I am 30 years old and I believe in Santa. If you are snickering right now because you think I’m probably kidding (or completely crazy), you are wrong. I come from a family of believers, including my mother who also believes in gnomes. Our motto is, “why wouldn’t you want to believe in something so wonderful?” So, if you don’t love the big man as much as I do, you may want to press play on this video, because this soundtrack will really get you in the mood.

Which Leads Us To…

Fiercely Anticipating: Santa Research

Even though I dress up and really love candy, Halloween is just an obstacle between Labor Day and Christmas movies. I start watching them on November 1st and although I adore all of the classics, I prefer to stock my DVR with every movie that even hints of the holidays, no matter how horrible they may be. Luckily, there are three channels that never fail to air them the second our pumpkins are smashed and skeletons are packed away. There is the “Countdown to the 25 days of Christmas” on ABC Family which airs weeks before the ACTUAL Countdown to Christmas on December 1st, “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” that starts a little too late for my taste around Thanksgiving, and my favorite, Hallmark Channel, which airs a new holiday movie every Saturday and Sunday at 8pm. If you have ever wondered, “What ever happened to (insert 90’s star here)?” They are still working!

These horrendous (but AWESOME) made-for-TV holiday movies starring Lauren Holly, the bully from the Breakfast Club, and James Van Der Beek, can be broken down into three categories; Romantic Comedies set at Christmastime, Fish-Out-Of-Water (i.e. big city lawyer ends up in a small town and learns what the season is all about OR lonely exec is sent to an alternate universe where she is a happy house wife at Christmas), and finally, those that involve the man himself, Santa. The Santa made-for-TV holiday movies can be further broken down into their own sub-categories, some more effective than others. There are the popular memory-loss Santa movies, low-Christmas-spirit Santa movies, and the ones where Santa falls in love himself. The Santa genre is my personal favorite because I always enjoy getting to see the North Pole and researching elf-behavior and habits, but some are even too ridiculous for me to watch. My mom called me three times last week to ask if I had watched a particular movie yet, claiming it was very touching and that I would love it. The description on the cable guide was “a talking dog and an orphan must save Christmas after old Saint Nick loses his memory.” I thought she must be kidding. I mean, even I have standards.

ALSO Fiercely Anticipating: Alleviating Some of Santa’s Burden

Santa doesn’t put ALL of those presents under the tree because that would just be impossible. I’m thrilled to help the big guy out a little by doing my own shopping to fill in the gaps. As a shop owner and maker, I am an advocate for handmade goods and small business, so I’m also going to challenge you to buy at least 75% of your holiday wares from somewhere other than those chain stores. I know it’s hard, but come on, you can do it. Find a local toy store, craft fair or even just buy your holiday party groceries from a local market. As screwy as our economy is right now, we can make a huge difference by buying directly from each other. Here are some of my favorite shops in my own “local market”, Etsy!

1. Catnap Cottage  2. Paloma’s Nest  3. Yee-Haw Industrial Letterpress  4.  A.Heirloom 5. Recent History 6. AM Radio 7. Take Me Homeware 8. 86 Home 9. Red Leaf Bath and Body 10.  Zara Carpenter 11.Oh Hello, Friend 12. Ohhh Lulu… 13. ISWAS+WILLBE 14. Norwegian Wood 15. Scout & Catalogue

And Finally (For Realzies) Fiercely Anticipating: Properly Hosting Santa and the Reindeer

You might not know this, but Santa, and other Northern elves, actually metabolize sugar in a very different way than humans. He turns cookies, fudge and candy canes into protein, vitamins and fiber. We don’t leave treats for him on Christmas Eve merely as gift; he needs this fuel to get him through the night. Some health nuts out there have convinced their kids to put out “good” food for him to balance the sugar intake from the other houses, but instead, they have been poisoning him for years. He needs sugar to survive, so don’t ruin Christmas for the rest of us by leaving veggies out for a veg-intolerant man. Now, the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) are a different story, so you may want to label the dishes separately. Surprisingly, many people forget to leave food for Santa’s flight team. I suggest leaving out some arctic char with mushrooms on a bed of moss, leaves, and mixed grasses. And for the Jolly Old Elf himself, I’ve put together some of his favorite cookie recipes from Smitten Kitchen for you to try out this year!

