They really, truly do. Put a cat in clothes and I’m a happy lass. That is why the print set from Berkeley Illustration makes me so incredibly happy (another Renegade Craft Fair inspiration). So many animals, so many outfits. Like lovely Mrs. Skunk, space dog, the dapper giraffe and aviator meerkat. Many more here. Plus they all come with somewhat odd but fascinating stories. Get your animal art today!
I met my friend Crystalyn back in the day when we both dated some skater boyz who were roomies. She lived downstairs from them and was always crafting up this or that, but what stuck with her through time was her bags.
It is so cool to see someone go from working in their basement apartment to being a successful, recognized designer under the name Crystalyn Kae. She’s been featured on a variety of great blogs, as well as Seattle Magazine, Women’s Health, Lucky, and now a film starring Robin Williams (and the list goes on and on)! Go girl!
My friends and I have owned a variety of her durable, socially conscious pieces through the years, and I think I may need to add this new clutch to my collection.
Not only is it quite hip looking, it is waterproof (key in Seattle winters), vegan friendly, and hand-crafted with care in Seattle. I love it!
Check out the rest of her bags too…crystalynkae.com.
If you read the previous post on boots, you will see that we are getting Sadie geared up for the long winter months in Wyoming.
Now for warm coats. We thought down and a longer length would be the best way to go. Plus, looking good while being warm is key!
Patagonia is my go-to for outdoorsy gear. Here is a perfect coat that is stylish and cozy. Add a belt to the outside and you are even more hip (you have seen that trend, right? it’s a goody).
Way cute. I like it in this white chocolate colour, but it also comes in a brown and black. And the price tag is very reasonable for a good quality investment.
Okay, one more good, warm, hip coat. My go-to with fashion is definitely once again Shopbop. They just have so many good options and up the anti on style. Here is my favorite from their website:
My dear friend Sadie just started her post-grad degree in Laramie, Wyoming. Laramie is a cold and unforgiving place in the winter. She requested that I track down for her some affordable and stylish boots and coats (coats in next post) in which she can keep warm.
As for the boots, they had to be without heels, and with or without traction as she can add that later. Icy, icy, icy times in old Wyo. I know when I purchased my black boots while in Seattle a few years back, I wore them constantly during the chillier days. They just seem to go with everything – dresses and skirts and pants of various sorts.
Very affordable…from Target. These boots will probably last the season just fine, but next year you may be gearing up for a new pair. But that is okay, because they are quite nice looking and have a hot, hot price tag of a low $62.99. Good for a student budget!
As for a mid-range priced boot, I looked to Shopbop. They have sooooooo many choices of boots fitting this description that it was hard to choice, but alas, I had to.
Love its strappy stylishness. Even though I love this particular boot, I urge you to look around on their website if you are in the market for any sort of boot for this upcoming chilly weather season. A wide array of brands, price ranges, and styles.
She’s baaaack. Megan! (see her previously here)
Of all my lovely friends who have helped me out with their lists of must-haves, Megan’s is the one that really inspires me to get out and get shopping. She really does just have the best products!
This week…she talks scents.
-Right now I’m obsessed with a few things, especially perfumes from Blue Mediterraneo. The scents are light and yummy. I get lots of “mmmm, you smell good!” when I wear Mandorlo Di Sicilia (almond). I also wear their Fico Di Amalfi (fig), which is perfectly non-offensive for the office. - Megan
Cannot wait to give these scents a smell! Thanks again, Megan.
I probably wouldn’t have thought twice about checking out the herb + ginger booth at the craft fair, but the fact is, they have packaging that draws attention. Now I like tea, but I never would’ve walked up to take a gander if they didn’t have such nice white little canisters with good graphic design (excuse my lousy picture).
And then…they sealed the deal. Offering a taste test of the most scrumptious tea ever. As you can see, I ended up buying the Frosty Almond. If only the internet could give you a smell, or a taste. I keep opening it up to put myself in a happy place with the aural goodness. I look forward to purchasing many more varieties in the future, and reusing this canister for something else when it empties.
I really limited myself when it came to purchases at this craft fair. Although I saw tons of things I coveted, I gave myself a budget and I stuck to it!
Here was one of my must-have snags:
Had to have the belt bracelets from Erica Weiner Jewelry. Dainty, but somewhat rugged. I got them in both the gold and steel colours, but it looks like her website only sells the gold (I’m sure she’ll get you the other kind if you send her an email…she had a surplus). I find myself wearing them way too often, as I do with things I love.
My feeling is that we will be seeing quite a bit more of this style in the months/years to come.
I need clothes badly. Very badly. We were walking about the craft fair and nothing really struck me. Lots of likes, no loves. That was until I reached the Mary Ink booth. Softy beautiful tees galore!
Rich colours and stark designs. Here is a pic of Jason and me enjoying the Chicago German Fest in one of my several selections (I purchased 4!! FOUR!!)…
Here is the link to purchase this lovely blue bamboo splendor on the Mary Ink website.
I truly love the fact that there is good affordable art out there in the world. From talented artists, you can get unique pieces to spruce up any decor. That is why I think the Renegade Craft Fair is the best thing in the world.
Cindy Tomczyk is the perfect example of approachable and easy-on-the-pocketbook designs. It is almost hard NOT to make a purchase when checking out her etsy shop. These two prints just happen to be favorites amidst other favorites.
Next up Renegade Crafter is Bettula Bark Jewelry. Love the concept – bark taken from dead and fallen tree in Michigan and made into very pliable, hip jewelry. The cuff look is huge, and has been huge. I love the way the wood grain is integral to the design. Really quite beautiful.
