posting...

Hi all,

I will be posting a little infrequently during the holidays. I'm finishing some Christmas orders for Hammocks & High Tea, and then I have to work on a stationery project and new designs for Spring. A happy and healthy holiday to everyone!!!

English Retreads

Would you believe these bags are made from inner tubes....and not just your average inner tube but ones that are supplied by local truck stops after about 60,000 miles on them. How's that for re-invention? As a vegetarian, designer Heather English thought her options were limited when looking for durable handbags. Her necessity turned into a collection of bags and small accessories. Check out the collection here.

Filly Designs

I ran across Filly Designs yesterday while scouting the February trade shows. Using eco friendly fabrics and stuctured pieces, the designer creates a collection that ' sculpts the body while still holding shape and form'. Every piece has interest as well from color blocking, geometric patchwork and oversized details. Check out the Fall/Holiday collection here.

Nervous System

I've been doing a lot of jewelry posts lately since (although a common one) it's a nice gift for the holidays. Here's how to make it uncommon...a piece from Nervous System. A collaboration between Jessica Rosenkatz and Jesse Rosenberg that stems from their fascination with biological and mathematical processes. I think the photos say it better than I can so definitely check out their site; many of my favorite pieces are already sold out so snag an incredible affordable piece before it's gone.

Bloesem Pink Collection

Irene Hoff of the fabulous Bloesem blog recently launched a collection of limited edition necklaces in her Bloesem Shop. Each necklace features a rose quartz stone; my favorite necklace (shown here) also has turquoise, yellow jade, wool, and wood beads. I adore the combination of materials and the sophisticated take on the beaded necklace. Irene's shop also has some of the most beautiful cashmere baby shoes that I am tempted to by now and just save until I have kids. Check out her shop for what is sure to be some of the most unique and beautiful gifts you've ever bought.

Simone Walsh Jewelry

I am really loving the pieces from jewelry designer Simone Walsh. Much of the collection contains simple cut outs; my favorites are the etched pieces which hang from a silk cord ( very well pricedto boot).

Nea Jewelry

Janick emailed me recently about Nea Jewelry and I was immediately drawn to the bold colors of the feather earrings. Known as the goose feather Deploy earrings, they come in a range of colors for you to strut your own stuff. The collection has some amazing prices, so if you see what you like buy quick so you can have it for the holidays. Nea also has a stationery shop called Nea Blossoms featuring equally adorable cards + tags.

Winner- Kikis 4 Kukorus bag

And the bag of numbers says the winner is...

m said...
i'm cuckoo for kikis 4 kukorus!(wow i can't believe i made such a bad pun)

M: email me at clothespinblog@gmail.com with your address

Kikis 4 Kukorus Giveaway!

I think you will excuse my poor photography skills for this giveaway! I have this bag from Kikis 4 Kukorus waiting for one lucky winner. From the Nina whipstitch collection; sultry grey leather with whipstitch detail featuring suede edging and bold patterned lining. What I love about Kikis?... a sense of luxury and detail in a contemporary package.
Leave a comment below about the bag or the Kikis collection and check back tonight at 9pm EST to see if you've won! UPDATE: The contest will extend through Wednesday at 9pm EST to be fair :)

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.