Apple Pie Cookies

Ginger Snaps

Chocolate Toffee Cookies

Roasted Chestnut Cookies

Iced Oatmeal Cookies

He’s up there right now, making his list and checking it twice, so you might want to reconsider your faith in the Claus sooner rather than later. Get to your watching, shopping and baking and don’t stress out this season, y’all…it’s CHRISTMAS!!! Happy Holidays!

If you liked this post, please do us the further boon of Liking the Fierce and Nerdy page on FaceBook. Also, we’re giving great stream on Twitter, so do give us follow.

But the point of this story is that Delia’s Christmas MarketStoreShoppe is up now. And it’s going away in just 7 days, so go get your ornament now, b/c there’s no guarantee that your awesome friend will send you the ornament in the mail after they’re all sold out. Click on the pic to go to the store.

Oh, and click here to see Kalimba in “Everything But.” From what I’ve been told, she’s even more amazing than usual in this.

a blogumn by Delia Hauser

It’s spring!  (But we don’t have the money to go out with our friends anymore…) So, invite people over!  Bring the party home.  EVERYONE should throw more parties; breakfast parties, dinner parties, slumber parties, make your own pizza parties, cocktail parties…you get the point. Entertaining at home doesn’t have to be expensive or even very formal.  I throw A LOT of parties, huge and small, so I’ve laid out the steps that I use to plan them all.  You can then invest in a few of my finds and start having friends over more often!

1.    Know your limits. What is your home’s maximum capacity and what can you afford?

2.    Send out invites by mail, email or evite about two weeks before.

3.    Figure out your party favors.  Yes, they may seem a little formal or cheesy, but I promise it is one the best feelings to get one. Give your guests a small bag of cookies, a cupcake, or old-fashioned candy and toys in vintage bags.

4.    Write your menu one or two weeks before. It can be as simple as store bought hors d’oeuvres or as complex as cherry cabernet venison; it really doesn’t matter as long as you present it well.  ALWAYS have water in one pitcher (with cucumber, lemon or mint) and one tea or punch in another and save TONS of money by asking your guests to bring the wine or beer.

5.    If you hate baking, simplify your dessert. Serve warm fruit with ice cream or buy cupcakes and add some adorable toppers.  My dad’s a pastry chef and he SWEARS by the Pillsbury pie crusts.  If you want to impress your guests with an amazing pie, just roll one out into a pan, add fresh fruit with a little sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter.  Top with the second crust and voila!  A pie.

6.    Once you plan what you’re serving, make your grocery list. Include everything from ice to butter to napkins.  Don’t leave anything out!  Now rewrite your list by aisle.  Seriously.  It saves so much time.

7.    Decorate! It can be as simple as arranging your platters at different levels on the table, but if you’re feeling sassy, add some old-school bunting or paper pom poms to spruce things up.  A few candles and one bouquet of flowers on a dinner table is all you need to make it special and busting out your linen napkins will even make that grilled cheese seem important.

8.    Two or three days before, do your grocery shopping.

9.    One day before, clean your place just so it LOOKS clean. A party will only add more dirt, so you’ll have to clean up after anyway.  Prep absolutely anything you can now; chop, cook, mix dips, rinse pitchers and platters, etc.

10.    On the day, wake up early to get started.  Cook, set everything out, check toilet paper levels and breathe.  Throwing impressive parties is more about being an amazing host than it is about slaving in the kitchen for hours before hand.  A huge part of that is thinking one step ahead of your guests.  Don’t leave out the basics; the corkscrew, bottle opener, silverware, cups, ice, water, and all serving spoons should be on the table before they get there.

11.    If it’s well planned, you should be able to enjoy your own party too! Laugh off any mistakes or broken dishes and have fun!

