Getting Warmers...

My friend got BabyLegs as a baby shower gift and I fell in lurrrve. Leg and arm warmers for babies... who knew? I got this pair at Target.com for my two-month-old cousin for $12:


Only post-purchase, I came across the BabyLegs online store where they start at $7. I also think they look super cute on us big kids as arm warmers -- a great stocking stuffer for baby, mom... or me!

Head case.

I know I'm supposed to be shopping for my family and friends right now, with the holidays merely weeks away, but I can't stop bookmarking things I want for myself these days. I am covetous and it's a problem. I can't stop lusting after the gorgeous hairpieces I keep finding on Etsy.com: fascinators, clips, headbands, you name it--and they're all covered with feathers.

There's this peacock feather headband from WashedUp Mermaid ($22):


Then there's this darling little Swallow in Flight cocktail hat from StyleSmith ($29):


I also have a hard time choosing between the Etta headband ($32, top) or the Calloway headband ($34, bottom), both from FeatherBrain:

But then I can't choose between Portobello's strikingly beautiful Avril headband ($35, left), or the Miyuki headpiece ($39, right):




















If you end up buying one of these beauties as a holiday gift this year, please let us know so we can be properly jealous.

Coat Lurrrve

I love that all the eco coats I'm finding for winter are made of organic fleece. This Earth Coat from the green gals at Raw Earth Wild Sky really strikes my fancy. It's planet friendly, flattering, and looks oh so comfy! It also comes in Loch, Rock and Black, but I'm partial to the Pomegranate.

$234 at btcelements.com

A dust must.

I pretty much adore, covet and lurrrve everything at my new favorite shopping site, Pop Deluxe. Right now the Dust Bunny Duster is at the top of my wish list. I hate cleaning, but with two dogs I'm dealing with non-stop allergens and dander. I'm always on the lookout for fun products that can make housework less hectic and this bunny fits the bill.



$14.99 at popdeluxe.net.

Every ticket tells a story.

In my childhood bedroom, I still have a bulletin board covered with concert tickets from my teen years. This Ticket Stub Diary serves double duty as a great place to store mementos for us non-scrapbookers and a fun alternative to traditional journals -- a very thoughtful gift for the groupie in your life.

$12 at UncommonGoods.com.

Lurrrving Candy Point

One of my best friends got married the other weekend and as bridesmaids gifts, she gave us these amazing earrings. Turns out her aunt made them. In fact her aunt, Anne Whittle has her own jewelry business and sells her beautiful work as Candy Point Collection. I don't see earrings on her site (must've been special, just for us) but her necklaces are equally stunning. What better time than Halloween to treat yourself to a little candy?


Orange Crush - four strands of orange pearls, $75 at CandyPointCollection.com.

Coveting: Prints by Alie Ward

I've had Alie's site, Curiology, bookmarked for years now, and I've gotten attached to several of her pieces (all of which were snapped up before I'd saved up enough of my pennies).

I just checked back in, though, and discovered she's now offering prints of some of her stuff, starting at $30 each. I'm going to buy this one, called Sin/Atone from her Dichotomy series, to hang up in my office. (It's perfect for an editor, no?)


I like Alie's work because it's thoughtful and funny. Take a look at her other prints for sale here.

New favorite: Boho Mag

I adore magazines. Sure, sometimes they're not exactly what I would call feminist, but the ones I continually go back to (Self, Real Simple, skirt!), are magazines that feed my soul--while also giving me new things to covet.

I may have a new one to add to that list, after a glance through the premiere issue of Boho. It promotes itself as "100% recycled, re-styled, re-used," and it's printed on 100% post-consumer paper, processed chlorine free and recycled certified. Wow. Here's a magazine that practices what it preaches!

The content is all about empowerment (although not of the in-your-face variety), but also includes wellness, beauty, fashion, and lifestyles. Not only that, but it's really pretty, too.

The Sample Life

While on sabbatical in Colorado ("on sabbatical" meaning unemployed), I once wore the same pair of pants for five straight days. I know. I'm gross.



But if you ever put on the Cloudveil Run Don't Walk Pants, you won't want to take them off. They are hands down the most comfortable clothes I've ever had on my body. It's like they're lined with babies' bottoms.

When I ordered my second pair, my husband asked, "How many pairs of those do you need?" My answer was two. Now that I've found them in the new 2008 Bluegrass color, I've changed my answer to three.

