Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Packaging Made Easy

I first ran across Postal Press while perusing the fabulous blog, Mint. This shop is a pretty package lover's dream.
Tiny Glassine Bags $1.50/25 bags


Mailing Labels $3/6 labels


Manila Tags $1.50/10 tags


Red + White Striped Twine $2

{all photos via Postal Press}
Could they make buying cute packing supplies any easier??? I think not.
Shop and Blog

Fanciful prints by John W. Golden

I meant to do this last night, but got waaaaay to busy- the winner of the Rustic Roses giveaway is...#130! That would be umama from umama (ooh mama)! Congrats and I'll be in touch with you soon. Don't forget to drop by Rustic Roses if you haven't already. Thank you Rustic Roses for an amazingly generous giveaway!
~
These vintage inspired pieces by John W. Golden strike a fanciful chord with me...
I can't tell you how many pairs of Converse I've own over the years (since I was 10 maybe?). Recently, I've forgone wearing them because my feet no longer find them comfortable, but I'll never let go of the nostalgia they bring.
Lowtops Black on Baby Blue $20


How cute would this be for a kid's room? Or your office?
No Monsters Allowed Print $60

Wouldn't we all like to put this up on our respective offices, schools, houses, port-a-potties? Seriously people, it's such an easy thing to do.
Wipe the Seat Print $20


My love for all things hedgehog continues.
The Hirsute Hedgehog Print $20

{all photos via John W. Golden}
I know that hedgehog looks like he's scheming something, but I just think I might have to have him...
{have you entered the D&OC giveaway on The Cottage Cheese for your chance to win hairpins and earrings? Just checking}

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Oversized Mirrors

{Make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for a little announcement}

I like BIG mirrors and I cannot lie...

via Shoot Factory


via love home


via Living Etc


via A Little Sussy


via Living Etc


via xJavierx


source: Nacho Polo {via From the Right Bank}

My love love affair with mirrors has been tried and true: you can see previous posts here and here. When all else fails, and nothing is working on your wall, use a mirror. Works. Every. Time.
~
In other exciting news, I'm offering a giveaway of not one, but TWO pieces in my shop-these hairpins and these earrings. Check it out on the wonderful blog, The Cottage Cheese.
Go, enter, go go go...

{today is the last day to enter the Rustic Roses giveaway. I'll be picking a winner tonight!}

Monday, September 28, 2009

Steel + Pastel

As the saying goes...opposites attract. Sometimes. In the case of industrial kitchens combined with sweet, girly pastels, I'm sold.

via House of Turquoise


via Canadian House and Home
Industrial lends itself best to opposites, no? Remember wood + metal and what a happy marriage they made? What do you think? Are these kitchens too sugary-sweet for you or are they finding a nice, stylish balance?

Monday, Monday

Happy Monday!

Here's how happy I am that we're starting a new week. Can you sense the excitement?

See, this is how much I care about YOU dearest reader: I am totally fine with making a fool of myself so that this Monday morning might be a bit more bearable.
Oh, who am I kidding? Mondays suck.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Giveaway: Rustic Roses

This weekend, we have a local (to me) artist offering up a pretty SWEET giveaway. Allow me to introduce you to Rustic Roses, a jewlery shop that has "weathered, beautiful, and sturdy" pieces.
I first met Rose at the Athens Farmer's Market the day of my birthday and wrote about the experience here.
Here's a shot of me wearing my new key necklace, in case you missed it the first time:

Rose's jewelry has a worn, timeless feel that I find so charming. She has a variety of gorgeous pieces including a mustard yellow crocheted necklace, adorable fabric flower pins, and a fantastic Mad Hatter necklace.
One lucky Down and Out Chic reader will win not one, but TWO items from Rose's shop.
A necklace, just like the one I have (we can be necklace twins!)...
Antique Skeleton Key Necklace $26



...and these beautiful keyhole earrings.
Juniper Antique Keyhole Earrings $26



{top photo via me, bottom photos via Rustic Rose}
In case you're a local Athenian or are in Atlanta, you can also find Rose's work at Mitzi and Romano in VA Highlands and of course at the Athens Farmers Market at Bishop Park.

