Creature Comforts - daily inspiration, style, d.i.y. projects + freebies

Fancy This: 10. 27. 09

These lovely (seemingly-random) pieces jumped out at me yesterday as I was trying to put a post together for you all.  I love it when that happens!  I'm not even sure what you would list as being the common theme here, but I do know that I love each and every piece.  I mean, how amazing are the shoes...and the dress...and...and...

• Light Blue Sky Dress ~ Bellebas
• Mechanical Animals Paper Dolls Set ~ Oh My Cavalier
• Forest Tonttu Original Hand-drawn Egg Cup with Hat ~ Heidi Burton
• A5 Stem Print Notebook ~ The Green Apple
• Mini Typographica Notebook ~ Patina Stores
• Dynamite Ball & Chain Pillow ~ Hable Construction
• Classic Tornado Rollerball Pens ~ Kate's Paperie
• Colin Sandals ~ Kate Spade

Color Crush: Grey + Mint + Tan

This color combo is my new fave!  Of course I think this about every single Color Crush post that I put together...but this time I really mean it.  ; )

I would absolutely love to use this palette to decorate my bedroom.  And with the addition of some candles or twinkly lights I can imagine it as a color scheme for a small intimate wedding or dinner party...maybe even a modern take on Holiday decor!  So pretty!

• Linen Throw ~ Haus Interior
• Acorns and Oak Leaf Watercolor Painting ~ Golly Bard
• Chinoiserie Pillow ~ Dwell Studio
• Oliver's Twist Necklace ~ Elephantine
• Amanda-S Ante Ocean Shoes ~ Chie Mihara
• Book Boxes ~ Wisteria

Chic for Cheap: Art Inspired

Hello lovelies!  Last week's weather was cold (36 degrees) and rainy here.  I'm a California girl in shock...eek!  In a hurried attempt to keep my poor Converse-covered feet dry, I ran into Target and picked up a pair of their rain boots (surprisingly comfy) and a red umbrella (both featured above).  They along with this teacup print were the inspiration for this entire look. 

Melissa's put together a Chic for Cheap outfit on her blog too.  Stop on over and check it out.  xox Ez

• Teacup Art Print ~ Inkblok

• Knit Beret ~ Alloy
• Totes Stick Umbrella ~ Target
• Fleece-lined Knit Top ~ Forever 21
• Sleeveless Knit Cardigan Sweater ~ Forever 21
• Carson Stretch Cord Skinny ~ Alloy
• Knit Jacket with Optional Hood ~ Forever 21
• Zandra Flannel Rain Boots ~ Target

Chic for Cheap: A Baby Shower in New Hampshire

Hello lovelies!  It's been a while since my last Chic for Cheap post but I decided to end my hiatus to try my hand at helping out Jennifer; a reader (and mom to a 1 year old) who will soon be flying from California to New Hampshire to attend a family-hosted baby shower at a country club (with a dress code).  Being a Cali girl who is still trying to adjust to East Coast weather I figured this was my perfect challenge. 

Here's a bit more about Jennifer's specific needs:

"I'm in desperate need of your help in putting together a very chic look for an upcoming event that is taking place in two weeks!  I live in California and am flying out to New Hampshire for my sister-in-law's baby shower.  The shower is being held at a country club that has a strict dress code - no jeans.  On top of that, I'm bringing along my one year old daughter to introduce to majority of the family for the first time so I want to make sure I look presentable.  I have a bit of a dilemma - I've never been to the east coast outside of Summer so I'm not sure what the weather will be like so I want to make sure I'm prepared for whatever and I need to make sure that whatever I wear can keep up with chasing around a toddler.  I have looked just about everywhere for the right look and continue to come up short.  I would be forever so grateful if you could help me out with this!"

I realize that the look I came up with is on the neutral side (palette wise), but I wanted to focus on choosing materials that look luxe and more expensive then they are...and I think just about any mom could show up wearing this and feel great.  If the grey/black is too heavy, then I'd recommend adding in some color with the accessories.  Maybe a necklace with pops of color, or a fabulous bag.  Also, the weather this time of year can be rather unpredictable (so far as I've experienced) and warmer pieces such as the tights and sweater can be packed along and used or left off as the weather requires for the day of the event.  The little girl's outfit was just an add-on...the total for the main look is $153.29.

