Tea + Cereal

Top Two Sunny Yellow Porcelain Bowls by Suite One Studio
Bottom Left Blue Celadon Porcelain Cup Set by Maine Kiln Works
Bottom Right Vintage Modern Teapot by all things white

Like many of you, I have my morning routines.  I always begin my day with a cup of herbal tea - lately I've been hooked on Roasted Dandelion Root tea.  It's rich, earthy + a wonderful way to begin the day with a little liver detox!  When I came across theses translucent blue celadon glaze cups by Maine Kiln Works, I suddenly had a desire to elevate my everyday mug of tea into an experience of beauty.  I can almost feel the silky finish and weight of the cup in my hands as I go to take that first sip of hot tea.  My tea drinking ritual, however, would not be complete without a proper teapot.  The clean + simple lines of this vintage modern teapot found in Etsy shop all things white would finish this morning ritual off nicely ...  can you hear the sound of the tea being poured into the porcelain celdon cup?  

Now, you might expect me to say that eating cereal is another one of my morning routines, but I hardly ever eat cereal for breakfast.  Cereal is my evening 'go to' snack.  A beautiful vessel is so important no matter what item it is to contain - even cereal deserves luxury.  But really, any excuse to purchase one of Suite One Studio's porcelain pieces works for me!  I think there is something to be said about surrounding oneself + interacting with items of beauty daily - I feel it can completely change your experience of life.  

What are your thoughts on beauty?

Neon: Spring 2012 Trend



As we head into another Spring, I am always excited about the latest trends. One fun and bright new thing in the fashion world is NEON.  For some of us old enough to remember the 80's, neon in fashion is nothing new, but it is FUN!  My suggestion would be to add it to your home or fashion routine in small doses. A little bit of neon can go
a long way, but it can make a fabulous statement piece. The best part is that it comes in all the Spring colors like pink, green, blue, yellow and purple.  You could love this trend so much it might get you digging up an old pair of jellies and some fingerless gloves (think early Madonna). Go bright, go bold, but most importantly have fun with this trend.

My Neon picks:
1. Handmade pendant lamp in Lime Green from Filigree Creations 
2. Kiwi Garden Soap by Blushie
3. Messenger Bag in Apple Green from Bayan Hippo
4. Upcycled Bohemian Tunic by Broken Ghost Couture
5. Butterfly Clutch by Mama Bleu Designs
6. Colored Dots Frame by Mmim



How to Wear Pink!

Top Left Pink Bean - Vegan Mineral Eyeshadow by naked elements
Middle Left Alpine Dew Drops Enamel Stud Earrings by Verre Encore
Bottom Left Ivory Triangle Shawl by By Sweet Mom
Right 1950's Vintage Pink Garden Dress by Thrush

Do I dare admit that I love the color pink?  Well...it's true - I love pink!  I'm also in the mood for some warmer weather + doing away with anything flannel.  When I saw this adorable vintage pink garden dress in Anne's Etsy shop Thrush - my 2 worlds came colliding together.  Spring + pink make for a dynamic duo in my book + I am all about the feminine feel of this gorgeous dress.  So I let my imagination carry me...  What else would I wear to my imaginary garden party?  I would need some simple, yet colorful earrings + I found the perfect pair in Vera Encore's Etsy shop.  The glossy enamel finish picks up the green in the dress + would add just the right amount of color.  To carry the softness of the pink in my new dress, I thought a little eyeshadow would do the trick.  But I'm pretty picky about what I put in my body + on my skin, so I really admire Cecilia's commitment to 'au natural'.  Her Etsy shop Naked Elements is filled with environmentally friendly, mineral eye shadows in luscious colors - I, of course, would order the pink bean!  Since it is still spring + the temps get a wee chilly, I would need a light shawl to drape over my arms.  The crochet pattern of of this shawl by By Sweet Mom picks up the polkadots in the dress + the ivory color compliments the dress without competing.


I'm ready for that garden party, are you?
  





