Archive for July, 2009
I have been searching for a new bag for a long time. So long in fact, that I imagine people are getting tired of me mentioning it here on the blog. But I have good news- I found one two (from today’s shop of the day: Pat and Cake)! I just have to decide between this one and this one. At such affordable prices, I suppose I could just get both right!? Throw in a couple of those scallop coin purses and and the total would still be under $90. Yeah! Oh no- now my mind is racing with possibilities.
More about Pat and Cake… All of the bags are designed by Denise, who enjoys using both vintage and new fabrics. And as you can see from the above prices, everything in Denise’s shop is super affordable. Visit Pat and Cake.
Add some artistic flair to your ensemble and turn your clothes into works of art with bright, bold prints inspired by a painter’s brush strokes.
1. The slouchy silhouette, grosgrain ribbon trim, and abstract print make this top a masterpiece – perfect for an inspiring weekend. Brushstroke tee, $68 from Anthropologie.
2. Wear this dress to a gallery opening and people won’t know which to focus on – you or the artwork! Print halter dress by BCBG, $87.90 from Saks Fifth Avenue.
3. This tunic reminds me of a super sophisticated version of a painter’s smock. Perfect with leggings and flats. Ruffle-trim tunic by Kensie, $64 from Dillard’s.
4. These adorable hot pink flats have a fun paint-splattered bow accent. I like to imagine that this is how an artist’s shoes might look after a long day in the studio! Pink flats, $48 from Esme Art.
5. This bright, cheery scarf adds a pop of color and an artsy feel to any outfit. If you’re feeling super creative, try wearing it as a head wrap or a sash belt. Eric Carl scarf, $15 from Pretty Panda.
6. A brush stroke printed t-shirt is the perfect casual attire for visiting a museum, lounging in a sculpture park, or attending an art lecture. Paint print t-shirt by Corey Lynn Calter, $56 from Bluefly.
7. The broad, blurred strokes of this skirt remind me of a watercolor painting. The flared silhouette and rich jewel tones make it a great feminine piece to add to your wardrobe. Watercolor plaid skirt, $56.40 from Dillard’s.
xoxo,
Lesley of 315thomas
Made of vintage, recycled and rescued materials, BananaSaurus Rex has super sweet accessories for you and your home. Visit BananaSaurus Rex.
Hi everyone! I’m Brenda, a knit wear designer, who owns Phydeaux and Phydelle. I manage finance and operations for my day job, then come home and design, knit and manage my online shops and businesses. I took a little detour from our marketing discussions last week, to talk about time management. This week, we’re back to marketing and promotion, to talk about creating buzz about your biz … in a good way.
What would you give to create buzz about your indie business? An arm? A million dollars? Hiring a public relations rep? I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to give up body parts or your entire life’s earnings to create some positive buzz all on your own, without hiring a PR rep!
You have several avenues immediately available to you, absolutely free, for getting the word out about what you do, all via the internet: blogs, social networking sites, local media, word of mouth. Although you can create buzz without spending money, you do absolutely have to spend your most precious commodity: time.
If you’re reading this, you’re already aware of the power of blogs. Paper N Stitch is one of many blogs dedicated to highlighting handmade and vintage businesses. Not sure where to find more? Most blogs have links to other blogs, which is a great way to browse new blogs and perhaps even add them to your own reading list.
Instead of just reading these blogs, get involved! Leave comments! You don’t want to leave a comment with your shop and other websites right in the comment box – that can be seen as self-promotion (spam) – but you blog comments do have specific boxes for you to add your name, email and website. If you regularly leave comments or questions about a particular blog post, you’re then participating in online discussion and community, a building block for getting your name out there!
1. Charlotte Ronson Dress 2. Dining Room 3. Pet Floating {all images found via Olivetti Studio}
Good morning and happy Monday! Some of you may have noticed, I made a little change to the blog over the weekend by moving the side columns around to accommodate our lovely sponsors and de-clutterfy a bit. I think I like it.
And speaking of like, I really like adore a blog that I recently found thanks to Darling Dexter: its called Olivetti Studio. Meredith Grant inspires with a hint of everything from fashion to interiors. But my favorite weekly feature? Wednesday Playlist posts, where Meredith puts together a list of songs she is listening to that week. Fun read! Check out the Olivetti Studio blog.
Nature-inspired, handmade goods by Marieke Ooms find their home at Branch New by Mo.The collection offers simple and stylish products that can be used in everyday life. Visit Branch New by Mo.
Inspired by abstract designs and bright colors, these silk, hand-painted accessories from Gilbea add a unique touch to any outfit. Visit Gilbea.
I found these cutie patootie tea towels on Design is Mine, and they’re available for purchase on Keep Calm Gallery.
I think that sometimes it’s easy to forget that even functional items can add some pizzazz to your home.
Sure, you could spend your days drying your hands with the stripey standards, but why not find some towels that make you smile?
Happy weekend!
Kathryn
