Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.
A little trivia for you: I had this haircut when I was sixteen!
Rukkola: Large cowl neck and loose balloon sleeves make this short jacket comfortable and stylish. It is open in the front and closed in the neckline – wide enough to put the jacket on without using buttons or zip. Ideal for breezy spring days!
It’s been a while since I looked in on what Clare Bare has been up to. I’ve got to say, her stuff is even better than it was last year.
Clare Bare: My main goal is to make people feel good about themselves. I make garments that accentuate the body, rather than cover it up, push it up, or transform it into something that it never could be. I don’t believe in clothing that is created to solve a problem- the flaw doesn’t exist until you design something for it. I feel that this is one reason why people are so unsatisfied with their bodies. You can buy a garment that will temporarily make you look “better” while you’re wearing it, but when you take it off you’re even more dissappointed than you were in the first place because you realize that it’s not the real you. My lingerie is constructed to frame your body, fit comfortably, and make you feel naturally beautiful as you should.
Scouring etsy for locally made goods has enlightened me to all of the artists in my backyard. It is great fun, I suggest you try it. If you do you may be lucky enough to come across something as lovely as Awcombe’s Belts and Accessories. This is such a refreshing find, a new twist on a common item.
There is something so fun and lively about these belts. They are bold without the usual bling of commercial buckles. Though they are bold, they aren’t over-done. These buckles are just right.
The artist has a great sense of color and composition. She carefully selects the bright, cheerful parts of the pattern to create a design for her masterpieces. As she would say, “Finding ways to bring fabrics to life can make an otherwise hum-drum pair of jeans or a t-shirt have zing.” I want me some zing!
The belts and buckles come together to form a happy union. The bold patterns seem reminiscent of the sixties, especially those with flower patterns. The leather belts appear weathered giving the whole design a vintage look. But, this is better than vintage, it is handmade.
How would you choose to wear one of these creations? With jeans? Maybe a peasant dress paired with some cowboy boots? Or would you prefer to spice up a boring suit? A yes to any of these would be the correct answer, don’t you think?
There never seems to be too much or too little color. The artist always seems to choose the right amount of contrast and pattern. You can see her “love (of) fabric and all the exciting colors and designs that are available.” When an artist follows their love and passion it shows. The outcome is always beautiful. As a result, we usually covet their work and find reasons to buy it. So, please visit her shop and spread the love.
You know those days when, GAH!, you just want to get your flipping hair out of your face and off your neck? I bought this ‘neck cozy’ and it does just that.
Sure, next winter I’ll be using it to keep out the chill, but for now this is an incredibly wide, lusciously soft, and beautifully electric-colored headband. By ABCreativeDesigns. (Oh, and she also makes these for dogs and that makes me laugh and laugh and laugh. And envy dogs.)
Hello, my name is Kelly Massey and this is my line of handmade wearables, Pretty Penny.
I live in West Hollywood with my husband and fantastic, fun, little girl who is seven. They put up with my piles and piles of fabric and leaning towers of ink jars relatively cheerfully because they are often busy making things too.
Lately, I have been screen printing and sewing scarves and clothing out of bright and soft bamboo and cotton knits.
enjoy
