Hey Little Birdie | Shopping Blog

If I didn’t live in a place synonymous with the term “urban sprawl” and 110 degree temperatures, I would very much like to bike to work. Maybe someday… you know, in the winter… and once I move away from the suburbs… and have a job in the city too. I don’t sound serious, but I am actually. Really, I could be that girl. Don’t chuckle. I could. If I was, then I would force Mike to allow me to purchase this bike.

I mean, it’s the least expensive of Public’s product offering (which is all incredible – check it out), it’s on sale right now, and it comes in Powder Blue (as well as cream)! And I think it’s been calling to me in my dreams lately. Is that wierd? Do things on your wish list audibly speak to you? That can’t be just me, can it?

Everything is illuminated… or at least should be.

Lighting is such a key to decorating schemes that feel layered and complete, just ask Candice Olson (where would she be without her favorite long, shiny haired Mexican named Chico). But it’s true that a lamp can serve many purposes – it can be simply functional… it can be a decorative statement… or it can be a complete game-changer.

Lately, I have been set afire by oversized and unique lighting options. And gone are the days when an overhead lamp had to exist as a builder-basic eyesore. Now, we have options like this…

But if you are looking for some options that are for your flooring’s delight, let’s peruse the world wide web for some all-too-important options in the category otherwise known as floor lamps.

This first one comes from our friends at CB2. It’s a modern and quirky take on your average movie-set spotlight. And seeing as I am obsessed being pseudo-famous (like those girls on the Hills), this might be perfect for me. (Please tell me you hear the sarcasm in the text… but not about the lamp – you are truly the discerning readers I thought you were.)

If you are looking for something even more old-school retro, try this option from Lamps Plus. It’s dramatic and purposeful and will instantly take a room to mid-century perfection.

If you are looking for something more traditional and rustic, Pottery Barn has this beauty. The tapered drum shade brings the 2010 to the otherwise classic lines of this lamp base.  This is one that I could even imagine duplicating with a flea market find and some paint and sand paper.

If you are looking for other less expensive options, there is always the amazing-ness of Ikea. I love their lighting section not only for its options, but also the laid-back-dim-light feel of it. It’s like they realize we shoppers can’t handle the trek of the entire store without a little break, a place to rest our eyes and calm our souls, before throwing us back out in to the Scandinavian superstore once again.

Now, if you want true unique-ness, a one-of-a-kind, handmade masterpiece… if you are Phoebe Buffay and want a story with every apothecary table or sheet set or in this case, floor lamp, look no further than Old Crow Farm on etsy.

If you think I haven’t rambled enough, then you guys are more giving than you look… and you look pretty good. But it should be said that there are numerous options for your individual design sense. Have fun shopping and imagining your room with ample and layered lighting options. As a wise person once said, “Walk towards the light”…

I love Anthropologie.  It’s the only store I hurry to in order to linger in.  I love to meander in the store (on that rare occasion I have the chance).  I love to browse their website for inspiration.  I even love to watch their buyer at work in Man Shops Globe!  Interesting fabrics, vintage-modern feel… I guess that’s my style.  You may be surprised to know, for how much a gush about them, I don’t love everything in the store. Sometimes I’ve thought Am I really supposed to wear black-and-white striped leggings, like a witch? (They did that awhile back.) Uh, no.  But that’s just another reason I love it.  It’s interesting… unique… creative… inspiring.

I’ll find the cutest dress with just the right cut, just the right color and just the right detail and my heart will skip a beat.  I’ll walk across the store, feel the fabric (nice!), notice the detailing (so pretty!) and look at the pricetag (OUCH!).  Then I’ll put it back and wonder why I do this to myself.

But I found this other shop, Ruche.

It’s Anthropologie-like.  And it’s affordable!  Take, for instance, this shirt.  So cute!!

Ruche:  copper coils button up tunic, $34.99

compared to this shirt with the same feel:

Anthropologie:  illuminated way blouse, $128.00

That’s a $93.00 difference!  Want to see more?  Here’s their Look Book.  I don’t love everything from this store, but there are some definite great finds of unique, vintage-inspired clothes with an affordable price tag.

Don’t worry, Anthro.  You’ll always and forever be #1.

Joy is the best makeup.

~Anne Lamott

Here at Hey Little Birdie we are fortunate enough to be able to focus on the beautiful things in life.  Artwork, Jewelry, Clothing… even items to beautify your dog!  There is so much around us to feel inspired and to take our breath away. We love it and truly enjoy bringing it to you!

Unfortunately, the world isn’t always beautiful… heartache, starvation, abandonment, disease… it’s part of life, too.  It makes me sad, even overwhelmed at times.  There have been times I’ve wanted to just ignore it and just focus on the good.  There have been times I’ve wanted to take to battle and try to make a difference in everything, only to be burnt out before the battle began.

I think I’ve come to realize, as is most things in life, it’s about the simple things where you make a difference.  Being focused on being thoughtful… mindful… doing things with purpose.

These are some shops doing just that.

Summer in Japan, a vintage assemblage necklace and earrings set

2010 Modern Design Calendar 8.5×11 Size Printable PDF SALE

Pushing Up Daisies Boston Terrier Pop Up Card

Organic Wash Cloth – Mushrooms and Snails

If you’re going to buy something anyway, for yourself or a gift for a friend, why not make a point to look for a seller with proceeds going to charity?  You might not find the item you’re looking for, but then again, you just might! It can’t hurt to look!  Some searching ideas:  charity, donation, breast cancer, World Vision.  Or check out teams with sellers focused on a topic of choice, such as: Etsy for Charity, Etsy Earth, Alyson’s Cure.

We all know stuff won’t buy happiness.  But giving?  That’ll bring you true joy!