designer

Origami Pyramid Bag

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:11:00 +0000

It’s a hot July evening and I’m feeling like a wilted flower. Fashion has always been a great pick-me-up and I’m looking forward to sporting Silvermint’s strawberry Origami Pyramid Bag with a simple black sundress to a friend’s party.

The bag attracted me with its unique design, convenient wristlet style, and high quality, interestingly-textured fabric and materials. The vintage button accents in soft pink and grey give it a girly but sophisticated charm and the grey origami-style animal characters printed on the off-white fabric also elevate it to a conversation piece. When I mentally put together my outfit I saw the bag as an artsy, yet practical and intriguing accessory, perfect for holding onto the few essential items I’d need while at the party. Yet as I stand before the mirror the little 6.7 x 5.9 inch pyramid looks funny hanging from my wrist: like a starched handkerchief or an old-fashioned nurses hat.

While the bag didn’t make it to the party, it has occupied a prominent place on my desk, awaiting the writing of this review. Given that my home office is also the living room, I’ve been gazing upon this finely constructed bag with a mixture of delight, curiosity and appraisal daily for the past two weeks. Each time I look at it I think I really love this little pouch!

Silvermint has an interesting story on how she moved from the world of online gaming to the world of handmade crafting. She began to study how real things are actually made vs. the world of “clicking on an icon with the mouse and Poof! a mechanical chicken has been created.” She gets bonus points for her support of ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) and a waste-free philosophy, which leads to greater creativity with materials and design. Her Etsy store is stocked with other cute and adorably unique little clutches and pouches as well as graphic-printed tote bags.

I’ve tried the Origami Pyramid Bag on a few times since the night of the party but I doubt I’ll frequently wear it as a purse. I am sure it will find a welcome home storing small treasures or perhaps protecting a snag-prone item in a drawer or suitcase. The cotton webbing strap is detachable so it can hang from a peg and it also stands on its own (especially if the packing folds are ironed out) so it would also make a cute storage container on a shelf or other visible location.

Written by: Matsya Siosal, August 18th 2010

State Quarter Necklace

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:18:00 +0000

By Wabisabi Brooklyn

Readers, Wabisabi Brooklyn’s State Quarter Necklace has got me feeling conflicted. You see, I've always had a fondness for small acts of rebellion: sneaking a few beers as a teenager, slapping "this is offensive to women" stickers on public advertisements, getting it on in the coed bathroom at an indie rock show. I know these things aren't going to change the world, but a little transgression makes for funny stories and hours of mischievous entertainment. So you'd think I'd be down with a necklace that is evidence of a minor crime against the U.S. Treasury—and yeah, for the most part, I am.

Having drilled two small holes through the quarter on either side of Colorado, Wabisabi designer MaryAnne LoVerme affixes an 18-inch copper chain to the coin, which positions it just below the sternal notch. A tiny gold star and company stamp are attached to the chain near the lobster claw clasp, which increases the ease with which the necklace can be put on or removed.

As the company's name, according to LoVerme, means "beauty of imperfection" in Japanese, the silver-copper color contrast perfectly suits her design aesthetic. LoVerme says she works with coins in order to "imbue jewelry with an element of chance and luck," and luck is something she'd better have on her side on the off-chance that the secret service takes issue with her creative liberties. Those folks don't mess around:

Whoever mutilates, cuts, disfigures, perforates, unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, Federal Reserve Bank, or Federal Reserve System, with intent to render such item(s) unfit to be reissued, shall be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

This necklace is cute, but it ain't $100 or six months in jail cute.

Another thing that isn't cute about this necklace is wearing it where I live: India. While twenty-five cents doesn't get you more than a Ring Pop or a Wacky Wall Walker in the States, on the streets of Kolkata I can get a kati roll and a cup of cha with that loot. I could buy two kilos of aloo or 500ml of Amul dahi. And the thought of wearing a symbol of American economic imperialism around my neck in a place where millions are starving... well, let's just say I won't be wearing this chain around my neck until I'm back on US soil. For those who aren't in my same situation, feel free to show your state pride or the upside down profile of George Washington by visiting Wabisabi Brooklyn. LoVerme may even throw in a free gift; I got a Goumet Scented Pencil made from recycled newspapers that smells like Black Cherry. I think I'll give it to one of the schoolgirls who lives in my building.

