Modish: the blog

Hip Handmade: Scarves

Those big box stores are calling your name with cheap deals on hip clothes and accessories, home goodies that you just can't live without, beckoning you to become part of the latest fashion trends of the moment...it can be hard for the indie design world to keep up!  But, they do keep up- it's just sometimes a little more difficult to find the hip handmade goods that rival the big box stores' goods in style, but far surpass them in quality, creativity and uniqueness!  So, I'm here to help, taking a cue from the now defunct box vs. indie blog, and Renee's awesome "if you like...., than you'll love...." posts around Christmas time, and helping you find hip handmade alternatives to the big box store stuff that you so covet- hopefully you'll see, it's easier than you think to shop consciously and stay stylish at the same time! :)

First up for the hip handmade comparison, I bring you the fashion accessory that I see popping up everywhere in catalogs, tv shows and on the streets: summery scarves!

big box: hot pepper scarf from Anthropologie- imported, cotton- $48
handmade: acid green & mulberry striped scarf by Karen Richards- hand woven, cotton/wool- $45

big box: silk peony wrap from Banana Republic- imported, 100% silk- $68
handmade: apple blossom scarf by Sylvie & Elizabeth- hand painted 100% silk crepe- $35

big box: guaze buffalo plaid scarf from Urban Outfitters- imported, cotton- $28
handmade: brown & orange woven scarf by heartisans- handmade by co-op in Guatemala, fair trade- $15

big box: batik print scarf from Banana Republic- imported, 100% cotton- $49
handmade: purple grey scrolls scarf by Margot Bianca- hand dyed & batiked, 100% silk- $45

big box: full fringe scarf from Free People-  lurex- $48
handmade: garden of earthly delights scarf by Adventures of Jessica Rose- hand knit, pure cashmere- $45

big box: daybreak scarf from Anthropologie- imported, cotton- $48
handmade: poppy woven scarf by Cyberoptix- hand silk-screened, fair-trade woven silk- $44

Well, there you have it!  What do you think of the hip handmade options- are these fair comparisons?  Do you prefer the big box choices, or the handmade ones?  And did you notice all the handmade items are less expensive than the big box ones?  Pretty sneaky, eh?

If you'd like to see this kind of post continue as a regular feature, please let me know!  Also, if you have item/item types you'd like to suggest for a future "hip handmade" comparison post, leave a comment or feel free to email me!  Thanks much!

New goodies in the shoppe!

I haven't posted about new items from the modish shoppe in a loooong time, and since it's well overdue and I happen to have lots of wonderful new items in for spring, I thought it high time to show some off!

First off, I'd like to introduce a new artist to the shoppe, Stephanie DosReis!  I feel honored to carry her wonderful mixed media prints and (my favorite) her adooooorable plush houses made from vintage fabrics, they're each one of kind!

There's also beautiful new jewelry and a pretty new color of poppy pins and hairpins for the summer, by foundling:

Also, back in the shoppe, Mood Swing's wonderful reversible storybook charm necklaces- you get two necklaces in one!

There's also lots of new prints by a modish favorite, Swallowfield- they're all so colorful and cheery!

There's a lot more new goodies on the way to the shoppe too, including new tees from wenifnotnow, plates by New Work, jewelry by Odd Bird, new bags by Jenna Rose and Queen Puff Puff, new jewelry from Mollie Dash, and more more more!  Check in often and remember, you can use the code "modish" for free shipping!

De Colores

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!  Today has become a day to celebrate Mexican culture in the United States- although I'm sure you'll see many examples of the capitalization that has made Cinco de Mayo so popular here ($1 margarita happy hour anyone?), I hope you'll also find celebrations of the Mexican heritage, art, music and culture that have helped make America what it is today.  To help celebrate some of that talent, here are some handmade goods by Mexico based artists and crafters that I found on good ol' etsy!

{cyrano doll, set of 5 cards by Cara Carmina :: Pink strawberry charm by allen! ::  hedgehog march notepads by micasita house}

{Fungi print by Rosie Music :: tulips wallet by ziazia :: Mexican embroidered bag by That Retro Thing :: Mexican embroidered tunic by Aida Coronado}

{filigree flower and bird earrings by tutarubli :: city lights necklace by Colibri Dreams :: seashells box by Sea Debris :: "remember" print by Geninne}

Eco-Friendly Find: Pouch

Today's eco-friendly find is a little shop called Pouch, hailing all the way across the pond from Bristol, UK.  The entire shop is filled with handmade bags, belts, stuffed owls and much more all made from vintage and re-purposed fabric.  They're fun, fresh and affordable in colorful designs and recycled from found materials- they're eco-rific!