After the jump, a bunch of items to make any party even better.
Cakebox Cookies shortbread rounds –

Set the table…

a.    Vintage linen set – $
b.    Oldstyle pitcher – $15
c.    Junk Culture party set – $
d.    Red Hen Studios linens – $8
e.    Gathered Nest bowls – $24
f.    Banglespark platter – $10
g.    Fabulous canisters – $28
h.   Kimaroo’s tablecloth – $
i.    No Carnations platter – $15
j.    Vintage Shop bowl – $30
k.   Charm City platters – $12
l.    Mud Stuffing pitcher – $75
m.  Banglespark pitcher – $16
n.   Banglespark bowls – $18
o.   Table Chic tablecloth - $18
p.   Vintage cocktail picks – $3.50
q.   We Think We Can pot – $17

Add some decoration!

a.    Whimsidoodle lights – $54
b.    Jack and Izzy party pack – $78
c.    Ravenhill bunting – $35
d.    The Academy garland – $30
e.    Turvys bunting – $24
f.    Pom Love pom poms – $15
g.    Starlit Nest bunting – $15
h.   Ay Muyer! paper flags – $10
i.    Pink Grapefruit Style lantern – $3.95
j.    Enigmachck bunting -$14

Buy your favors…or bake them!

a.    Madison Craft pocket mirrors – $40
b.    Cakebox shortbread rounds – $14.95
c.    Maria Elena Events cookie cakes – $40
d.    Michelle Shopped necklaces – $9.50
e.    Hey Yo Yo popcorn bags – $5
f.    Boston Bag Lady vintage rings – $3.75
g.   Layer Cake Shop cupcake kit – $12
h.   Layer Cake cupcake toppers – 6.75
i.    Lilly Bon Bon cupcake toppers – $
j.    Bake It Pretty baking cups – $4.25
k.   Layer Cake Shop icing flowers – $
l.    Millalove cupcake toppers – $15
m. Bake It Pretty cupcake toppers – $2.75

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Throwing an Easter party? Delia has some must-have cake toppers, gift tags, and even Easter cards at her etsy marketshoppe. Also, you’ll get 20% off your purchase with the below coupon

a blogumn by Delia Hauser

The other day, when I was researching my next article, I stumbled upon on a whole section of Etsy I stupidly haven’t even addressed yet.  How dare I leave out those sellers that proudly list their wares under the category “geekery”?!  Yes, that’s right; not JUST clothing, or jewelry, or gifts, or home décor, because it includes ALL of these things with a little nerdy spin.  I mean, isn’t that what this very site is all about?

We geeks are different these days.  Having a scientific mind, playing Dungeons and Dragons, or using an inhaler no longer defines the modern nerd.  You can be a very stylish nerd, or an art nerd, or even a football watching WWE nerd.  I recently met a lovely female nerd that has every sci-fi book and movie known to mankind AND she wears Prada.  Her shoe collection was a sight for my sore eyes and her DVD collection for my boyfriend’s.  You just never know, you know?

So, I explored this perfectly joyful section on Etsy for HOURS, and sifted through literally thousands of listings to find a little something for every kind of new millenium nerd.   Check them out or go to Etsy and peruse “geekery” a little while for yourself.  I’m sure that hundreds of wonderful things have been newly posted since I last looked.  Meanwhile, all sorts of Geek Bling and Nerdy Things after the jump.

a.    Majesty Inc. keychain fob – $6
b.    Couch Objects necklace – $20
c.    Happy Family robot bib – $5
d.    Slevin 11 buttons – $2.50
e.    KnitKnit crocheted electric cord – $
f.    The Mymble’s Daughter necklace – $
g.   Amy Jo’s Handmade electronics case – $5
h.   Zaunick cufflinks (www.zaunick.com) – $70
i.    Space Oddities button – $1.25
j.    Ikyoto t-shirt – $15
k.   Digibling necklace – $
l.    Always Amy necklace – $12
m. Happy Family totes – $25
n.  The Fakery Bakery 2 earrings – $7
o.  Melissa Abram hair pins – $
p.  Slevin 11 buttons – $12

a.    Digital Soaps – $
b.    Yummy Pancake plush toast – $
c.    Pixel Party flowers – $30
d.    Contexto notebook – $6
e.    Samski Art embroidery – $40
f.     Luck, Love and Hedgehogs Design crocheted sardines – $
g.    Kawaii-neh! plush sushi – $59
h.    Pink Felt Rage embroidery – $25
i.     LilyPang Art & Design laptop vinyl – $
j.     Visionary Savant sign -$14.99
k.    Jinx Murphy Designs desk ornament – $6
l.     Vortex cassette tape magnet – $8
m.   Imotime clock – $25
n.    Esta Sketch print – $52
o.    Fiftyacorns crocheted cactus – $15
p.    Bdbondy web cam – $35
q.    Tiffany Ard flash cards – $
r.    Same Old Stuff bumper sticker – $1

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Want more geekery? Check out Delia’s Market Store Shoppe and use the below coupon for your purchase!

a blogumn by Delia Hauser

Finding just the right way to say “thank you” can be tough when the gesture or work requires more of a reward than a card or pat on the back.  These little gifts are especially hard to shop for when we barely know the people we want to thank and, well, what IS a really good token of appreciation?

