Giveaway! Shabby Apple Dresses

I'm so excited about today's post. This is the first sponsored giveaway for Design Evolution. I've been approached several times in the past but the products never seemed to be a good fit for the blog.  I was contacted by Shabby Apple, an online shop for women's dresses, skirts, and accessories, and asked if I would be interested in a giveaway where one of my readers could win a dress selected by me. After five minutes of checking out the Shabby Apple site I said yes!


With interesting collection names like Mad Hatter, Set Sail, Roman Holiday, and Academia I couldn't resist the vintage dress silhouettes. The dress shapes look like they are flattering for many different body types. I've really been a slacker about getting dressed up more often so this giveaway has also inspired me to pick up a few dresses for myself. Here are some of my favorites:


Besides a large collection of vintage inspired dresses, Shabby Apple has carries a bunch of great skirt silhouettes. I am anti-shorts so come summer I wear skirts often.


Without further ado, the giveaway! One reader will win the Spanish Steps dress pictured in the dress collage above.  It is the cream and tan dress modeled next to that adorable red vintage Vespa.  All you have to do to win the dress is visit Shabby Apple's Facebook page here and "Like" them. Make sure to leave me a comment letting me know that you've done so.  The contest will be open from now until Monday, March 5th at 12pm.  I will choose one winner at random.  The contest is only open to U.S. residents.

And as an added bonus, Shabby Apple is offering all of you a 20% discount code so you can shop to your hearts delight.  Enter designevo20off at checkout to receive the discount. Coupon is valid for 30 days.

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We're Tying the Knot!

After I shared the exciting news that I will be getting married this year I promised to share some of the wedding planning details.  The first project I tackled after securing the location was creating the Save the Dates.  I knew I wanted to make the Save the Dates myself and when I came across this card I had the perfect jumping off point.

Concept by Christina Moralego
I change the color scheme, fonts, wording, and placement of text but the idea of recipient actually tying a knot when they open the card remained. 




It was a fun surprise, family and friends seemed to really enjoy receiving these Save the Dates.

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Stitch on Two

I recently received an email from Kate Maloney Interior Design about a the new decor shop opened on the second floor of their design studio.  Stitch on Two, located on 875 Main Street in Cambridge, MA, is filled with an eclectic mix of furniture and antique accessories. Inventory is ever changing so visit often.


The store is open Fridays and Saturdays and also by appointment so contact the shop to plan your visit.


Also be sure to check Kate Maloney's portfolio and her blog The Velvet Fantastic.

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Reader Question: Help I'm Doubting My Fabric Choices

I received an email from a reader looking for help picking out fabric to upholster some recent ebay/craigslist scores, here's what she had to say:

"I recently purchased these wonderful pieces at rock bottoms prices on eBay and my local thrift store. In the proposed setting is a mid century modern navy blue velvet sofa, a brass bar cart, a pair of brass and glass coffee tables and a pair of wooden lamps (without shades). I was initially thinking of upholstering the console in distressed leather and the stools in Schmachers' aquamarine Chiang Mai dragon fabric BUT I'm beginning to second guess myself. Additionally there are NO existing window treatments or rug."

I actually really like the fabric that she choose to recover the stools but I thought it might be helpful to have a few more options. Distressed leather sounds great for the console, I would stay with the original plan for that.

The reader's first choice is the Chiang Mai dragon fabric and I think the coral flowers are a nice compliment to her navy velvet sofa so I stuck with that color combination but choose the Hot House Flowers fabric as my top choice because I liked the cream colored background. Two other options, a suzani and another floral, could also work and are less expensive than the top 2 choices.

With the rich colored sofa and bold patterned stools I thought a textured neutral rug would help bring balance to the space. I've always been a big fan of this pebble rug from West Elm.

What do you think of this fabric options? Which one would you choose? Can you recommend a fabric option for these stools?

Related Posts

Reader Question - Becoming an Interior Designer

Reader Question - What is the Best White Paint?

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Delightful Deal - Hammered Aluminum Bowl

This hammered aluminum ANGENÄM bowl from Ikea designed by Nike Karlsson has a delicious matte black exterior contrasting the glam gold interior and it's only $24.99.

Related Posts:

Delightful Deal - The Perfect Carry-on

Round Up - Petite Accent Tables

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The Tippler

tip·pler

¹  noun

a person who imbibes intoxicating liquor (aka - a drunk)

A Tippler is also a new pub in the basement of Chelsea Market with a cool speakeasy vibe (there is no sign out front) and a menu of innovative cocktails, craft beers, and architecture to drool over.

