Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Bargain of the day




          Attention to details such as unique artisan linings, unexpected leather treatments and extensive interior organization have become Latico signature features that turn heads from coast to coast. Paul and his casual, down-to-earth ways translated into bags that reflected the same qualities-mellow, leather basics with laid-back comfort. Specialty boutiques in Greenwich village couldn't keep his merchandise in stock and soon the ever-famous rock group, The Greatful Dead and crew became fans of his naked-leather bags. As this was Latico's first lucky charm, it invited many other musicians to seek out the bags (read more about the company here).
          I grew up bargain hunting with my mother- living in thrift stores, off clearance racks and going to garage sales. I dont usually buy clothes or shoes without them being marked down once or twice (Von Maur is my favorite!) and it almost always pays off. Here is a prime example of what you'll find on the clearance rack at TJ Maxx. I found this Latico hobo for a measly $23!! It didn't have the original tags but I knew it was something special after I felt the leather.. plus the color is what initially sold me--I am obsessed with green. Retailing for a whopping $168 I'd say I made a pretty good choice.


  

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Rainy weekend


My newest obsession(s):
      * All things deer (it started when i bought these).
      * Seersucker: i cant get enough!
      * Burlap/jute (click to buy here).

I have such a weird accumulation of fabric laying around my work space- often finding myself struggling to think of what combinations to use. Being more motivated to sit with my hands under the sewing machine during rainy days, this week has sort-of paid off. By paid-off I mean I made a new bag! One of these days I'll get to making an etsy site and selling all my things, until then I continue to give them away to friends... still never having enough inventory when someone asks to buy one. I did buy some fantastic fabric from Spoonflower & Fabricworm--my two go-to sites for the most amazing fabric that you wont find in your local JoAnn's... and I cannot wait to put it all to use. 





  

Friday, June 17, 2011

RIP ReadyMade

    

It wasn't until I added a second minor in college and picked up Journalism that I really started to dig into what a magazine is. Growing up with home decor magazines all over the house, pulling pages out and tossing the rest aside, I really took them for granted. Upon taking a few magazine courses at the Greenlee school of Journalism and learning all kinds of things involving circulation, publication, advertising, different parts of a magazine, and all behind-the-scenes things that go into it (One of my instructors actually gave lectures for Meredith (ReadyMade's parent company)), that I  have a new appreciation for them. On average, 150-400 magazines are launched annually in the U.S. Less than 50% survive the first year, 10% or less survive the second year, and 30% or less survive 5 years (Lecture, JLMC 341). Readymade has been inspiring DIYers since 2001 across the world to "rethink, reimagine, and reinterpret their everyday life---it encouraged people to take a much broader view of what they might consider DIY"(Farewell, ReadyMakers).  It's evident that crafters have turned to the web for inspiration and information, but isn't it so much easier to follow projects with a magazine in front of you?!?!?! I am truly saddened that ReadyMade isn't going solely to the internet (like Craft magazine did) to keep their readers in tune- I know I would pay for an online subscription! In a time of economic hardship people will be wanting DIY content more and more.   :(
     I will continue to reference ReadyMade publications I have stashed away!

<3