More Last Minute Gifts--Party Edition

We are getting steadily closer to those last-minute online shopping deadlines...but we're not there yet!  Just in case you didn't read my last post, here are the "last days for Christmas delivery" again:

US Standard Post (for heavy things; read my listings) ends Tomorrow 12/14 

US First Class (for lighter things; read listings) ends next Friday, 12/20

International customers and US customers ordering late on these dates should contact me first about faster holiday shipping rates!

So, with no further ado, here are some great party themed gift ideas (or maybe things you need to throw the best party ever!).

If you're in love with the 50s/60s, here is a cool stainless steel cream and sugar set from Arnart. Great for serving all kinds of condiments, not just the usual thing, and that stainless steel really reflects the holiday lights!

Ships standard. Talk to me about expedited shipping or order it for New Years!

Bring some cheer to the holiday with this Kissing Santa and Mrs. Claus platter. 

It is possible to ship it faster than Standard (in which case you can order it as late as Dec. 21 if you do it early in the day).  I'd love to get it to you for the holidays!

Volunteer to bring the chutney or the dip? That's what this handy-dandy self-sealing Christmas crock was made for. 

Can ship as late as Dec. 21 if you pay for Priority mail; otherwise, ships standard post.

This lovely Partridge in a pear tree scarf has a festive air about it. It would also look fabulous framed on a wall or displayed under a piece of Plexiglas on a party table, if you decide not to wear it!

Ships first class!

Check out your reflection in this shiny silver Gorham punch bowl from the 50s! 

Yes, it ships standard post, so order now, contact me about express shipping, or consider buying for New Years Eve!

Are you handy with a needle? There is still time to whip up this evening gown from Lauren Hutton (fits size 8), or perhaps my other evening dress patterns will do (see them here, various sizes). Steal all of the attention at the Christmas or New Years Eve party!

All patterns ship first class.

Not into sewing, but you are going to a formal affair this season? Throw on an elegant scarf like this Ginnie Johansen number--red jewels, gold chain, on black silk. You'll look fabulous!

Ships first class!














 Be the sharpest-looking fellow at the party with this 50s silk Madmen era necktie from Wembley.

Ships First class!

Finally, add some pizazz to your holiday ensemble with this little pearl and rhinestone pin.

I'm watching my stores, ready to ship your orders when they come in, so you don't have to stress. Come and see me! :)

New Year's Resolution: Redo Your Wardrobe

Tired of the same old look?  This year, consider spicing up your wardrobe without breaking the bank.  I've seen some fashion segments on television that claim to have found new looks for less, but frequently they still run about $60 or more for one new ensemble.  If we are looking to save money, we often need to cut more than that from our budgets.  Here are some tips I have gleaned that I think will work for a pennies type budget:

• The rule of two matches.  Try to buy new garments that can be worn with at least two other things you already own.  Minimize the number of wear-alone or distinctive pieces from your wardrobe.  If you are going to spend more on one piece in your outfit, make it count for multiple outfits.
• Buy high-impact accessories.  You can look just as good in a little black dress (or another solid neutral color) paired with eye-catching accessories.  The good thing is that, with the exception of jewelry made of precious metals or stones, your accessories usually cost less than the clothing you are wearing.  Again, look for accessories that go with more than one ensemble, such as a floral scarf or a large piece of costume jewelry.
• Buy vintage.  This is a huge trend right now, but it has a practical side as well.  Frequently you can find high-quality things for a fraction of their retail price. You have to be willing to sift through the worn leftovers, but this time of year thrift stores fill with things people donated for a tax write-off, spring cleaning castoffs, and unused gifts the recipients were unable to return.
• Alter it!  If you are cleaning out your closet, consider altering those "mistakes" you wanted to wear, but somehow couldn't.  Maybe the sleeves or pant legs were too long, it didn't fit in the bust, or you hated the drape of the skirt.  Frequently it is an easy change, but if not, look into your local dry cleaner's shop to see what they charge for alterations.  Chances are they would be cheaper than replacing all those clothes.
• Ditch the guilt.  If you have held on to clothes that you hate (but maybe you spent a lot of money on them), it's time to let go.  You are much less likely to wear clothes that make you feel bad about yourself, especially if you own something you love more.  As an added bonus, getting rid of the guilt gives you space for some replacement pieces.

While you're thinking about all of this, you might want to check out my January scarf sale, going on now.  All ladies' scarves are marked 30% with coupon code NEWYEARSCARF.  Just type in that code on the right side of the checkout screen.  Follow the link to see what I have available.

New Year's Resolution: Redecorate on a Budget

In the spirit of making a change in 2012, many of us may have wished for new horizons and surroundings.  While it may not be workable to move right now, it is still possible to transform our surroundings in small and large ways.  One way to make a change is to redecorate, and it's even possible to do so on a budget.

Here are a few tips, in case redecorating was part of your New Year's resolutions for 2012:

• Seek out ideas from interior design blogs, magazines, and tv shows.  As much as possible, gather clippings together in one place.  I hear Pinterest is a great place to find interior decorating images and gather them on a digital pinboard.  There is also the old reliable method of collecting magazine clippings in a binder, notebook, or journal.
• Try to work with the furniture you have.  You don't have to run out and buy a whole new set of furniture if you want to redo a room.  Try making a graph of your room and small paper outlines of your furniture, so you can rearrange the pieces virtually before you exert your muscles, and be willing to swap furniture from other rooms in your house.  Another option is to paint or reupholster what you have (just not valuable antiques).
• Consider repainting the room.  Paint does cost something, but it is one of the cheapest ways to dramatically transform the room.  Before you pull out the drop cloths and get started, it is generally recommended that you paint a piece of posterboard with the paint you want to use and tack it to the wall for a few days.  This gives you a chance to see what the color looks like in different light levels (night, sunny day, rainy day, etc.), and lets you change your mind before you make it permanent.  For other tips, look online for articles such as this one.
• Bring in new pieces of art or other objects of interest.  If you have a good backdrop already established in furniture and wall color, it's time to accessorize the room!  Don't be afraid of some color and texture.  This is a chance to express your personality without spending a lot of money.  If you decide later that you don't like these things, you can replace them without a lot of regret.
• Buy vintage or handmade for maximum impact.  Stores may not have the style or type of furniture or decor you are looking for.  Here's your chance to have something custom made for your needs, or find something that no one makes anymore.  If you shop carefully, you might find something that will brighten your home and your life for years to come.

Until next time, I'm wishing you a happy new year!

P.S. I am currently running a 30% off sale on vintage fashion scarves for women.  Visit my Artfire store and enter the promo code NEWYEARSCARF in the box on the right at checkout.  Vintage scarves can be worn, framed as art, or reclaimed for decorating projects like throw pillows, so be sure to check out this deep discount!  The coupon is available all month.