Is it just me, or it next to impossible to snap back into work mode this year? Maybe it’s because I took two weeks in a row off in December, but I just don’t feel like I’m fully present and engaged in what I need to be doing every day. I think the weather might be partly to blame—it’s been unseasonably mild in lower New York this year, and I constantly feel like it’s either late fall or early spring. I’m just sort of floating from one day to the next.
I did just have a really great weekend, though. Jen from Honey Kennedy came to stay at my house in Newburgh for three whole days, and we had a wonderful time. Jen is terribly sweet and funny and really, really nice to be around (just ask Fritz and Bruno, who fell deeply and madly in love with her), and I’m happy to have finally met her in person.
Aside from holding the very first semester of Anna’s School for Unicorns (a.k.a Photoshop classes), I also made us some very very thick and rich and spicy and almost too delicious hot cocoa using Vosges Aztec Elixer. And tofu scramble. And burnt kale chips. And reheated pizza. I’m pretty sure it was like going away to a fancy resort for Jen! (Or, um, not…)
I got my hair cut again, too. More of the same! I’ve been back to Mariko at Dlala Salon four times now since I got the best haircut ever 8 months ago, and that has to be a record for me in terms of frequency. Can I add that NOT ONCE have I taken a pair of manicure scissors to my bangs in a fit of midnight desperation since I started seeing Mariko? Her cuts look so good growing out that I don’t have to.
It’s pretty neat having LONG hair, too! I haven’t had this much hair since I was a freshman in high school, which was…um…23 years ago. I’m going to just let it keep growing. Now that I know about layers and deep parts and stuff, it’s nice to have waves and partial buzz cuts and long bangs.
On a side note, I just want to put this reminder out there: Much like paint is just paint, HAIR IS JUST HAIR. The great thing about it is that even if you do something stupid and it looks terrible, you can always just cut your hair short and eventually it’ll grow out. As a side bonus, you get to have a million different hairdos as it gets longer. If you want a fun haircut, get a fun haircut. It’s just hair.
Fritz turned four years old a few days ago. I can’t believe he’s four already! It seems like it was just yesterday that were were bringing home this insanely adorable, sleepy lump of fur. He was so cute! (And then he ate our sofa.) Fritzy is so good now. Yes, he has his moments when he does an ultra-annoying Chewbacca/seagull vocal impersonation for seemingly no reason at all and for lengths of time that are highly unnecessary, but he’s a total snuggle bug and just an all-around great dog. He’s also really warm and he likes to sleep under the covers at night, so our heating bill is less with him around. And he’s still really cute.
Oh, clothes! I found that nice triangle-print shirt at Target! The proportions really aren’t as weird as the photo on their website makes it look. It’s quite flattering, actually. And Martha has a the same one of course.
Yeah, that’s a new black + white iPhone case. I ordered one from Society6 because I’ve been thinking about selling some stuff through them and I wanted to know what the quality is like, and I’ll be honest…as cute as the illustration (by Dawn Gardner, whose work I love) on my new case is, the quality is really, really sub-par. I’ve had a capsule case from Uncommon since I got my phone in May (that’s the multicolored one in the top photo, designed by Marco Cibola), and I love it. The plastic is smooth, strong and durable; the edges are smooth and comfortable to hold; and the design is actually embedded in case. The case from Society6 is unbelievably flimsy, and you can literally scratch the printed image off with your fingernail. I fully expect it to look terrible in a couple of months. Both cases were about $40, and while that’s pretty steep for something so small and made out of plastic, it’s definitely way too much for the ones from Society6. Bummer! It’s definitely cute, though, so I’ll keep using it until it breaks.
UPDATE: Society6 contacted me after reading this post, and they have very kindly offered to send me a replacement case as they believe I may have been sent a defect. Fingers crossed that the new one is better. I’ll update this post when I receive it!
