Polka Dot Bandit

I have moved to a new server!

As of last night, if you go to http://www.polkadotbandit.com  you will no longer be routed here. Instead, you will be sent to a different server, so if you have my typepad link book mark, now is the time to update it!

See you there!

Reminder to update your bookmarks!

Very shortly, I will be moving the site off of Typepad onto a new system, so make sure you have your bookmarks set to http://www.polkadotbandit.com and not the sub-domain from typepad.

This way you will automatically go to the upgraded site.

I am excited to move, just working on figuring out the new system quickly!

 

Doing some blog tailoring an looking for a guest blogger!

No regular post today, as it was brought to my attention that some things on here were broken. It is sometimes hard to tell when things aren't working on my website unless I access it via a different computer.

I have apparently been having follow issues, and it seems that my Google Friend Connect is fried. It explains why I have no followers at all!

I have been trying to fix it all day, but the HTML code is just staring at me blankly.

I discovered that I could save myself a ton of money by reconstructing my blog through my hosting site and fix some errors that are driving me nuts in the process. I'll be working probably all weekend to not only fix things, but move everything over to a new server.

So, if you don't see a new post until next week... that's why.

In the meantime, I am still having my 40% off sale on Etsy through the end of Sunday, as well, as the drawing for that gorgeous cake pedestal on November 1st.

Please take the time and click around my website, and let me know of anything else that might be broke. If you find anything, please e-mail me at polkadotbandit@hotmail.com or comment here, or find me on Twitter.

I will also be changing up a bunch of things, like adding a new e-mail system and cleaning up the sidebars.

If you have read this far down, I am also looking for a fresh guest blogger who is interested in doing a weekend feature. I am getting more hits every day bit I lag on the weekends, so I am looking for someone to fill in the gaps on the weekends (when I don't blog), and to fill in when I go on vacation.

If you are interested, please email me at the above address, and we'll talk about what I am looking for! Oh, and decent spelling and grammar is required!

I hope to have this seamlessly transitioned over quickly....so watch for it!

Inspiration Wednesday - New Holiday Decor To Swoon Over

I know, it isn't even Halloween yet... and here I am talking about the winter holidays.

It's hard not to think about decorating the home for the impending season of BRRRR when you see all the really beautiful things trickling out of the stores already.

I hope you are ready to click away (please do, I need the money!) because I have LOTS of gorgeous, and adorable things to show you.

I had to start with the things I want. I am a peacock lover and a bird lover, so my tree is always loaded with peacocks and birds (even owls!)

Seasonal Decor by Crate & Barrel
Seasonal Decor by Jonathan Adler

I am in love with the selection of ornaments this year. I especially love that mummified bird, and the drop ornament with a feather inside.

Oh, but there's more:

Seasonal Decor by Pottery Barn
Seasonal Decor by Crate & Barrel

While the glass bird on a branch is my favorite, I can't ignore the beautiful ceramic feathers that won't end up as toothpicks for the dogs in this house.

Maybe you aren't a giant bird fan, I can understand. I found other things for you to covet:

Seasonal Decorby Michael Aram
Seasonal Decorby Gump's

Now, I found a small pile of nature-inspired items, but these are what caught my eye. I love the idea of  having a wreath in the middle of winter made of lavender. It's unexpected and beautiful. I also love the crystals, perfect for the holidays, but also as sun catchers.

I didn't forget the mistletoe! I found two really beautiful examples that would compliment your decor without looking cheesy.

I also found some pretty luxurious items that are simply amazing:

Seasonal Decorby Horchow
Candles by Pottery Barn

I will tell you right now, I am not a fan of pre-made skirts, as they always seem contrived, but I would wrap myself in that ruffly bit of heaven if I ever laid my fingers on it.  I am also in love with the lit mercury globes. I must have a dozen of them!

And now, some shiny silver and white goodness:

Seasonal Decor by Crate & Barrel
Candles by Crate & Barrel

 I love the idea of a snowflake mobile, it seems fitting. I am also trying my hardest not to buy 100 of those feathered trees. You know you are, too.

And last, but most definitely not least, some golden warmth:

Seasonal Decor by Ballard Designs
Seasonal Decorat Neiman Marcus

All I have to say is ZOMG BUTTONS!

I think I might be in the market for a new button wreath and button garland (the price is fab!) and not feel guilty one bit.

So, tell me, you see something you like? Tell me about it!

Let me help you find what you are looking for!

Did you see something in a magazine that you just had to have, but couldn't find any identifying information to buy it?

Don't spend forever searching the web fruitlessly... let me find it for you.

As a frugally motivated interior designer, I have spent the last 7 years honing my skills. In most cases, I am highly successful in not only finding what I'm searching for, but also finding for the least amount of money possible.

But I am not limited to just furniture and home decor. I can also find clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, you name it.

I charge $10 for personal items, and $15 for homeitems. I request a $5 up-front deposit (through Pay Pal) with remainder due once I find what you are looking for. If I am unable to find what you are looking for within a month (or shorter if you specify a date) I will refund your deposit!

In some circumstances, an item may end up being one of a kind, antique, or out of production. So, before I start searching, let me know if a closely similar item will do, or if has to be the exact item.

As always, I will try to find it at the lowest price possible (shipping included!) before presenting it to you.

