THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR HIM

It’s our third holiday gift guide and this post is about special, unique artisanal gifts for HIM. There are so many considerate, distinctive and unique gifts to give that he will love. He will be flattered that you sought out such noteworthy gifts that not only will he cherish but will help out small local brands. We picked ten different gift suggestions in all categories and price ranges. Click onto the captions for the link to the online store (all suggestions also have an online store with shipping).

JOHN ROBSHAW - RALLI JACKET

Textile designer John Robshaw has a shop in Falls Village, CT that has a curated selection of John’s products plus his finds from his world travels. John had some extra Ralli blankets from India and had men’s jackets made of them with some beautiful embroidery on top. They are fun, colorful and unique. If you have an over the top man in your life who loves to be the life of the party, may we recommend the Ralli Jacket. Please email theshop@johnrobshaw.com or call 917-781-0130 to inquire about the jackets.

MICHAEL ANDREWS - LUCKY YOU CUFFLINKS

Ultra exclusive men’s atelier Michael Andrews not only offers bespoke suits and men’s accessories they also have great curated finds. We love the “Lucky You” silver cufflinks. The crossed fingers are a great gift to give good luck to any man on an important day. The silver makes it extra elegant. It’s a great accessory and a thoughtful gift for the special man in your life.

HIVE & COLONY - SARTOR EAU DE PARFUM

Hive & Colony, a men’s bespoke brand has a unique collection of men’s accessories. We selected a scent that was made for Hive & Colony and is simply sumptuous. It is guaranteed to be admired by the wearer and anyone in their vicinity. Made in Italy the scent connotes: “Experience the essence of craftsmanship with a captivating blend of spiced sandalwood, iris, and violet. Indulge in the luxurious heart of pure elegance, enhanced by rich notes of precious woods and musk for a seductive, powerful allure”.

RIZZOLI BOOKSTORE - THE COCKTAIL CABINET: TEQUILA: THE ESSENTIAL DRINKS EVERY TEQUILA & MEZCAL LOVER SHOULD KNOW

We love recommending books as gifts, especially when they come from independent bookstores or art book stores. Here not only are we recommending a book from Rizzoli with a subject that is near and dear to many, the joy of tequila and mezcal. After learning more about mezcal in Mexico earlier this year we fell in love with this book and its expertise on the subject. “The Cocktail Cabinet: Tequila distills the best of the spirits with 50 cards that feature recipes for any mood, whether you'd like to get smoky with a Oaxaca old fashioned or enjoy a lazy afternoon with a punchy siesta.”

With mid-century-inspired illustrations, easy-to-follow recipes, and guides to garnishes, glassware, ice, and syrups, this deck is the ideal pick for budding mixologists and bartending experts. So if you know a man that is starting a bar area in a corner of his home or has transformed his man’s cave into a sleek 20’s inspired speakeasy bar, this is the perfect gift.

DUNCAN QUINN - SAILING BAG

Duncan Quinn is a men’s bespoke boutique in Nolita, NYC that has been iconic for offering men bespoke outfits with an international twist. We feel every man needs a special carry on bag to match his adventurous spirit and desire for travel. This Sailing Bag is handmade in “Palma, Majorca by a small artisanal shop that specializes in bespoke fitted luggage for superyacht nooks and crannies. Made from carbon fiber sails used on racing yachts, then cut by hand and painted by hand using the same paint as used for markings on racing sails. Featuring the Duncan Quinn signature Smoking Skull and number print on opposite side (number may vary.) Shoulder strap and red hand carries on both ends. Complies with hand luggage carry-on sizing for once you get back into the air”.

MEERIN - SNUFF WAXY KUDU BOOTS

Meermin is a family owned & operated business based in the beautiful island of Mallorca in Spain. The brand is dedicated to produce & sell well made, quality Goodyear Welted shoes at a radical affordable price point. One of their newest styles is Snuff Waxy Kudu Boot. This boots is so special and well made that any fashion conscious man who still values comfort would love to own. The copy is long but does describe how special and well made this boot is. “The Waxy Kudu leather is a special one—waxed antelope leather from Southern regions of Africa. A striking & very unique leather which features all the natural blemishes, marks and scratches of a wild antelope that lived in the bushes. Blemishes & cuts are part of the interest of this leather and will be used on the production of the uppers. Please note that this leather does not look like smooth French calfskin at all, is a very rugged, mellow & very unique Antelope leather which accepts scars & marks as part of the uniqueness—which make every single pair truly unique. These boots feature our newest NEGON last, specifically designed to enhance the overall fit and comfort. The wider and flatter toe shape allows for ample room, preventing any discomfort or pinching. The supporting back area provides excellent stability and ensures a secure fit for all-day wear. The interior of the boots is where luxury meets functionality. The shaft is fully unlined and the vamp is lined with horsehide leather, offering a smooth and breathable environment for your feet. This natural material provides superior moisture management and enhances the overall comfort. To further enhance the fit and ease of wearing, the boots come with an extended bellows tongue, allowing for easy entry and a snug fit. These boots are Flex Goodyear Welted to ensure durability and flexibility, aside from being fully resoleable when the time comes. The thick veg-tan flat welts, leather insoles and midsoles provide exceptional support and adaptability, making every step comfortable and fatigue-free. Equipped with a convenient double city lug outsole, this boot is built to handle whatever comes your way”.

FALCONERI - ULTRASOFT CASHMERE CABLE-KNIT MOTIF TURTLENECT SWEATER

Italian luxury artisanal fashion brand is world renowned for their spectacular cashmere. Their secret is a magical combination of the finest natural fibers, Italian artisan skills and innovative production systems from the pastures of Mongolia to the special artisan craftsmanship in Italy. This sweater is so lovely, stylish and soft that any man would love to live in it. It comes in other colors besides Dark Green (also available in blue, natural and alabaster beige). Made from 100% cashmere: “A refined cable-knit motif characterizes this turtleneck sweater made of fine Ultrasoft Cashmere. The wrap-around effect and Nordic-inspired design are combined with a regular fit, making the piece ideal for all-day wear”.

MoMA - De Stijl Tumbling Tower

Boys and their toys! Well this isn’t a sports car but this game is a popular fun way to spend an evening and looks great in your home, like a Piet Mondrian sculpture. The MoMA De Stijl Tumbling Tower was designed by Monica Albornoz through MoMA's collaboration with the MFA Products of Design program at the School of Visual Arts. “MoMA Exclusive: This take on the classic game brings the aesthetics of the De Stijl movement—with its bright primary colors and geometric shapes—to life in 3D form. Think of it as an interactive Mondrian painting. To play, build a tower by stacking three side by side blocks in each row, alternating 90 degrees with each layer. Players take turns removing a block from the tower and placing it on top. The composition evolves as each player makes their mark. The last player to successfully remove and stack a block without the tower falling wins the game. The game ends when the tower falls. Made of sustainably harvested rubberwood. For two or more players. Measures 12”h x 3”w x 3”d.”

ORNAMENTS FOR ORPHANS - FELT WOOL GOLF BAG ORNAMENT

We found this sweet gift that is perfect for a host or office colleague that loves golf. Or any of your male friends that love golf. Your favorite golfer will love this golf bag filled with clubs. These ornaments are handmade by artisans in Nepal, Asia using colorful sheep wool. Best thing is that Ornament 4 Orphans is a fair trade, social business. They sell handmade products made by artisans in Kenya, Uganda, Peru and Nepal. All proceeds are invested back into the communities where they work to provide jobs, fight poverty, encourage sustainability, keep vulnerable children with their families and prevent them from becoming orphans. So when you buy this as a gift so many people around the world are winning.

BOY SMELLS - COWBOY KUSH CANDLE

A candle is always a good gift and we love BOY SMELLS candle company from Los Angeles. The company is dedicated to scents that go beyond the gender binary. Cowboy Kush is a spell-binding, masculine scent that would elevate any area of smells of well-worn leather of spiced patchouli with puffs of pot.. “Just like enjoying a joint at the rodeo, this tumbleweed of a scent is a rustic accumulation of soft suede and spiced saffron with puffs of pot leaf and patchouli floating through. Earthy, grounded, it is warm and well-worn like a saddle with notes of tonka bean and patchouli. A best seller and for good reason, enjoy riding off into your own olfactive sunset.”

We tried for the first time hosting an evening with men from all backgrounds to give us their opinions of the gift suggestions we had and these were the gifts that were 100% approved based on their uniqueness, craftsmanship and price points. Plus the added benefit that all the brands are small and specialize in artisanal products. A good feedback we received when presenting our picks were, “I would be so happy to receive these gifts and would appreciate the thought that went into getting me a gift that I would appreciate”. So if that is the feeling you want the man in your life to have we recommend our gift choices or as a suggestion so you can shop locally in your neighborhood for something as special. There is always a small, local artisanal brand near you hoping you will see beyond the Amazons of this world and large scale department stores to relish the specialness of beautifully crafted gift.

By Natalie Rivera


THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR HER

There are just too many holiday gifts out there to just do one blog so we here at The Local Artisan Guide decided to do weekly gift guides leading up to Christmas and this week’s gift suggestions are all for HER.

We picked from multiple categories and price ranges and chose gifts that are all artisanal and help contribute to shopping local. Artisanal gifts guarantee a thoughtful and unique gift that will have her feeling appreciated and adored. So click onto the captions for the links as all the suggestions are also available on their online shops.

GUZEMA - “LIGHT MY FIRE” BOLD EXTINGUISHER PENDANT

It’s quite a grand start and our most expensive in this gift guide but we fell in love with Guzema and the unique jewelry pieces they create. Guzema was founded in 2016 in Ukraine by Valeriya Guzema. Guzema started out her business by melting the gold teeth her grandfather bequeathed her. From there her business has grown and has represented Ukrainian culture and arts. We adore the “Light My Fire” fire extinguisher pendant which comes in both white and yellow 18k gold (chain length is 68 cm). It’s definitely a conversation starter and a piece that will eventually become a family heirloom.

