Modish

Shopping's not a drag

Not at Bona Drag, that is!  Filled with unique and contemporary handmade clothing creations from some great indie designers, Bona Drag will have you stylin' in no time.

They also happen to have a lot of clothing on sale right now, some at as much as 60% off!  So head on over and don't forget to get a little something for yourself this holiday season.  Ya know, to reward yourself for shopping so well :)

Guest blog

Thank you thank you again to Renee from Wolfie and the Sneak who was my first guest blogger!  Be sure you read her last post from yesterday which compares ornaments from large chain stores with handmade ones- good stuff!

And please give a big modish welcome to our new guest blogger for this week, Shannon! 

Shannon is the writer behind Make It, a wonderful blog about the craft business- right now she's documenting the first 100 days of her own craft business, rifferaff, where she sells gorgeous hand silk-screened gift wrap.  This week she'll be sharing her favorite silk-screened goods with us along with some resources for anyone who may want to try out silk-screening themselves.  She already has a great post up about her favorite finds from this past weekend's Baz Biz, with part 2 to continue this afternoon, so head on ova and catch up!

Sponsor Spotlight: Adore Vintage

Visit Adore Vintage for a great selection of vintage goodness!  Use code "AVMOD" at checkout for a 10% discount! (minimum $25 purchase)

First snow and an early day

{freezing print by Sea Spray Blue- via etsy front page}

We finally got our first snow of the season here in Reno and it looks so pretty and so cold outside!  It makes me want to just curl up with a cup of hot hazelnut and chocolate coffee (my own yummy concoction.)  I'm a bit gift guided out, so if you're still in need of ideas, take a peek at the design*sponge blogger gift guide that has ideas from some of grace's favorite design bloggers (including me? why yes!) on gifts they'd most like to give and receive this season.  And if you're looking for a deal, remember to check out the Modish Gift Guide that has coupons and discounts and free stuff included for each shop listed!

Well, the holiday madness behind the scenes of Modishoppe has begun, so I'm going to have to sign off a bit early today to catch up with orders and get the store re-stocked with new stuff.  Check in later today- I'll be adding lots of fun new items (including jewelry, coasters, magnets, hair accessories...) over the next few hours (after the coffee, of course!) and as of tomorrow, you officially have one week left to order for guaranteed Christmas delivery! 

In the meantime, keep warm and have a good weekend!

Bizarro!

Hey kiddies!  If you're headed to the Bazaar Bizarre in Boston this weekend and want the lowdown on some favorite vendors to seek out, head over the guest blog and check out Renee's great recommendations! 

She also has info about other craft fairs going on this weekend, so head over to get the scoop on your holiday shopping opportunities!

Sponsor Spotlight: Gerbera Designs

Visit Gerbera Designs for ipod covers, messenger bags and more!  Use code "Mod Winter" at checkout for 15% off! (and hurry, last day to order for x-mas shipping is Dec 10th!)

2008 calendars...

Instead of a gift guide today, I bring you some calendars for the year ahead, all from etsy!  You've probably seen the long lists of beautiful calendars on all the other design blogs (that's why you didn't see them here) buuuuut, there's some new calendars out now and still plenty of time to get them before the new year so if you're not overwhelmed with your potential for next year's date keeping yet (I personally already have 3 new calendars for next year, but have plenty more wall space!) here are some of the latest releases for 2008!

{this chocolatey delicious calendar by happify}

{this beautifully illustrated calendar by Cedar Seven}

{the happy and colorful mini wall calendar by SusyJack}

{this super unique 3-D, letterpress calendar with 3 seasons, by Chad & Amanda}

{the slim and sleek calendar by Turtle Papers}

{the retro style there's no place like home calendar by oddball press}

{the wonderful creative thursday calendar, featuring her original artwork}

{the gorgeous limited edition calendar by Rosie Music}

{the wishes for 2008 calendar by Church Animals}

{and the sea inspired Poseidon letterpress calendar by Lizard Press}

Damn my only child upbringing!

I received the loveliest email this morning from an even lovelier artist, Jen, from Still Room Studio, who's just one half of a pair of incredibly talented and beautifully creative sisters.  I am completely in love with both Jen's work:

And with her sister Raydel's photography (who, Jen mentioned, has only been shooting since August- talk about a natural!):

I, for one, would like to meet the parents behind this talented pair and give them a big fat pat on the back, and a thanks for bringing these women into the world so they could brighten it up for the rest of us, just a bit.

Sponsor Spotlight: wenifnotnow

Visit wenifnotnow for pretty hand-dyed and hand-printed tees in many styles!