Bohemian Spring Styles

Top Left Grandy Large Hobo Bag by Banyan Hippo
Right Folk Art Tunic by Woolbridge
Bottom Left Vintage 1940s Tropical Wedges by Fab Gabs


Our Bohemian spring picks from Etsy today speak to a relaxed look while still being stylish + hip.  It's late February, but many may find their hearts set on the coming of spring.  With the warmer weather comes a shedding of layers - for us here in Maine that would mean an end to wool sweathers + thick socks!  Let your limbs rejoice with lighter fabrics - this lively print tunic top by Woolbridge has a nice flow to the fit with an open boat neck scoop.  Pair this diagonal print with a solid gray, roomy shoulder bag from Banyan Hippo.  Just love the inside lined with a bright turquoise - sure to become an everyday favorite!  Slipping your bare feet into a pair of sandals is the ultimate signal of spring + these vintage wedges by Fab Gabs are sure to please!  With lovely details like embroidered yellow + red flowers with painted tropical scenes on the footbed, these vintage wedges in excellent condition will round out your Bohemian spring outfit! 

Free your spirit + jump into spring!

Spring is in the Air!!

Top Porcelain Birds in Love by Studio By The Forest
Left Soft Ivory Flower Brooch by Baymut
Right Spring Pillow Cover by Jillian Rene Decor
Actually, this is more of a "dreaming about the coming of spring" collection of Etsy finds!   This collection is based on wishful thinking and maybe not so much on fact - at least for us folks here in Maine!  It's true that the temps have been in the 40's, which feels really warm for 'winta' in Maine - but that distinct Spring is in the Air smell has yet to grace the land.  Nevertheless - one can imagine it's there or at least hope so much that you actually swear you get a little sniff!


The arrival of spring is marked by the wonderful symphony of song birds, captured in the precious pair of porcelain love birds by Studio By The Forest.  These plump + happy birds will always be a reminder of this special time of year.  Spring is a time of budding + bursting forth - it's a time of blooming!!  The ruffled layers of Baymut's ivory flower brooch will add a touch of spring to any outfit - go casual or dress it up with a silky black dress!  Accent your home decor with Jillian Rene Decor's natural linen throw pillow cover with a woodland green felt flower.  This modern piece can stand alone or be layered up with different solid color pillows to create an even more dynamic look!


So this spring - you don't have to wait.  You can start dreaming NOW!







"Enjoying the Journey" ~ An Anniversary Celebration!


Vintage 1930s Shorts // Spri...
$70.00

Notebook Airstream Trailer 3...
$12.00

AIRSTREAM: wall key holder, ...
$48.00

Camper pillow cover, Retro C...
$32.00

Car Art, Vintage Decor, Amer...
$95.00

Safari Set, Hand Painted Cha...
$58.00

circa 1920 enamelware swirl ...
$50.00

Adventure - ART BLOCK - Orig...
$18.00

Heart Die Cuts Cream Brown T...
$4.00

Lifeguard Stand - Fine Art B...
$30.00

Embroidery Hoop Art - 'O...
$23.00

You Can Go Your Own Way . . ...
$25.00

Vintage Travel Photo - "...
$25.00

archival fine art giclee pri...
$35.00

The Successful Hair Young Ma...
$32.00

Leather Duffle Travel bag
$175.00


Today is a special day.  One year ago, Brandi of Etsy shop sweetharvey started an Etsy team + named it "Elite Sixteen".  Her goal was to gather an 'elite' group of fellow shop owners who would then support one another through curating Etsy treasuries that used a percentage of member items.  Treasuries allow shop owners to combine their favorite item together in a mini gallery setting - there are always 16 slots.  Hence the name Elite Sixteen!  The team was handed over to Amber of Etsy shop redtilestudio and Nanako of PIGandFiSH last June - since then, we've been the working together to continue tending the garden that Brandi planted a year ago.

Much has happened since then.  We have been working to broaden our circle of influence through maintaining this blog + bringing on new members.  As shop owners on Etsy, we all have a real time beat on what's new + fresh.  Through using the Etsy treasury system, we firmly believe that shopping on Etsy is made e.a.s.y!  We do the hard work for you + present them in a beautiful setting of 16 tiles.  

As a surprise to us today, the members of the team have pulled together to celebrate the team's anniversary through amazing collections - all can be found here!   We're highlighting a couple on the blog to give you a taste of why our member curated Etsy treasuries are so special.  Above is a collection by Brooke of peifferStudios with a title of Enjoying the Journey! ~ Happy Anniversary Elite 16!  The collection below is by Jillian of JillianReneDecor + it's titled Champagne - which is what we feel like popping open right about now to help us celebrate! 

