March 24, 2010
Over this past holiday season {previous ones as well} I did my shopping from only small businesses. Everyone got things from me from shops that were local or independently owned. One of my favorite shops for getting unique gift items is Limonaia.
Located in Russian Hill here in San Francisco, owner Jessica Goldfarb has curated a selection of goods from both local and international companies fit for any occasion and recipient. Most recently I picked up a vase and candle for my mom, a fabric pouch for my sister, and a memory card game, drawing books and bath treats for my nieces and nephews. Oh, and there may have been a little something for myself thrown in there as well. The shop is great because it fits any budget.
Stop on by and see Jessica and her friendly staff. They are all very helpful and knowledgeable about the lines they carry in the shop. Some of my current favorites are the fabric headbands and ponytail holders made locally {which I own}, paper products, candles, soaps, and well, just about everything I guess. My friend actually just gave me the cutest wristlet/clutch from Limonaia recently as well. I’m also kind of obsessed with the blabla dolls {hey, I’m a big kid, right?!}…
September 3, 2008
Loungeluxe features a dazzling array of handmade goodies with a feminine aesthetic. You’ll find a range of treasures from jewelry and spa goods to handbags and apparel. Pricing goes from splurge to budget friendly. Whether you’re looking for a gift for your best girl friend or a little pick me up for yourself, Loungeluxe offers you convenient one-stop shopping because the site features creations from over a dozen different designers.
Like a carefully curated online consignment boutique, you can use Loungeluxe to discover favorite new designers, but unlike a consignment boutique, Loungeluxe enables you to buy items directly from the designers. When you see something you like, click it and you’ll be transported right to the website of the designer offering the item for sale.
While you’re visiting, be sure to sign up for the Loungeluxe monthly newsletter. The newsletter contains insider news on special sales, new products and exclusive discount codes from the designers you’ll see featured.
Loungeluxe operates as a co-operative. Each month the designers featured on the site pay affordable dues which enable the site to be advertised to fans of independent design. If you’re an independent designer trying to get your products seen, visit the Loungeluxe membership FAQ for more details on how to get your product featured.
Here are a few things you can find via Loungeluxe…
Bird on Ball Jessica Bag by 144 Collection: $46.00; The Escape T-Shirt by Ex-Boyfriend: $25.99:
Sabine Heart + Soul Necklace by Manic Trout: $35.00; Mojito Soap by Bidwell Botanicals: $6.00/each:
Best In Show Brooch by Eclectic Eccentricity: $14.50; Gloss FX Natural Lip Glaze by J.Lynne Cosmetics: $12.00:
April 10, 2008
Lindsay is definitely one of my favorite gals in the world. She is someone I speak of often because she helps make my online shops and sites look so great. She is also a sponsor that I really would love for you to get to know.
Meet Lindsay Landis of Pattern & Paw and Purr Design:
Name: Lindsay Landis
Business Name: Pattern & Paw and Purr Design
Where are you located?
Nashville, TN
What is it that you design and create?
Cat and dog collars, leashes, and accessories, plus matching key fobs for people too.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
Ribbon! :) Ok, so I have a little bit of an obsession. I love ribbons and I love seeing the beautiful patterns and designs become something else. I’m a graphic designer by trade – and so I also love creating things – like postcards and banners and fun graphics for the website.
How did you come up with your business name?
It actually recently changed. I had been known as Lindsay Designs for 3 years. We recently started a graphic/web design company (dubbed Purr Design – because we love cats!) as well, and I felt that having two Design/Designs business names was way too confusing. So as of January 1st, we changed the name to Pattern and Paw. I felt that it was an elegant name, catchy, and that described the product without directly saying ‘pet collars’. The patterns of the collars are one of the key things that makes them so unique, so being able to bring this into the name of the business was ideal!
Where/How did this all begin?
Short story – it all began almost 4 years ago with a ribbon belt and an ebay account. Needless to say, I grew out of that pretty quick! I started doing pet collars the following year, and have since abandoned the short-lived fad of the ribbon belts. I love making things for pets. I feel they are often ignored when it comes to fashionable duds, cats especially (if you’ve checked out the collar selection at your local pet-mega store, you’ll know what I mean!). My fiance, Taylor, recently joined on as a partner in the business, and now manages the shipping and billing departments (hehe). It’s such a great opportunity for us to spend time together, and work from home (our commute is the greatest!), we’re loving every minute of it.
Who or what inspires you?
Colors and patterns inspire me. Seeing combinations together than you wouldn’t normally expect. Kitty inspires me with her cuteness. Seeing other designers in action inspires me. I guess life in general! It’s all so inspiring.
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Do what you love. Because if you start doing something just because it sells, but don’t truly enjoy it, it’s going to be much harder to develop a successful business.
What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Well, I have some truly lovely necklaces by you, my lady (onafriday.net)! I wear them more than anything else. I also have a fetish for handmade soap, and have received some lovely soaps in exchange for some label design work from valhallasoap.com.
What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
Whatever Taylor gives me. He’s the music man, I just borrow it. I’ve got a few favorites right now, such as Josh Ritter, the Traveling Wilburys, the Felice Brothers, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, and Jackie Greene.
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Lost for one… is my all time favorite. I’m also a big fan of Grey’s Anatomy, the Colbert Report, and Good Eats on the Food Network.
What was the last movie you watched?
License to Wed – we had a netflix of it the other night. Silly, as Robin Williams usually is, but cute.
What’s your favorite food?
Cupcakes. No question there. I’m a big baker. It’s how I deal with stress. Whereas some people (like Taylor…) turn to obsessive behaviors like cleaning or just plain panic when they get stressed – my stress, on the other hand, turns into cookies and cupcakes and cinnamon rolls. Not a bad deal!
What’s your favorite candy?
I love all candy, though I’ve never been one to turn down a Reese’s!
Coffee or Tea?
Neither. I’ve never been a huge tea drinker, and too much caffeine gives me the shakes. I love it, but I can’t drink it.
What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Anthropologie – though I’d stop being happy because I can’t afford to buy everything there! Or Whole Foods… makes me salivate… but again, so expensive it’s depressing!!
Any pets?
One kitty, Kalypso, who is spoiled rotten and knows it. I post lots of silly photos of her on the Pattern & Paw blog.
Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I love visiting my grandma in New York and Florida, and my parents out in California. I’ve always wanted to check out North Carolina – it seems like a great place. I hate flying, so while I’d love to visit Europe and the rest of the world, I’m scared sh*tless about spending that much time on a plane!
If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
Super Cupcake Woman! My power would be to produce delicious cupcakes instantly. hehe. Or something.
Any celebrity crushes?
I’ve never been one for celebrity crushes.
Favorite Holiday?
Hanukah, maybe… I love my potato pancakes!
If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
A comfy ballet flat or a flip flop. Cute and casual…. and short. hehe.
What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I’m pretty happy as I am! Though I do wish I was a few inches taller (just a few!).
Favorite piece of clothing?
My comfy jeans. I’ve got two pairs and wear them just about every day.
Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I took Spanish in high school, but probably couldn’t speak a proper sentence now. Whoops!
It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
Build the businesses. We’re hoping to start saving as much as we can to buy a cool urban loft downtown. Dreaming, yes, but if we do well enough with the businesses it might not be so far off!
Thank you so much for sharing, Lindsay. Even I learned a few new things about you! Ha, ha!
Big Dog Collars (Mod Dots Teal, Mango Micro Dots, Prep Hearts): $17.50 – $19.50; Cat Collars (Blueberry Argyle, Candy Mod, Jazz Dots): $11.00 – $13.00:
  
