Holy smokes, how cute and perky are Katrina Szish’s polka dot walls!? I simply couldn’t resit sharing on this Monday morning.

You know how I love all things black and white. But polka dots…

And stripes, too? Yes, please. Even the dog matches!

Insane or insanely clever? You know how I feel, but what do you think? Would you polka dot your walls or would it drive you mad? Id’ love to know: To polka or not to polka, that is the question??

p.s. Joy’s polka dot walls!

[Photos by Brian Harkin for Time Out New York]

Home, The Blog, The DailyBuss

My first reaction to seeing Christmas trees in stores already? Oooh fffff-reaky deaky call me Wheezie! After a few deep breaths – and some medically induced chocolate – I thought why freak out when I can chic out instead? We’re still a comfortable two weeks away from Turkey Day, and a super-cushy six weeks away from Christmas. Plenty of time to make the holidays merry and bright, right? Right?!

All a girl needs is the perfect party dress (check), fabulously festive Christmas cards (check), a colorful and affordable hostess gift (see exhibits C for coasters and H for highball glasses above). Oh, and a spike-the-punch necklace to help you remember how to keep calm and holiday on (check).

Luckily, all of the above are available in one bright spot, thanks to my best gal pal, Kate Spade. And she’s such a peach to give us free shipping too.

Aaand, wer’re breathing…

Fashion, Home, The DailyBuss

Justin Bieber’s lovechild be damned. The lovechild I’m interested in is the one between iPad and typewriter. When I saw this doozy in the Anthropologie catalog, I about peed my pantalones. A quick perusal online revealed that it was sold out. But some stealth detective skills (um, Google) lead me to creator Jack Zylkin’s website, where you can shop and view a video of how the USBTypewriter actually works. It’s pretty brilliant. And, if the $600+ price tag makes you wanna weep (like I nearly did), not to fret, as you can buy a DIY kit for just $74. Santa (and Mike Holmes), I hope you’re listening.

Clickity clack here to shop and see more.

Home, The DailyBuss

Have you seen the new West Elm holiday catalog? I literally squealed with delight as I flipped through it (that normally only happens with the Anthropologie catalog). Beautifully styled and chock-full of amazing holiday hostess gifts, Christmas gifts, and holiday decor, I couldn’t resist sharing a few favorites with you. Typical holiday decor never really speaks to me (and doesn’t fit in with the style of our house), but I’m a total sucker for all things white, shiny and soft, like these sweet owls, moody feathery wreaths, and cuddle-worthy faux fur blankets. And, even though it’s a beautiful, sunny 80-degree day as I type this from my terrace, I look forward to cold nights worthy of cozying up indoors.

As previously mentioned, I’m not big on autumnal hues either, so I love the use of poppy colors, stripes, and zigzags. A fresh and modern holiday indeed. What do you think? Are you a fan of these new pieces? Or, do you prefer more traditional holiday decor?

You can see and shop all of the above and more online at West Elm.

Home, The DailyBuss

Have you heard of Sweetest Day? Me neither. But recently, while shop-hopping at Fashion’s Night Out in Los Angeles, my friend noted that she was trying to be good by not buying everything in sight because Sweetest Day was coming up and her hubby had just bought her some amazing vintage cocktail rings to celebrate it. Say what?

It turns out that Sweetest Day, which takes place on the third Saturday in October (this year Sweetest Day will take place this Saturday, October 15th), is mostly celebrated in Ohio (where my lucky friend hails from) and the Great Lakes region.

(Note to self: My parents are from Ohio…Why did they keep this from me and how can I make them pay up for lost time?! Hmmm… Must consult Judge Judy, stat.)

Rumors point to Sweetest Day being a Hallmark holiday, but it turns out that a nice man by the name of Herbert Birch Kingston, who worked at a candy factory in Cleveland, Ohio, actually started the holiday in 1922 as a way of doing something nice for the city’s less fortunate and often forgotten residents: the sick, the elderly, and the orphaned. Sweet indeed. So, with the help of some film stars and neighbors, he gathered up and passed out boxes of candy to local hospitals and orphanages.

These days, Sweetest Day is a mini-Valentine’s Day of sorts, where husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, and friends and relatives, celebrate those who have shown them kindness. Sometimes that’s with a card, or a special dinner for two, or with a box of candy or, for some lucky ducks, with envy-inducing vintage jewels. That’s just the kind of holiday I can get behind. How about you?

Of course, as residents of Ohio start to migrate to other areas of the country, the holiday has begun to spread and anyone who wants to get in on the Sweetest Day fun can celebrate.

Will you be celebrating Sweetest Day? Is it a holiday you have heard of or is this news to you? I’d love to know. For those of you who celebrate Sweetest Day, do you have any favorite gifts you have given or received over the years? Please share in the comments!

p.s. I think this is a great way to spend Sweetest Day!

[Top photo: DIY pillow by In Between Laundry; second photo: handmade heart cut-out dress dress by kayemkay; third photo: via Nicole Allen's Pinterest; fourth photo: via Le Love; last photo: handmade fox plush by RoyalMint]

Fashion, Home, The Blog, The DailyBuss