Editor's Comment: No more comments will be allowed on this post, as it has become a playground for a group of etsy/indie designer bullies who would like to turn Elevate Difference into a site for some ridiculous and contrived vendetta against one of our writers simply because she expressed a political sentiment they disagree with (or, more entertaining, who they see as having participated in a conspiratorial plot against Wabisabi). Much of the information being circulated in the etsy/designer realm of the blogosphere about the way this review came about is inaccurate—such as the claim that this necklace was sent by the designer to India at her own cost, which it untrue as the necklace was requested by an ED Editor and sent to ED's office in Georgia, not the writer directly. This can be verified by asking MaryAnne LoVerme at Wabisabi. I shouldn't have to remind grown adults about the import of information being based in fact, not speculation and blatant falsehoods. We have published several reviews that are less than favorable (some written in a far more caustic manner) for a given product, but this type of overblown response that some people are demonstrating is quite rare, I can assure you. Probably because most people recognize that throwing tantrums in public isn't good for their own business. Well, unless you're Glenn Beck or someone who makes a living on that sort of thing. Either way, the ganging up of anti-feminist trolls who perpetuate oppressive myths about catfighting and female irrationality is in direct opposition to the mission of Feminist Review, and only serves to make women in general and etsy and indie designers in specific look foolish, so it will not be allowed to continue on this blog.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, August 9th 2009

Tour Tote

admin — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 18:32:00 +0000

By SNAP design

Is it possible to have a bag that’s cooler than you are? My street cred increased substantially when I started carrying around the Tour Tote by SNAP design. You see, I live in New York City, but I’m a Southern girl (Athens, GA, baby!) at my core, so I constantly have to negotiate the internal tug-of-war between my current persona (Big City Trendsetting Fashionista) and the persona of my upbringing (Small Town Working Class Thrifter). Fortunately for me, in the neighborhoods that I frequent, the two have melded together to create a blended identity that is more commonly known as “hipster.”

Though hipsters are largely denigrated in the media that is marketed to them (apparently irony is tres chic), one thing I find attractive about this niche population is the way they dress. Maybe it’s because I'm inundated with it, or maybe it’s my own aesthetic sensibility. Whatever the case, I aspire to dress like a hipster from time to time. And when you dress like a hipster, you have to have hipster accessories. That’s where the Tour Tote comes in.

SNAP design is a small, Portland-based, woman-run company that sells handmade items, including multiple bags—tote, shoulder, laptop—with interesting, minimalist stitching on them. A lot of the patterns follow a variation on mod styles, and the deep color variety (navy, mustard, ruby red, sage, olive) is an appealing alternative to the current '80s neon trend. The purse is made out of vinyl (good news for vegetarians!) and the lining is cotton twill, both of which make this sturdy bag able to handle the elements, as well as repeated use. It’s also a nice size (h: 12.5" w: 11" d: 5")—big enough to carry everything you may need, but small enough not to be awkward.

I replaced my messenger bag with this purse almost immediately. It’s a decision I don’t regret. Now people actually look at me when I walk through Williamsburg, Brooklyn. And although the Southerner in me hopes for a smile, a wayward glance at my new bag is good enough.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, November 3rd 2007

Swallow Throw Pillow

admin — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:30:00 +0000

By Sin in Linen

Sin in Linen is a fun, Seattle-based company started by Sandy Glaze. The company offers not just the pillow that I was sent for review, but sheets, duvet covers, sleepwear, T-shirts and an array of other products. Glaze appears to have a good feel for a more edgy, but design-conscious line for those who have taste for the rockabilly aesthetic. She offers patterns like the skull-and-crossbones, knives, thorny rose, an unrestrained black and white Victorian “wallflower” (my favorite), the pin-up vixen and the traditional Mom tattoo theme. Sin in Linen provides nice relief from the stodgy, conservative floral pattern of traditional bed linens. After all, our bedrooms are our sanctuary in our homes, aren’t they? I find cheeky linens like this to be entertaining and sassy. No ruffles, no Jessica McClintock '80s floral patterns and no heavy, indigestible upholstery, but Sin in Linen offers a simple and spirited style.

The Swallow Throw Pillow comes in white, but the standard pillowcases come in both white and crème. It would be nice to see the throw pillow in other colors for more options, perhaps a black to counter the delicate and feminine associations one has with the throw pillow. It is covered in a very soft 300 thread-count Egyptian cotton sateen, which was a pleasant surprise. I was also unaware of the sparrow’s symbolic meaning of “Wordly travel.” It makes me pillow more to me than just a mere throw pillow, but also a statement of style and substance.

Written by: Erin Murphy, July 30th 2007

Felted Hairpin

admin — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 14:45:00 +0000

By MWAH! Creations

For those tuned into fiber art trends, you may have noticed that felted creations have been making their way into many corners the past few years. One such corner is the world of hair accessories that Babs from MWAH! Creations has leapt into. One hundred percent wool and attached to an extra fancy bobby pin, these felted hairpins are two-toned and about the size of a nickel. My pin added lovely flair to my short coif, and I received compliments on the street. People also wondered what the hairpin was made of and got me talking about the felted world.

For everyday wearing I would have preferred a louder hairpin with more texture and height, but if you're looking for a subtle hair accessory made by an independent fiber artist, then this is the hairpin for you. My two-toned pin has a white background with a red center-piece, so it has become my period pin, giving the keen folks in my life a little clue into the reason for my more frequent bathroom visits. I'll be seeing that pin every 28-37 days!

MWAH! Creations doesn't stop at hair accessories. They also make bags, felted jewelry and many amazing animals - including my favorite, The Missing Piece, from the Shel Silverstein book. If you're interested in working with felt or just appreciate it, MWAH! Creations is a great place to check out. Long live felt and don't forget to thank the sheep!

