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Does Fashion Influence Your Home Decor Style?

Elka Karl — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:10:04 PST

Kate Spade has declared February to be the month of Japanese floral - specifically, the month of Florence Broadhurst's delicious Japanese floral pattern, seen in these photos. Broadhurst is experiencing a well-deserved revival at the moment, with rugs produced through Cadrys, wallpapers decking out fashionable homes and shops, and this collection with Kate Spade, to name just a few.
When you decorate your home, does fashion play into it in any way? Do you follow the rule that you should use your wardrobe as a reference when it comes to choosing the colors for your home? Or do you incorporate patterns from companies such as Marimekko that create textiles for both home and apparel?

Etsy Rolls Out Direct Checkout - Will You Prefer It Over PayPal?

Elka Karl — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:19:07 PST

Have you ever tried to buy something on Etsy, but didn't follow through on the sale due to the extra step required to complete the sale through PayPal? I can think of at least one instance when I forgot my PayPal password and abandoned a sale - and I'm sure I'm not the only buyer who's faced this quandary. Starting today, however, the PayPal step will become a thing of the past: a direct, on-site Etsy payment option is rolling out in the next few months.

Today, Etsy's CEO Chad Dickerson wrote in an open letter,

I'm excited to announce that we are rolling out direct checkout, a new way for shops to accept credit card payments from buyers directly on Etsy. The rollout will continue over the next several months to all U.S. sellers . . . This is an important step forward for Etsy.

Etsy shop owners can learn more about the direct checkout in this video or on this open Etsy thread. Direct checkout will cost an additional three percent plus 25 cents USD in payment processing fee per sale, which may turn off some sellers, especially those who deal in lower-price-point items.

One of the other improvements slated for rollout in 2012 is a gift-card option, which should boost Etsy sales even further. While I love choosing Etsy items for friends and family, sometimes a gift-card option would make it a more feasible option for those hard-to-buy-for folks like my dad.

I know that I'll appreciate having the checkout process streamlined and not having to hop over to PayPal to finish my purchases. Will you be using the new direct checkout instead of PayPal?

Do Your Pets Show Their Spirit in Team Gear?

Sara Yoo — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 PST

These fierce competitors from the upcoming Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show were proud to show their team colors at Madison Square Garden last week. We're sure that plenty of pets sport their affiliations on game day, whether for the Super Bowl or other favorite events. Do yours?

Will You Buy the Nokia Lumia 900?

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:59:28 PST

We heard rumblings of a March 11 release date for the Nokia Lumia 900 on the floor at CES, but according to leaked documents handed over to BGR, the date might actually be closer to March 18. What's even more exciting? The docs indicate a $100 price tag.

The Nokia Lumia 900 was easily the most talked-about gadget at CES this year, coming with a sleek blue or black bod and Windows Phone 7 Mango. And with a price tag that small, Nokia could have a massive hit on its hands. Tell us - would you buy the Nokia Lumia 900?

Boxwood vs. Succulents: Which Low-Maintenance Plant Do You Prefer?

Angela Swinderman Elias — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:27 PST

Plants and flowers add natural vitality to an environment and are a great way to liven up a space, but caring for them can sometimes be a pain. Stocking up on fresh buds can be costly and time consuming and some of us have a hard time keeping our plants alive. Many style-savvy folks who want to introduce a touch of green without committing to a high-maintenance routine turn to preserved plants and desert flora. Preserved Boxwood has been a design staple in preppy pads for decades now, and succulents are being used for everything from landscaping to wedding florals. Both are incredibly chic but seem to fit different aesthetics. Let us know which of these easy-care plants you prefer to decorate with!

Do You Decorate With Obelisks?

Elka Karl — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:41:48 PST

An obelisk is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering structure ending in a pointed, pyramid-like shape. While they've been used in architecture since at least the time of the ancient Egyptians, they're now a popular decorating motif in home interiors. I love the way that designer Oliver Furth has mixed brass and wooden obelisks on a brass and wood table - such beautiful synchronicity is at play in this vignette.
For a look at a variety of obelisks, check them out on 1st Dibs.

Will You Miss the Martha Stewart Show?

Elka Karl — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:00:24 PST

I didn't see this one coming: the Hallmark Channel will stop airing the Martha Stewart Show this April, according to The New York Post. Apparently, high production costs and a diminishing audience factored in the decision to cancel the show.

My sister actually just attended a taping of the Martha Stewart Show. Summing up the experience, she told me, "While I'm not an avid viewer of the Martha Stewart Show, I appreciate her influence in re-popularizing traditional homemaking arts. It was both exciting and illuminating to see the great Martha in action as an audience member at the live taping of her show."

Were you a fan of the show? Did you regularly tune in?

Dreamy Pajama-Inspired Pieces - Sleeper Hit or Snooze Button?

Marisa Tom — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:30:54 PST

Whether you're totally convinced of its daytime wearability or not, luxe, ladylike sleepwear certainly topped the Resort '12 breakout trend list. Louis Vuitton, Celine, and Salvatore Ferragamo all presented pajama-inspired looks in their respective resort collections. From slouchy patterned drawstring trousers and silky collared blouses to more traditional satin striped PJ sets, the fashion elite have deemed your bedtime wardrobe fair game for both casual dressing and evening ensembles. Now we want you to weigh in - click through for a rundown of the emerging sleepy style movement, as seen on street stylers all around the world, and cast your vote in our love it or hate it poll now!

Source: WWD

Is a Steve Jobs Action Figure Too Much?

Kelly Schwarze — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:39:45 PST

While it's been three months since Apple CEO and technology innovator Steve Jobs passed away, two toy manufacturers are already eager to memorialize the man as a toy figurine. The iCEO mini Steve Jobs action figure ($100) from toy companies in icons and Dragon in Dream is scheduled for retail sale at the end of February.

The 12 inch figure is already garnering attention for the convincing look-alike depiction of the man who told us to "Stay hungry, stay foolish." From the black turtleneck to the faded jeans, round glasses and gray beard ever, the action figure doesn't miss a single iconic detail, but is it too much? The Jobs family blocked a toy likeness of Steve from production in 2010, so it's likely this figurine will meet the same response. What's your take on the toy unveiling?

Are You Hosting a New Year's Eve Party This Year?

CasaSugar — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:10 PST

I love being able to count down to the New Year in a house full of friends. At this time last year, I was busy hanging streamers and going over my head count, but this year, I'm kicking back and going to a friend's bash. I'm always curious to see how our readers are ringing in the New Year. Take our poll below to let us know about your plans!

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