SABAH - CIN CIN SABAH LOAFER

Sabah, which means “morning” in Turkish was founded in 2013 by an American expat who missed the leather slippers he wore while working in Istanbul. By collaborating with Turkish artisans who have been creating the leather slippers since the late 1800’s. Years later Sabah’s come in all colors and are made for men, women and children. We love the gold “Cin Cin” as it can go from day to evening all the whilst leaving your feet stylish AND comfortable. The shoes are entirely handmade in Turkey and are sturdy yet flexible hand-stitched sole construction with a soft leather lining (no socks, no problem!). Water buffalo leather insole & midsole, forms to feet with replaceable rubber outsole to ensure longevity. The shoes are also lightweight, packable and perfect for travel. So why not give her the gift of a stylish, fun shoe AND comfort. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep a smile on a woman, comfortable feet.

FRASSAI - TEISENDDU EAU DE PARFUM

Frassai is a fragrance brand founded by Argentinian Natalia Outeda who uses the fragrance as an olfactory journal of her adventures and travels. We picked Teissenddu Eau de Parfum as we feel it’s the perfect perfume for the holidays with notes of: Bitter orange, Rum, Juniper, Nutmeg, Mimosa, Dark sugar crystals, Leather. We love the story of this particular fragrance:

May 1865. 153 Welsh emigrants set sail on an old converted tea clipper, the Mimosa, bound for the rugged wilds of Patagonia. With dreams of establishing a new settlement, they arrived in Porth Madryn after a voyage of 7,000 miles. Generations later, their journey still bears an indelible imprint on the region that became their new home. Inspired by the Welsh settlers’ torta negra (black cake), TEISENDDU is a fragrant celebration of Welsh tradition fused with the arid landscape of Patagonia. Warm spices, bitter orange and juniper greet the senses like a cozy Welsh tearoom. A delicious heart of dried fruit and nuts is macerated in rum and enveloped by honeyed mimosa, while an intriguing blend of leather and dark sugar crystals completes the recipe, lingering like warm memories shared over a cup of black tea. An unforgettable scent.

MARIA DE LA ORDEN - NAT JERSEY

We discovered this brand from Madrid a few years ago and just love the fun the designer has with color, patterns and embellishments. As an owner of their cashmere I highly recommend this emerald green sweater that is perfect for holiday parties. It is the antithesis of the ugly Christmas sweater, it’s the soft and luxurious green holiday sweater. Nat Jersey is an oversized high neck jumper in cashmere with side slits. Composed of 100% pure Mongolian cashmere, this luxurious jumper is as thick as soft thanks to its 4-ply knitting.

STEFKA - STEFKA SLOUCHY TOTE

Stefka is a NYC women owned handbag brand creating handbags in NYC since 2009. A family business stationed in Breezy Point (Queens) the bags are unique, stylish and functional. Info for the bag is as follows:

The Stefka Tote was designed in 2015. My strap detail was an original feature of the bag that carried through over the years. I always wanted to find a better leather for the design to make it more cozy and comfortable to carry. The relaxed silhouette offers a casual chic look, while the sturdy straps ensure easy carrying. Whether you’re heading to the office, a coffee shop, or a weekend getaway, this tote effortlessly combines practicality with a laid-back aesthetic. The first run of this bag will be using a natural unfinished vegetable tanned leather. It is absolutely buttery soft and also a very light bag. So it doesn’t come with a lot of weight to it. Will come with imperfections and become more beautiful over time. Suede option comes with leather straps. Choose the color bag and straps. If you want it all monochrome just choose the same 2 colors. Made to order in NYC, please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. 14”w x 11”h x 6”d D d rings to attach crossbodyInner pocket. Hook closure.

elan florist - small holiday reds

A wonderful and magical gift to give throughout the holiday season is a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Your local florist should be able to arrange a holiday bouquet to your budget. We have here Tribeca florist, Elan who creates spectacular arrangements, especially during the holidays. In Elan’s Small Holiday Reds the arrangement is made in a 6" pedestal vase, and features black magic roses and spray roses, aubergine scabiosa, and ranunculus with touches of green cedar. This gift makes for a festive centerpiece on any holiday dining table or coffee table.

LADERACH - FRISCHSCHOGGI CHRISTMAS STICKS

One of the best ways during the holiday to impress her is through her sweet tooth. With that we recommend Laderach, a Swiss chocolate brand founded in the 1960’s and is well known for their chocolate specialties. Elias Läderach, their Master Chocolatier is the only Swiss chocolatier to have earned the title “World Chocolate Master.” Experience his award-winning creations and specialities like FrischSchoggi Sticks Christmas. This selection of fresh chocolate from Läderach chocolatier suisse combines their most popular FrischSchoggi varieties in an attractive, transparent packaging. The perfect way to sweeten the holidays.

QUEER CANDLE CO. - PEPPERMINT & EUCALYPTUS SOY CANDLE

A candle is a sweet and affordable way to show her you are thinking of her during the holidays. For this holiday the Peppermint & Eucalyptus Soy Candle from the Queer Candle Co. smells like the holidays and the fresh winter outdoors. One other important benefit from buying a candle from the Queer Candle Co. is how they give back to the QTBIPOC community:

As a trans and queer owned business, it's important to us that our profits promote visibility and amplify the voices of members of our community - specifically the voices of QTBIPOC folks. We contribute 10% of our profits to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, an NYC based grassroots organization working to "guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence.

CHIMI - 08 SUNGLASSES

If you are planning a trip with your special someone this holiday season to warmer climates, may I recommend a good gift to start the holiday is a set of glamorous sunglasses from Chimi. Chimi is a Swedish contemporary brand founded in Stockholm in 2016 by friends Charlie Lindström and Daniel Djurdjevic, whose ambition was to create a brand that uses only the best materials with a touch of mathematical principles. 08 Sunglasses is a very chic pair of sunglasses with a green acrylic frame for the holidays! 08 is a bold D-shaped frame balancing melodramatic volumes with a linear look. Designed with large UV-protective CR39 lenses and finished with silver-tone rivet hinges. Handcrafted in premium Acetate Renew™, composed of 42% bio based and 28% certified recycled plastic with a customized CHIMI metal core.

STRAND BOOK STORE - NEW YORK: THOUGH A FASHION EYE: SPECIAL EDITION BY MEGAN HESS

From one guide to another, we love New York: Through a Fashion Eye: Special Edition by illustrator Megan Bess as she shares her favorite places to play, sleep, eat and of course shop in the Big Apple. Let Megan Hess take you on a fashion-lover's adventure through the city that never sleeps - from breakfast at Tiffany's to people watching in Central Park. It’s the perfect gift for a New Yorker or a wannabe New Yorker who will cherish this cheat sheet on the best of New York. It’s an affordable and memorable gift they will be sure to cherish.

All our recommended gifts are produced by small, local brands who strive to give back and produce products as ethically as possible. May these gift recommendations inspire you and the local, small brands around you. You are guaranteed thoughtful and unique gifts that will be remembered and appreciated during the holidays.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE TO MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS 2024

Another year, another blog on great Mother’s Day gift recommendations on The Local Artisan Guide. As always we offer curated selections that are artisanal, sustainable with stores that offer small independent brands created by artisans. Your mother will appreciate that you have given great thought to unique gifts that show how much you care. No robe from Sears here! All are available online just click onto the captions under the photos.

Rothy’s has been a longtime favorite of The Local Artisan Guide for years. The brand has been at the forefront of offering stylish footwear made from recycled materials that are comfortable and easy to clean. We are again recommending Rothy’s for this Mother’s Day as they just introduced espadrilles! Imagine a comfortable and stylish espadrille that is also made from recycled materials? We couldn’t resist! Rothy’s offers the espadrille in many colors and patterns so mom will have so many choices.

In our recent trip to San Miguel de Allende we fell in love with Mexican White Ceramics for home decor. The beautiful creamy glaze is perfect for all decor and color schemes. Made my local artisans of Mexico, Marquesa de Mancera offers a stunning and affordable selection of the ceramics. I guarantee your mother will be happy to have one of these handmade, artfully created pieces in her home.

If your mother loves jewelry (whose mother doesn’t) we selected this lovely necklace of multicolored gemstones from Dana Blair Design. Dana Blair always designs not only with aesthetics in mind but how the energy of the gems affect our lives. “This necklace is inspired by the meanings of the 27 individually wrapped stones used to create it. With its myriad colors, the Symbolic necklace pairs so well with any ensemble that you’ll never want to take it off. It looks great alone or layered with other necklaces. Available in 14k gold fill or sterling silver, on a 17″ chain.” All those colors will definitely fit in with mom’s wardrobe.

Res Ispa (legalese for “the thing speaks for itself”) is a brand that focuses on globally-designed one-of-a-kind products made from vintage and repurposed materials. Trust me your mother will love this handmade Cactus silk patchwork kimono made by hand in their atelier in Marrakech. Each kimono's front collar is trimmed with handwoven fabric, cactus silk fabric, or West African mud cloth. It is an original design that will go with everything you have in your wardrobe whilst being sustainable as all the fabrics are repurposed materials. She will be the envy of her friends and you might find yourself asking to borrow it yourself. Think of this gift as the much elevated version of the robe mom usually got for Mother’s Day when you were younger (that was dad’s idea of a gift for sure).

