Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Warm Weather Getaway

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Are you ready to get away from the cold and snow yet? Summer may still be a few months away, but a warm weather getaway is the perfect solution to your winter blues. Just imagine the hot sun, a cold drink and the perfect beach read – a tropical getaway, if you will, to some exotic local. Despite the cold weather, there are still plenty of handmade artists out there ready to outfit you in the stylish clothes you need to thoroughly enjoy some rest and relaxation.

This sweet patchwork tank top by good morning – midnight is just perfect for a summer getaway. Comfortable and light weight, it’s casual enough to wear to the beach and stylish enough to wear around while exploring your new sunny local. The gray triangle gives this top a modern look that is versatile for both daytime excursions and nights out on the town. It can easily be dressed up with a skirt or dark jeans, or worn with shorts.

What better way to beat the winter blues than with a pair for brightly-colored shorts? These vintage-style pink shorts by MirthQuake Clothing are the perfect way to add a pop of color to your summer getaway outfit, allowing your legs (which, let’s face it, are probably a bit pale) to soak up some of that glorious sunshine.

A trip to the beach just isn’t complete without a magazine bag to carry around all of your necessities. Large enough to hold your beach read, sunscreen, wallet and more, this stylish cotton bag by Bundarra features two fabrics – a black and white screen printed geometric print and a black and cream striped print. The geometric pattern will accent your new tank top perfectly.

The photo featured at the top of this post was taken by Sarah Jarreett Photography.

Spring Trend: Nautical

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With the cold weather almost behind us, the spring trends are starting to emerge just in time for the warm weather. This season the nautical trend is back in full force featuring classic strips, preppy pants and boat shoes along with anchors, lobsters and any other sea animal that comes to mind. While most of us don’t have a boat upon which to enjoy the sunshine, you can still look the part in a few of these great handmade finds.

A great spin on the classic horizontal striped shirt, this navy blue and white top by tsifca features both vertical and horizontal strips for a preppy, yet modern look. Featuring a comfortable fit and wide elbow-length sleeves, this shirt is perfect for lounging, but could easily be dressed up for a night out. The light weight fabric will keep you cool during your time out at sea.

These forest green pleated summer shorts by Eleanor Rot are just perfect for enjoying some time out in the sun. The preppy pleats and cuffs fit perfectly with the nautical trend, but the unexpected color and large gold button keep them modern and a bit edgy. These shorts are the perfect compliment to a striped shirt, but be sure to tuck it in order to create a clear waist line.

This blue, red and gold-toned anchor necklace by Debbiecarroll Designs is the perfect way to add a little bit of nautical into your everyday wardrobe. The gold-toned anchor features a touch of red and is nicely complimented by bright red lucite beads, Swarovski crystals and other gold-toned vintage components. This necklace is a great way to add a bit of vintage glam to your striped shirt or dress up an otherwise plain outfit.

The digital sailboat print featured at the top of this post was created by JC Arts.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

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I just love lazy Sunday afternoons. I usually sleep in just a little bit later than usual, treat myself to a healthy breakfast, and lounge around in my pajamas reading a book, singing along to Hawaiian music on the radio or catching up on my favorite blogs. It always feels so indulgent to set aside my chores, and just let the rest of the world continue on its busy way.

A cute (and comfortable!) pair of pajamas always make my lazy Sunday afternoons that much more enjoyable. This ruffled chemise from Sandmaiden Sleepwear is made with an organic cotton/rayon blend that has just a little bit of stretch to it, the perfect fabric for lounging around. You can customize your chemise by choosing from twelve fabric colors and six lace colors. I think the rose colored fabric with navy blue lace would be just beautiful, although I really love the ochre color featured on the model for fall.

If you prefer to lounge in pajama pants, Lorigami creates cute and comfortable cropped pajama bottoms from vintage material. I just love the cheery yellow gingham fabric and satin trim on this pair. Add your favorite worn-in t-shirt and settle in for some relaxation.

Sometimes a girl needs to treat herself to a little bit of lace. This blue lace sleepwear set from Little Sister Lucy is sexy enough to make you feel special, but comfortable enough to lounge in all day. I just love pink velvet trim and the little sprinkling of sequins around the neckline, what a beautiful touch!

Well, I know what I’m going to be doing this weekend. I hope you too will take the time to treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon, and some cute pajamas!

**Created by tastes orangey, the beautiful image featured at the top of this post is a print of an original painting and features a stitched border.**

All That Glitters

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The holidays are right around the corner and it’s time to pull out the holiday decorations. Every year, I pick a new color theme for my Christmas tree and hand make the garland and a few ornaments for it. This year, I decided on a purple and silver theme, with just a little bit of red. I want to the tree to have a handmade feel to it, but with a little bit of sparkle. But glitter isn’t just for decorating, it’s also a great addition to your holiday wardrobe.

Sparkling dresses are the perfect way to make a splash at holiday dinner parties and celebrations. This mini dress by KaliOseano has just the right amount of shine and flair. With layers of fringe and a definitive flapper feel, this dress would be perfect with a pair of patterned tights, layered long necklaces and simple heels.

When you want to add a little bit of sparkle to your outfit, shoe clips are a quick and easy way to make a big impact and still look sophisticated. These white glitter tulle clips with silver polka dots by Mari et Femme Bridal would be a great addition to a holiday outfit and the perfect stocking stuffer for a fashionable family member or friend.

If your personal style is more low key, you can still add a bit of shine to your outfit without necessarily drawing a lot of attention to your clothes. This stylish triangle shawl by pak yumak is the perfect shade of gold. It would look stunning over a simple black dress and closed with a brooch.

While my tree is dressed with glitter this holiday season, I will be too. I’ll be wrapped in silver with touches of gold, and, hopefully, at an equally glamorous party.

The beautiful photo featured at the top of this post was taken by Jill Katherine.

The Black and White Dress

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Whether you’re celebrating this Valentine’s Day with your partner or with your friends, do yourself a favor and leave those pink and red outfits in the closet this year. Instead, wear something classic – a black and white dress – and you’ll be sure to stand out in the sea of lovebirds and perhaps even attract cupid’s arrow. This elegant color combination brings back memories of classic starlets, silent movies, and, of course, romance.

For those with modern tendencies, this black and white dress by elbling is simply stunning. With asymmetrical color blocks and sleeves as well as beautiful draping and a comfortable fit, this dress is both elegant and dramatic – a rare combination. Paired with a few brightly colored accessories, it is an instant classic that can be dressed up or down depending on your Valentine’s Day plans.

If you don’t mind showing off a little leg this Valentine’s Day, consider this gorgeous lace dress by LaBronz. The simple 60s-inspired cut compliments the drama of the lace, creating a classic and romantic look that is sure to catch the eye of your loved one or inspire envy in your friends. The short cut is offset by the 3/4 length sleeves and a simple round neckline, making it a classy choice for your night of romance.

Paired with colorful heels, this a-line dress by aliceanna features a full skirt that’s made to be twirled around the dance floor. The bold black and white fabric is both playful and whimsical while the H-strap back adds a touch of sophistication and romance. The thick black band will highlight the smallest part of your waist and ensure that you look good no matter if you’re dancing to swing or salsa.

The gorgeous photo featured at the top of this post was taken by Amelia Kay Photography.