At full price you might be sticker shocked, but thanks to the Cloudveil Store at KL Sport, I never pay full price for my Clouveil gear. Their sample sale section offers the latest looks at up to 50% off.

Kate O'Brien's 2009 Calendar

I discovered Kate a few months ago and shared her talent with you, but I just have to bring her up again, because her 2009 calendar is now for sale:

It is fantastic, and I am ordering one for myself (and possibly one for my sister, too) right now.

$23.75 -- Get it here.

Lurrrving Mirror Mints

I don't keep a compact in my pocketbook (too lazy for midday touch-ups) so these Mirror Mints are a match made in self-conscious heaven. As the name suggests, it's a tin of mints with a mirror on the inside. After I eat my everything bagel, I can freshen my garlic breath while checking for poppy seeds between my teeth!



They come in three fun flavors: Chocolate City Chic, Peppermint Glam Girl, and Citrus Fly Girl. At $3 each with adorable packaging, they make great add-ons to gifts or a great "just because" gesture on their own.

Available online at my new favorite shopping site, Tobi.

Coveting Red Ruby Rose

Another one of my favorite Etsy shops is Red Ruby Rose--the creator, Rowena Dugdale, is a photographer, illustrator, and crafter from Bristol, UK, and uses the most gorgeous prints and silks for her clutch purses.

This one is my current favorite. I love the print, and the inside is lined in the most beautiful shade of blue dupioni silk (I am such a sucker for blue!).

Yellow Peony silk-lined clutch, $75

Her other clutches are just as gorgeous, though, and I bet you would get compliments on them all night long.

Green and gold silk-lined clutch, $75

Yellow seedheads silk-lined clutch, $75

Lurrrving Hadley Hutton

It's just one of those weird things: I hate birds, but love bird images on clothes and accessories. My most recent online bird find is from illustrator/artist Hadley Hutton.

Her prints are fresh, contemporary, and available through her online sale.


$30 at hadleyhutton.com.

More prints available at her Etsy store: hadleyhutton.etsy.com.

True Lurrrve: Kate Szabone

Etsy is one of my favorite things -- I spend a lot of time on that site, cruising around for new, fun things. One of my other favorite things is jewelry, especially anything with aquamarine, which is my birthstone. It's also the centerpiece of my favorite piece of jewelry of all time, my engagement ring:


I'm a fan of simple, classic jewelry. I'm not big on the trendy stuff, because I also have expensive tastes, and that means most of the jewelry I buy has to be more of an investment than something that will go perfectly with my newest favorite outfit. (I do make a few exceptions, though: I bought these because I thought they were pretty, and I always get compliments on them.)

I've been back to visit Kate Szabone's Etsy shop several times since I first discovered her, and now that I've discovered this gorgeous set of rings ($360), I know what my next jewelry splurge is going to be.


I'm also seriously coveting this gorgeous set of bangles ($265), featuring a large blue aquamarine.


I love Kate's jewelry for its simplicity and organic lines. I've been dying for a pair of her hand-hammered hoops for months, and I love the interesting combinations and shapes she uses. And, if you're looking for a beautiful, simple engagement set -- she's got you covered.

Amo A Mano.

It's no secret that I have a thing for shoes. A big, big thing for shoes, in fact. I lurrrve them. Flats, wedges, stilettos, stacked, for hiking, running, dancing...I love them all.

Imagine my delight at discovering A Mano, a store in Seattle, that sells gorgeous kicks like these.

One of 2 T-strap, on sale for $102

Chie Mihara "Konan," $378

Elsa shoes in Bordeaux & Black, $475

Loeffler Randall "Gillian" on sale for $215

They're the kind of shoes you'd want to save for your granddaughters, no? (And, PS--they also sell some really gorgeous bags and jewelry, too.)

Struck by lighting.

I first saw this chandelier in my neighbor's home, which looks like it could be in a magazine. Trust me, it's just as stunning (if not more) in person.




Lotus Flower Chandelier, $329 (small) and $649 (large) at VivaTerra.

Is it tacky to have the same dining room lighting as your next-door neighbor? I'm thinking that's even worse than showing up at a party wearing the same dress as the host. I might have to move.

Fabricated.

I've been a fan of the online fabric/sewing shop ReproDepot for a while now--I've ordered fabric from them for pillows, a set of fabric wall hangings, and even my duvet cover. They're a great source for unique and interesting fabrics at great prices, including some really beautiful Marimekko and geometric print fabrics.

Right now I'm pondering what to buy for my old wingback chair, which I am going to have re-upholstered. I am in love with several options:

Marhaba: $42 per yard. (Expensive! Also, too bright, I think.)

