Giveaway: One In Every Color

Dear Friday,

I know I only worked three business days this week, but I couldn't be more happy to see you. You're like the next best thing to B and that's really saying something!
You're devoted friend,
Christina
Fridays are great days for so many reasons but in my neck of the woods, Fridays are super special because it's giveaway day! This week, I have a very special sponsor, One In Every Color, who's offering a really nice treat to one lucky reader of Down and Out Chic. One in Every Color is a new Etsy shop that manages to gracefully meld the medium of glass work and quilting to produce stylish and savvy products. The winner of this weekends giveaway will have the oh-so-fortunate privilege of choosing one of three items...
I adore the yellow and white checkers and these are made of sturdy glass so you'll have them forever.
Sunnyside Up Coasters $33
Recycled glass has a special place in my heart, remember this post?
These recycled wine bottles are perfect as serving trays for cheese and crackers or to hold your jewelry and odds and ends. You can choose between green or clear glass.
Wine bottle serving tray $20

Finally, have you ever been to a party and not known which drink is yours?! Ick. Every hostess needs a set of wine charms and these are well designed and colorful (hopefully you can remember which color is yours!)
Retro wine glass charms $26
Make sure you check out the shop for more glass meets quilt design as well as One in Every Color's blog.
I'm sure you're wondering how to enter...read carefully as I like to change things up!
1) Leave me a comment telling me which item you'd choose if you won.
2) If you're a new "member" (ha! someone changed the loathsome word "followers") of Down and Out Chic, please leave a separate comment saying so. You get two entries because you're special.
That's it! Easy peasy this week.
Remember that if you don't have a blog that easily links to your e-mail, be sure to leave me your e-mail address! Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Thank you, sweet readers, for all of your insightful comments on yesterday's post. Your thoughts and honesty put a huge smile on my face!
~Christina

Ana Laura Perez

Have you seen Ana Laura Perez's work? She an Argentinian artist and she's stolen my heart.

Her style is reminiscent of Egon Schiele (of my top 5 favorite artists) and Gustav Klimt (another favorite). It's pretty easy to see why I find her work so intriguing.
It's obvious that this artist has a strong sense of fashion and style.
Ana Laura Perez doesn't stop at with 2-D work, she also has her own shop entitled "Alps" that includes pieces like this...
You can check out her blog here if you like what you see.

Respect vs. Popularity

I know what you're going to say...not because I can read your mind (mind you) but because people are pretty predictable. When I ask you the question, what is more important: Respect or Popularity, your first reaction is going to be "Respect, Respect, R-E-S-P-E-C-T (a la Aretha Franklin)." The reality, however (for many) is that being KNOWN, being SEEN, and being ADMIRED often trumps being respected. Can't you feel the drive for popularity? Oh no ladies and gents, the rat race to be the best did not end in high school. It continues as women, as business owners, as bloggers, as individuals. I love my blog reading, but I get kind of bewildered when I read statements about being popular (i.e. "now that I'm getting popular...", "in an effort to get popular...") partially because I sucked at high school and I tend to emotionally regress when I see the "P" word, but mostly because popularity is really overrated...or am I wrong?

Here's the bottom line for me- I yearn to be respected, for my intergrity, for my discernment, for my resourcefulness and for my dedication. What do you want be respected for?
Here are some pictures from my weekend...
The Niece
If you've never had a "Low Country Boil", you're missing out. Come down South and we'll take care of you.
The Nephew (and yes, those are clip-ons)
My brother-in-law's "cocktail." Pretty much the biggest drink you've ever seen.
Deserving the little one's respect might be the best thing I'll ever do.
I don't think wanting to be popular is in and of itself a bad thing. I think NOT doing, being, or acting for fear of unpopularity is the biggest problem.
So what'll it be, dearest readers? How do we, as bloggers, maintain a sense of self when it seems that numbers are the biggest priority? What's more important, respect or popularity?

I'm grateful...

...to my sponsors who make my little blogging world turn round and round. Dearest readers- have you checked them out yet? Here are some of my favorite pieces...

Silk Hand Embroidered Suzany Pillow
Fabricadabra

Organic Sterling Bangles- Made to order
Beth Cyr Jewelry

Retro wine glass charms
One in Every Color

Jess L.C. jewelry

Onyx Wings necklace
The Noble Gnome

Embossed Leather Dune Bailey Travel and Weekender Tote
Pretty Girl Handbags

Psssssttttt....I have Sponsor slots open so if you're an artist or run a small business please consider advertising on Down and Out Chic. I'm currently running a 3 month special that's super-duper affordable.
{e-mail me at downandoutchic@gmail.com}

Winner and corsets

Whew, it's back to the grind for me but I can't say I'm completely upset about it. My days away from work weren't really much of a vacation and the older I get the more I realize the value of structure in my life (i.e. no structure means doing absolutely nothing and eating copious amount of junk food.) There's lots too catch up on, including my blog reading, but for now let's go ahead and choose the winner of the amazing Flapperdoodle giveaway.