Well, darlings, here you go:

1.    Start with a card. Get a beautiful (and unisex) set of thank you cards and always have them on hand.  You never know when you’ll need one, and having them means you won’t have an excuse to not send one.  If standard Thank You cards feel too stiflingly specific for you to have around (its possible), buy some simple floral letterpress cards that will later double as birthday cards in a pinch.

2.    Next, buy some flowers, but not real ones.  Buy beaded or felted or paper bouquets that will last forever. Don’t get me wrong, flowers are lovely, but think out of the box for those special thank yous.  If you must send something alive (or you’re thanking a man), get them a potted plant that will keep on giving and a cute pot for it to go in.

3.    Now, you could stop here unless they’ve been really good to you and also deserve a small gift (or two or three).  There are the good old standbys; iTunes, spa, wine.com, or movie theater gift cards.  OR, you could go out on a limb and buy them a little piece of art, monogrammed stationery, a cute coffee mug (or coffee mug cozy), or something quirky to put on their desk. I mean, I LOVE an iTunes gift card just as much as the next lady, but how awesome would it be to get jewelry or some sweet smelling handmade soaps instead?   It would be PRETTY awesome.

So do it. Now.  Get that “thank you” gift you’ve been putting off, or stock up on these finds for the future.  I’ve been careful to seek out things (almost) everyone would love and they’re all so wonderful I don’t know how you’ll be able to give them away!

a.    Rock Paper Sugar paper bouquet – $24
b.    The Bittersweet Project card set – $25
c.    Smock Letterpress card set – $14
d.    Pocket Studio card – $3.50
e.    Shop Hearts & Anchors card – $3.95
f.    C.B.C.B Designs card set – $12
g.    Simple Ink card set – $20
h.   Dancusa paper bouquet – $40
i.    Mudpuppy bud vases – $26
j.    Squid Sense fabric flower – $16.50
k.   Designs By Steppie card – $4
l.    Kokomia card – $4.25
m.  Sycamore Street Press card – $4
n.   Simplesong card – $4.50
o.   Flowers by LJP beaded flower bouqet – $7.50
p.   Papaver Vert felted plant cozy – $36
q.   Sycamore Street Press card – $4
r.   May Day Studio card – $4

a.    Lave-me! Soap Co. set of soaps – $14
b.    Lotta Helleberg sachets – $20
c.    Miapella nourishing body butter – $12
d.    Turtle Papers monogrammed stationery – $25
e.    60 bugs cup cozy – $10
f.     oh, hello friend necklace – $13.50
g.    myfriendroze earrings – $24
h.    tulaLoo personalized cards – $10
i.     kiss ‘n tell notebook – $15
j.     Rosie Music print – $20
k.    Pretty little thieves painting – $15
l.     Silhouette Blue monogrammed cards – $25
m.   Mireio candle – $22
n.    Every Little Counts tote – $15
o.    Stylesmith necklace – $20
p.    Fernfiddlehead laptop cozy – $32
q.    Things are better with a parrott personalized stationery - $42.50
r.    Kika’s Fancy earrings – $30
s.    Vessels & Wares desktop squirrel – $10
t.     Jodii mug – $14
u.    Namaste Designs earrings – $26
v.    Dhara Holistics mud masque – $18

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You can thank Delia for her wonderful blogumn and get in some last-minute Valentines Day shopping by visiting her Market Store Shoppe! Use the below coupon for 20% off your purchase.

a blogumn by Delia Hauser

At the beginning of every year, I look around my home and get this itchy feeling to change something.  ANYTHING.   It probably has something to do with not being able to keep ACTUAL resolutions or perhaps it is from poring over Southern Living magazine as a child (those ladies redecorate their home EVERY SEASON).  Either way, it feels good to reevaluate my surroundings.  It forces me to look at things in my environment that I take for granted or even hate but for some reason never throw away.  I clean up, make goodwill runs, find fun new clothes to wear, switch things up around the house, buy some new art, etc.

