-The Etsy Detective- Curated and Curious Finds: 2012

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Spotlight: Grey Goods

Quick post this morning, because the Baby Bean is rustling in his Bean Cave, but Portland designer Grey Goods requires little superfluous musing on my part. Whatever mind hath sprung a forest green and orange clutch in waxed cotton with a leather tassle deserves the Nobel Prize for Kickass Autumn Accessories.

Forest Green/Orange Waxed Canvas Clutch. $68.

Plaid Clutch. $55.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Three Fine Mice

[Click here to buy this find]

Aside from Etsy, I am an admitted Pinterest addict. And home on maternity leave with Baby Bean, I have become the pinning equivalent of a Tommy gun. I mourn for my parents poor inbox, who have unwittingly saved their settings to 'Email me when someone you follow pins something new." Can you defriend your own kid? I digress.

The point is, in one of my most recent pinning frenzies, I stumbled on these bad boys, and of course, all roads lead to Etsy. I love these meeces to pieces.

Johana, the Chilean artist who brings these ROUS's to life (Rodents Of Unusual Style-Princess Bride, anyone?) creates each critter by hand from merino wool and procures their outfits from some magical mouselet (I googled what baby mice were called, so what?) department store. Her shop, Felting Dreams, has an adorable army for you to nibble on.

Wool Mice. $50-$70. Felting Dreams

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Hong Kong Phooey

Greetings Etsy lovers, its feeling like Fall here in our Nation's Capital which means that yours truly can break out her strongest seasonal wardrobe. You read that correctly, I am autumnally awesome, born to layer, and have the waxed cotton, flannel and corduroy to prove it.

Julius Seester asked me a while back if I had seen any good bags around lately, and aside from J. Crew's forest green leather hobo, I was really at a loss for recommendations. I'm at a loss no more, and coming at 'cha all the way from Hong Kong we have Hidden Gem Studio and their made-to-order leather treasure. While I've only featured one of their pieces today, check out the shop if you are looking for other styles, including some lovely matte black leather and a jaunty little camel envelope clutch.

Brown Leather Double Strap Bag-Long Handle. $240. Hidden Gem Studio.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Betsy Ross-ified

[Photo credit: Jamie Schwaberow for The New York Times]

[Click here to buy this find]

Spurred on by September 11th and the head-explodingly patriotic extravaganza that is the Springsteen concert I'll be attending on Friday night, today's finds are inspired by our Stars and Stripes.

I've loved the American flag bookshelf above since I first saw it in The New York Times about a year ago, and if the tag sale gods are kind, someday I'll have enough books to complete it. Luckily, Jaysworld Vintage Book Decor has a little starter kit for this kind of kitsch.

Up next, this backgammon-inspired men's accessory case by EWMcCall is positively SHARP. Guys, even if you don't pack like a Gilded Age Robber Baron in a cartload of steamer trunks, this would fit nicely as a display case on a dresser.

Finally, I love hoop art, and mean to start a little collection for some lonely wall (to add to my 800 other well-meaning but fictitious collections of the future.) Make Betsy Ross proud and lie to your friends about your stitching prowess.

Patriotic 8 Book Collection. $39. Jaysworld Vintage Book Decor.

Backgammon Inspired Accessory Case. $40. EWMcCall.

American Flag Hoop Wall Art. $45. Trash Can Diva.

Monday, September 10, 2012

S is for Seersucker

[Click here to buy this find]

Greetings friends! Apologies for being MIA, but as I wrote my last post on August 7, little did I know that Baby Bean was en route to this big blue marble we call home. And, yes, it has taken me one month, hundreds of diapers and approximately four hours of sleep to muster the brain power to return to my lovely little bloggie pet.

In honor of this most excellent little Bean (with some perfect monogramming initials- WBW- if I do say so myself), I bring to you today some fantastic swim shorts for the baby gentleman in your life. I've always preferred my main men to rock shorter-than-average inseams, and Welch Elements will customize and monogram these mini Chubbies for you in aqua, navy, lime or red.

Seersucker shorts. $18. Welch Elements.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Ready to Burst

[Click here to buy this find]

The theme today: bubbles. Due-Day is officially here, and still no sign of Baby Bean. So in his absence (and to reflect my current state of physical well-being) I bring to you some bubbalicious finds.