Heila: $21 per yard. (Too busy?)

Lurrrving Manimal Moccasins

If pajamas and slippers were accepted as everyday fashion, I would wear nothing else. I seriously considered a career in healthcare solely based on the idea of wearing scrubs to work. That and helping others.

Until sweatpants stop shouting "I give up!", I look for every opportunity to combine comfort with style (mocs are apparently all the rage this fall). Enter Kristen Lombardi's Manimal Moccasins. They come in vegan and organic leather (lurrrving the vegan). The html link says "children" but I'm pretty sure these shoes are all woman. Adorable... Sustainable... Affordable? Well, you can't have everything.


$174 at Beklina.com.

Lurrrving Manic Trout

Through good mouse-clicking karma, I happened upon this amazing site for handmade jewelry and immediately bookmarked it. Designer Sierra Bailey's stunning yet affordable creations have me wrapped around her little finger. Can't wait to have one of her rings wrapped around mine! I'm torn between the glam Bling Ring and the retro, eco-friendly Button Ring. Thank God I have ten fingers.


Bling Rings, made from chandelier crystals with a silver plate wire wrapped setting and band, range from $25-$35.


Button Rings, made from vintage ball buttons and silver tone wire, $25 each.

I lurrrve Kate O'Brien

I stumbled across Kate O'Brien's work on flickr today, and was instantly smitten. Her photography is playful, thoughtful, and imaginative--and the attention to detail is unmistakable. This shot is the one that originally caught my eye:
It's called "Jeune Fille délivrant un oiseau de sa cage," and I think it's gorgeous. But then, scrolling through Kate's other images on flickr, I found this one ("Hail Mary"), and I was officially hooked.

Here are links to a few more favorites for you to check out. From the looks of Kate's web site, she'll take on any client, any challenge -- and it looks like she's great fun to work with. Would love to see her take on traditional wedding photos!

Lurrrving Apothia candles

I wish my laptop screen had a scratch n' sniff feature. Apothia does such good job describing their aromas, that I'd be willing to buy their candles, site unsmelled. Plus, I'm a sucker for pretty packaging. I've added the Casa, Verde, and Spiritual scents to my ever-increasing wish list.



60 hours of olfactory bliss for $46.

Happy feet

My new favorite shade of polish for my toes:

I think Lindsey Beth disagrees with me on this, but I prefer Essie polish. I don't like how thick and gloppy OPI polish is, whereas Essie is nice and smooth; perfect for easy application (and at-home touch-ups). This shade is called Bermuda Shorts, and since I decided to skip lunch in favor of a pedicure this afternoon (I know, I know), I wanted something that would perk me up. Something bright. Something lively. Something unique.

And then two girls sat down in the chairs next to me and had chosen the EXACT SAME SHADE. So much for originality. However, I think this means it's a winner. My toes are looking tres chic.

A Pimple Plan

I'm big on protecting my skin and staving off wrinkles, but don't want to spend a fortune if I don't have to (those Dateline segments made me totally paranoid).

My dermatologist suggested drugstore brands such as Aveeno and Neutrogena for skin, and Almay for make-up. I've tried Almay's eyeliner and wasn't a huge fan, but I'm all about shopping at Target for skincare. Here's what's in my medicine cabinet:

Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser


Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF30


Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF45


Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream


Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes


So far, I'm happy with the results. Which drugstore brands do you lurrrve?

Shampoo sans shower.

A good friend sent me a package a few months ago...apparently I had whined about wanting to try dry shampoo enough times that she decided to put me out of my misery.

God love her for it, because this shampoo has changed my life. I'd tried the Bumble & Bumble dry shampoo a few years ago--it's a powder and comes in white (for blondes) or darker shades for darker hair--and while I'd liked it OK, I found it difficult to apply the right amount. I either ended up with not enough powder and really greasy hair, or squeezed out WAY too much and ended up with white locks. Plus it didn't smell very nice.

This stuff, however, is going to be a regular purchase from now on:

Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo, $21.85

It's a spray formula, which means it's much easier to apply evenly and focus where I need a little more absorption--and for me, since it's a daily struggle to get out of bed in the morning, I was desperate for a way to keep my must-be-washed-every-single-day hair from looking like a greasy mop on the days when I barely managed to find a somewhat non-wrinkled outfit and make it to work on time with my teeth brushed.

It doesn't smell great, but it's no worse than your average hairspray--and the smell fades as soon as the spray dries.

