Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Gift Guide: Teaser

1950s Christmas Morning Girl Kiddie Clock Toys Vintage Photo Jack In The Box

Do you have a kitchen chemist on your list? A nouveau hippy, team captain, vintage cowgirl or air miles accumulator? What about an earth mother, pop star, gadget geek or a mix of several? I love holiday shopping and searching the internets for crazy finds for family and friends - so this year I'd love to share a little inspiration with some gifting ideas. Thus I give you gift guides, starting soon and ending at some undetermined point before Christmas when I run out of ideas. If you have someone particularly tricky, send me a profile and I'll do some digging.

Fa la la la la!

Outer Banksgiving

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We went, we ate, we swam in the sea, flew kites, wore matching sweaters and jumped, a lot. It was a spectacular holiday in the most beautiful setting. Tears all around when we had to pack up and head back to civilization Sunday.

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I'm hoping that in its second year, outer banksgiving is now an official tradition, in the sense that we have to keep going, every year.

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All credit for clever titling of this post goes to D. For a full album of all our beach activities - check out our flickr page.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Vintage Trimmings


Although we've yet to see a single flake and forecasts for turkey day are in the mid-to-upper 60's - I'm trying to get in the holiday spirit. Thank goodness for Anthro and all of their lovely vintage tree-trimmings. I love to collect real vintage ornaments - my favorites are a set of glass owls from Russia, but I wouldn't be opposed to adding a few of these to the group.


What about these incredible tree topper nests? I don't know if I'm ready to give up my star, but these are divine.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Let's Make Better Mistakes

I feel like my life demands this - by Mike Monteiro on the endlessly inspiring 20X200. Mom-to-be and fabulous blogger Paige just picked up a great buffalo print for her nursery, if you want fantastic inexpensive art, this is the perfect place.

Another indie-print I'm coveting?


Spooning from Etsy seller Petekdesign - LOVE!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Globe Chandelier

Benoit Vieubled via Bonnie Tsang via Black Eiffel

I am blown away by this globe chandelier that I spotted on Black Eiffel. It is by French lighting designer, Benoit Vieubled who creates many other lovely things out of light. I'm already strategizing how to make this on my own. How many dramatic lights are too many in a small living room?

Stocking Stuffer


The only thing better than gummi bears? Giant gummi bears. I can think of a few people who wouldn't mind one of these in their sock. From Fred Flare - $12 ea. What color do you eat first from the bag? I've always been partial to clear, which I think might be pineapple, but I'm content thinking of as "clear" flavor.






Thursday, November 18, 2010

Caped Crusaders

From the Sartorialist
One of my favorite things to pull out in the fall is this fantastic tie-belt grey tweed cape I grabbed off the end of a sales rack in Macy's a few holidays ago. This is the only time of the year that it seems appropriate. Wintery in spirit, but not in warmth. Although my J Crew cloth coat sees itself coming and going on every street corner, I rarely spot other capes on the DC streets.

Cape-wearers, where are you?

For wannabes - here are some suggestions, both high and low...

Fidelity Plaid Short Cape - $268

Real Deal - Black Vintage Nurse's Cape on Etsy - $124

Vintage Redwood Plaid Cape also on Etsy - $48


Top Shop Hooded Cape - $160







Cement Pearls


Yes please - only $35 over at Metsa Designs  They get darker over time after being exposed to the natural oils of your skin.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Periodic Table of Mad Men


From Emily Miethner - Next season seems so far awaaaaaaay.

Posters for girls

Amanda Visell via NotCot

How fantastic are these posters by illustrator Amanda Visell? I think they would be great in a little girl's room and they remind me of one of my favorite books growing up, The Paper Bag Princess. Anyone else read that one? These are available on Switcheroo.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Have a Seat



In our rad new mid-century fiberglass chair. The green/grey color is even more lovely in person. For those who were lovers of the red velvet chair that has graced several of our apartments, speak up - because it could now be yours!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Wedding: Location, Location

Choosing a spot for our nuptials in Denver wasn't the easiest decision. There are lots of beautiful mountain-top locations, and gardens and parks. Ultimately, we wanted something that spoke to the time we spent together living in Denver, so what could have been better than a re-purposed steel factory, much like our warehouse loft in LoDo? The ceremony location was even more difficult, because although we wanted the formality of a church wedding, we weren't too enthused by the restrictions placed on weddings by most of the major historic churches in Denver (no 20-person-elvis-singing choirs...).





We stumbled upon our Lady of Loretto almost by accident, and in no way expecting it to be the gem that it was. With all of the Catholic trappings, and none of the program restrictions, we were sold. The two level red sandstone church turns 100 this year and is filled with 23 incredible stained glass windows and a massive 1923 pipe organ. It is located at the highest point in Denver.
     
I was pretty sure for a while that our reception would be at Mile High Station, but looked at plenty of other options, to be sure. Ultimately the beautiful open industrial space won out. The details were so fantastic it hardly needed decor.





The incredible space and adjacent Ironworks building date back to 1897. It employed hundreds of iron workers and craftsmen as they assembled and shipped large-scale ship pieces used by the U.S. Navy in World War II. The restoration preserved the original character of the building and took it one step further with the brick and steel bar and, of course the exposed bulb chandeliers.



The vastness of the interior was overwhelming at first, but filled up quickly with our big 30-person banquet tables, leaving plenty of room for the band and dance floor. Although I didn't make it upstairs all night, cocktails and rockband were available on the mezzanine level.

All photos in this post are by the incredible Erik Clausen of Poser Image