So, email me at polkadotbandit@hotmail.com with a photo of your desired object, where the photo came from, and we will work from there!

I hope I can help you find exactly what you are looking for!

P.S. The photo above is from OM Gallery, showcasing some work they did for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. You can find the flower lamps here.

Ways to beat the cold to death

It's not even in to winter and I am considering living in a Zebra Snuggie 24-7. It should make Pilates more challenging.

I'm kidding, there isn't a power on earth to get me to wear a blanket with sleeves, and if you have one you live in, watch the below video, then burn your Snuggie.

I have been using a reverse "Snuggie" for many years, I call it a duster sweater:

This year they have gone out of fashion, which is a bit disappointing, but that's okay, as I am open to some better options for around the house, like you know... a ROBE!

Robes by Victoria's Secret
Robesby Neiman Marcus

Something about a robe always makes me feel warmer. The stripey ones on the left are hooded and so cute for wearing around the house. The one on the right is more glamorous, you know, for guests... haha.

But, the middle one is a guilty pleasure. Nothing says warm like a $1000 cashmere robe. If you have never had the pleasure of cashmere on a cold night, then are really missing out.

But, you know, if I am gonna be wearing a robe, I might as well have some great pajamas.

Something cute and cozy, but not over the top.

Oh, and slippers!

Slippers by Acorn
Slippers by Patricia Green

I can't decide which pair I like the best.

Well, if I am all about warm, I can't ignore a good blanket:

That blanket is sooo pretty, and it looks exceptionally warm.

Oh, who am I kidding, I am so cold, this is what I need:

I wonder if it comes with a "molten hot" setting?

My warmth set-up wouldn't be complete without a soft snuggle buddy:

Yep, he's cute and cuddly, and apparently a fan of the middle finger. I don't care, as long as he like my warm winter set-up, he can stay. I just hope he likes hot cocoa and yorkies.

8 adorable sweaters under $25

It's Friday and I'm cold.

Like BRRRRR!

I was perusing the web, and discovered some seriously cute sweaters that have some great style!

8 sweaters under $25

Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Apt. 9
Cardigans by Nordstrom

I am in love with the puff sleeves, the ruffles, and the crochet.

Oh, and have you noticed the bright, cheery colors? That pink cowl may just have to be mine, and at $15 (from BEBE!) I may just have it.

I feel warmer already.

Don't you?

On the studio table right now

I have been working on some new designs for the past couple of weeks. I would be a lot further, but I got sick, and frankly, I didn't want to do crap.

But here'ws what I have been up to:

You probably glimpsed them on my DIY post, but here they are a bit closer.  These little flower pins are made out ofwool felt, and beaded. I went out of my mind searching Etsy trying to make sure that there wasn't someone making something similar (there isn't), and I am pleased how these came out.

I have 4 fully completed pins right now, that I will have listed probably by the end of the day. All of them are prototypes, so they will fall under my 40% off sale right now.

I would have more pins completed if it weren't for the fact that I have trashed a few creations for looking like poo. I also had to separate animals from thread and felt, which also ended up being trashed. Oh, and I broke 3 of my 4 best beading needles...

I loved the finished pins, and I think you will too. I will also try to make all of them one of a kind, so you can buy them in clusters. I have one that isn't quite finished that looks similar to this one:

 
I think they will look cute together...

As I get better acquainted with the wool felt, I will be making all sorts of cute pins, so keep an eye out!

Inspiration Wednesday - Crazy for Lace

It's late for a post, I know, but I couldn't leave you wanting.

I am always amazed at the ways lace can be used in unconventional way. It really adds a touch of delicate femininity, and used boldly, it can make quite the impact:

Stationery by William Arthur
Vases by Mikasa

Nowadays, designers are thinking outside the box when using lace. I have seen it stiffened with resins to become furniture,  blown up to super proportions and used as a rug, and I have even seen it scrapped together to make a giant textile for a window or table.

Lace is a viable alternative to florals, and makes for interesting texture.

I found a few examples of both modern and traditional interpretations of this very old-fashioned staple. It seems that lace gets around!

My favorite of the grouping definitely is that lamp. So, pretty, and bold!

See something you like?

ZOMG paper lanterns!

Welcome to my foyer.

Bask in the glory of my insanely RED walls (toned down due to my camera). When the sun shines through the front window, it looks like the walls are on fire. I always feel warm looking at this room.

You want it, don't you.

Well, look up, 'cuz that's really why we're here!

If there is one compliment I get over and over in my house it is the paper lanterns on my ceiling. $20 worth of paper lanterns in red, baby blue, and white scattered on my ceiling are a welcoming sight to everyone. It's hard to tell because I tool the photo in the room, but there a fair number of them about 4 inches from the ceiling, strung on white string and tacked in.

This is an easy way make a lackluster ceiling more interesting.  It also lowers the ceiling and invites you to enter the next room. It's a trick Frank Lloyd Wright used to do in his entries...except he used architecture, not paper lanterns.

I really love the use of lanterns because you can do so much with so little money, and if you decide paper is too cheap for you, you can spend more for more expensive materials, like silk.

I plan on adding more lanterns to my entry over time until it is impossible to see the ceiling at all.

It will also freak people out because frequent houseguests won't really be sure anything has changed but it will bother them that it seems different.

Now you know my evil plan.

Here's some other paper lanterns you might like:

 

paper lantern