Colors for your Winter Blues: Emily Green

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I've long been a fan of Australian designers, as they just have a way with colors and patterns... mixing both to create beautiful designs whether in art, textiles or accessories. Melbourne-based Emily Green creates artworks and jewelry (and now textiles too) that combine colors and forms that just brighten up your day.  I actually have one of her necklaces that just adds the right amount of pop to a casual look or dressy outfit. I wish I could just jump right in and dance around in her prints and water color paintings. I'm having an A-ha "Take on Me" video moment (from back in the 80s-for any of you who remember?) surrounded by vibrant colors instead of the lined drawings.  

Gif Ideas for the Home + Promotion

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend! Just a few gift ideas for the home: beautiful ceramics from Vitrified Studio and  new arrivals from ceramic artist Shino Takeda. And the lovely handmade pieces like tea towels from Bookhou are now up in our shop. Since it's cyber Monday, our sale continues today with 25% OFF ALL ITEMS (including already reduced item)with code: GOBBLE. Happy Shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 Just wanted to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving, as you share the meal, laughter and love. Enjoy this holiday weekend!

And happy shopping, as we have a wonderful sale to share with you this weekend!Gobble!Gobble!

Local Artist: Art Work by Dani Dodge

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Happy Monday!I know there's been so many new arrivals with more holiday gift ideas to come, but I thought I'd take a lil' break to share the amazing work by a local San Diego artist, Dani Dodge. I viewed her work at the San Diego Contemporary Art Fair back in September. I instantly fell in love with the images for the subjects, textures and colors-with a color palette that's perfect for fall. With a background in journalism, she uses different media with other elements such as wood and metal to create themes that emphasize the human experience.

From her profile:
"Dani works primarily by layering different media – acrylic paint, spray paint, ink and collage – to create raw, abstracted images that tell tales of loneliness, joy, pain and triumph – in short, of being human."

Introducing Milena Silvano

 We're proud to introduce the hard to find creations by the amazing textile designer, Milena Silvano. Based out of England, she creates garments and accessories that combine traditional craftsmanship and ethical production with contemporary design aesthetic. Her beautiful shawls are now available in our shop! Happy Friday!

Ellen Truijen Giveaway

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Ellen Truijen Sweet Granny Bag

Ellen Truijen Shopper Bag

We're thrilled to announce a wonderful giveaway happening at A Piece of Toast Blog from one of the amazing designers we carry. Ellen Truijen is so generous to give away one of her beautiful utilitarian bags. So check out the lovely blog by Molly and Sally for a chance to win the Toddler Bag until Friday, Nov. 23,2012. And course, we recently added Ellen Truijen's new collection in our shop with new colors,sizes and styles...and one that will sure to be your favorite "go to" everyday bag.

Message on a Friday:Enjoy your life and sock style!

It's been a while since I've posted a "message" on a Friday, but this fun image was taken when we were in Kyoto,Japan. Hey, it's a simple message that got me thinkin' about my socks...Why not enjoy those pair of socks you're wearing? They're hardworking and keep our feet warm and protected as we move along our daily life. It's been a never-ending "sandal-wearing" season here at home, but it's finally coolin' off that I want to wear my favorite pair of socks.  Ok, I admit I'm a plain white ankle-sock wearin' kind of girl (Adidas socks anyone?). Basic,sporty and comfy-what's not to love? But my hamper or washing machine is like a bottomless pit that just swallows up socks, because somehow I'm always missing one. Mismatched socks days ahead... So I can't help but browse around and love the designs that are out there right now from the following labels from Sweden, Japan or my hometown of LA. Colorful, playful, lighthearted and just plain fun...these socks may just add some pep in your step. What's your sock style? Anklet, crew socks or knee high? White, color blocks, prints or maybe even those warm REI socks?

Tutuanna

Happy Socks

Happy Socks

Hansel from Basel

 Hansel from Basel

Antipast

Antipast

Textile Love: Introducing New Designers

Bookhou Triangle Tea Towel

Milena Silvano Yama Tri-Shawl

I get so giddy whenever I receive new stock and open the package-from the first glimpse to the tactile feel of each item...especially when it comes to textiles. We're thrilled to be adding two new designers+makers for their dual role in both the design process and creation of such beautiful work. Here's a sneak peek of the textiles by well-loved Canadian-based line Bookhou (remember my Toronto shop visit post?)and UK-based designer Milena Silvano.  Whether textiles for daily use in your kitchen or shawls to wear,they're truly beautiful handmade pieces available soon in our shop.

Photography: New York

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New York Public Library:Photo by Nicole Franzen via

by Alice Gao

by Alice Gao

Just wanted to dedicate this post to one of my favorite cities in the world, New York. Having lived there for a couple of years, this beloved town has a special place in my heart. After what happened to the city and other places on the east coast, here's to the strength and resilience of the people in the aftermath of the storm. These are some lovely images of the beauty and spirit of the city as captured by two of my favorite NY-based photographers, Nicole Franzen via her blog La Buena Vida and Alice Gao.

New Arrivals: Ellen Truijen Bags

FALL in love with the new fall/winter collection by Ellen Truijen. Featuring gorgeous new colors, sumptuous leathers, a range of sizes, simple silhouettes and beautiful craftsmanship, it's hard to choose from these classic utilitarian pieces. Plus with her signature functional details like multiple compartments and detachable straps, you can truly make them your own as they adapt to your needs. Versatile, timeless and built to keep up with your day to day journey- from work, play or everything in between, they will become your trusted companion for all seasons.

To welcome sweet November and new arrivals in our shop, 20% OFF Discount extended through Sunday, 11/4/12 with code: WELCOME.

1)Sweet Granny Bag 2) Medium Matroesjka Bag 3) 24 Hrs. Revival Bag 4) Shopper Bag