Melissa has put together an outfit on her blog too... so be sure to check that out.  Have fun Jennifer!  xox Ez

• Gold Hope Earrings ~ Patina Stores
• Classic Tights ~ American Eagle
• Printed Knit Tights ~ Baby Gap
• Belted Cable-knit Sweater Dress for babies ~ Old Navy
• Gauze Embossed Metallic Wallet ~ Forever 21
• Shiny Ballet Flats ~ Baby Gap
• Cabled Open Front Cardigan ~ Forever 21
• Dinner Party Dress ~ Mod Cloth
• Lizard Print Flats ~ Old Navy

Color Crush: Paprika, Black, and White

• Pia Wallen Crux Wool Blanket ~ Cloudberry Living
• Wool-blend Ribbed Tights ~ J.Crew
• Fig of Provence Extra Pur Soap Bar ~ Compagnie de Provence
• Little Black House ~ Nora Aoyagi
• Pencils with Wooden Box Ruler ~ Kate's Paperie
• Fog Linen Napkins ~ Haus Interior
• Oak Leaf Painting ~ Jamie Shelman

Hello lovelies.  How was your weekend?

I'm on a black and white with pops of color kick these days... so I apologize if the palette is getting old for you guys.  This post started last week after I spotted these yummy tights at J.Crew and discovered the sweet oak leaf painting by Jamie Shelman.  I just knew they wanted to be in a Color Crush post together, so I obliged.  hope your Monday is beautiful.  xo Ez

Mood Board: A Fall Wedding

This wedding board began a few months ago (back before I made my big move across the country).  The entire concept and palette was born when I discovered the gorgeous bow brooches by A Alicia Handmade Accessories.

I really wanted to choose colors and pieces that reflect the beauty of Autumn, without falling into the stereotypical burnt-orangey color palette.  It also seems that these tones could also lend themselves well to a Spring event (for those of you lovelies on the other side of the Equator).

Sources - Board One:

• Pale Green Table Setting ~ Martha Stewart Weddings
• Bow Brooches ~ A Alicia Handmade Accessories
• Gorgeous Bouquet ~ Saipua
• Orion Gown ~ J.Crew
• Pretty Pleats Wedding Cake ~ Martha Stewart Weddings
• Rough Herkimer Solitaire Ring - 14K yellow gold ~ One Stone New York
• Champagne Geneviva Heels ~ Steve Madden

Sources - Board Two:

• Mint Leaves Necklace ~ Osage Orange Studio
• Succulent (perfect as a place setting/favor at a small reception) ~ Monkeys Always Look
• Cosmetic Bag (your bridesmaid's gifts, solved!  Available in additional colors) ~ Ketti Handbags
• Marshmallow Lip Balm (make the first kiss memorable in a good way) ~ MOR Cosmetics
• Moss Notched Mailing Labels (perfect for invites and thank you notes) ~ Paper Source
• Cotton Cady Serena Bridesmaid Dress in Cypress ~ J.Crew
• To Have and to Hold Tote Bag (just the sweetest bag ever...don't you agree?!) ~ Melangerie

Font Source (used on Board One):

• Adagio Pro ~ $49.00 at Fonts.com

Coming up tomorrow... there will be a super amazing reader discount from one of my sponsors: Delphine.  You're not going to want to miss it!  xox Ez

Color Crush: Gilty Pleasures

Need a little sparkle in your day?  Me too!  These gilded lovelies should do the trick just fine.  What color(s) are you crushing on right now?

