Etsy Finds: retro coffee mugs

1., 2., 3., 3., 4.

It has been so cold lately that doing anything besides hiding under several blankets doesn't sound appealing. That, and school started again. So not much going on here in the world of fashion. Just some new wool socks, winter boots and experimenting with different lip balms.

Focus has shifted to drinking lots of tea, hot chocolate, and soup. Is it dry out or what? I've been eyeing up fun colorful mugs to use. I keep going back to 70's retro mugs on Etsy. They're so unique...a little hideous....but fun. They have me tapping into my inner Mary Tyler Moore a bit. Which is good; I need some inspiration around here. Because if Mary could live in cold and blustery Minneapolis and still look fabulous, there's hope.

MKE Locals: Marisa Seguin

photo: Brett Stenson
Marisa lives in Milwaukee and makes wonderful illustrations. Originally from Vancouver, Marisa attended MIAD and now works in Milwaukee as an illustrator. I originally fell in love with her collection of illustrated city maps that she sells in her Etsy store. Aren't the colors great?! She's a true joy! - I've been working with her over the past months on a very, VERY exciting project that I'll announce next week! Check out her website to see more. And her blog, too!

Etsy Finds: Thief and Bandit

top tank, $58 left bracelet, $18.50 right bracelet, $14 lower tank, $54 (images via thief and bandit)

I'm really digging these handprinted fabrics from Thief and Bandit. Even though navajo prints are oozing trendiness right now, I think these designs are pretty unique (aka unlike anything you'd find at f21 or Urban Outfitters) because they're done simply and classically with a color palette that doesn't burn your retinas. So, go ahead and add some tribal inspired pieces to your wardrobe when they're like this.

They even makes little kids clothes!

Etsy Finds: tissu color block totes

photo: tissu handbags

Behold, this year's perfect summer tote. These color block leather totes from tissue handbags are calling my name. The color blocking and simple design are so in right now. And they're well-made - by an italian designer who now lives in Chicago. Visit the tissue website HERE and the easy store HERE.

(Found via Simple Lovely)

MKE locals: Marie of Rose and Anchor

Today we're talking with Milwaukee local and artist, Marie from Rose and Anchor as part of our MKE locals series. Marie makes beautiful vintage inspired brass jewelry she sells at small boutiques across the midwest (including Sparrow Collective in Bay View) as well as on Etsy. For the month of April, she's offering a 20% discount (use discount code APRIL20) for her Etsy shoppers.

Where do you find inspiration in Milwaukee?
I think one of the biggest inspirations for me has always been Lake Michigan. In the early days, it was the subject of photos I sold, and in the present it's more about everything that comes to mind in the nautical and historical sense of it all, if that makes sense. Too elaborate a little bit - I started out in the fall of 2009 while I was pregnant with my son, as a photography shop - I was known as Blue Balloon back then. I was stocked full of dreamy photos and stationery of Lake Michigan and landscapes, then I began dabbling in photo jewelry, which eventually evolved into what it is today. We live a few blocks away in Bay View, so the lake sometimes feels like a second home - we visit some point of it's shores nearly every day. I really began feeling a disconnect between the name Blue Balloon and the pieces in my shop over the past year and a half. It began bothering me enough that I finally took the big step and began rebranding as Rose & Anchor a few months ago. It's a name I'm really happy with, and was inspired in part by that beautiful body of water to our east. All that remains of the earlier days as Blue Balloon are a few photo lockets featuring Lake Michigan - they will remain in the shop always for sentimental reasons, and because of their popularity. In a way, they are like my shop's anchor. Which didn't really occur to me until writing it down just now...

How would you describe your style?
I think nostalgic, rustic, and feminine are the big ones that come immediately for me. I use a lot of old stock, or vintage findings whenever I can. Also a lot of earthy stones that I like to mix with brass. If something is made of newish materials, I try and still give it that old feel. I've also heard modern, earthy, minimal, simple, and romantic from other. I'd agree I'm a mix of all of the above.

What are you currently digging?
Recently I've been really enjoying everything my Vancouver pal and jewelry designer, Sarah, has been creating for her shop, Camp + Quarry. Also, fellow Milwaukeean, Little Ocean - I am in love with everything she makes, but especially her baby and kiddo designs. Other favorites lately include the handmade wooden sunglasses from Tumbleweeds, beautiful crocheted doily blankets from Goodknits, and Bookhou - I've got one of her waxed canvas bags, but she keeps putting out new designs and I've been admiring them all from afar. I could probably go on forever on this, because there is so much to love in the creative and handmade world, so I'll leave it at that for now. Thanks so much for including me in your series!

all photos courtesy of Rose and Anchor

Etsy Finds: Krust

I'm loving these bags from Krust. I need some bright pops of color in my wardrobe since it seems I wear nothing but black and grey when the temps dip below 32. I'm not great at physics but dark colors attract heat, correct? It's worth a try isn't it?

