Shopping List: Vintage Librarian Wardrobe

Ok, I want absolutely everything Karen has found for this Shopping List! We are definitely promoting the sexy version of the vintage librarian image here.   There's nothing uptight or nerdy about this wardrobe...don't you agree?  I mean, just look at those shoes!  Those are definitely meant for wearing to a secret rendezvous in the stacks.  That grey shift would make anyone's figure look great. The bird blouse is so feminine and I happen to own the red one with the vintage telephones all over it...(I heart Boden).  And those sweater clips!  How adorable!  (We'll show you how to make your own later this month, but these are so sweet).  Anyway, I've decided that from now on, I'd like to dress like a librarian every day.  Thank you, Karen!  
xoxo Zandra

1. Flared Dress via H&M
2. Primary Posies Cardigan via ModCloth
3. 'S Marvelous Heel in Green via ModCloth
4. Zephyr Reading Glasses via Anothropologie
5. Wren & Thrush Blouse via Anthropologie 
6. Breathtaking Tiger Lilies Skirt in Stem Green via ModCloth
7. The Mini Transport Crossbody in Colorblock via Madewell
8. Graphic Jacquard Topper via Ann Taylor
9. Peter Pan Collar Top via Boden
10. Bird Wooden Collar Clips via Ladybird Likes
11. Faceted Cone Bracelet via J. Crew
12. Layered Collar Sweater via Ann Taylor
13. HUE Crochet Slouch Over the Knee Socks via HUE
14. Waverly Blouse via Shabby Apple

Shopping List: Bookish Bookplates

I adore books.  I have them all over my house ... stacked in shelving (by color of course!), in huge stacks beside my favorite reading spots, tucked in my bag for reading on the go, in the studio for inspiration and in just about every nook and cranny I can find in my home.  I borrow them by stacks from my local library weekly as well, but there is just something about owning your favorite reads ... books you come back to time and again for the connection you had with the characters or for the information and inspiration waiting to be absorbed.  Below I've gathered a collection of bookplates perfect for adding your name to your favorite volumes.  

xoxo Karen June

1. Letterpress Whale Bookplate Set via Tiny Sorrel
2. Bookplate - Ex Libris with Hand-drawn Wreath via Tin Oiseau
3. 12 Bookplates Fox, Rabbit & Hedgehog in Spring via Whimsy Whimsical Paper Goods
4. A Very Good Book ... Bookplate Set via Racing Snail Press
5. Ex Libris Bookplates - Hand Printed via Sprouts Press Designs
6. Babushka Doll Bookplates - From Russia with Love via Pixels Plus Paper
7. Personalized Assorted Bookplates via Merry Day
8. Monocol Bookplate Set via Monocol
9. Letterpress Owl Bookplates via The Foundry
10. Custom Ex Libris Stamp via Kelsey Pike's Sustainable Papercraft Studio
11. Cookery Bookplates Printable PDF via Alice Cantrell
12. Personalized Silhouette Bookplate Stamp via Chatty Press

Crazy About ... Presidents

When we were planning out our "Crazy About..." month, we figured we'd just skip over Presidents' Day.  I mean, who really does anything for Presidents' Day?  Except maybe the docents at presidential library museums.  Oh, and maybe a few of the people who take care of presidential monuments.  And I suppose several offices of the Smithsonian in D.C.  But other than THOSE people who are clearly more astute and literate than us, who ELSE really does anything for Presidents' Day?  But then we had a brilliant idea.  Wouldn't it be fun to see a bunch of kitchy and/or clever presidential knick-knacks all in one place?  I mean, taken together, it's a collection rather than a bunch of dust collectors!  And now I really, really want all of the items on our Shopping List!  Let us know which ones you like best!  (Please.  We love mail).  

