July Etsy Favorites // Paper Goods

There seems to be no shortage of beautifully designed and printed paper goods on Etsy, and I honestly think I could put together a post on pretty paper goods every week. Hand-pressed cards (and more!) feel like such novelties to me, and for a number of reasons:

1. My sister and I were at Target getting cards for my dad's and grandfather's birthdays and my parents and grandparent's anniversaries and had the hardest time finding quality cards, which for me, consists of two things- well placed design/typography and an appropriate or meaningful message. Perhaps design takes a slight level of importance over the message, because I know can write something meaningful inside. 

2. I'm not going to get on a soapbox and preach about how technology is taking over our social lives, because when I'm being honest with myself, I can't imagine life without my MacBook or iPhone or Kindle or Facebook or email. A handwritten note, whether it be a thank-you or birthday, mailed or hand-delivered, has so much sentimental value in a world where it's free, fast, and easy to type an impersonal message and hit send.

Anyone who denies the small rush of excitement when getting a card in the mail has either never gotten one or has only ever received the unrealistically cute and mass-produced kitten kind. Remember that.

Hope you enjoy these picks! My personal favorite? The calling card. So very Regency England. 

Personalized Calling Card//Happy Birthday//Coaster//Washi Tape//Monogrammed Pad//Stationery//Ikat Card//Thank You//Journal

Alphabet // C

Candle//Chartreuse Cork Heels//Cabochon Necklace//Chevron Case//Cat Eyes//Colorblock Shift//Cap Toe Flats//Camel Belt//Cards//Clutch//Coral Candelabra 

Your Home // Wallpaper

I'm no interior design expert, but wallpaper is having a major moment right now. And I couldn't be more heartbroken. How is it fair to be tempted by all of these beautiful rooms with no allowance of bedecking my own new apartment walls in rolls of pretty parchment?

Sources: Green//Black//Purple//Spots//Orange//Flowers//Berry//Floral//Green//Books//Gold

Art to Inspiration: July

I've decided to join in for Chevrons & Eclairs' monthly Art to Inspiration series, which celebrates artists new and old as a source of inspiration and learning for the community. This month featured photographer Smita Jacob of Hogger & Co., with the below photograph called Healing Yoga with Arti. Join in for next month here. 

I loved the simplicity and colors of this photo, and the fact that it was taken on an ice-skating rink. The rooms I included are somehow both sparse and ornate with attention to detail. I love the crisp black and white bookshelf (honestly, I'm a sucker for books of any kind) and the pink far-east accoutrements in the second room. Of course, I had to include an outfit- something perfect for a day about town. And who can resist those lovely Carven flats with bows?

Shirt//Pants//Scarf//Cuff//Earrings//Flats

Image credits: 1//2

Alphabet: B

book//bow//blouse//blazer//belt//brogues//blooms//blue//bee//Burberry

Perfect Little Spaces

As stated before, I have a rather serious case of the interior decorating bug. I'm still somewhat obsessively collecting ideas, although most of them are either out of my college student budget or simply not feasible for your average apartment (so many restrictions!). Yet vignettes are always feasible, at least in most instances. I'm hoping for at least three empty spaces around my room, bathroom, living room, and kitchen next year to create a pretty little placement. Here are some of my favorites.

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8//9//10//11//12//13

Rooming

First of all, I would like to apologize for three straight posts of images and no content. How rude and neglectful of me! In my defense, I spent the weekend out of town with a very full schedule. I am leaving for Colorado Springs on Thursday for a short family getaway celebrating my grandparent's 50th anniversary (also coinciding with my parent's anniversary, Father's Day, and my dad's birthday... yikes!), although do not fret, I will have a few things prepared for my brief absence.

As you all may have picked up on, I am quite obsessively collecting inspiration and ideas for my bedroom and apartment next year. I'm sharing it with three other girls but luckily will have my own bedroom and bathroom. Such a nice change from sharing my first two years in college!

Anyways, I thought I would share a few of the ideas I have- I would love feedback and other ideas! My color scheme is white (white bedding, walls, carpet) with blues and pinks of all hues. And a few gold accents sprinkled in here and there. My bedroom size is rather small, as most college apartments are, but luckily my closet is generous enough to hold all of my clothes, shoes, bags, sorority tees... and so on.

1. Aside from white shams, I want to have a pretty assortment of different colored and patterned pillows on my bed like the little collection here. Nothing better to spruce up the simple white palette!

2. I've always loved these tassels, there are so many on Etsy in all sorts of different colors and lengths. Remember when I posted about them here? I'm thinking I want to hang them over a door or maybe over my desk.

3. Lipstick, art pen, and a gold frame- what a clever idea!

4. Once again, another Cocoa and Hearts creation that I'm really loving. I would love to somehow recreate this painting in a lighter palette with gold to hang over my bed.

5. I've been pulling pages from my favorite magazines, going through my pile of saved cards, and sorting through my mom's old ribbon drawer for some finds to serve as basis for an inspiration board (or wall). I can only hope that mine will turn out as pretty as this one!

6. Spray painting in gold can do wonders to a lackluster object. I have a few huge sandollars that I've been wanting to do, along with a little toy giraffe, which you can find at your local craft/toy stores.

7. I haven't bought it yet, but I'm sure I'll have a very boring utilitarian-style desk. My mother so graciously offered (only after I asked) to sew a cover to go over it like this one. Thanks, Mom!