From garbage to gorgeous!

Well, let's just continue with the eco-friendly trend all week long as I introduce you to Garbage of Eden Design, creator of accessories made from up-cycled plastic- her pieces make use of the garbage that we would otherwise throw away everyday like plastic newspaper and grocery bags- sweet! 

The results are fresh and exciting, in bright bold colors that are fun for the spring in an eco-friendly wrapper that's fun for everyday of year!  Check out more designs in the Garbage of Eden shop, and check out their featured artist on etsy interview this week to learn more!

Eco-Friendly Find: Re:made

Continuing with our weekly eco-friendly finds (which I try to post every Wednesday, just fyi), I discovered this new artist on today's front page on etsy- Re:made.  They make old things new again crafting skirts, dresses and tote bags out of pretty floral pillow cases, and making cute leather bracelets from old belts.

Everything they create is made from something else, reusing and recycling with vigor to bring new things into the world without using up anymore of earth's resources.  Re-make yourself over with a pretty new diddy from Re:made, and keep your fashion eco-friendly!

New goodies in the shoppe!

I just added some fun new spring things to the modish shoppe!  Take a peek!

New glass animal pins by Happy Owl Glassworks- collect the whole menagerie!

And new neckies by Marinade in some bright, fun, spring colors!  Most of which are made with re-claimed yarn, so they're earth-friendly too!  Perfect for chilly spring mornings!

And introducing a new artist to the modish shoppe, Eclectic Eccentricity!  This line of re-vamped vintage goodness is made by the lovely Lucy from England- her designs are cheery, feminine and so cute!

There's more new stuff to come in the next few days (and weeks!) and a BIG day to celebrate next week- stay tuned!

A slow and breezy afternoon

When I think of spring I have this idyllic image of riding my bike with my boyfriend thru the neighborhood: there's a slight and lovely breeze in the air as we ride through streets scattered with pink petals from the blossoming trees above us, and we're laughing and counting all the kitties (last time we saw 12!) and daffodils we see along the way...ah, what a nice day it would be... And always in this little daydream (or when I ride my bike in general) I'm wearing a hat; a hat like one of these from Piper & Paisley!

These hats are so cute in kind of a modern newsboy cap style in light and airy, perfect for spring fabrics.  Find one to suit you at Piper & Paisley and stay stylish in your spring daydreams too!

New spring shoppe goodies

Speaking of spring, I just added some springy new goods to the Modish shoppe!  New wallets and gadget pouches by sewer extraordinaire, Blissful!

And some beauties from Sprout Studio- earrings, hairpins and brooches that are perfect for spring!

I also compiled an assortment of my favorite spring finds from the shoppe in a handy dandy "spring picks" category- finds some gifts for Easter, Mama's Day, weddings, birthdays and happy spring wishes!

All Things Original

I received an email today from All Things Original, a pretty new webshop from across the pond selling, well, all things original!  Handmade items from 50 British indie designers, from accessories and art to bags and jewelry.  I especially like the revamped vintage jewelry (or should I say jewellery :) by Pipnstuff:

and by Denaz:

There's a lot lot more to discover at All Things Original and it's a pleasure to find another fun consignment shop for European buyers!  Yay!

Cover your head

You won't find me in a hat often, not because I don't like them, but because it usually just doesn't occur to me to wear one of the many that I have...but if I had one of these hats hanging around, I might remember to wear it! 

Made by Shara Lambeth (top row) and Heating and Cooling (bottom row) these hats will ensure no one will see your bad hair days again- plus, they'd be perfect bike riding hats with the short bills :)  Find them all at Orange Button.

Feltastic!

I don't remember how I stumbled upon the littlest bean, but I do remember that I was instantly smiling when I did- colorful, fun, simple and inspired things lift my spirits instantly, and the littlest bean is full of them!

From earrings to brooches to hairpins, the littlest bean's goods are all handmade with loving detail- they're simply feltastic!  There's tons more to see on the site- check it out!

Eco-Friendly Find: prix-prix

Style, utility and earth-friendliness all come together so nicely when left to the hands of prix-prix.  The prix-prix label is home to wallets and business card cases made from vintage neckties that have seen better days, giving them new life to enjoy. 

They also create lovely hand block-printed notebooks, using the underside of cereal boxes as the covers, and filling them with 100% post consumer recycled paper.


