friday's one-of-a-kind find: prints by kari herer

This friday I'm swooning over these Kari Herer prints, which are romantic + rustic without being overdone or obvious. Herer is no obscure artist -- her work has been featured everywhere from Martha Stewart to Town & Country to InStyle -- but how she combines natural elements in such unexpectedly lovely ways is unlike anything I've seen. The entire series is done with original drawings/art and photography, and signed + stamped by Herer herself (see the last two photos below). They would bring a refreshingly organic, dreamy element to my ultra-modern living room just as well as they'd fit into a cozy, country aesthetic.

 

[all photos from kari herer's etsy page]

All of the prints pictured here are available for purchase on her etsy page, but do check out her website for more professional info and her blog for more personal photos - both are amazing. And enjoy your weekend! xx

friday's one-of-a-kind find: holst + lee

I normally like to find one showstopper from a somewhat obscure, new or at least etsy-affiliated designer to feature each Friday. But the dazzling jewelry coming out of breakout brand Holst + Lee is just too good to wait until Monday. Plus, the line is based right here in Brooklyn, and its tribal-meets-trendy-meets-techno vibe more than qualifies as one of a kind.

Check out Natalie Holst + Rochelle Lee, the duo behind the brand, along with some of their latest + greatest:

The beauty is in the details here - and these two ladies have spared none in the name of style. The magnetic closure, crazy color combinations, inspired hardware + varied textures make these pieces irresistible to everyone from supermodels to superstar athletes.

[all photos chosen from shopbop + shoptalk]

The fact that they've exploded (recent collaborations include mara hoffman and cut25 for spring 2012!) means that their line is now available on shopbop, which also means that each piece will cost you a pretty penny. But hey - if you want to rock something this cool, you have to pay up. Unless, of course, you have the skills to attempt a DIY version...

I mean, all it takes is some thread, some hardware + an insane eye for style. Simple, right?

Enjoy your weekend! xo

friday's one-of-a-kind find: porcupine quill necklaces

By now I've made clear my love of accessories that feature unique designs and awesomely unexpected raw materials, from stringray cuffs to cow bone bolos + everything in between. Even so, I was drawn to the sharp edges and unique feel of these Raw Earth Studio necklaces way before I learned that the colorful "spikes" were actually porcupine quills. 

So. cool.

The first design below (featuring the same neon green/gray color combo I featured yesterday) is my absolute favorite, but they are all pretty amazing. Take a look:

[all photos via Raw Earth Studio's etsy page]

Jenn from Raw Earth Studio is the creative mastermind behind these handcrafted designs. She dyes each quill with a bright hue (or two) + leaves the rest alone, ending up with a color combo that's perfectly balanced against the dark chocolate brown that accentuates each point. The quills are then secured with a reclaimed leather band and a chain is added, flawlessly transforming natural + recycled elements into a seriously awesome statement accessory.

They're a lovely way to add your own twist to one of this season's most coveted trend - bright colors - without breaking the bank ($36/each!). Just be careful - these babies are pretty fierce, in more ways than one.

Have a lovely weekend! xo

friday's one-of-a-kind find: textural knits from celapiu

With the weather on the east coast finally feeling like February, I've been (happily) breaking out my beloved winter warm-up gear.  And as the temperature drops, the size and scale of my neck wear seems to grow. We already know that I love giant, dramatic knits, so it's no surprise that when I came across the independent Polish label celapiu, I fell fast + hard.

And it seems I'm not alone: they have tons of devoted fans gushing about their designs on facebook - where they also showcase the latest + greatest in creative, chunky knits. There's something about the structural yet soft aesthetic of each piece that is so, so appealing - and totally unique. Out of the dozens of styles they offer, these three are my hands-down favs:

>> one <<

>> two <<

 

>> three <<



[all photos chosen from celapiu's etsy page]

I must warn you: if you're with me on these, you should act fast - their bestselling woven cowls (the first item featured above) are an amazing 36% off right now on their etsy page, making them just $35 each! Definitely worth it for such a chic + practical piece. Plus, they really are one-of-a-kind --- each one is handmade and customizable in over a dozen gorgeous shades.

