give and get from gift shop brooklyn

Deepest apologies for the week of absence - I haven't been MIA this long since I started loving the little things. Just the typical crazy work week with a bit of personal stuff thrown in... but regardless of last week, I am back and oh-so excited to make up for lost time. So let's get to it ---

Today I bring to you adorable pouches from Gift Shop Brooklyn. Naturally when I saw this shop name (+ eye-catching logo) on etsy I just had to click. I was delighted with the selection of items, all handmade to order in bk using materials purchased on etsy and from other vendors here in the US. Store owner (and seasoned graphic designer in the new york fashion industry) Annie Olean Bukman provides a range of adorable little things, from "sherbet scarves" to reversible linen/leather pouches + more, making this etsy spot really feel like a little gift shop.

If you live in the neighborhood or find yourself in the area, skip the etsy storefront + stop by Brooklyn Collective, which started selling Annie's designs last month --- and is totally worth checking out in its own right! Here is a selection off the loveliest from both:

[all photos from gift shop brooklyn's etsy page + blog]

I love the idea of giving unique little things from the "brooklyn gift shop" to friends + family dwelling outside of my favorite borough. Plus everything ordered on etsy comes wrapped-up and gift-ready - which I'm sure makes it easier to part with these lovely pieces.

Although just to be sure, I would scoop up something extra to open up myself.

Enjoy! xx

a lovely little thing: leather sunglass case

Leave it to Rebecca Minkoff to come up with a super chic and very smart take on your everyday sunglass case.  Her version is made from a soft, supple leather and features a practical zip closure with a very on-trend tassel detail. Perfect replacement for the big, bulky (and probably broken) case that came with your shades --- definitely an upgrade!

Personally I think everything is better in black leather (shown below), but it also comes in an adorable blush pink hue with black detailing. Both shades feature the indigo blue + black polka dot lining as well as a cute retro graphic on the front.  What's not to love?

[photos via]

so clutch

Lately I have been super into extra large, velvety clutches. It's my go-to bag for work days when I know I will be headed out on the town as soon as the clock strikes five.  Here's why:

In the morning, simply unzip to find a bottomless pit for the thousands of things we all just need to have on hand during the day. Then, when it's time to punch out, just ditch the extras and leave the nighttime necessities (you know - phone, keys, lip gloss + wallet. Oh, and maybe some perfume. And gum! You never know where an NYC evening out may lead.) Once you've narrowed it down, fold the (much lighter) pouch over and voila! A sleek (but still spacious) oversize clutch.

I've found three lines of bags that make this transformation effortless - they're roomy, functional + of course, oh-so-lovely.

lovely line #1: Blair Ritchey

lovely line #2: Marketa New York 

 

lovely line #3: Karrah Designs

                      

                      

photos: [line one][line two][line three]

I love the lux leather in Blair Ritchey's line, the casual-cool suede from Marketa New York + especially the so-glam metallic sheen of the pieces from Karrah Designs. 

Now, the eternal question: which to choose?

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p.s. - look out for details from yesterday's Independent Fashion Bloggers conference (IFBcon), which was full of inspiring + amazing bloggers. I met so many great people - some of which are just starting out, and others who are established experts in the biz. I'm also still sorting through the incredible swag bag from sponsors like Glamour, Bauble Bar, Zoya, + Lyst (just to name a few), which I already know has some lovely little things I can't wait to share.

Much more to come . . . xo

lux leathers: UNEARTHED cuffs

I may be late to the party, but I recently came across UNEARTHED on etsy + was immediately drawn to their amazing leather work.  The sister duo behind the brand handcrafts each piece in a small LA studio with the most insane list of raw materials - including ostrich, frog, snakeskin, alligator, crocodile, beetle wings, cowhide, pony hair, lizard + more. 

<<>>A note for my fellow animal lovers out there: the Koenig sisters only buy from reputable + responsible distributors, and most of their materials (like the stingray leather) are actually by-products that would have otherwise been discarded as waste. You can find out more info on this here.<<>>

 

Their philosophy is to never settle for ordinary, which compels them to take everyday items like lighters, flasks, business card holders, belts, pill boxes, compacts, etc. + turn them into beautifully crafted, unusual pieces of art.  Everything they make is gorgeous, but the real star is their insanely luxurious looking leather cuffs.

The style, texture, color + feel of each piece is so unique, it's impossible not to fall in love with one (or in my case, ten!).  Don't believe me? Check out a dozen of my favorites - which I chose out of almost 100 - and try to pick just one:

For the especially adventurous, UNEARTHED also creates limited edition bangles. This one features the taxidermied head + tail of the actual snake from which the cuff was made:

Totally insane or totally amazing, I haven't decided.  I do love unique + sometimes dark accessories, though I'm not quite sure I would go this far. But I'm not ruling it out yet. Maybe I'll start with something more low key, like a simple polished fuchsia stingray, and work my way up.

What do you think?

[all photos via UNEARTHED's etsy page]