Dear TOMS, 

It was just yesterday that I was craving some Botas for the peekaboo winter we’re having here on the East Coast. And now you’re taunting me with Ballet Flats? C’mon. Didn’t you hear Puxatawney Phil saw his shadow? Spring isn’t supposed to show up for a while yet… but with January ending on 60 degrees, I should probably invest in a pair of each. Just in case.

Love,

GM

I hadn’t planned to get to Art Star Craft Bazaar this weekend. In fact, as most things do these days, it sort of snuck up on me. However, after fellow Philly creative Susan over at Fleurishing kept tweeting about such lovely things, I squeezed a little time out of my Sunday afternoon to get over there and experiment with my new camera. Yeah, I looked all sorts of official with a camera - too bad I was so busy chatting that I didn’t notice my focus was way off.

Skylark Studio - I had seen Karen’s work before but it was lovely to see and touch it in person. She explained to me her continuous development of designs that have outlasted the indie scene’s anticipated expiration date, such as the birds and antlers that still seem to dominate sales. My favorite piece was a simple pendant with a new variation of her fish-scale design. Unfortunately, my camera skills were off to a rocky start and the photos didn’t quite turn out. No worries, though, as I was having a lovely time chatting with her! Quality time with an artist is worth a few blurry shots.

Kin Ship Press - They were featured etsy sellers this summer, where they share the inspirations and process. By the way, I need this mug to remind me to actually enjoy my coffee.

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What’s a guy to do when he has too much stuff for pockets but doesn’t want a man purse? hard graft is bridging the gap for those too timid to embrace their inner metrosexual with their Square1 Holdall. It’s a bag, it’s a backpack, it’s perfect! And the Personal Pouch - an excellent means to carry your notebook, pens, and a snack while biking about town. Don’t have a bike? Carry a u-lock in your back pocket - people will get the picture. Both are available in a light DRIFTWOOD or dark CAMPFIRE hues.

Also new, the BACK2BACK Rucksack (below) in black, brown, or my favorite, grey. They perfectly describe it as a “multi-functional bag. 100% rucksack. 100% messenger bag. 100% briefcase.” So business or party, you are ready to go. Consider it the mullet of man bags… actually don’t. Mullets are bad.

I’ve been a fan of Darling Dexter for years now, traveling along with Whitney as she left her graphic design job in New York for photography classes at SCAD, then back up to NY for fashion when her photography passion uncovered a love for fashion design. Along the way she and her “hub” (so funny when she talks about Dustin) started up an amazing photography company. My “hub” and I are hoping we can one day commission the two for some family portraits. And maybe, through osmosis, catch some of their entrepreneurial amazingness.

Now she’s back down South and just covered a new line of wedding gear that is just what the industry needed - heartfelt, homemade, and fresh. While I’ve already had (ok, survived) my own wedding day (3 years yesterday!), I can’t wait to tell my engaged friends about her new line. Maybe I’ll get myself a purdy little dress for their big day. Or any day, really. These dresses can really work anywhere! So congrats, Whitney! You work hard and I’m proud of you.

I wish I was as concerned about my wardrobe as I was about my daughter’s. After all, she will outgrow her clothes in one season whereas my clothes will last years. However, browsing kids’ fashion has me re-thinking color and staples for myself. Stella McCartney’s spring/summer line is full of rich color and classic shapes, from bold-printed tunics to sweet pastel blouses. Sitting here in my layers of grey, perhaps a bit of color will propel me into spring!

Flour Clothing is serving up some great kids and adult vintage clothing. I have to admit that I love dressing my kid up all adorable-like, and don’t mind wearing my own rags. (No one pays attention to the parents and a cute kid, anyway.)

My other half decided that he simply needed to get himself some proper footwear for this winter weather we’re having here in New Jersey. He grew up in New England so he knows - LL Bean is the place to go for cold weather gear. Fortunately, LL Bean Signature has given a facelift to their line that is a little more hipster and little less, um, dad (sorry Pop!). These Waxed Canvas Maine Hunting Boots shoes are perfect and expected to arrive at our doorstep today. Tom will officially be a Duck Boot dad.

Ooh…pretty.

I find myself in need of advice on what to do for Lucy’s holiday outfit. I’ve narrowed down to two Oliver + S patterns - the School Photo Dress and Sunday Brunch Jacket + A-Line Skirt - and a few fabrics from Spoonflower - Floral Coral Delight, Forest Pink, Orange Chevron, and Bunting. What do you think?

I heart TOMS Shoes - I really do. I got a pair last year for Christmas and wear them everywhere. They are SO comfortable. So when Miss Lucy’s feet were big enough to fit into their smallest size, Tiny TOMS, I ordered her up a pair immediately. $34 for kid’s shoes seems sort of ridiculous, but knowing that another child will get a pair puts me at ease.

So who would you give a pair to for the holidays?