heysusy

LUCKY ME! { 2010 DESK CALENDAR DEAL OF THE DAY }

The 2010 DESK CALENDAR is 50% off today...but only if you check it out on Lucky!
...just thought you might like to know!

xx s

From Me to You { free printable holiday gift cards }

Hello Jingle Bells! I am so sorry that I haven't been posting more often this holiday season-- but you know the deal. It's just been a super busy time for me. So, I'll be picking up somewhere near where I left off come 2010!

In the meantime, I wanted to give a little gift of my own...and since I'm always doing things last-minute I thought some cute ways to top some holiday gifts would be an excellent choice (I know I still have a couple to buy and wrap, even today!)

So...I hope you enjoy these little freebies. Of course, the usual caveats apply...they're just for you, not for reprint/selling/profiting la la la, etc etc. A quick note...to tie them on, just punch a little hole in the left hand corner when they're all cut and folded.

Download Free Bows Printable Gift Tags Here
Download Free Printable Joy Gift Tags Here

Enjoy and happy holidays to all of you! xx s

CITY SLIPPER { newbark }

Goooooood Morning. The usual apologies for being away without notice...I've just been really, really busy.

I've just been really, really busy (whoops! did I just already tell you that?) Basically, there are lots of xmas orders to fill, and that is what I've been doing. As they say, Elfing ain't easy.

Perhaps my insane pace lately is what makes this simple idea in shoes so attractive to me. This is a new line of footwear designed to offer some relief to those of us forever tromping hither and thither.

And, since this is a simple, smart new business idea, it also caught my eye. There's something nice about a small, tight, line, of useful and fun product (how delicious are the little bags you can put your shoesies in?)

The only thing I think is ridiculous about them is the price point. It should be...around $90. Not in the 300's. To me, that price tag just says they're trying to market them as luxury...and that kind of stings...Like when you see pre-ripped jeans that cost more than plain old jeans. Still, anything that will put Uggs into Permanent Retirement is OK by this little worker bee.

Anyway, that is it from here. Check them out (they also come in metallics and patents, quite cute)

Times Two { baggu, string republic }

Oh, it''s so much fun to see pretty colors and fun shapes...but it's especially thrilling when they come from the minds of independent entrepreneurs, and they're at a smart price point.

I love the new cotton duck carry-alls at Baggu. These vertically-oriented handle or strap totes are great. I take the subway a lot, and a vertical bag is easier to deal with when it is crowded, especially when you've got a lot to schlep. Eighteen Bucks! Wow.

I also like the standard Baggu, but I especially like the Baby Baggu. Perfect for lunch or treats..or gym shoes. Six Bucks! Nice!

I also love the re-interpreted espadrilles at String Republic. What a great idea. Thirty Five Bucks! Wow. Also kind of cool is their Home Collection (especially the workboot design)...what a great gift these slipper inspired shoes would make for an ironically inclined gentleman.

THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT { tucker resort/holiday }

Like, whoa. I can't believe the weekend is already almost here. This week has just flown by...

A while ago back in Feb 2009, I posted about Tucker, and it has been quite a while since I've been back to Gaby Basora's excellent collection. Which makes looking at the newest available items even more exciting.

Things I want to note about her line- I love that her collection offers not only playful and chic patterns, but also more basic palettes. There are such a broad array of ideas to choose from, even though the actual structure of the clothing is really simplified. I love the focus, and the total commitment to a great fit. (There are a few core pieces, like the blouse, the dress, the cami that are cornerstones). I really enjoy the confidence that implies.

The second thing is, I like the art direction on the Tucker site. I like seeing a variety of model types, and a variety of ideas of beauty. Usually, that feels really contrived-- especially when a brand is veering towards a more comfort-inspired design direction--it can feel token, and catalog-y, especially if the makeup is overpronounced. But here, you get the sense that a diverse approach is honestly integral to what this designer is trying to do. What she is trying to bring to her audience-- and who she would like her audience to be.

Anyway, I really enjoyed taking another look.

View more HERE

T'IS A GIFT TO BE SIMPLE { palomas nest }

Perhaps it's the Holiday Gridlock--which, contrary to popular opinion is not a type of crunchy gingerbread waffle, but a New York City traffic phenomenon-- or maybe it's the Egg Nog talking, but, Kurt and I were just sitting around chatting about how hectic the holidays can be, and how we feel a little overwhelmed. This year seems like it's almost on overdrive, doesn't it? It's been such a challenging year...and a disorienting year in certain ways...and at least around here in Manhattan, you can feel the air crackling with anxiety and the crunch of December...

So, while I enjoy the Holidays, I really prefer to celebrate them quietly, and look forward to a New Year. So, I was really refreshed by the Paloma's Nest Holiday Collection...she just seems to have a knack for clearing away the extra, and getting right down to the point with her simplified-yet-resonant, poetic wares. This egg up at the top says it all for me. Now let's get cracking! haha.

Take a Moment...See the 09 Holiday collection (love the wooden ring-style ornaments!) HERE

Good Eggs viewable HERE

HOW IT'S MADE { stand up comedy }

There's something I really like about these items up here, all found at Stand Up Comedy...

I guess I like the idea that these simple pieces are really stylish- yet also so organic that when worn, they would sort of assimilate with a body's true nature...curly hair vs. straight hair... imperfections. assymetry.

Am I making sense? Can you see it too?

More explorations HERE