If you have an individuality complex like I do, and you hate feeling the “same” as everyone else, Etsy is your best friend. I did a round-up in May of some of my favorite vendors, and this woven leather Dragon Diffusion style bag (but for under $100) was the clear standout— I can’t tell you how many people I know IRL and online who snagged it, wisely so.
Like last time, this is a bit of a mish mash: some independent makers I've bought from and loved, some treasures I found along the way that made me think of you. With summer birthdays, hostess weekends, and housewarmings in full swing, here's hoping a few of these solve a gift dilemma for you (or that you find something for yourself, which I fully support).
1. Anita's hand-painted wooden fans, made in Spain. Every single one is painted by hand, and picking a favorite is hard: there are florals, calla lilies on a moody brown, warm pinks and oranges, and the one I keep coming back to, "Night at Sea," all blues and silver. Use it all summer, then display it like the piece of art that it is! I’m tempted to get one for the Barcelona wedding I’m headed to in October. I think this is a bangin’ gift for that woman in your life who “has everything”… she don’t got this!
2. A horn cuff inlaid with turquoise that looks like something you found at the coolest flea market you’ve never been to. I found nearly identical versions from two different makers (here and here), and both happen to be under $20 on sale right now, which is great news. I LOVE the personality this snake one has! Can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like it before…
3. If you read my Saturday column, The Weekender, you might already know my friend Emily makes beautiful pottery. Her handmade Sand & Sea mugs are the exact right periwinkle, with little starfish and shells pressed into the clay. They come in regular or tall (I am a tall mug person, personally, I guess I am a beverage slosher?). My friend Becca styled one of Emily’s handthrown “fish” vases (photo shamelessly stolen from Becca Freeman above) in her new apartment and I’m told more fishies are on their way out of the kiln!
4. A perennially friendly reminder that Etsy is one of the best vintage designer sources on the internet: this vintage Tom Ford era pair of Gucci sunglasses, a dark olive oval, for $110. In my humble opinion, vintage is the smartest way to buy designer sunglasses: the quality is better, the price is hopefully right, and you won't see them on anyone else. My summer persona is dangerously sporty, so I was drawn towards these Miu Miu frames or this perfect Prada pair.
As always, I am ALL EARS if you have favorite Etsy sellers you’re willing to share instead of gatekeep. The comments on the last edition were full of gems, so don’t be shy. One woman’s treasure is… another woman’s treasure.
the cuffs are sooo good!
Why yes I did buy that adorable mug!!!