The Wish-It-Was-Glass Ceiling

I am moving into a new house this weekend and I probably could not be more excited. For one thing, I have been crashing with relatives for the past year and some change (don't judge me), so all my beloved paintings and dishes and photographs have been all boxed up. The thought of seeing them again gives me enough joy to make my head explode.

There are also so many things to love about the new house itself. A bonus room off the living room where I can keep my sewing machine! A front yard with planters! A back yard with a deck! A kitchen with so many wonderful cabinets! A roommate I can't wait to live with!

There is just one downside. The ceiling downstairs is sort of awful. It's made out of these weird tiles that are sort of bumpy and cheap-looking, and clearly an addition/modification to the house's original glory. We really hate them and have been brainstorming ways to disguise them. Maybe we could affix brightly colored paper to a series of tiles and lessen the impact? Maybe a big, funky light fixture would distract people enough?

And then one Ms. Laura Brown sent us this idea from one Ms. Melissa Esplin of I Still Love You.

Here was a horrible ceiling before:




And here it is after:




Pretty awesome, huh? We are not sure our ceiling is high enough to execute this easy fix without making it seem like we live in a sofa fort, but it's certainly worth a try.

What do you think of this quick and easy DIY fix? And what would you do to disguise a yucky ceiling?

Fashion Faceoff

Sometimes you think really hard about what to pack when you are going on a big trip for a special occassion.

(I originally typed "big trip" as "big strip." That is another post entirely.)

And sometimes the thing you want to wear on a big trip for a big occassion is a flattering and stylish and unique Shabby Apple dress.

Sometimes you are so sure about this choice that said dress is the only wardrobe item you pack for said occassion on said big trip.

And sometimes great minds think alike.

{Me on the left, Sallee on the right and nothing but beads and a belt to keep us apart.}

The End.

Inside The Loop: Through The Air With The Greatest of Style

Happy Tuesday, lovelies! Did we all have a good weekend? And are we all loving the new Skyscraper line? We are still celebrating these fantastic new work-ready dresses with another post from Malaysia-based Courtney at Inside the Loop. Read on!

While being prepared and well-packed for the trip is essential, being comfortable on the actual flight is crucial! I'm a firm believer that you can dress for ease and function with a few key pieces. Stylish cargo pants are perfect airplane attire and a roomy top makes the long haul much more relaxed. And the best part? These versatile items can easily be mixed and matched a million different ways, earning extra wardrobe miles.

Like what you saw? Follow these links to get one (or all) of these items for your very own!

Shell Ring




Rikshaw Design Tuxedo Shirt




Utility Pants




Dalia Sandal

Shy Coquette Bag





Elephant Earrings




Marshall Travel Wallet





Kindle 2 Reader

Inside The Loop: A Mid-Summer Wardrobe Dream

Today is the day! We welcome the Skyscraper line of Asian-inspired, work-ready dresses with another post from our Malaysian Maven, Courtney from Inside The Loop. Enjoy!

Traveling anywhere in Southeast Asia means always being ready for plenty of fun in the sun! Dresses are the perfect companion for running around town, never missing a beat and doing it all in style. Flat sandals are a must (read: won't add bulk or weight to your suitcase!) and toting an oversized scarf serves as both a beach cover-up and requisite temple attire. As I gear up for a trip to Indonesia, I'd love this wardrobe to effortlessly carry me through the heat:

Like what you saw? Find the goods by following these links!

Carrera Sunglasses



Splatter Tie Dye Scarf



Diana Lomo Camera



Heirloom Sandal



L'Opera Dress



Russian Embroidered Belt



Pansy Field Fedora




Disco City Bag (



Fresh Sugar SPF Lip Treatment



OPI Cajun Shrimp



Have a warm and stylish weekend, friends! See you back here soon.

Guatemalalove

As I am sure most of you are aware by now, Guatemala has had a rough few weeks, what with sink holes and earthquakes and floods and other calamities.

But what you might not know is that most of Shabby Apple's dresses are lovingly manufactured by loving and lovely people in Guatemala.

So while all of this disaster is just a news story to us, to the people who make our dresses, it means the loss of homes, livelihoods, family members, safety and convenience. Because I know you are all charitable and giving people, I feel totally comfortable and confident asking you to please keep our friends and colleagues in Guatemala in your thoughts and prayers and the general good vibes you send out into the universe as they recover and rebuild after these recent challenges.

