Press Alert: Makeunder My Life

I am honored to be featured on one of my favorite blogs, Makeunder My Life. See my Design Your Life Interview right here.

Thank You Friday!

This past month has been a very exciting one at AphroChic. It has been filled with fun surprises, and the continued support from so many in the design and blog community. It has left me feeling very grateful and thankful to all of you who make this blog a special place.

This weekend I will be holding a cocktail party at my home to thank the many friends in the Bay Area who have supported AphroChic and the launch of our new pillow collection. It's a time to give thanks to everyone who makes AphroChic special, like my incredible designer, Abbie Planas Gong at Passing Notes, who designed our beautiful stationery and business cards, and all of the wonderful vendors who help make the collection a reality. I'm excited to be able to celebrate those who have helped make my dreams a reality.

I also have to thank all of the incredible bloggers who post about AphroChic each week. I wish I could throw you all a big thank you party too! Thank you so much for posting about the new collection:

- U My Sista, Girl!
- Freckled Citizen
- Le Blahg
- Pretty Little Things
- Candy Colored Buddha
- Voices In Color
- YMIB
- Mrs. Lilien
- Get It Girl Style

And finally, thank you to the wonderful twitter followers of this blog. Because of your support AphroChic has been nominated for a Shorty Award for the best producer of real-time content in 140 words or less! You can read my Shorty Interview right here. Right now I have five votes in the non-profit category for starting the Bloggers Day of Action for Haiti, and I would love your support. So if you tweet and love AphroChic, please send out a tweet in support of my nomination. Voting ends today!

Oh, and if you didn't see it, the Bloggers Day of Action for Haiti received some wonderful press in The Huffington Post, Chesapeake Home and Signature9. Check it out.

Thank you all, and happy Friday!

Beautiful Porcelain By Estudio Manus

For years, one of my favorite things has been to collect tea sets.  I have an infatuation with beautiful things, and there is something so beautiful about a delicate porcelain cup sitting atop a saucer.  A year ago I spotted a set of these beautiful teacups by Brazilian designer Estudio Manus.  Handmade with 100% porcelain, and detailed with 18K gold wings, these teacups are so unique and very special.



With a clear love for creating beautiful tableware, work by designer Estudio Manus is subtle and elegant, with surprising elements like golden wings, or a quiet Buddha.



Pieces come in a recycled wood gift box as part of this designer's ode to simple, yet elegant style.



You can find a collection of pieces by Estudio Manus at one of my favorite online boutiques, Horne, as well as other unique treasures for the home.

Vintage from Munkii

When I saw this piece, my first thought was, "I'm in love." Never have I seen a piece of furniture that so beautifully blends modern and traditional design, and that reaches beyond its form to be completely functional. Vintage from Singapore-based design firm, Munkii, is truly design at its best.



Baroque style meets contemporary lines in the Vintage bookshelf. A true statement piece, your books will be sitting pretty against its matte interior. And beyond its good looks, Vintage is made entirely out of eco-friendly fiberboard.



Vintage never looked so beautiful. And Munkii has informed me that two new designs will be launching this year. I can't wait to see what's next so that I can fall in love all over again.

Jimmie Karlsson's Edgy Abode

I was recently on a walk here in the city, and had a quick conversation with a visiting couple. They asked me the usual, "Are you from San Francisco?" And I answered, the usual, "No. I'm from the East Coast." Then the gentleman asked, "Is there anything you miss about living back East?" And I had to answer honestly, "Yes, the edge." I love my laidback life here on the left coast, but I have to admit there is something about the edginess of a Northeast city that I really miss.



My desire for that urban edge drew me to this amazing London Home featured in the February issue of Living Etc. The home of furniture designer Jimmie Karlsson includes a cool mix of baroque furniture, graffiti-inspired wallpaper, ornate accessories, and upcycled pieces.



All dressed up, but with an urbane feel, this home takes tradition with a twist to a whole new level.



With an ornate mirror spray-painted in punky orange and red, and an antique sofa outfitted in black velvet, Karlsson's space is innovative, eclectic, and definitely edgy.



If only there was room for one more in this cool London flat.

{Images: Living Etc.}

Auction for Haiti: Market Tote Bag

I hope you were inspired by last night’s presentation of Hope for Haiti Now. It’s incredible to see how the world can come together to help those in need. On AphroChic, the Auction for Haiti continues in an effort to do our part in helping those in need. So far, over $500 has been raised through this auction to support relief efforts in Haiti. Today we bring you another wonderful piece up for auction.



This donation is a handmade piece from Aziza Jones. The winner of this auction will receive a market tote bag in their choice of colors. Useful for those trips to the market, gym, or even as a daily handbag, this market tote is made of high quality cotton fabrics and is extremely durable.