8. I love these Polaroid-like photographs hung over the toilet in the bathroom with washi tape. It's such a simple idea to give a boring room like the bathroom more character.

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8

Alphabet: The Letter A

Yet another new feature- enjoy!

aqua//anthology//alligator//apple//acrylic//arrow//Antoinette//anchor//amethyst//arm candy

Art Meets Fashion: Cocoa & Hearts

Sometimes simple and colorful is best. I love artist Jen Ramos' vivid and brilliantly hued brushstroke paintings that come out (and quickly sell out!) every so often on her website Cocoa and Hearts. She uses a delightful array of colors in her work, always bright and in beautiful combination. Jen has another design platform called MadeByGirl that creates paper goods and prints (remember this?), and a delightful blog also titled MadeByGirl that features interior design, fashion, and other lifestyle bits.

You'll be seeing a lot of new weekly/biweekly/monthly features and other changes on The Corner Apartment in the next few weeks, including today's Art Meets Fashion. Taking cue from a number of other bloggers who do a similar feature, I figured inspiring an outfit from art, considering my love of art (and oncoming art history minor!), is an excellent way to combine culture and fashion. Expect "real-life" artists such as Jen and historic greats like Picasso and Derain as well. I hope you enjoy!

Joie Top//J. Crew Shorts//Kate Spade Necklace//Kate Spade Pink Bangle//Vince Camuto Bangle//Kate Spade Knot Bracelet//Kate Spade Sandals

//Cocoa & Hearts//

A Seahorse

I have been itching for a new iPhone case and came across this lovely little Tory Burch number from Nordstrom. I can't imagine anything more perfect, colorful, or festive for summer. I'm not usually a fan of having animals on my clothes/shoes/accessories, but this vibrant seahorse certainly bypasses that concession.

Find it here!

Etsy: Decor Favorites

I'm a huge fan of Etsy. I love browsing through jewelry and home decor, but sometimes it seems like searching for a needle in a haystack. Aesthetically pleasing and quality items seem to be the minority. Often I feel like I'm looking through an online flea market, which is essentially what Etsy is. While the thrill of the hunt is fun, it does seem to get monotonous, so I've decided to create a little collection of my favorite home decor items. I'm in the process of coming up with ideas to decorate my bedroom in my new apartment next year, and am confident that at least a few of these items will end up in my room. Hope you enjoy!

1//Tissue Tassel Garland- Electric Love//The Flair Exchange

2//Ooh La La Pillow//Alexandra Ferguson

3//Modern Stripe Bottle Vase//Dahlhaus

4//Kirie Clock//Decoy Lab

5//Large Lucite Serving Tray//Tilly Maison

6//Wooden Makeup Organizer//Less & More

7//Love Candy Print- Gold//MadeByGirl by Jen Ramos

8//Love Letters//Twisted Twig

9//Salt & Pepper Jars//Paulova Ceramics

10//Vintage Brass Giraffe//Pine and Main

Striped Interiors

There's something decidedly sophisticated and chic about adding bold black and white stripes to a room. Whether it be on the walls or on the floor, in the kitchen, living room, or bathroom, stripes have a way of adding extra dimension and personality to the room quite unlike anything else.

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b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

k

l

By the Spoonful

It's no secret that I love hot tea and the occasional cup of coffee. Thus, I always like to keep my eye out for new teacups and saucers that might add to my eclectic collection. Though I've never considered the teaspoon, until now, anything but a regular old spoon from the cutlery drawer. Now, I'm not sure I can continue my tea time ritual without at least a set of these beautiful teaspoons.

The first set is from Anthropologie, and comes in lime and khaki colors as well. The other collection is from Leif Shop, which has plenty of other covetable and colorful housewares. Blogger Joy Cho from oh joy! handpicked the colors for this limited edition collection. I know I'm definitely going to order one of the two (or even both!) one of these days. Happy stirring!

Bijouterie

I'm not sure whether I should be proud or slightly embarrassed at how rapidly my jewelry, namely necklace, collection has grown within the past couple of months. The few hooks that they are hanging on are nearly about to come out of the wall, not to mention it's a jumbled mess of tangles. As much as I would love to have an elaborate chest with drawers and drawers to fill my precious jewels, it's not so plausible for me at this point in my life. So, I did a bit of research and found these lovely ideas to organize my little collection for my apartment next year!

Option No. 1: Pretty Trays
This darling display can be compiled with finds from the thrift store, bed and bath store, and a number of other places. Be daring- go for an eclectic mismatched set to give a special pop for your dresser.

Option No. 2: Hanging Frames
Grab an old frame, paint, and burlap to throw together this repurposed showcase display.

Option No. 3: Small Bowls
Just like the trays, these little accents can be found almost anywhere. Small bowls, teacups, saucers, almost anything will work. This display is perfect for an unused drawer or empty dresser space.

Option No. 4: Clipboard Display
You can really get creative here. Cover the clipboards with fabric, burlap, or paper to tailor it to your taste and decor!

Option No. 5: Wall Display
If your jewelry is pretty enough to be its own work of art, this and showy display is perfect- and not to mention super easy to do. Nails, anyone?

Option No. 6: Jewelry Tree
This display is almost a piece of art in itself. The tree pictured is from Anthropologie, but Etsy has a wide variety for sale from individual sellers.

Photo sources: 1//2//3//4//5//6