Currently Loving: Backpacks

Shopping period has started with a vengeance and I'm already exhausted! There are some amazing classes being offered this semester, the trick is to get into them.

I've been lugging my computer around in a purse, definitely not ideal. And while I constantly talk about buying a Filson bag I still haven't pulled the trigger. I'm starting to seriously consider a backpack, something I swore I would never do after middle school. But I've been seeing so many cute options around campus and on the interwebs. Here's my round-up of backpacks, all under $100.

The Highlander ($99)

Comes in lots of different colors, can be worn lots of different ways. Etsy comes through again.

GWEND French Beige and Blue Backpack ($44)

I like this vintage option, but I'm not sure the beige will go with my winter coat (it's important to think about these things!) so someone else buy this please.

Vintage large navy canvas Backpack ($54)

I'm not sure if these straps are up to the weight of my laptop and a million books, but the label on this says "of course by schneiders, walker" and that is very hard to resist.

Vintage Chanel Backpack ($399)

Way outside my budget. But adorable.

Reading Week Break

Just stopping by to say that posting might be a little light for the next few days due to finals and moving out etc.

Hope you all are having more fun than me.


Rock on ring from Marc Barer

3 questions with an Etsy artist: glamour junkie

When I first saw the dreamy scarves and capelets from Louise at glamour junkie I knew I had to share them with you. Her pieces are so unique, I especially love the way she mixes textiles.

One of my favorite pieces is the Bianca Nuno Silk Petal Shrug ($250)




I also love her hairpieces, like the Bianca Nuno Felted Silk Flower Chain ($80)


And here is my short interview with Louise:

1. How/when did you start creating?
I started drawing when I was very little and got into making/felting at Secondary school. The first felted thing I made was a vase, which was a bit chunky and woolly for my liking, but it encouraged me to experiment with felting to develop more delicate and floaty fabrics.

2. What are you finding inspiring right now?
My garden, woodlands, the fields around my house.. I really love Spring and am inspired by the delicate new flowers, fruit blossom trees and soft colours.

3. What's the one thing you can't live without?
My camera. Nothing special, just a little digital one, but it's so useful for gathering inspiration, especially colour ideas when I haven't got a sketchbook with me.

Thanks so much for sharing Louise!

3 questions with an Etsy artist: tutti studio

I always love reading interviews with creative people. But I'm terrible at reading long things online. So I decided to create a new series here which is three (short) questions with an etsy artist.

First up is the wonderful Tutti from tutti studios. If you haven't seen her prints, you must check out her adorable shop. Tutti lives and works in Tel Aviv (cool!)


Forget-me-not print, $25


Swing print, $25

1. How/when did you start drawing?

I can't really tell you how or when, because I've been drawing ever since I can remember. My parents were the best supporters, They always encouraged me to pursue my art and do what I love. My dad still has a doodle I made on a yellow post-it when I was 3 years old, framed in his office - now that's what I call supporting the arts! ;-)

2. What are you finding inspiring right now?

I'm having a bit of a vintage obsession at the moment. So I'm finding all "lost" things inspiring, whether I find them at the flea market, on e-bay or in my grandfathers drawers. I love to make up my own stories for these precious items, who owned them, how were they used and where they went...

3. What's the one thing you can't live without?
That's an easy one. The one thing I can't live without is my amazing supporting husband, who is my best friend and biggest love.

Thank you so much Tutti for being the first in what I hope will be a continuing series here!

Peace and Love Vintage

I'm finding myself drawn to etsy much more than ebay these days. I think it's something about interacting with store owners that I like, and I have never ever had a problem with etsy while ebay can sometimes be a pain in the butt.

My new favorite vintage store on etsy is Peace and Love (http://www.etsy.com/shop/peaceandloveck). They have the most gorgeous assortment of vintage dresses, and they're having a sale right now!

I bought this mini dress for an upcoming event:



I am so in love with this yellow dress.


And how cute is this paisley mini dress?

Black Thumb

I have never been able to keep a plant alive. But all I've ever wanted is a little garden, just like the little girl in Mary Engelbreit's illustrated edition of Hans Christen Anderson's story, The Snow Queen.



It's especially hard to cultivate a garden here at school. I have been researching what kind of plants would grow with little light and attention when I stumbled upon Tortoise Loves Donkey on etsy. My prayers have been answered! This amazing little shop is filled with adorable tiny air plants and moss in the sweetest glass containers imaginable. Trying to pick my favorite has been quite difficult, but I think I'm going to start off with these:

Tiny Tiny Air Plant Terrarium, -group of 3- $14.50


Three Tiny Tiny Terrariums, $14.50


If I can't control myself and get only a few (which seems highly likely) I may also have to get these:

Little Mossy Guy, $5.50


Three Itty Bitty Terrariums, $12.50


You can head on over to http://www.etsy.com/shop/TortoiseLovesDonkey to view even more adorableness.

Triggerhappy

Via http://www.etsy.com/shop/triggerhappy

Came across this last night on poppytalk handmade (a great resource for handmade gifts, and a very cute blog as well).

Triggerhappy is an etsy store with such gorgeous jewelry, I'm hooked! I don't usually wear jewelry but if I do it's something small and meaningful. I like the "it happened here" necklace because it is just that, small and meaningful. You can have the latitude and longitude of a special place engraved on a piece of metal. When you receive your necklace you also get the password to an interactive map where you can share the story behind your coordinates. This is such a beautiful idea, especially with Valentine's day coming up.

Library Inspired Etsy Finds

Spending all my time in the library has serious repercussions for my blogging. I want books, books, books. And things inspired by books. I'd especially love a perfume that smells like old books.

How perfect is this vintage book locket?


From the bumbling bird
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBumblingBird

A little off the book theme, but to adorable not to post! (Also from the bumbling bird)



A unused diary from 1953


From hamsterguppies
http://www.etsy.com/shop/hamsterguppies

An advertisement for an underwood typewriter! (I'll explain why this was so exciting in a minute)


From surrender dorothy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SurrenderDorothy

My bf (hatman as he is affectionately known) and I spent the first three months of our relationship apart. Many emails were exchanged. Quite a few skype dates were had. But my favorite thing was when he sent me a song. He has such a good ear, he always picks songs that perfectly capture whatever he is trying to say. He also writes beautiful songs but would probably kill me if I put one up here. Anyways, my favorite song he sent me (and one of my favorite study songs) is The Underwood Typewriter by Fionn Regan. If you've never hear of Fionn, do yourself a favor and download some of his songs.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com