And the most wonderful thing is that this tote is an absolute labor of love, handmade by Aziza to support the people of Haiti. To bid on this market tote, simply:

1. Leave your bid in the comment section below with your first name and last initial.
2. The winning bidder will be asked to make a donation in the amount promised to a charity in support of relief efforts for Haiti. Charitable donations can be sent to the ones listed below, or another organization of your choice:
- Hope For Haiti Now
- Red Cross
- UNICEF
- Yele Haiti
3. Send your donation receipt to Jeanine@aphrochicshop.com and the items will be shipped to you.

Bidding starts at $15. Bidding for this tote ends on January 25th at 11:59pm PST. Repeat bidders are welcome.

Green Is In

In San Francisco plastic bags were banned a couple of years ago.  On a trip, whether to the grocery store or a favorite boutique, carrying a tote bag is definitely in fashion.  A few weeks ago I came across these market tote bags by Atlanta-based company, Fashionable Notes.



Created by designer Aubrey Lenyard, these eco-friendly tote bags are designed with the fashion savvy in mind.



These reusables totes are definitely chic, with cute tag lines like "Fashionista Gone Green" and "I Carry Hermes, Kors, and Vuitton But Never Paper or Plastic".  And in just a few weeks Fashionable Notes will be coming out with a jute collection of market bags, perfect for an afternoon picnic or trip to the beach. 

If you're ready to skip carrying paper and plastic and want to go green in fashion, check out more Fashionable Notes totes right here. 

Mirror Mirror On The Wall: AQHayon Mirror

First, I must apologize for being MIA yesterday. Unfortunately I have come down with a case of food poisoning that has left me out of commission for a couple of days. I am on the mend, and hope to be all better by the weekend. And anyway, I will not let a bout of food poisoning keep me away from the thing I love most, writing about beautiful design.



A few days ago I came across this gorgeous mirror by designer Jamie Hayon. A little bit on the pricey side, but absolutely gorgeous, the AQHayon Mirror is all about adding glamour to the bathroom, many times a forgotten space in home decor.



Made with modern laser-cutting technology, the AQHayon Mirror is as elegant and sophisticated as mirrors come. Available in stainless steel or white or black silkscreen versions, these mirrors are so versatile they would look just as gorgeous in an entryway or dining room wall.

For now, I will have to dream of having a mirror this beautiful, and will keep the AQHayon Mirror on my wishlist of gorgeous things that I just have to have one day.

Auction for Haiti: Laidback Home

One of my absolute favorite companies is Laidback Home. The Laidback staple is fresh design with an urban edge. With a collection of pillows and totes in funky designs, like Soul Chain, Laidback is introducing a hip vibe to the world of home decor.

To help aid those in need in Haiti, Laidback Home owner, Tina Shoulders, has donated two Soul Chain pillows (a $120 value!) to the Auction for Haiti. The winning bidder will get a set of two amazing pillows, and 100% of their bid will be donated to help with relief efforts in a country that is in desperate need. To bid, it’s simple:

1. Leave your bid in the comment section below with your first name and last initial.
2. The winning bidder will be asked to make a donation in the amount promised to a charity in support of relief efforts for Haiti. Charitable donations can be sent to the ones listed below, or another organization of your choice:
- Red Cross
- UNICEF
- Yele Haiti
3. Send your donation receipt to Jeanine@aphrochicshop.com and the items will be shipped to you.

Bidding starts at $45. Bidding for this set ends on January 20th at 11:59pm PST. Repeat bidders are welcome.

Update: This auction is now closed.

A Warming Trend

Anthropologie

Pretty florals, splashes of color, and a sense of whimsy seem to be showing up in the worlds of fashion and decor this year.  Warm shades of lilac, coral and bubblegum pink are finding their way into our homes and our wardrobes and at the most interesting time - during winter.


Living Etc.

The season for snow, sweaters, and cozy nights has just begun, and yet, items for fashion and home decor are already showing us signs of spring.  No, this is not just the early push to think ahead to the next season, but instead there is a change in the air.  Winter is getting warmer, and moving beyond the usual heavy textures and dark colors.


House Beautiful

Today there is a lighter more hopeful mood, that includes warm colors and an ethereal feeling we haven't seen before.


Domino

This trend is truly exciting, as the darkness of the winter months is being met with visions of flowers, bright colors, and layers of feminine style. 


Living Etc.

If you are looking for a winter pick-me-up, find ways to bring this trend home.  A floral duvet atop your flannel sheets will rid you of those winter blues.  A vase full of pink peonies will make it feel as if warmer weather is just around the corner.  And some pom-poms can add the perfect airy touch at your next wintertime gathering.

Things are getting warm.  How do you feel about the warming trend this winter?

Auction for Haiti: A Vintage Necklace from Moodboard

Happy Martin Luther King Day everyone!  We have had so many donations that the Auction for Haiti will continue on the blog this week.  Donating to this auction is a wonderful way to give service, and 100% of the winning donation will go to relief efforts for Haiti.



