6 things

1) bearded print $27 by depeapa

2) tribal brass earrings $22 by prarie oats

3) leather handbag $54 by genuine goods 786

4) acrylic and wood hug necklace $34 by homako

5) chunky cowl in linen $60 by oh leander shop

6) antler no 6986 $80 by kari herer

Art: Shaun Ferguson

Figurative paintings by British artist Shaun Ferguson. If I had lots of money and someone hadn't already beat me to it, I would have bought the painting of the girl holding the stack of books. I adore it. 

Paper Goods: Kathryn Whyte

Some of my favorite cards this season are from the illustrated holiday collection by Kathryn Whyte. Aren't these the sweetest? 

Paper Goods: Feather Gift Tags

Aren's these feather gift tags ($9/set) by fellow fellow an unexpected and fun alternative to the average holiday gift tag? Available in three lovely color combos (I really want this set). 

Down and Out Beauty: Fall Favorites

1. Dr Pepper lip balm ($1.75)
This isn't just a great tasting lip balm with the perfect hint of color; its a time machine! Straight back to 1994. It reminds me of new boyfriends, flannel shirts and Dinosaur Jr. Amazing!

2. Snowglobe Eye Shadows from MAC ($36)
I'm the first to admit that I am a sucker for packaging, but how can you say no to a compact with a snow globe on the top? The warm colored palette is my personal favorite for fall and winter. The antique gold, russet brown, and warm matte black will definitely be used on New Year's Eve.

3. Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine lipgloss in Siren ($28)
I normally would never spend this much on a lipgloss. It was a total impulse buy and I couldn't be happier about it. The description says siren is a metallic red, but its more like a metallic red/orange with copper shimmer. It has this beautiful autumnal color, stays on your lips forever, and tastes like cake batter.

4. Boots No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser ($9.99)
When you have sensitive or dry skin, exfoliation can be a challenge. Hot cloth cleansers offer a gentle alternative to granular exfoliants. You're meant to massage in the cream cleanser on dry skin, soak the cloth in warm water, lay the warm cloth against your face, gently massage away the cleanser, and then finish with a splash of cool water. This is the closest dupe to using a clairsonic skin brush that I've found.

5. Alba Very Emollient Body Lotion ($10.95)
I discovered this body lotion in Esthetics school and have kept a liter of it in my bathroom ever since. I love that its completely unscented so I can wear it to work or add a spray of my favorite perfume to the lotion before I apply it to my legs for a night out. Its packed with emollient oils like sesame, jojoba, and avocado as well as aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile to hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation. Because it doesn't contain mineral oil or petroleum its non greasy and easily penetrates the skin.

6. MAC #217 Blending Brush ($22.50)
I tend to wear more eye shadow in the fall and winter simply because I don't have to worry about it creasing. I apply shadow with the two brush method; one brush to lay down the color and a 217 brush to blend the edges. The 217 is pretty versatile. It can be used to blend concealer as well as eye shadow and can work with creams or powders.

-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.  

Tiny Prints Holiday Cards

Have you seen the giant selection of personalized holiday cards at Tiny Prints? With the numerous personalization and formatting options, the possibilities are endless. Take a peek and you'll know what I mean.

psst, this baby is too cute.

Tiny Prints is a sponsor of D&OC. If you're interested in sponsoring the blog, please contact me for details.

6 things

6 things recently hearted on Etsy to start off this holiday week:

1) city scape print $30 by blanca gomez

2) leather triangles necklace $24 by ulala

3) navajo quilt pillow $48 by shapes & colors textiles

4) long beaded necklace $55 by sarah robin 

5) origami gift boxes $9 by kumo's greetings

6) little mountains print $15 by puffed peonies

Happy Monday friends! 

Wish list 11.17.11

Pretty triangle necklaces ($32) by shopAHC. I'd be very happy if one of these found its way into my stocking. Very happy indeed.

