feature BACK TO SCHOOL

Whether you are going back to school, have kids going back to school, or just want a good excuse to stock up on office supplies, these picks are for you. Some great back to school / back to work items from independent designers.

FEATURING:
+ natural recycled pencils, $3.99/2, nothing elegant
+ ultimate back to school folder, $12, ragged edge
+ vintage fabric laptop case, $60, blythe
+ USB flash drive, $69, cina
+ revolve messenger bag, $70, marty may

bags 5 AMBER LEATHER BAGS

The other day I asked a friend what they felt epitomized the end of summer. The answer went something like this. The end of summer is being at the beach, you have a sweater on and your basking in the gold afternoon light. It's a bit too cold for being in the water, it's still warm, but it's more about chilling than doing.

Well, that sure did make me feel nostalgic for the beach house I would some day like to have, but it didn't really help me with the blog post that I wanted to write. Then I saw it, a bag from Lunch A La Mode in caramello leather (center) - that is the color of the end of summer.

These bags in warm neutral shades of amber, caramel and cognac, transcend being simply end of summer. They are new classics, you can use any day of the year - but still, if you like, you can imagine that last beach day of the year where you feel relaxed to your core watching the sun go down.

FEATURING:
1. Raw edge bag in caramel leather, $125, Jackie Robbins Design
2. Weekender bag in golden cognac leather, $325, Valhalla
3. Picnic bag in caramello leather, Amber Pollard
4. Betty clutch in cognac leather, $59, Lilipad Creations
5. Cognac leather bag with flowers, $115, Josee Lafond

independent design guide SUMMER 2009

Last week I launched the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // summer 09 - and I love it! Of course, there is the oh-so-slight chance that I am biased since I curated the guide.

Plus, one of the designs is going to be our next giveaway....I bet you can't guess which one!

Check out more from the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE and then don't forget to vote for your favorite designers.

giveaway MALCOLM FONTIER

Say you have to go to Hawaii for work - it does happen, doesn't it Gary - this bag is perfect for your laptop, flip flops and a map. It is perfect, because that is what Malcolm Fontier intented AND he did the research, personally....travelling, and working, and looking stylish, and having cocktails, and carrying around a stylishly dogeared sketchbook - probably. And with fathers day around the corner, it would make a fantastic gift for that cool dad in your life.

Check out more from the Malcolm Fontier website: www.malcolmfontier.com

To enter the giveaway (US addresses only):
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you if you are worried about spam).
2. Join the mailing list

color TEAL WE MEET AGAIN

Teal is such a fun little color - somewhere between the navy of mid winter and the light aqua of early summer. I would go so far to say that teal is the color that says "you know, I think the economy will turn around soon...I'm going to buy something I don't need".

Whatever your opinion of the economy or the my anthropomorphous obsession with color, I'm sure you'll agree that these pieces are rather lovely!

FEATURING:
+ carved resin ring, $65, quercus silver
+ octavia bag, $530, rebecca ciccio
+ harbor graphic t-shirt, $24.95, puckish
+ acanthus keychain, 10 €, stillwater designs
+ 3 logo circle tee, 32,90 €, silber fischer

launch INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE

Spring is here...and not just because it's sunny outside and birds are chirping! Spring is officially here because I've just launched the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // spring 09.

The poster child of the guide is the gum popping girl in the Bubble Lights "organic" silk scarf by Yosifa Silk. There is something so incredibly spring-like about the style of the scarf and photography. Carefree in a sophisticated sort of way.

This guide started off a little differently - very slow. Even the designers who are usually the first to sign up, put all spending on hold while sales slowed down. I considered not doing a guide - however instead I decided to support to very designers who had supported the guide over the past year and offer several free spots. The response was overwhelming - and so I am especially proud to launch this guide.

As a result, I have decided that I will continue to offer 3 free juried spots to designers in every guide. I will also continue to suprise the odd designer by including their work at the very last minute, these designers are usually new designers who I haven't featured before.

Juried spots will be awarded to the 3 top designers from the previous guide. This will be determined by a combination of the following:
+ saves on StyleHive
+ saves on ThisNext
+ or leave a comment on this post

Thank you and enjoy!

designer A LA MODE

I came across a la mode's work through fellow designer, sea finds designs. Clean lines and thoughtful fabric -the seatbelt bag utilizes industrial overcuts - makes this line modern with a twist.
In addition to bags, a la modes etsy store is full of other delightful items such at switchplates and jewelry - including some funny "no whining" cufflinks

Check out more from this designer at:
alamodestuff.etsy.com

coffee shop bags

What is a coffee shop bag? It's practical, but still a bit of a statement. It can't be too small. It's the sort of bag you can throw on your shoulder with just keys and $5 just to step out for 15 minutes of peace - or throw in your latest read and hunker down for a few hours.

These bags were recently featured in the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // Holiday 2008 - so if you're in the mood for a coffee break, but just don't have the right bag. Check these out!

FEATURING:
+ MOOP, the fraulein tote, $121
+ ENJU, snap dragon bag, $75
+ PACO+LUPE, chocolate cake, $70

5 fave black bags

When the going gets tough, the tough needs to buy a good old black leather bag. Of course, I want to support the independent designers there, so here we are. These bags are a fabulous twist on a favorite staple - and I have been with out a LBB for a few years - so I'm going shopping. Or at least I will be making some heavy Xmas present hints!

FEATURING:
+ black leather tote, $99, the leather store
+ black leather bucket bag, $158, your purse
+ black leather flower bag, $70, kindom
+ annie black leather bag, $180, rennes-le-château
+ onishi black leather bag, $269, valhalla

back to black

Whether you are celebrating Halloween, in mourning for the economy - or like me - just afraid of too much color...then take a peek at these best of black designs from independent designers.

