Little Delights {Khaki Tote}
I’m a firm believer in the fact that you really can never have too bags, totes, purses, duffles, or wallets. Over the weekend I was shopping with a friend and picked up this roomy and wonderful khaki tote from Gap for just ten bucks! Its basic style and color make it perfect for either a summery beach bag, or a casual, oversized purse. Also, the bright blue faux leather snap wallet would work perfect for bringing along just the bare essentials (tuck in your drivers license, a credit card, and a few bucks).
I was’t able to find this bag on the Gap website, but check your local store to see if they have any left in the clearance section. You really can’t beat the price or the functionality!
Thrifty Thursday {Library Day}
I’ll admit it… I love the library. There is nothing better than wandering among the rows and rows of books, breathing in their musty, familiar scent and getting lost in the endless possible discoveries that fill their pages. The best part of all this? One word: FREE. Can it get any better? Go to your local library for a fix of design mags, fab fiction reads, DIY guidebooks, and even DVDs, all without spending a penny!
Next time you’re meeting a friend for a chat, skip the $5 coffee shop latte, and pull up a seat at the library. Seriously! I met up with my old college roommate at the library recently, and it was the perfect place to reconnect (brought back so many memories of long study sessions together!). We found a comfy corner, and spent a couple hours catching up. Definitely different than your run-of-the-mill coffee date, and perfect for the cheapskate in all of us!
In My Closet {Weekend Edition}
I love weekends and everything about them, including sleeping in, spending a little extra time making pancakes for breakfast (instead of a granola bar on the way out the door), and wearing my comfiest clothes all day. For this month’s In My Closet feature post I have put together a style dedicated to the ideal weekend. Enter the perfect pair of comfy sweats, a soft and stylish tee, and flip-flops for that run to the grocery store. Add just a little bit of zip to your weekend with a sassy necklace, chic “drink” mug, and slouchy bag that’s roomy enough for a few groceries or your latest finds at the library.
Cap Sleeve Bird T by Aerie ($15) | Charm Necklace by Luxe Design ($145) | Bucket Mug “Drink” by Keith Brymer Jones at HORNE ($17) | Cheeky Butt Lounge by Gilly Hicks ($44) | Stitched Leather Flip-Flops by American Eagle ($30) | Rumba Bag by Hau Hauz at Huset ($66)
Top 6 {Favorite Things}
This week, for my Top 5 post, I wanted to share with you five of my favorite things. Now, you may have noticed already that I’m actually doing a “Top 6″ post, and the reason is because in my efforts to choose five things that I own and adore, I simply could not eliminate any one of these six items. These are things that 1) I use daily, 2) greatly appreciate the quality, durability, and function of, and 3) splurged just a little bit on in the first place.
(1) The North Face Nupste Vest | from Appalachian Outdoors, $75 (On sale! Originally $125) | I really can’t say enough about this vest. Lightweight, warm, and durable, it goes everywhere with me. I wear it all the time, and through most of the year (even on the coldest winter days and on cool nights through the summer). The large pockets are perfect for carrying my cell phone and keys, or tucking my hands in to keep warm.
(2) 24-inch iMac | from Apple, $2200 | This computer was my first big purchase as a freelance designer. On it, I’ve spent hundreds of hours designing, blogging, photoshopping, writing, emailing and creating. I am in love with its sleek design, huge display, and incredible performance. Without it, I couldn’t do what I do…it is the tool of my trade.
(3) Pantone Color Bridge Set | from Amazon.com, $140 | As a designer, color is one of the many elements that I work with on a daily basis. The Pantone color bridge set allows me to choose the perfect hue, and translate it easily from my computer screen to the final printed piece. When a bride says that she wants her invitations to be the same color blue as her favorite shirt, it’s easy to whip out my swatchbooks and get a spot-on match.
(4) Down Slumber Pillow | from The Company Store, $40 | Sleep is something that I value greatly. By the time my head hits my pillow, I am usually minutes away from a sound slumber. The hours in the day are long, and the nights too short. My feather pillow makes it on my list of favorite things because it is truly the epitome of comfort and rest…two things which are nearly invaluable.
