Author Archive
Last week, I went to the box in my desk at home that holds cards and stationary in hopes of finding a card for my father-in-law’s birthday. Sadly, my little collection was really lacking and I had to use a boring, blank card that didn’t really fit the occasion. I’m hoping, over the next month or so, to build up a collection that I can feel confident about so that when the next occasion arises, I’ll be prepared with a unique card that I’m excited to give. Here are some of my favorites, designed by artists and independent studios:
First Row: bearded friend $3.95 via red cap cards // party squirrels $3.95 via red cap cards // yee-haw puppet $5 via egg press
Second Row: allo allo by darling clementine $4.50 via little otsu // good luck card $3.50 via deadweight // dad card $3.75 via quill and fox
Third Row: baby card mint $4 via rifle paper co. // thank you card 10pcs. $17.50 via quill and fox // here comes the bride $3.95 via red cap cards
And a couple of assorted sets to make shopping a little easier:
blooms and branches collection $15 via the black apple // assorted birthday set $16 via rifle paper co.
Admittedly, I have A LOT of cards on my wish list, but I think I’ve managed to narrow it down to a few favorites. I’d love to know, what are your favorite sources for greeting cards?
Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or at D&OC.
This contributor post was written by Christina of Down and Out Chic.
The mod 70′s colorblocking trend is back in full force and I especially like this trend when it comes to jewelry. A little goes a long way and these handmade pieces approach the graphic, bold use of color in a fresh way…
(above) colorblock layered bangles set of 3 ($60) by the glossy queen
eagle point necklace ($188), clear fork necklace ($68) and central point pop bracelet ($42) by minoux
geometric necklaces in triangle and circle ($34) by snug studio
water resistant watches by May28th ($39)
leather arrow necklaces ($22) by leebee jewelry
leather colorblock necklace ($24) rare bird
What do you like most about this trend?
Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or at D&OC.
Pouches are everywhere and for good reason. A small bag is my go-to on the weekends, offering my shoulder a nice break from my work bag. They’re also effective in keeping smaller items together in a bigger bag when traveling or scooting around town. Here are a few shop that I think do the “pouch” best.
Made in Lithuania, these screen printed leather bags by Coriumi ($52) come in the most interesting geometric and Navajo inspired patterns.
Inspired by bohemian beach style in Mexico, Canadian-brand Scout & Catalogue ($44-74) uses hand dyed fabrics and the softest distressed leather to create one of kind, unique pieces that have a definitely boho cool factor.
You can’t go wrong with a simple, clean design in a wide variety of colors like these pouches by Rennes (pronounced “wren”, like the bird) . I also like the different leather options available ($44-130).
Made from heavyweight duck canvas, the toughness of these utilitarian pouches by LayerXLayer ($59-$65) are softened by hand stamped polka dots.
Screen printed leather pouches by Falconwright ($20-52) are made in small batches and they sell out fast! These bags are an amazing example of what happens when two designers from different disciplines (paper and jewelry) collaborate to come up with something totally new.
If you’re looking for a bag with a little more glitz, Gift Shop Brooklyn ($39-88) has some great metallic and sequin options.
Fun, bold, geometric patterned bags by French shop Pamplemouss ($15-29) are perfectly on trend and have a retro feel that I love.
Designed using textiles from around the world (this one is made from a kimono), Grace Design ($44-98) carries some very pretty options.
As you can see, there are a lot of designers creating some pretty awesome pouches. Do you see any you like? Are there other options that you’d like to share (I’d love to add some more faves to my list)!?
Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or at D&OC.
For the love of all things dipped and dyed…
papier mache bowl $10 via mr kitly // gold dipped triangle studs $10 via petiteco // leather clutch $88 via gift shop brooklyn // black ombré horse $79 via the good machinery
indigo ikat dot blouse $139 via xsilk // gold dipped geo ring $18.99 via amerrymishap // painted spoons $30 via milk farm road // tanya aguiniga rope bracelet $75 via reform school
ombré tights in navy $45 via bzrshop // soft splatter loop scarf $25 via white moth // wooden bead necklace $10.76 via heuteschmidt // copper and dipped rubber arrow ring $24 via miju
golden sunshine rib dress $58 via karina manarin // mini wood bowls set of two $16 via windandwillowhome // linen summer tote $60 via jeanie deans // yellow multi triangle antler $89 via cassandra smith
Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or at D&OC.
