Paper Goods: Paper Jam

One can never have too many thank you cards, amiright? With the exception of this one colorful card (which I also really like), all the cards at Paper Jam Print Shop are in these lovely, neutral palette. I want the whole collection of thank you cards. There's a typeface to fit every mood and every 'thank you' occasion. Check out the full selection of cards here.    

Shop: Saturday

jeans // pouch // skirt // weekender // top // dress // phone case

Have you seen visited the new Kate Spade Saturday online shop yet? I've been looking forward to this more affordable line for some time now and goodness knows there's been a lot of hype about it online. And for good reason, if I don't say so myself! As you can tell, I'm quite smitten with this bright, abstract pattern that's available on everything form skinny jeans to an iphone case, pillow cover and even sneakers. There are plenty of stripes and solids available to. So much goodness over at Saturday. Have a very happy weekend! 

Gift Idea: For the new dog owner

I think this Starter Kit from Wildebeest ($60) is so clever. I can remember being a new dog owner 8 years ago and I was so unprepared when I picked Kya up from the pound (poor thing was drowsy from being spayed and she immediately peed in the living room and then passed out). I adopted her when she was one year old so a kit like this would have been perfect. The kit is available in 7 colors and has everything you need for a long walk- collar, leash, poo bags, poo bag holder, portable bowl, tennis balls and more.

Wildebeest is an eco-friendly shop whose products are 100% "proudly manufactured" in San Francisco. You can read more about this new company here.

Bright geometry

Bright, cozy knitted sweaters in fun geometric patterns? Yes, please! These are handmade in Quebec by Shiliconfetti ($98-118). I think this one is my fave. I figure you wear one of these and people couldn't help but smile at you. They're just plain fun. 

Shop: Coral and Tusk

Coral & Tusk features work by New York based textile designer Stephanie Housley. The shop includes a variety of embroidered pillows, art work, jewelry, and stationary.  Our modest couch needs a pick-me-up and the feather and arrow pillows would be perfect. Check out the full selection right here.

New Shop: the wanderlust

 box of curiosities $27.50; crystal date stamp $20; wooden spool holder small $14.50; rubber stamp $25

Some of my favorite items from Danni's new shop, the wanderlust. Creative types will love the selection of trinkets, stamps, and packaging accessories prettily styled and expertly photographed. Who knows, you might even find a unique gift or two. 

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. 

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.

Shop: MochiThings

picnic pouch $25.95; leather roll pouch $47.95; earphone pouch $8.95

There are lots of fun items to get organized over at MochiThings. Besides purse organizers and pouches in every shape and size, MochiThings has a fun selection of sticky notes that would cheer up any office. Check out the full selection here. I bet you'll find something to add to your wish list.

New Shop: LEIF

two-tone coral necklace $40; salad serving set $30; golden nugget candle $14; small tripot $36; indian pomelo soap $14

LEIF is a brand spanking new Brooklyn based shop featuring a well curated selection of jewelry and housewares.  I love the two toned coral necklaces (made from real coral) as well as these recycled juice glasses. Check out all the full inventory here. 

Reader Discount: Howkapow

Howkapow is a new, UK based shop featuring an assortment of independent designers and tons of awesome, quirky gift options. Here are some of my favorite items:

triangle mugs by sonodesign £35.00

hanz necklace by Frédérique Conte £25.00

nightrider print by eleanor meredith £40.00

flying sofa brooch by hairy sock £30.00

gin lemons tea towel by colleen pugh £10.00

nemesis print by eleanor meredith £50.00

Howkapow is offering D&OC readers a special 20% off your **entire order with code HOWKAPOW_DOC. That means you have a perfect excuse to do a little shopping! Thanks Howkapawu!

 **discount does not apply to furniture. Offer expires July 8th, 2011.

Paper Goods: Thank You Cards Shop

Cards for the kids:

There's a new shop on the block friends and it's called Thank You Cards Shop (the name says it all, right?). Thank you cards happen to be my very favorite type of card so naturally I'm a fan of this shop. I really like the selection of themed cards (i.e. baby shower, wedding shower) and the fact that you can personalize the cards to add a special touch. The kid themed cards are pretty fun too. Maybe the little one's wouldn't mind writing 'thank you's' with fun cards like these. 