Our first find is a work of art, and completely incompatible with chandelier-swinging. Seriously, do not touch. Eye-catching and invisible at the same time, this ethereal fixture could liven the stuffiest of spaces. Its the Glinda the Good Witch of home decor.

Next up, your design aesthetic has to be pretty well locked-up to make this work. I'm thinking an urban-rustic Stockholm loft that elevates a spare bulb on a cord to the beauty you see in the picture above. Ja, baby.

Lastly, I admittedly have a thing for Edison bulbs, and its an dangerous habit to maintain. HOWEVER, if you have the means, I highly recommend picking it up. Instead of being blinded literally by an incandescent or blinded figuratively by a compact flourescent, the Edison nixes that surface-of-the-sun vibe and lets you see a fixture in all its glory. The glass globe above is entirely deserving of that beautiful bulb.

Bubble Chandelier. $450-$1,450. Pelle Shop.

Flashy Red Pendant Lighting. $75. Hibernation Restoration.

Glass Globe Pendant. $118. Lucent Lampworks.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Etsy Dream Closet: The Rich Girl's Uniform

I'm a morning television junkie. While Good Morning America was my go-to staple for a while (call me, Josh Elliott ; ) I grow tired of their Dancing with the Stars promotional activites and Nancy Grace bitch sessions. Of late, the new CBS format with Charlie Rose is a little more my speed. As for NBC's Today Show, I value your time too much to get myself started on that abomination.

Now you might be asking yourself, what do morning shows have to do with today's ultra-cool finds? GMA's Lara Spencer recently did a segment highlighting the "rich girl's uniform": white, camel and gold. I've never heard it called that before, but doggone it, she's right. So today, in honor of Lara's genius, toss on some wide leg white trousers, an oversized gold watch and some camel cashmere, and hitch a ride on the nearest Hinckley picnic boat you can find.

White Pinstripe Trouser. $45. Mother's Daughter.

Cognac Ipad Case/Clutch. $99. Origami Leather.

Gold Infinity Ring. $266. Seababe Jewelry.

Leather Wap Watch. $69. Alfresco Unique Group.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Party Pops

[Photo and recipe courtsey of Endless Simmer]

[Click here to buy this find]

Apologies for the slow posting as of late. I'm 38 weeks pregnant, "in the window" as they say, and am finding it hard to motivate (or get out of the prone position for that matter). One benefit of spending so much time in and out of a hormone haze? The dreams! Last night I dreamt that I gave birth to Baby Bean, and he immediately began commenting on how unfair it was that Opie and Boo are indoor kitties. Thanks, kid.

More relevant to this blog, I dreamt that I was planning my wedding again and as a passed dessert we had gourmet boozy popsicles with custom sticks. Oh, the wild fantasies of a design lunatic. The sticks could be handwritten or laser engraved, perhaps with a pretty calligraphy quote that reveals itself as the pop disappears. Beyond weddings, how fun/tortuous would a gender reveal party be with custom popsicles?! I digress.

So today, inspired by the Watermelon Mojito Popsicle featured on Endless Simmer, please consider indulging my little preggo fantasy at your next party. Oh look, Time Four Circle has some Rainbow Popsicle Sticks just itching to be dipped.

If you are looking for an Etsy engraver, Phoenix Laser Engraving offers 100 Custom Popsicle Sticks for $32.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Etsy Dream Closet: Endless Summer

French bikini. Greek Sandals. Aussie tunic. Today's finds take you around the world in five clicks. Like Wingnut chasing the endless summer, you too should catch (and hopefully not release) these perfect summer staples.

Here's how I see this going down. Me: Wearing a one-of-a-kind vintage bikini, gladiator sandals and a borderline translucent tunic with a couple of seed bracelets and remnants of a kabbalah fascination snaking their way up my wrist. I'm riding a forest green Schwinn Breeze, and have my giant straw clutch propped in a handlebar basket next to a San Pellegrino Aranciata and a fistful of Zinnia's. You: Mouth agape in envy. That should do it.

Indigo and Gold Seed Bracelet/Anklet. $18. Call of Earth.

Vintage French Bikini. $165. Hemlock Vintage.

Greek Leather Sandal.$54. TopShoes.