Here's the scoop on how to enter. (Up to 3 entries!!!)
1. Visit the shop and tell me what you think! (1 entry)
2. If you're a follower/reader/member of Down and Out Chic you can enter a second comment simply saying, "I'm a reader!" Be sure to enter a SEPARATE comment, or it won't count. (2 entries)
3. Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about this giveaway and let me know you did. (3 entries)

In case you're curious, I wear my antique skeleton key necklace ALL the time and I love it. You will too! Good luck, winner will be picked next Tuesday night.
Rustic Roses links:
**shop
**Blog

I hope you have a fantastic weekend. B and I are headed out of town on Saturday for a wedding. Things have been CRAZY busy but I hope to catch up with each and every one of you soon! Thanks for being the loveliest readers around.
xo,
Christina

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Flutter away

Don't know what to get that person that has EVERYTHING already? Why not these lovely butterfly magnets from Olio United?

via Olio United
They're making my heart go a flutter. Seriously.

D&OC's Top 5 reasons to shop vintage

**Warning: Many words follow, some pictures too, just to hold your interest.
So, as you might already know, I work at a local vintage shop on Saturdays. I choose to work an extra day a week for a couple of reasons: 1) I can always use the extra dough and 2) I enjoy being out of the office, away from budgets and finance stuff and around clothing that I can touch and smell (not that I'm walking around smelling everything, just some things). I've had this Saturday position for over a year now and I still am slightly taken aback when a college student or young 20 something approaches me to ask if other people have worn the clothing (ummmm, yes!) and/or what vintage is exactly, "like, is that used clothing?"
This past weekend two college girls came in and spotted our stack of Donney and Bourke bags. One girl, rightfully so, picked up a pretty red saddle bag, got quite excited and oooohhhed and ahhhhed. Meanwhile, her less enthused side kick crinkled her nose and said, "it's soooo old."
Huh.
I realize that you might already shop vintage and don't need to hear my meager opinion on why vintage is awesome, but I forget that some of you (maybe many of you?) probably don't and it's for you that I write this post.
~
1. Pinch pennies, save money. Some (definitely not all) vintage shops are more affordable and the quality is higher than many average clothing stores (in the same price range). If you're a savvy vintage shopper you can save a great deal on clothing, especially accessories. If money is no concern to you (congrats!) there are plenty of high end shops to tickle your fancy. Hello vintage couture!
FRYE Vintage British Tan Leather Hobo Satchel Handbag $44.99

via ella confidential
2. Vintage IS eco-friendly. Enormous amounts of material consumption have put this planet in a pretty substantial predicament (duh) . Reducing your waste, recycling, and re-using materials that are already available is an eco-consious decision. If something doesn't fit you just right, but you love the fabric or shape, why not get it tailored or upcycle it into a whole new piece?
1950's vintage blue rose garden dress $68

via Allen Company Inc
3. Flex and strenghten your creative fashion (and interior design) sensibilities. Shopping vintage forces you to see the POTENTIAL in pieces. Sometimes it takes me a minute to get my bearings walking into a vintage shop because seeing all the STUFF can get a little discouraging. It's hard to differentiate between what might be considered junk vs. what is actually usable. Make sure to take a double take, sometimes the pieces you write off too quickly will end up becoming THE piece in your wardrobe. Turn on those creative juices and see what happens, you might surprise yourself.
Can Can $24

via Solanah
4. Support your local economy and independent shop owners. Whether you shop locally or online, by shopping vintage you are supporting an individual's business endeavors. I'd prefer to give my money to a hard working individual than to a major corporation any day.
After Midnight $36

via Shopcuffs
5. Find unique, one of a kind pieces that you can confidently wear to a party knowing you won't look like someone's doppelganger. The majority of compliments I get on my outfits are pre-used pieces. I always get a little thrill (dare I say smug even?) when someone asks me where they can get something I'm wearing and I say, "I have no idea...it's vintage."
Bitter Sweet Dress and Capelet $168

via Thirteen Bees Vintage
Any thoughts? Additions, edits, concerns?

