snowflakes and cupcakes

lovely things

Just some lovely summer goods that I found today... Roxy's Finnie Watch has an awesome tortoise shell band. I also think the way they set the 3 and the 9 is a lot of fun. Next, the Roxy 4 Everyday Tote will keep all your beach goodies safe and sound. I love the mix of patterns and color. Next is the beautifully designed Power tee by Jedidiah. I love the graphic designed by the lovely Kelli Murray. I also adore the message. Next is my favorite dress of the summer (I have it in 2 colors) the O'Neill Jewel Dress. I also heart the Hurley Addison Jacket. The style is very flattering and the nautical inspired closures are adorable!

Charley Harper in your home

Back in August I posted about the amazing illustrator, Charley Harper. I was lucky enough to score that poster for Christmas, but now I want more!

Not only can you own beautiful Charley Harper artwork to hang on your wall, you can now have him in your kitchen. Towels, dinnerware, salt and pepper shakers and candles are available at Tag.

tokidoki winter

Yay for winter and christmas time. Tokidoki for LeSportsac released the 2007 Holiday print. It's adorable and complete with snowboarding skeletons, champagne, ornament bombs, honey jar bees, candy, snow monsters, and oh did i mention snowboarding skeletons? The bag designs are awesome as well; so so fun!

ccs vs. b4bc

Every October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) my favorite charity, B4BC teams up with CCS to make a line of tees to benefit the charity. They're always amazingly designed and fun; and the best part is that when you buy one, all the money goes to a radddddd cause! I posted my faves above, you can check out the whole line here.

toms: shoes for tomorrow

I discovered these cute little slip-ons at Orange Lola, but I didn't know the story behind them until I checked them out online. Blake Mycoskie was inspired by a traditional Argentine shoe and challenged by the continents poverty and health issues. He created TOMS with one mission: to make life more comfortable. He accomplishes this through this unique shoe and his commitment to match every pair purchased with a donated pair to a child in need. Nothing complicated, it's simple... you buy a pair of TOMS and Blake gives a pair to a child on your behalf.

Blake's idea came during a three-week visit to Argentina. He noticed that everyone, from farmers to polo players, was wearing simple rope-soled shoes called alpargatas. He also noticed that shoes were in high demand. It was while he was sitting on a farm pondering life that he decided he wanted to start a shoe company, and for every pair that he sells, he would give a pair to someone who needs them. They'll be "shoes for tomorrow, I'll call them TOMS"... get it?

TOMS are made of canvas and feature a flip-flop sole for comfort and a leather insole for luxury. They come in a huge variety of colors and prints. With every season, they also have a featured artist create a limited edition shoe. Right now you can get a pair of TOMS hand painted by artist Tyler Ramsey. Each pair of shoes is individually painted by Tyler, and they'll only set you back like $68 bucks! So not only will you be getting an awesome pair of totally unique shoes, you'll be doing it for an awesome cause!

la la la la lola

Another sweet Rhode Island find, cute boutique Orange Lola in Wakefield. They have awesome clothing, accessories, home items, and even kitty toys! I loved the miracle cans, the adorable terracotta clay frames by Art Department and the beautiful silk handbags made by local artist Christine Herron. The shop is located right on main street and shares space with Nonchalant Mom. There's great variety of style and price and you are sure to find something unique! Lucky for you, if you're not taking a trip up to RI anytime soon, they have a ton of their wares online at orangelola.com. Check 'em out and buy some Itchy Knee plush mice for your kitty!

art school dropout update!

k, i'm still on vaycay, but i HAD to post about the necklace update at art school drop out! Jessee has added a bunch of beautiful juxtapose necklaces (like the one above, that i just bought), as well as loads of new Hand Cast Plastic Necklaces. My favorite is the seahorse! Whenever I wear an Art School Drop Out necklace I get a compliment. The combination of vintage trinkets, buttons, and other unique finds is always a great conversation starter. Oh and be sure to sign up for the mailing list and you'll be one of the first to find out about shop updates. These goodies always go fast!

etnies slinkie

I visited my favorite Delaware skateshop, Kinetic, a couple of days ago and picked up the adorable and comfy Etnies Slinkie. I love the mix of colors and fabric textures. It also has the most comfortable sole for a slip on ever. (sorry vans). I've been very impressed with the etnies girl line lately. Seems like their working with a ton of new patterns, fabrics, and graphics. Instead of being a brand of just chunky skateboarding shoes, they are quickly turning into a brand where you can find some really fun and unique girlie styles.

