It’s back-to-school time and plaid is always in style in our book. If you take a moment to look at some independent designers, you will find a fun variety of looks. Sophisticated is what you will get with the Vintage Wool Cape by Megamimoon. KidPirate brings you a KP Academy Schoolgirl top with a handprinted plaid tie - perfect for your first day at school. And what outfit is complete without a pair of over the knee socks? Try a pair by Sock Dreams. Feeling a little playful - then be sure to check out Nostalgia’s Plaid High Waist Pencil Skirt or a few schoolgirl looks we found on Flickr, in our slideshow.
Paper fashion? Do those two words fit together? Today’s independent designers have found that recycled paper offers a versatile medium for jewelry design. High style and chic is what you get with these handmade designs. Red is always hot- and with this chunky red bracelet by Anna Sofia Designs you can’t go wrong. If your style is sleek and modern, check out Frucci Designs. They mix metal and paper for a really modern look. Man on your list? He will be the coolest guy in line with this industrial charm wallet from from Little Orange Kitchen. Make a statement with this colorful piece by Artisticaya- let bold colorful circles drape your neckline on your next shopping trip in the city. To find all of this check out the slideshow!
In case you aren’t privy to Portland’s secret, we thought we would share with you one of our favorite independent designers- Holly Stalder. Holly is not only a designer, but has also co-owned the indie boutique Seaplane for the past eight years. Holly and her business partner, Kate Towers, just sold the business this past month in order to make more time to develop their own personal lines. Seaplane carries lines from local Portland designers as well as other designers who offer small handmade lines. When viewing Holly’s gorgeous designs you may not realize that her design process is deeply rooted in environmentally friendly practices. Click READ MORE for an interview with Holly!
Recently, we caught up with designer Daniel Moyer after BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2008. We asked him about the growth of the show, his recent work, and his thoughts on sustainable design. Daniel, a Brooklyn designer and fabricator of hardwood furniture, puts the fun in sustainable, eco-friendly designs. Not only does he carefully consider the choice of wood (think Black Locust) in his designs, he also uses the excess wood to make his FunkinFunction longboards. Click SEE SLIDESHOW for just a few of his whimsical designs and click READ MORE for our exclusive interview where we find out what he’s been up to!
For most of us, gardening is a do-it-yourself activity. Choosing a eco-friendly planter is a great first step for a modern gardening project. If you think that the only green planter are old black tires, think again. Terracycle’s Urban Art Pots are made from upcycled e-waste and are all handpainted by young artists. Designer Kenneth Topp’s handmade planters for Bronzino are distinctive and many have a playful ocean theme. Our favorites made from upcycled objects are Sjark Iwanix’s chair with an unusual seat, clayflower22’s vintage doll flower pots, and upintheairsomewhere’s White Vessel, made of recycled paper. We’ve also included a DIY project from Instructables for you to create your own garden in your cube!
Jody McGill’s filigree jewelry has been turning the heads of celebs (like Leelee Sobieski here) of late. As an independent designer, she sells under her 1ofmykind brand. She uses antique Czech glass and bronze detailing in many of the pieces for a distinctive look. If your budget isn’t ready for Hollywood, she has some pieces in her line that are priced for budget-conscious divas too! Check out her new Lulu Steampunk Vintage Corset Earrings or the Aquamarine Cocktail Ring. Jody recently spent a few minutes telling us about her work, so click SEE SLIDESHOW to check out these seven divine pieces and READ MORE to meet the artist behind them!
Easter is one of those holidays where the kids are supposed to have all the fun. Well, don’t let the fun of baskets full of crème eggs, chocolate bunnies, and jelly beans pass you by. Give the Easter Bunny a hand. If you are in a DIY mood, indulge your inner child as you fill your child’s basket this Easter. We’ve found some products to make children of all ages very “hoppy”. How about Zygopsyche’s pink faux fur bunny? Another sweet idea are the Easter Funny Bunnies by Dogbone Art. The handmade, screen-printed bunnies stand 8 inches tall and are simply adorable. Prettybowtique allows you to accessorize your little one’s hair with adorable bunny hairclips. Any of these goodies are sure to please any child or child at heart - without all the calories!
DIY divas and indie fashionistas, listen up! Deb and Wendy, the duo behind DIYthing.com, recently launched their new online DIY style magazine, DIY City, making it even more fun to scope out the hottest in handmade gear from around the globe! Their first issue is centered around the NYC DIY scene and features artists, shops, products, and other resources to check out when you’re in the area. Read on for their world-domination plans!
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