Thank you, friends, from all of us.

Inside The Loop: Home Sweet Home

We continue preparing for the launch of the Skyscraper line of Asian-inspired, work-ready dresses today with another post for Malaysia-based guest blogger Courtney, from Inside the Loop. Enjoy!

Malaysia is far hipper than most people imagine and literally has something for every walk of life. It's warm (both literally and figuratively!), engaging, and -- I say this all the time -- it treats you like a friend the longer you stay. If you happen to find yourself in Kuala Lumpur, here are some of it most appetizing and unassuming spots. The holy grail of lists will not only direct you to the city's crème de la crème, but it proves my home, oh so sweet home, is certainly not lacking in energy, flavor or eye candy.

See

As the city becomes notorious for tearing down the old, making way for new air-conditioned malls, the rustic no-nonsense environment of a Wet Market is a welcomed change of pace from the abundance of modern buildings. The city's most colorful quarters reside within the walls of these famous "pasars," and I love to snap photos of cheerful vendors, sample exotic fruits, and buy thins I have no use for, but can't resist (medicinal Chinese remedy I'm talking to you). I'm a fervent foodie, who is passionate about nostalgia, so I love knowing I can do something as ordinary as weekly grocery shopping and come away with one of the most traditional, multicultural experiences to date. My favorites: Pasar Pudu, Bazaar Baru, Chow Kit, Pasar Bukit Bintag (also known as Imbi), and TTDI.

The Islamic Arts Museum is one of my favorite buildings in all of KL. It's breathtaking! In addition to the wonderful exhibitions (I just saw famed photographer Steve McCurry's "Afghan Girl" up close and personal), and each Friday the Egyptian chef (once personal chef to Jordanian royalty) cooks up a feast that's out of this world! The buffet is said to be like a mini tour of the Middle East - and it definitely is! You can eat there any day of the week for lunch, but only Friday is the special buffet.

Take in the city's skyline at the Trader Hotel SkyBar, cocktail in hand, of course! Thirty-three floors up, it's the best view of the famous Petronas Towers, just be sure to hang on until midnight to watch the Towers disappear right before your eyes.

Each time a visitor arrives, we head straight for the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. It's a haven for rescued elephants and arriving by 2pm gives you an opportunity to feed, ride and swim with the gentle giants. Plus an hour and a half drive from the city is nice way to take in the outskirts of KL.

Sze Ya Temple is KL's oldest temple, tucked away in a back alley of Chinatown. I love my friend's take on the best way to experience Tse Ya: "Once there, cast divination stones to make sure the gods look favorably upon you desire to ask them a question. If you get a stone up/ one stone down configuration, you may pose a "What will it be like for me if..." question to the gods. Then shake the divination stick. One stick will eventually work its way out from the pack and fall to the floor. Each stick is numbered. Match the number on the stick to a numbered drawer in the back. Inside each numbered drawer in an oracular verse or commentary printed on it with the answer to your question. Always thank the gods with at least RM5 and hear a gong sound in honor of your questions and the answer you received."

Badan Warisan offers a cultural glimpse into a traditional Malay house. The "Rumah Penghulu" used to be a local headman's house originally located in a small jungle village in Kedah. After remaining vacant for many years it has been beautifully restored by the Heritage of Malaysia Trust. Nestled today in the shadows of the Petronas Tower, Badan Warisan gives us a powerful nostalic nod to a simpler time; and the two structures, when taken in together, offer the best compressed visual for "Malayisa Past and Present" there is! Tours are twice a day Monday - Saturday at 11AM and 4PM.

Snack

Nasi Kandar Pelita is Indian food nirvana. At least once a week we eat like Kings on honey chicken, tandoori, naan and veggies all for less than $10USD. Finish it off with teh tarik, a Malaysian "pulled tea" specialty made from black tea and condensed milk.

Lot 10 Hutong is the ultimate way to experience street food dining. Housed in the basement of a shopping mall, this food court offers fare from famous hawkers stalls from all over Southeast Asia, and that have been around for multiple generations! It's the best of the best, and it's seriously non-halal (meaning they serve pork)! Don't miss the Kim Lian Kee Hokkien Mee (stir-fried noodles) and Kong Thye Singapore Noodles. Lower Ground Floor, Lot 10 Shopping Center, open 10Am - 10PM.

