Happy Weekend + Wedding Stuff

Whew! Thank goodness it is Friday friends.  It has been an eventful week with applying for our marriage licence, setting a date with magistrate court (Sept 7 in case you're curious) and pulling together the details.
I'm a bit overwhelmed even without planning a conventional wedding which is exactly why we're going this route.  My dress is in the mail (after they sent me the wrong size), B bought his suit yesterday, and I ordered some flowers for my hair.  I'm debating a bird cage veil, but I just don't know, what do you think???
We're attending a friend's wedding shower this weekend and I'm looking forward to some rest.  What are you up to?  Whatever you do, I hope it's great!

(I'd love to know your thoughts on the veil?  Do you think it would be too much or just right?)

image: wood and wool stool (via the style files)

Shop: Dixi

So many adorable items over at dixi.  I'm sorely tempted to pre-order this satchel.  Dixi is a UK based vintage and modern boutique but they sell worldwide and have super reasonable prices. Double score.

6 Things

6 things that make my ♥ go pitter patter this week on Etsy...

1) Graphite Necklace, Scalloped Vessel $46 via Brooke Arin
2) hey man card $4 via hillary bird
3) bowtie barette hair accessory $16 via Ordinary Mommy
4) organic pillow sham, party pennant design $60 via katherine j lee
5) A gentle reminder $22 via simply hue designs
6) Tie The Knot, Good as Gold $31.50 via sparklethots 

You know what else makes my heart go pitter-patter?  Applying for a marriage licence, which I'm doing today! The courthouse nuptials will be happening in September but more on that later...

Wishlist 7.28.10

I can't tell how perfect this rug would be in our living room.  It would be PERFECT! I would just have to train the dogs not to step on the rug.  Ha, yeah right.

images: west elm

Interiors: Simple Wooden Desk

I adore simple wooden desks for home work spaces.  They're look great in almost any room and if you know a carpenter (or are savvy enough to make one on your own), you can have the desk made to your own specifications.  I like them best as seen above: simple, uncomplicated, functional and small. A perfect spot for catching up on all those letters that need to be written...

images: Indenfor (via Morning's Light )

Mini Designer Chairs

What's a girl to do when she loves good design, but can't afford the designer chair of her dreams?  Well, two things: start saving AND perhaps buy some mini designer chairs from Poketo!  You could put it on your desk as constant motivation as to why you're saving for said chair, plus miniatures are just plain fun.

The Mini Designer Blind Box Chairs come in a series of 3 (each series has 9 chairs) and when you purchase one for $12, you get a surprise 4" scale chair.  When I was a little girl, I really wanted a dog but my parents wouldn't let me. Instead, my mom went out and bought me a Littlest Pet Shop featuring a puppy.  NOT the same, but I did love that little plastic pooch.  You catching my drift?

p.s. Poketo has a diffusion line coming to Target Aug 10th! Should be interesting.
images: Poketo

Thank You Southern Flourish!

Huge thank you to Southern Flourish Magazine for featuring D&OC in a new series on their blog!

I  responded to a few questions regarding my Southern experience and I touch on topics such as:
-being raised by Puerto Rican, former New Yorkers in the South (how's that for a mixed cultural bag?)
-my favorite places in the South to visit and my favorite Southern traditions
-3 blogs I CANNOT live without (ok, we all know I could live without blogs, but I'd be terribly uninspired).
Check out the interview here!

Air Mail

Last night, I wrote a 'thank you' note to a friend across the country and I thought to myself how sad it is that we very rarely pause to say thank you in a meaningful way, THEN I thought I will always prefer a handwritten note to an e-mail.  Call me old, call me old school, you can even accuse me of not being eco-consious if you'd like, but I truly hope that the dying art of writing letters doesn't actually DIE.  

The older I've gotten and the more events like weddings, showers, graduations, etc. that I've attended, I've noticed an increasing amount of people NOT sending thank you notes.  Now, don't get me wrong, I never do these things or give gifts in order to receive a "thank you", but am I the only one that balks at this?  It seems that gift giving has become the expected norm and thankfulness is a slow after thought.  What are your thoughts?

images:  1) chance; 2) D&OC II (source?) 3)  marcinéma

DIY: Paper Flower Bouquets

On our first date, B surprised me with a sweet, origami flower and since then, I've loved the look of paper flowers.  What's better than receiving a lovingly handcrafted paper flower? Making your own of course and Paper Platypus offers kits to do just that!

The DIY kits cost $24 and includes everything you need to make 12 paper flowers in a variety of different color choices.  What a fun idea for a project with your little one or to make you own paper flowers for a party, wedding, or to cheer up a dull office.  If you'd rather not make them yourself, Paper Platypus offers pre-assembled flowers that are ready to ship.  I'd like this kit to use on a rainy day...

images: paper platypus (via papernstitch)

Interiors: Mirror Collections

I wonder if maybe I have a touch of OCD with my strong inclination towards grouping and collections?  I like wall decor that pushes an idea, much like plate walls, mirror walls are a great way to display a collection of vintage/thrifted/or found pieces.  They needn't be framed or fancy; I like mirrors best when they have some age and wear on them. What do you think about these mirrored collections?
I searched through my archives and found three other posts on mirrors that you might like if you're looking for some wall decor inspiration:  oversized mirrors, unframed mirrors, any mirror will do

images: 1) the cottage log  2) haute design 3) this is glamorous

Currently Into

Happy Monday!  It was a great weekend and it's undoubtedly difficult to get back into the swing of the work week, but these "Currently Into" illustrations by Spanish artist Melissa Chaib cheer me up.