Dash in Turquoise Tropic Dots Dog Collar: $18.50; Kalypso in Fiesta Cat Collar: $12.00:
  
Toy Dog Collars (Safari Natural, Pacific Argyle, Strawberry Taffy): $11.00 – $13.00; Kalypso in Bias Cyan Cat Collar: $12.00:
  
Enjoy 15% off your next purchase with coupon code “MIXEDPLATE“. Offer good through May 31, 2008.Â
August 15, 2006
The wonderful Shannon over at Foster’s Creations makes some great bath and body products. There are soaps, lotions and even something for your baby’s bottom! She even makes soaps with meaning behind them for a cause.
The Pink Ribbon and Lauryn’s Hope soaps were created for the purpose of donating profits to specific foundations.
The Pink Ribbon soaps have a pink ribbon on them and are dedicated to giving 10% of the sales from it to the Susan G. Komen Foundationn for breast cancer research.
Lauryn’s Hope soaps are with a gold ribbon on them in honor of childhood cancer awareness. A friend of Shannon’s has a daughter named Lauryn who was diagnosed with a rhabdoid tumor of the liver in 2003. Shannon designed this soap with her in mind and gives $0.50 from each bar sold to Lauryn’s Medical Expense Fund.
Learn more about Foster’s Creations and these caring soaps along with other great products.
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