Monday, October 27, 2008

Princess Ozma of Oz

My favorite books growing up were from the Oz series by L. Frank Baum. Dorothy was wonderful, but Ozma always fascinated me -- she is the quintessential Art Nouveau girl (and a definite inspiration for Princess Leia, don't you think?). I don't know why I have never dressed up as Ozma for Halloween!? Probably because it is complicated and would entail me being crafty. I just really want her flowery crown...










Art Deco and Art Nouveau Packaging

A gift for me, a gift for you...beautiful goodies for well-stocked vanity.


Art Deco and Art Nouveau Packaging by Nothing Elegant


1. L'Aromarine Vanille Eau de Toilette, 1.6 oz., $19. Amazon.com
2. Claus Porto 12.3 oz. Grapefruit and Tuberose soaps, $16. Amazon.com
3. Rachel Perry Lip lovers in Vanilla and Grape, $3.95. Drugstore.com.
4. Perfumeria Gal Balms, $6. Bellasugar.com.
5. Hot and Flashy lip balm in Pear, $5.99. BlueQ.com.
6. Roger and Gallet Sandalwood soap set, $16. Amazon.com.

Hel Looks, Looking Good

I'm always impressed with the street styles on Hel Looks, because the main focus is on truly unique, personal style. That said, I often admire many of the ensembles, but can rarely imagine myself pulling them off...

This beautiful lady is one exception -- she manages to embody my version of perfect style so much better than me (a little goth + a little cowgirl + a little cozy and disheveled) .

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Home is Where Your Stuff Is...

A few people have made the comment that they would like to see some more personal stuff on my blog. I'm not really big on the whole posting pictures of myself in my clothes...unless I'm just feeling really confident that day...or have on a spiffy outfit (which isn't often, because all I do lately is study...). I enjoy it when you lovely fashion bloggers post pictures of your amazing clothes, but it is also fun to see your rooms, your favorite objects, your decorating efforts, etc. I took a picture of my huge piles of library books (because I thought it was funny and ridiculous and wanted the evidence for posterity), and then I just started snapping pics of other stuff around my humble abode. I thought it was fitting, since in my previous post I talked about how much I like home decor. So, here is the infamous book pile...and some not very professional photos of my little, setimental items (some passed down, some gifts)...and some more books thrown in for good measure. Can you tell I'm an English major? I would love for other bloggers to take some photos of their spaces -- what are some favorite little spots in your house? Do you group your beloved items together, or spread them around different areas of the house? Are you a collector, or do you like simplicity? Please share!




















Etsy Week, Day 4: Home Decor

Well, I wish I had the time to do 7 full days of Etsy goodies, but until I'm no longer entrenched in my studies, 4 days will have to do! I love to spend hours looking through the pages and pages of seller's items and imagining that I have endless funds to buy all of the stuff I lust after. But for now, lusting will have to suffice. I hope you've enjoyed the products I've found so far -- I feel like I've become an Etsy-search-expert.

**Let me know if there is a specific type of Etsy item you would like to see featured in the future -- I take requests (not everyone likes to waste hours away doing this as much as I do!).

Some people call them knick-knacks, some call them tchochkes, I call them an addiction. I love cool little useless things, like bowls, pottery, sculptures, candle holders, figurines...the list goes on. I am almost as obsessed with decorating as I am with fashion, so for my last Etsy day I wanted to share some home decor items currently on my radar. I have cut back on my knick-knack purchases since moving from a house to a smaller apartment, but I still can't resist that perfect little something when I see it. Here are a few irresistible items that I'm sure I could find a place for...somewhere...

I love organic shapes --Heather knight's Element Clay Studio specializes in ceramic sculptures in natural shapes that seem fragile and rare...

Large chartreuse Sea Urchin Bowl, $80.


Micro Sculpture Pollen, $50.

I've got to respect anyone who gives my home state of Oklahoma some much-needed love; Haunted Housewares, a Texas-based crafter, creates cozy plaid pillows in the shape of your favorite state (if they don't have your state featured, they take special requests).

Oklahoma plaid pillow, $34.


Texas plaid pillow, $34.

I've recently become obsessed with pit-fired clay and horsehair pottery, it feels so rugged and ancient. Drexel Earthforms is known for their primitive firing techniques and unique forms.

Medium-large pitfire centerpiece bowl, $95


Tinted Horsehair Urn, $190.

I love the idea of a terrarium -- a tiny little world inside a glass jar. Not to mention, you rarely have to water them (a plus for a black thumb like me). Made by Mavis creates moss terrariums and even sells little gnome homes to decorate your little green world.

Mini Moss Terrariums, $45.


Large Moss Terrarium, $33.


Colorful, glazed pottery is a weakness of mine, particularly something with a vintage feel. Whitney Smith's pottery has 1920's vibe that I love, and the colors are perfection!

Creamer and Sugar set, $88.


Moss Pomegranate Pottery, $64.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Etsy Week, Day 3: Cold Weather Wearables

I HATE cold weather. Hate it. The only thing good about it, in my opinion, is being inside, curled up with my dog, my significant other, and a glass of wine (or cocoa with liquor in it...hehe...). I have no shame when it comes to bundling myself up like the stay-puff marshmallow just to feel comfortable when I'm out in the elements. I already have plenty of coats, so I try to find winter accessories that have a semblance of personality...Etsy definitely has some great options that fill my heart, and hopefully my head and neck, with warmth.

You may already know her...and love her...but I just can't say enough about the wonderfully eccentric and talented Yokoo. Her super-chunky scarves and hats have been all over the blog world lately, and for good reason. Oh, and her hair cut and glasses are pretty rad too.


Citron Warmer, $70.


The Circumpolar Hat, $55.


Radcliffe Toasties, $35.

Ellita's Flying Snail creates glamorous, gypsy-like knits that feel like a surreal combo of fortuneteller meets evil European countess.







Pixiebell Elfinwear specializes in unique hand knit pixie hats and headwear. They use a variety of wool blend and natural eco-friendly fibers, including soy silk, organic cotton, alpaca, and even recycled yarn. So cozy...


Chunky Cabled Cloche, $36.


Earthly Fae Hood in Cranberry, $52.


Chunky Urchin Tam in Sage, $49.

These are definitely cuter than your grandma's house shoes! Crocheted lace-up socks by Ilusoria add a bit of quirky sex appeal to cold weather wear.


Striped blue lace-up knee socks, $54.


Denmark lace-up ankle socks, $30.

Felted specializes in soft, knitted items such as cowls, fingerless gloves, and one-of-a-kind items like felted wool bowls and rings.


Merlot colored cowl and winter rose broach, $68.


Fingerless gloves with scalloped edges, $26.

Bloglovin'...Finally!

Ok, I have finally taken the time to sign up with Bloglovin'...am I now officially the last?? Like the link says: Follow my blog with bloglovin´ ...
Why? It just makes sense according to the wisdom of the After School Special: Because everyone's doin it!