UPDATE 2: I received the replacement and it’s exactly the same. The quality is too poor for me to recommend it, sadly. It should also be noted that Society6 has a no-return policy except in the case of defects, so if you’re disappointed by a product upon arrival, you’re out of luck.
UPDATE 3: I purchased a new case from Society6 in July 2013 for my iPhone 5, and it’s MUCH better quality. You can read my updated review here.
(Like I said, RAMBLY.)
81 Comments
I’ve had a case from Society6 for almost a year now and it still looks great. I wonder if they’ve changed or if there is another reason, but they aren’t all like that.
Interesting! The manufacturer stamp on the back on mine says CASE-MATE. When I mentioned the poor quality on Twitter, several people replied to me that they’d had the same experience with the cases from Society6. I wonder if they’ve changed to a lower-quality case since you bought yours?
It’s a shame, because I’ve heard their prints and other merchandise are quite nice!
I just checked back in to this (duh!) but yes, it is a CaseMate. I can’t scratch the image off. The lip is small, but I’ve dropped it tons and it has held on just fine. I think it does feel better when it’s on the phone and flimsier off. Anyways, I don’t know the right decision, but I did want to say mine has help on pretty well.
Thanks for pointing out the wonderful wares of Dawn Gardner. Super tempted to buy but might hold off due to bad quality. Very nice ramble x
“Chewbacca/seagull vocal impersonation”
Please. The internet needs to hear what that sounds like. Please?
I’ve tried, Abra, but every time I get a camera ready to make a video, he stops and just stares at me!
You have the best hair cut on the planet! Totally agree with your stance about hair. I should show my sister this post. She’s been wanting to add some pink to hers for almost a year now but chickens out all the time. She’s only 20, and if you can’t put pink in your hair at 20 when are you going to do it, you know?
Your sister needs a reminder that even if the pink turns out to be a terrible mistake (for whatever reason), she can always dye over it! That’s part of the reason why I had black hair for so many years, haha…I kept having to cover up dye mishaps!! 😀
Love your haircut. I’m growing out a short cut now and it’s been painful. So glad you posted about the Society 6 case. I was getting ready to order one. I’ll look at the Uncommon one instead.
love, love, love your haircut!
I feel the same way about haircuts. My hair grows like a weed so I have no problem getting something funky done to it every so often. I never understand people who are afraid to cut even a little bit off. Just do it! You’ll live!
So I’m pretty bummed to hear about Society 6, but SO happy that you were honest and shared this with us! I recently opened a page on S6 with my paintings…and I hate to think of people ordering them and getting crap quality. Here’s hoping I can get on Uncommon…both my husband and I have one of their cases too and you’re right, the quality is great!!
Sidenote, if/when you start selling iPhone cases, I along with all of your readers will be first in line I’m sure! CAN’T WAIT.
Adriane, I have no experience with anything else from Society6, so I wouldn’t assume that everything is sub-par quality. I’ve had several people tell me that their prints are quite good, actually, and I’m planning to order a couple of other things so I can evaluate them myself. I just wouldn’t feel good about someone buying something with my design on it and not being happy with the quality! I know you know what I’m saying…but I also know that it’s not always possible to buy one of everything in advance.
Finding a good hairstylist who knows how to give your head a great haircut that will remain great WHILE IT GROWS OUT!!! is like finding Jesus, if that’s what you’re into. Due to ultimate poorness I cut my own hair at the moment and I miss my stylist every single day I look at my misshapen head in the mirror. But alas, it is just hair and I move on, someday I will be reunited with my true love.
I’m reaaallly thinking about that haircut, but I just interviewed for a fancy office job, so we’ll have to see.
And my mom told me the same thing about haircuts/clothes/etc growing up, but she used to tell me “You’ll never be the weirdest person in the room. There’s always someone weirder.”
Are your unicorn classes online? I really want to learn photoshop.
Oh, Unicorn School was just a one-time thing at my house with one student! We gave it a name to sound fancy 🙂
Yes! hair is just hair, love that, I always say that. I am growing mine out for the first time in a kajillion years, and it is so fun! Someday I want to buzz off the sides, or just one side. Having short hair is so fun b/c you can change it all the time.