Interiors: Black and White

Of all the interior round ups I've posted, I realized I've managed to neglect featuring simple black and white. This is probably because I adore color and could never see myself using only black and white in a space (perhaps with lots of wood accents...maybe). After posting this kitchen though, I've been finding myself admiring the restraint it must take to edit down to these two basic colors. My favorite space is, hands down, the first bedroom. Look at all that light! What about you? See a space you like? 

images: 1) riika kantinkoski via decor8 2) gubi design via miss moss 3) design*sponge 4 &5) skona hem 6) french by design (source unknown) 7) via here (source unknown) 8) ikea via emmas design blog 9) lonny

Manic Trout

If you're looking to purchase jewelry for someone special this holiday season, definitely check out Manic Trout. These handmade items are reasonably priced (the necklaces pictured above are under $40) and the selection is huge! I'm especially smitted with the the vintage scarf and brass chain bracelets. Check out the full selection here. 

Manic Trout is a sponsor of D&OC. If you're interested in sponsoring the blog, check out this holiday special I'm currently running and contact me for a spot! 

Gift Ideas: A touch of gold

1) dots linen tea towel $26 via leah duncan 2) photographic print $18 via creature comforts shop; 3) mini ban.do heart $10 via ban.do; 4) dotted gold notebook $16 via bailey doesn't bark; 5) paper mache vessel $25 via etco

6) glitter tart server $18 via leif; 7) sequin square shirt $45 via hallelu; 8) mason jar sewing kit $48 via anthropologie 9) macaron necklace $98 via leif; 10) leather mouse pad $25 via freshly picked

Happy Monday! I'm starting off the new week with 10 golden gift ideas, each under $100. Also, If you're looking for more gift ideas, I recently put together a round up of gifts for the handmade office over at Papernstitch.

p.s. How sweet is that macaron necklace? I want.

Style Inspiration: Peach + Seafoam

Love, love, love this look. These two ladies make this color combo seem so easy (they also make pleated pants look good, but that's besides the point). A refreshing choice in the midst of grey and black, don't you think?

images: 1) mammal & lamb 2) sam is home

Wish list 11.9.11

For me, this Q&A A Day journal ($16.99) actually stands a shot of being written in thanks to it's daily questions and fill in the blank prompts. I'd love to see how my answers change over a five year time frame (I bet they'd change dramatically!). Available at Anthropologie. 

Decor: Mr. Cooper

I'd like to introduce you to my new favorite decor item, Mr. Cooper. This spun copper pendant light is by Australian design studio Coco Flip. Specs for "Mr. Cooper" can be found here. Isn't he sexy?

(found via design attractor)

Gift Idea: Knit Mugs

It's time to start posting those gift ideas for the upcoming holidays and I'd like to start with these knit cozy mugs available at Leif. They come in two different sizes and in a variety of colors. They'd also make really adorable pencil cups for the office too, don't you think? 

Winter Advertising on D&OC

Now is the time to reserve your spot for holiday/winter advertising on D&OC.  If you sign up for a 3 month slot, you get a free sponsor into post ($15 value)!  It's an easy and (super) affordable way to get your brand out for all those holiday shoppers. So, what are you waiting for? Email me at downandoutchic@gmail.com for details.
image: a view from our porch

Reader Discount: Hammocks & High Tea

Hammocks & High Tea is offering a special discount to all you lovely readers. *Get 15% off your entire purchase using the discount code "DOC15". You can find some awesome gift in the shop including some my favorite items: the chevron draw liners, this scarf and this pillow. All items are handcrafted "using eco friendly fibers and water based, solvent free inks." Eco friendly gifts and a sweet discount? Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

*offer excludes clutches and expires 12/15/11

Art: Liesl Pfeffer

Collages by Australian photo-media artist Liesl Pfeffer. Check out Pfeffer's print and photography shop here.

Under $100: Long Sleeved Dresses

printed dress w/fringes $79.90 via zara; 60's midgauge shift dress $90 via oasis; early reservations dress $67.99 via modcloth; pussybow shirt dress $71.88 via asos

split neck dress $89.50 via lands end canvas; stripe slash neck tunic $45 via topshop; boat neck sweater dress $42.50 via old navy; carly dress $74 via need supply

gemma wrap dress $98 via banana republic; quirky mini dress $62 by sophie brady;  two toned dress $59.90 via zara; colorblock sweater dress $79.50 via loft

I wear dresses more than anything and just because it gets cold doesn't mean my dress wearing habits cease to exist. Although I layer my warm weather dresses so that I can wear them year round, I like to have a few long sleeved dresses for when I have to stay warm and want to keep it simple. I've rounded up some of my favorite options under $100. This one and this one are my top picks. See any dress you wouldn't mind wearing?