The results are unique and stylish and a great example of how you can "up-cycle" everyday things that may be in your closet, or in your cupboards, into useful creations.  Find many more designs at prix-prix!

New stuff in the shoppe! And one week left!

Happy Valentine's Day!  This is really just a Thursday for me, but it's the Thursday exactly one week before the Thursday that we'll be hitting the road with all our stuff and moving up to Portland!  I have one week left!  Oh my gosh! 

That means that starting this weekend I won't be around due to packing/moving/internet-connection-losing.  That also means that orders in the shoppe will be delayed in shipping until I can get my office and internet set up again up there.  But, I've added so much new stuff lately (over 60 items!) that I just have to show you anyway, and have to offer you a special deal for the patience you will exude in waiting for your orders to ship: so, use code "smoothmove" at checkout for FREE SHIPPING and your order will ship out as soon as I'm able (hoping by Wed, Feb 27th) and will also include a FREE GIFT!  I have lots of pocket mirrors, earrings, pins, cards and other good stuff that will find their way into your packages...

In the meantime, here's a glimpse at all the new goodies in the shoppe- get yourself a little "spring is coming and I deserve something nice" gift, hmmm?

Like some of this beautiful jewelry by a newly added designer, Ole Lukoe:

Or maybe some of these hand-dandy felt fabulous cases from Suezybees:

Or these wonderful, eco-friendly, wood-block art pieces by Rebecca Tolk:

Perhaps you'd like some modern, screen-printed dinnerware by New Work:

Or a new cute purse or tote from Prickly Pear:

Or maybe some fresh art on your walls by Swallowfield or Wolfie and the Sneak:

Or some pretty gemstone jewelry by Prismera to usher in the spring:

This is only a small sampling of all the great new items that are in the shoppe!  There's also a lot of sale items left, so nab what you have your eye on before it's gone!

I <3 you

Seeing hearts?  Here's some heart themed handmade gifts for you for Valentine's Day, yes, but also just because I love all you readers, so very much.  <3

row 1: for the love of baking by Thea Coughlin ($20), eyes for you card by Kaching Design ($6),  so happy together by Chromatics ($70)
row 2: bleeding heart blue by Anna Ruby King ($10), heart vinyl and sterling necklace by Nature vs. Machine ($50), brass heart fobs by Bonbon Oiseau ($50)
row 3: heart on your finger ring by  ehmeglass ($56), darling bag by Oprikka (70€)
row 4: sweetheart necklace by Nek ($50), love hurts cactus pincushion by Sheasy ($10), heart of glass II by Nanopod ($32)

Color your world with every step

I just found these shoes by Ndeur via Design for Mankind and hot damn, I am in LOOOOOVVVVVE, painfully so...

They're wild, vibrant, and the coolest damn things I've seen a long time.  They're each one of a kind, hand-painted designs- you send in your shoes and they'll paint the design right on them, or they can find a great pair of vintage shoes for you.  They're so creative, unique and inspiring!  My stomach is getting butterflies just looking at them...  I may have to actually learn how to walk in heels for a pair of these! :)  Find more incredible choices at Ndeur!

Eco-Friendly Find: Cubist Literature

We all know that shopping at thrift stores is one of the best (or at least, most fun) ways to recycle, but Cubist Literature has taken thrift store finds to the next level by shaking things up- he repurposes found items, like turning a sweater into a set of scarves, and adds felt appliqués onto others, giving old things a new life and some c.lit style spunk.

Cheers to c.lit for not only recycling clothing, but making that clothing truly reflect his own style by dismantling, reconfiguring, and adding- it should give you inspiration for the things you find while shopping that are close but not exactly what you're looking for...remember, you can make them what you want them to be!  And extra cheers for the heart appliqués- we can all use a little more love in our lives.  Find more shaken up, recycled goods along with art and other handmade creations at Cubist Literature.

Peachy keen!

Need a little pick me up for you limp locks?  Why not zap them with a bit of Kanzashi power from the cuter than cute, Peachy Pan!

Peachy Pan specializes in these beautiful handmade Kanzashi hair pins from traditional Japanese design- the collection ranges from simple everyday hairpins to more elaborate ones for a special occasion.  They're a really lovely way to add a little pop of color to your hair- find them along with more Japanese inspired cuteness at Peachy Pan!

Bundle up!