Check out more bags at the Krust Etsy store

Etsy Finds: Amy Ruppel's Wisconsin Print

I'm in love with this print from artist Amy Ruppel.

Surfs Up

Aren't these lovely images? They're all from Elgarboart on Etsy. I've been knee-deep in finals stuff all week, so it's s good mental vacay if you ask me. I don't surf, but learning to is on my bucket list? Do any of you surf?? Living in Wisconsin is sort of a hinderance.

Anatomy made easy...

I'm studying cardiac physiology this afternoon and this Anatomy of Love print from Rifle Paper Co. reminds me that all this science and stuff really ain't that complicated. Life is pretty simple, actually.

Love This: inkblot silk tee

I just love the color in this Silk Tee from Etsy seller, Rachel Rose. A piece of art, really.

I like: Prismatic Print Shop

It's a little late to buy a 2011 calendar, but you're in luck with these babies. You can buy by 3 astrological months at a time from Prismatic Print Shop. And not have to deal with those weird horoscopes.



viaFieldguided

Top 5: Etsy Shops I'm Lovin'

I'm scouring the Cyber Monday deals today looking for Christmas gift ideas. I'm coming up a little empty-handed, so while I click and browse again and again over here, I'll leave you with my good ol' Etsy standbys; my Top 5 Etsy Shops that I'm currently lovin'.


Laura Lombardi Jewelry


High Street Market


Debbie Carlos


Oh, Little Rabbit


Replicca

Etsy Window Shopping: mgmy

I just love this planter from Etsy seller, mgmy. At $32 plus shipping, I can't justify getting it for myself, but it would probably make a great Christmas present for an avid window sill gardener. Speaking of Christmas presents, I'm working on another gift guide this year including lots of local goods. It should be up the week of Thanksgiving (friends and family take note).

Cast those ballots....

Vote poster, $15 from Jason Hill Design

Shopping List: Sleepy King Toys

These little fox stuffed animals from Sleepy King are cute enough for adults, no? What?! I am too old to like stuffed animals?? Pssshhht.

Turning up the heat.

We turned our heat on for the first time last tonight. The temps are dropping into the 30's at night, so we'll soon be putting up plastic wrap over our upstairs windows. Our heating costs skyrocket in the winter (because our house is 120 years old and very big). The new roof we had put on last week should help, but the less I can turn up the heat, the better (hence, the chintzy window wrap). So I'm on the lookout for ways to conserve heat.....and this is one cute way to do it.......

Monsieur Doxie from Midwest Needles

Weekend: Packers, Blogs and Coffee

High Street Market posted this adorbs Madebygirl print today. I may just order their calling cards in the pool color. Anyways, back to High Street Market, I love Kelly's blog and etsy store. Girl crush alert!

Onto the weekend.....
We're having a Packers game day party on Sunday. I have some new recipes up my sleeve that I am going to try. If all goes well, I'll post abou that next week. If it doesn't go well, I'll post about the Oktoberfest beer sampler we're having. Can't mess that up :)

P.S. Renegade Craft Fair is this weekend in Chicago. Is anyone going? I'm not sure yet if I'm gonna be able to get there.

Decorating: Monticello

On the overseas plane ride, I read the entire Elle Decor magazine (among like 5 others). Yes, READ it, instead of "reading" only the pictures. This month's issue had an article about Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia that just underwent a mini makeover thanks to a donation and help from Polo Ralph Lauren. Unlike some makeovers that make the decor a little more modern and current, this makeover strived to make the room's furniture and wall paint more authentic to how it was originally. The results: my, that Jefferson had some good taste for the 1700's.




That yellow, called "chrome-yellow", is actually a replica of the orginal paint scrapings they found on the dining room walls. Such a bold yet pretty color! A lot of the furniture is orginal to the house, including some Chippendale pieces. Here are a few pieces I found on Etsy that have that same federalist, neo-classicism style of Monticello. Click on them to view the source. Look for some of these at the Elkhorn Flea Market this weekend (8/8)!