WINDOW SHOPPING

Earliery this week I went to Lenox Mall to do a little Christmas shopping. Because I am offering holiday decorating services this year, I was very inthralled by some of the festive retail displays. It was interesting to see which stores were able to express "holiday" while staying true to a retail brand and this seasons trends.  Some of the biggest trends represented in the windows were color pallets (warm metallics and bold/neon colors), and geometry in materials and patterns. GAP and JCrew also used a trendy material, MT washi tape. Have a look at some displays that caught my eye.

Anthropologie was probably my favorite because they used the most original materials and colors. The second image below is of "snowballs" made out of plastic spoons, silver tape and a foam spear. Definitely a "why didn't I think of that" moment!

Diesel had a very shinny window display full of disco balls and diamond shaped ornaments. They were one of many retailers using warm metallic shades like copper, gold, champagne and gunmetal as a color pallet. Below Diesel are two more example of this color trend from Burberry and Express.

Lately I've been very impressed with GAP, I feel like their current textiles and patterns have hugely improved from what they've been selling over the last 10 years. The window display they have this season is a clear representation of how on trend they are this year. JOY written in neon yarn creates a geometric pattern, they used MT washi tape across on the walls, and I love the lit up bike and Polaroid-ish trees. All together it says super hipster to me.

The new Free People Store did a great job of staying within their brand identity: soft, vintage and feminine.

The 'Live Colorfully' concept at Kate Spade was clearly expressed in their holiday decor. Streamers, confetti and super-saturated wrapped boxes make for a very festive party season!

Happy window shopping!

IT'S ALMOST HERE..

Hey readers! I hope to see you out tomorrow at the Brown Bag Art Sale. It's going to be a really fun event full of handmade gifts and art, perfect for holiday shopping! Here's a sneak peak of some things you will see at my table..

BROWN BAG ART SALE

Come check out this fun event on Saturday. It's going to be a great place to check some people off you holiday shopping list!

SHOP SMALL PEOPLE!

I completely understand the ease of shopping online or at a big mall but I think it is really important to shop local and support small businesses (like myself). I'm going to give you a really easy and convenient shopping trip to take this weekend on Small Business Saturday.

Most Atlantans think of Virginia Highlands when it comes to shopping. BUT you have to remember to head south down Highland Ave. as well, into the Poncey-Highland neighborhood. Below are a list of unique gift shops that might help you check some people off your Christmas list.

We'll start the trip at the corner of Ponce de Leon and Highland Ave at Vacation Gallery and Boutique. This funky hipster shop has a small and well edited collection of music, books, accessories and vintage clothing.

vacation gallery and boutique

A few doors down you'll find Young Blood Gallery, my go-to for gift shopping. The boutique is full of housewares, jewelry, clothing, art, stationary and accessories made by local artist. The shirts are hand-printing, the purses hand-sewn and so on, making this store the ultimate source for small businesses. The back of the store is a gallery space that features a monthly show.

young blood gallery and boutique

In the same building as Young Blood you'll find Highland Row Antiques. This shop is very deceiving when you first walk in, it seems like a tiny antique furniture store but if you head to the back there's a staircase leading to a giant basement full of funky and affordable antiques. It would be a great place for stocking stuffers or houeswares. They always have a good collection of vintage toys, books, mugs, ashtrays and costume jewelry.

highland row antiques

Re-inspiration Store is a new addition to the neighborhood that recently moved from the west-side. This store sells artwork and gifts by local artists, made out of recycled materials. Re-inspiration hosts art workshops that would make a cool gift idea as well.

re-inspiration store 

A quick drive south on Highland Ave will bring you to Inman Park, where the flagship Cacao is located. This beautiful boutique chocolate shop is owned by Kristen Hard, sells hand-made bars, truffles, dipped fruit and confectionaries. A great place for Hostess gifts or stocking stuffers.

cacao atlanta chocolates

When you are all shopped-out take a quick walk across the street to Fritti for an artisan pizza and a cocktail! I recommend the Toscana.

fritti

Get out there tomorrow and support small businesses and our local economy!

ICE ATLANTA

As promised, I've got some cool artist for you guys to check out from my trip to the Indie Craft Experience. The fair was held in the Ambient + Studio, a really cool event space west of Downtown, it was full of just under 100 (somewhat) local vendors, a gift wrap station, a cool DJ, baked goods and winter drinks. Below are a few of my favorites from the show.

ashley buchanan

These pieces are HAND CUT out of sheets of metal or silver and then powder coated. I love that the unique technique turns classic forms into something super modern.

sweeteeth chocolate 

I bought the PB+C Bar (peanut butter and chipotle) and my life will never be the same. Highly recommend for a stocking stuffer!

yee-haw industries

Great print merchandise, framed art and dish towels.

fernworks.org

The photos I took and these above from her online store don't do this jewelry design justice. The depth and layers Faryn Davis captures in these resin casts are beautiful, each one tells such a small but powerful story.

the argyle academy

foamy wader

Keep artist like these in mind when doing your Holiday shopping this year, go local!!

GET YOUR INDIE ON

Heading to the Indie Craft Experience this weekend! Hopefully I will find some fun things to share with you guys and knock some Christmas shopping off my list. It's a great place to support local art and find unique handmade gifts. Check it out if you have time, and enjoy your weekend!

ice-atlanta.com

COME ON BABY LITE MY FIRE!

I am definitely enjoying this crisp fall season; pumpkin spice lattes, NFL, falling leaves, boots and sweaters. If I could update my existing fire-pit for the cold season ahead, I might be tempted to base the setting around this Stephen Kenn set. It's military inspired, featuring Swiss mule belts as supports and cushions upholstered in canvas from half shelters (military tent). I picture myself bundled up by the fire, listening to Bon Iver and snacking on some bacon bourbon popcorn.

clockwise starting at the top left: Stephen Kenn Inheritance Seating, Mini Cashmere Hand Warmers, Anthropologie Cardigan, (RI)1 Whiskey, Stanley Flask, Stay Puft Gourmet Marshmallows, Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn, UGG Over the Knee Boot center: DWR Fire Bowl