Shoe Revival

What do you do when a favorite pair of flats have just about reached the end of their life? A pair that you've loved from day one... and it shows (i.e. fading, scuffs, etc). So much in fact that it's actually pretty embarrassing to wear them (in a professional sense) because of how ratty they look.

I was recently faced with such a dilemma. A great pair of BR black flats that I've had for years were in need of some major TLC. I couldn't bring myself to throw them away (I mean they're from Banana) so I got creative... and possible a little desperate. Working on a limited budget (just bought a car), I didn't really want to purchase anything to bring them from beyond the grave but rather use whatever I could find around my apartment.

Enter....

The sharpie. Now before you think I'm crazy for taking a permeant market to a lovely pair of flats. I should explain the texture of the shoe, which is basically a suede material. Risky? Yes but the gain could be great.

Afterward I took a old black sock to smooth out the marks. (Incase you're not sure what a black sock looks like I've included a picture below.)

The results, I'm pleased to say were great! See for yourself! It will be our little secret and considering that about 3 people read this blog... secret should be safe, for a while at least :)

French Roast

Amazing! J'adore! And the best part... he's French... Extra Bold :)



Ahhh....he makes me melt.

We are in luvre.

We've struck music inspiration gold!

If I'm anything like most music lovers, we're always on a continuous search for new/upcoming music that helps set the mood and puts us in our element. Don't get me wrong... I love the mainstream cliche songs that get way too much radio play just as much as the next person. But those get tired and old quick and if you're like me, you lean on music (heavily) for inspiration, motivation, relaxation and any other "ation" you can think of, especially during working hours. The same old same old songs just don't cut it eventually and (for me) new songs are needed to maintain/increase brain stimulation.

Enter wearehunted.com. 

A one stop listening shop for the 99 most popular "emerging,""mainstream," "remixed," songs. I personally enjoy the "emerging" songs section because 99% of the time I've never heard the song before. There are even links to purchase the songs or search for songs similar to your favorites. 

This is an awesome resource for any music lover and must to keep you going throughout your day! Enjoy! :) 

tunes for tuesday.

I'm going to make every effort to post new music I find (& am currently obsessing over) every Tuesday. Here's hoping... Cassette Kids is a a rock-punk-electronic triple threat from Sydney, Au. Their lead singer reminds me a bit of Gwen Stefani circa 1990s. EP, Spin, dropped today and you can get it on itunes or amazon. Take a listen.....

Lying Around

Cassette Kids

Take it

Cassette Kids

march madness.

Got a mailer from The Limited today & just as I was about to toss it (only because I'm lacking in the financial department) I noticed a designer collaboration announcement for Jodi Arnold.

Congratulations Limited, you've peaked my interest (not that it was very difficult... obviously). So I made a quick search for some articles (& what I really mean is some image previews... because I need to see what we're talking about here).

Came across this sneak peak & needless to say, I'm sold. Now if Spring (weather) would just get here! I want that skirt, ohh and if I could find somewhere to wear that teal one-sholder (& it be appropriate), that'd be most helpful!

Check out the details on the collaboration at stylelist. March 18 get here now!!! 

Ohh, & check out these (coming soon) fabulous fabric prints at target. Hitting stores on the 14th. So very fun & Alice and Wonderland-esque!

city fun - okc.

One of my favorite blogs, design*sponge has all things art, crafts, DIY, city guides (hence the purpose of this post), etc!

I actually subscribe to their RSS feed but for one reason or another hadn't been keeping up with it. The other day noticed I had some 70+ articles in my inbox and decided it was time for a clean up.

While shuffling through them I came across a city guide that peaked my interest. Why you ask??? Well because it was of the one and only Okla. City, which I consider to be very underrated and this guide proves it. I've lived here for more than 10 years and though I've been to or heard of a lot of these places, there were still several I've never ever heard of! 

Here's a link to the city guide HERE, sorry the links no longer work on design sponge but if you if you do a google search of these places almost all of them have sites.

They have tons more city guides that you can thumb through HERE too.

I'm going to be really busy now... lots of places to visit! Enjoy!

geometric states.

Not really sure how I happened upon the idea to make retro geometric states... boredom probably played a big role in this. Maybe I'll make the other 47 some day but for now figure the states where my closest friends live is a good place to start!

Oh and the little hearts represent the towns in which they live.

