Shop Update

Happy Memorial Day!  I wanted to share a few items I've added to the shop despite the dreary weather that put a major damper on my ability to take descent photos.  Mostly, I've been reading and enjoying B's company so I can't say I'm disappointed that I my work on the shop has been minimal.  Here are some of the newest items including a vintage necklace and a few  brooches:
Vintage Triple Heart Gold Bolo Necklace $14.50

Love Birds, a cameo brooch $16

Peach and Ivory Framed Owl Brooch $12

Chrysanthemum Pin Brooch in Violet Purple $8.50

I'll be away the rest of the day enjoying the holiday.  We're thinking about taking advantage of some Memorial Day sales... see you tomorrow!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Oh that I would be spending Memorial Day weekend at the beach, but I'm not.  These retro inspired photographs by Jena Ardell certainly aren't helping the call of the water, but they'll suffice for now.  Aren't they dreamy?
What are you up to this weekend?  Any special plans for Memorial Day? In lieu of the beach, I'll be working tomorrow to get all sort of new goodies added to the shop, but it won't be all work and no play.  I'll be celebrating one of my best friends getting married at an engagement party on Sunday and because I have Monday off, I definitely plan on taking advantage of hot dogs and flowing beer :)
A couple of links:
♥ Shabby Apple is offering a great giveaway. Your choice of two dresses. If you haven't entered yet, you can do so here.
♥ I'm offering a $20 gift certificate to my shop over at Maggie Rose.  Check out the details here. 
Have a great weekend!  I'll be back on Sunday to share some shop updates with you.
xo,
Christina
{images via Jena Ardell seen on Doers of Things}

Plate Wall #98

I ran across this plate wall on one of my very favorite blogs, Delight by Design.  The touch of turquoise and white in the seating is fresh while the rest of space maintains a sort of traditionalism.  I like...a lot.

As always, plate wall archives can be found *here*.  Cheers to Friday!
{image via Delight by Design via Traditional Home}

Not a Hipster

This print by Nan Lawson makes me chuckle...

{print available here}

Interiors: Paint It

These two paint projects, as featured in the May issue of Livingetc. make me want to paint something.  The banister is certainly not for the shy, but against a white wall and white stairs, it pops without looking tacky.

I'm sure the dripped paint on the dresser is harder to accomplish then it looks, but that's why I'd buy a thrift store dresser to practice on.  Fun isn't it?

{images scanned  by me via Livingetc May '10}

Under $100: Marais Shoes

Marias USA has some of the most adorable shoes, and lucky for us, they're under $100.  The design duo behind this company recently graduated from Parsons School of Design and decided to create "simple, versatile, essential styles that don't break the bank."  Cheers to that!

Mulberry MaryJane Easter $58

Espadrille Wedge Emerald $92

Two-Toned Flat White $64

Prince Wedge Eggplant $72

Interiors: Uber Girly Bedroom

I wouldn't trade sharing a living space with B for the world, but sometimes I daydream about having a spare bedroom, just for me, where I can be as girly and frilly as I please. 

Don't get me wrong. I love masculine touches in bedrooms or more modern, eclectic spaces, but there's a small part of me that wants to indulge in super feminine details, most especially in the bedroom.  Am I just being hormonal or does anyone else feel this way?

{all images via Air Space}

Wish List: Maps

*You might notice an increase in "wish list" posts because my birthday is coming up in July and B knows to pay special attention to these posts :)  
Today my wish list consists of maps, but not just any maps- there are two special maps I have my eye on.
The first are maps from These Are Things which I found on Design*Sponge. The world map is $60 and the United States map is $40.

The second "maps" were sent to me by a good friend currently residing in London.  The Personalized Single Heart Maps by Bombos are £38.00 (around $55 USD) a piece.

Any great map designs you've run across lately? 

