Horn & Ivory- a new classy Etsy shop

I stumbled upon this super classy Etsy shop today and had to share. at Horn & Ivory the pillows are all handmade and designed with exclusive fabric. My favorite is the hand-painted striped pillow cover. Hand-painted? seriously, awesome. But I am especially loving the 24" square paintings. The colorway and modern motif, has me sold!!

A few things I would buy today if I had an extra $2000

OK, let me start off this post with a disclaimer that if I had an extra $2000 I would probably not buy all of these things... I would pay off a couple bills then put the rest in the wedding fund. This is more of a "loving list" and swoon-worthy objects. Disclaimer aside, here we go:
1. Prada Baroque sunglasses, I saw these in People magazine a few weeks ago and even went into the Prada store in NYC and tried them on (they looked fabulous on me, just sayin') I am seriously in love with them. But I lose things....
2. Trina Turk Graciella dress, I stalk the Trina Turk website about 4 times a week, but have never had an extra few hundred laying around to buy one of these fabulous dresses. Lucky for me, Banana Republic has just launched a capsule collection, but go fast cause since this morning there are already things they are sold out of. Including a fab pair of orange shorts I was gonna buy tonight... GONE. blast.
3. A Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP), preferably one built for water yoga. Ben and I went out last weekend on White Rock Lake, I rented the SUP and Ben the kayak. It was seriously so much fun that I came home and started googling prices for SUPs. Then I found out you can do water yoga (what?!?! awesome) and I became even more obsessed. Seriously obsessed. If anyone has a used board they are willing to sell me, let me know. Otherwise I'm holding out for that extra $2000.

Ride Colorfully with Pinterest and Kate Spade Vespa-- I want that!!

A couple weeks ago, I entered the Kate Spade #RideColorfully contest that they were holding on Pinterest. I want that Blue Florence Broadhurst Vespa like nobody's business. I have been bidding on eBay for a blue Vespa since I was 16, (hoping that I never win cause I didn't actually have the money). Nonne the less, you can see how far back my lust reaches. I have searched the Kate Spade page looking to see if there has been any winners announced to no avail. So.... if you lost my contact info, here I am... waiting to claim my blue Vespa!!

I had a lot of fun putting my board together, I tried to pin a few things to keep it local in Dallas. These are the places that I would actually ride my fancy Vespa to. Calatrava Bridge, Bishop Arts, Deep Ellum and White Rock Lake. 

And the other pins are ones that I would DREAM about riding my Vespa to. Including, Seguaro in Palm Springs, The Standard in NY,  Brooklyn, NY (Williamsburg is totally Vespa friendly!) and the Neon Boneyard in Vegas (cause cab rides are expensive as hell). My picks were mostly in the US, except for a couple Pins I did in Copenhagen, Denmark and Manchester, UK. Both very ride-able cities that I would always love to go back to.

What are your suggestions for Vespa friendly places?

**I have linked all photos back to their original sources above. I love Pinterest but realize it is vital that we always credit back to the originals!!**

Giveaway!! Actifirm Discovery Kit, perfect traveling companion [closed]

My good friend Sandra (Director of Interactive Marketing at Actifirm) Has introduced me to some pretty amazing skincare. And now its your turn! Actifirm is letting me giveaway a Discovery Kit, my favorite item (aside from the mushroom mask, which you should totally tryout). It is perfect for all the traveling that I do, and also perfect for you to tryout some of the awesome items in a smaller version! It was a serious lifesaver on my last 3 week trip to NC for furniture market.

So, what do YOU need to do to win? Well, there are three ways. You get an extra entry for each option:

1. Leave me a comment here on where you would travel with your Discovery Kit, maybe an exotic island?
2. Tweet @Actifirm where you would travel with your Discovery Kit (cc: @erinkay83)
3. Post on Actifirm's FB wall where you would travel with your Discovery Kit

I will draw a winner on Friday May 4. Good Luck!

Hula mania

My mom, My cousin, and This girl on Hello Giggles are all hoopin' their way to a better bod. Clearly I need to get out in my backyard and use mine more often. Or maybe this hoop would fit my traveling lifestyle a little better.
We did see some amazing hoppers at the Arts Factory last time we were in Vegas.

Are you in? What's your hula opinion?

Photo montage by my lovely friend Sandra.

yes... i just spent 45 min perusing the jumpsuit section on ASOS

OK, so I am in High Point, NC and other than the fact that we get home a little later, and there is NOTHING to do here, I have been surfing the internet a LOT this week. I have caught up on all my shows via the internet, been on Pinterest non-stop, and tried to keep myself from buying too much online. Although I did score some pretty sweet kitchen utensils for $6 the other day on Fab.com.
While on my web journey, I started thinking about how during showroom set-ups and photoshoots, I pretty much have the same jeans t-shirt ensemble. I thought a jumpsuit/playsuit would be a fun alternative. Plus totally functional, you can move around and climb ladders and lift stuff cause of the pants/shorts aspect AND still be cute like a dress. Genius.
Above are my top picks... opinions?
all from ASOS

Grey Gardens Party/movie Screening at Texas Theatre this weekend!