But this year feels very different.  I mean, I have never completely redone my place, but I couldn’t afford it in 2009 even if I wanted to.  And this is killing me.  I hate being told (even by the silent “man”) that I can’t do something.   So, I challenged myself to find really great ways to spruce up a home with very little work and money.

Most style gurus would tell you to paint…but I know you can’t be bothered.  Or they might suggest that you cover your couch or do your own pillow covers, but I’m starting to see that very few people actually do that, even after reading the latest Martha Stewart magazine and even buying the fabric.   It has to be easier and it can’t be expensive.  So here we go:

1.    Go through EVERYTHING one room at time.   It is time to get rid of decoration from high school or college unless you absolutely love it.  Be realistic.  When you look at something, from a pillow to a vase, ask yourself, “does it really reflect my personality NOW?” and pare a room down to your favorite pieces. 
2.    Completely rearrange your furniture and put those pieces in new rooms.  Don’t be scared.  Just do it.  And clean everything as you go!
3.    You know those limp, squished, broken throw pillows on your couch?  Don’t chuck them, just buy a cover slightly smaller than the size and stuff them into it! They’ll look puffier and new instantly.  New textiles really do change a room. 
4.    Pick one or two small things that you would like for each room, write a list and go on a mission each weekend to find one cheaply (or just use my buying guide for some great ideas). Curtains for the bedroom, throw pillows for the couch, a new piece of art for the kitchen or a fruit bowl for the table. 
5.    And finally…EVERYTHING is art when it’s framed. I know you’ve read that so many times, but its true.  I’ve added some odd and wonderful vintage items to my finds as examples of great things to frame, but there are thousands more on Etsy.com.  Just search for “ephemera” in the vintage section and get shopping!  If you don’t want to pay shipping for frames online, go to Michael’s or Target or the flea market!

No trips to Home Depot, Lowe’s or the fabric store.  It’s amazing what you already have in your home.  Just follow these steps and your surroundings will be completely new for the year!

WALLS:
a.    Time Passages frameable ephemera – click link for price
b.    Marcy McChesney painting – $65
c.    Lewa’s Designs vinyl wall art – $60
d.    The Vintage Mode ephemera – $1.95
e.    Nea framed needlepoint – $65
f.    Sarah Takahashi silkscreen print – $25
g.    The Brilliant Magpie print- $5
h.    Yee-Haw Industries poster – $25
i.    Le Petit Poulailler frameable ephemera – click link for price
j.    Sweetshorn Vintage wall art – $38
k.    Rachel Austin painting - $60
l.    Filth E Design block print – $20
m.  Yellow Mermaid print – $6
n.   Little Green Frog cloud with rain – $20
o.   Two Sarahs screenprint – $45
p.   Yee-Haw Industries letterpress print – $20
q.    Cutiepie Company gocco print– $15
r.    Time Passages frameable ephemera- $2.75
s.    Sarah Takahashi painting – $175
t.    Storyline frameable ephemera- $9.50
u.    Rebecca Rebouche’ drawing – $20

OBJECTS:
a.    Fruit Salad Vintage bowl – $30
b.    Joo Joo incense burner – $30
c.    Skeletal Dropkick jar – $45
d.    La Pomme swan – $38.50
e.    Whimsical Bazaar scales – $33
f.    Cotton Bird Designs bird – $39
g.    Whimsical Bazaar scrap book – $16
h.    Peacock Envy shoe form – $16
i.    Sweetshorn Vintage bowling pins – click link for price
j.    Janebox quail egg candle – $5
k.    Austin Modern lamp – $75
l.    Jess James Jake cheese board – $42
m.  Shop House mobile – $48
n.   La Pomme fruit – $32
o.   15 min. rabbit sculpture – $22
p.   Silocurb pencil holder – $15.50
q.   Modish Vintage pitcher – $60
r.   Something’s Hiding In Here house – $20
s.   Sweetshorn Vintage stainless and teak platter – $12
t.   Fabulous Mess Vintage salt and pepper shakers – $24
u.  Blue Valentine Press gnome art – $44