Beach Tunic. $63. Perpetual One.

Large Straw Clutch. $25.50. Emma's July.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Brooklyn Fairytale

[Click here to buy this find]

Amy Richardson of Little Hip Squeaks has a great thing going. This shop sprung from pregnancy boredom and a desire to "create something unique for my son that reflected my style -- bright colors, fun, geometric patterns, organic and eco friendly materials." After months of trying to convince her husband that she needed to quit her day job, Little Hip Squeaks hit it big, and is buzzing along out of their Brooklyn apartment as Amy's own little hip squeak snoozes in the next room.

Like Mox from Varsity Blues once said so astutely, "I DON'T WANT. YOUR LIFE." Except I do Amy, I very much do.

I think Amy's work speaks for itself, but as a style-conscious mother-to-be, she has really rocked my world (and possibly accessed my most latent desires?) with the orange dachshund beanie. At 36 weeks today, I'm starting to have very real visions of a tragically hip Baby Bean in this hat, flannel, Ray Bans, and a candy cigarette (are those even legal anymore?) tucked behind his minature ear.

Chevron Receiving Blanket. $42.80.

Hat and Bib Set. $49.65.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Step in Line: RopedIN by Clay Mohrman

[Click here to buy this find]

Happy Friday everyone, today I'd like to introduce a very special shop on The Etsy Detective, RopedIN by Clay Mohrman. Clay is currently studying at art school in London, and from his perfectly coiffed anglophile head sprung an idea for some to DIE for wedding decor: custom rope signs and art.

The rope is dipped in apoxy, formed, and dried according to whatever parameters you are looking for. At my own summer wedding, Clay surprised us with the above navigational beacon and a pair of interlocking hearts. Signs have become a huge part of the DIY wedding industrial complex, but these bad boys will inspire a special kind of envy from even the craftiest of brides.

While Clay has thus far focused exclusively on weddings, I don't see why similar creations couldn't be perfectly repurposed for a baby nursery or summer cottage. I'm thinking neon in rope for the hipster munchkin in your life or the family name in an entry way.

Wedding This Way Sign. $110.

Rope Hearts (Pair). $50.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Midas Touch

[Click here to buy this find]

What better way to celebrate our nation's birthday than to recognize the reason anyone came here in the first place? Gold. Misguided as that faithful trip may have been, this particular periodic element has moved mountains, started wars and put American Apparel on the theme party map.

I'm sitting here daydreaming where gilded kitchen accessories might work, and my mind unfairly drifts to Donald Trump and Kris Jenner feeding eachother some ungodly squid ink and gold leaf dish at Dorsia (nobody goes there anymore). Then I snap to it and remember that there is nothing that warms a space (or skin...or wardrobe...) more than a little Midas touch.

Today's finds are a mix of vintage and new, and each one would make a beautiful gift (for me, just think about it). So bask in their glow for a moment and then rack your brain over who might be able to use some glasses with the numbers 8-3-2 on them.

Gold Zag Tray - $98 and Gold Paper Bowl - $68. Up in the Air Somewhere.

Mid-Century Low Ball Glasses. $15. FindingMEVintage.

Vintage French Cannister Set. $54. Le Box Shop.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The Bees Knees

[Click here to buy this find]

While my new colorist would disagree, I am usually of the opinion that less is more. My once honey tresses are now bordering platinum, and I look like a Playboy Bunny that's been kicked out of the mansion for getting knocked up. What does this have to do with a cartoon bee? Well today I exercized some restraint (ahem), found one item that I love, and am sharing it with you.

Which brings me to our jaunty little friend here. Made by HawkGerber, Ink, I'm in love with this love note. Plus, its G-rated enough to give to just about anyone. Mom, husband, grocery bagger, political candidate; I wish I could make it rain with these cards. Also, the Bees Knees is the name of a delicious Prohibition-era honey and gin cocktail, so you really can't go wrong here.

Moral: You can never be too blonde or have too many perfect love notes lying around.

Letterpress card. $5. HawkGerber, Ink

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Behind the Curtain

[Click here to buy this find]

Happy to have a guest blogger on The Etsy Detective this morning. Sarah goes by many names, but Say Say Boom Boom is probably the least complicated. Take it away, Say Say!

