Gratitude - Dec 31

+ a surprise trip to Las Vegas and massage appointment courtesy of my wonderful boyfriend
+ my new 50 mm lens... amazing to say the least.
+ secret santa at work
+ baking cookies for my coworkers, and everyone enjoying them!
+ free time to watch Arthur on PBS at 2:30
+ rain
+ 2010... happy new year!

Happy Holidays

We had a quiet Christmas at home.  I received a 50 mm f/1.8 lens from my mom, which is what I used to take these photos (except for the first one).  One of my new years resolutions is to participate in the 365 project, where you take a photo a day.  I have a few more goals in mind, but I'm going to mull over them over the next few hours before I make any commitments. 

Wool And The Gang

My two favorite kits from Wool And The Gang. They come with everything you need! Wondering if I could pull off the wool shoulder pad look in the second photo... (photos: Wool And The Gang)

Gratitude - dec 11

Instead of my (not so usual) "Things I Love" entries, I've decided to change them to a new format called Gratitude.  Every Friday I am going to compile a short list of the things I am thankful for, things that put a smile on my face, or just little things I'd like to remember that happened in the past week. 

+ my boyfriend
+ coming up with wonderful new ideas (with the boyfriend)
+ working on new designs and ideas that I am satisfied with!  A real shop opening is coming, I promise.
+ rain rain rain!  I love the rain. 
+ teuxdeux.com
+ Ecoholic.  Great book I purchased last week! I'll probably write a more thorough entry on it.

Felt Snowflakes

I love these felt snowflakes in hot pink and white by purl bee.  They'd also be cute as gift tags for the holidays!  Try making your own with their tutorial. (photo: The Purl Bee)

We Are Land Rich

Tarrow Bulb from Land Rich.

Anna Wolf

Beautiful photography by Anna Wolf.  This is one of my favorites.  Plus, I have been dreaming of a shirt like this (see previous post).  And it's paired with a marled wool sweater! (photo: Anna Wolf)

Wishlist

Here are a few pieces I've been dreaming of adding to my wardrobe...

clockwise from top left: toast cardigan, clarevivier messenger tote, thief and bandit tee, french connection skirt

Marled woolly cardigans to throw over everything, a simple bag to hold everything, cool t shirts with interesting prints, and high waisted skirts with a slight tulip shape.  Also on my list, nubby socks to pair with opaque tights and my new boots, polka dot tights, a black turtleneck, and peter pan collared plaid shirt (it exists, I just don't know where to get it). 

The Story of Stuff

Have you heard of The Story of Stuff?  If not, I urge you to watch the whole thing on their website.  Here is a little clip of the entire 20 minute video.

Fall Boots

Whoops, I disappeared there for a while.  In all honesty, after I opened my etsy shop I became very discouraged with myself and my work.  Not quite sure where I was going with it and it sort of led to a rut.   But enough on that topic...

In a recent post I wrote about how I cleaned out my wardrobe, with nothing left but my favorites and essentials.  Now that it's slowly getting colder, it's time I add a few pieces for fall and winter. 

Boots by scriptandserif on Polyvore.com

 Boots have definitely been on my mind lately.  After my trip to Portland I realized that all my shoes didn't really cover my feet! For every day wear I usually slip on a pair of ballet  flats or moccasins, neither of which cover the top of my foot or even allow me to pair them with woolly socks.  As much as I love the Clark desert boot inspired wedges on the left,  I think I'd wear a pair of flat boots more often.  Unfortunately I haven't really found one that fits the bill.  I did however come across a pair of my ideal boots, except they have a heel!

(Lace Up Ankle Bootie - Madewell)

Other than looking for my ideal boot, I'd like to learn more about the process of them being made.  What's the difference between a moderately priced shoe and a designer shoe?  Is it the quality of materials?  Craftsmanship? I'm sure both play a part, but what about ethical production?  There are plenty of clothing designers that design with the environment in mind, and we are often given a glimpse into their production.  Some examples of such are not using sweat shops in third world countries and using organic materials. But what about shoes?  How and where was the leather sourced? Where were they assembled? How do I know quality pieces are being used? As passionate as I am about ethically produced clothing, it is much harder to find information about the origin of my shoes.