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

It's been quite some time since we've had a giveaway here on D&OC and when Shabby Apple contacted me to see if I were interested in collaborating again, I knew it was high time for a little pick me up around here.  I adore this company's take on fitted silhouettes for women that easily translate from work to nighttime without all the fuss of worrying that your hemline is too short or that you're exposing too much up top.  Comfortable and classy, there's always something I want to get my hands on at Shabby Apple.
The winner gets her (or his if you're trying to win it for a lady friend) choice of these two dresses, available in sizes xxs-xl:
Tuxedo III: a chocolate brown linen dress with an adorable ruffled front placate, high ruffled neck, and mini cap sleeves.  This linen and rayon blend is perfect for the summer.  $62 value.

OR
Oh La La: Nautical red + white boat neck jersey top with 3/4 sleeves tucks into a high waisted black A-line skirt that has pockets!  The top is made of jersey knit and the bottom is a cotton/spandex blend.  $76 value. 

*Entering is easy. Simply leave me a comment and let me know which dress you see yourself in.
2 bonus entries:
If you're a follower of D&OC you get an extra entry. Just make sure to leave a separate comment.
Talking about this giveaway also gets you an extra entry.  Tweet, blog, or Facebook about it and let me know you did. Again, make sure to leave a separate comment! Winner will be picked next Tuesday.
Thank you Shabby Apple and good luck friends.  I'm taking the day off from posting to catch up on your lovely blogs; I'm so far behind it's embrassing. 
xo,
Christina
Receive 10% off at Shabby Apple with coupon code "Downandoutchic10off." 
*giveaway is open to US readers only. I'm sorry international readers, but I'll get you next time :)

D&OC on Papernstitch

I'm excited to announce that D&OC is now on Papernstitch! This month's exhibition has lots of great artists and shops so I hope you'll check it out.                  

I'm offering a special discount if you visit the Papernstitch shop as well so don't miss it :)

It's a Bug's Life

The little creepy crawly things are everywhere lately and you better believe I still scream like a little girl every time I see one (in the house mind you, I'm a little more poised in public).  Here are some less scary bug items to celebrate the little beasts. B, if you're reading this, don't forget to call the exterminator!

Magicicada Earrings $29.99 via Modcloth
Beetle Letterpress card set of 6 $14 via Smock
Insecta Scarf $19.99 (on sale was $32) via Anthro
Mouche Brooch 62 € via Calourette

Interiors: Small Space Solutions

Happy Monday (eek!).  It's time to get back to the grind but first I'd like to take a closer peek at some of my favorite space saving techniques from Apartment Therapy's annual Small, Cool contest.  There are spaces ranging from 1,000 to less than 400 square feet inhabited by  normal people who are utilizing their modest spaces in creative ways.  I'm providing a link to each home tour within the description if you want to see more.

Lucite, or ghost chairs are a great option for mini sized desks because create the illusion of space and they work with really any color scheme.  See more of this home here.

There are numerous elements here that are smart including the tall vintage or vintage style lamp, the caddy corner side table which doubles as storage and the compact art wall with a few statement pieces. 

Obviously storage is a huge problem when you're a small space dweller.  I like the shelving height to the right in this office as well as the storage under the table in that snazzy red drawer system.  This is also another example of a chair that isn't obtrusive and maintains an airy quality. See this home here.

I love this small table that literally fits into itself.  So unobtrusive and very retro. Visit this cool row house here.

Storing book is ALWAYS an issue for B and I. This adorable dinette has books tucked away in an unlikely spot under the table.  The dark chalkboard wall works here because there appears to be plenty of natural light streaming in.  Check out this space here.

Finally, I'm in love with this sweet bedroom nook.   The curtains act as a divider for much needed privacy.  There's storage under the platform bed and the large mirror on the wall creates the illusion of more space.  Minimal and pretty.  Check out this Barcelona space here.

All of these amazing spaces give me an itch to reorganize and redefine our own small space. 
What about you? Any favorite space saving solutions?

Sunday Shop Update: Hairpins

I set my sights high this weekend, perhaps a bit too high (surprise, surprise).  I had plans to list new brooches and rings as well as hairpins but after working ALL day on Saturday photographing and listing, I only managed to get around to the hairpins (there were so many!).  I've listed 15 new hairpin duos, each carefully paired.  In the description, I've added "hair color recommendations" since many people question whether or not a particular color would look good in their hair.  Hairpins are available on both silver toned and antique toned bobby pins.