Post script. My favorite part about playing on photoshop-indesign-illustrator is it creates the perfect atmosphere for listening to music. Ps-Id-Ai & iTunes should marry. They go together like PB&J! 

Music Mood

Track: Always Like This

Artist: Bombay Bicycle Club

etsy favorite finds.

After receiving etsy's daily e-mail featuring hand picked items for some time now, I've come to the conclusion that, aside from the irresistible purchases from Target's stationary aisle, I am going to by all my paper good needs from etsy. Take a peak at some recent favorite finds.  

Typewriter I LOVE YOU Valentine: cardandenvelope

Perfect of Valentine's Day.... no? :) 

That Blows: hawkgerber

I never look forward to giving someone a "my condolences" card but if I ever need to I hope the situation is light enough that this card would be appropriate... because I love it! 

Cheers Wine Gocco Art: twoguitars

Kudos sir! 

Floating Petaless Anemones: soulflower

Blank card, just for fun - thinking of you. Great for summer!

coffee house rap.

The best part about the rap genre is when hippie rock chicks cover their songs. Don't get me wrong I pretty much enjoy any & every type of music including rap. It's just these versions are more in line with my favorite kind of music. I've posted two favorites below. I'm guessing a lot of people have heard of Anya Marina because her songs have been featured on several tv shows and movies. But if you haven't heard of Jenny Owen Youngs she's pretty awesome. You can check out more of her music on itunes and her music video for "Hot In Herre" (below) is amusing... in a random sort of way. 

Nelly: Hot In Herre (Jenny Owen Youngs cover)

T.I.: You Can Have Whatever You Like (Anya Marina cover)

fashionable flavor.

I’m not usually a Gap shopper, and being completely honest, I made a pact with myself in high school that I’d never shop there unless I was buying something on sale. Mostly because at some point everything at Gap (eventually) goes on sale and they always seem to have a pretty good supply of their sale items.  Plus since Gap and Old Navy (&BR) are all owned by the same company, so I discovered that if there was something that I liked at Gap I could usually find a similar, less expensive version at Old Navy.

However… I may have to make an exception for these sandals I came across the other day. Absolutely LOVE that they’re adorned with oversized jewels and their soft pink/warm orange colors get me completely in spring and summer mode. Very neutral – so their worth-the-wear possibilities (wearability – I’m coining that word) are endless.

*Side note: I actually got a Gap gift card for Christmas so I’m technically not breaking my rules.

etsy blends.

No surprise here that I'm absolutely obsessed with etsy, so much in fact that I get emails from them (newsletters) --- daily. One of my favorite shops is esdesigns. Her creations are earthy, simple and absolutely lovely. I've ordered things for friends and myself. I bought this twig ring (pictured below) a few months ago and wear it practically everyday. It's so dainty and sleek, it goes with everything!

esdesigns: Delicate Twig Stacking Ring

I also own her thin simple hammered ring (set of six stacking rings).... I just couldn't help myself. It's usually part of my daily attire as well.

On my wish list.

esdesigns: Pine Cone Necklace Hemlock

Mondo Music.

Came across Oberhofer a few weeks ago and have throughly enjoyed their sporadic and whimsy tunes ever since. Best part... you can download several of their tracks over at http://www.last.fm/music/Oberhofer for free!!!

Couldn't decide which track was my favorite, so I figure why should you. Here are a couple favorites and be sure to check out "Ran In Two" and "Collide" at last fm. Enjoy!

Alternative

Oberhofer: I Could Go

Oberhofer: Landline

the skinny.

As I'm just now getting "the hang" of this whole blogging thing (just call me a laggard), I'll try and play catch up.  But along the way, it's probably good to note that things (layouts, organization, etc.) may change from time to time as I develop this little pot of coffee.

Any who, a little fun fact. I tend to experience bouts of obsession amongst a vast number of areas. It's a good assumption that whatever I'm blogging about I'm also currently obsessing over. Music being one of my biggest and ever changing areas of obsession, it's fitting to make my first post about that. So without any more ramblings that you probably don't care about and on to the point. My current obsession....

Folk Rock

Mumford & Sons: Sigh No More - EP

Their EP was just released on itunes this past week (though their full album was released in the UK last fall) and it's well worth the > $4 download.  Love the use of banjo and carefully crafted, meaningful lyrics. Check out a favorite below.