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gimme delicious

By on December 20, 2011 in collective efforts, shop talk, without an apron



Buying holidays gifts stresses me out. Fortunately, I’ve found that pretty much everyone loves fun stuff for the kitchen. Keeping that in mind, I’ve picked a few items that aren’t really staples, and therefore make wonderful gifts because you might not purchase them for yourself. It’s that kitchen accessory someone doesn’t even know they want, but they will. Happy gifting!

1// Eat Seasonal Print Set {“Summer” print shown above}
2// Modern Candelabra
3// Graphic Paper Placemats
4// Cheese Board / Cheese Markers / Cheese Knife Set
5// Tea Lovers Tea Kettle Continue Reading →

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gimme fabulous

By on December 19, 2011 in collective efforts, mad for fashion, shop talk



When it comes to giving the gift of fashion, you can go one of two ways; timeless staples to help build one’s wardrobe, or funky, one-of-a-kind accessories to add a little flair. Depending on the girl, I assure you that at least one of these finds is bound to please! Here are a few things that I’m lusting over this year…

P.S. – Santa, I love you. ;)

1// Raven Skull Necklace {perfect for the girl with a dark or witchy edge to her style}
2// Deborah Lippman Giftset Trio
3// Frenchi Fingerless Knit Gloves
4// Livingroom Lodging Top; Similar
5// Vintage Spoon Ring {courtesy of my good friend Eric’s amazing online shop!}
6// Minnetonka El Paso Moccasins Continue Reading →

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gimme graphic

By on December 12, 2011 in collective efforts, shop talk

What do we want this holiday season? Sara and I have compiled a collaborative wishlist, and we both want vibrant prints and one-of-a-kind pieces. Consequentially, this means we will either be timesharing a few of these limited edition beauties or longing for them as others swipe them up! {We’ve discovered some of these items are selling out quickly!} Not to worry, if you’re in need of some extra gift ideas, be sure to check out the 12 Days of Holiday Gift Guides at Modern Eve, where a few of our selects will be featured today!

1// Ana Montiel Print
2// Hand painted silk tee
3// Flannel iPad Case
4// Silkscreened Bag
5// Collage Scarf
6// Pendant Necklace; Similar Continue Reading →

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bewitched

By on October 10, 2011 in collective efforts, shop talk





{clockwise, left to right} Julie Nolan Astrological Necklace / Crochet Top / Ryder Short Buckle Boots / John Derian Tray / There will Be Miracles print / Magic print / Astrological Jewelry Stand

October has cast me under its spell. If something is shiny, black and white, or just a little witchy – I want it. Since I already have a black cat, I figure all I need now is a cabin in the woods… and a magical bank account to furnish my fab new witch’s lair. Oh, and maybe a book of spells a la 1993′s Hocus Pocus {SJP as a ditzy witch anyone?!}. More images after the jump! Continue Reading →

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pin stripes

By on July 8, 2011 in collective efforts, just for grins




This week my life became a little better, brighter and {albeit slightly} more organized! Why you ask? Because I finally joined Pinterest! Considering the hours I spend surfing the web and the vast number of bookmarked links, websites, and images I have accumulated through my searches, it amazes me that I waited so long to sign up. And I have to say – I’m totally hooked. For those who haven’t already joined the Pinterest community, it’s essentially a genius way to organize all the visual goodness you come across on the internet {think interactive style boards}. Aside from keeping your finds easily accessible, perhaps the best aspect of the website is that you can follow other people’s boards as well. It’s just… awesome. I highly recommend signing up for it. Right now. Seriously. Do it.

To help illustrate my new found love and how I’ve been spending ALL my free-time, I thought I’d share some of my “pins” from my “I Like Stripes” board. Why stripes? Because I like them – a LOT. In fact, I am wearing stripes as I write this post! And you think I’m kidding… hehe. Come to think of it, maybe I should rename my board “I LIKE Like Stripes.” I hope they like me back… *sigh.* Continue Reading →

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a new angle on geometry

By on April 14, 2011 in collective efforts, shop talk




I loathed high school geometry. In fact, I recall in a fit of Pythagorean-theorem-induced frustration posing the question that every student asks at one time or another, “when am I ever going to use this in real life!?!” Which may or may not have been followed by a string of *very quietly* muttered profanity {i.e. inaudible to parent’s ears} and the slamming of my bed room door. Fourteen was a good year…

And while as an adult I’ve never once been asked to calculate anything using “curves” {like I even remember what those are} I have lately found a very real use for geometry in my every day life. Enter – home decor, clothing and accessories!! If I knew angles were this cool, maybe I would have paid closer attention in class. HA! Yeah right. You can keep your math. I prefer “real life” geometry. Continue Reading →

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shamrocks & then some

By on March 17, 2011 in collective efforts, shop talk




I’m not Irish, so for me St. Patrick’s Day has always been a blur of four leaf clovers, leprechauns and trying to avoid getting pinched. A bit of a strange holiday to say the least. But the one part I’ve always loved? It’s claim to the color green. Case in point – green beer. Hello, good idea!

But perhaps I’m a bit biased; I like green every other day of the year as well {clothes, decor, the works}. In fact, I even managed to convince Michael that we should paint our study green. Turns out, that’s A LOT of green. It’s not bad I swear! Just… a lot. And while you might not be ready to brave green walls {which may be for the best} it’s a great pop of color to add to your everyday. So to that end, here are a few fun finds that will get you through St. Patty’s Day and beyond. Continue Reading →

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duplex desires

By on February 16, 2011 in at home, collective efforts, shop talk




I’ve mentioned a few times now that Michael and I moved into a new abode over the holidays, and what’s more, promised to share apartment pics of our cute new duplex. While I hate to disappoint – this isn’t said post. Bummer, I know.

As a perfectionist {‘tis the curse of the designer} I just can’t bring myself to show-off our place until we have it all jazzed-up, which frankly, is taking quite a while. So, in the meantime, here are a few items currently topping my ever-growing apartment wishlist. My current focus? The living room and kitchen. Hopefully when I finally get my act together, a *few* of these might even make their way into our new home. Here’s hoping anyway… Continue Reading →

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gifts: to savor

By on December 23, 2010 in collective efforts, shop talk, without an apron


With only two shopping days left, I’m wrapping up The By & By’s holiday gift series with some last minute gift ideas for the cook.

For the girl who loves baking from scratch, a “sweet” spatula is a practical present, while a kitchen-utensil ornament is just the thing to add a dash of kitsch to her Christmas tree. Broaden her homemade horizons with a copy of Jamie’s Food Revolution, or help her mix things up with a bowl that’s as perfect for kitchen prep as it is for serving salad. And while recipe cards are always in good taste, a bird-topped sugar bowl is so sweet it will have her singing your praises. Continue Reading →

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gifts: for room to grow

By on December 20, 2010 in collective efforts, room to grow, shop talk

This week’s gift guide is for the girl that doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty and has a knack for all that is natural – she’s the green thumb.

She’s the type of girl that wants to be surrounded by green year round. During the winter months, she’ll get an early start to spring with an assortment of seed-starting trays and squash seeds – this year she can grow what she eats. And while she’s waiting for those to sprout, she adds green to her home with a Wardian-style terrarium case for a small tabletop. Later, whether she’s out for a walk to look at lights or working in the yard, she’ll want some durable, waterproof boots in just the perfect hue as well as a cozy plaid flannel shirt – functional can be stylish. Continue Reading →

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