Wish list 5.6.11

christopher kon 647 platino $168; vpl strip bra nude $86; luna necklace by gold hearted $40

I haven't posted a wish list in a couple of weeks and I really had to narrow down my choices because it was getting a little out of control. Although B and I are working the Total Money Makeover and I won't be purchasing anything for myself for quite some time (sad, I know, but the times they are a-changing), my birthday is coming up so the wish list items will keep coming (hint, hint).
Well, what are you weekend plans friends? I'm headed to Ikea this weekend in hopes of finding some items for the Foster Care Visitation room. This past week, another awesome blogger agreed to purchase a toss pillow and a local cafe gave me a $300 budget to buy a rug! Whew, still lots to do and Ikea is a chore in and of itself, no? Anyway, I hope you have a lovely weekend! xo

p.s. Won't you take a moment and check out the awesome array of sponsors on the right hand sidebar? They help keep D&OC up and running so I hope you'll visit their lovely shops!  

Wish list 4.14.11

1) The aztec handprinted pillow cover ($34) by Leah Duncan  has a lovely, hand drawn quality. I'd design a room around it given the opportunity.

2) I really like the bohemian vibe of this pocket tank top ($60).

3) Pretty underlings always make me feel better if I'm in a blah mood, which is exactly why I need more of them in my life. The soft watercolor arrow pattern on this bralette ($78) and hipster underwear ($66) is understand yet feminine.

4) A braided chambray belt ($45) is incredibly versatile and bit more interesting than a plain brown one.

5) David Stark brushwork dinnerware ($26-$32) would be perfect for an outdoor soiree or perhaps just to brighten up sandwiches on a lazy Sunday.

6) This Mediterranean butterfly dress ($88) is exactly what I'd want to wear if I were headed to the beach.

7) What fun tights ($73)! I'd wear these on a rainy day to brighten things up a bit. (via modish)

8) The geometric, abstract pattern on this tapestry ($38) comes in the prettiest color palette. Pretty, yet mysterious.

Handmade lingerie

The winner, according to Random.org, of the Oscar Boudoir lamp giveaway is #110- Off Switch! Congrats Katie! I'll be contacting you shortly. Big THANK YOU to CSN Lighting for offering such a nice giveaway.
~
I apologize for the lack of posting this morning. I have a nasty case of strep throat and, no, I am not 10 years old. I've been sleeping on and off most of the day, but being the dedicated blogger that I am, I did manage to compile a little list of pretty underthings for you. I have no idea why I'm thinking about lingerie as I'm feeling anything but sexy right now, but it occurred to me that I'd never searched the lingerie section of Etsy before. Lingerie must be a tricky thing to photograph, especially on a site like Etsy. These shop owners, in my humble opinion, styled and photographed the fanciful lingerie better than others.

Ethnic flower print camisole $55

via Naomilingerie
Racy Lacy Knicker Set $26
via Kelsey Genna
Navajo Waist Cincher Zipper Bottoms $72
via Clare Bare
Sandmaiden bamboo and organic cotton jersey lace trimmed panty $30
via Sandmaiden
Ivory Tower Romper Playsuit Jumper $135
via Under the Root
The styling of these photos draws me immediately to the product. All of these pieces above are good mix of sweet and sexy and the styling helps set the stores apart.
How does styling effect your online shopping experience? Are you more easily swayed towards products with good styling and/or photography?
I hope you all are having a good week- I'm off to kick step's ass! Wish me luck!

Winner and corsets

Whew, it's back to the grind for me but I can't say I'm completely upset about it. My days away from work weren't really much of a vacation and the older I get the more I realize the value of structure in my life (i.e. no structure means doing absolutely nothing and eating copious amount of junk food.) There's lots too catch up on, including my blog reading, but for now let's go ahead and choose the winner of the amazing Flapperdoodle giveaway.

Drum roll please...
The winner, chosen by Random.org, is super lucky-ducky #88!
Tess, that's you and I'll be in touch with you shortly!
Oh, and make sure to stop by the Flapperdoodle blog and congratulate the very talented Kate on winning Etsy's "Freshest shop of them all!" How exciting Kate, you deserve it!
~
I ran across this corset chair and it got me thinking about corsets and how much I don't know about them.
via the white book
When depicted like this, I think they're gorgeous.
via Horst
I've never worn a corset, but I wonder if I'd be elegant and poised or blue from lack of oxygen.
Maybe I should get one, you know, just to wear around the house so this way if I pass out I know I'm in a safe place.
The only problem is you need another person to tie them on, right? B won't be much help for that...
{previous three images via We heart it}
Hmmmm, what do you think about the classic corset? Do you wear them?

Satisfy that craving for under $10

Sometimes (maybe, more often than "sometimes") I get a huge urge to treat myself to a little something. This feeling, desire, impulse, craving, whatever you want to call it, can become quite intense, especially after working way tooooo much and thinking I deserve something all my own. Well, ignoring this feeling doesn't necessarily make it go away, and if left untreated, I end up spending much more money on a "splurge" that I'll later regret. So how do you treat yourself and not spend a ton? Well, first give yourself a price limit and come hell or high water STICK TO IT! It doesn't take a lot for me to feel like I've treated myself, so I'm going to giving myself the limit of $10 (this would not include shipping if I made a purchase on the internet). Here's my list...

These pens really aren't any more expensive than your average pen, but they are certainly exceptional in their design. The color palette and obvious retro feel would certainly be a treat to have around (now if I could just learn to stop losing all my pens).
Retro Pen Set (set of 5) by Kikkerland $6
source: greenergrassdesign
I was cruelly reminded this weekend that summers in Athens are close to unbearable and I am in need of some lighter layers. Perhaps, I could wear this under a short sleeved cardigan?
Women's shirred tank $5 (on sale from $10)
source: Old Navy
Sometimes a new belt is all your wardrobe needs for a little pick-me-up.
I'm liking the elastic band on this one (so easy with dresses).
Joselin Wast Belt $8.80
source: Forever 21
There's nothing better than knowing you've got something cute on underneath, even if people won't see it. I'm not entirely sure why you'd need a pocket on your underwear, but I love the idea.
Low-rise pocket girl short $6.95 (from 14.50)
source: Gap
A fun dishtowel will easily breath new life into your kitchen.
Kitchen Dish towel $10
source: Purple Daisies
When was the last time you thanked someone for being there for your when you needed it? I collect 'thank you' cards and I keep them in a big box in my desk at home. This way, I have no excuse not to say "Thank You" when someone goes out of their way for me.
Thank you so much notecards- Set of 3 $6.75
source: Paper & inckling
How do you treat yourself on a budget? What was the last thing you bought as a gift for yourself?

Thong, thong, thong, thong, thong

Ok, I'm going to just be honest here, because I really don't know how to say it- I. Don't. Like. Thongs. At all, as in not one bit, as in you can't pay me enough to wear them. I'm sorry...stop rolling your eyes. I want to kick the person in the shin that thought that a thong was a good idea. I've had other women tell me they find them "the most comfortable" and you know what? I think that is a load of BS, or maybe I'm just missing something. Am I missing something?. Either way, I can't stand them and would actually rather show some panty line than be incredibly uncomfortable the whole day. I know, I know who would do that, right? Well, ME, that's who! Please don't tell me to try a certain pair, or a different brand, because my mind is made up. I hate the thong. This is why I want to try Jockey's brand of "No Panty Line Promise."
At $9.50 a pop, I think I'm sold.


source: Jockey
Somehow, this confession has made me feel liberated. I guess I didn't realize my passionate dislike for the thong until I started writing...