Fatty Crab pretty much only serves crab and cold beer, but the surrounding hawkers will also provide food like satay and garlic shrimp -- all a must! We love the chili crab and are sure to order plenty of bread to soak up the leftover gravy. You whack them on the table and shells go flying, so leave the fancy clothes at home! No. 2 Jln SS 24/13, Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya.

Tamarind Springs is our favorite atmospheric restaurant. Indo-Chinese cuisine served in the jungle -- literally in a fancy treehouse -- and you feel transported from the hustle and bustle of city. Jln 1 Taman T.A.R., Ampang

If you need a break from the shocking initial grime, head straight Frangipani. It's French cooking on a very happening street. Afterwards you can hop around to the nearby bars for after dinner drinks. 29 Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang.


Basil Leaf Thai Restaurant is located next door to our apartment and is one of the best Thai restaurants in town! Amazing set lunches for around $6USD (appetizer, meal, dessert and drink) and the lovely staff can't be beat. We've tried nearly everything on the extensive menu and have loved it all! Jalan Damai, behind the old City Square building.


New Heong Restaurant is famous for their Chinese Beggar's chicken that must be ordered at least a day in advance. The chicken is covered in clay and cooked underground! They break it in front of your and it's tender, juicy, and as a result of being buried along with Chinese herbs and shitake mushrooms, incredibly fragrant. It's a delicious must-try Kuala Lumpur and quite a visual experience, too. 03-4106-8698, 446 Batu 7/12 Jalan Ulu Klang near Zoo Negara.


Spend

Silverfish Books has an in-house press whose specialty is Malaysian writers in English, and one of those books was shortlisted for the 2009 Flannery O'Connor Prize, which is quite an honor. The staff, Raman and Pek Chin, offer friendly suggestions and will offer you tea and happily chat about favored reads. 58-1 Jalan Telawy, near Bangsar Village I. Located in Plaza Mont'Kiara.


Wondermomo is my go-to clothing shop for high-end, favored brands (3.1 Phillip Lam, DVF, Rebecca Taylor, Marni and a coterie of other designers) at a fraction of the US prices. They carry both men and women's clothing, denim, shoes, bags, eyewear, and other accessories. I rarely leave empty-handed, relishing the fact that their merchandise fits this American girl.


Jadi Batek is KL's best source for local cotton batik fabrics sold by the meter. I love to pick out a few different prints and turn them into napkins for gifts. The motley colors and patterns epitomize Southeast Asia's colorful way of life. 30 Jalan Inai, off Jalan Imbi


After touring all of the city and doing more than your fair share of sweating, cool off and relax at the Moroccan-inspired Hamman Spa. The idea of a hamman, meaning Turkish bath house, is a nice alternative to the ample reflexology and Thai massage spots dotted on every block. Be prepared to be massaged and exfoliated to baby-skin standards; it's heavenly! 3rd Floor, Bangsar Village 2, Jln Telawi 3

In The Loop

We continue getting you ready for the launch of our Far East-inspired Skyscraper line with a guest post from Courtney of Inside the Loop. Living in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, Courtney is just the person to inspire your adventure-seeking side! And, if you are staring down the barrel of a summer at the office, at least you have the Skycraper line and some Inside The Loop-inspired day dreams to keep you stylish and happy.

Tell us about yourself and how you landed in Kuala Lumpur?

I am an American girl from the Deep South with a penchant for travel, city life and incredible food. I've lived in Lousiana, Texas, New York and now, Malaysia, and prior to coming overseas, I worked in marketing and public relations. We've been in Kuala Lumpur for over a year for my husband's work, and I get the luxury of tagging along on his travels from time to time!

What do you love/appreciate about living in Malaysia?

The colors! The food! The sunshine! The melting pot of cultures! But my absolute favorite is the close proximity to so many unbelievable travel destinations. I still pinch myself when we hop on a plane for international weekend getaways. It's a surreal experience and I try my best to soak it all in every single day, not taking a minute for granted. Oh, and the fact that this country has 16 public holidays a year isn't a bad thing either.

You seem to be traveling often. How do you pick where you want to go next?