TEXTILE:
a.    Common Decency throw pillow – $20
b.    The Farmer’s Daughter quilt – $99
c.    Nesta Home throw pillow – $30
d.    Rachel’s Habit afghan – $73
e.    Animals In Yarn afghan – $30
f.    Karen Bucina Designs throw pillow – $25
g.    Unite By Stitches tea towel – $15
h.    Parker Sewn throw pillow – $35
i.    Linen Me bread napkin – $15
j.    Crochet Dad’s Creations afghan – $45
k.   Betsy Grace tea towels – $21
l.    Olive pillow – $25
m.  Reyart table topper – $85
n.   What Circa throw pillow sham – $9.99
o.    Stiksel tea towel – $17
p.    Nebulous Freak quilt – $70
q.    Stiksel throw pillow sham – $48
r.    Artgoodies tea towel – $15
s.    Linen Me bed set – $67.50

Delia’s Market Store Shoppe also has a slew of reasonably-priced stuff, and it’s on sale! Click on the coupon to see.

A blogumn by Delia Hauser

I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I mean, EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS.  From Fa La La La Lifetime movies and abcFam’s 25 Days of Christmas to the garish decorations and crowded stores of unhappy shoppers.  ALL OF IT.  It’s just wonderful to me.

Even though I’m obsessed with it, I’m always really smart about my Christmas shopping, baking and decorating. I start early, which isn’t great advice now since we are 3 weeks out, but maybe you can think about it next year when everyone else is carving pumpkins.  Here are some ways to make it easier:

1.    Buy your cards and fill them out early. Make a list of everyone you know well and put them in different categories; card, card+cookies, card+gift, card+gift+cookies, etc.  I swear these two things will help you out so much before everything gets crazy and suddenly you are 3 WEEKS OUT!!!

2.    If you love baking, choose four or five different things that look pretty together in a box because it’s a great last minute gift if you forgot to put someone on your list. Branch out this year; make truffles or homemade candy canes instead of cookies.  If you don’t feel like baking, buy your goods from your local baker or on Etsy.com and package them yourself.  Yes, they even have bakeries on Etsy!

3.    Speaking of which… I’ve only featured Etsy sellers this week because of the economic crisis. When times get tough, people flee to Wal-Mart and Target leaving craftspeople and moms-and-pops in the dust.  If we don’t buy from them, the economy just gets WORSE!  The handmade world is affordable, warm, lovely, eco-friendly and very personal — especially during the holidays.  Just look at all the wonderful stuff I found!

4.    Simplify your gift wrap. Come up with a scheme or two and stick with it.  It’s beautiful to see everything matching or coordinating under a tree.  I suggest one of two things.  Buy brown parcel paper (about $3 worth will get you through 2 Christmas’s) and sass it up with really amazing toppers like glittery fruit and red ribbon or bright yarn and an ornament instead of a standard bow.   OR, buy a variety of vintage papers and use old silly toppers that barely match or a contrasting wide ribbon tied up in a huge bow.  With either option, don’t forget that gift tags are like art these days and you don’t have to use those boring ones from the drug store.

I know this time of year can be overwhelming for people who celebrate these holidays (and for those who don’t) but when you’re out in the whirlwind of shoppers and feel like you can barely breathe, do what I do; try to remember that they are out there trying to make their loved ones happy too.  It’s a necessary evil, so you may as well smile and look at the pretty lights. Tons of stuff to help you out after the jump:

