Holiday Goodies at Olive Manna

From stamps to storage to ribbons and twine, Oliva Manna has lots of holiday gift wrapping and gift worthy items available. I love the idea of using these chalkboard boxes to personalize gift sets. And for decorating your own tree, these limited edition ornaments are too sweet. The mini mason jar is my favorite. *Don't forget that you can receive 10% off your entire purchase at Oliva Manna with the code 'CHIC' at checkout. 

p.s. Happy Halloween!

*Olive Manna is a sponsor of D&OC. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that support this blog.

6 things + Happy Weekend

1) soft rock print $20 by the paria birds 2) vintage utility wrap skirt via allen company inc. 3) geometric notebooks set of four $15 by pawling 4) female portrait $25 by the haunted hollow tree 5) splatter pouch $48 by corium 6)slim modern tab ring $20 by favor

Happy, happy Friday friends! How was your week? Mine was incredibly busy. I'm so glad to be back at work but man am I struggling to keep up with it all. Waking up at 5:30am every morning really puts a damper on the energy, you know? I have a lot to be grateful for, though, so when the obnoxious ringing of the alarm clock goes off before the sun rises, I remind myself, "get up you lazy ass and be grateful." 

I made a big move this week and made an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist (in case you're wondering what I'm yammering on about, you can find our story here). It was a scary, but necessary move and I'm actually really looking forward to the appointment. In fact, I can't remember ever being so excited about seeing a doctor (I also can't believe I just admitted that). I guess that's the thing about hope. Funny how a doctor has never really made me feel hopeful until now. I suppose that's something else I should be grateful for. 

Well, now that you know what's going on with me, what's happening with you? Oh, and have a great weekend! 

Two Spaces (Pale Blue)

Pale blue is such versatile color for the walls (I loved working with it in this room). Here are two recent favorite examples of just how versatile this lovely color can be. Love the rustic/eclectic charm. 

If you love interiors, why not hop on over to my tumblr page?

images: 1) via charming quark 2) design*sponge at home via garden design

Fail Jewelry

Boho style handmade pretties by Fail Jewelry. I'll take this necklace please.

Studio Morran

Love this 2012 calendar ($28) by Studio Morran. Aren't the illustrations sweet?

Wish list: Outfit

1) bailey sweater $85 2) micky shoes by dv $89 3) luna clutch $80 4) apex necklace £10.00 5) five pocket jeans $79.90


Happy Monday! I'm starting off the week with an outfit I wish I were wearing. Lately I've been drawn to pieces with clean lines and interesting details. My new job promotes a business casual atmosphere where jeans are totally acceptable (yay!) so thankfully, I can focus on adding versatile pieces to my wardrobe that I can wear day and night. Anything new on your wish list this week?

Elsewhere...

How's your week going? Since starting my new job a couple of weeks ago, you may have noticed a change in my posting frequency. For the past couple of years, I've managed to hold a full time position while posting (almost) twice daily and I'm coming to realize that it's simply an unreasonable schedule. I am not, nor have I ever been, a full time blogger and I like my job and don't plan on moving to full time blogging so I'm trying to maintain some balance and set some reasonable expectations for myself. That being said, my ultimate goal is to continue posting daily, M-F but I'm also going to calm down and not sweat it so much if I miss a day or two. I adore blogging but I think I'm a happier person overall if I cut myself some slack. I'm ready to stop putting so much damn pressure on myself, know what I mean? 

I haven't been entirely unproductive in the blogging realm though. Here are some roundups I've done elsewhere that I hope you'll enjoy:

...a fall decor round up for Natty Michelle. You can find prices and image sources right here.

... a round up of favorite items for the Lovely Clusters Fall/Winter issue. 

...my latest Papernstitch contributor posts can be found here and here. 

I feel like this is good time to reiterate how much I appreciate your comments, feedback and support. There are a million other blogs you could be visiting and I don't take your readership for granted. xo

Wish List 10.18.11

1) Now here's a cozy knitted pony cardigan that I would love to wear. Sure it looks like a pattern my seven year old niece would also wear but that doesn't bother me. Not. One. Bit.
2) I love the layering of these simple wooden triangles in this necklace by Emedemarta.
3)This gold flecked nail polish is an instant pick me up. Perfect for the holidays (found via a cup of joe).
4) If I carried around my own pocket knife I wouldn't need to pester B for his. This one's functional and pretty.
5) Scout and Catalouge's bags are perpetually on my wish list. This dual toned foldover is my new favorite.

Raw Denim, Yay or Nay?

low rise vintage $198 via emersonmade; davie raw straight (by raleigh denim) $225 via need supply co; selvidge non stretch skinny $178 via levi's

I had an interesting conversation with a friend this weekend regarding raw denim (a.k.a dry denim). This friend mentioned that she's looking for a pair of jeans to invest in. Something she'll splurge on and not have to replace for a long time. She's a fan of raw denim which makes sense if you're looking for jeans that you'll break in to conform nicely to your shape and that will last the test of time. I've never worn raw denim so I'm curious if you have an if you wouldn't mind sharing your experiences with it. Do you have a brand/style that you'd recommend? Tips for breaking them in?