Hi Anna, (long time reader/first time commenter) I truly admire you and love reading what you write. Your haircut inspired me to want to do something similar but my stylist said I need to grow out my previous BAD haircut a little more first. I’ve been patiently doing so since. However- I am a 32 y/o director of a medium sized organization where all my staff are 2-10 years younger than me. We all have pretty similarly individual (I know that sounds sort of douchey- but if you saw us all together, it would make sense) style and one of my staff got the same haircut as you have.
I have been struggling internally on whether it’s still OK for me to go ahead with the haircut which would result in becoming hair twins with someone I supervise. I would appreciate any cheers! or don’t do it! advice you have. Thanks!
Hi Chloe! 🙂 I understand why you’re feeling some trepidation here, but think about what you wrote: “We all have pretty similarly individual style.” In other words, all of you are already managing to express your individuality, right? I don’t think that goes away just because two people have the same haircut. You’re always going to have your own look that’s distinct from hers, whether it’s the texture or styling of your hair, your jewelry, your clothes, etc., and I truly truly truly believe that authority comes more from attitude and interaction than it does from appearance. YES, of course appearance is a factor in most workplaces, but professionalism isn’t defined by hairdos as much these days as it was even 10 years ago. If your staff respects you and lives up to your expectations now, that’s not going to change just because you get a haircut.
Now, that said, I’m the kind of person who would feel weird anyway, so I’d probably try to at least make my cut somewhat different. Maybe you need to shave some stripes into the side, too. 😉
Thanks so much Anna! I agree and I do feel better after getting another opinion. You know what’s funny- my husband said the same thing about the stripes and would you believe another one of my staff is already rocking a set. Looks like a “wing” of color for me!
I’m still always wary of haircuts, but then I just want one thing, and one thing only: Long, long hair, a nice side fringe thing, a few layers. (That said, I’d love turquoise hair one day…)
Am absolutely, 100% struggling to get back into work mode. My ungrateful brain feels resentful that my holiday went so fast and felt so short!
Fritz is gorgeous at four years old – and what a beauty of a pup he was too!
Anna, I think your hair looks fantastic and you are totally right, with so many layers and stages, you can practically try any style out—no if only I had any hair left, ughh!
On another note, Happy Birthday to Fritz! Mamma Biscuit is sending him many pug hugs and kisses! Oh, and about that Chewbacca/seagull vocal/mating call, I thought I heard something coming from your apartment the other night. Mamma Biscuit woke up from a deep sleep and gave us a couple of pug head tilts before collapsing her chin back down onto the rim of her donut bed!
😉
i’ve rocked a haircut similar to yours for the last two years, and I love it. I was hesitant at first, thinking: “what if I get tired of it? it will look terrible growing back!” But then I went for it, figuring I would get a deep part and i could just switch for a regular part if I got tired. Turns out I never want to hide the shaved part + I don’t want to hear anything about getting a different hairstyle, even though every other girl in my city rocks it too. GO HAIR!
I read always but rarely comment. I just wanted to say that I bought a Society6 iPhone case a few days after Christmas, and I really like it. If they made a change, it must have been REALLY recent. Mine is also stamped CASE MATE. I wonder if the design has anything to do with it? For what it’s worth, this is the one I got: http://society6.com/product/With-My-Own-Eyes_iPhone-Case. It’s got a few surface scratches, but you can only seem them in a certain light.
I also ordered an 8″ x 10″ print from them when I ordered the case, and it’s very nice. I hope you’re in the minority with having bad experiences with them, because they have so much beautiful stuff on their site!