 

I really wish I were in Dallas this weekend so that I could go to this PARTY!! I have seen both Grey Gardens documentaries and the Broadway Musical. Needless to say, I find these ladies fascinating. But, since I can't go, you should don your finest nightgown as a hat and head over to the Texas Theatre on Saturday and enjoy the party for me. PLUS, they are having a themed dance party after!! Send me photos, cause I am super jealous and want to live vicariously through you!! 

Mod Monday- Zou Bisou Bisou

Let's be honest... you have been singing this song ALLLLL day. And if you are like Ben, you found the original Zou Bisou Bisou, the Sophia Loren version and the Huffington Post announcing custom vinyls of Jessica Pare's version.

And since the storyline didn't seem to move very much, I focused on the fashion. I felt like they were just reintroducing all the character's back to us. It has been a long time, I'm sure we needed a refresher, I'll give them that. My favorite dress of the night was the short black number that Megan was wearing... very Trina Turk-ish, no?

I Loved Janie Bryant's recap of the fashions from the episode. And despite my love of that black dress above, I normally am drawn to the 60's colors... and this episode has it FOR SURE.

photos from AMC and Huffington Post

The flowers are in bloom and so is Emily Hallman's Spring Collection!!!

 I had the absolute pleasure a couple weekends ago to meet the lovely Emily. She is the creator, designer, seamstress and model of the clothing line Emily Hallman.  Emily let Hilary and I into her studio (as documented here by Hilary) before TxSc, to see how she works. AND she gave us a sneak peek at her Spring collection which is launching TODAY!!

from our field trip to Emily's studio

I loved Emily from the very second I met her. Not only a NC native like myself, she suggested Vietnamese Pho for lunch. And we all know the way straight to a girl's heart is food (well at least mine).  But she really won me over when she started showing us the clothes that she designs and makes herself. I mean, serious attention to detail here people. Her clothes are ladylike, fun, retro with a modern twist and customizable to fit whoever is wearing them. Check, Check, Check!

this is from her holiday collection, but it was too awesome to not mention.

Have I sold you yet? Well if not... check out her entire line HERE.
My most favorite skirts of them all... the Rose Skirt... was posted on her FB page a couple days ago. Don't forget to LIKE her while you are there.

I might have a turquoise problem

I was so excited to order and receive my new little froggy cocktail ring from INpink. He's pretty awesome and I have gotten compliments all day on him. but when I put him in my jewelry box, I realized that I might have a turquoise ring problem... I mean there is NOT much diversity there. however, you buy what you like, right?

I guess my mom had a point when she bought me one of my all time favorite children's books, Sue Likes Blue.
And obviously this isn't the first time I had an affection to blue, as evidence from my house post here.

Some other rad booths at the Vintage Show

Vintage Junkys, these girls had a super fun booth to shop and had that 50's high waisted bikini they suggested I try on fit me, I totally woulda bought it. Something tells me these chicks with style are gonna find another one for me soon. Their Etsy shop is here.

Janet at Skip to my Lou was blowing my mind with her jewelry creations. Each piece is handmade by her from vintage pieces. Her merchandising on vintage photos was pretty cool too. On the back of each photo it tells the story of each item that went into the piece, plus a story about the photo... Art all around. Skip to my Lou isn't on the webs but you can call Janet at 903-825-3757

  Beads by Sandy was like a candy store for jewelry makers. Old keys.. Check. Colorful beads... Check. Bracelets with bugs in them? Check. Hilary and I both got bug bracelets and joked they were our "grown-up" friendship bracelets. Nothing says BFF like dead bugs captured in lucite.

 Nova at Collective Nest, had some really great items including some lovely vintage lingerie and get a load of that blue dress!! And her Etsy shop is open all the time. Vintage shopping at 2 am? Sure!

What do I do with my hands?! Oh, there. And the jumpsuit I never bought. But I did get that cutie citron 60's dress. Vintage Martini had the mother load of any vintage brand you have ever heard of including the Pucci dress none of us got. Oh well. Check out the Dallas Vintage Jewelry Show homepage for all the vendors. So worth it.

It's in the details- Texas Style Council Recap #1

This being my first blogger conference, I assumed there would be some well dressed ladies, but good God, I was like a kid in a candy shop of inspiration!! I really appreciate the girls that matched their outfits to their cards... Molly's nails matched perfect! It helped me remember.

All weekend long, it seemed like I was zoning in on the details of peoples outfits. And man there was a PLETHORA of goodness. Hilary and I were good partners in crime all weekend. We figured out she was good at taking in how a person would put something together overall and I would zoom in on a  fabulous jewel or detail of a garment.

Joanne rocks a very monochromatic scheme with a pop of blue; and Metsy had a blingin' fun red necklace.

I also realized that once I got home and was going through my photos that I really need to be a better journalist and A- write down who is wearing what (its hard to remember who someone is by their hands). B- note where they got it from so I can share with you guys. DUH, seems like blogger 101 right? Clearly I get all distracted by pretty and sparkly things--insert blonde joke here--

Rocquelle had some serious hairdos and that pearl necklace rocks; Jesse's feather plume fascinator is right up my alley; OMG who's rock ring is that?!oh, it is Haley's ring!; Joanna's lace top and fun belt totally pulled her LBD together; Merl, you have some mad necklace skillz. I want that.

