Share With is one of my favorite shops to stop into when I am in Montauk. It’s a beautifully curated shop owned by former Calypso designer Joelle Klein, with carefully selected clothing, jewelry, artwork, sandals, and skin care that is beachy, eco minded, and always reminds me of the Brittany coast with their collection of Le Minor sailor tees.

Lucky for me there was a trunk show happening on the day I walked in featuring two great companies: Two NY and Tata Harper.

I always love a good caftan, so it was fun to discover Two NY founded by friends Monica & Piola who wanted to combine their talents to create a line of beautiful and functional clothing for mother & child. Using colorful cotton saree fabrics sourced from India and hand made in Brooklyn, their gorgeous line of caftans, tunics, dresses for women is the perfect frock to quickly throw on as a busy mom who still wants to look chic. The color combinations and details in the fabric were dazzling, and I could see how it would be easy to get used to this no-fuss way of dressing for mothers and non-mothers alike.

I am always on the lookout for the latest in natural and non-toxic products, especially when it comes to beauty and skin care. Tata Harper’s all natural skin care line has been on my radar since last fall, and have been wanting to try it, but have been holding back after having a bad experience with one particular natural skin care lines that created breakouts. Tata’s line took 5 years to develop and is made on her farm in Vermont.

Keri from Tata Harper was offering facials during the trunk show, so I jumped at the chance to finally try the line. Well, all I can say is that it blew me away, and I finally got what the hype is all about. Throughout the 8 step process, my skin felt so clean, hydrated, and nourished. Your skin just soaks in the product, and is left dewy and glowing, and you don’t need to apply a lot to see the difference. It’s really impressive that she also manages to keep her all-star anti-aging product, the Rejuvenating Serum, completely natural. I bought the deluxe beauty set to continue trying it before committing to any of the full size bottles, but I have a feeling I am going to want to invest in them permanently! Fig+Sage did a good interview with Tata and reviewed each product in the line if you want to read more here.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Images via Two NY and Beauty Blogging Junkie

Despite coming down with a virus that knocked me out all day on Saturday, I managed to check out this year’s Renegade Craft fair in McCarren park on Sunday afternoon. I always admire the hardworking crafters/artisans that come from all over the U.S. to display their goods. Here are some of my favorites from the show:

Sustainable, hand made clothing with screen printed designs from Make It Good based in Portland, Oregon

Brooklyn neighborhood series: Williamsburg and Greenpoint by Two Arms Inc

The always amazing bags from Forestbound.

Perpetual Gardening Calendars from Krank Press. There are a few versions available for various regions throughout the U.S.  For each month there are two lists: planting recommendations and my favorite part: what is in season at the market. I picked up the New York edition.

Hand-dyed and hand-embroidered linens from Love, Daniella

Fabric jewelry made from hand-printed fabrics by Amie Cunningham of Thief & Bandit

Posters illustrated by Jack Dylan of Toronto

Hand printed & hand crafted homewares, accessories & bags by Appetite

Watching our friend Jon Beacham of The Brother in Elysium letterpress cards while Woody Guthrie crooned from a pair of speakers. Check out some of their beautiful new editions.

Reclaimed wood and ephemera from Peg and Awl

Multi-layered silkscreened prints and posters by Jason Cantoro and Alice Jarry of Cinqun Quatre

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

One of the most exciting things about living here in Brooklyn is being surrounded by fiercely creative artists and designers. The last few years has seen a surge of Brooklyn-made products & services accelerating this borough as an epicenter of design, style and locally made goods. So much so that it could be called the Brooklyn Boom. Photographer Jennifer Causey, has started the The Makers Project inspired by artisans who “embrace a more tactile way of living.” Here are three of my personal favorite Makers that she has captured in the series so far.

Morris Kitchen makes the best Ginger Syrup I have ever found. It’s perfect for home made ginger ales and cocktails, or you can use it as a marinade, or in baking. I always keep a bottle in my fridge. It also makes a great gift, that’s why it was featured in my Holiday Foodie Gift guide.

Lena Corwin is a well-known textile designer and illustrator {I always love her city maps for Elle Decor}, and author of Printing by Hand. I’ve been following her work since I read about her wedding several years ago. She holds classes in her Fort Greene brownstone, curates the Lines & Shapes book series, and posts observations on her blog.

Saipua has made quite a name for themselves as the purveyors of stunning and original floral design. They also make beautifully packaged Olive oil based soap. Last year Sarah and Nicolette of Nicolette Camille Floral Design started the Little Flower school and I have really been wanting to take a class.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

All photographs by Jennifer Causey. Found via Destined to Design

Living in Williamsburg can be like a love/hate relationship. On the love side, we have a fantastic selection of small cafes and gourmet take out places that really define the neighborhood. My latest pit stop is Radish, a take-out gourmet food shop. Carrying foods from local sources as well as upstate farms, they have the perfect combination of rustic interior with delicious fresh dishes made daily. How can you resist one of their homemade sodas with a striped straw? Perfect to pick up before heading to McCarren park for a picnic. I also love their design elements and details like the lovely vegetable wallpaper on the back wall, and the chalkboard seen above with hand drawn veggies displaying what is currently in season. Stop by and check them out at 158 Bedford Avenue (between 9th St and 8th St) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. (718) 782-2744  www.radishnyc.com

velorbis

abici

linus

pashley

toer