1.    Blomma card set – $12
2.    Dippylulu mini card set – $4
3.    Sweet Letter Press card set – $13
4.    Design des Troy card set – $14.50
5.    Ink drop design card set – $11
6.    Jen Lou card set – $17.50
7.    Tina Seamonster card set – $14
8.    Inflatable Eye card – $3.50
9.    Daydream Studios card set –  $18.75
10.  The Frantic Meercat card – $3
11.  Sweet Letter Press Card Set – $13
12.  Junkmail Greetings card – $3
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1.    Rikrak stocking -$18
2.    Haru wreath – $85
3.    Winsome Hollow tree – $24
4.    Michima joyeux noel letters – $8
5.    Fact and Fancy tree – $14.50
6.    Green Chile Mama wreath – $140
7.    Earmark banner – $11.50
8.    Sew Sew Suck UR Toe stocking – $17
9.    Kup Kup Land collage – $48
10.  Katydiddy decorative box – $6
11.  Lusitania tree – $32
12.  My Sweet Savannah garland – $12
13.  Sweetshorn Vintage wall hanging – $16
14.  Maka Le Wakan garland – $7
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1.    Jean Francis Bean gift tags – $5
2.    Courtney Kessel vintage paper – $4
3.    Hey Lady! gift tags – $6.50
4.    The Merry Magpie vintage boxes – $2.95
5.    Vintage Ephemera gift wrap – $4
6.    Lucky Duck Designs gift tags – $3.25
7.    Time Passages vintage paper – $3
8.    Katie Blair Designs gift tags – $1.50
9.    Paddywack Designs gift toppers – $7
10.  Paloma’s Nest gift bag – $6
11.  Paper Red Shoes origami gift boxes – $9
12.  Maka Le Wakan gift tags – $4.80
13.  Shop 66 vintage paper – $2.50
14.  Dallas Shaw gift toppers – $3
15.  Loverly Ink gift toppers – $3
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1.    Paloma’s Nest – $48
2.    Winsome Hollow – $38
3.    Shannon Harris – $20
4.    Sew Danish – $12
5.    Norajane – $6
6.    Kylie Parry – $8
7.    Make Me Smile – $9
8.    Jennifer Orme Ceramics – $15
9.    Red Marionette – $24
10.  Guy’s Art Gal – $22
11.  The Monkey See, Monkey Do Shoppe – $5
12.  Dreaming Giggles Design – $14
13.  Paper Displays of Affection – $19.99
14.  Snowfish – $21
15.  Bossy’s Feltworks – $10
16.  Time Passages – $7
17.  Run Amok – $15

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Looking for more holiday fa-la-la, check out Delia’s lovely creations at her online one-stop holiday market shoppe!

Holiday Ornament Set - $15

A blogumn by Delia Hauser

I’m going to keep this short and sweet so you can get to the part where you click on all the fun stuff I found this week to buy.  We are quickly approaching holiday party season and it’s our chance to use these events as an excuse to dress up in lots of shiny things inappropriate any other time.  We get to wear silver with satin with rhinestones with beading.  The only rule is to add one more thing once you think you’re done!

Unfortunately, every happy time has its dark cloud and this year it’s probably being poor.  So, I challenged myself to find affordable “glam” that feels lush but won’t empty your wallets.  Let me just tell you there is a lot out there but most of it looks cheap and crappy.  Since I don’t support buying tons of ugly things for $10 that will tear or break in a day, I set my goal at $100 or less for really great finds.  That way, you can afford to buy a few wonderful new pieces to add to the stuff you already have and they will last you until next year’s parties.

I found some amazing retro pieces, so here’s a helpful hint when buying vintage clothing: unless you are a brilliant seamstress, you CAN’T easily just “bring it in” but if it fits you well, you CAN easily pay someone to hem a floor length Dynasty gown into a sexy mini dress.  Think LENGTH, not FIT when considering updating or altering something.  Check out my finds!  This season you get to feel chic, glamorous and sparkly through all your parties without breaking the bank.

Go out and shine!!!

a. Enid and Edgar Vintage dress – $26
b. Kimchi Blue dress – $88
c. Beauty and the Baby vintage dress – $95
d. My Fred and Ginger dress – $38
e. Silence & Noise dress – $68
f. Popette’s Palace dress – $18
g. Emerald Vintage dress – $35
h. Miso Vintage dress – $14.99
i. Muskoka Vintage dress – $10
j. J. Crew blouse - $19.99
k. Deborah Jean Vintage - $49
l. Ledthread dress – $100
m. Eva’s Closet dress – $44.99
n. Fabulous Mess Vintage – $65
o. The Vintage Mode dress – $49

a. J. Crew bracelet – $69.99
b. Vintage Fabulous earrings – $16
c. Dirty Librarian necklace – $38
d. Sigerson Morrison for Target heels – $36.99
e. Forever 21 bracelet – $6.80
f. Anthropologie necklace – $38
g. Urban Outfitters flats – $38
h. Oh Faro! necklace – $26
i. Steve Madden pumps - $77
j. Parisol necklace – $12
k. Urban Outfitters hair clip – $34
l. J. Crew heels – $99.99
m. Urban Outfitters purse – $38
n. Jennies Junque-n-it brooch – $10
o. J. Crew cocktail ring – $75
p. Franco Sarto pumps – $98
q. One Blessed Mess necklace – $10
r. Nifty-Knacks, Etc. earrings – $20

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Also, perfect for the holiday season: this grey silk halter dress from Delia’s market shoppe store. Check it out along with her amazing Christmas items here.