Kate, from one of my favorite blogs, Moodboard, has donated a truly one-of-a-kind vintage piece to the Auction for Haiti. If you’ve ever read Moodboard, you know that Kate has a wonderful passion for design and an amazing heart.



This donated piece is a vintage lucite and gold tone fish bowl necklace made sometime between the 1940s-1970s. The necklace is unmarked, but the design is attributed to jewelry company Castlecliff. Absolutely Whimsical, this necklace has five detailed gold fish suspended within its lucite pendant. To bid on this beautifully crafted piece, simply:

1. Leave your bid in the comment section below with your first name and last initial.
2. The winning bidder will be asked to make a donation in the amount promised to a charity in support of relief efforts for Haiti. Charitable donations can be sent to the ones listed below, or another organization of your choice:
- Red Cross
- UNICEF
- Yele Haiti
3. Send your donation receipt to Jeanine@aphrochicshop.com and the item will be shipped to you.

Bidding starts at $35. Bidding for this item ends on January 19th at 11:59pm PST. Repeat bidders are welcome.

{Note: Due to its nature as a vintage piece, there are light surface scratches consistent with age, and air bubble & residue due to manufacturing towards rim of bowl. There is also some slight yellowing to back of pendant. Measurements: 13" necklace chain drop, Pendant is length=1 1/2", Width=1 3/4"}

Update: This auction is now closed.

Auction for Haiti: Verre New York

We have a real jewel for you today.  Verre New York has donated a gorgeous piece of handcrafted jewelry to the Auction for Haiti.  Verre is the French word for glass.  Each piece is handmade by designers with the belief that simple is absolutely elegant.

You can own this elegant piece, a sterling silver necklace worth $150.  And, to make it even more special, you can customize your necklace and choose from over 100 colors.  Simply elegant, and a wonderful way to support Haiti, 100% of the winning bid will got to relief efforts.  So, here's how to bid:

1. Bidding on this item will be open for 48 hours.
2. Leave your bid in the comment section below with your first name and last initial.
3. The winning bidder will be asked to make a donation in the amount promised to a charity in support of relief efforts for Haiti. Charitable donations can be sent to the ones listed below, or another organization of your choice:
- Red Cross
- UNICEF
- Yele Haiti
4. Send your donation receipt to Jeanine@aphrochicshop.com and the item of your choice will be shipped to you.

Bidding starts at $45. Bidding for this item ends on January 18th at 11:59pm PST. Repeat bidders are welcome.

Update: Thank you so much for bidding.  This auction is now closed.

Auction for Haiti: Lost Bird Found

Lost Bird Found features work from the design team of Sara and Thor Jensen.  In their New York studio this couple creates handprinted totes, tees, tunics and scarves, with all items printed on 100% organic cotton.  Their focus - responsible and affordable design.  And today they want to extend that responsibility by donating two of their beautiful pieces to Auction for Haiti.



This adorable organic cotton tunic is handprinted with a unique pomegranate design.  With some tights and a pair of boots, it's super stylish.



And their large tote bag is perfect for a trip to the store.  Or you can do like Sara and Thor, and even carry your cat in it! 

This design duo has a wonderful spirit that shows through their products and generosity, and today you can share in that spirit by bidding two win both of these items.  100% of the winning bid will go to a charity in support of relief efforts for Haiti.  To win both items:

1. Bidding on these items will be open for 24 hours.
2. Leave your bid in the comment section below with your first name and last initial.
3. The winning bidder will be asked to make a donation in the amount promised to a charity in support of relief efforts for Haiti. Charitable donations can be sent to the ones listed below, or another organization of your choice:
- Red Cross
- UNICEF
- Yele Haiti
4. Send your donation receipt to Jeanine@aphrochicshop.com and the item of your choice will be shipped to you.

Bidding starts at $35. Bidding for this item ends on January 16th at 3:00pm PST. Repeat bidders are welcome.

Update: this auction is now closed.  Please check to see if you won in the comments section.  Thank you for bidding to help Haiti!

Auction for Haiti: Aprons by Urban Casita

Our third auction item is a set of three aprons from Urban Casita.  If you haven't read it, Urban Casita is a lovely blog featuring art, decor, and author Megan Jeyifo's story of decorating her home.  Megan Jeyifo offers a fresh perspective on her blog, and has taken time the past few days to write about ways that artists and bloggers can get involved in relief efforts in Haiti.  One of the first members of the Bloggers Day of Action for Haiti, Megan has been kind enough to hand-make three aprons for auction today.