Interesting! The consensus on Twitter and Instagram seemed to be that my experience with the case is the norm. Is yours made of thick, durable plastic? Because seriously…mine is SO flimsy and cheap-feeling that I’m sure it will break if I try to take it off. The frame edge (around the screen) is VERY sharp, and there’s no lip to protect the edge of the phone. The image itself is poorly-printed, with a lot of distortion where it was stretched around the sides of the case (I’m assuming they use some kind of decal). And if I run my nail along the edge, the print scratches right off. There’s also no shock absorption inside the case—it’s just a piece of plastic.
Maybe my standards are too high because my Uncommon case is WAYYYYY better quality? It’s like night and day looking at/feeling the two side by side.
I just don’t feel like it’s a $35 product ($40 with shipping). If it were $10, I wouldn’t complain!
Mine’s pretty flimsy as well, but I figure I probably won’t take it off until I take it off for good. On mine, the edge isn’t terribly sharp, but there’s only a TEENSY lip (I have the 4, not the 4S – I don’t know if that makes a difference). I have a slightly different situation than yours with the printing, because the image on mine is super abstract, so if there was distortion, I wouldn’t be able to tell. I knew going in that it was just a piece of plastic that wouldn’t offer much protection, so I wasn’t disappointed there, but I’m pretty gentle with my phone.
All that said, I DO agree that it’s overpriced. I was paying a premium for a “pretty” case rather than something rugged. I bought it using some Christmas money, and I just wanted something nice to look at. I figure that by the time I’m ready for a new case, my phone will be obsolete anyway. (Oh wait, I have the 4 – it already IS obsolete.)
I guess, in general, I wasn’t too disappointed because I didn’t have very high hopes! Would you definitely recommend the Uncommon case you have/had? I might add that to my wish list in case this one gets too beat up.
I have that shirt and totally dig it. 🙂
It’s not just you – I’ve kind of have the same feeling. I think it’s partly the weather and I have a feeling that 2012 is going to be a really awesome year to remember. I’ve been feeling this way maybe since September of 2011. So of course, based on that ridiculous pressure I’ve put on this year (and myself), I feel everything but motivated and I just want to sit on the couch, watch silly tv and have coffee and cake. All day, every day. I guess it goes without saying this was/is going to be the year I vowed to finally lose these last 20 pounds! So, yeah.
I can’t tell you how much I love your statement ” YES, of course appearance is a factor in most workplaces, but professionalism isn’t defined by hairdos as much these days as it was even 10 years ago.” I work at a really conservative place and sadly am judged every day by the fact that I am a woman and that I look a lot younger than I really am. I wish I could wear outfits, etc. that look like “me,” the real me. As it is, I feel like I am wearing a clown costume or acting like a different “me” in a play every day. I still rebel however, by doing things like wearing jeans (but dark tailored trouser-style), painting my toenails with neon pink glitter nail polish (and then wearing open-toed shoes) and wearing extreme cat eye makeup. Sounds childish, I guess, but it makes me smile. Now I don’t care as much that they are judging me for all that since they were already judging me anyway because I don’t quite fit in. So I applaud you for saying that if people respect you they are going to respect you anyway, no matter the hairstyle. Like you said, it’s just hair (or glitter nail polish, or whatever). I wish everyone would grow up already and not judge people for what they look like! Sorry for the rambling, it’s just because working in a conservative field and living in a conservative state makes me crazy sometimes, apparently. LOL.
I’m nodding right along with you on that first paragraph, Kristen—right down to the 20 pounds. 😛
I realize I’m lucky that I can pretty much look and dress however I want for work because I work in a creative field. I work in a corporate environment, but “the creatives” are really left along when it comes to our appearance. The main thing is that we all look pulled-together and clean, and we do. If I know I have to go to meeting, I’ll make sure my cardigan doesn’t have holes in it and that I’m not wearing too much eyeliner, but for the most part I’m good to go. You really can’t expect people to spend their days expressing themselves creatively through design without any of those impulses rubbing off on their hairdos, after all. 😉
I spent $50 on a Kate Spade case at the Apple store and it cracked in a month from normal wear and tear. KS said I would have to pay to ship it to them in US – I’m in Canada – so I just chucked it because that was cheaper.