One of the problems you have with perfumes and fragrances is that it is quite common that others can easily share your fragrance (remember the 80’s when everyone and their mother was wearing “Obsession”?). When you seek out small independent perfume brands you drastically decrease this possibility and having a fragrance that is practically your own. That is why we love Widian perfumes. We picked “Granada” by Widian as it is the closest you can come to being in Granada without buying your mother a plane ticket (not that we are discouraging that). The copy alone for the fragrance had us running to try it out: “Resting beneath the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, with multiple World Heritage Sites dating back over a millennia, Granada sits at the crossroads of nature and history. A tribute to this rich legacy in all of its contrasts, the newest fragrance from Widian is a symphony of fiery passion and tranquil breezes, an exquisitely constructed parfum that combines exotic spices, lush florals, and a rich amber base to create an unforgettable, wholly unique experience. Delicately calibrated between he softness of rose and the freshness of juniper, the opening harmoniously blends with the intense heat of black pepper and cinnamon supporting a robust cedarwood heart. The luxurious scent is deepened with rich undertones of amber, musk, vetiver, and patchouli, creating a captivatingly perfect balance that sets you on an historic olfactory journey.” It actually makes for a great unisex fragrance so dad may be seeking a few dabs too!

In our last blog we mentioned visiting 2 Note in Kinderhook, NY and how we fell in love with their fragrance boutique. If you don’t feel confident enough to buy your mother perfume for Mother's Day this candle in the universally loved scent of “Opus 1”Lavender Black Pepper Sandalwood is a no brainer. There is also a “Opus 2” Balsam Fir Frankincense in case you want a woodsier slightly more masculine fragrance. The packaging makes it possible to travel with the 10 oz candle that is made with 100% pure beeswax. The candle is made locally with pure botanical essences, hand poured in small batches. It’s a gift she is not only sure to love, but to actually use.

Our last gift recommendation is the very affordable Mother’s Day Gift suggestion is a book by author Chris Power entitled “Mothers” (how appropriate). Available at one of our favorite independent book stores, McNally Jackson, the synopsis reads as: “A woman uses her mother’s old travel guide, aged years beyond relevance, to navigate on a journey to nowhere; a stand-up comic with writer’s block performs a fateful gig at a cocaine-fueled bachelor party; on holiday in Greece, a father must confront the limits to which he can keep his daughters safe. Braided throughout is the story of Eva, a daughter, wife, and mother, whose search for a self and place of belonging tracks a devastating path through generations.

Ranging from remote English moors to an ancient Swedish burial ground to a hedonistic Mexican wedding, the stories in Mothers lay bare the emotional and psychic damage of life, love, and abandonment. Suffused with yearning, Power’s transcendent prose expresses a profound ache for vanished pasts and uncertain futures.” If your mother is an avid reader and perhaps can’t travel so easily these day, Mothers is a gift that will let her travel in her mind.

While flowers, chocolates and greeting cards will also make her happy, we hope these recommendations show your mother that gift giving is an art form and one that leaves the recipient with feelings of gratitude for being fondly thought of. Let that be, there is no greater gift to mom than your actual presence, that is the best present of all. Happy Mother’s Day to the women who do the hardest job on earth where you never get a day off!

By Natalie Rivera

LAST MINUTE FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS

It’s just not fair. We all know when Mother’s Day is. We prep and plan for Mother’s Day. However it always seems that Father’s Day just happens to sneak up on you when you suddenly realize that you have to rush to find a last minute gift for dear old dad. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a meaningful, unique and thoughtful gift for dad. We here at The Local Artisan Guide are happy to help you with last minute Father’s Day gifts that can easily inspire you and best you can find them near you or online. Dad will never know these special gifts were last minute especially as they are so artisanal.

Have dad look like a cool zaddy and protect him from the sun with a Balibuntal straw fedora, made by your local millinery. Here we have the Nomad from The Hat Shop (in NYC) which is the perfect gift for the dad that likes to travel. This hat is water friendly so it’s perfect for the beach, pool and boating. 4” fedora crown with 2 1/2” brim.

If your dad is a sports fanatic, chances are he considers Jackie Robinson one of his heroes. Not only was Jackie Robinson the ultimate sportsman, he was an exceptional man who broke many barriers for African Americans. There is a museum in Soho, NYC dedicated to Jackie Robinson and we thought this Jackie Robinson baseball jersey with Jackie’s retired number, “42” for the Brooklyn Dodgers would make any dad excited to wear.

Any one can give their dad a “World Best Dad” mug but we think your dad would be more amused with the “Sumo Speckled Mug”. Imagine the smile dad will have every morning with his coffee when he looks at five sumo wrestlers each flexing their personalities. Absolutely adorable.

Is your dad happily retired? Here is the perfect gift for the dad who has worked long and hard for his family and loves to take advantage of the beach and picnics with an “Out of Office” tote from Kempton and Co. Their Out of Office Oversized Tote has been lovingly hand painted in coral red and azur blue, with the words OUT OF OFFICE on the front and a large star on the reverse.  However the back is the front or the front the back!  Think wearable art! The bridle leather handles are adjustable and the bag includes interior pockets for your cell phone, pen and water bottle. It also includes a clip for your keys so you don't have to dig for them. This bag is great for beach and city life. Dimensions 14" H x 12" L x 11" D, 7" Handle Drop adjusts  by 3".

Let’s keep dad dapper and fashionable on special occasions with one of Brackish unique and lovely bowties. We especially love the Edisto. Edisto is a black and blue bow tie crafted with navy, forest green, black, and white pheasant feathers, and grey and white guinea feathers. Center wrap is black grosgrain. Each bow tie is hand-crafted in Charleston, South Carolina and takes approximately five hours to make, start to finish. Bow tie dimensions are 2.5” tall and 4.5” wide. Each feather used in production is all-natural and sustainably sourced. We guarantee your dad will love the attention he will garner with this unique accessory.

If your dad is very traditional, you can still get him a great gift that is also very fashionable. We recommend a boat show from the small brand Inkerman, especially the Yacht Moc, An elevated, yet relaxed, moccasin style adding a contemporary feel to the classic boat shoe design. The Yacht Moc, a close relative to the Boat shoe, retains all the characteristics of an Inkerman boat shoe : an easy-going elegance, with versatility and comfort at the forefront of design. Part of our new Made in Portugal collection focussing on sustainability, premium leathers and hand finishing. 

  • Full-grain, Grade A leather sourced from Italy

  • Eco-friendly Vegetable Tanned Hide

  • Natural Rubber Sole

  • Handmade in Portugal

And because we like to recommend gifts for all price ranges, we have the intellectual dad who loves to read. You can support your local independent book store by buying your dad a book on a subject that he loves (or a gift certificate so he can pick his own book). McNally Jackson is a popular independent book store with a great selection of books any dad would love. We are highlighting Henry Grabar’s deep dive on parking lots, “Paved Paradise”.

We hope our selection of Father’s Day Gift ideas will inspire you especially if you are looking for a gift last minute. Last minute gifting doesn’t necessarily mean bad or thoughtless gifting, you just need to know where to look and shopping local and small business is a win/win. So honor the father or father figure in your life this Sunday. Happy Father’s Day!

By Natalie Rivera

Affordable Mother's Day Gifts for Mom

Can you believe it’s already May? That means Mother’s Day is just around the corner and The Local Artisan Guide once again saves the day by highlighting gifts for mom that are affordable, unique, thoughtful and artisanal. These gifts are made by small, local businesses and your mother will appreciate that you took the time to show her with these gifts how special she is to you. Click on the captions for the links for the items.

Just because mom wants to wear sensible shoes doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish AND comfortable. We love the CHIKO Kaeleigh Round Toe Block Heels Slingback Shoes. The Kaeleigh has a sensible heal and features a leather, suede upper, leather lining, rubber sole. Heel height is approx. 0.5″. We love the green suede and tan trim and know your mom would be delightly surprised by this gift.

Dana Blair is a jewelry designer who after 20 years and a bicoastal life has settled into New York City with her first brick and mortal jewelry boutique in Chelsea, New York (also available online). Dana specializes in beautiful, delicate jewelry that is affordable which lets you layer up with an array of semi-precious stones. Dana’s necklaces, rings, bracelets are great gifts for mom, we especially love her dream catcher’s necklaces which she is most known for and is now on her bracelets. Most of the pieces are under one hundred dollars.

A beautiful journal from your local book or gift store is a thoughtful gift for your mother that she will enjoy as chances are she is more a paper than tech kind of mom. Here at Good for the Study in Nolita, NYC we find a large selection of beautiful journals for mom’s thoughts and ideas.

If your mother loves to cook here is an original gift that she will love for her kitchen and its the Bitterman Salt Co. Pink Himalayan Salt Block & Cookbook (comes with its own saltblock). It’s the ultimate guide to cooking on salt and the awesome power of salt. This cookbook will teach mom to grill, bake and serve on the saltblock. She’ll be appreciative (and so will you) to learn the new skill of saltblock cooking.

One way to make mom feel special on Mother’s Day is to get her a customized gift and we love the Green Velvet Laptop Case with chain and charger pocket. It’s 15” across and comes with her name on it (order on the website to customize). It’s very affordable at just $60 and BAG ALL is a women own business that has focused on sustainability since its concept. Mom will appreciate that you are helping planet earth and giving her a customize gift for Mother’s Day.

One can’t go wrong with a artisanal scented candle for mom. We recently discovered the candles from The Commonfolk Collective that have special “Mum” candles (pictured are the Astrology Candles). This candle is a LIMITED EDITION with only 100 units available. They have tweaked their original Mum label with a NEW peachy coloured background featuring gold foil text to tie in together with our 'Love Ya Mum' Soul Candle + our second LIMITED EDITION candle, Dictionary Meaning Family.