Lurrrve. It.

Lurrrvely stamps

A while ago, I bought a roll of "forever" stamps from the post office, partially because I hate going to the post office (and always need stamps at the least convenient times), and partially because I use stamps so rarely now that I figured it would be nice to have them around and know they were the right denomination when I did need them.

Honestly, though? Forever stamps are U-G-L-Y. Especially after seeing these Charles and Ray Eames stamps:Aren't they gorgeous? I am feeling slightly pathetic for coveting stamps, though.

Lurrrving Orla Kiely

After obsessing over Orla for ages, I finally indulged a few months ago in this goes-with-nothing-and-everything Multi Stem Shoulder Bag.

I wanted to spread the lurrrve by letting you know about the fabulous Summer Sale going on now at www.orlakiely.com/usa. With items up to 50% off (and the right amount of rationalizing) it's kinda sorta almost afforable. The Primrose Print Dress is not only ideal for summer, but could transition nicely into the fall over a pair of jeans or leggings.


$72.50 (down from $145).

Lurrrving the 'lime

Piperlime is a shoe & handbag website that falls under the Gap Inc. umbrella. It has the "free shipping, free returns" thing going on like Zappos, but without the brain-burning decision making that comes with too much inventory.

PLime offers fun category searches such as "Fantastic Finds under $75" and "As seen in..." which allows you to shop all the shoes fit to print.
I have my eye on these Matt Berson gladiators.


Need a sole-ful reason to splurge? Piperlime partners with Soles4Souls to donate used shoes to those in need.

Lurrrving: Dyson

When my vacuum died last week, I thought, Oh well, another one bites the dust.

At last count, my household has gone through four vacuums in the past five years. The sad part about that is that in the past five years, we've lived in one house with carpeting: the one we live in now, that we moved into in February. So those vacuums died after not being able to handle the amount of dog hair that accumulates on rugs and hardwood floors when you have two golden retriever mixes.

On Friday, I dug out the Phillips-head screwdriver, pried off the vacuum backing, and checked the vacuum's belt, figuring maybe this time it would be an easy fix. It wasn't. There is something wrong with the motor, and for a vacuum we spent about $80 (an estimation), I don't see it being worth a trip to a repair store. It's just going to break again.

For years, I've been dreaming about owning a Dyson, but have never been brave enough to make the investment. I mean, they cost $500 brand new! But then I added up the approximate amount we've spent on vacuums over the past five years, and I realized we'd been spending more money on vacuums than we would if we invested in one that was supposed to last for five years. And I have several friends who have Dysons and swear by them (seriously, people swear by this vaccum), but, still -- $500 for a vacuum?

Yesterday was do-or-die: I hadn't vacuumed in a week, and the house was starting to get hairy. I went to Target, expecting to plunk down another $150 or so on a new vacuum...and found that the Dyson I'd been coveting, the Animal, was on clearance. I emailed my husband, we checked our bank accounts...and decided to go for it.


I was starting to freak out as I reached the check-out counter, thinking about what the grand total of my Target shopping spree would be (of course I also needed to get necessities like dog food and shampoo), when a woman walked by, glanced at my cart, and said over her shoulder, "You will LOVE that vacuum cleaner. Seriously. It is worth every penny. I wish I had two of them."

That was all it took.

I got home yesterday, put my new toy together (can a vacuum be called a toy?), and took it for a test drive on my week's-worth-of-dog-hair carpet...and it was awesome. So far the best part is that you don't have to bend down to turn it on, empty the canister, or even plug in the attachments. And it has an extra-long cord so I don't continually have to plug and unplug. I also suspect it picked up dog hair that my now-deceased vacuum had been missing for months.

The Dyson Animal is the vacuum most recommended for houses with pets--so I'm crossing my fingers that my little furry boys' shedding won't prove too much for it to handle. So far, I'm impressed. Will I still be impressed a year from now? We shall see.

Thread Head

Last night I dreamt that I was hanging out with friends, and all of the sudden I looked down and my shirt was gone. I felt exposed, embarrassed, and a tad slutty. But no one else seemed to mind so I just laughed it off. I've interpreted this dream to mean that my wardrobe needs a new top (stretching here, but have to rationalize yet another purchase).

Enter Threadless. Their online community offers hundreds of options, adding new tees and prints every Monday, so you're unlikely to see anyone else walking around town sporting your selection. My current faves are The Outdoor Mix, $17:


and Parable Paranoia, $26: