No, not Between Laundry Days.

These bags are really too lovely to hold dirty clothes, but that’s what they’re for.  I’ve never liked or owned the plastic laundry baskets that are the usual means of carrying the stuff around.  Being back in an apartment has meant I needed something to convey the laundry up and down the stairs and my friend Sarah was kind enough to give these to me.  Lucky her, she’s got a laundry chute and doesn’t need them anymore!

I realized while browsing Etsy for holiday cards that what I’m drawn to is very predictable.  On a whim, I checked my purchasing history and confirmed that my taste has gotten a bit stagnant–trees, deer, deer and trees, and the occasional flippant sentiment.

I am here to tell you that not much has changed.

A gocco variation on the tree image from Cocky Rooster, a water color version from Bestiary Ink, graphic and gold from Gypsy & Twink, and with birds from Eva Paul.

Variations from this theme include a design that could only originate in Seattle.

& cats always get me.

If only it were a tuxedo!

Despite the best laid plans, I ended up running to my local grocery store for nutmeg & cinnamon the morning of Thanksgiving so I could make a crisp for the first dinner I attended.

Because I have no mixing bowls, the strawberries went into a pitcher I picked up from the Aurora Antique Mall, soaking up sugar while I mixed the batter.

Wearing white might be considered risky on such a day of feasting but I managed to keep myself clean.  I think the clogs might actually increase the nurse-ish look of this dress but ah well.

More pictures on flickr…and here.

There are sales galore going on in anticipation of Christmas and (Into) the Fray is no different.

Everything except hoodies and purses will ship for free through Sunday night–no code needed.

I hope those of you in the states had a lovely Thanksgiving and will give the rundown on my double turkey dinner when I recover tomorrow.

The great boot search begins again.  Partly because I wore them to death, and partly because I walk every where these days, my miraculous black boots that actually fit my calves are just about done.  So the quest begins anew, kind of like a Sisyphus version of shoes.

Both of these are by Pikolinos, a brand I’d never heard of before but with a great simple, style I can appreciate.  The price is a little steep of both of these pairs for my blood, but I’m willing to pay more this year if that means they’ll last longer. 

I’ve always been partial to both of these brands; Miz Mooz and Blowfish tend to be comfortable, with a funky style that can still translate into every day wear.

As you can see, I’m even considering a slight heel for some of these though I’m not sure that will actually translate well to constant walking–and I’d hate to buy a pair that then never get worn–which is what happened with the first pair of boots I splurged on & finally sold after they sat in my closet for ages.

Thoughts?  Suggestions?

Flouncy, feminine detail seems to be the order of the day.

I honestly think I just got tired of seeing this gray tank in my to-do pile and finally attacked it with flouncy eyelet trim and vintage buttons in blue.

These tiny amazonite beads were re-purposed from another project.  With filigree caps, they remind me of some vintage jewelry you might find at an estate sale.

Both are in the shop.

As someone who loves tweed, Argyle (if you saw my socks in my wardrobe_remix photos, this would be more evident), and vintage style in general, I was delighted to see that cyclists in Washington, D.C. had organized a Tweed Ride.

Cyclists in Washington took part in the city’s first “Tweed Ride,” an event in which bicyclists put on their most dapper attire and toured the city. Participants were encouraged to wear Victorian-era fineries and ride vintage bicycles. The practice began earlier this year in London and since there have been rides in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston.

I’d love to see Seattle join that list.

Via Reese.

It’s gotten cold enough that my fingers are actually getting cold despite wearing my mittens–which are getting a bit ratty besides.  Browsing Etsy turns up plenty of options,

Clearly I have a love of fun details like bows or buttons–or even just a truly lovely stitch.  Clockwise from left:  because, maybe (whose entire shop is full of cute, knitted goodness), melpdesigns (who, despite being in Australia, is shipping for free), and Black Mustard.

I saw these cuties by Greenleaf Knitting (the color!  the heart!) in person yesterday at the Etsyrain Craft Show.  I was so tempted but really had to stay focused on shopping for others.  Maybe after the holidays!

I’m not as clued in as I used to be to the local street team’s activities but I managed to find out about the craft show taking place this weekend at Intiman Theater near Seattle Center.

The set up was wonderful and open, with lots of room between booths and plenty of natural light to see all the goodies by.

I’ve already got Christmas shopping on the mind and there were definitely lots of tempting goods on display.

The miniature chairs here were so charming that I had to get a picture–I could see any of the little babies I’ve come to know this past year enjoying them at some point.

My haul includes Christmas cards from Cakespy and a yummy candle from Wicks and Wire.

The show goes through Sunday so if you’re in the area, you should definitely swing by.

I know I’ve said before that I don’t really go for traditional holiday jewelry but I guess those colors have been on my mind regardless.

There are few bracelets in the shop only for the reason that I rarely wear them myself.  Shona sent me this green bead ages ago, though, and I could only see it with red.  As much as I kept trying to form some kind of pendant with it, a bracelet was the result.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but there are actually earrings that match.

Just in time for the holidays.

Female, a pre-Code movie with Ruth Chatterton, presented a perfect butt bow I knew Wendy B. would appreciate.

George Brent’s expression says it all, doesn’t it?

And one more divine screen capture showing Ruth’s amazing costumes.

Happy Wednesday.

I’ve never owned a car.

This was initially a financial decision.  Directly out of college, I didn’t have enough money to cover rent, a social life, and a car payment.  Within a year of graduating, I was saving money to go live in Europe and had even less reason to make the investment.