And for our grand finale we have one of our most favored finds, “Marrakech” from The Bubble Collection. Artisanal perfumers Michael Perris and Gregory Cole have worked with world renowned brands before deciding to create their own memorable perfume collection and decided to name it The Bubble. We were immediately captivated by “Marrakesh”. A floral and spicy scent that is described as “Take a stroll through the souk, filled with dazzling aromas of sunny citrus, scintillating spices, sumptuous florals and supple woods. In the shade of a flying carpet, you find yourself entranced by the complex rhythmic patterns of hand-dyed wool, the elegant arabesques on silver platters, and gilded tea glasses in rainbow hues. Tendrils of steam from your tea mingle with swirls of sweet tobacco.” We guarantee any mom would fall in love with the fragrance, its the next best thing to going to Marrakesh.

These are our picks for Mother’s Day. They are affordable, thoughtful, artisanal and will show your mother that even though they are very affordable they are unique and special, just like she is.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

This year for The Local Artisan Guide we are proud to present our gift ideas that come from local, small artisans that can be found on both online stores and brick and mortar shops. With Covid we learned at The Local Artisan Guide that in order to be pandemic proof we must highlight artisans that are both online and brick and mortar. This was always our plan however Covid made us speed up the process of highlighting artisans that do not present their wares in a physical shop. The benefit for this is for everyone as you can be sure to shop from anywhere worldwide. All our gift guides and artisans we have highlighted in the past have had an online site along with their brick and mortar store but not all artisans with an online shop have had the luxury of a store. That said we have gifts in all price ranges and categories to make sure we cover all your bases. This year we have gift suggestions that we know your mother would love and appreciate on this day to honor her that are thoughtful, curated and as original as she is. Just click onto the captions to go to the store sites.

TRUDON

Trudon is the oldest and one of the most prestigious candle and fragrance makers in France, established in 1643 and with a long tradition of excellence we would ordinarily recommend one of their spectacular scented candles however we are recommending as a gift to mother their wax bust of Marie-Antoinette. This little-known copy of Marie-Antoinette of Austria which stands at 22 cm, is attributed to one of the Brachard brothers, either the eldest, Jean-Charles-Nicolas or the youngest, Jean-Nicolas-Alexandre. This object is an idealized portrait of the queen instead of the evocation of a sovereign at the height of her power. The head is slightly turned to the right; the shoulders are covered with a swath of fabric for a natural effect; she is wearing a crown decorated with a fleur-delis and a row of pearls. As one of the most famous and controversial women in French History, Marie-Antoinette was the object of many artistic representations. Many valuable pieces disappeared during the French Revolution. Fortunately, some copies have survived the upheavals of time. Say what you would say about Marie-Antoinette but one thing for sure, she loved her children.

ARIANA BOHLING

Ariana Bohling is a footwear and accessories designer that has managed to also built a following for her incredibly comfy and stylish slippers. What better gift to mom on Mother’s Day than the gift of comfort? These pink slippers are made of ethically sourced baby alpaca fur and handmade in Peru by artisans. The footbed and lining are made with a suede sole and 1/2 inch cushion in the footbed for extra comfort. They come in S, M and L.

CASWELL-MASSEY

Caswell- Massey is America’s Original Soap and Fragrance company with historic, bespoke formulations enjoyed for nearly 300 years. Made in the USA the Goat’s Milk & Honey soaps make your bath or shower time a ritual with their long lasting, plant-based soap that is soothing and moisturizing. Our selection has a soothing and delicate fragrance of honey and hay grass with triple-milled Goat’s Milk. Your mother will appreciate this affordable gift that will make her skin soft and supple.

JOHN ROBSHAW TEXTILES

Although mostly known for his home and bedding collections, John Robshaw has lifestyle gifts for mom and what more classic gift to mom than a robe for Mother’s Day? She will especially appreciate the Dasati Lotus Robe as it is a tribute to John Robshaw’s bedding collection with a Dasati Lotus print on soft pink linen. Made of the best European linen and Indian cotton, this robe is light as air, luxe and refined. The linen is Belgian and the woven in India. One Size.

DESIDERI DESIGN

Desideri Design is a jewelry brand founded by Roman expat Claudia Desideri. Desideri is known for creating jewelry made mostly from Swarovski Crystals however for Mother’s Day we recommend her Quartz and Amethyst Drop earrings. These lovely earrings are Lilac tone colored quartz with Amethyst tear drops with 14k gold filled hoops make for a stunning and affordable gift for Mother’s Day.

APOLIS GLOBAL

Apolis Global is a small group of social entrepreneurs who believe that the most valuable practice is creating lasting change by investing in people. Apolis creates bags that can be personalized by you. The bags are handcrafted in Bangladesh by hundreds of mothers who receive Fair Trade-certified wages, annual profit dividends and a retirement fund. The bags are then shipped to Los Angeles, California where they are customized. The Petite Market Bag with Strap is perfect for small shopping trips and special lunches. Featuring soft leather handles and a detachable strap and spill-proof lining, the Petite Market Bag is made from 100% natural golden jute fiber from Bangladesh and vegetable tanned leather for the straps. Dimensions are 12.5” wide, 9.5” high, 5.5” deep with a 5”x6” inner pocket. The strap is 38” and the drop is 19”. Personalization is optional however its a clever way to announce to the world how you have “No 1 Mom”!

ROSEBOX

Rose Box NYC is the premier luxury long lasting flower atelier in New York City. By combining the alluring and natural beauty of the rose and their proprietary preservation process, Rose Box NYC produces unforgettable floral arrangements that last for an entire year with absolutely no maintenance required. Their arrangements stay fresh, vibrant and beautiful and are hand crafted to make any moment or any space one to remember. The Custom Medium box comes with 20 to 24 XL long-lasting roses. The roses in the arrangements come from Ecuador and your have the options of creating custom arrangements and even having the box personalized. What mother would not want a beautiful bouquet of fragrant roses that last a year? It’s Mother’s Day all year round.

VOZ

VOZ (“Voice” in Spanish) is an ethical fashion brand founded by Jasmine Etoile Aarons whose mission is to protect the livelihoods, well-being and cultural values of rural indigenous women globally. Voz pays living wages for every textile and sewn garment and use sustainable fibers and processes. This beautiful duster is perfect for moms of all sizes and ages as it is a solid hand-loomed duster in 100% organic cotton flammé. The 100% organic pima cotton is hand-loomed in Chile by Mapuche artisan weavers. Available also in black, white and pewter.

COQUI COQUI AT AEDES

Located in Aedes, the highly curated of fragrance boutique, Flor de Mayo A powerful and sensual floral scent, Flor de Mayo combines exotic, peachy, spring Mayflower and balmy, sweet and sensual frangipani notes, complete with a twist of fresh, fragile, bewitching jasmine, adding an uplifting luminosity. Evocative frangipani is native to Mexico and the Caribbean shores, and a flower that is peppered throughout the folklores of the Yucatan and ancient Mayan medicine. Jasmine is also known by natives as huele de noche (scent of the night) for its far-travelling, seductive notes that come to life in the dusky evening breeze. Flor de Mayo is evocative of dreamy, warm, balmy nights in tropical climates and spontaneous encounters in places new. We recommend this fragrance because we are sure its like nothing your mother ever had on her skin and she will thank you for it!

VICTORIA VAN DER LAAN AT ANNIE SELKE

Innovative textile designer Victoria Van Der Laan of The Binderie in Hudson Valley has made a collaborative capsule collection of home decor pillows with Annie Selke that we are sure your mother would love! She will appreciate the colorful, mid-century Modern look to her home (best it can used both indoors and outdoors). These gorgeous Indoor/Outdoor pillows portray Victoria's artwork, translated by expertly printing onto our favorite Greylock sun, rain, dog and child-proof performance fabric. Crafted by artisans in India committed to fair-labor practices. Dimensions 22” x 22” with a enclosed zipper.

We hope these curated gift ideas for Mother’s Day help you celebrate the woman that raised and loved you. Every mother that raised her children with love and valor deserves a special, original and thoughtout gift to let her know how much she is appreciated and loved.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY FIVE: FOOTWEAR

On day five of our Twelve Days of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide we put a spotlight on five artisanal footwear brands that follow traditional craftsmanship for creating high quality footwear, yet incorporate contemporary aesthetics for a winning combination that make for exceptional gift giving. These brands are produced in England, Spain and the US and share a passion for creating sustainable practices all the while delivering a stylish product.

J. FITZPATRICK “SNOQUALMIE - RUGGED BROWN COMMANDO”, $545

J. Fitzpatrick has a unique business model that is a little what you would call “old school” as their shoes are made-to-order (MTO). MTO program is the perfect option for those who wish to customize their shoes. MTO allows you to personally select the elements that make up a shoe, including the material, color, last shape, and sole choice. Your pricing varies with the selection of materials and styles. A nonrefundable 50% deposit must be made to commence production on a MTO order, with the outstanding balance being required before final delivery. Alternatively, paying the entire price up front will apply an automatic 10% discount off the total amount (base price + MTO surcharge).This program is available for all J. FitzPatrick models ever produced, and is not limited to those currently available in our boutique. MTO is not available for the JF Line.The shoe we picked, the Rugged Brown is an oil-tanned pull-up leather that will scuff and age beautifully over time. And it takes a killer shine too! But more importantly, is very durable and hard-wearing with their sleek Commando sole. What an amazing gift to give! A bespoke shoe experience that will be treasured always. $$$

ARIANA BOHLING “CLEM CLOG BOOTIE CHOCOLATE” $358

Ariana Bohling is a collection of distinctive and directional footwear for the modern nomad. Ethically sourced and produced by master Peruvian craftspeople, Ariana has gained notoriety for her luxury Alpaca Fur Slippers. Her Clem clog bootie is made of super soft suede, hits just above the ankle and has a slouchy pull on style. It is lined in 100% leather, sits upon a genuine wood clog bottom, and has a rubber outsole. The boot features a memory foam footbed and 3" heel with 1" platform. Fits true to size. Ethically handmade in Brazil. $$-$$$