Grey Silk Halter Dress

A blogumn by Delia Hauser

There was a single winter chill in Los Angeles this past week.  One teeny tiny nippy breeze and I thought, “YES! I can write my chic geek holiday decoration article this week!”  But, after a sobering 80 degree afternoon I realized it just might be too soon after all.  For me, nothing is as exciting as the holiday season except maybe LAYERING.   Ah layering!  How I love you so!  But, like most things in this world, I have some beef with how people approach their winter look.  Mostly, they don’t approach it AT ALL; it is purely functional.  I say, why choose warmth over style when you can have both?!

When most people buy their winter coats, they choose something neutral to go with more things in their closet.  Frankly, I think this is the where everything goes very wrong.  Once you’re all bundled up in a hat, scarf and gloves, your outfit is covered up, so why do you care if your coat matches it?  I think we should approach our bundled look as a separate outfit.  It is our protective shell, but it’s also what everyone sees when we are outside or coming into work or a restaurant, so why not make it really good?  Hell, it’s our chance to have a legitimate costume change during the day!

I suggest having two or three winter looks to switch up depending on the day or occasion.  Buy coats you are happy to put on!  Bulkier doesn’t mean you’ll be warmer.  If you wear a hat with a tailored coat, you’ll be just as warm as your friend in the down puffer coat.  I promise.  If you’re strapped for cash right now, you can still have more than one coat.  Buy vintage on Etsy, ebay or from your local vintage shops.  Once you have a few that you love, buy a scarf, hat, gloves and rain boots to complete each look.  Scarves are taking on new and exciting forms these days.  If you have a coat that buttons higher up, you can pair it with a scarflette that won’t add a ton of bulk around your neck or under your coat. Luxuriate in a pair of opera length leather gloves or warm handmade mittens.  Rain boots are super cute these days too.  Shop around before you buy the standard.  Though all of my examples come from Zappos, even Target sometimes carries adorable striped or polka dotted wellies.

Winter looks don’t have to be mismatched concoctions thrown together at the last second anymore.  Plan yours out.  Buy cozy, but buy chic!

Everything you need to get you fashionably through the winter after the jump:

Hats

a. Anthropologie – click link for price
b. Aspasia – $29
c. Tomoka Tahara – $45
d. S Loves C - $38
e. Maribel – $30
f. Urban Outfitters – $42
g. Anthropologie – click link for price
h. Liza Rietz – $42
i. Paula Deer – $45
j. Piper & Paisley – $32

Scarves

a. Beebun – $20
b. Carmelita Marie – $50
c. Perpetual Downpour – $30
d. Tijusai – $60
e. Spratters & Jayne – $85
f. Just Vic – $39
g. Rosetung – $58
h. Tortoiseshell Bunny – $56
i. PhylPhil – $25
j. Tickled Pink Knits – $74

Coats

a. Marc Jacobs – click link for price
b. Little Houses – $260
c. Nothing.Everything – $136
d. Marc Jacobs  – click link for price
e. Sumomosuki – $79
f. Leifsdotter – click link for price
g. Odd Molly – click link for price
h. Flock – $160
i. Emily Katz – click link for price
j. Marc Jacobs – click link for price
k. Lady Melbourne’s Vintage Emporium – $69
l. 13threads – $320
m. Alexandra Anderson – $90
n. 13threads – $460

Boots and Gloves

a. Urban Outfitters – $20
b. Urban Outfitters – $20
c. Sperry – click link for price
d. Look Around – $54
e. Tretorn – click link for price
f. Anthropologie – click link for price
g. Look Around – $44
h. J. Crew – $75
i. Hunter – click link for price
j. Milly – click link for price
k. Red Phoenix Designs – $89.95
l. Hunter – click link for price
m. 3.1 Phillip Lim – click link for price
n. Shellys – click link for price
o. J. Crew – $130