snazzy shoes from Greenpoint and Guatemala

I met up with my friend at the Brooklyn Flea this weekend. By the time we met up he had already bought some of the snazziest pair of shoes I've seen in quite a while.

Turns out they were designed by Osborn Design Studio. A local business run by couple Carla Venticinque-Osborn and Aaron Osborn in Greenpoint. They work with cobblers in Guatemala to make hand made, fair trade shoes out of locally sourced materials. Oh, and did I mention they're really snazzy?

You can't get much better than do-goodery and great design. You can pick up a pair for yourself at Alter, Oak, or their stall at the Brooklyn Flea. Every color way is limited run, so act quick!

Suno’s Liberal Use of Pattern Does Not Make Me Want to Gouge My Eyes Out

I’m definitely biased considering the bulk of my wardrobe is black/white/grey/brown, but with the scene look that led into the whole hipster thing wrapped up in the ironic 80’s trend that just needs to go away, I’d rather not take any chances in looking like a walking seizure. Prada was able to coerce me out of my monochromatic shell in s/s 08 with plaid-on-plaid and a little Jean Jean as bait, but not much has sparked an interest since.
I bookmarked Suno a while ago after reading an article discussing founder Max Osterweis’s use of collected Kenyan textiles for the line. The clothing is designed in New York City, and the patterns are sent back to Africa to be produced, employing local talent in hopes of spurring social and economic change (suck in Dov).
What I appreciate about the clothes themselves is that the silhouettes are just as intriguing as the use of pattern and color, so as not to have one element screaming over the other and down-playing it. But in the midst of all of the goings on, they aren’t too visually complicated.






Admittedly, most of the resort collection is still too much, but it’s growing on me. Considering though that the company is practically still a baby, only three seasons in, I’m ready to see more from them.

20 going on 12

I'm of the opinion that sparkly shit can make any day a little better. Not too long ago, after a really bad day at work, I went to Girl Props and bought a huge rose ring that covers about two fingers. Then I put Swarovski crystals on it. AB volcano crystals to be exact.

The resulting ring is probably the most obnoxious piece of jewelry I own. Which is saying a lot considering my recent Etsy acquisitions. The first necklace that I bought was this charming little bar of glitter:

photo and necklace by starsprinklez

My boys often call me out for using this phrase even though I'm lacking in the proper anatomy, but you know what? They can suck it.

The second is a little more family friendly

Photo and necklace by yurapockylover

Yeah, she's headless, but you get the gist! Those of you who feel like this is a problem should refer to the first necklace for my response. Minnie came in some of the cutest packaging imaginable. The tape sealing the envelope had pastries and polka-dots on it, and the jewelry boxes were inside an adorable little paper bag with stars, clouds, and botched english phrases like "My heart won't stop throbbing"

The moral of the story? Sometimes dressing like you're 12 will make you feel like a million bucks.

Deadly Ponies

I’ve become increasingly picky about bags in my old age (20), so my coveting every item in the Deadly Ponies collection is overwhelming even to me. DP is the brainchild of New Zealand design pair Liam Bowden and Katie Smith, who infuse their pieces a moody and eclectic voice. The A/W 09 Pestle And Mortar collection is especially impressive, being based on Aztec armies of the 12-16th centuries. Bowden and Smith have taken the opportunity this season to expand upon their belts, attire, and jewelry.

See more at Deadly Ponies and Deadly Ponies Precious.