ALOHAS “SWAY BLACK BALLET SLIPPERS” $151

Alohas is a sustainable footwear brand that operates on a business model of “on demand shopping” which basically boils down to Alohas accepts pre orders so they know exactly how many units to order so there is not left over stock or production there fore avoiding waste. Our choice is their ballet flats, “Sway” featuring a stylish square toe. Flexible sole designed to offer greater comfort and a front string-bow for a special touch of ladies who lunch. All of their shoes are crafted out of Leather Working Group Certified Leather. This means, sustainable leathers, low impact dying thus less pollution. Made in Spain. $$

FAIRFAX & FAVOR “THE HEELED AMIRA, TAN SUEDE LADIES OVER THE KNEE HEELED BOOT”, $576

Fairfax & Favor, founded by brothers Marcus and Felix is an English brand, handmade in Spain that celebrates footwear that celebrates both city and country life. The Heeled Amira is a boot that oozes elegance and sophistication. Sitting beautifully over the knee, the Heeled Amira stands out from the crowd with a graceful 7cm block heel; the boot also features an elasticated spine for superior fit and a full-length zip to ensure a smooth, secure closure, tastefully finished with an interchangeable tassel. A stunning occasion boot, guaranteed to turn heads. $$-$$$

LEFFOT, US RUBBER, “MILITARY LOW TOP- NAVY FELT SNEAKERS” $110

Leffot was founded in May 2008 in Manhattan’s West Village. Their goal is to be at the forefront — offering classic styles that represent quality, comfort, and value. Besides offering custom made shoes, Leffot also offers a selection of curated footwear and that includes our choice, the classic Military Foot Top made by US Rubber. Founded in 1892, US Rubber Company produced high-quality sneakers for many companies, including Keds and the US military, until 1917. 2019 saw the relaunch of the iconic brand with the reissue of the classic military sneaker. Made in one of the oldest rubber factories in Europe, the sneakers feature a vulcanised sole, which makes them extremely durable and flexible. Features for this sneaker include: navy Portugese wool felt, metal eyelets, Vulcanized sole and includes two sets of laces, one navy and one black. It’s an affordable way to gift the man in your life a pair of classic footwear from a heritage brand. $$-$$$

What makes these five footwear brands so great for gift giving is that all brands offer an artisanal experience and a story along with sustainable and slow fashion ideals. The footwear choices we made for our gift guide are gifts anyone would be proud to wear and cherish.

By Natalie Rivera



Day Tripping...Exploring Local Upstate NY

While many of us may not be ready to jump on a plane yet, with summer around the corner and warmer beautiful weather upon us there are many options to get out and start enjoying the world again in a safe manner. This is the time to go day tripping and explore local.

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Turn Daddy Into a Zaddy! Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is just around the corner and The Local Artisan Guide has some suggestions for Father’s Day gifts to help turn your Daddy into a Zaddy (Urban Dictionary: A fine, handsome and sexy ass intelligent man that makes you smile, he looks good, smells good and is good).

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Thoughtful and Unique Mother's Day Gifts for Mom

The Local Artisan Guide has come out with its annual Mother’s Day Gifts guide that will help you chose thoughtful, unique gifts that are made by artisans and small independent brands that care passionately about their work, their workers, their products and the earth. We have chosen an array of categories from fashion, accessories, perfumes, beauty, home decor, jewelry, flowers, footwear, sweets and more. If you want to show your mother that she is your hero and deserves a gift that shows how special she is to you, then this is the guide is for you. So click onto the caption and the link will bring you to the website. All recommendations are available online.

Custom greeting cards by Pointy Pen Cards, DM Pointy_Pen_cards on Instagram by Michael Mendoza

Custom greeting cards by Pointy Pen Cards, DM Pointy_Pen_cards on Instagram by Michael Mendoza

We know your mother will love anything you give her but she will definitely tell her friends you are her favorite if you chose any of the magnificent gifts recommended in our gift guide. However in the end, quality time and telling your mom you love her and she is the best mom in the world will always be on the top of her gift list.

By Natalie Rivera

The Local Artisan Guide Presents Black Friday Picks In a 2020 Covid World

In a Covid world The Local Artisan Guide has had to rethink some of our strategies and our mission in connecting local artisans with those who seek their products as many of these small brands have unfortunately either have closed for good, relocated or are now operating solely online. 

The last few months The Local Artisan Guide has been hitting the pavement to update our index of small brands and artisans that have managed to maintain their brick and mortar stores during these difficult times when lockdown has been the death knell for so many businesses both large and small around the world. We have researched and updated where many small brands have relocated and currently we are now focusing on brands that operate solely online. 

The Local Artisan Guide has from the beginning featured brick and mortar stores of small brands and artisans from around the world. It is a very niche aspiration fueled by an audience of philocalist around the world who love travel, beauty, art and fine craftsmanship. Our devotees currently cannot travel freely and explore the world as they were able to in the past, so for now The Local Artisan Guide is fast forwarding our plan to also feature brands that either operate solely online or open seasonal pop up stores/markets. In a Covid and even in a post Covid world having an online presence is now essential to keep small brands and artisans going and our recommendations below are going to represent both categories. 

The twenty one brands and artisans in this post are tried and true and include all price points. They are located in New York City, London, Scotland, Paris and Rome. In the turbulent year of 2020 our objective is to connect the artisan and the stagnant philocalist in a mutually satisfying enterprise whilst shopping in a safe and responsible manner. Please be aware some of the brick and mortar stores mentioned in this post may be temporary closed due to lockdown however their online sites are still operating.

ONLINE BRANDS

ARTICLE 22 offers these earrings are the definition of sustainable: environmentally, they are upcycled from shrapnel and debris, culturally, they are made by fair trade Laotian artisans who developed this craft technique in the 1970s, and socially, men and women work side byside at homemade earthen kilns in their gardens.

DESIDERI DESIGNS is a jewelry brand created by Roman native turned New Yorker Claudia Desideri. Exquisitely handcrafted in her Manhattan studio each piece of jewelry is unique and one-of-a-kind. Only using high quality materials like the gorgeous and luxury Swarovski crystals and precious metals. Desideri Designs go beyond industry standard to offer silver, gold and crystals with daring designs that reflect a sense of beauty, and craftsmanship.

PIPER & LEAF TEA is a family run local tea company creating gourmet blends that are simply divine to sip iced on a steamy summer night, or hot on a long winter evening, and serving the joy, are their passions. Based in North Alabama, their teas are blended with as many local ingredients as possible, straight from the garden, farm, forest, and briar patch.

PATENT OF HEART is a leatherwear brand created by Turkish designer Elif Akaydin. Patent of Heart works hard to create stylish sustainable leather goods that give back to woman causes. Our Heart shaped keychain goes with just about everything! Its great for your car, home keys, your purse or a great gift! The leather feels soft to touch yet sturdy in shape. It comes with a a small 14K gold plated heart charm attached to the key ring.

SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE is a brand that works with artisans in Mexico, mostly women. The Sunshine Lightpack is 40% lighter than the average bag, and can also be rolled to take up less space than a Chipotle burrito 🌯 This is all thanks to a traditional technique – perfected by the artisans of Oaxaca, Mexico – that threads material tighter than any industrial machine. Be nimble, be quick! This pack flies off the shelf.

Gold Antenna Ring, $480 Oxidized Sterling Silver with 6 14k recycled gold balls.

Gold Antenna Ring, $480 Oxidized Sterling Silver with 6 14k recycled gold balls.

JUDITH HAAS is a Dutch jewelry designer and fine artist based in New York. Judith specializes in using gold, silver, bronze and semi precious stones. Her work is characterized by finely crafted textures and unfinished surfaces in contrast with colorful patinas that reflect her passion for art and design history and the industrial environment surrounding her Williamsburg Brooklyn studio.

HIGHGROVE GARDENS. It was our binge watching of season 4 of “The Crown” that led us to this pick. Curious to see what Prince Charles grows in his organic gardens at his home in Highgrove, we discovered an array of specialized botanical products. Their soaps will Infuse your bathroom or cloakroom with the delicate fragrance of bluebells with this luxury triple-milled soap. Made from pure vegetable oil, it gives a wonderfully rich and moisturising lather to leave skin feeling beautifully clean, soft and lightly scented. Part of Highgrove’s Miriam range, the soap is wrapped in paper printed with our specially commissioned floral design. Created by London artist and former Liberty designer Sally Kelly, it is a wonderful interpretation of the myriad flowers and grasses that grow in Highgrove’s Wildflower Meadow. The range takes its name from Dame Miriam Rothschild, a passionate conservationist, who created the original seed mix that was planted in the meadow over 40 years ago.

BIANCA ELGAR is a British accessories and apparel designer whose designs are made from the finest materials, (mostly are also made in the Britain), they are manufactured by talented craftsmen and women to an impeccable standard. This scarf is a dramatic, oversized 130 cm square scarf.  A versatile style statement! Silkscreen print design, sunshine yellow and bold orange flowers against a tropical blue background contrast with black and white detail. Printed on pure, luxurious silk in rich pigment, it will imbue your look with a dash of art. 100% Silk Twill. Edges are finely pin hemmed.

JOHN ROBSHAW TEXTILES is known for his East/West textile bedding designs however his brand also carries great accessories that are sustainable and that included the Recycle Robshaw Collection Limited edition products that are created from repurposed and excess fabric with the goal of reducing textile waste. Stay on the safe side and avoid getting any cranberry sauce on your new holiday threads. This kitchen set, which includes an oven mitt, potholder, and apron, will keep you stylish as you cook for people you may or may not be related to.

AFTER MARCH is a project for advocating awareness of unfair practices of the fashion industry. These unique, one-of-a-kind pieces are haute couture up cycled. Mini Me partner look! Made to order. 100% cotton. as ever, high-quality vintage shirts: why preclude the kids from having fun too?

URBAN MONK LINE line began as an all-purpose gentlemen's balm for hair, beards, hands, and body. Created by Leo Funderburk, it is 100% natural, using pure essential oils, and artisan-crafted in New York. Not only do they use the best ingredients, waste is minimized in the making process for a healthier environment. Urban Monk Balm has expanded their holistic and clean approach to other self-care products and home goods. Shop a full line of exquisitely scented candles, essential oils, perfumes and other products, and feel good about the sustainable way they approach business, the environment, community and personhood.

BRICK & MORTAR

New York

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KEMPTON & CO. is a heritage brand founded by Fiona Kempton who was inspired by her equestrian and sailing background. She designs bags with gorgeous soft leathers and textiles, combining the utility of equestrian hardware. She prides herself in always maintaining an artistic approach to function; it is a philosophy that the company strives to maintain with every bag. The Old English Collection is made of oiled saddle leather and adorned with our signature handcrafted reclaimed bone & horn toggles.

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THE HAT SHOP. Watching “Emily in Paris” inspired this pick for a bucket hat done right. Founded by milliner Linda Pagan, The Hat Shop combines the wide selection found in department stores with the custom service of a millinery shop. The shop's collection features its own label as well as the work of up to 15 local milliners.

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THE ALCHEMIST KITCHEN is dedicated to connecting you with the power of plants. They work with the finest herbalists who are producing high quality botanical medicines, herbal remedies, and whole plant beauty products. These organic and breathable cotton face masks are designed with two layers of cotton, and useful cotton ribbing for adjustable sizing. Each Mask is naturally dyed with Madder Root. This ancient and abundant perennial dye and its roots have been used for thousands of years to produce beautiful red hues. Each mask is hand-sewn. There are three colors and stock is very limited.

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ARIANA BOHLING is a Brooklyn based handmade shoe brand. Ariana began making shoes in her studio in Brooklyn beginning with delicately braided Italian leather sandals. Since then she and business partner Alyson Kurtz have expanded production to Peru and Asia in order to maintain quality handmade products produced by local artisans in small workshops. Ariana Bohling believes in fair trade practices that provide good working conditions & livable wages in order to promote sustainability of the artisans, their industry, and the art of handcrafting shoes. To ensure quality standards & working conditions Ariana and Alyson spend time in Peru and Asia to oversee the production and development process of the collection each season. All shoes are handcrafted from 100% leather and all components are sourced locally. All slippers use elements of Alpaca fiber or pelts which are sustainably sourced and cruelty-free. The Percy Winter Boot Smoothis a leather boot that hits just below the calf.  Super soft faux fur lining, inside zip.  3" heel with 1.5" Platform height.  Leather stack heel and treaded rubber platform for extra grip in winter weather.  Rubber Sole.  Fits true to size.

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FUEGUIA was founded in 2010 in Buenos Aires by Julian Bedel, Fueguia 1833 is a unique concept in the universe of the worldwide perfumery. The source of inspiration is Argentina, the land being an inexhaustible source of stimuli for creating new fragrances, and the brand being a personal tribute to the history, art, music, and nature that distinguish the vibrant culture of South America. Fueguia BioActive Molecules. Incorporates four types of disinfection into one product working synergically. Stabilized Chlorine dioxide (CIO2), a safe compound known for it's effectives in deactivating SARS-Coronavirus, Antrax, Influenza, Hepatitis B, etc. combined with 45 medicinal plants with a proven biocide effect, 70% organic ethanol and a surfactant (soap) that acts breaking the virus lipid bilayer. We will donate part of our monthly production to the Milano area hospitals. Available in 100ml in our Biophotonic glass bottles.

EUROPE

(Please check to see if store is not temporarily closed due to lockdown)

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DUKE OF UKE is one of the premier shops around the world dedicated solely to the ukulele. Kala Ukadelic Flamingo Soprano Ukulele is a compact, friendly ukulele made from painted laminated poplar wood, with a bright, cheery sound. Featuring a smooth feeling matte finish, the KalaUK-FLAMINGO has a pine neck with laurel fingerboard and comes with Aquila Super Nylgut Strings. Every Ukadelic ukulele comes with it's own convenient Kala logo drawstring bag. Located in London.

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ISLE OF MULL SOAP CO. is a family owned bath and body brand that specializes in featuring soaps made with ingredients local to the Hebrides. Besides soaps they also make candles and bath bombs. Can you get any more in the Christmas spirit with a Frankincense and Myrrh Bath Bomb? The shop is located on the Isle of Mull, in the inner Hebrides isle off Scotland.

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JOHN FOWLER is a charming antique shop that also offers interior design services. It’s a dream item but we are featuring an early 18th century Italian bed tester covered in blue-braided yellow linen with agave finials, the replacement head curtains and base valance with original braid re-applied. New hand-made mattress and bed base.

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MONDELIANNI is an Italian independent eyewear brand with stores around Rome that also feature artisan brands made in Italy. The Woody eyewear is part of the The Rigadritto Collection which is characterized by classic shapes revisited in a minimal key and basic colors of white, gold and black. The essence of shapes and design pays homage to great icons of international cinema.

MELODIES GRAPHIQUES is a store renowned for its fine paper and stationery boutiques, It is an especially charming spot to browse its exquisite range of paper, notebooks, greeting cards, bookmarks, sealing wax, ink and calligraphy pens. Owner-calligraphist Eric de Tugny is also an entomologist and sells his intricate insect illustrations in store. This store is located in Paris.

We are excited this very turbulent year to cite these brands for their mastery of craftsmanship, sustainability, what they contribute to the local economy and the stories of how they came to be. Now more than ever is the time to shop local and shop in a responsible manner for the holidays so that these brands may long flourish into the future.

By Natalie Rivera













Father's Day Gifts in the Time of Covid-19 and Upheaval

Father’s Day 2020 is a tricky one. Depending on where you live and your parents health, Father’s Day in the time of Covid-19 in 2020 is proving to be an unorthodox celebration.

Say you are living in an area where there is still a quarantine, the best possible gift to your father is to stay away, especially if he has a health condition. Dad hugs are great but even better is to still have him around healthy. Perhaps you can visit but still need to wear a mask? Maybe your father lives far away so visiting him is off the table completely. The Local Artisan Guide is here to suggest gift ideas that are affordable, help local businesses that have been struggling due to Covid-19 and charitable for today’s relevant issues. We have a selection of gift ideas for all price points that can be ordered online to make it easy for dad to receive.

Kempton and Co. Wooden Slingshot

Kempton & Co. is a Brooklyn handbag and accessories brand founded by English designer Fiona Kempton who draws inspiration from her equestrian background, design and culture. Her website features a Wooden Slingshot that is guaranteed to get dad off the couch and into nature to sharpen his mischievous slingshot skills. The Hella Slingshot is the real deal. It’s just like the wood weapons you used to make as a kid, but with an added touch of grown up craftsmanship. Each one-of-a-kind slingshot is handmade in San Francisco from forked tree branches, carefully airbrushed with acrylic paint, and outfitted with a leather projectile pouch using natural latex tubing and imitation sinew. Guaranteed to help dad’s fading hand-eye coordination!

Hudson Single Malt Whiskey from the Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery

In these troubling times we can all use a drink. So may we recommend Hudson Single Malt Whiskey? Hudson Single Malt Whiskey is a product from the Tuthilltown Spirits Farm Distillery which is New York’s first whiskey distillery since prohibition, distilling some of America’s most prized spirits here in the Hudson Valley. The distillery uses local ingredients from a span of ten miles and has produced award winning whiskey, gin and vodka on their premises. The Hudson Single Malt Whiskey is made in the classic fashion with whole ground malted barley and nothing else. Aged in their small American Oak casks, this whiskey is a departure from popular single malt Scotches. Rich in color and full flavored, their single malt is an American reinterpretation of traditional Scottish and Irish whiskies. Here’s to you Dad!

Thursday Boot Co.

Thursday Boots are a footwear brand that creates high quality boots at affordable prices (Vogue says they are the best boots under $200). Thursday Boots partner with world-renowned suppliers and highly skilled artisans to carefully handcraft their footwear. Only the highest ethical and quality standards are accepted. Their goal is to make products that their can proudly stand by, and that you can confidently stand in for years to come. The Captain boot in the color terra-cotta is a guaranteed Dad pleaser that he will cherish for years to come and rest assured he will be the most fashionable dad at the pub, or wherever your dad likes to congregates.


DS & Durga, Bowmakers Perfume

DS & Durga is a local perfume brand made in NY that seeks to replicate olfactory aromas from places, experiences and objects recalling memories from times past. DS & Durga formulate their fragrances using both traditional and eclectic ingredients. Their perfume Bowmakers recreates the transcendental woods of the 1800s, where craftsmen from the Massachusetts Bay Colony built violins and bows. Old growth mahogany, burled maple shavings, amber pine rosin, aged walnut and unique secret varnishes make this manly fragrance that is pure time travel. It’s a Father’s Dad gift that will please both Dad AND Mom if you know what I mean…

Charitable contribution in his name to the NAACP, ACLU, Black Lives Matter or a charity he is passionate about.

NAACP, ACLU, BLACK LIVES MATTER, or whatever floats his boat.

NAACP, ACLU, BLACK LIVES MATTER, or whatever floats his boat.

Let’s face it, the world is a mess. Even more than usual. The United States has been experiencing times of extreme hardship this year and a charitable donation to an organization that assists the pertinent issues of these troubled times is certainly called for. Whether your dad is woke and would appreciate a donation in his name or not that quite evolved, you can make lemonade out of all the lemons out there and donate to a charitable donation in his name.