xoxo Zandra & Karen June

1.  Theodore Roosevelt Pillow via Late Greats
2.  Martin Van Buren 1950's Figurine via Ju Ju Bee'z Gems
3.  World Leader Quotes - Theodore Roosevelt via Design Different
4.  Abraham Lincoln Silhouette Hand Cut Vinyl Record Wall Art via Records Redone
5.  James Garfield Dinner Plate via Justin Rothshank Ceramics 
6.  Ulysses S Grant Vintage Dictionary Print via 2 Purple Cats
7.  "Hello America" Obama Terrarium Accessory via Faerie Nest
8.  James Madison Giclee Print via Elizabeth Mayville
9.  Abraham Lincoln Wooden Wall Hanging via Original Paper 
10.  Roosevelt Bust via Funky Retro Finds
11.  George Washington Cuff Links via Nostalgic Links
12.  William Henry Harrison Mug via Justin Rothshank Ceramics

Shopping List : Crazy About ... Valentines

I ADORE Valentine's Day ... especially the kitschy glittery-ness of it all!  My taste is usually a bit more refined but there is just something about pleated satin chocolate boxes and plush teddybears holding stuffed hearts that sets my hear aflutter.  As a kid, I used to pour over the personal ads on Valentine's Day wishing one of those declarations of love was for me.  In my mind, those ads were the epitome of romance ... especially when your sweetheart paid for an ad in full-color!  Swoon!  

Now if kitsch and glitter don't quite flip your pancake, here are some slightly more refined Valentines to declare your love.

xoxo Karen June

1.  Letterpress Arrow Love via Blackbird Letterpress
2.  Valentine Gift Flags via In Haus Press
3.  HappyValentine's Day Craft Card via Sugar Paper 
4.  There's Nobody Else... via Emily McDowell Illustration
5.  Cement Valentine via Wiley Valentine
6.  You Rule Letterpress Valentine via Vintage Letterpress
7.  Like Campfires Letterpress Card via Smock Paper
8.  Love Letterpress Card via Parrott Design Studio
9.  Best Friend Valentine Card via DeLuce Design
10.  The Designer's 3 Pack of Letterpress Valentine's Day Cards via 1331 Design

Label It - Shopping List

"A place for everything, everything in its place." - Benjamin Franklin

One of the simplest ways to get organized is to start labeling.  I am the queen of storage bins - much to my husband's dismay.  I love the magic of corralling a bunch of miscellaneous items together in one container and mysteriously making it disappear with a lid!  Of course, I never end up opening them again because I'm terrified of trying to find anything.  One of my New Year's goals has been to go through that wall of bins that's now creating a plastic fortress in my basement.  I plan to arm myself with a stack of beautiful labels and get organized!  Adding a label to your containers not only helps you find your hidden treasures later on, but it also holds you accountable on what you decide to keep.  When you start labeling your third bin of "spare dishes", you might decided to pass a few on.  (Who am I kidding?  You can never have too many spare dishes!)  

Happy Labeling!

xoxo Karen June

1.  Set of 40 Assorted Labels via Cath Kidston

2.  Lotta Jansdotter Box of Labels via Amazon

3.  Arrow Label Stickers via Southwood Stores

4.  Peacock Dots Bracket Labels via Paper Source

5.  Cavallini & Co. Vintage Labels via Stampington & Company

6.  Label Sticker: Cream via Baum.kuchen

7.  Washi Tape Wide Labels and Frames via Stampington & Company

8.  Gold Gift Labels via smock.

9.  Chalkboard Labels via Charlie Thyme

10.  Advantus Tim Holtz Idea-ology Vial Labels via Stampington & Company

ReFresh Your Tabletop

Sometimes we all need a quick fix when it comes to refreshing our homes.  One of the easiest ways to do this is by simply changing out the look of our dining room tables.  (And yes, this does mean that first you have to clear off the dining room table so that you can actually see it again).  Because we so rarely buy everything at the same place when we’re going for a new look, we thought we’d share some ideas on how we’d mix an match three basic elements from some of our go-to shops.  

Babo Ikat Runner via Crate & Barrel
Blocked Dots Napkin via Anthropologie
Blomster Mod Candle Holders via IKEA

Kitchen Paper Table Runner via West Elm
Suits Napkins via Crate & Barrel
Balancing Elephant Taper Holder via Anthropologie

Heredia Tablecloth via Anthropologie
Palace Blue Napkins via Crate & Barrel
Lily Candleholders via West Elm

Fresh Sheets for a Clean Slate

Who doesn't love to climb into a bed that's made with fresh sheets?  This is one of the quickest ways you can refresh your daily life... first, treat yourself to extra soft sheets.  Follow it up with a new throw pillow or bed cover in a pattern or design that's completely different from what you're currently sleeping under.  It'll energize your bedroom (although possibly make it harder to get up in the morning).  Here are some ideas to fancy up your nighttime!  

1.  Organic Cotton Pintuck Duvet Cover + Shams - Bergamot via West Elm

2.  Softest Throw - Solid via West Elm

3.  Foliage Duvet Cover Set via Inhabit Living

4.  Organic CleanDown Pillows via Gaiam

5.  Pinwheel / Blue Dots Duvet via Plover Organic

6.  Pointille Sheets via Coyuchi

7.  Natural Softened Linen Duvet Cover With Linen Lace via Provincial Living

8.  Mod Moroccan Bed Linens via CB2

9.  Lindi Fringe Duvet via Anthropologie

10.  Decorative Linen Pillow Covers via Best Love 2 U

11.  Pixel Rose Decorative Pillow Cover via My Bearded Pigeon

14 Calendars for 2014

Every year, I secretly renew my membership with Calendar Geeks Anonymous (oops, cat's out of the bag) and spend hours and hours scouring the planet for the Very Best Calendar Ever Made.  I am consumed with the extremely important and weighty choice of which calendar will represent my deepest, inner-most hopes and dreams and all of the profound goals I will be sure to achieve over the next twelve months.  Or one where I will write down my appointments and to-do lists.  At least through mid-March.  But in the most decorative way possible.  No really, I DO love a fresh calendar, newly ripped from its cellophane wrapper, hung on the wall with all of those little blank boxes, numbers marching along the number line, daring me to fill them in.  It's addictive.  Here are a few of our favorite.  We hope you get as much giddy pleasure from them as we do!  

1.  DIY Printable Typewriter Desk Calendar via Sky Goodies

2.  Secret Garden Calendar via Rifle Paper Co.

3.  Robins - Eco-Friendly Calendar on Wooden Hanger via The Paperbird Society

4.  Mini Desk Calendar - Camera Love via Lola's Room

5.  Pieces and Patterns Illustrated Wall Calendar via One Canoe Two

6.  Indigo Calendar via Smock

7.  Language of Flowers Wall Calendar via The House That Lars Built

8.  Oversized Wall Calendar HUGE with wood hanger via One Canoe Two

9.  Mid Century Modern Calendar Print via Yumalum

10.  Chalkboard Wall Grid Calendar via The Paper Source

11.  Letterpress Sea Creatures Perpetual Calendar via Blackbird Letterpress

12.  Jaunty Animals Calendar via Hello Small World

13.  Phases of the Moon Screen Printed Lunar Calendar via The Warpaint Shop

14.  DIY Embroidery Kit Tea Towel Calendar via Curious Doodles

Cheers! : Cocktail Shopping List

The holiday season is all about gathering with friends and family and celebrating!  At LYC, we have been planning our own cocktail party from Invitations and Decorations to crafting  Homemade Bitters and Vanilla Fig Infused Bourbon.  Tomorrow we will be sharing a Record Cabinet Bar Remake with you.  Below is a curated shopping list to get you started on your own bar!

Cheers!

Karen June

1.  Gold Glitter Cheers Banner via Arrows & Apricots

2.  Typography Print Mojito Recipe via Lily & Val

3.  Vintage 1950's Glass Cocktail Kit via Kitsch Twenty Two

4.  Cocktail Recipe Letterpress Coasters via Steel Petal Press

5.  Shimmery Cocktail Napkins Chanee Vijay Textiles

6.  Retro Bar Glasses with Chrome Cozies via Envy Alley

7.  Dirty Martini: Cocktail Recipe Glass via Sundries Etc.

8.  Engraved Cocktail Muddler via AHeirloom

9.  Grapefruit Bitters via Texas Bitters

10.  Deer Antler Bottle Opener via Two Dog Farms 

11.  Cocktail Party Invite via Banter & Charm

12.  Wood Cocktail Chalkboard Drink Stirrers via Charlie Chalk Designs 

Cheers!