Drum roll please...
The winner, chosen by Random.org, is super lucky-ducky #88!
Tess, that's you and I'll be in touch with you shortly!
Oh, and make sure to stop by the Flapperdoodle blog and congratulate the very talented Kate on winning Etsy's "Freshest shop of them all!" How exciting Kate, you deserve it!
~
I ran across this corset chair and it got me thinking about corsets and how much I don't know about them.
via the white book
When depicted like this, I think they're gorgeous.
via Horst
I've never worn a corset, but I wonder if I'd be elegant and poised or blue from lack of oxygen.
Maybe I should get one, you know, just to wear around the house so this way if I pass out I know I'm in a safe place.
The only problem is you need another person to tie them on, right? B won't be much help for that...
{previous three images via We heart it}
Hmmmm, what do you think about the classic corset? Do you wear them?

Scalp scrub a dub dub?

Ok, so I need some advice and the issue is kind of gross (kind of gross, I promise it could be a lot worse.) My scalp is not behaving and I've tried changing shampoos numerous times and I'm still getting weird bumps (not a ton, just a few). I think it's time for me to try a scalp scrub but I've never used one. Here are my two choices (side note- I'm allergic to soy so I never choose products that contain it.)

Bain De Terre Sugar & Fig Scalp Scrub $14.39 (from $18)
This is the more expensive option.
Korres Green Silt hair and scalp scrub $30
We scrub our faces right? Why not our scalps?
Has anyone used a scalp scrub before? Am I the only one with a silly scalp?
{psssttt...Flapperdoodle giveaway winner will chosen tomorrow morning. Hurry and enter by clicking on the ballerinas to the right!}

Fun flats for fall and alliterations all around...

Happy Monday and even happier Monday to those of us not currently in the office (I can never say that so let me have my moment.) The wedding this weekend was...interesting. Think North Carolina mountains, lots of "hippies" and moonshine. You get the picture.

I'm currently at my sister's house with B and the pups recovering. I'll be back to normal blogging on Wednesday, but until then I compiled a little list of shoes that I'm wanting for the fall. My foot is still "injured" so I'm sticking to flats under $100, of course.

Purple is an easy neutral and the patent leather on these ups the ante on the cute factor.
Tee Dee in Patent Purple $69

via Chinese Laundry
Simple, basic, classic and so chic with skinny jeans.
Mia Hepburn $70
via Piperlime
This is not your average flat but I'm willing to bet the "cracked pewter" look is super easy to wear.
Seychelles Boy Short $80
via Piperlime
These look really comfy and the ankle wrap is perfect for skirts and dresses.

Leather ankle wrap skimmer $48
via UO
I love you sea foam and I want you as a shoe.
Kimchi blue suede ballet flat $34
via UO
Perfect fall shoe in a cheeky houndstooth print.
Multi-colored bow houndstooth ballet flat $45
via Gap
I'm lying low for the next couple of days but I'll be sure to respond to e-mails and comments as soon as I can. Until then, don't forget to enter the latest giveaway here. I'll be choosing a winner Wednesday morning (7/29) instead of Tuesday night b/c B and I will be traveling home.
I miss you bloggie friends!

Giveaway: Flapperdoodle Print

Ok, hang on to your seats people, I know you've seen the Flapperdoodle ladies around but if by some crazy chance you haven't, let me give you a little background.

A while ago, I had a guest feature on Design Lovely's Lovely Looks and at this time I mentioned my growing affinity for Flapperdoodle prints. Well, right after that feature, I received a little comment from the creator of these darling prints, Kate. Always having my reader's best interest in mind, I contacted her and after stumbling all over my words and proclaiming my love for her prints, Kate agreed to a special giveaway for Down and Out Chic readers. (You can thank me later). Kate is offering a special 11"x14" print (this size is not currently offered in her shop) for the winner's choice of illustration. You get to choose ANY print out of the Flapperdoodle shop! When you see the selection, I don't know how you'll choose. Seriously.
Here are a few pieces...there are so many more.
The Flapperdoodle characters are dramatic, feminine, cheeky, and silly. I want to be their friend.
Eloise frets about what to wear to Coney Island
Eloise and Ramona drinking lemonade
Eloise and Ramona, the flapper ballerinas
Eloise as Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch
To learn more about the characters Eloise, Ramona, Emma, and Clarissa, please check out Kate's Flapperdoodle blog.
One more thing- Kate was entered into a voting contest on Etsy for the "3 month old and under shop that shows the most promise." Please go vote for Kate and her fun characters. Seriously, it only takes a second...
So are you wondering how to enter? You can enter up to THREE times!
1) Check out the Flapperdoodle shop and tell me what you think. Do you have a favorite print? (1 entry)
2) Are you a follower of Down and Out Chic? If so, you automatically get a second entry but you have to leave a second comment and simply say, "I'm a follower!" (2nd entry)
3) Post this giveaway to your blog, Facebook, or Twitter and leave another comment telling me so. (3rd entry).