Silk + Dots

I think these hand painted silk tee's ($78) by Rachel Rose are effortlessly chic and so very pretty.  I can't decide which I like better, the coral or the navy so I'm putting both on my birthday wish list (yes, I realize my b-day is in July, but it's never too early to start). 

I'll be interested to see what other silk sweetness this new shop will have to offer. Check out the current selection here. 

French Farmhouse Decor

When Maria from Dreamy Whites announced the opening of her new shop, I knew it was going to be something special...

Red Stripe Grain Sack Lavender Pillow $25.95

Table Runner $90

Vintage French Alarm Clocks $50-$60

Pillows $65-$145

Isn't Maria's styling and photography gorgeous? Check out all the french country chic decor options here.

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.

New Shop: Deviant Decor

The new shop, Deviant Decor offers beautifully framed "miniatures, objects, and oddities."  I happen to know that this is one talented artist and I'm stoked to see that she's opened shop.
Birdcage with Bird on Fabric in Victorian Frame $75

Deer Head Mounted on Fabric in Ornate Frame $57

I'm obsessed with miniature anything and I love the idea of a framed 3-d object.  It would certainly be an interesting piece to add to the old art wall...

Re-Work It

I am loving the "reworked" clothing over at Red Velvet Art. I read a great interview with the shop owner over at The Rockstar Diaries recently and now I'm certain I must get a piece from the shop.

XO Floral Shirt $36

Polka Dot Heart Dress $42

Yellow 1970s Dress with Enamel Brooch $60

Little Red Dress with Enamel Brooch $72

The idea of "re-working" vintage pieces is something any avid vintage shopper is privy too.  Often times a vintage dress would be just perfect if it was hemmed, the sleeves cut, or a the collar was different.  Well, this shop takes all of the guess work out for you by bringing vintage pieces into the modern age.  Perfect.

Makool Loves You (and I do too)

I first saw the shop Makool Loves You on Design is Mine   This Portland based shop has a lot of reasonably priced goodies so of course I have to share my favorite items with you.

from top:  barquentine skirt $128;  pantalette set $52 (was $138); houlska $78; overgaard $88; blue agate $89

Isn't the styling spot on as well?  I really want BOTH of those skirts. I can't be bothered with pants when it gets warmer.

p.s. don't forget about the little piggy that could save...

Bright and Peppy

Last night, in an effort to relax before bed, I sorted the mail and found a catalog from Boden.  This is a *new to me* UK based shop and I'm not sure how they got my shipping address, but I decided to curl up and give it a go.  The bright, preppy beachwear I found wasn't exactly relaxing but rather quite invigorating!  Bold colors, classic shapes, and fun patterns make for new addition to my spring wish list.

Portofino Blazer $98; Stripy Henley $28; Favourite Cropped Cardigan $58

Embellished Sateen Dress $148

Riveira Jersey Jacket $68; Patent Ballet Flats $98

The prices are definitely reasonable and with a $10 flat shipping rate, I'd say they sent that catalog to the right person.
Disclaimer: This is not an open invitation to send stuff to my house, unless it's free stuff and then go for it...

Shopping Recap

I spent my day off yesterday searching for an outfit to wear to a friend's wedding at the end of March. B and I rarely make a trip to go shopping, I prefer online and he prefers NOT doing it at all.  Regardless of our trepidation, we had a lovely time. I decided to document our little trip with some photos to share with you.

I bought this dress at H&M; it's really comfortable and long enough to wear to the office (it comes to my knees). I wanted something colorful yet formal enough to wear to a wedding. I'm going to pair it with a vintage red belt that I already own.

After trying on heels at Aldo, I decided for something a little quirkier that I would wear over and over again. The saleswomen gave me a terrible look when I suggested wearing them with the dress, but I'm telling you-it works!  They're incredibly comfortable and versatile enough for me to feel like I'm getting my money's worth. Call me lazy but I can't justify spending money on heels that I simply won't wear a lot.

This sweet headband was on sale at J.Crew for $9.99.  It plays up the feminine feel of the dress and adds an interesting juxtaposition to the shoes.

I don't blame you if you're skeptical of my shoe/dress combination.  I definitely was but B and my good friend, whom I modeled the outfit for, assuaged any doubts that I had.

The key when I go shopping for an event is to purchase pieces that can be dressed up or down.  What do you think?