1. Ivory Suzani Pillow ~ VivaTerra
2. Gold Paper Bowls (sold individually) ~ Up in the Air Somewhere
3. Wreath Earrings ~ Banana Republic
4. Alima Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow (light) and RMS Beauty Cream Eyeshadow
5. Spiral Journal in white gold ~ Paper Source
6. Zann Heels ~ Nine West
7. Champagne Gold Sparkly Metallic Cord ~ Paper Source
8. Letterpress Gold Lace Card Set ~ Bow and Arrow

One Good Thing: Leather Rings

I love the simple chic design of these colorful Leather Rings from ByBoe...and they're only $15!  What a steal! I think they'd look great strung on a long chain necklace too.  Don't you?!   xox Ez

Chic for Cheap: Inspired by Art on Etsy

Hello lovelies.  Today for this week's Chic for Cheap I put together an outfit inspired by this wonderful original collage by Valerie Roybal.  I love the romantic simplicity of the piece and tried to mirror her work in my final look.  I'm actually so in love with the dress that I think I might have to pick one up (even though I never wear dresses).  It would be such a great Fall/Winter staple paired with jeans, leggings, tights, etc., don't you think?!

Be sure to check out Melissa's look over on her blog Melissa Loves.  xox Ez

• Drapey Sweater Dress ~ Alloy
• Leggings ~ Charlotte Russe
• Truly Charmed Chain and Beaded Charm Chain ~ Forever 21
• Bourbon Street Ankle Boots ~ ModCloth
• Lace-up Clutch ~ Target

Color Crush: Black + White + Red

It doesn't get more simple than a color combo of black and white with pops of red, but I'm having a mini crush on these hues at the moment.  I think I'm going to go give my nails a fresh coat of candy apple red polish and wear my favorite cozy black sweater.  Ahhh... Fall!  xox Ez

• Take a Number Water Glasses ~ Blue Ribbon General Store
• Little Red Riding Hood Screenprinted Card ~ Pinecone & Chickadee
• Buffalo Check Napkins ~ Pendelton
• 'Sleep - We Will Wake You Up to a New Day' - Print by Karin Akesson ~ All Things Original
• Travel Sized Hair Powder by Lulu Organics ~ Lucky Scent
• Chinese Laundry 'Bog' Boots ~ Piperlime
• Minimalist Clutch ~ Gogovivi Designs
• Milk Mustache Pendant ~ Paper Bullet
• Bird & Cage Stamp Set ~ the Curiosity Shoppe

Chic for Cheap: Inspired by Art on Etsy

Hello lovelies!  I'm finally back to trying my hand at a Chic for Cheap challenge today.  Melissa and I decided to use art as our inspiration points again, and I rather like the way mine came out.  It's pretty basic, but something you can imagine being comfy in all Fall/Winter long.  Just throw on a few more layers (or take a few off if you need), and you're set!

Don't forget to see the look Melissa's put together on her blog: Melissa Loves.  xox Ez

• Inspiration: May All Beings Be Free, No.4 Letterpress Print ~ Lot 9 Press

• Mandarin Collar Top ~ Old Navy
• Slender Hip-slung Khakis ~ Gap
• Las Ramblas Scarf ~ Mod Cloth
• Arielle Girlfriend Cardigan ~ Delia's
• Belle Suede Boots (not exactly cheap - but you'd get a lot of wear out of them) ~ Delia's

Today I Love: Cozy Picks for Fall

It seems that when I took our dogs out this morning, Fall had decided to arrive.  The air was crisp and had that scent that spells a change of seasons.  Yippy!  Bring on the hot cocoa, apple picking, woolen mittens, and such...I'm ready!

• Gramercy Pendant Lamp ~ Sundance
• Cuckoo Clock ~ Mod Cloth
• Faux-Leather Harness Boots (only $35!) ~ Old Navy
• Vintage Ball Jars (perfect for displaying a bouquet of fall leaves) ~ Adventures in Vintage
• Lutz & Patmos Honecomb Throw ~ West Elm
• Mingzy 001 Bag ~ Ployly Mingzy Bb'
• Royal Standard Typewriter ~ Noun
• Renee Garvey Leather Circle and Button Bracelet ~ Clay-Pot

In Good Company: Old Soul, New Heart

{product images by Old Soul, New Heart}

A visit to see the accessories at the newly launched Old Soul, New Heart will have you feeling like a kid in a candy store.  Mother/daughter team Shea and Tamara create each piece by hand from materials they source from estate sales, vintage shops, and beyond.  They've done such a great job!  I love their aesthetic and am especially smitten with the pieces that involve vintage chains and bowties (like this and this).  Ooo...and this belt is calling my name too!  Can't you just see a bride or her bridesmaids wearing their pieces as well!  Too good!

