) Leave a comment on this post. *If you leave a comment without addressing the work, it will be discarded. It's super easy!
Good luck and thank you for reading!
~Christina
P.S. I'm featured on Trust Your Style's "Eye on Style" today. Click here for the post!

Corny Picks

So I'm not sure I should be allowed to create titles for my posts...they're getting progressively worse. Anyway, summer is in full swing here and B and I enjoyed our first corn on the cob the other night. Buttery, salty, yummy, no health value, corn on the cob. I'm strict about my corn on the cob eating habits, only during the summer, no exceptions. So, since I've been thinking about corn (yes, there are better things to think about but I make no apologies) I decided to round up a couple of products in celebration of the starchy vegetable, non- vegetable.

This could be fun in the kitchen...
Corn Harvest 10x10 linoleum block print $25
I could wear these with my pea pod necklace and have a veggie-themed accessories day. Ha!
Corn Cob Earrings $12
I'd like to add these to my "collection" of note cards.
Corn Note Cards $16
Bring these cupcakes to your next picnic or barbecue to make an impression. What impression that is, I couldn't tell you.
Corn-on-the Cob Cupcake
Oh, and while we're at it, don't forget your peas and carrots.
Vanilla Cupcakes
What's your go-to summer vegetable?
{Be sure to stop in tomorrow for a very fun weekend giveaway!}

Meet the new couple: Metal + Wood

I have to say, I'm not really one for the industrial look. I suppose my taste is a bit frilly for harsh lines and minimalist space, however, put industrial details along side wood and it's a different story. Industral and rustic, kind of link oil and vinegar, don't you think?

This space is an eclectic mix of industrial, wood, and vintage accessories. Oh, and I want that lamp.
via AT
I think I could live in that tub, or at least sleep there. Need I mention the beauty of that floor?
via Marie Claire Maison
The stove is reminiscent of another time and look at that perfectly aligned plate wall.
via Marie Claire Maison
This look works in the bedroom as well. Here, it's softened with an abundance of white.
via Atlanta Bartlett
The space is brightened with a pop of red and the kitchen table is unabashedly rustic.
via Living Etc
This loft has warm touches like the leather chair and the plush rug.
via Design for Life
This sharp juxtaposition between steel drum pendants and wooden table is gorgeous.
via Michael Del Piero
I would be afraid to have that pendant light directly over the bed...
via NY Times
This space would drastically change without the addition of the wooden rafters.
via Light Locations
So what do you think about this unconventional combination? Do you like the mix or would you prefer one or the other?

Under $10 for Hump Day

I can never get enough of treating myself (if you can't tell). Whether it be alone time, a pilates class, a nice glass of wine, or a little something for under $10 I'm ready and willing to take care of me. I hope you're taking care of you too!

Here are my picks for this week's under $10...
Turquoise and red always making a stunning combination.
Turquoise Howlite Flower Brooch $4.50 (that is not a typo, $4.50!!!)
I can't get enough of small notebooks. I'm constantly jotting ideas down so I like to have a back up supply. These are created by a fellow blogger who's work I simply adore.
Pair of Peacocks $7
I love a little kitsch every now and again. This pair of salt and pepper shakers are too fun.
Classic Tin Salt & Pepper Set $5.95
I really want to learn to embroider. I'd put these vintage style lamps on tea towels.
Vintage Lamps $5
This reusable lunch sack had me at VW van.
RECYCLED Lunch Bag-VW Bus Lime $10
Have you found any recent finds for under $10?
{Hump Day Spotlight posts will be back soon. I'm taking a wee break from the series for now.}

Winner and the river

It's that time again to announce the lucky winner of the most recent giveaway.

The winner gets $25 gift certificate to go shopping at Under the Shade of the Bonsai Tree which makes me incredibly jealous, I mean, happy for the winner. I wonder what the winner will choose...

Without further blabbering, the winner is lucky #42!
That would Carrie from the uber fabulous blog Couture Carrie!
Congrats my dear and I will be e-mailing you shortly.
Thank you Jaqueline for holding a giveaway over your birthday weekend! If you missed the giveaway, please check out her shop, blog, and Facebook page.

So besides the flea market trip and my massage and mini facial (a.k.a little bit of heaven), B and I took Kya to the river to play. Bella's not so much a swimmer so she stayed at home.
We had never been to this area and it was surprisingly beautiful.
Look! Kya's sticking her tongue out at you.
B went swimming with Kya; I kindly declined the invitation. Someone had to take the pictures.
Needless to say, it was one of the best Saturday's I've ever had.
Thanks for letting me share my day with you, a day I'm going to be daydreaming about for some time.
I hope you all are having a wonderful week!
~Christina