So may we recommend the NAACP, the ACLU and Black Lives Matter. If you don’t want to make a political statement this Father’s Day you can always donate to his favorite charity, for example; Dad is an avid bird watcher and lives in Brooklyn so donate to the Brooklyn Bird Club. There are so many great charities that help the environment, refugees, children, animals, arts, etc. You can be sure to find a charitable organization that your dad is proud to have a donation sent in his name to. Win/Win!

We hope you have a safe and healthy Father’s Day with your father or father figure. Good men, good fathers need to be celebrated in a scary world where all you want is to feel safe and loved.

Happy Father’s Day!


By Natalie Rivera

Distinctive Father's Day Gifts

Finding a gift for dear old dad on Father’s Day can either be spectacularly easy when you have a father that doesn’t have discriminating taste (a run of the mill tie, some Old Karate, a knitted vest). Or maybe you have an extraordinary father who appreciates the finer things in life, or you want to introduce your father to some of your marvelous finds. If its the latter then this blog is for you.

The Local Artisan Guide recommends the following for distinctive Father’s Day gifts that he will appreciate you went to all the effort for.

D.S. & Durga is a fragrance brand that specializes in scents that recreate experiences. Many of the scents are unisex in nature, however for Father’s Day, “Burning Barbershop” is the perfect scent for dad. The description of Burning Barbershop is as follows: A fire broke out in the Curling Bros. barbershop in Westlake, N.Y. in 1891. All the shaving tonics with their spearmint, lime, vanilla and lavender burned. A charred bottle was found half-full. It smelled like this.

Australian motorcycle brand, Deus Ex Machina, created this trucker hat designed specifically for the dads that want the most out of the warm weather ahead—a cushioned crown, meshed back, and quick-drying design keeps blocks out the sun, keeps ya cool, and looks great in the process.

How stylish and comfortable will your dad be when he slips into his C’H’C’M’ Yogi Elijah Negative Heel Boot. This very affordable suede boot is made in Portugal using the finest suede leathers in Europe.

St. Frank is a home decor brand that features home accessories made from artisans around the world. This St. Frank iPhone case depicts a vintage Kuba cloth from the Republic of Congo, a unique textile featuring complex designs that are created when various geometric raffia pieces are stitched to a plain raffia background. The resulting rough surface is punctuated by repeated geometric patterns with unexpected interruptions in design. Men cultivate the raffia palm and weave the raffia cloth; women then create the patterned textiles. Traditionally, Kuba cloth was used as a wrapped skirt worn during burials. Later, it was incorporated in ceremonial dress for ritual dances and other celebrations.

Rowing Blazers, the brand that focuses on rediscovering and reinventing preppie also offers collections of vintage watches. Here is the Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 dates to circa 1967 and includes its chronometer certificate (a.k.a. "COSC papers") and an extremely rare "The Day-Date" promotional booklet. The dial is beautifully preserved and the case is crisp and full. Wind Vintage purchased this watch from Heritage Auctions in April for $8,437.50, just so there is full transparency on its origin and what was paid. It is understood that the consignor to the auction was the original owner. This watch is currently on view at the Rowing Blazers Clubhouse at 161 Grand Street in New York City. Curated by Wind Vintage.

Nomad Tribe, the sustainable clothing brand has the perfect Father’s Day gifts for the “Woke” dad, here is the Mutuba Organic PlayNomad Shirt, their softest polo yet. Did you notice the musical prints and the 2-tone buttons? (Have another look. Perfect for on the run or the golf course, easily paired with khaki pants, shorts or jeans.

Our picks range from high luxury to extremely affordable and should make dads of all ages pleased you put so much time and attention show them how much you appreciated them being your dad.

Click onto the captions for more product information.

Happy Father’s Day!

By Natalie Rivera



Hudson Yards

Recently Hudson Yards, a complex that includes residences, offices, shops, restaurants and cultural institutions all encased among innovative architecture (innovative for NYC) has opened up to the general public.

The Local Artisan Guide feels its important for you to have information at your hand for shopping destinations whether its on a charming small dead end street or a multilevel complex. Hudson Yards is certainly the latter.

Located at West 34th Street and 11th Ave. (you can take the #7 train to Hudson Yards directly or a crosstown bus), Hudson Yards is where the MTA has housed subway cars for decades (still does). After exiting the highly stylized new subway station, you encounter a complex of new, cutting edge buildings that include residences, the Equinox Hotel, and a very upscale mall for New York City.

Hudson Yards include a complex of residences, office buildings, shops and The Equinox Hotel.

Hudson Yards include a complex of residences, office buildings, shops and The Equinox Hotel.

There is a structure outside the shops that looks like the skeletal system of a bug or artichoke called “The Vessel”. It is a piece that you can enter and explore from the inside (much like the Statue of Liberty). To enter you need to go onto Hudson Yards’s website www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com and reserve a time and day to enter the sculpture (its free). 

In the center of Hudson Yards you will encounter The Vessel, a sculpture you are allowed to enter and explore (tickets available for free online).

In the center of Hudson Yards you will encounter The Vessel, a sculpture you are allowed to enter and explore (tickets available for free online).

After exploring The Vessel you can head straight to the shops across the way. The main store here is department store Neiman Marcus. Neiman Marcus has never been situated in NYC (except for Neiman Marcus Last Call in Brooklyn) so in a city that has been losing iconic department stores for the last few years (Lord & Taylor, Henri Bendel’s etc.) it is nice to have one that has a long reputable establish itself here. Neiman Marcus presents itself in a minimal way, there is no or little clutter. They offer a strongly curated assortment of established and emerging designers in its store. 

Neiman Marcus is the dominant department store at Hudson Yards, located on the third floor.

Neiman Marcus is the dominant department store at Hudson Yards, located on the third floor.

A view of The Vessel and the trains lined up in at Hudson Yards from the interior.

A view of The Vessel and the trains lined up in at Hudson Yards from the interior.

What is interesting in the consortium of stores in the Hudson Yards is its range. Here you can find high end brands such as Christian Dior and Cartier’s, to mid range brands like Kate Spade and Tori Burch all the way to H&M and Zara. All presented much like the high end malls you see in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. Downtown in the financial district you have a similar collection of stores in Battery Park City with high end brands, grand architecture, restaurants, hotels and residences all flowing into each other, yet at Hudson Yards there is a difference as the selection of stores at Hudson Yards has a curated feel to it. Besides the brands mentioned there are also more independent brands that you would find by strolling down the streets of Soho but you wouldn’t find their presence in American malls. These brands include Scanlan Theodore, M.Gemi and Hatch to name a few. 

Fendi is one the high end stores you will find at Hudson Yards amongst others.

Fendi is one the high end stores you will find at Hudson Yards amongst others.

Zara and H&M are some of the affordable stores you will find at Hudson Yards.

Zara and H&M are some of the affordable stores you will find at Hudson Yards.

Scanlan Theodore is one of the many independent brands that have opened in Hudson Yards.

Scanlan Theodore is one of the many independent brands that have opened in Hudson Yards.

Also unlike the malls in Asia or in Battery Park City, Hudson Yards strives to have something for everybody as shopping and eating there runs the gamut of all price ranges. You can find both high end restaurants and more affordable eating, like Shake Shack at Hudson Yards. 

Hudson Yards offers besides shops, multiple places of all price points to dine. Shake Shack is amongst food choices at Hudson Yards.

Hudson Yards offers besides shops, multiple places of all price points to dine. Shake Shack is amongst food choices at Hudson Yards.

Many of the shops have still yet to open at the Hudson yards. The experience of shopping at Hudson Yards is similar to the World Trade Center instead there the art structure is part of the interior shopping experience and in Hudson Yards its on the exterior of the building.  Hudson Yards incorporates art installations throughout the interior and exterior of the complex making for a cultural experience too.

Hudson Yards included art throughout the entire complex.

Hudson Yards included art throughout the entire complex.

Hudson Yards is bound to be a popular place to visit in the future, especially if you live there or are staying in Midtown when visiting NYC. It is definitely worth a visit.

By Natalie Rivera

Bleek Street No More

In the summer of 2017 The Local Artisan Guide wrote a blog on the sad state of Bleecker Street. With its high rate of empty store fronts, Bleecker Street was starting to look more and more like a street in the mid-west rust belt. Retailers both local and national were abandoning their shops due to astronomical rent increases while landlords were fine with waiting out for tenants that could afford high rents. A few national beauty brands were moving in such as Aesop and The Organic Pharmacy, but in general walking down Bleecker Street seemed quite bleak. 

Fast forward to early 2019 where walking down Bleecker Street is now a more positive experience. Rents have started to come down however there are still multiple shops that are empty. Unfortunately stores are still closing (Sunni Spencer just shut down) but a few new brands are opening up under the revitalization project “Love, Bleecker.”

Still many empty storefronts dot Bleecker Street.

Still many empty storefronts dot Bleecker Street.

“Love, Bleecker” is a collaboration between Skylight and Brookfield Properties, created to breathe back some life into Bleecker Street. “Love, Bleecker” has acquired four storefronts to introduce four online brands who never had a brick and mortar presence. The four brands are couture retailers Prabal Gurung, men’s leather good brand Slightly Alabama, cashmere brand Lingua Franca and plant based bodega with floral collab Bonberi & Fleurotica. 

Along with the storefronts “Love, Bleecker” will also introduce art installations, music and more interactive community events in collaboration with the shops. 

#lovebleecker

#lovebleecker

“Love, Bleecker” paired each shop with an artist to have fashion and art play off each other. For Slightly Alabama they paired artist Chelsea Hryrick Browne, who created an installation of intricately hand-cut paper designs that will be displayed in the shop’s windows for 6 months. Her designs, which are layers of hand-cut paper create the illusion of an abstract painting.