^^^^^^^^^

Greetings Etsy Detective fans, little seester Sarah here, perhaps better known by my rapper name, "C'est Boom." If you've ever been to our childhood home, you will remember that one of it's coolest features is a vintage pull down map of the good ol' USA. While we don't use it for navigational purposes (thank you iPhone), we do use it to cover up our Dad's comically huge mounted flat screen.When pulled down during parties it hangs perfectly over the plasma and with another tug on the string, et VOILA, his Bruins games are back.

Daddio found his vintage map on Etsy and luckily, there is no shortage of these scholastic gems for all you wanderlust couch potatoes out there.

^^^^^^^^^^

EllieBean here. I'm thinking this vintage french botanical chart would be a good alternative for a kitchen TV. Impress your guests with the assumption that you can decipher this...in French.

1950's School Map-New York's Glacial Period. $173. Gallivanting Girls.

1815 Map of Europe. $115. JenniFerocious Ink.

French Botanical Chart. $72. Bonnie &Bell.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

[Click here to buy this find]

Mr. Etsy Detective has a change jar (magnum wine bottle), where he claims there are hundreds, perhaps THOUSANDS(!), of dollars in change, all saved up for Baby Bean's college fund. While I appreciate his enthusiasm, my estimate is that there may be $50, tops, in the bottle.

If you too believe in the power of the almighty penny and think high interest savings accounts are for sissies, I hope you'll enjoy today's finds. I love piggy banks, and these mostly vintage change-eaters. I threw the lion in for diversity, and I will tolerate no anti-porcine sentiments on this blog.

Brass Piggy Bank. $38. Buffalo Winter.

When Pigs Fly Piggy Bank. $38.99. Shabby Crabby.

Mexican Orange Piggy Bank. $25. Plain Jane Pottery.

Vintage Cast Iron Lion Bank. $92. The Fancy Lamb.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Paper Dolls

[Click here to buy this find]

Happy Friday friends! Today's finds come to you from the shop of Theater Clouds by Elly MacKay. Elly's work reminds me of a modern day Ralph Cahoon, with a dash of Tim Burton melancholy and a sprinkle of Smashing Pumpkin's Tonight Tonight zeitgeist for flavor.

While I finally held my focus and stuck to a theme (this is my brain on pregnancy hormones), Elly's other work's feature mini Maharaja's riding tigers, blustery winter scenes and tiny ships teetering at the edge of the world. If you are in the market for some impish art, I highly recommend a click-through.

Catch. $20.

After the storm. $33.

For a moment time slowed. $18.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Economy of Scale

[Click here to buy this find]

Growing up, we always had a scale in our kitchen. Not to weigh things (that would be too obvious), but to hold things. Usually bananas went in the scale, but occasionally you could find tennis balls, ginger snaps, or pet food in their place.

Whatever you decide to use your scale for, you can be sure that it will be a welcome and unexpected design element for your kitchen. So weigh your options and purchase your very own brass banana hammock. I'm thinking the gorgeous cast iron blue or red from above would look awfully nice on a sunny white counter. (Ahem, I-need-it!) Sorry, I had something in my throat.

Vintage Red Cast Iron and Marble Scale. $175. LOVintageFinds.

Brass and Cast Iron Scale. $59. j3decor.

Vintage Hanging Farmhouse Scale. $130. Marie's Maison.

Antique Blue Cast Iron Scale. $175. One Fairfax Road.

Vintage Orange Kitchen Scale. $74.95. Modern Square Vintage.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Rhinestones are a girls best friend

[Click here to buy this find]

I get lots of requests from friends on what to post, ranging from "Find me blazer buttons" (the please is inferred) to "Hey girl, my Thai tailor is in town and I need some rare vintage silk for a smoking jacket I'm having made."

However, the most common refrain is "Do more wedding stuff!" This weekend, a bride asked me to look into some vintage costume pieces for her upcoming nuptials, and I'll tell you what, its been a hell of a lot easier than tracking down bolts of luxurious silk paisley.

I realize this blog is meant to be curated, but I had a really hard time paring today's finds down, so I just decided to add them all. Its my blog, I do what I want. From something blue to little buzzy rhinestone bees to snowflakes fit for an ice queen, I found a little something for everyone. All under $50.