I collected a ream of business cards when I went to Urban Craft Uprising shortly before Christmas. Of course, between the madness of the holidays and general procrastination, it’s taken me this long to share the booths that caught my eye.
Loved the handbags by Population One. The mix of vinyl and fabric was even cooler in person and the color combinations she had on hand were so tempting.
Absolutely adore the artwork by Black Rabbit. The recycled tin she uses, along with found objects, was dimensional and too, too cool in person.
And you know I love jewelry made from unexpected, interesting things.
Finally, Tako Fibers had amazing embroidery on display. It looks like their shop is stocked with DIY kits–maybe Rebecca or Diana might take a stab given they’re much farther along than I ever got with my Sublime Stitching kit.
The last of my circle of friends are tying the knot and, appropriately given where his family has a vacation home, the wedding will be happening on the water.
That is, the ceremony and reception are booked on the Argosy, a four hour shindig that we’re all taking bets will end up with someone overboard. Because I’m a dork and always think about these things months in advance, I’ve decided a new dress is in order–perhaps on my favoritesailortheme (I wanted to wear my LBD but found out that’s the color for the bridesmaids’ dresses.)
This Milly dress from Revolve has the nautical rope thing going for it but looks a little shapeless.
The sailor feel is a little more subtle with the bright green skirt of this dress from Lulu’s but it looks comfortable as well as adorable.
This dress from Mango might be my fave though I’m worried it looks a bit casual. Love that neckline, though. A trip to the east side might be in order to check it out in person…
I’m a sucker for hoodies, as demonstrated by my inability to stop embellishing them left and right. I especially love seeing the fun stuff other people do with them.
Aviator Nation has this whole 1970s, surfer vibe going that reminds me of Dogtown and Z-boys, the first Red Hot Chili Peppers album, and the thrill of finding an original Ocean Pacific tee at the thrift store. Expensive but super cute.
The hoodies at Toast have a whole different feel, sweet and playful in unexpected fabrics. I’ve had this shop saved to my faves for forever and really just need to buck up and order something already.
And somewhere inbetween are the fun, cool hoodies by Isla New York–who I think I stumbled upon via Twitter.
I would seriously get one of each if I could justify it.
I’m a sucker for flow charts and would love some kind of clever inspiration to make one. Lucky Megan of On Fire with Fireflies (sotalented!), had the best excuse, an uber cute shop full of handbags, totes and other accessories: Bungalow 360.
The fabrics make me think of Lilly Pulitzer and The Official Preppy Handbook with a much cooler flare.
I wish I could tell you where I first learned about Bird. I’m sure it was Blue Moss or Mustard and Sage or some equally savvy blogger who’s always uncovering awesome things.
This is obviously a well curated shop with names I recognize and others that aren’t even familiar. While the prices are steep, browsing their selection is to experience pure eye candy.
Silk tweed in a silhouette that will wear for eternity.
And wool and alpaca boucle that might make me give in on my plaid embargo. All of it is utterly sighworthy.
I have a few simple tops and dresses that I’ve been tempted to mix up with crazy leggings–especially with New Years approaching.
I found a fewpairs on Amazon that had me dying with laughter but also dying to see what they’d look like in person. Of course, given that, for me this would be something very infrequently worn, they’d have to be much cheaper.
I don’t know if I could do tie dye since I haven’t sported it since I was 15 but maybe in black? In the same vein, black newsprint leggings seem like they might be a subtle way to have fun with the trend.
Aw, who am I kidding. When you see the leggings I actually picked up the other day, you’ll see how tame and unadventurous I am.
The great boot search begins again. Partly because I wore them to death, and partly because I walk every where these days, my miraculous black boots that actually fit my calves are just about done. So the quest begins anew, kind of like a Sisyphus version of shoes.
Both of these are by Pikolinos, a brand I’d never heard of before but with a great simple, style I can appreciate. The price is a little steep of both of these pairs for my blood, but I’m willing to pay more this year if that means they’ll last longer.
I’ve always been partial to both of these brands; Miz Mooz and Blowfish tend to be comfortable, with a funky style that can still translate into every day wear.
