My One and Only… Fleece August 19, 2009

Last week, I confessed my clothes horse tendencies and that more isn’t always better. I also asked you to share your favorite ‘go to’ item of clothing (or accessory, if you’d prefer). For me, that item has become a zip-up navy blue fleece by Armor-lux. It has a fitted cut flattering my figure, bright red lining for my love of color, and cozy softness. So far, so good – no pilling or issues.

I was in France on holiday expecting warm weather and found my lightweight cardigan unsuitable for the Breton weather (a lot like Irish weather as it happens). Finding some time, I searched the shops for something warmer. I saw many MANY such items, but knew that it was silly to get something I wouldn’t wear again considering the price of things (and the limited space in my luggage/closet) so I set my sights on something I knew would suit a need I had in general.

I entered one store and saw the perfect fleece…in dark pumpkin orange. I can wear some shades of orange, but not dark pumpkin. The shopkeeper must have known that too because she brought me to another rack which held the same fleece in a navy/red combination. Ta-da! The price tag read €65, a hefty price in some respects, but not if the item lasted for years to come. It is now the thing I grab as I am running out the door. I love it so much that I barely touch my fleece-lined raincoat now (don’t worry, it will be my favorite again come autumn) and carry an umbrella for the rain. For over a year, I had been wanting a more fitted zip-up cardigan that was washable, warm, cheery yet neutral, and lasting – now I have it.

My Armor-Lux Zip-Up Navy & Red Fitted Fleece

Items of Note August 10, 2009

“To write a good love letter, you ought to begin without knowing what you mean to say, and to finish without knowing what you have written.”  Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Though not all letters are love letters, unless it is a professional correspondence there is probably a bit of love behind it. From elegant notecards to funky homemade stationery, your paper choice can say nearly as much as your words. Our etiquette advice is more common sense than anything… Use appropriate stationery for your purpose. Do not use a cartoon notecard for a condolence letter and forego the Hello Kitty stationery when thanking someone for a job interview. If you can’t afford nice stationery or don’t have occasion to write often and, for this reason, only want one set sitting around choose something simple and neutral such as a monogram, basic trimmed edge, or anything monochromatic and Cranes.

Stationery, note cards, and pretty paper seem to be as enticing to me as high-heeled shoes are to most women. Where some admire the grace with which they can sashay across a room in stilettos, I consider how the ink would fall on the grains of the paper. I know I am not alone, so for other stationery fans out there this post has some of my of-the-moment favorites.

Otis And Bean offer delightful letterpress note cards sold individually for $4 each, but for $15 you can buy your favorite five.

Sweet Perversion Designs lets anything be an excuse to write with a set of ten ‘Hello’ cards($14).

Viva La Violette loves cupcakes as much as I do and has the Set of Eight Personalized Cupcake Note Cards ($11) to show for it.

Ink Spotts has a whimsical 20-Card Folded Note Set ($20)

Top Left: Otis and Bean; Top Right: Sweet Perversion Designs; Bottom Left: Viva La Violette; Bottom Right: Ink Spotts.

Kickin’ It Old School May 14, 2009

Bring old school style into your dorm room with Paper Source’s Slate Gray Chalkboard Wallies ($19.95). Each of the four 9″x12″ panels situates on most surfaces for messages, calendars, chalk art, or whatever your whimsy desires. Also great for a child’s room, kitchen, or office.

Slate Gray Chalkboard Wallies from Paper Source

Chilly, Rainy, Breezy, Snowy Day Jacket May 6, 2009

No matter the weather, if it is at all chilly a jacket is needed. In a climate where you can encounter sun and rain in the same day, I feel it is useful having a jacket that is rain-worthy without looking like you’re the guy on the fishstick package. Just such a jacket is Lands’ End’s Squall Collection.

Often, Squall items are even on clearance in their Overstock section. I own the Women’s Hooded Sport Squall® Jacket (regularly $69.50, now on sale for $49.50).

Lands' End Women's Hooded Squall Jacket

Cherry Blossom Beauty May 3, 2009

Cherry Blossom trees in bloom are one of my favorite signs of spring. In full bloom the white and pink blossoms brighten their surrounds and when fallen they are a carpet of silky petals. Thankfully, even after the trees have lost their pink, the beauty of the Cherry Blossom can be enjoyed in other things. Here are a few of my favorite ways to incorporate the Sakura into your everyday life:

Mini Cherry Blossom Dish ($35.40 for one dozen) from Beaucoup. Darling, sweet, and affordable – great idea for bridal shower favor or bridesmaid gift.

Red Corduroy Wayfarer Purse with Cherry Blossom Applique ($65) from Pesky Cat Designs. Soft fabric in a lovely shape with a simple Cherry Blossom branch applique. Also available in Dove Gray – Wayfarer ($65), Key Lime Twill – Wayfarer ($65), Green Corduroy – Semi-Circle ($55), and Eggplant Corduroy – Offbeat Messenger ($65).

Sakura Necklace ($126) by Beadsss. I have admired this necklace for nearly a year and still find it to be stunning and elegant.

Pink Cherry Blossom Letterpress Notecard Set ($13) by ilee. Set of six cards featuring delicate and cheerful pink blooms on a brown branch with coordinating pink envelopes. Letterpress has a classic look that raises thank you notes to a new level and shows you are thinking of the recipient. Also available in Red ($13) and using a more detailed design an Individual Mother’s Day Card ($4.50).

Spring Three-piece Table Setting ($50) from MaryWibis. Hand-painted white china with a cherry blossom tree in bloom.

Clutch Wallet in Black Cherry Blossom Print ($8) by Baffin Bags. Fun for a night out, gadget pouch, or as a gift envelope for something special. 

Small Cherry Blossom Earrings from Amy Bengtson Handmade Jewelry. Available in stainless steel ($78), silver ($98), gold ($140), and has the option to include small wood discs (for $10) to accentuate the pinhole petals of the metal.

Cherry Blossom Flip-top Note Cards ($12) from Galison/Mudpuppy. Twelve notecards with 13 envelopes (a spare for mistakes) all in a reusable box of the same artwork.

Clockwise from top left, sources for items: Beaucoup; Pesky Cat Designs; Beadsss; ilee; MaryWibis; Baffin Bags; Amy Bengtson; Galison/Mudpuppy.