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

Today I Love: Lonny

Have your seen this loveliness (found via Good-Grace)?  Online magazine Lonny is taking blogland by storm (I think I'm catching the tail end of it), and it's no wonder.  Just starting flipping through their virtual pages and you're sure to be hooked for good.  So go on (if you haven't already) and read Lonny right here.

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

Today I Love: Sublet Clothing - Fall 2009 Collection

Today I'm loving the new Fall looks from eco-conscious line Sublet Clothing.  Aren't they so beautiful (and wearable too)?!  xox Ez

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

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

Fancy This: Photos from The Cherry Blossom Girl

I simply love the mood of these gorgeous photos by The Cherry Blossom Girl (found in her post titled Apple on a Stick). 

Of course everything that Alix does is magic, but there something especially sweet about these shots and I just can't stop thinking about them.  See more from The Cherry Blossom Girl here.  xox Ez

One Good Thing: Gems T-shirt

When I came across this Gems T-Shirt by Print Liberation a few weeks ago, I was immediately reminded of road trips taken with my mom and sister when I was young.  Winding through the mountains of Montana we would always find a place to stop for a quick rest at one of the many tiny rock shops along the roadside.  If my sister and I had been behaving ourselves in the backseat we'd be treated to a shiny little stone of our choosing (which we would then lovingly added to our rock collection once we returned home again).  We so looked forward to those pretty little gems...anything turquoise or blue being my first choice (of course).

All of this is to say that I adore this shirt and the days long-past that it reminds me of.  Available on the Print Liberation official site and etsy store.

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

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

Today I Love: Jewelry by Amy Olson

I'm a recent fan of the beautiful jewelry designs of Amy Olson (found via Melissa Loves)...her product photographs are gorgeous as well.  Amy describes herself as a mostly self-taught jeweler and states that she uses only the finest materials such as sterling silver, 14kt GF components and semi-precious gemstones.  I think her work really speaks for itself and I hope to own a piece of hers in the very near future...specifically this one.

You can also find Amy on flickr and her blog.  xox Ez

One Good Thing: Scrunch Boots

I'm having a long-distance love affair with these gorgeous handmade Scrunch Boots from Spiro Creations.  I've been obsessed ever since I spotted them on the etsy front page last week.  Swoon!  xox Ez

Chic for Cheap: An Art Inspired Look

Hello lovelies!  Well this may be my last Chic for Cheap post for at least a week as I will be driving across the country when next Tuesday rolls around.  I will try to get one together ahead of time to post for you, but I thought I ought to let you all know just in case I can't.

I wanted my outfit for today to be both inspired by this lovely art print as well as serve as a multifunctional look that could easily be accessorized differently and worn not just now, but through the coming Fall too (I'm thinking matchstick jeans or leggings under the tunic would accomplish that quite nicely).  What do you think?

Remember Melissa has put together her own Chic for Cheap outfit...you can find it on her blog: Melissa Loves.

• Inspiration: "Circulation" Print by Sooooound

• Paisley Tunic Dress ~ Alloy ($42.50)
• Edie Flats ~ Alloy ($24.90)
• Shell Teardrop Earrings ~ Charlotte Russe ($4.00)
• Acrylic Metal Bangle Set ~  Forever 21 ($5.80)
• Cornelia Bag in Taupe ~ Alloy ($36.90)

xoxo Ez