(5) CHI Flat Iron | from Farouk, $130 | I have the type of hair that is neither curly nor straight. “Wavy” doesn’t even describe it accuratly–”random” and “unmanageable” get a bit closer to the truth. The CHI flat iron was something that my stylist used on my hair when I would get it cut at the salon. I was blown away by the results (and the price)… smooth, shiny hair in minutes flat. Eventually, I made the big purchase, and haven’t looked back since. I’m convinced this little tool saves me at least a couple hours a week styling my hair, and since I’m a no-fuss kind of girl, that’s right up my alley!
(6) PowerShot SD870 IS Digital Camera | from Canon, $350 | This camera was a Christmas gift from my husband just over a year ago. It is actually my 5th Canon camera, and my favorite so far. The 8 megapixels of resolution, Opitcal Image Stablizer, huge 3″ screen, pocket-friendly size and sharp styling make it an instant hit for this on-the-go, photo-crazy designer. I love that it fits in my pocket, but can take huge, crisp and high-quality photos.
Designer’s Sketchbook {Special Delivery}
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love getting the mail and finding an envelope or package hand addressed with my name on it. I’m instantly excited by this special delivery, and brought back to the days of childhood penpals, and hand-written letters. Of course, I love email as much as the next guy, but there is nothing like the feel of paper in your hands, and the look of words scrawled hastily across a page. These were the thoughts and inklings that prompted me to dedicate my Designer’s Sketchbook entry this month to the theme of “mail”.
(1) Let’s Play Mail | from Anthropologie | Now, I don’t have children, but when I came across this felt playset from Anthropologie, I was entirely smitten. Complete with a mailbox, postcards, envelopes, stick-on messages and stamps. Seriously, I want one!
(2) Postal Service Surplus Canvas Bag | from Three Potato Four | Unfortunately, this heavy duty canvas bag from Three Potato Four is no longer available for purchase. However, that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t totally inspired to add it to my sketchbook this month. I instantly fell in love with the typeography printed on the canvas, as well as the practicality to this bag (it’s roomy and rugged enough to throw beach towels, laundry, or toys it in).
(3) Airmail Poster | image from AntiqueAirfield.com | While searching for “air mail” themed items, I happened across this vintage poster on a website dedicated to the antique airplanes. It’s classic style, and historical significance was too perfect to pass up. It’s hard to believe that there was a time when postage was 5 cents an ounce!
(4) Vintage Air Mail Envelopes | from One Good Bumblebee | Nothing reminds me of travel more than these vintage air mail envelopes. What a treat it would be to find a letter tucked into one of these envelopes, with foreign postage adhered to it. Postitively yummy! (note: One Good Bumblebee is currently “taking a break” and not open for business, and unfortunately, I could not find another source for these envelopes.)
(5) Postal Stamps Rubber Stamps Set | from Paper Source | These rubber stamps would be so fun to use to spiff up a plain white envelope or a blank note card. Simple enough to use, even the kiddies could help!
(6) International Postmarks Glass Pebble Magnets | by Daisy May Designs | The only thing about mail that intrigues me more than the hand-written/hand-delivered aspect, is the postage. As a child, I was a (somewhat fickle) stamp collector. Though I didn’t pursue the hobby in earnest, I was always interested in stamps, and I considered them tiny works of art. These glass pebble magnets beautifully showcase international postmarks and postage.
(7) Bistre Continent Vintage Stamp Necklace | by BaubleandBlush | On the same theme as the magnets, is this lovely necklace that features a vintage stamp. It is a true original, made with an authentic stamp, and set in resin. I love the well-traveled feel that this piece would add to an outfit.
(8) Vintage US Mailbox Bank | from Alida Lois | A true antique, this small bank is a metal replica of the type of US Mailbox that can be found on many a street corner. These days, they’re solid blue, and have a much more modern appearance. However, I love the bold red on this little bank, and think it would look perfect on a child’s dresser.
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