We'd like to thank everyone for their support - it means so much!! 


xo
Amber + Nanako 


PURE: wall mount flower vas...
$75.00

Cotton Bag with Organza Lace...
$42.00

The Braided Headband- In Neu...
$15.00

Leaf Leaves FLower Abstract ...
$18.00

Modern Earrings Argentuim St...
$20.00

Whimsy - a sweet sculptural ...
$69.00

Mix & Match pair of vintage ...
$48.00

Chevron Zig Zag Design 1 5x5...
$29.00

New chic dress earth tones, ...
$233.00

Rustic Beach cottage A set o...
$47.00

Pillow Cover French Country ...
$27.00

Oatmeal Cup Cozy, Beige Mug ...
$17.50

Dull Gold Snake Print Leathe...
$110.00

Celebrate Picture Frame
$17.00

creamy brown spoons, pair o...
$22.00

Natural Lip Gloss in Stardus...
$8.00

The Winning Etsy Style Guide Is...

Sunlight
$40.00
Personalized Valentine Jewel...
$38.50
Soft Suede Leather Ballet Fl...
$68.00
Valentine's Day Gift for...
$16.00
Pink Sand Tillandsia Terrari...
$25.00
30% OFF Love Valentine's...
$5.60
Three Crocheted Braclets -- ...
$57.00
nesting heart bowls white - ...
$20.00
owl and pussycat double port...
$70.00
Hand Painted Key Teacup and ...
$9.00
Fine Art Photography - natur...
$30.00
garden sweater - vintage 197...
$32.00
Natural Luscious RED Hair Co...
$9.95
Fabric letter D or letter L
$14.50
Sea Foam Peony Necklace
$32.00
she missed nothing...8/100.....
$20.00                           



We're pleased to announce Catherine of catherinereece as our Elite16 Style Guide winner!!  The perfect collection to celebrate this day of all things romantic + sweet - Happy Valentine's Day!  Catherine has captured a moment, a feeling, a pause in her collection that flows so well with her title Leap into my heart.  Can't you feel the mystery of love hiding behind her selections?  We love the overall mood that Catherine created here with her feminine picks - Congratulations!!   

Here at Elite 16, we feel that beautifully curated Etsy 'treasury' collections actually make shopping on Etsy a whole lot easier.  Sometimes, searching for items on Etsy can feel like sitting on a bed of nails - Ouch!  But we don't want you to be turned away from shopping on Etsy, so we as shop owners have come together to share our favorites with YOU.  We scout about + find fresh products to share in a classy 16 tile layout (a treasury) - making navigating the creative waters of Etsy easy.  Oh, and did we mention fun?  

This is our version of fun.  We hold a challenge once a month.  We pick a theme (for this challenge is was Take a Leap) + members curate collections around that theme.  We pick a winner (see who won last month) + that winner gets featured in the top row during the next challenge.  It's a game - that's fun!  The result?  Some really gorgeous collections that can almost transport you to another place.  That's how good our group of curator's are.  We're serious.  Have a look at our 'honorable mentions'!     

***

Marriage would certainly qualify as a Take a Leap sort of event!  With spring just around the corner (fingers crossed), we're entering the season of weddings!  If you were getting married this year, wouldn't you want to fill your special day with as much lovely goodness as you could?   Michele of OneDecember has given us a great selection of choices for that very precious day!  We love the soft palette of ivory cream that pulls this shopping guide together - a gorgeous guide Michele! 


Vintage 1930s Wedding Dress ...
$925.00

Birds cake topper OOAK custo...
$88.00

Unscented Soap // Handmade S...
$5.50

Vintage Bridal Veil with Ost...
$175.00

Ivory Wedding Shrug, Knit B...
$69.00

Art print giclee Sisters - ...
$25.00

Napkin Rings Organic Bamboo ...
$11.00

White rose hair clip and bro...
$25.00

Large Rose Headband, headban...
$50.00

cream LOVE HEARTS ceramic ti...
$76.00

1950s Wedding Dress - Vintag...
$250.00

nesting heart bowls in rusti...
$30.00

i love you art photography p...
$11.00

Butterfly Bracelet with Ivor...
$19.00

Old European-Cut 2.06 Diamon...
$22000.00

Here Comes The Bride - Rusti...
$37.50



What sort of themes come to mind for you when you think of the phrase Take a Leap?  Maybe the ocean, swimming, blue??  This is exactly how Francesca of FrancescaLancisi interpreted the theme with a super beach day collection!  In the dead of winter, who doesn't like a little splash + sparkle of color?  Especially blue - there's something so soothing about this color as it immediately evokes warm weather + lazy days on the beach!  Accented with warm sand + cool white seashell tones for immediate relief of summer daydreams.   Feeling ready to suit up for a day at the beach?  Thank you for this uplifting collection Francesca!  



