Last week, I shared 5 party dresses with you guys, but if you’d rather make your accessories the main attraction this holiday season, these precious pieces from ban.do would be the perfect complement to any little black dress–in fact, the simpler the outfit, the better. Which means you can wear something you already own, save some money, and still look adorable.
From top to bottom: Gift Bow, $35; Big Black Bow Headband, $45; Chiffon Shoe Clips, $25; Heart Shoe Clips, $25.
I don’t know why, but this year I’m all about scarves. There are just so many great ones out there, and they’re pretty universally liked, so it’s always a great gift in my book. A couple years ago, I got an infinity scarf from American Apparel, and I wear it pretty much every day in the winter. Now, American Apparel has even more patterns to choose from and the scarves are pretty reasonably priced, too ($20 to $30). Perfect for a last-minute gift!
This weekend was Renegade Craft Fair’s second 2011 event in Los Angeles and the timing couldn’t have been better. It was gifts galore with everything from sweet smelling soaps and lotions to beautiful jewelry to artsy prints and paintings. In short, I scored big on the Christmas shopping front.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t share some of my fabulous finds with the rest of you. (Some of you just may see these end up among your presents this year, although I’m not saying who – or what.) I’ll dole these out as I have the last couple weeks with my “Homeless Gifts” series, so you can savor and consider each one individually.
First up are these hippy, slouchy chic bags from Horse & Anchor. Made from hand-cut leather and distressed fabrics, like old military canvases, these bags seem idyllic for stylish adventurers. The distressed look makes them a perfect bag for a trip abroad – when most bags go through the ringer – yet also great for an edgier everyday kind of look. The only drawback is they aren’t cheap. Most will run you $100 to $200, but for this kind of handcrafted artistry, it might be worth it.
Find more styles in their online shop at http://www.horseandanchor.com/
It’s hard to go wrong with Anthropologie (except maybe when it comes to cost). But this year, their fabulous gift guide is making it a little easier for the common folk to be Anthropologie gift givers, too. (Although I did have some fun — and sadness — gawking at some of their most outrageously priced goods.) I could list practically everything on the entire site, but here are some of my favorites that aren’t going to break the bank — too much.
Enchanted Forest Jigsaw Puzzle – $148
Curious Deciduous Salad Plate – $16
Dr. Hunter’s Hand Care Kit – $35
This is such a great new shop: Ship & Shape offers a carefully edited selection of fine goods, from clothing and home decor to stationery and jewelry, all by hand-picked artists and designers. The site is also perfect for gift-giving since most of the items are unique, affordable, and just downright adorable.
Some favorites: specimen card pack, cosmic wrap, and a lemon thyme bundle necklace.
{via Wit + Delight}
I love Etsy, but sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming. That’s why I like to check out their Handpicked Items on the homepage. It’s not just a great way to narrow my search, but it’s also great eye candy. Take these orange sunglasses for instance. Yes, please!
How have I never discovered Erica Weiner Jewelry? These pretty pieces are whimsical and dainty and oh so lovely. Some pieces, like this “Freewheelin’” Necklace, are even musical!
If you’re feeling more crafty than shop-happy, ReadyMade has this tutorial on how to make an Erica Weiner-inspired locket necklace.
{Photos via Erica Weiner Jewelry}
What do you guys think of fabric necklaces? I spotted this origami-inspired necklace by Homako at the Renegade Craft Fair last weekend and couldn’t resist its soft feel and the nautical look of the rope.
Her shop is also full of other lightweight, whimsical goodies!
While holing up in Downtown LA this weekend (to avoid carmageddon, which turned out to be a bust), I finally made it to the Renegade Craft Fair. If those words — “craft fair” — conjure up thoughts of doilies and decorative plates like the ones at your grandmother’s house, don’t fret, this is a whole different animal. I have a stack of business cards and a dent in my bank account to prove it. After spending the first 10 minutes going from booth to booth mentally tallying the pieces I couldn’t live without, I decided it would be better — and more cost-effective — to collect business cards from the artists I liked and shop their stores online when I’m more level-headed and the bright red ATM sign isn’t beckoning. Plus, what better way to share all my fabulous finds with you all!
Here’s a rundown of my favorites and a couple it turned out I really couldn’t live, or leave, without:
My longtime favorites and previous post subjects, The Mincing Mockingbird and Berkley Illustration, were also in attendance, making the whole thing an even cooler experience. I had to resist the temptation not to buy their entire booths and just call it a day.
Celeste
Kim