Oh no, that sucks!! You couldn’t return it to the Apple store?
Hi Anna! Love the picture of Evan and Bruno…so sweet…our Sadie lies exactly the same way on top of us! Also, never saw the picture of Fritz as a puppy…totally adorable – happy birthday Fritz from O&S! BTW…I went and bought the Cross Blanket…hurray! Will have to wait a while to receive but hopefully it will be worth it! Did you ever check out the new Orla Kiely store in NYC? Saw some pictures and it looked great.
No, I haven’t had time to go yet! Soon, though, I hope 🙂
glad to know about the phone case. I have the Uncommon and although I love the quality, I was disappointed that the part that wraps the screen is black. (i have a white phone and just don’t like it)
I had been eyeballing one from Society6 because it appears theirs doesn’t have that. I definitely don’t want to spend another $40 on a flimsy case. Hopefully Uncommon will soon offer a white trimmed case.
Hair is just hair. Exactly! Can’t tell you how many times I’ve ended up hating a haircut only to realize that I could quite easily amend it or cover it up!
As many others have already chimed-in, I too love your hair! My 8 year-old daughter asked if I would stop dying my hair and grow it long, and for some reason, I stupidly agreed…I’ve always felt that ‘hair is just hair’, and have done whatever I’ve wanted, whenever and however. And now, it is just starting to hit my shoulders, and I’ve had a few people comment on the ‘lovely highlights’ (ie: grey/white old lady hair), and all I can think of is, ‘why oh why did I promise not to do anything with my hair’…I could come to work with a green mohawk, and my colourblind engineering coworkers wouldn’t even bat an eyelash – I feel like I’m letting my punk roots down.
🙂
Interesting that your daughter was the one to ask you to look more conservative. What do you think that’s about? Maybe it’s harder to rebel (v) when your mother is a rebel (n)?
Yup, I’m definitely not like the ‘other moms’ on the playground…pretty, fragile or delicate are not words that come to mind. It’s just a phase, this is what I’m telling myself, like, when the time comes, that cheerleading will just be a phase and her own form of rebellion (seriously, I hope this doesn’t happen, but am ready to deal). It is funny (ha.ha.) how early the idea of ‘normal’ already starts to permeate.
i tweeted this at you but just in case you don’t see it, i found this fabric on etsy and i think it was made for YOU! i hope you like it. http://www.etsy.com/listing/84144098/upholstery-fabric-dancing-triangles
I just want to say that I love my case from Society 6. It’s only a few months old, it’s a Case Mate case and there is no way the design can be scratched off. I’m dying to know if they changed the quality of them after I purchased mine; it would be really disappointing if so.
I love your blog – but I really don’t like the new look. And speaking of short attention span(s), it’s like you need to focus on four visuals at once…perfect for someone with ADD! What’s the crime in looking at one image at a time; or, for that matter, what’s so bad about dealing with one thought/concept at a time? Everywhere you look today it’s more, more, more! Once again…I’m a fan – not trying to “start something”.
Did you read the subject line of the post? Obviously the presentation is intentional and was meant to represent my state of mind at the time.
Anyway, it’s a good thing there are LOTS of other blogs for you to look at, SB! Even better, start your own and present your content however works best for you and design it to look any way you want.
This is what I like. You can go do what you like. I promise not to criticize it when you do.
What a strange comment! No need really. Anna you are so diplomatic, that’s not what I would have said! I think the new look is so representative of you that it is perfect and a real fan would see that. After all, YOU are why we read it.
Thanks, JC. I don’t need (or want!) everybody to like everything I do, but I think it’s pretty weird to make your very first comment on a stranger’s blog a critique of their style. I just can’t imagine doing that! What’s the point? So many other blogs to read…just click away. 😉
I love your hair!