I love the idea of a visual journal of sorts, and Melissa Chaib's picks are adorable and a great way of keeping track of one's favorite things.  Some of my current favorite things are on her list as well: headbands, green tea, film, books, and pixie boots.  Do you see any of your favorites things in her picks?

images:  Melissa Chaib (seen on Pikaland)

Sunday Shop Update

I hope you're enjoying your weekend!  I've been a busy bee playing and working, but mostly working.  D&OC shop is currently stocked with over a hundred items including lots of new stud earrings, clip ons, and a couple of necklaces that are back in stock.  Here are some of the newest items:
Clip-ons in  Pale Green Khaki, Chocolate Brown, and Light Lime Green.

Round Floral Vintage Long Cameo Earrings

 Lady Cameo Cocktail Rings in Carnelian/Ivory and Black/White

As for the "play" part of my weekend, B and I had a little date night last night and went to see Inception.  If you get the opportunity to see it in the theater (Sunday Matinee maybe?), I would definitely recommend it. The visuals are amazing (as is Joseph Gordon-Levitt's face, but shhhh, don't tell B)!

Happy Weekend

Happy Friday friends! It's been a looooong week and I'm looking forward to a bit of sleep. I'm also hoping to  play with the new camera, list some fun items in the shop, and spend some QT with B and the pups.  What are you doing this weekend?  Whatever it is, I hope you make some time to have fun.  A swing set on the beach would be perfect, wouldn't it?  Have a good one!
xo,
Christina

image: mrs. maude (source? please let me know if you know)

Art: Emma Leonard

These pieces from Australian artist Emma Leonard are just stunning.  I'm  impressed with the artists' use of negative space to create light and the beautiful line work which points to a mastery of pen and pencil.  Her use of watercolor creates a nice juxtaposition between control and movement as well.  These pieces and many more are available in Emma's shop Belafonte.  What do you think? Lovely, no?

Links: Shop / Blog / indie art &design

Wishlist 7.22.10

Oh look! An adorable romper with a sharp collar and bow neck tie AND it's on sale ($88).  Won't you be mine?
(p.s. I own only one romper, it's from the 80's and looks like a kid's play suit.   I wasn't a fan of rompers until said vintage romper came into my life and I think it's high time to add another, chicer option the the ole' wardrobe.)

images: candystore collective

Stone and Honey

Stone & Honey has a beautiful selection of handcrafted Brazilian agate and crystal pieces that are perfect for adding a  bohemian touch to any outfit.   I'm also loving the gold honeycomb necklaces for everyday wear.  With so many options available on their website, I don't know how one chooses!

images: stone & honey

Art: Diem Chau

Amazing ceramic and mixed media pieces from artist Diem Chau.   The juxtaposition of textures in these pieces is intriguing while the simple imagery and pops of color create balance.  Interesting, no?

images:  Diem Chau  (seen on what katie saw)

Interiors: Bedroom Love

Love.

Buy your own love pillowcases at Reverie Daydream Boutique for $40.  I'd really like a set in beige myself.  Can you feel the love?

images: 1 / 2 via jen gotch / 3 via selina lake

Wishlist 7.20.10

The Gurgle Pot Lovely Koi Pitcher comes in a variety of colors (coral for me please!) and would be PERFECT for our lonely little kitchen table.  Doubling as a pitcher for company and a vase for other times, this little guy should definitely be mine.

Searching for...

...a dress for two wedding showers at the end of August.  The dress(es) must be decently modest (i.e. longer inseam) and under $100.  Because these are B's family and family friends who will be in attendance, I will be meeting them for the first time so I want to make a good impression but I also want to wear something that isn't too stuffy and reflects my personality.  Here's what I've come up with so far in my search:

Afternoon Company Dress $52.99; lemon drop sailor dress $67.99

Flutter Sleeve Charlotte Dress $79.50; Sailing boats cotton print dress $64.95

Floral Pinafore Dress $68; Too Much Fun Dress $77.99

Since we're having two wedding showers on the same weekend, I'm thinking two *new* dresses are appropriate.  The first set is my favorite and the most affordable combo, but I'm just not sure! What do you think???

6 Things

6 new items recently hearted on Etsy...

1) Baby Snake Ring in Sterling Silver with Diamonds $78 by michelle chang jewelry
2) D $45 by Etaletc
3) A Spring Stroll Tunic Tank Top $40 by Poor Jean.
4) cheery yellow canvas tote $26 by tree & kimball market
5) Snake Corset Fabric Necklace $42 by thief & bandit
6) Vintage Green/Gray Lunchbox $19 by Vintage Jane

Wishlist 7.19.10

Remember how I mentioned I'd like to accessorize my new camera? This might be a good start:

The Tokyo Dreamer Strap comes in a variety of fun colors and has the addition of a small film pouch to make traveling with your camera a little easier.  At $24 a pop, these would make a fantastic gift for any camera lover.
images via photojojo