Perfect for the next few weeks of winter + even better for the still-chilly transition into spring.

Enjoy the weekend... and stay warm! xo

friday's one-of-a-kind find: wild+free custom cowboy boots

I don't know what it is with the boho/hippie theme this week, but I just can't seem to get enough. Fitting, then, that this Friday's find is these incredibly cool, custom made cowboy boots by wild+free. Corina Brown, the cali native + owner, claims to live the philosophy of her brand name --- and it shows in her work.

Her shop is filled with whimsical jewelry - from dream catcher necklaces to feather hair clips, flower headbands + even headdresses. But what I really love (and can't stop obsessing over) are her incredible upcycled boots. Each pair of leather cowboy/motorcycle boots is layered with fabrics, belts, chains + jewels in the most perfectly messed-up way. 

The result is so amazing I'd just rather show you then say another word . . .

 

Each custom order requires a deposit of $50 up front, along with any particular requests as to colors, materials, patterns, etc. -- all of which Corina incorporates into the final product. She has pictures of the boots she's made in the past + feedback from customers on her etsy page, and they all seem more than satisfied with the final result.

Can you blame them? These things are amazing - and totally one-of-a-kind. Perfection.

Have a good weekend!

[all photos taken from the wild+free jewelry etsy page]

friday's one-of-a-kind find: the leather "paper" bag

I'd like to say that it was love at first sight. But when I first came across this bag on etsy, I did a double take.  Initially, it looks like it contains a pb+j and a fruit roll-up. Then it clicks.

. . . So let's just say it was love at second glance.


 It's like those edible experiments where they make a pastry dessert look like a double cheeseburger - totally bizarre and yet amazing at the same time. Instead of playing with her food, Brooklyn - based designer Dana Meyer toys with our idea of the classic brown bag, ditching the paper for a buttery, rusty - hued natural suede leather. It works because the craftsmanship is impeccable, the color is perfection and the texture is super luxurious.

The bag also features a magnetic closure + folds up like the real thing for easy storage or travel.

I would display this in my apartment, use it as a clutch or - why not - do the obvious use it as a cheeky play on the classic lunch box.

Talk about totally unnecessary but equally amazing . . .

Looks like brown bagging it is back.

Enjoy the weekend!

[all photos via dana's etsy page]

friday's 1st one-of-a-kind find: cow bone bolos

Nothing is better than discovering a charming + versatile accessory - especially when it's unlike most of the other things I'm seeing at the moment.

Which is why I just dropped everything to let you guys know about these:

[via]

What are they? Hand-painted suede + cow bone bolos, of course.

Not only have I never had one before, but I'm also pretty sure I never knew I wanted one. 

And I'm pretty sure I'd never seen them outside of old western films (and maybe Toy Story) --- that is, until I stumbled upon Lorica Apparel's Etsy page. The bolos are part of their "neon cowgirl" collection, which I automatically loved from the name alone. I didn't think they could get any more alluring... until I read that they are actually made out of real "salavaged and recycled" cow bones.  Insane.

[via]

The painted (+ disinfected!) bone slides up and down the suede, making each one totally customizable day-to-day.  Wear it tight as a necktie with a collared shirt to work and then longer as a necklace on the weekend - or any length + anywhere in between.  

I can't wait to throw it on my wrist or ankle in the summer, or you can even wrap it around your ponytail to turn a bad hair day into something you'll want people to notice. 

And they definitely will!

Not to mention that the one above looks pretty bad ass just hanging on display... Although I'm not sure I'll want to take this one off for a while.

+ one more thing . . .

Since this type of find is like striking gold for me, I've decided to feature my favorite discovery of the week - whether it be something to wear, make or just admire - in a new series called "friday's one-of-a-kind find" ... one more reason to be thankful it's the weekend.

Hope yours is amazing!