100% of the winning bid for these lovely aprons will go to support relief efforts in Haiti.  To win all three aprons, it's simple:

1. Bidding on these items will be open for 24 hours.
2. Leave your bid in the comment section below with your first name and last initial.
3. The winning bidder will be asked to make a donation in the amount promised to a charity in support of relief efforts for Haiti. Charitable donations can be sent to the ones listed below, or another organization of your choice:
- Red Cross
- UNICEF
- Yele Haiti
4. Send your donation receipt to Jeanine@aphrochicshop.com and the item of your choice will be shipped to you.

Bidding starts at $25. Bidding for this item ends on January 16th at 9:00am PST. Repeat bidders are welcome.

And don't forget to view the first and second item for auction. Together, we can make a difference and help those in need.

Update: This auction is now closed.  For the winning bidder please check the comment section.

Auction for Haiti: Hammocks & High Tea

Our second item for auction is from Hammocks & High Tea.  The pillows, towels and accessories from this online boutique are inspired by the beauty of the Caribbean, and have been featured in Lucky, InStyle and House & Garden. 

Hammocks & High Tea has donated a beautiful collection of drawer liners that will keep your clothes lightly scented.  Each liner is made of rice paper, and scented using organic oils.  You can give your drawers a makeover, and help with relief efforts in Haiti when you bid on a set of 4 Monarch Gardens Drawer Liners (a $100 value!).

To win a set of 4 drawer liners that you can personalize with the scent of your choice, it's simple:
1. Bidding on this item will be open for 24 hours.
2. Leave your bid in the comment section below with your first name and last initial.
3. The winning bidder will be asked to make a donation in the amount promised to a charity in support of relief efforts for Haiti. Charitable donations can be sent to the ones listed below, or another organization of your choice:
- Red Cross
- UNICEF
- Yele Haiti
4. Send your donation receipt to Jeanine@aphrochicshop.com and the item of your choice will be shipped to you.

Bidding starts at $35. Bidding for this item ends on January 15th at 2:59pm EST. Repeat bidders are welcome.

And don't forget to view our other items for auction.  Together, we can make a difference and help those in need.

Auction For Haiti: Name Your Design

AphroChic has asked artists and designers from around the country to donate for an Auction for Haiti, to help with relief efforts in a country that has been devastated by a tragic earthquake.  As of today, 10 amazing designers have been generous enough to donate a substantial piece to the effort.  And in turn, we ask you for generosity and support for the people of Haiti.  100% of what you bid on items in today's auction will go to relief efforts.  So please open your heart and your purse strings to give to those who are in need.

Our first auction item is from Name Your Design.  A chic line of personalized canvas and art prints, these modern pieces are bright, vivid, and will fit beautifully into any space in your home.  And today, a bid on these prints will be the perfect way to show your support for the people of Haiti.

Today, you can win one of two incredible pieces from Name Your Design: a 16 x 16 single canvas print valued at $95, or an 18 x 24 single canvas print valued at $125.  Your choice! 

To win your own piece of personalized art, it's simple:
1.  Bidding on this item will be open for 24 hours. 
2.  Leave your bid in the comment section below with your first name and last initial.
3.  The winning bidder will be asked to make a donation in the amount promised to a charity in support of relief efforts for Haiti.  Charitable donations can be sent to:
- Red Cross
- UNICEF
- Yele Haiti
4.  Send your donation receipt to Jeanine@aphrochicshop.com and the item of your choice will be shipped to you.

Bidding starts at $35.  Bidding for this item ends on January 15th at 11:59am EST.  Repeat bidders are welcome. 

Submit your bid now, and know that it's going to a good cause.

{note: this auction item does not include sets or customized designs}

Update: This auction is now closed.  Thank you for bidding.

Bloggers Day of Action For Haiti

Today AphroChic is proud to have joined with fifteen bloggers from around the country to commit to a Bloggers Day of Action for Haiti.  Today we use our blogs not just to discuss design and fashion, but to identify ways to help with the relief effort in a country that has been devastated by disaster.  The fifteen blogs below are taking this day to post about the amazing culture and diversity of this island country and ways that you can help make a difference.

A Life More Fabulous

Bay Area Style File

Design for Mankind

Hammocks & High Tea

It's Oh So Grand

Jodine's Corner

Lindsey Lou

Makeunder My Life

Nuvany Nice

Simply Grove

Single Bubble Pop

Styleture

Tam + Sam

The Cubicle Chick

Urban Casita

Today on AphroChic we will be hosting a charity auction to help raise funds for efforts on the ground.  We will be auctioning works from some of your very favorite designers including Laidback Home, Hammocks & High Tea, Verre New York, and Name Your Design, just to name a few. 

Today we are committed to taking action, and I ask you to join us.  If you are a blogger or designer who would like to participate in the Bloggers Day of Action for Haiti, please send me an e-mail at Jeanine@aphrochicshop.com.  Together, we can raise thousands for all those in need.

Charitable donations can be sent to:
-  Red Cross
-  UNICEF
-  Yele Haiti