Hi, Do you mind if I ask what foundation you use? Your skin looks so lovely in that top photo! I am so pale at the moment (winter!) all make up seems to look awful on me! I needed a new one so risked the equivalent of $65 on a Bobbi Brown mineral make up and it pretty much sucks. It’s very sheer so does nothing to cover zits and it enhances my wrinkles. If anyone has any recommendations I would really appreciate it!! Can’t keep wasting that kind of money. I’m going with your recommendation of the Lipstick Queen orange pencil it looks lovely. Fab hair too x
P&P, I really like Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. Even though it’s a TM, it offers a lot of coverage and wears very well through the day. I personally prefer the regular version over the oil-free (which feels cakey on my skin). I also use Laura Mercier concealer for any red spots, etc. The tricky part is finding just the right undereye concealer and setting powder!
Do you work for Uncommon?? What a sad misrepresentation of Society 6 products, and bad comparison of two completely different designs (a capsule case vs. a one piece design) while you’re at it. And I’m sorry, but you could spend hours sorting through all of the great original designs from Society 6 artists, or in 5 minutes realize that Uncommon only offers a dozen artist cases.
Um. Seriously? If I’m disappointed in the quality of something I bought, that means I must work for a competitor? What?
This has nothing to do with the artists who sell work through Society6 (as I mentioned in my post, I love Dawn Gardner’s work, and the illustration itself is great), it has to do with the quality of the cases they’ve chosen to print that work on. Period. I think I made that quite clear.
As for the idea that my opinion is somehow invalid because I’m comparing a 1-piece case to a 2-piece, my friend has the 1-piece Deflector case from Uncommon. She was with me when my case from Society6 arrived, and she actually took it off her phone so we could do a side-by-side. The Uncommon case is just FAR better quality; absolutely no doubt.
I spent $40 on my Society6 case. Believe me, I wish I were happy with the quality! I’m sorry it offends you that my opinion is different from yours, but to suggest that Uncommon is paying me to express myself is both absurd and insulting.
I am beholden to no one; my opinions are not for sale to anyone or anything.
By the way, Uncommon currently offers hundreds of cases designed by about 50 different artists, so basically you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.
Regardless, the quantity of uploads doesn’t really mean anything to me if the resulting product isn’t up to my expectations as a consumer.
love the dogs. the case bites as my wife had one and it wore out in a few months
Hi! Longtime reader here but first time to comment. I ordered a case from Society 6 (specifically Arnsdorf SS11 Crystal Pattern) but the colors were SO much more saturated in real life. I was disappointed because I wanted what they had shown on the site. I hate Society 6’s “no refund policy” but after some emails back and forth they said they would send me a replacement, make note of the printing issue, and if I didn’t like it, they’d give me a full refund. The 2nd Society 6 case was exactly the same. So I got my refund. Thank goodness. I hope you don’t have the same results as me….I hope your 2nd case works out better for you!
The no refund policy is indeed a huge bummer. :
oh, it’s not just you. In fact I think I’m still in tired from 2011 mode! I NEED a holiday to get over all this work and holidaying – sigh. nice iphone cover 🙂
thea.
xx
spoonfulzine
Do you ever feel weird talking about your hair, your clothes and other things you buy ad infinitum? What about taking photos of yourself and posting them? You’re not alone in this. It appears to be the way of the blogs. I read them. I like design.. But sometimes I just think, wow, what a lot of superficial, materialistic, stuff.
If it made me feel “weird” to write about something, I wouldn’t do it, so—no. It doesn’t. The kind of things you’re talking about (haircuts, clothes, etc.) comprise a pretty small percentage of the content of this blog, anyway.
This is a personal blog. It’s not a design blog or a current events blog. It’s my blog. It’s about the things that I find interesting or compelling and that I want to share. When people read personal blogs, it’s generally because they’re interested in the person behind it and in their take on the subject matters presented.
I also believe that anything can be approached in a superficial manner, regardless of what it is. I like to think that I usually go a little bit beyond just “OMG, LOOK AT MY STUFF!!!”, but I also think it’s normal to just be excited about simple things sometimes.