B and I are attending a wedding this weekend and then on Sunday we're going to Atlanta to see my brother and nephew for a few days! I'll be back to my normal routine next Wednesday but you should hear from me before then. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and good luck with the giveaway!
~Christina

Paper love

I came home to this small surprise yesterday- a sweet trio of lovely flowers made by an even sweeter B.

I remember him picking me up on our first date and shakily handing me a red paper tulip.

I loved him before that day but when I saw that flower I knew I would never be the same. How many men make origami flowers for women they barely know?

That was the first and last paper flower I received...until yesterday.

If you think these are good, you should hear B sing...

Down and Out Splurge

I don't really ever splurge...like ever, at least not in the sense that most people think about "splurging." Well, once upon a time, about a week ago, I celebrated a birthday and received some money from B's unbelievably kind and generous family. I made a promise that day to spend the money on a gift for myself and NOT on bills. It didn't take me long to to find my perfect gift...
Might I introduce you to the Kate Spade 'Sullivan Street Melita' bag. Sweet, sweet bag- please meet my readers.

This is not your normal Kate Spade bag, because let's face it, do I look like a regular Kate Spade wearer? Sometimes we find our perfect accessories in the most unlikely of places. This bag was on a super sale- normal price $595- Down and Out Chic price was $175. This is my birthday splurge and I couldn't be happier.

I don't splurge. I'm always counting pennies; I'm always wondering how far I can stretch my money. I immediately contacted B's mom after purchasing the bag. She was so happy for me and I can't help but look at this bag and see all the love this family has for B and even for me. I'm glad I didn't spend it on my bills (don't worry, my bills are paid) This is a gift, and excuse me for getting sentimental over a bag, but it's a gift given in more love than I've experienced from any parents in a long time. I'm a lucky girl.

Clip on closet - Come out if you're in there!

I have a deep, dark confession I need to make get of my chest so let's all take a collective deep breath and then read on...

Ok, here goes- I wear clip on earrings. (Gasp, sigh, moan, wail, go ahead and look disgusted.) Here's the thing, my Puerto Rican mother thought it would cute, when I was a wee babe, to pierce my little ears. Well, being a small, little thing and not yet able to take directives, I wiggled and squirmed and the ear piercing lady tore one of my holes. Not all the way, but enough to make things lopsided. I tried to wear earring growing up but each time I'd get an infection or they were just too uncomfortable. I tried getting them repierced by myself and by a "professional" only to be disappointed when even the lightest earrings hurt my lobes and made them all crusty (ha! I just said "crusty). Anyway, I gave up, long ago, on wearing earrings and this made me very sad. I like my accessories damn it.
Last year I decided to try some vintage clip ons and I read a tutuorial on how to adjust them so they fit comfortably. It was like the heaven's opened up and alas I could wear earrings! Not only could I wear earrings, I could make regular earrings into clip ons or screw backs! I'm here to show you that clip ons can be cool so if you can't wear earrings there's hope or if you just need to take a break and don't want to stretch your ear lobes, I've got your back (and so does Etsy).
Here's a cameo with a "french clip"...
Vintage Glass Flower Cameo Earrings $3
...and a cameo with a more discreet hook that makes it look like your ears are pierced.
Captivating Lady in Blue $9
You can even wear "pearls" and screw backs are the type of earring I prefer most and they're the easiest to adjust.
Vintage Pearl Drop Earrings $9.99
There are plenty of dangle options.
Tulip upside down earrings clip on $5.50
I love sweet, floral, "studs." No one has to know they're "non pierced."
Vintage Red Rose Earrings $10
Many Etsy jewlers are willing to make their normal earrings into clip-ons. All you have to do is ask, but if that fails, why not just make your own? You'll need a good pair of earring pliers and some strong glue.
Vintage Beautiful Flower Cobochons 15 $10
Just search "clip on" in the Supply section.
Clip on lever back earrings blanks $3
The important thing to remember is that you are not alone. I'll start a 'non pierced earring wearers' club if I have too.
There, now you know my dirty little secret. I'm proudly wearing a pair of dangle earring today and I heart them. Is anyone else out there?!

{If you have questions about how to adjust these to make them comfy, just shoot me an e-mail.}