Upon returning, the financial reasons remained.  In addition, the new existence of shared car systems in a neighborhood where those cars were abundant made acquiring a car even less of a necessity.  I deliberately chose to return to that neighborhood to maintain that lifestyle; I would much rather spend the cash on other things.

However, it took only one experience on my bike with a shoulder purse to realize I had to have a messenger bag.  In my usual picky fashion, this took at least a month of constant online hunting, checking out Fossil’s line in person, cursing Nordstrom for not having anything I liked, and pondering the options on Etsy.

I even considered a very plain version at Anthropologie but discovered upon looking in the mirror that I was utterly dwarfed by the thing.  Then, at Macy’s of all places, I stumbled upon this reasonably sized bag by Rough Roses (warning–cheesy music and flash); their web site makes them look like an unfortunate off-shoot of Ed Hardy.

But I love the bag anyway.

I’ve been thinking about prints for the new digs.  While I’ve always had a thing for silhouettes, I’m trying to depart from that theme.  However, I’m still very much landing in the realm of black and white.

Pining Away by Studio Lyon.

The Heron’s Wife by Mon Petite Fantome (great, lovely blog, too).

And MGU still has me utterly fascinated with these intricate up-dos.  This might be the one I finally get…

While a sofa provides a place for me and my potential guests to sit, I’ve found that it’s played a far more important role for the other member of my little household.

Because this building has been outfitted with new windows, the sills are nonexistent–they’re taken up with the tracks of the double paned glass.  Stanley’s tried to perch there, paws unevenly spread over the tracks, but was clearly happy when the loveseat showed up.

I particularly like when I’m sitting at my computer and he inclines his head to make sure I haven’t gone anywhere.

Posts about horrifying leggings, things I’ve bought that I love, and random crafts will resume tomorrow.

And congrats to Emily, who won the Rings Book in last Sunday’s giveaway!  I hope it can offer even the slightest piece of wisdom to such a talented metalworker.

Had I worn these with my Halloween costume, the nurse schtick would have been a lot naughtier than I was going for. 

I could also see these as little strait jackets for your legs.  Either way, mental health facilities are not what I want to think of when I see shoes.

Happy Friday.

While I’ve thought about investing in something promotional for (Into) the Fray (advertising or sponsor spots on a blog, maybe a showcase, or contributing to the goodie bags that my local street team puts together for events), I’ve never followed through–especially with the wild changes that absorbed all of my focus throughout the month of October.  So you can bet I was thrilled to see my items get noticed despite my lack of marketing.

Etsy included one of of my little zippered pouches in the $25 and Under gift guide.  This was a nice thing to stumble across yesterday afternoon but then my day got even brighter.

The little ruffled tank I made using vintage lace was included in the Gift Guides for women!

The gift guides are really fleshed out given the time of year and it seems like the discounts are piling up in my inbox as well.  I’ve included some of them below, especially if I’ve been happy with what I’ve bought in the past:

Red Envelope – 15% off orders over $50

Jo Anns – 10% off using promotional code EGD318

Target’s offering free shipping on purchases over $50

Beklina is also offering free shipping

& Amazon is offering $20 off selected boots

While I have no desire to think about Christmas shopping at the moment, and am really going to try to make as many of my gifts as possible, there’s always the last minute option that saves the day when you suddenly remember you forgot about that one niece or coworker.  Enjoy!

Though I had no intention of trying on clothes at Anthropologie, I couldn’t resist checking out the sales rack while I was picking up a coat hook.  These two tunic/dress/chocha flashing candidates managed to sneak their way into the dressing room.

I love the ruffle detail at the neckline (and pockets!) but I think bias cut, regardless of the fabric, is so hard to pull off without a really rocking figure.  This one did not come home with me.

As a sucker for a funky neckline, I couldn’t resist this one.  Given it’s simplicity, I’ve been thinking about pairing it with crazy leggings.  We’ll see if I work up the courage.

Related reading:

Anthro Rejects

In the Dressing Room – Designer Dress Edition

Among the emails about Jay-Z’s rock star jeans and offers to link to maternity forums, I got a heads up about Eco Artware.  While I don’t write about green goods regularly, it is a subject matter close to my heart.  I love the innovative use of old things that might otherwise be thrown away, especially if I can’t begin to guess where the item originated.

I realize it’s pretty clear where the pen nib cuff links originated but there’s something so Mad Men about them that I just had to include them here.  The others, however, are from wine barrels.

The inner tube change purse is pretty cute, especially since I’ve been thinking about replacing my wallet.

And this wreath, perfect for any season, is too sweet for words.

The last of the lapis.

Isis Oro, in the shop.

And the first of the Christmas gift craftiness–I’ve got lots in mind for the holiday season and am hoping I’ll have the time and motivation to get everything done before the date is actually here.

Love Always, Amy was picked by the random number generator so will soon be getting a copy of Winona’s awesome new book, Closet Confidential.

The next book up for giveaway is crafty rather than stylish:

One in a series of the Jewellery Handbook collection, The Rings Book would have been a perfect companion when I was taking a metalworking class at Pratt.

From basics like stone identification to more complex tasks, this book has enough detail for a beginner but I think enough challenge for someone more familiar with soldering and such.

And there are tons of pretty pictures to go with the instructions.

Leave a comment on this post and the winner will be announced next Sunday!