If someone is reading my blog and only taking away the most superficial elements of it, then I see that as a reflection of their own lack of depth, not mine.
My blog is what I want it to be. I have no interest in catering to anyone’s desire to see content that isn’t what I want to put out there. If you’re not getting what you want from the blogs you’ve chosen to read, you might want to consider finding some new ones! Or better yet, start your own and create the kind of content you want to see.
Do you ever feel weird writing nasty comments on stranger’s blogs? I certainly find that to be much more of a character flaw than getting a haircut.
I’d feel odd reading a blog that I didn’t like; why spend my time that way? Sometimes the blogs I read include things that don’t interest me. Usually I skim these post and come back when something that does interest me is posted. Occasionally I read the posts that don’t immediately interest me…I like to try and see things through the eyes of others, who knows I might even find new things to interest me (quite likely) or change my mind on something (less likely, but I can pretend…).
For what it’s worth, which is nothing, keep your blog personal. And if your writing stops interesting me I’ll stop reading. I won’t tell you about it though because it won’t matter; you’re not doing this for me and I get that.
I mean, isn’t liking design saying you kinda like the superficial? I mean, isn’t that what design is about? I think the haircut, earrings, iphone case blah content in the past couple pages has been not that much money wise. I don’t think Anna’s talking about Prada here, she’s talking about stuff she likes that is accessible to many. (Okay, except that crux blanket thing, that was a little redonk 🙂 )
Like, hey, I just bought some boots Anna talked about in a post because I was tired of wearing out a new pair every three months. Gasp.
It’s cool to want to have a higher standard for not being a materialistic person and all – but maybe provide some critique on what you’d rather see? Otherwise you just seem like a jerk. Nobody likes a jerk.
Jessica, I totally understand what you’re saying, but in defense of design and designers, I have to totally disagree with the notion that design is somehow about superficiality. Design—good design—exists to make our lives easier, safer, longer and healthier. It helps us to communicate, to protect, and to heal. Without design we would have no way to convey information without words. We would have no tools to complete the tasks that are necessary to live fulfilling lives. Design is essential to the success of any civilization, and its existence is the very opposite of superficiality.
That said, it is certainly possible to have a superficial conversation about design, or for a certain design to exist purely for superficial reasons, but the same can be said for anything in the world. Things and ideas carry with them the importance we assign to them; it’s up to us to either elevate or diminish their significance.
I also don’t think that cost really enters into the equation. As much as I do support the efforts of many designers to create things which are affordable and accessible yet still of good quality, I don’t think that’s the determining factor in whether good design has been achieved. It’s also impossible to point to one item and say it’s “accessible” and to another and say it’s “redonk.” One person’s $250 trash can is another person’s $50 IKEA desk—it’s all relative, and there will always be someone who either has less or has more. I’d rather see the discussion focused on sustainability and durability—much like your boots!
But again, I totally understand what you meant. Really. As a designer, though, I have to stick up for my people. 🙂
^^^^
see, feedback and not agreeing without sounding like a jerk, example A. 🙂
Just wanted to say hi and let you know that I enjoy your blog so much and it has been really great lately – so thank you!
Thank you, amourette 🙂
I’m bummed to hear that about the Society6 case. How’s the new one treating you? I ordered the colorful Aztec version a few days ago, and am now a lot less excited for it’s arrival. For $35, it better not chip!
It hasn’t arrived yet, Ashlae, so I don’t know yet! Fingers crossed that I did indeed get a defective product.
Hi Anna. Love your blog and its varied content. Thank you!
I always enjoy reading your blog for your writing, your pretty pictures, and shopping inspiration. But here’s my dirty little secret; reading the comments is kind of like watching reality tv… and you’re the polite – but strict – host. (Can you tell that I don’t have cable?)