Kyo Hashimoto

Sometimes it's easy for me to select which of the artists' pieces I want to showcase in the little photo collage above, but in this case it was next to impossible. I think every one of Kyo's pieces is truly exquisite and absolutely unique. I am blown away by the detail and imagination she puts into each of her necklaces, earrings, and brooches.

Kyo is an Australian jewlery designer who recently relocated to Japan but who is now returning to Australia. She has been designing since she was a little girl but seriously considered it when she was in school at the College of Fine Arts at the University of New South Wales. She is inspired by her immediate environment and then tweaks the imagery in her mind. Her collections, "I blame the Uni" (inspired by the Japanese sea urchin) and "The Anatomy of F" (designs inspired by flexing hair strands) are organic and unpredictable. She works with sterling silver and acrylic. Every piece is handmade and sometimes hand dyed.

Kyo runs a personal blog, where she posts her latest designs and updates. Her pieces can also be purchased at Moose.

summer luvvin'

Since it's July and summer is now in full effect, I thought I'd share with you my summer "must-haves". Things that I would not be able to survive without this summer, or things I think every girl should own. [1] First is a mismatched bikini. It's fun to make your swim suit totally unique by going out and doing some mixin' and matchin'. This is the suit I picked for the summer. The top is the Roxy's Number One Halter and the bottom is Roxy's Extra Low Bikini Bottom. [2] is an awesome beach towel made by Surf Diva. It has their beautiful image of a girlie hangin' ten with hibiscus flowers and a palm tree. Surf Diva is a small company out of La Jolla, CA that introduces women of all ages to the sport and spirit of surfing in a fun and encouraging environment.

[3] is my favorite bag of the summer. It's simple, but so fun. I love the message and the adorable little illustrated skateboard. It's (of course) made by Roxy and is called the Organic Needs Bag. You can carry all your beachy goods in it or take it grocery shopping! [4] is an awesome find. You can maintain your salty beach wear with this swimsuit saver by salty girls. Vitamins C and E combat dreaded chlorine damage and saltwater while chamomile and aloe whisper sweet nothings in your suit's ear.

To match your mismatched bikini find a pair of fun boardies like these [5] Roxy Dot Ya's. Instead of wearing stupid baggy boy's boardshorts, you can now wear a more bootie flattering girl style. And so your pretty eyes are protected make sure you get these retro styled [6] Von Zipper Stache's.

[7] I also love the Nixon Vega in pink. Not only is it thee best color, but it also supports my favorite charity, B4BC. Oh and if long boardies aren't your thing, you can show off your lovely legs with the [8] Roxy Cruiser Boardshorts with the lovely little elastic heart print waistband. I guess it's pretty evident what my favorite brand is huh? I wonder why! *wink*

[9] is good for when you have to run up to the boardwalk and get some water ice. Cover up with this cute Element Kumiko Tank that features unique yarn and voile appliques, multi skinny shoulder straps that cross in the back, and adorable front pockets with contrast stitching. Ooh and I can't ignore how darling these [10] Sanuk Donna Slip On's are. They're actually not shoes, but sandals! The sidewalk surfer allows your foot to bend and flex the way nature intended. They also have great arch support.

[11] wins for my most favorite suntan lotion ever. Not only does it offer great anti-aging sun protection, but Ocean Potion smells like a yummy creamsicle! Finally, when you go our for a nice dinner while watching the sunset, be sure to wear these lovely [12] Roxy Maryann's They're canvas flats with a very low profile featuring a heart print with a ballerina tie and toe box. I'm in love! Oh yeah, and if you're wondering what the grapes are for... no beach day is complete without some yummy grape goodness, the perfect beach snack! Now get of your stinkin' computer and hit the sand!