At Little Yellow Couch, we are excited to share some EXCITING NEWS with you!

Little Yellow Couch is offering INDIVIDUAL ITEMS for sale from each of the three boxes we’ve launched!  That’s right…you don’t have to buy a specific set of three items, you can buy one or more of ANY ITEM YOU CHOOSE!  We know everyone has particular gifts in mind for the people on your lists and we want you have the freedom to buy what you need.  

In keeping with CYBER MONDAY, for TODAY ONLY, we are offering FREE SHIPPING! Order from Little Yellow Couch through 11:59pm EST tonight and use the code “CYBERMON”.

Staring Tuesday, December 3rd, you’ll only pay a $5 flat shipping rate for one item and free shipping for 2 or more.  (Still a pretty good deal, don’t you think)?  

So Happy Holidays to all of our supporters, our readers, our friends and colleagues.  We adore you….truly!

Cheers,

Zandra and Karen June

1.  Paint-by-Number Art Block via Studio Liscious

2.  Pomegranate and Blood Orange Soy Candle via Witch City Wicks

3.  Fiber and Metal Statement Necklace via E Star Knits

4.  Crocheted Bloom Headband via Ladylike Handmades

5.  Beaded Porcelain Vase via Taylor Ceramics

6.  Austin Clutch with Exclusive Fabric by Heather Dutton via Lucends

7.  She Belongs There eau du parfum via Olivine Atelier

8.  Gold Leafed PAPIER-MÂCHÉ BOWL via Up in the Air Somewhere

9.  Rose Necklace via La Bonne Vie Designs (Available Soon)

Shopping List: A Cozy Collection

We have been having some chilly days here in New England and our quest for all things warm and cozy continues to be in full swing.  We have rounded up a shopping list of things that bring a bit of that cozy feeling back into our lives and are so excited to share them with you!  

xoxo Karen June & Zandra

1.  Crochet Mini Bow Tie Ski Headband in Soft Wheat via Ladylike Handmades 

2.  TWINKLE LIGHTS Deluxe Milk Bar Handmade Soap via Soapy Sweet Treats

3.  Hand-Turned Russian Olive Wood Bowl via Turning Pro

4.  Knit Pillow in Moss Green Alpaca via Pillow Link

5.  Mustard Yellow Knit Mug Cozy with Wood Button via Parris Chic Boutique

6.  Hand Knitted Bangle Bracelets via Shop Dreams of Crochet

7.  DIY Knit Kit - Big Loop Merino Chunky Knit Blanket or Rug via Loopy Mango

8.  Statement Felted Bead Necklace via Feltik

9.  Knitted Boot Cuffs w/ Chunky Knit and Wooden Working Buttons via Three Bird Nest

10.  Twinkle Light 8x10 Fine Art Photography Print via Fiona Graham Photography

11.  Felt Garland via Little Nest Box

Shopping List - Woodland Wonders

Thoughts of Fall begin to conjure up daydreams of woodland creatures and rustic nature, cozy fireplaces and woolen artistry.  As we start to spend more of our time indoors, we look to find ways to bring a bit of nature into our surroundings.  We've  curated a list of Woodland Wonders for you to daydream about and add to your shopping list.  