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Sale, sale, sale! Who doesn't love a sale?

So, guess what? I think it's time for a sale, don't you???
Here's the deal. If you're a reader/follower/member of Down and Out Chic, you can...
*Buy one get one 1/2 off in the shop!
That's a huge discount and because you're readers, YOU'RE SPECIAL! There are tons of new items and I'll be adding new even more goodies daily.
If you decide you want to take advantage of the sale, simply leave the word 'reader' in the "notes to seller" section or you can send me an e-mail to downandoutchic@gmail.com at time of checkout. I'll reimburse you via Paypal.
This sale ends Sunday 9/27/09. Please let me know if you have any questions.
*1/2 applies to the item of lesser value.

A New (to me) Shop under $100

Have you visited with Spool 72 Clothing Company?
Intern Jacket $42

It's a small, affordable online shop (yippee!)
No. 2 Pencil Sweater $42

Hello, sexy librarian.
Librarian Dress $52

I don't remember librarians being the best dressed at my school, but maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention.
Library Cardigan $42

I'd happily wear everything available in the jewelry section.
Umber Ring $28

{all photos via Spool No. 72}
If you've shopped here before, I'd love to hear some feedback about your experience! I'm thinking that librarian dress should get into my closet...now.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Are you really small or I am really big?

I came across these incredibly interesting photographs on Fresh Picked and I had to share because my love for all things miniature is getting stronger. All of these prints are available for purchase here.

Sugar sugar 3


Skating


Fallen


Sin of Gluttony/Chocolate

{all photos via Le Minis de Dongedy}
Why are all of these little people battling the sweet goodness that surrounds them? For instance, if I could, I think it'd be bathing in that Nutella and then licking it off of myself (wait, no, no I wouldn't, this is not that type of blog mind you).
~
The lucky winner of the Off Switch Designs stationary pack that includes more cards than I can count is...
# 68! That would be Steph chows!!! Thank you Off Switch Designs for such an nice giveaway!
Make sure to visit Katie's shop if you haven't already!
Fret not if you haven't won something yet, there is plenty more to come, muuuahahahahahaha.

Jeweled Bedspreads

With the season's change comes the inevitable urge to "re do" things, whether it be your wardrobe or your space. Obviously when you're on a budget, this urge can lead to frustration, and if you're not careful, increasing amounts of debt. However, since we're all trying to live within our means (right?), a little creativity and flexibility can go a long way in abating the 'give everything away and start over again' urge.
Let's chat about the bedroom for a second. Changing out your bedspread for a strong jewel toned quilt, duvet cover or blanket adds instant warmth and a bit of glamor.

Peacock Green

via Graham and Green

Fuchsia

via Graham and Green

Mustard

via House Beautiful

Pumpkin

via Decorology's photostream

Sage

via decorology's photostream

Custard yellow

source: Domino via here

Red (ok, this isn't exactly a jewel tone, but you get my point).

via Elle Decor
What little things will you be doing to your space to get ready for the new season?

{pssssst, last day to enter the Off Switch Designs giveaway! Winner will be chosen tonight}

Monday, September 21, 2009

Three eyes are better than two

This series of plates by Tad Carpenter would be great for serving at a dinner party or for displaying. Look closely-they all have little surprises. My favorite has to be the three eyed deer riding a bicycle.







{all photos via Tad Carpenter}
Buy them here for $40 a pop.

{make sure to enter this weekend's giveaway if you haven't...it's a stationary lover's dream!}
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