2009- Year of the Octopus!

So the octopus is the new owl (popular animal icon of 2008), which subsequently replaced the bird (popular animal icon of 2007). Word.

During the past few (snowed-in) days I have collected a vast amount of evidence that points to the advent of the octopus! So be prepared to find this 8-tentacled creature out and about in 2009.

Here are my Octopus Finds:

What a delightful Gocco print from Sepia Lepus' shop. Notice the octopus is having a tea party with a mini-submarine, thus proving that under-water inter-species friendship is possible!








Check out these swanky Octopi ties from Detroit-based Toy Breaker. Now you or your man-friend can look stylish while ringing in the New
Year of the Octopus!







Look, look, look! It's an Octo-Owl! See, here's proof that the two power animals are battling it out for animal icon of 2009. Whoever thought of this must be on a wave of genius. Be the first on your block to have an Octo-Owl babydoll top from Dead Worry's shop.






Need a housewarming gift? How about this guy from Artisan Wood Crafting? He's cute and squiggly and made of wood. Who doesn't need an octopus to protect their home?








Spread the octopus love with this cute red tote bag from Margaret Kelly's shop. No one will mess with you if you're carrying this baby around.







Look at this sweet plush softie. His name is Hans and he comes from Dolls for Friends' shop. He looks like he's been through a lot of hard times, so if he becomes yours, take care of him, okay?

Lookin' good in the winter. Is it possible?

Listen, I adore Stacy London and Clinton Kelly from TLC's What Not to Wear. I watch rerun marathons of their show. Their fashion-based snarkiness is just what mamas likes here. However, the fashionable duo would undoubtedly scoff at lowly peeps, like myself, who are oblivious and are still wearing last year's Gap sale sweaters ($23.99 and still going strong-ish).

Now that the Pacific Northwest has turned itself over to "winter storm watch" hysteria everyone is looking fugly. You know who you are. Mismatched hats, gloves that have a Napolean Dynomite quality, down jackets that smell like last year's wintertime bonfire/your basement. That's me, too. My down jacket's lining is tearing apart and I've got a wool hat that was pink back in 2004, when I bought it, but has now taken on a dirty, stained mauve tone.

So, in light of the "winter storm" outside I gathered together some cute wintry weather gear, all from small-time craftsters and artisans. Take a look:




Katherine McConnell makes cute and reasonably priced clothing here in Portland. Her Etsy shop has nicely tailored things for women. Clean, simple lines and neutral, earthy tones that most can pull off without a problem.



Sarah Seven has pretty little things for dainty-like ladies. I like this wooly-cashmere ruffle scarf. Her full collection can be seen here.












I am predicting that this year's owl is the octopus. You know what I mean, right? First it was the bird, then the owl, now the octopus. Seattle-based Chickabird makes cute men's zip-ups and hoodies like this one.










Check out these cuties! Candy-striped mittens are the new black. I swear! See what else Felt Sew Good's shop has to offer.