The space, just recently unearthed after over 100 years, includes locally salvaged details like reclaimed water tower wood and train rails from the nearby Highline entrance.

If you plan a visit be sure to try the Caipasutra - don't let the list of ingredients scare you, turns out garam masala is a delicious beverage addition.

Photos care of thetippler.com

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Pretty in 5 Minutes

I mentioned yesterday that it is important for me to get dressed each morning and put on some makeup even when I don't have plans to leave the house. It's a nice boost to the self esteem to feel some what put together. My morning routine is simple and quick so I thought you might be interested in seeing the products I use. There's a mix of drugstore and more expensive products here. Lately drugstore brands, like Maybelline for example, have been putting out some really great products but there are some high end brands that I think are worth the investment.

Step 1 - Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. I read for years about how this is the world's favorite tinted moisturizer but didn't try it until I received a free sample. I'm sold. I have oily skin but don't feel it's necessary to use the oil-free version. With this product I can skip moisturizer after cleansing and the tint gives a good amount of coverage. I have acne acne scarring and this certainly doesn't cover them all but it does fade them a bit. If I feel like putting in the extra effort I will use my Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage to cover spots.

Step 2 - Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser. The sponge applicator on this product is nice and soft, it's easy to apply, and the coverage is good. This is a new addition to my collection but I really like it.

Step 3 - NARS Powder Foundation. This gives me a little extra coverage since I'm only wearing tinted moisturizer. It also helps reduce my forehead shine.

Step 4 - Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bronze. This product is brand new but it is great. These cream eyeshadow pots rival MAC's paint pots but are about 1/2 the price. I just sweep it across the lid with my finger and the shadow lasts all day. The shade range is limited right now but they're pretty popular so hopefully Maybelline comes out with more colors.

Step 5 - Tart Amazonian Clay Blush in Blissful. I'm in a coral cheek phase. I love this color though this is probably one of those products that you can replace with a less expensive version. These clay blushes come with a lot of beauty claims that I'm not sure I subscribe to, although I do like that they are made without some of the nasty chemicals that are often found in make up products.

Step 6 - Tart LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint. A sweep of color across the lips and then I'm ready for the day. These lip tints are really moisturizing but still deposit a nice amount of color on the lips, not something you often find in a moisturizing product.

That seems like a lot of words but I promise it is all really easy to apply. In fact, most of it goes on the my (clean) fingers. The only tools I use are a blush brush and a kabuki brush for the powder foundation. What are some of your favorite makeup products? Do you have a quick routine you would like to share?

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How Was Your Day?

I just came across this great free printable from Silverbox Creative Studio via Jennifer Stuart's pinterest. It is intended for children to fill out when they come home from school but I think it could be a great way to track how I'm feeling and what I've learned each day.

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Change Can Be Good, Even if it is Completely Unexpected

This week is becoming Get Personal Week here on the old blog. Yesterday I shared some huge, exciting news and today I have some more life changing news to share. Unfortunately this news is a little less jubilant than yesterday's news. I got laid off from my job this week. I'm sharing this with all of you because considering the current job market some of you may be in the same situation. I thought it might be helpful (for you and me) to share what it's like to go through this process. I named this blog Design Evolution because I intended it to be a place where I would write about the progress of decorating, art, and craft projects and now it can be a place where I document by life's evolution. I have a great support system and a lot of positive energy coming my way so I'm looking at this as the opportunity I've been waiting for to figure out what my passion is. My plan is to pepper in my Day in the Life of the Unemployed amongst my existing content and I'll try to keep the tone light hearted (but I'm not making any promises) so I don't bum you all out.

First up - a plan to keep myself sane:

1 - Get dressed everyday. Sounds simple right but it's really easy to spend the entire day in your yoga pants. I think getting dressed and even putting on some makeup will be a positive way to start the day.

2 - No binging allowed. I had my little pity party yesterday but enough is enough with these darn cupcakes. It's impossible not to have a bruised ego when you get laid off but getting fat is not going to make me feel any better.

3 - Make a giant list of all the things I need to do but never seem to accomplish because there are not enough hours in the day. It will feel good to be busy.

4 - Figure out some kind of daily schedule, I have no idea what this should be yet.

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Itty Bitty Cupcakes

My Valentine surprised me with these adorable Baked by Melissa cupcake bites last night. Two yummy bites so you don't feel guilty trying two, or three, or four flavors in one sitting.

Seriously, How cute are they?!

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