As you can see, I’m even considering a slight heel for some of these though I’m not sure that will actually translate well to constant walking–and I’d hate to buy a pair that then never get worn–which is what happened with the first pair of boots I splurged on & finally sold after they sat in my closet for ages.
Though I had no intention of trying on clothes at Anthropologie, I couldn’t resist checking out the sales rack while I was picking up a coat hook. These two tunic/dress/chocha flashing candidates managed to sneak their way into the dressing room.
I love the ruffle detail at the neckline (and pockets!) but I think bias cut, regardless of the fabric, is so hard to pull off without a really rocking figure. This one did not come home with me.
As a sucker for a funky neckline, I couldn’t resist this one. Given it’s simplicity, I’ve been thinking about pairing it with crazy leggings. We’ll see if I work up the courage.
Among the emails about Jay-Z’s rock star jeans and offers to link to maternity forums, I got a heads up about Eco Artware. While I don’t write about green goods regularly, it is a subject matter close to my heart. I love the innovative use of old things that might otherwise be thrown away, especially if I can’t begin to guess where the item originated.
I realize it’s pretty clear where the pen nib cuff links originated but there’s something so Mad Men about them that I just had to include them here. The others, however, are from wine barrels.
The inner tube change purse is pretty cute, especially since I’ve been thinking about replacing my wallet.
And this wreath, perfect for any season, is too sweet for words.
While it’s unlikely I’ll get anything new myself, it’s hard not to think about lovely frocks as the holidays close in. Whether for office parties, New Years Eve bashes, or Christmas cocktails, there’s never a better time of year to justify a pretty new dress.
While I can’t imagine wearing any of their stock to something as ordinary as a breakfast/lunch hybrid, the Sunday Brunch Dress Shop is the perfect place to find the special dresses that are perfect for fun events.
This last one is my favorite with the gorgeous detail at the hem and the flutters at the armscyes. The prices aren’t too far off what you’d pay at Anthropologie for items that you can be a little more certain no one else will be wearing.
The pleats, the little buttons at the pockets, and the elegant shawl collar are details that make this so much more than a jacket.
And don’t even get me started on this coat. Houndstooth, one of my favorite prints, the funnel neck, the military details are all beyond amazing. If only our coat closet weren’t already bursting!
A ton of vintage shops have been making their way into my favorites.
Vera Vague has an insane collection of goods ranging from the 40s to the 60s. I’d be all over both of these items if they weren’t (a rarity with vintage) too big for me. & it looks like she’s having a buy one, get on 25% off sale as well.
I think I stumbled upon Vintage Rose via Twitter and I’ve regularly found myself browsing her shop since. The button detail of the sleeves of this 1950s dress are such a great detail–maybe with dark tights and wedges for winter?
The cute finds at Lady Grunge are at great prices at the moment, as well. If only we weren’t getting ready to renovate the bathrooms!
Given that we now have a house, we were ridiculously frustrated by the 50% off sale at Nood. Even though it’d probably be illegal to bring back a lot of the furniture since it violates U.S. copyright law.
Ridiculously gorgeous weather has meant wanting to be outside as much as possible, even for breakfast at Lady Marmalade, where I so butchered the pronunciation of my crepe ‘croque monsieur‘ that I confused the waiter.
One of the thrift shops where I had so much success last time has become almost entirely devoted to American Apparel–which is fine but not what I really had in mind. Hitting up the boutiques turned up this dress, which I didn’t get since it was 1) shiny 2) shapeless 3) weirdly puckered where the lining was attached at the seam over my breasts. The seamstress in me shook my head at that last one.
I did get this one in an equally great print but much better fabric and cut. I’m inspired by A Blonde Redhead, who wore a cute shirt dress over cuffed jeans. While I pondered getting the exact one she’s wearing, I think this one will do.
And while I’m positive I had an Etsy shop the last time we were here, I don’t think it had been open very long and I didn’t feel super confident shopping for beads. This time, however, I went a bit nuts–I think a huge shop update is going to be in order once I get home and have time to make things with what I found here. More pics on flickr.
Hope those of you in the states are having a lovely holiday weekend.