I'm also offering a new deal in the shop:  when you spend over $25, I'll include a free surprise gift.   
So what have you been up to this weekend?  I'm off to tackle the piles of laundry I've been neglecting, and by pile, I mean small mountain.  Until tomorrow friends...

Down & Out Dapper #10: Birthday Ed.

It's time for some more man style and art selections, brought to us by monthly guest blogger, Keith.  Keith celebrated a birthday this past week, and sadly I didn't get to see him but alas, birthday drinks will surely be shared, even if it's late! Take it away Keith...

G'Morning! If you guys didn't know already, I am an illustrator and designer in Athens, GA and my wife owns a small bakery in town called Ike & Jane. I work there a few days a week as well. One of those days happened to be this Wednesday morning, which also happened to be my birthday. When I got there that morning at 5:30am my wife already had a sweet card and a small present waiting for me!

Too Late Watch $25

 It's super comfortable and waterproof to boot!

Here are a few things I received as gifts and a few others that are on my wish list, and probably your man's too.

After receiving mine in the mail this week, I have now decided that every man needs to have a tie clip. I had the The Taffy Box shop only stamp one letter on the right hand side of the sterling silver bar, and it looks sharp!

J.Crew 484 Slim-fit jean in Wheat Garment Dye $98

 I've been eyeing these for a while now. I think it takes a style conscious and confident man to pull off white pants... or everyday access to a beach and yacht. I haven't made the plunge yet on either yacht or white denim, what do you think? {editor's note- if there's any man who can pull of white skinny jeans, it's Keith. He's that good}

Does your boo like to keep things hot?! Maybe he would appreciate a personalized jug of Tabasco Sauce! My favorite flavor is chipotle.  You can submit up to 20 characters for the label, so be creative if you'd like: 
"For My Hotty" $45

Art Corner:

"Obama" John De Lucca $12

"Bubbles" Liva Rutmane $18

 
until next time.

-k

Happy Friday + Sponsorship

Happy Friday friends!  I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to a break although tomorrow I'll be working like a madwoman to photograph and list a ton of new hairpins, rings, and brooches for the shop.  Have I mentioned that through my awesome sponsors and sales in the shop I've been able to quit my Saturday gig so now I have more time to focus on the shop and on normal weekend activities?  I can't tell how thankful I am for all of your support as it has literally changed how I'm able to function.

Speaking of sponsorship, I'm accepting new sponsors for the next couple of months, so if you're interested, please e-mail me at downandoutchic@gmail.com for affordable rates.
Tomorrow we have a new edition of Down and Out Dapper so be sure to check it out! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Any fun plans?
xoxo,
Christina
p.s. I'm honored that D&OC was chosen as one of the Top 50 Apartment Decoration sites by Renters Insurance.  Check out the article here. 

{images: first image; second image is of my own pups. They're great sales dogs, aren't they?}

Handmade: All Things Hedgehog

I think hedgehog imagery is terribly cute and I need some CUTE on this stormy Friday.

Modern Baby Hedgehog Clock $48; hedgehog hand towel $10; Letterpress Coaster Set-hedgehogs $12; wild hedgehog antiqued pewter and sterling silver necklace $22 

Anyone else out there share my love for this funny looking creature?

Wish List: Leather accessories from Death and Texas

Two items on my wish list today, both from Death and Texas.
The Clutch in Natural $48

The Classic Harness Belt in Light Tan $89

Wouldn't that belt work with just about any summer dress?  I'm not even sure what to say about the clutch other than it needs to be mine...

Table Setting Inspiration

After seeing these pretty table tops, I'm having the urge to throw a dinner party.  Too bad my own table would only allow for three people to sit, and even that would be a squeeze.

Have you seen the pretty table tops styled by Manvi over at Mochatini?  She incorporates new and thrifted pieces in her designs which makes them very accessible for someone on a budget.

So fresh and perfect for spring and summer soirees.  Are you planning any dinner parties?

{images: 1&2 Skona Hem; 3-5 Mochatini}