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ Keep Calm Poster, $20, cut paste print
+ Sevilla Noir Bag, $398, sabrina love
+ Planet Bracelet, $22, chocolate cake jewels
+ Little Black Dress, $89, just vic
+ Black Swing Necklace, $15, gas up the zamboni
+ Zinfandel Dress Shirt, $64, apexmuseum

bags from ENGLISH RETREADS

A lotta trucker in a little bag! Made from truck innertubes - yes, that's eco friendly - these bags are fun and fabulous. Only in black exterior, but with a choice of lining colors. So cruise on over and check out their website.

www.englishretreads.com

go shopping : FALL DESIGN GUIDE

I've just launched Fall edition of the INDEPENDENT DESIGN SHOPPING GUIDE. The guide features work from Britain, France, Australia, Canada and, of course, the US. It's international flavor is matched by the individuality of the designers creations. I mean, how delicious is a hand embroidered revolver on wool herringbone fabric?

Some of the designers have generously offered free shipping and other discounts...but you'll have to check out the guide to see who's offering what and why!

Check it out: INDEPENDENT DESIGN SHOPPING GUIDE // FALL 2008

Featuring the work of:
Home:
Napoleon, One Up Designs, J-me, Etcetera Media, harmonie intérieure

Art + Paper Products:
12 Fifteen, Sweetbeets

Fashion:
Ahpeele, enju

Jewelry:
Simone Walsh, Alice Roche, Caught Red Handed, Coquito, Jewelry by Natsuko

Bags + Accessories:
Moop, Backerton, Paco+Lupe, Sarah Padgham

Baby + Kids:
Ciuccio, Sweetbeets

5 fall favorites

I love fall. It's one of the times that I get a sudden burst of creative energy. After lazy summer days, I feel excited about new projects and in looking for more designers to feature on the blog and add to the store.

Here are 5 fall favorites from some new designers, well new to me!

FEATURING (clockwise from top left):
+ wood and resin necklace, $80, modica
+ organic swallow top, $29, regeneration
+ tall bud vase, $62, papaver vert
+ seasons wall plates, $200/set of 4, bailey doesn't bark
+ natural single pleat bag, $29, tippy thai

bags + PURSECUTION

Ahh, finally a clutch for girls who just won't let go. Sure it's chunky and riveted and has a shoulder strap - but the cuff is what maketh this bag! The bag is loving (probably) fashioned out of grey leather by Minneapolis designer, Persecution, and completes a line of bold leather bags and accessories.

Check out more at the designers website: pursecution.etsy.com

bags from MINUS

Minimal design, maximum style. These bags have a slouchy architectural feel with an array of neutral colors that will go with any outfit. There is a splash of color here and there with the occasional pink or blue bag.

Based in the UK the collection ranges from $8 (wallet) to $89 (messenger bag) and international shipping is available for $15.

CHECK OUT THE DESIGNERS WEBSITE:
minus.etsy.com

bold, bright bags

I am thrilled to add 2enju's bags to the WHAT designers store. I just love the casual and bright prints, and can't wait to get the red print on myself. These are the perfect summer bag to dress up jeans and flip flops, or dress down a more tailored ensemble.

I'll be adding more of this talented designers bags in the next few weeks....but in the meantime check out:

2enju in the WHAT store.

fun times

It's time for a couple of cool things for the wee folks. I love Pooki & Co, so was delighted when I saw their bag collection. They also have a little pouch just perfect for a makeup bag or pencil case. The t-shirts are by San Francisco designers, Bunny & Bee - their graphics are bold and fun. My absolute favorite is the robot t-shirt, but I also love that their girls t-shirts are cute but steer away from being prissy. If I had a girl, she would wear the girl-bot tee!

mad for plaid

I know plaids and tartans are a little on the fallish side, but I came across this lovely bag and I just had to feature it. Plus my vintage Barbie calendar seems to be travelling with a little tartan number this month.

Sketchbook bags are super cute and have a modern librarian vibe - in a good way. Like in an old 50's flick where you put a pair of glasses on Audrey Hepburn to make her look bookish - but it's Audrey Hepburn, how bookish can she be!

FEATURING:
+ tartan plaid bag, $85, sketchbook
+ plaid notecards, $6, darjeeling paper ltd
+ plaid silver ring, $38, off beat studio

spotlight on: riva

Oh my goodness, now these are some gorgeous bags!

I was recently introduced to Riva bags through Stylehive. Tel Aviv designer, Riva Naroshevitch's, bags are wonderfully sculptural and simple. I have no idea how much these bags are, if they are available in the US...but if you are in Tel Aviv on Fridays 11am to 3pm, the studio is open!

www.designsbyriva.com

cash + carry

Now, boys, it is okay not to stuff those pant pockets with
e v e r y t h i n g.

I know there is a little bit of a "don't ask, don't tell" policy when it comes to "man bags". I sometimes suspect that there isn't a laptop in that slim and sleek laptop case - but wallet, phone, keys...maybe even some lip balm. Your secret is safe with me....as long as I don't have to wait 30 minutes for you to empty out your blinking cargo pockets at the airport.

Here are a couple of "pocket management systems" to get you started.

CLOCKWISE (top left):
: cummerbund bag, $140 (canvas) $399 (leather), Acton Treadway
: double wide, $30, RandL
: v12, $60, jfold
: small messenger bag, $150, Denis Denis
: this sky, $55, dbclay (I love, love, love this wallet)
: messenger bag with stripes, $162.50, jfold