So here are a few of my faves that I could actually identify... well except for that bad ass ring. who does that belong to?! I LOVE it. It is Haley's ring! Thanks for identifying that Metsy.

Sarah had the most amazing Twiggy lashes

Anne was sketching away, I am so in awe. She posted a few of her sketches so you should check those out!

Modern day Polaroid... Instaprint

If you are as addicted to Instagram as I am... YOU WILL LOVE THIS. Kickstarter just put up a new product called the Instaprint, you can go check it out on their page for all the info. But in a nutshell, it is a modern day polaroid in which you snap a photo with your Instagram app, set a # for your Instaprint machine and anytime anyone on Instagram uses that hashtag... IT PRINTS TO YOUR MACHINE. What the what?! so flipping cool.

On their site right now, you can tag an existing Instagram photo with #instaprint and you can watch your photo print live. That's my photo!
Of course I thought this would be the perfect thing for Ben and I's wedding, so I went ahead and backed the project. You should too. Let's make it happen.

Sometimes I pretend I live in So. California, today I really wish I did

Because if I did live in Southern California, aside from the proximity to beaches and awesome weather, I could pop over to UC Santa Barbara's AD & A Museum to see the current exhibit "Carefree California: Cliff May and the Romance of the Ranch House".  
I could read the books and surf the net all day but there is something about going to an actual exhibit to learn about a topic. I mean... hello? I am a visual person. And although I live in a perfect case study for Cliff May, I want to know more.

So, if you are in or near the Santa Barbara area in the next couple months, pop into the exhibit for me and tell me all about it.
**our neighbor Vanessa (who also lives in a Cliff May) sent this awesome link with more photos and a recap**

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway!! [CLOSED]

Hip Hip Hooray, it's Saturday! And man it is glorious outside down in Texas. I have an exciting video project I am working on with Ben and have been scouring the web for the perfect vintage inspired dress ensemble. I came across several lovely dresses from Shabby Apple and have narrowed it down to a few, which I will tell you about later.

In the meantime... Shabby Apple has generously offered to giveaway [closed] this adorable Spanish Steps dress shown above.  I think it is perfect for spring.  Just go "LIKE" the Shabby Apple Facebook page, then come back here and leave me a comment that you did, PLUS let me know where you would wear this lovely dress.*no returns to the winner and you must live in the US*

You have til Wednesday and I will pick a winner then! Good Luck.

If you can't wait, and want to shop women's dresses at Shabby Apple now, then you can receive 10% off on their already awesome prices. Just use the code "LITTLEE10OFF" at checkout.

Yard inspiration

contemporary exterior design by san diego landscape architect Grounded - Richard Risner RLA, ASLA

With all the warmer (freakish) weather lately, I have been dreaming of getting our yard together.
Here are a few inspiration photos I found over on Houzz.

modern landscape design by san diego landscape architect Grounded - Richard Risner RLA, ASLA

modern firepits design by miami showroom Phil C

Registered!! SO excited for the Texas Style Council

Thanks to Hilary, for gettin me on board. Countin' down til March, Austin here we come!

ABC Kitchen

 We popped over to ABC kitchen for lunch yesterday. Good food, great atmosphere and Beautiful space. Then of course we popped in for a really quick walk through ABC Home. When in Rome, right?!
I love the paint textures on the walls... swoon.

Interior use of concrete block

We had lunch at Alma in downtown Atlanta today and i couldn't stop staring at this amazing collection of patterned Concrete block. Clearly I have an obsession

Handmade this Holiday

Ok, so this isn't my pledge to make ALL my presents handmade... BUT I am trying to give a little homemade/handmade vibe to my gifts this season. Even if is is made by someone else [local]. That counts too... right?!

Hilary getting a pretty groovy dress herself

 I started my quest with Hilary [inspired] with a jaunt over to the Dallas Flea on Saturday. Keepin it local, y'all. We had a blast talking to artists and collectors and merry handmakers. I was especially impressed with:

I bought the necklace on the top left... serious outfit gamechanger

• Dora [who makes AMAZING clothing and jewelry] from d.p.c.
• F. is for Frank [cute and totally swoon-worthy jewels] 
• Ida [extraordinary repurposer of vintage furniture] from  the urban cottage
• leah duncan
• Sofia [carefully crafted eye for lovely vintage clothes] from The Lovely Hunter
• Holly from Jarma
• Michelle [who would be an incredible asset for thrifting cause of her awesome taste] from Pocket Full of Pearls

Dress [top left] from Sofia Lovely Hunter [top right] makes it's debut at vintage Christmas Party [photo by Andrew Balwin]

I was feeling so crafty and inspired that Sunday, I made a batch of sugar scrub found on Pinterest for my homegirls at work.
Since I was on a role, I went ahead and made washi tape gift tags for all my gifts to give them a lil handmade flair.

So what are you doing for gifts this holiday? Making anything good i need to know about?!