xoxo Zandra & Karen June

1.  Woodland Scene Terrarium Locket via Ingredients for Lovely

2.  Note from Camp Stationery Set via One Canoe Two

3.   Out of the Woods Postcard Collection via The Black Apple

4.  Twig Spoons via Michiko Shimada

5.   Young Mr. Fox Locket via This Years Girl

6.   National Parks Checklist Map via Ello There

7.   Silver, Mustard, Navy & Seafoam Chevron Painted Antler via Made by Cassandra Smith

8.   Deer and Fox Print via Wild Life Prints

9.   Owl Collar Clips via Ladybird Likes

10.   Maple Journal with Long Stitch and Reinforced Binding via Boarding School

11.   Bodhi Feathers Watercolor Print via River Luna

12.   1940's Style Golden Fascinator via Green Trunk Designs

13.   Felted Mushroom Ornaments via Balloon Highway

Writing Desk Shopping List

Writing and receiving handwritten letters is just civilized.  Our e-mail inboxes  are overflowing daily with quick hellos, business correspondence, forwards and spam.  But nothing compares to the anticipation of what might be in the mailbox.  I still open my door with anticipation soon after the postal truck drives away.  Could it be a personal letter, a invitation to an upcoming celebration or even a small package?  There is something unique about the personal connection that comes through the mail.  Our days are full and so the convenience of technology makes sure that we stay in touch. But, like anything else in our lives, carving out a physical space for an activity can often ensure that we make it happen.  Below, we have curated a small shopping list to help get you back to pen and paper.  Equipping your writing desk will help you make these connections one letter or package at a time.  

xoxo Karen June

1.  Wooden Washi Tape Dispenser via In the Clear

2.  Embroidered Paper Clip Boxes via sensationery

3.  Arrows Pencil Case via Urban Bird & Co.   

4.  Bright Colored Trays Desk Organizer via Mister True 

5.  Self Inking Address Stamps via The Paper Paramour

6.  Pick a Pencil 12 Pack via Earmark Social Goods

7.  Modern Wood Desk Organizer via The Design Pallet

8.  Washi Tape Trio via Swanston St. Supplies

9.  2014 Letterpress Calendar with Wood Stump via 1 Canoe 2

10.  Floral Stationery Set via Jamie Lundberg 

Travel Shopping List - Not All Who Wander Are Lost

While brainstorming our theme, "Let's Be Civilized", we kept coming back to the topic of travel.  There was a day when travel was much more of a novelty and well ... much more civilized!  Much thought was put into what one would wear and how one's luggage coordinated.  Thought was even put into ways to make oneself more comfortable and at home both while traveling and at one's destination.  Here are are few handmade and vintage items carefully selected to inspire you to get out and explore the world in style! 

1.  World Globe via Vintage Wall

2.  Travel Journal via Print Stitch & Paste

3.   Vintage Red Travel Clock via La Roux Vintage

4.   Jewelry Organizer via Vic and Albie

5.   Vintage Niagra Falls Pennant via The Blue Ram

6.   Leather Luggage Tags via Divina Denuevo

7.   Compass Necklace via LuLu Bug Jewelry

8.   Mid-Century Luggage via Tawney Vintage

High Tea Shopping List

While brainstorming ideas for our own Little Yellow Couch High Tea, we agreed we wanted our party to reflect our personalities and design sensibilities.  We wanted the decor and the details to draw upon that which we already express in our aesthetic ... to represent that aesthetic, but also have a nod to the traditional.  We can't wait to share all the little details of our High Tea with you next week.  In the meantime, we've curated a few handmade and vintage items below for your own party! 

1.  "Drink Me" Teacup via The Vintage Parlor

2.  Screen Printed Doily Napkins via Pony and Poppy

3.  Perfectly Steeped Tea: An Illustrated Guide via Lettered and Lined

4.  Aged Vintage Black & White Striped Crepe Paper Ruffles via Julie Collings

5.  Vintage Milk Glass Cake Stand via Barking Sands Vintage

6.  Black & White Striped Home Decor Fabric via Fabric Secret

7.  Black & White Pinstripe Washi Tape via Once Upon Supplies

8.  Black & White Striped Twist Ties via Olive Manna

9.  Little White Fox Porcelain Teapot via tj Cervantes Art

Shopping List

This months handmade Shopping List is inspired by our theme "Pleased to Meet You". And ... what better way to meet people than by saying "Hello!"?   Make sure to greet someone today and check out these great artists and products below to find fun ways to say .... "Hello!"     

1. Hand Drawn "Hello" Decal via Swanky Graffiti 
2.  "Hello" Recycled Paper Writing Set via The Think Tree
3. "Hello" Rubber Stamp via Wit and Whistle
4. "Hello" Necklace via The Swan Lake
5.  "Hello" Brooch via Delilah Devine
6. "Hello" Round Stickers via Once Upon Supplies 
7. "Hello" Pillow Cover via Michelle Dwight
8. "Hello Sunshine" Greeting Card via Freya Art
9. Instant Download Printable Business Cards via Swell and Grand