Hahaha. There’s not usually this much drama! It comes in cycles. I just don’t want it to get out of hand…
I like your house, your hair, your clothes, your food and your dogs. I will not say I like your husband because that would just be wrong. 🙂 While I don’t always agree with everything you post (seriously, wouldn’t that be boring if everyone agreed on everything??) I always enjoy your perspective. Aaaand since it is YOUR blog, I think we all tune in to get YOUR perspective.
PS I am on a 21 day vegan challenge and while I have tried to go vegan before, it only took one recipe from Post Punk Kitchen to make me feel as if I really could do it this time… Snobby Joes rock!! BTW, cheese made from rice is nasty. Even my dog wouldn’t eat it. Any suggestions?? I likey cheese…
Hahaha! Lori, believe me, I don’t agree with everything I post, either! I’m not looking for constant agreement or anything, but telling someone you don’t like their blog design or what they post about is just…really weird. I personally read less than 10 blogs on a regular basis, and I can’t imagine continuing to read one if I didn’t like the person behind it! That doesn’t mean I necessarily share all of the same viewpoints as the blogger, but I at least get something positive out of the experience of reading what they have to say (and/or looking at what they want to show me). I think that’s true about most of what we do in life!
As for vegan cheese, try Daiya. It’s pretty widely available now, and it’s awesome! Especially melted 🙂
My society6 case is rubbish too – peeling off at the corners after only a couple of weeks. So disappointed. It’s such a nice design though, I don’t want to take it off!
First timer here and I have to say, I am very happy to find your blog as I am also in the Hudson Valley and at times I feel like I am in a no-woman’s land. (Or a land I often feel out of place in…) Your blog alleviates that feeling and thank you! As far as the snarky criticism, the haters will hate because often it is really is more about them projecting their insecurities and unresolved issues. Rock on and keep on posting about your style and perspective!
Thanks, Kristina. Hudson Valley FTW!!
Hi Anna,
Long time reader, loving your blog as always!
Anyhoo, I got a Society6 casemate iPhone 4s cover at the back end of November ’11 and in the UK the cost was $$$$ with shipping. Sadly, it’s very low quality and as of today all four sides are peeling and coming off. Such a disappointment. Great art, low quality execution.
I was wondering if you ever got your replacement and what the quality was like? Would it be worth telling Society6 now about my experience or would that be a waste of time after 3 months?
Thanks, B 🙂
Hi Beatrice, unfortunately, the replacement case is identical to the first. It’s the same poor quality, so obviously the first one wasn’t defective—they’re just not selling a product that’s worth its price tag.
Society6 has a “no returns” policy unless a product is defective, so I’m thinking you’re out of luck. Sad!
Any updates on the quality of the case they sent you? The edges of mine are mostly peeled off. I’m pretty disappointed about it!
Oh sorry, I just read the response to the comment above. Funny they thought yours might have been a fluke when obviously it’s an issue that keeps repeating! to Uncommon it is!
Hi Anna! I realize this post is quite old, but I found it because I was looking for reviews on Society6 iPhone cases. I just received mine (which I designed myself) and I am appalled. The design is like a color block one, which means you can see on the sides the lines that separate each color. Well, the sides look horrible!! The lines are supposed to be completely horizontal and on the sides they bend downwards. Not to mention that the color on the sides start to fade and become lighter. The middle color has a pattern on it, and you can notice definite stretching.
I know you mentioned distortion on the sides of your case, but I’m wondering if the lines are also bended on the sides like mine is? I’m just trying to figure out how normal or common this is, because since I actually sell my designs through them, it concerns me that THIS is what the people who buy my designs on iPhone cases are getting.
Definitely going to ordern an Uncommon case after reading your experience, though! 🙂
Hi Mary, yes, unfortunately what you are describing is exactly what I experienced with my case from Society6 more than a year ago. 🙁 The one they sent me to replace it was just as bad. On the upside, everything else I’ve ordered from Society6 has been great!
UPDATE! I purchased a new case from Society6 in July 2013 for my iPhone 5, and it’s MUCH better quality. You can read my updated review here.