As we hunker down here in Reno in preparation for the "storm of the century" that is apparently headed our way, I just keep thinking about how cold it's gonna be...brrrr...well, if I have to brave the many expected feet of snow, I wish I could do it wearing one of these incredible scarves by Jessica Rose:

Vibrant and colorful and oh so cozy, these hand woven scarves are made from hand dyed cashmere with a touch of hand dyed silk.  Talk about luxurious!  They remind me of the beautiful Peruvian textiles I saw on a trip there when I was young, and are sure to be a treasured favorite for years and years.

Double take

Custom, handmade to order, beautiful shoes on etsy?  No way....I don't think so...

Okay...yes way, dang!  These intricate and unique shoes are inspired by the maker's trip to India and reflect the aesthetic and simplicity of the world she saw there- custom made from supple leather (sorry Vegan friends!) to fit your foot perfectly, these are both comfy and stylish and seem like ideal everyday shoes for flats loving girls.  Find them along with some heeled friends at El Diablo Shoes.

The Giveaway Winnaaaahs + good stuff

We have two lucky lady winners for the HUGE Holiday Giveaway, selected randomly this morning from the 1800+ entries!
-> Little miss Kirsten from Seattle, WA
and -> Cute ol' Audrey from State College, PA
Big congrats ladies!  Thank you for entering, along with everyone else!  Your incredible response is GREATLY appreciated and will surely help keep these giveaways going in the future.  I still can't believe that ginormous # in the comments field down there!  Great holy moly!!

And a BIG BIG THANK YOU to all the wonderful and loverly folks who contributed to the giveaway!

I recently got a chance to check out a few of the contributor's sites as I was perusing the comments, and lookie lookie what I found!  (click pics to go to the sites!)

These cute handmade wrist cuffs, made from fabric scraps, at Retro Robot.  They're only $7 each!

I also scoped out the beautiful prints from Emmalynne- she's been on my etsy favorites for months and months now, but I haven't featured her yet- silly me!  Look at all the wonderful photography I've been holding out on you, for shame!

And I found the beautiful jewelry by Liz Mathews featuring pendants and rings that are hand-drawn and printed onto artist's lucite and set in sterling silver- unique and so pretty!

And I fell in love with these amazing mixed media collage paintings by Rachel Austin.  They'd make great gifts!

See, just 'cause the giveaway is over, doesn't mean you can't still pick up some of the great items from the contributors yourself!  Isn't this internet thing great? 

Better than a true story

I'm sick of reality tv shows (although my tv watching habits may prove different) and I'm even more sick of always hearing about more "realistic" video games and computer graphics and cartoon movie mascots (have you seen the new "more realistic" looking Chipmunks?  creepy.)  Whatever happened to fiction?  to fantasy?  to things beyond the scope of reality?  These beeeaauuuutiful imaginary stories pins that I discovered at the new Poppytalk Handmade Market escape the boundaries of reality and show us just how fun and whimsical life outside those boundaries can be:

Find them at Lily Moon, along with the fantastic and inspiring art prints that these pins are based from.

Look at that sprout grow!

I'm happy to announce that modish sponsor, modishoppe seller, internet buddy, crafter extraordinaire and sweet lady Jenifer of Sprout Studio has a new website!  Yay!  Created by Aeolidia (who also designed modishoppe, yahoo!), the new site highlights Jen's creations and creativity so well and lets her world of wonderful goods shine through.  See what's sprouting up at the new site and congratulate Jenifer with a little "add to cart" action, hmm?

Finnish re-defined

You hear the words "traditional Finnish costumes" and you might conjure up an image of these guys, hmm?

{photo from Finnish National Costumes}

I personally think they're stylin, especially the Finnish version of Dirty Harry there in the middle, but regardless of style, what can be agreed upon is that the patterns and colors in these costumes are very vibrant, and very cool.  Oprikka takes the appeal of those colorful folk textiles and integrates them into bags and accessories that mesh better with today's modern style maven:

Mirka, the designer behind Oprikka goods, wants to bring her Finnish traditions into contemporary lifestyle with fun accessories and home goods, and I think she does just that, in a very lovely way.  Check out more folk fabulous goodies at Oprikka!

Site of the week: the ECI Studio Shop

ECI stands for the Emily Carr Institute which is a leading art and design school out of Vancouver, BC and they just opened up a Studio Shop featuring the work of their alumni, students, faculty and staff!  Yay for art schools supporting their artists and their careers!  The shop is great and already has a heady collection of handmade goods including artwork, of course, but also tees, totes, vases, books, journals and more!   

They have things to wear and carry:

Things for your home:

And, of course, some incredible things to look at!

Take a peek at all the goodness that the ECI Studio Shop has to offer and support a starving artist near you!