Handmade Gift Guide: Eco-friendly gifts

When it comes to shopping, there really is no better pairing than something that's both handmade and eco-friendly, in my book.  It seems to me that the people who are conscious enough to seek out specifically handmade goods are the same people that seek out items that are good to the earth.  It is impossible not to take part in our consumer society without running to the hills to become a hermit, so I advocate, consume!  But consume consciously, moderately, and consider the effect that the items you're purchasing will have on the people who created them and on the world around us.  So, for anyone and everyone on your list, here are some gifts that are good to both their loving creators and our earth.  (You can also find lots more eco-gift ideas along with discounts in the modish gift guide!)

{Handmade organic fair-trade cotton shopping bags- big red bow at Keep Calm Gallery :: bag and tees at Be Green Shop Green}

{Handmade postcards made with vintage wallpapers and fabrics, by Present & Correct}

{bomber jacket and smooth jazz dress made from reclaimed thrift store clothing and dead stock fabric, by Ruffeo Hearts Lil' Snotty}

{cute wallets/coin purses made from salvaged vinyl banners, by bird vs. bird}

{keychains and jewelry made entirely from discarded and recycled elements, by Mollie Dash at Modishoppe}

{notecard sets made from vintage atlas world maps, tied with a vintage button, by Bombus}

{cozy wristwarmers made from re-claimed sweaters and embellished, by coo-koo-ri-ko}

{wonderful stuffed creatures made entirely from thrifted and recycled fabrics, by Lizette Greco}

{one of a kind ceramic planters with succulent gardens, by Greenware Design}

{retro camera robot sculptures by Cat Bishop}

{Ooh-la-la-lavender sachets made from vintage hankies, by BananaSaurus Rex}

Wishing for snow, keeping the wind...

As the weather is freakily warm here in Reno (we're normally snowed in by now, but it was 63 degrees yesterday!) and freakily freaky in the rest of the country, I reflect on the simple perfectness of the wind depicted in this beautiful Wind Keeper print by Blanca Helga:

And speaking of art, there's an awesome affordable art sale going on from a wide range of artists at the SQFT Gallery- all work is priced under $250, but a majority of it is under $50!  It'd be a great place to pick up a few holiday gifts!

Sponsor Spotlight: Cherry Creek Designs

Visit Cherry Creek Designs for pretty hand-crafted jewelry.  Mention "modish" in the notes to seller at checkout and get free shipping! (please wait for a revised invoice)

Handmade Gift Guide: For the mens

Oh, the oft forgotten boys...I know I promised to write about guy's stuff on here more often, but I just don't come across it as much, I ignore it, I forget about it, I get distracted by pretty sparkly things easily, I'm sorry.  I truly am.  But I'm making up for it now with a gift guide dedicated just to the hubbies, boyfriends, dads, uncles and good friends in our lives who deserve a special little handmade something this season too!
**edited to add: Renee over at the guest blog has some more great finds for guys, here!

{one-of-a-kind vintage ties hand-screened with bright graphics by Tymbal}

{gorgeous handmade glass cufflinks by Starving Artist Bazaar}

{chic and eco-friendly wallets by db clay}

{keep calm and carry on hand-screened tees by Keep Calm and Carry On}

{one-of-a-kind hand painted steel belt buckles by Fosterweld, at night-lab}

{cozy and cool cycling caps by Built in Pittsburgh}

{hand-printed reed tee and wave scarf by Flux Productions}

{sage messenger bag by Moop}

{one-of-a-kind appliqued vintage ties by Sugar Lust}

{handmade felt fotopouch and eyepouch by working class heroes}

{lapiz and resin circular cufflinks by Nina Dinoff}

{Limited edition 3 penguins in a boat woodblock printed tee by Tugboat Printshop}

{when bad things happen to good people coasters by Mixed Species}

Sponsor Spotlight: Head Full of Pixies

Visit Head Full of Pixies for a myriad of cute handmade gifts!

Handmade Gift Guide: Gifts under $25!

The following goodies are all handmade, all fun and colorful and all $25 and under- see, you can't go wrong shopping indie this season!  For more great gift ideas under $25 check out the modish gift guide and the gift ideas at modishoppe!

{peapod pocket by Peapod Treasures at My Bonnie and Clyde :: $15}

{vintage pillow covers by Absoluut :: $25}

{wool neckies by Marinade at Modishoppe :: $25 <- my friend makes these!)

{belt buckles made from vintage book covers by Maxine Dear :: $23}

{my precious sling pouches by Maki Squarepatch :: $20}

{mixtape and record screen printed flat notes by heatherjeany :: $12-14}

{forest fawn stud earrings by Figs & Ginger :: $20}

{organic lavender sachets by Inleaf, at Elsewares :: $16}

{grumpy raincloud brooches by Little Odd Forest :: $18}

{relax packs by Bon Bon Soap Company at the Indie Fixx Shop :: $14}

{sweetest thing post earrings by Manic Trout :: $15}

{merry mushroom purses by Kookii:Kooky :: $22}