Written by: Kaytlyn O'Connor, July 28th 2007

Stefani Handbag and Wallet

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:18:00 +0000

ChicCosas

Though I'm not a girly girl, I still have more purses than chairs, and I can always find room for one more. That said, I am picky. My ideal purses and bags must be roomy but not bulky, funky but not too strange.

This mod-inspired canvas tote from ChicCosas (retail price $58) will go with any outfit and be appropriate for any occasion. It measures about 14”W x 10”H x 4”D - enough space for everything you shouldn't stash in a regular-sized purse, but want to anyway. The matching wallet is a nice addition.

Based in California, ChicCosas ("chic things" in Spanish) has a variety of artsy, high-quality items that are, unbelievably, all handmade. The caveat is that they're also reasonably priced. You'd expect to pay much more for such unique treasures. Owner Deborah Maciel has an obvious eye for design, color and durability. In addition to buying a fabulous product, you're supporting a small, woman-owned business.

Written by: M.L. Madison, April 25th 2007

Vanderbilt A-Light Lamp

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 23:05:00 +0000

By RE-Surface

Bringing the urban landscape into the home environment, designer Donna Jo Brady creates lighting fixtures that illuminate the beauty in street culture. The construction of the Vanderbilt A-Light Lamp base is sleek and modern, which contrasts the gritty artwork on the lampshade itself. The design melds together two different artistic worlds in a way that exemplifies the way they compliment each other.

On this lamp, dripping paint and rust eating away at metal meet a clean birch wood base. Other lampshade designs utilize graffiti, stenciling, blotches of color, aged brick, and vines that snake up the shade, which can also be seen on so many buildings here in New York City. It's clear where this Brooklyn-based artist gets her inspiration... not to mention the names of her creations, which include Bedford, Kent, South 3rd, Wythe, and Metropolitan. Yes, that's Metropolitan, as in the street where Feminist Review resides in the ever-popular Williamsburg neighborhood.

This lamp is perfect for a side table accent piece at about 10" high, and is perfect for anyone who finds themselves caught up in the romance of the NYC's paradoxical aesthetic presentation.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, February 15th 2007

Pom-Pom Makeup Bag

admin — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 13:04:00 +0000

By SNAP design

Michelle Kline (aka SNAP design) is a master of minimalist design. She takes an ordinary object (in this case a makeup bag) and makes it fabulous by adding a little hint of detail while also relying on the color palate to speak to one's aesthetic preference. And you know what? It works for me.

These little pom-pom flowers are cutesy, but not too cutesy. I'm not really the kind of girl that uses a makeup bag, but this could make for a quite fashionable clutch purse as well at just 5.5 x 8 inches, and the smaller size (4 x 5 inches), Kline deems as a change purse. This bag could be used to store those little 3 fl oz bottles of shampoo or whatever other liquid you're trying to smuggle onto an airplane these days. Instead of worrying about the contents of the bottles, the scanner will be transfixed by the design.

Okay, so I'm being a bit cliché, but you know you like it. And if you don't like it, Kline has a whole host of other crafty carriers for you to choose from, including the très chic pod wallet for none other than your trusty iPod (or another mp3 player, but does anyone really have something other than an iPod these days?). It's no wonder she's been featured in Bust, Allure, Teen Vogue, and Daily Candy. SNAP design is a fashionista's dream, especially if that fashionista is a feminist of the pop variety. So pop on to her website chicas (and chicos)!

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, November 28th 2006

Smoy Photocuffs

admin — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 16:17:00 +0000

By Spencer Moy (SMOY)

I live in Brooklyn, NY and about a year ago I started seeing these postcards stapled on light posts and the sides of buildings for Photocuffs. Being a lover of most all things crafty, I said the web address twelve times in my head every time I passed one of these cards, but being a crazy busy activisty gal, I consistently forgot to check out the website. Lo and behold, one appeared in the mail, so I finally went to the website to see what the deal is with these things.

A Photocuff is essentially a bracelet with one to four half-inch, square slots for you to put whatever image that you choose: pictures of friends, fun clippings from a magazine, a snarky phrase, or a political slogan. It’s made of vinyl – good for vegetarians/vegans – and has a variety of colors and designs to choose from. With the holidays coming up, you could snag a couple of these and customize them yourself to give a more meaningful gift to the ones you love… or the ones you hang with, at least. Though that might get expensive at $17 to $30 a pop, so choose your gift-receiving friends wisely.

My one beef with the Photocuff is the adjustable snaps part. I found the smaller size is too small and the larger size is too large. I'd like my cuff to be fitted, not loose like a regular bracelet, so for me to fully enjoy the Photocuff, I would need to come up with some solution to fix this issue. I might decide get the more adjustable belt closure Photocuff, instead of one with snaps. These bracelets are a hipster’s delight, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they start making their way to a designer shop near you.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, November 26th 2006