This contributor post was written by Christina of Down and Out Chic.
herb garden labels $48 by paulova ceramics // shell and quartz bracelet $21 by dinosaur toes // ivory and peach leather clutch $52 by falconwright
color block silk blouse $58 by kertis // tribal edition notebook by arminho // gemstone and metal bracelets by the vamoose // splash dyed canvas tote $20 by ziazia
triangle banner cards $20 by satsuma press // geometric ceramic necklace $35 depeapa
If you’re anything like me, the word “pastel” has a sugary sweet, over-the-top girly ring to it that makes me nostalgic for the days when my mom would dress my twin sister and I in matching pink and yellow dresses. Ok, I lied, I’m not nostalgic for those days at all and for quite some time (due to emotional scarring for repeatedly being mistaken as a giant cupcake), I swore off all things pastel. I’m coming back around though and am approaching this season’s pastel trend with pieces that are restrained yet just sweet enough. A little goes a long way with pastels, don’t you think?
Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or at D&OC.
This contributor post was written by Christina of Down and Out Chic.
1) Rope and citrine necklace £43.00 by the vamoose
2) Shoreline package elastic hair ties $7 by mane message
3) African straw fedora $85 available at beklina
4) Linen tote beach bag $82 by independent reign
5) Sleeveless low back b&w striped dress $68 by lana stepul
6) Charlie pants ($120) and racer singlet ($60) by three little ducks (love this look!)
7) Sea salt mist hair spray $4 by cocoa butter sisters
8 ) Turkish bath towel $24 by the anatolian
9) Tuto sandals $60 by tuto
10) Olive cotton scarf $50 by dear june
11) Anchors ahoy earrings $14 by petite & co
12) swimwear ($71-$86) by plhi
And most importantly, don’t forget the sunscreen!
Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or at D&OC.
This contributor post was written by Christina of Down and Out Chic.
1) Comfort while traveling is my number one priority. Whether you’re on the road or flying, this bamboo cowl neck dress ($70) by Replicca is as comfortable as it is chic. Comfort is good. Sloppy is, well, just plain sloppy.
2) Simple ballet flats are a no brainer. They’re easy to pack and you can slip them on an off while navigating through security. I love the soft gold color of these flats ($106) by Ele.
3) My skin always gets parched from the dry air in cars and planes. This chai balm ($9) available at Ship & Shape is a multi-tasker and its small size makes it flight friendly.
4) If the metal detector goes off while you’re dealing with security, don’t blame it on the black oslo necklace ($61) by Le Voyage Creatif. Making a statement is good. Making a statement with giant metal accessories and having to strip down for your friendly TSA security guard, not so good.
5) This buttery soft satchel ($149) by Rustic Leather is big enough to hold a few gadgets and can be worn across your body or on your shoulder. I need a bag I can run with since I’m inevitably late for whatever I’m doing.
6) I’m a chronic list maker so having a jotter on me at all times is a must. I like this triangles jotter ($5.75) by Wit & Whistle. The elastic closure ensures the pages won’t get smashed and bent up in your bag.
7) You never know when you’re going to need to mend something and this itty bitty sewing kit ($9) by A Place to Lay My Thread packs all the essentials in an easy to convenient box. This one’s best left for your suitcase though since the needles could be used as a weapon (albeit, a very small ineffective weapon, but nonetheless).
8 ) I’m addicted to pouches and this zip cotton pouch ($18) by Slide Sideways comes in the prettiest pattern.
9) An underwear bag ($25) by Fric de Mentol keeps all of your unmentionables nicely organized, plus the cheeky illustration is bound to make you (or someone searching your things) smile.
10) I’ve decided that I always feel crappy traveling because I end up eating nothing but crap (i.e. fast food on the road or the dreaded airplane meals- bleh). Combat the travel blues by packing your own power food. This blueberry almond granola blend ($12) by Puck’s Gourmet Co. is sure to put some pep in your step!
So, I’d love to know, what are your travel suggestions?
Any essential items you can’t live without when you’re away from home?
Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or at D&OC.