Wondering what's up with the hefty price tags? I chose three options made in the USA. Check out these other options for under $100.

Reader Discount: Doubledutch Boutique

What's better than a shop that offers tons of cute items for under $100? A shop that offers special reader discounts, that's what! Doubledutch Boutique is offering D&OC readers a special 20% discount for your entire purchase using code '20CHIC'. That means you can snag some Orla Kiely bags or a biker jacket for an even more affordable price. Gotta love it. Check out all the options here.

Offer expires one month from today. 

Art: Da-nah Kim

Art by Brooklyn based artist Da-nah Kim. The beautiful piece, These I Steal For You, caught my attention on Etsy and her portfolio is filled with similar introspective, emotive pieces. Check out more of this work on Da-nah Kim's website or shop.

Down and Out Beauty: Wish List

1. These beautifully delicate paper lashes ($19) would be a fantastic addition to a Halloween costume or you could snip just the ends off and add to your outer lashes for a special night out.

2. Lip Tar ($13) goes on like a gloss but dries to a satin finish. You apply the tiniest amount with a lip brush and it stays for hours. Hush would be a great choice for brides and wouldn't come off on your hubby during the big kiss.

3. Drier Fall and Winter skin can look so dull. This Iced Gold highlighter ($30) is pearly not glittery so it can be used on all age groups for that lit from within glow.

4. I nearly cried when I found out Chanel was discontinuing ProLumiere foundation. I just tried a sample of Perfection Lumiere ($55) and I can dry my tears. Its like ProLumiere but with an improved formula and blends effortlessly.

5. I am massively into vintage compacts ($28) at the moment. Compacts from the 1950's are really affordable and if you find an empty one, you can add your own loose powder.

6. I love this brush ($16)! It can be used for highlighting, contouring, powder, and blush. Its a great value considering its MAC counterpart is $53.
-Layne
Layne is a licensed aesthetician and makeup artist working at Urban Sanctuary in Athens, GA. She writes the bi-weekly column, Down and Out Beauty.

Four Seasons

I'm really liking the Four Seasons series of goods over at Bailey Doesn't Bark. The series includes dish ware, tea towels, candles and even a fun little set of notebooks. Perfect for gift giving, or receiving of course.

Interiors: A Black Kitchen (and it's awesome)

Ok, so admittedly the kitchen may not be black but rather a very dark navy blue but I'm having to make an educated guess here so go with it. I've never seen a kitchen this dark that I've actually liked but the retro touches help make the space less serious and more approachable. And how about that porcelain cat? Perfectly kitsch and so realistic it's almost creepy. Check out the rest of the home here (the bedroom is all kinds of interesting). 

images: Home & Garden

KS Handmade Danish Design + Reader Discount

How beautiful are these leather handmade accessories by Danish shop Kjaer & Schmeling? From bags, to dog leashes, to bracelets (the charming bracelets actually look like belts), this shop carries some really stunning, refined designs in a variety of pretty colors. Lucky for us, Kjaer & Schmeling ships from Denmark to the U.S. and is offering D&OC readers a 10% off discount to any item in the shop! To receive your discount, simply email shop owner, Kristine (kristine.k.h@gmail.com) prior to making a purchase and she'll discount your item accordingly. Check out the full selection right here. 

Kjaer & Schmeling is a sponsor of D&OC. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that support this blog!

6 Things

1) felt garland $18 via benzie handmade

2) sprig earflap palm hat $45 via knittles

3) stripe cross or shoulder bag $42.70 via bagy bag

4) copper lace tea dress $150 via sohomode

5) dusty pink pom $4.50 via pom love

6) chunky knit cowl $79 via happiknits

New faves on Etsy this week. So, so much to love...

Photography: Windblown

images: 1) raychel sonveeko 2) arivonfedyshin 3) neon tamourine 4) jpc79 5) berta pfirsich 6) silvercents (source unknown) 7) leigh ellexson 8) luxe (source unknown) 9) marina kochetyga

Nothing says autumn like a mouthful of windblown hair, right?! Ok, so maybe it's just me that that looks unsightly with my hair whipping around my head. These ladies look downright lovely. Oh well.

Wish list 10.03.11

1) Love the soft colors of these scarves ($80) by Scarfshop. I bet they feel as soft and comfy as they look.

2) I'm a huge fan of J.Crew's line of corduroys. I need the new high waisted style ($89.50) in every color please.

3) I rarely leave home without a splash of Benetint on my cheeks. I'd like to try the sun kissed version, Chacha tint ($29.50), asap. 

4) Black booties are definitely on my list of fall purchases this year. I really like this affordable suede wedge option ($60).

Any new items on your wish list this week? Happy Monday!