I'm not picky when it come to travel; I want to see it all! There are so many spots in this world to take in, we often book spur of the moment and blindly. It doesn't take much to make us happy as long as we're on the go. I never want grass growing under my feet. Next up on my lust list of travels: Tionman Island and Pulau Redang, Malaysia; Luang Prabang, Laos; Chiang Mai, Thailand; the backwaters of India; The Ubud area of Bali; Vietnam, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

What design element/color/item do you find yourself coming back to again and again?

Color. I've never been very good at wearing black or neutrals; life's too short! The more color, prints and patterns, the happier I am. I'm also a firm believer in dresses and skirts for being on the go. They're the easiest items to pack and most comfortable in this tropical heat.

What project are you currently working on?

Turning my house into a home. Living in a rental can wreak havoc on both you and your home's personality, so I'm slowly giving it life. Oversized rugs have helped break up the stark marble floors and our kitchen patio has just been filled with eggplant, lime, pepper and herb plants. Small steps, but incredible mood lifting results!

Where do you find your fashion inspiration?

Though is sounds trite, it all comes back to travel. It's mesmerizing to wander through Indian bazaars and see so much glitz and glamour! Or to watch the field workers in Indonesia use the most amazing woven backpacks to carry crops. After a weekend in Cambodia, I swore I couldn't leave without buying my very own checkered "karma" scarf. Whether it is local fabric, work uniforms or indigenous trends, I've never left a single locale without finding something to inspire me. And I love that people are often unaware of the beauty in their local dress.

Tell us about your fashion must-haves this summer.

Shoes with enough oomph to make an outfit sing. The seasons never change in Malaysia so I constantly cycle through the same mundane outfits. Fancy footwear is the best way to keep my clothes feeling new again.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

When I left the New York fashion industry I missed the creative environment most. I then created a place to record and journal all of my design finds and favorite links. It's introduced me to the most unbelievable network of people!

If you could splurge on something big, what would it be?

Not very fashion-y, but I'm in desperate need of a new computer. My little laptop-that-could is maxed out and my photography hobby is quickly wearing out my eyes on the tiny 15" screen.

Can you share any insider tips for visitors to Southeast Asia?

Don't skip the small spots. Some of our favorite destinations have been off-the-beaten path like places like Yogyakarta, Indonesia and Siem Reap, Cambodia. It's easier to become more engrossed in your experience when it's a smaller destination than when you stick to tourist circles in the larger hot-spot cities. Also, don't be afraid to veer away from Loney Planet and try a recommendation from a local!

And do you have a guest room?

We love a full house, so we're always prepared for plenty of guests! In fact, the two extra rooms and a queen-sized blow-up mattress are waiting to be visited.

There you have it! A new friend and a place to stay on your next adventure! Just be sure to bring a flowy Shabby Apple dress along!

Sky(scraper) Is The Limit

Having some trouble getting over the Hump Day hump? Behold, a remedy! Take a deep breath and let this story of sleek adventure sweep you away. Here is a tease to start you off, and keep your eyes peeled for the golden nugget at the end.





Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong,” said my boss, smelling of Bvlgari Aqua.

I had been promoted. Advertising was my field, and apparently America wasn’t my place. Hong Kong was. With moving up, came moving on.

Stepping out of the cab in my new home, all I could see was iron and glass, woven together so seamlessly it seemed as though building a skyscraper was no less work than constructing simple blocks. With so many of them towering so far above the ground, it was hard to tell where the buildings stopped and the sky began.

So dramatic a scene could only be rivaled by deity, as the man-formed architecture dramatically drops to the earth and meets the Pearl River Delta.

Water weaves through the city like a jagged snake, beckoning you to come near. The mystical juxtaposition of nature and man, so pointedly expressed in this ‘fragrant harbor,’ both allured and frightened me.

But after four years, a newfound love of dim sum, the refuge of Repulse Bay, and seas of tourists replaced any lingering anxieties about a new land. Hong Kong had become close to my heart. Some say that Hong Kong is a place where East meets West. And, somewhere between North Point and Kennedy Town my western heritage melted into an eastern backdrop.

This meeting of greatness inspires the Skyscraper line. Dramatic colors and dramatic backdrops weave with business grace to form these well-fitted dresses that flatter every figure.




Feeling better? There might be two (and a half) more days in the workweek, but you can spend them day-dreaming about a new line of work-ready dresses from Shabby Apple.

Happy Hump Day and Sweet Dress Dreaming!