Stop on over for a visit.  I think you'll love what you'll see!  xox Ez

In Good Company: Slide Sideways

Aren't the sweet goods from etsy shop Slide Sideways the perfect pick-me-up for a gloomy day?!  I'm especially mad for their cushions!  See more right here.  xox Ez

Wish List: Cheery Picks for Fall

1. Bag (Yellow Check) ~ Linea Carta
2. Vintage Wooden Arrows Set ~ Sweetshorn
3. "Golden Oriole" Original Art by Robert Clarke ~ The Curiosity Shoppe
4. 12 x 16 Pillow ~ SOWN
5. Boyfriend Belt in Flame ~ Gap
6. Dip Mug in yellow ~ Crate & Barrel
7. Malachite Ring ~ Naventin
8. Vintage Goldfinches Plate ~Branch & Birdie

Hello, hello, hello again dear lovelies!  I am so glad to finally be back and writing to you from my new place here in New Jersey.  Thank you so much for your patience while I've been away.  I hope you loved all the fabulous posts my wonderful guest bloggers created for you in my absence.  A quick recap of these lovely contributors (just in case you missed any of their personal sites):

• Leslie - A Creative Mint  | flickr
• Traci - Bliss  | etsy shop | big cartel shop | flickr
• Marichelle - Heart Handmade  | shop | flickr | lifeflix blog | twitter
• Janice - Scissor Variations | shop | flickr
• Susy - Hey Susy  | shop | twitter
• Melissa - Melissa Loves  | shop | twitter
• Julie & Kathryn - Perfectbound  | flickr
• Lisa - That's Happy  | design studio | shop | flickr | twitter

Moving has been a crazy, wild adventure so far and I'm ready for life to settle down soon.  I'll share more with you shortly about our move as well as some helpful tips I learned along the way, but in the meantime I hope you will enjoy some of the bright and cheery things on my wish list for the rapidly approaching Fall season.  What creature comforts are you wishing for today?  xox Ez

Julie & Kathryn - Color Crush: Pink & Orange

Hello all, it's Julie & Kathryn from perfectbound! One of our favourite colour combinations right now is pink and orange. Nothing packs a punch like this vibrant duo – it can really liven up any room or outfit! The dining room pictured in the June issue of LivingEtc. is amazing, isn't it?! When dealing with such saturated colours it helps to see it all put together before trying it in your own home. How bold would you be willing to go?

And if you haven't checked out John Galliano's spring/summer 09 collection, be sure to take a look. We are loving the pinks and oranges paired with black.

clockwise from top left }

Pink and Orange Mor pillow by Madeline Weinrib
Mr.Pink Diana F+ at Urban Outfitters
Kaarna umbrella by Marimekko
Vintage 1960's Pop-art style curtains by Classic Modern Textiles
Orange patent "Lotte" clutch by Lauren Merkin
Column dress in pink by Virginia Johnson

Janice - DIY: Lovely Locket Links Necklace

Hello Creature Comfort-ites!

This is Janice from Papier Valise + the scissor variations blog.

As you are aware Ez is in the midst of her cross country move and I was delighted to be asked to contribute during her absence.

This is a quick + easy jewelry making project for all skill levels that involves basic jump rings, linking + lots of room for design personalization:

Gather Together

assorted lockets

jump rings (9mm shown)

basic jewelry tools (for opening + closing jump rings + *snipping off metal loops)

tool for punching through metal (I used a **cropadile tool)

additional decorative charms + buttons, if desired

ribbon or decorative clasp

Open up your lockets so interiors are exposed.

Using a crodadile (or metal hole punching tool) punch 2 holes in each side of your locket--I used the 1/8" setting.

Once you have all of your holes punched, open up your jump rings + begin linking your lockets together in a chain formation.

Before closing your jump rings you may wish to add an additional decorative element such as a button, or     charm.

Once you have determined how long you want your piece to be--will it be a necklace or a bracelet--you can add a clasp or ribbon for a closure.

Clip off the top metal locket loops with your jewelry cutting tool + your piece is ready to wear!

