Reader Question + Monday's giveaway...

So at times I get tired of just posting pretty things. Shocker...I know! I was chatting recently with Holly from decor8 about her shopgirl topics, which is a great way for her to address issues in the product design community (ex: why most stores source trade shows to find designers when many great indie designers can't afford to do a trade show). So I thought I'd see how you feel about something similar here but use your voices instead. Send me an email with any question, frustation, etc (ex: I've launced my collection but I'm not getting much response from stores...yada yada) and I will post to let readers give you their feedback. With the range of people who read this blog, I think it might be very helpful but it's only as good as your participation so let me know if you think it's a good idea.

email: clothespinblog@gmail.com

P.S. I have a great giveaway coming on Monday from Kikis 4 Kukorus...a gorgeous leather bag!!! These bags are so highly detailed it's amazing...consider it a happy holiday! I'll run the contest for one day only so get your typing finger in gear...it's a good one!! See my previos post on them here and their blog here.

Gift Guide at Modishoppe

Took the buy handmade pledge this year? Check out Modishoppe for adorable indie goods. Beware that goods are limited and sell quickly!

Alicia Bock signed print $35











copper bubble keychain $54











printed wall calender $20











silk screened porcelian plate $26

Gift Guide at Rare Device

This one is a bit less clothing centered, but Rare Device is a great stop for unique gifts.

currant necklace $60

matching game $45

little bird vase $45












fleur vase set $125












knit bowl $65











midcentury piggy bank $28

Gift Guide at Beklina

This year I thought I'd do gift guides from some of my favorite stores and designers. First up, Beklina...for the green gifters.

stewart + brown peasant hat $154

jack & marjorie surplus canvas bag $210

amy mills hand thrown stoneware $124

mateo illasco ikat journal $36

Abigail Percy- Holiday

If you've been reading this blog for some time, you already know I have a weakness for Abigail Percy. If you're new....thanks for coming...I'm Karen and I have a weakness for Abigail Percy. Check out the new collection for holiday and don't hesitate to buy...it goes very fast!

Plastic

I rarely use this site as my soap box but this article was passed on to me and I feel the need to pass it on to anyone who is interested....

http://www.bestlifeonline.com/cms/publish/health-fitness/Our_oceans_are_turning_into_plastic_are_we_2.shtml

Sunny Rising Leather

My inital reaction to Sunny Rising was "wow" ! This beautiful, colorful leather is hand tooled in Los Angeles by fantastic designer Sunny. Custom orders are accepted, but I'm blown by the current pieces already. The details on even the smallest necklaces are impeccable; it's nice to see that degree of old world craftmanship take on a modern spin.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Emily Katz

Artist and musician Emily Katz recently launced a sustainable collection for Fall 2007. Comprised of soy, hemp, organic cotton, and recycled materials; the eponymous collection is based on simple silhouettes that blend easily into your wardrobe. My must have piece from this line would be the "perfect trench", well named indeed.

Kathy Bransfield Jewlery

I love these pieces from Kathy Bransfield; each style features a gold or silver pattern over a scripted pendant. They are really well priced and I think they would make great Christmas gifts.

Kelly Lane

Kelly Lane is a small collection that artfully blends woven and jersey fabrics to create colorful clothing with clean lines. Kelly's tag line is "clothing with color" and there's no better description. Color-blocking can often cross a fine line into lego-land but Kelly does it seamlessly by offering fluid, sophisticated shapes that can be worn by anyone. Skip the accessories with this line, you won't need it.

Swirl

Evelyn & Suzanne emailed me recently about their collection and it was just too cute to pass up. Swirl pairs vintage fabrics with sweet details like peter pan collars and contrast trims to create a limited edition collection. I believe they are based in Singapore, but I see US prices on the site if you want to lighten up your wallet. Definitely one of a kind style.

Boaz

Born in Isreal to Iraqi immingrant parents and currently living in New York. As if that weren't enough to influence a collection, Boaz pulled inspiration from his grandfathers wardrobe and custom made suits. The collection is designed for the modern woman featuring fitted blouses, blazers, and classic tuxedo details reworked into the quintessential little black dress.

Winner of the DLC giveaway!!!

Guess what? Susan is not only a fab designer but a generous gal. She has chosen one winner and runner up who will receive silver earrings from the DL collection!
Please email me at clothespinblog (at) gmail (dot) com with your full name and mailing address...

Winner:
trudatnyc said...
those are haute! i would NEVER break the chain

Susan said: Fleetwood Mac has been coming up a lot for me lately. My boyfriend was Mick Fleetwood for Halloween a couple of years ago, and one of my good friend's dad is friends with Mr. Fleetwood. We drank a signed bottle of his wine a few months ago. So funny.

Runner up:

Gina Sciarrillo said...
If i were wearing the collation earrings, would my powers of collation improve? Could I collate this random list: translucency, abacus, 1967, triskaidekaphobic, pancreas, .000123, oatmeal?

Laura Dawson- Fall '07

I've spoken about Laura Dawson before...here is her Fall collection. Definitely more subdued in color but amazing silhouettes and unexpected details as usual.

Kcoline

I'm absolutely crazy about the details in Kcoline's collection. Every item draws you in with amazing tailoring, you can see each item was built to last and has that "made with love" look that can only be found with handmade clothing. Check out the rest here.

Giveaway! - Dirty Librarian Chains

"Collation" earrings- Retail value: $90

Our first giveaway...and just in time for the holidays. You guys are a lucky bunch :) This weeks giveaway is courtesy of Dirt Librarian Chains and designer Susan Domelsmith; the collection is comprised of deconstructed and reconfigured vintage chains and has fans from Kate Hudson to Debbie Harry.

Just check out the DLC website, and leave a comment here about any style you like. The designer will choose a winner and you get shipped the gorgeous "collation" earrings featured. It's that simple!

Ends Friday 11/9 at 8pm.

back on monday

I'm doing a bit of running around today...be back on monday with the first giveaway for November!!

Amalialad

Brooklyn based Amalialad (Dalai Lama backwards) was named to honor the Tibetan craftswomen who she worked with for a decade at Brooklyn Handknit. The collection is all about contemporary style applied to comfy knit pieces. Featuring patterns, great shapes, and super sweet details, Amalialad can fit in every wardrobe...and twice over in mine.