Vintage 1960s Swimsuit // Su...
$56.00

Lavender Hand Repair Balm //...
$5.00

Ocean Photography - water pr...
$30.00

25% off sale "Sea Urchi...
$22.00

Velvet Purple Sandy Textured...
$18.00

soft white sea shell photo p...
$18.00

Amelia High Waisted Chevron ...
$68.00

School of Fish, ceramic tile...
$76.00

Colloidal Oatmeal Soap, Cold...
$5.75

anchovies in turquoise and u...
$65.00

Cobalt Blue Ocean Beach Sea ...
$58.00

Decorative pillow set of 2: ...
$88.00

Blue fish earrings. Fun vint...
$18.00

vintage swimsuit ... ocean b...
$10.00

Resin Sea Urchin Ring Ocean ...
$28.00

Lighthouse, 5x5 inch, fine a...
$10.00

Ok - you can challenge us.  We're confident in our member's abilities to produce - what other interpretations did they come up with?  Here's a really playful collection by Brooke of peifferStudios - a former winner herself!   This collection is full of energy + pizzazz - the perfect combination for coffee + cookie lovers!  Steeped in a little red for some added dazzle with gorgeous chocolate tones to top off this tasty shopping guide!  With great rhythm + flow, this was a definite favorite.  Excellent job with the title as well Brooke - now we feel hungry for that sweet treat with a big cup of coffee!


Vintage Cut Out Boots - Lips...
$70.00

Earl Grey Sandwich Cookies w...
$9.50

Vintage 1960s Mini Skirt // ...
$42.00

Coffee Soap // All Natural S...
$5.50

I Love You More Than Coffee ...
$15.00

hand knit fingerless gloves ...
$34.00

Antique Coffee Grinder From ...
$65.00

Organic Roasted Coffee - 1lb...
$13.95

Kitchen Art Food: Red Apple ...
$15.00

Astro Rocket, large brown
$51.00

Chocolate Brown Stretch Penc...
$67.00

Valentine Red Cup Cozy, Knit...
$17.50

For the Love of Java - Valen...
$1.00

Big Red HEART Valentine RING...
$19.00

Brown Snake Leather Handmade...
$110.00

Hand Stitched Leather Tote, ...
$400.00

And an Elite 16 Style Guide Challenge would just NOT be complete without mentioning our resident treasury talent Jenn of Palimpsestic!  What's Jenn been up to during this challenge?  Quite a bit.  She gave up a hardy selection to choose from, but we fell in love with this one!  Always clever, always well curated + most of all entertaining!  Jenn has really captured a mood of exploration + discovery with her selections, leaving one wondering about all the possibilites for that extra day this leap year.  Our theme was Take a Leap, right?  Where do you feel inspired to 'take a leap' to this year?  Gorgeous job Jenn - thank you again for your stand-out collections!  We enjoyed them all.  


Bibliotheque Wooden Sign Mad...
$35.00

30% OFF Old West Town - Fine...
$22.40

Choose Any 4 Samples of Soap...
$5.00

Vintage Replogle World Globe
$36.00

Small Tillandsia Xerographic...
$20.00

Photography Print -Emma In W...
$16.00

Minimalist Linen Textured St...
$20.00

RESERVED // antique ticking ...
$21.60

Home Sweet Home Letterpress ...
$24.00

Map of Italy Large Wood Box
$11.00

Vintage Skeleton Key French ...
$14.00

Red Funky Tie with Blue Pom ...
$42.00

Timeless Paris Antique Style...
$27.50

Small Travel Notebook - 18. ...
$4.00

I'll travel with you
$18.00

Grand Canal, Afternoon Light...
$18.00



We'll see you here next month for another Elite 16 Style Guide Challenge!!  Thanx so much for visiting!


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Blogging tips