  * Snoop in the household tool box for tools that will snip off the metal loops

** There are many jewelry tools available for punching holes through metal. I used the crop-a-dile for this project as it is quite versatile--and I can use it for lots of different craft projects. I  use it to punch through stacks of paper when book binding, other metals as well as plastics.

Lockets used in this project:

two sided embossed oval

round smooth

open oval

Creature Comforts readers will receive a 15% discount on the lockets used in these projects when entering the coupon code:

creature comforts

at www.papiervalise.com

Offer Valid: August 13th--August 20th, 2009

Text + Photos Copyright  2009 Janice Rusnak

Melissa loves: Creature Comforts

Hello sweet CC readers! 

The very first blog I ever fell completely & madly head over heels with was this one. And though Ez and I have become very good friends, and she is moving to my town....it is STILL the first one I check every morning and recheck a little later in the afternoon. :) I am honored to be here, helping out a tiny bit, while Ez is winging her way to us here on the east coast( yay) and as is my wont....I thought I would gather together some things that remind me of Ez, her beautiful way of seeing the world, and would be just right to give her as house warming gifts if only I could. Would you like to see too? 

1~ a good luck bracelet in one of her favorite colors here 

2~ something for her walls, with deer & the sentiment of "love life" (what's not to love?) here

3~ A gorgeous painting entitled " Caroline carefully arranges everything she holds dear" again, for Ez's walls, but also because the title seemed so fitting as Ez transports all she holds dear to a new home.(here) 

4~ a beautiful "neighborhood" pillow as Ez moves to HER new neighborhood here 

5~ *sigh* THE most beautiful chair....with birds( her favorite) and in aqua( also her favorite) Just too perfect for words....here * sigh* 

6~ some warmth to light up her new home here

7~ some good luck to hang over her doorway here 

* feather DigiKit available here 

Ez, I sure hope you like my picks for you and thank you for trusting me to help hold down the fort while you are away. I hope your readers liked it too and let's all collectively wish Ez safe travels and a very happy new home! 

for you my friend

xoxo

Melis

Mrs. French - Inspired by a Flickr Photograph

Ez's sweet blog has been a favorite of mine since I began this crazy adventure.  I honestly cannot express how much inspiration and beauty I pull from this perfect spot...which is why it is such an amazing honor to be a guest here with you today...my name is mrs. french.  I have a blog called bliss...

There are so many reasons I visit Creature Comforts..one of the main ones being how Ez (and sweet melis now too) can use a piece of artwork to create something magical of her very own.  I am going to attempt to do something a bit similar, but with a little blissful twist...

this particular photograph is one of my favorite favorites on flickr right now...

steph park's photograph is so pretty in its simplicity...I am particularly drawn to the woody textures and lush greens.  I have taken the inspiration I have gathered from this photo and created a collection of etsy goodies in its honor...hope you like it....

brass flower ring by metamorph and twig picture holders by kindling

in passing by groundwork and wood stump mug by rae dunn

acorn necklace by orange slice and antler brown, linen pillow by white twig

tiny twig hair pins by the sparrow's nest and letter n moss door hanging by simple sweet design

olive green linen dress by larimeloom and don't know why original painting by shelby healey

tada!  there you have it!  I had so much fun coming up with this collection and spending this part of the day with you...I hope to see you all again very soon...xo mrs. french

Julie & Kathryn - Color Crush: Green & Yellow

Julie & Kathryn of perfectbound here!  The lazy days of summer have arrived, which brings to mind those dreamy, light filled images of the most relaxing season. We stumbled upon some photos printed on old paper a little while ago, and the palm trees with faint hues of yellow and green have been stuck in our minds ever since. Fresh, but not too loud, these nostalgic yellows and greens almost send us back to the days at the lake with our feet dipped in the water, popsicle in hand. If only life were like that everyday! What colours remind you of summer?

 

clockwise from top left }

Inspirational image by Rebecca Thuss
Tea-For-One Set at Anthropologie
Sunflower Zebra chair at Horchow
Inspirational image from marika .
Wool herringbone Ella dress at J. Crew
Summer in the City earrings by Walk On the Moon