Slightly Alabama and artist Chelsea Hrynick Browne collaboration.

Slightly Alabama and artist Chelsea Hrynick Browne collaboration.

Prabal Gurung was paired with Edward Ross who crafted a glass sculptural lighting installation which will live in the space for the year.

Prabal Gurung and Edward Ross collaboration.

Prabal Gurung and Edward Ross collaboration.

Lingua Franca was partnered with artist Ashley Longshore who made a very colorful and glittery painting of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Lingua Franca and Ashley Longshore collaboration.

Lingua Franca and Ashley Longshore collaboration.

Bonberi & Fleurotica have been paired with Signe Pierce who created floral and neon illuminated sculptures. 

Bonberi & Fleurotica collaboration with Signe Pierce.

Bonberi & Fleurotica collaboration with Signe Pierce.

Besides “Love, Bleecker” there have been multiple store openings of brands that have not had brick and mortar stores including; TDE (The Daily Edit), Kilona, St.Frank, Naadam, Margaux, Hill House Home and gold no.8 to name a few. Some pop up shops have opened up indefinitely such as Netluxe, The Citizenry Bunkhouse, Buckberry, Quaker Marine Supply and Greyers. Other more established brands have opened up new locations on Bleecker Street, which include Faherty, Buck Mason, Jay Kos and Marine Layer making Bleecker Street an up and coming men’s fashion destination.

Welcome to Bleecker Street! New brands are popping up along the way.

Welcome to Bleecker Street! New brands are popping up along the way.

So in the end, just walk down Bleecker Street, enjoy the new brands, art and events and remember at the end of the road there is thankfully Magnolia Bakery.

By Natalie Rivera

Sustainable Father's Day Gifts in all Price Points

For Father's Day The Local Artisan Guide is here to help you shop more sustainably for Father's Day gifts. Whether you are shopping for an older father/father figure or a new dad, The Local Artisan Guide has gathered some impressive sustainable AND stylish gifts to give to your father in all prices points from high end to extremely affordable. 

NOAH WAXMAN

Noah Waxman began his first collection with a few styles built by hand in America. Now the Handmade in USA collection celebrates the best in American boot-making. The USA boots blend a rugged Americana vibe with modern lines and unexpected colors and textures. The leathers represent some of the best in America, from locally sourced skins like Chromexcel and Shell Cordovan from Chicago's Horween tannery to American Bison. All USA boots are Goodyear welted for exceptional performance in all weather and years and years of life.  This is the classic American work boot, taken to new heights. The Hudson is a cap-toe lace-up boot that will last ages. Chicago-tanned Horween leather with a distinctive butt seam on the toe makes the Hudson boot stand out from the crowd. $595

ECOALF

Ecoalf is a retail brand that uses recycled and ecofriendly resources for their products. Their Briefcase isn an ultra-light bag perfect for your gym days, weekend trips or your day-to-day routine, thanks to its wide capacity. Equipped with hand and shoulder handle for maximum adaptability. It is made of 70% polyester and 30% recycled PES from plastic bottles. $168

WeWood

Helios is the new minimalist WeWOOD model with steel case and Flex-wood strap: The most recent eco-friendly WeWOOD solution has been created for those who understand the importance of substituting leather with alternative and more ethical materials without compromising luxury and beauty. Canvas and wood thin layers are combined with the finest horizontal laser engraving to reach the best flexibility. Made in Italy. $119.95

ALLBIRDS

Allbirds, the eco-friendly shoe brand has created a lounger with soft comfort in a smart silhouette that makes every experience a little more leisurely and a lot more cozy. The upper and the insole are made from superfine New Zealand Merino wool, the bottom is a lightweight dense foam that make this a perfect indoor and outdoor shoe. The wool makes is so comfortable you will not need socks and it helps minimize odor. $95

EVERLANE

Everlane, one of the most sustainable and transparent retail companies around has a great father's day gift for you, a softer cotton shirt. This cotton poplin shirt is lightweight and smooth, but gets a special garment-dyed treatment for a more lived-in feel and coloration. Great for when crisp and formal just isn’t what you want. Free shipping with first order! $48

PATAGONIA

The Small Text Logo LoPro Trucker Hat features a traditional, structured front ball-cap fit in a trucker setup: organic cotton bill and crown; polyester mesh back for increased ventilation. The six-panel design with front stitching, lower front-crown profile and pliable, precurved bill provide all-day comfort. Snaps in back make sure you’re well-adjusted. Patagonia is the leader in eco-friendly and sustainable retail fashion. $29

MUJI

The name "MUJI" is derived from the Japanese phrase "Mujirushi Ryohin," meaning "No Brand Goods." The resulting products are streamlined, environmentally friendly and beautiful in their simplicity. Over the last 20 years, MUJI has developed a worldwide following with a guiding philosophy that emphasizes innovative and simple materials, processes and packaging. Work manufactured by the company is featured in MoMA's collection. The MUJI Notebook Set includes five ruled notebooks, each with a different colored spine. 30 sheets per notebook. $3.50

 

So there you have seven great sustainable Father's Day selections in all categories and price points. Whether you are teaching your father about sustainability or he's all on board and happy that you are thinking the same way, sustainable gifts are not only thoughtful, responsible and eco-friendly, they are likely to last much longer and mean more to him with time.

Don't forget, shopping around your neighborhood for local artisans is also a great way to get conscious gifts for your father.

In the end a good father will love to have quality time spent with their children. If you can't be there with him this Father's Day and perhaps your dad is not ready for sustainable gifts, a donation in a charity he is passionate about is also a great gift. If your dad was an awful dad, may I recommend sending him a donation in his name to YOUR favorite charity. WIN/WIN!

As for me I will be giving my dad Yankee paraphernalia as any time I try to give him a thoughtful gift it goes right into the magical armoire where I never see his precious items again. Maybe one day the Yankees will be a sustainable sports brand on their own? One can only dream...

Happy Father's Day

By Natalie Rivera

Ethical Shopping for Black Friday

It's here, Black Friday. That day of the year that jump starts holiday shopping with cut throat sales on brands across the board. 

Whether you plan to shop at a Brick and Mortar shop or go online, The Local Artisan Guide has made some suggestions to highlight some of the many brands that now focus on ethical and sustainable products that you should know about.

BRACKISH BOW TIES is a Bow Tie brand made in Charleston, SC. No dyes are used, giving each tie a unique coloring. The feathers are all-natural and sustainably sourced. Each tie arrives in a hand-branded, pine gift box. including a list of the feathe…

BRACKISH BOW TIES is a Bow Tie brand made in Charleston, SC. No dyes are used, giving each tie a unique coloring. The feathers are all-natural and sustainably sourced. Each tie arrives in a hand-branded, pine gift box. including a list of the feathers used and instructions on how to care for your tie. www.brackishbowties.com

ANITA DONGRE GRASSROOT is a sustainable luxury brand born to revive, sustain and empower India's crafts and artisans. The brand translates village art into design for the globetrotting woman, and showcase the handcrafted traditions of India in conte…

ANITA DONGRE GRASSROOT is a sustainable luxury brand born to revive, sustain and empower India's crafts and artisans. The brand translates village art into design for the globetrotting woman, and showcase the handcrafted traditions of India in contemporary tales. Grassroot works with rural artisans to create local employment opportunities, empowering every village to become a self-sustaining unit. www.anitadongregrassroot.com

PATENT OF THE HEART is a handbag and small leather goods brand made in Turkey. Designer Elif Akaydin has artisans create her sophisticated collection made with the finest European leathers and materials. Patent of Heart assures you every bag purchas…

PATENT OF THE HEART is a handbag and small leather goods brand made in Turkey. Designer Elif Akaydin has artisans create her sophisticated collection made with the finest European leathers and materials. Patent of Heart assures you every bag purchased is not only made with high-quality craftsmanship, but with a strong sense of functionality and style. A portion of profits helps contribute to worthy cause especially helpings young girls attain an education. www.patentoftheheart.com

JOE GROOMING was established in 2002 with a goal to create a natural and organic line of hair products formulated to meet their core objective. By lowering surfactant levels in their shampoos, adding soothing, moisturizing extracts to both cleansing…

JOE GROOMING was established in 2002 with a goal to create a natural and organic line of hair products formulated to meet their core objective. By lowering surfactant levels in their shampoos, adding soothing, moisturizing extracts to both cleansing and styling products, and fragrancing with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances, they have taken the first steps toward achieving this goal. Extra benefit is for every order of a Joe Grooming product, they donate a bar of Joe Grooming soap to a resident of homeless shelters across the USA. www.joegrooming.biz

EDUN is a sustainable high end fashion apparel and accessories brand that makes all its products in Africa from artisans using fair trade methods and guidelines. www.edun.com

EDUN is a sustainable high end fashion apparel and accessories brand that makes all its products in Africa from artisans using fair trade methods and guidelines. www.edun.com

APOLIS is a fashion lifestyle brand founded on the simple idea that people can live better lives when they are given equal access to the global marketplace. Apolis is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that empowers communities worldwide. www.apol…

APOLIS is a fashion lifestyle brand founded on the simple idea that people can live better lives when they are given equal access to the global marketplace. Apolis is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that empowers communities worldwide. www.apolisglobal.com

Black Friday doesn't have to be a consumer nightmare, it can be a practice in conscious shopping. Don't forget to check out your local brick and mortar shops for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, you'll be amazed at the wonderful Black Friday sales and products you will find.

By Natalie Rivera

Sustainable Fashion Brands to Watch

 

With Trump announcing to the world that he is pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, an immediate reaction reverberated around the globe of disbelief and incredulity that the United States who has for decades been on the forefront of innovation, science and industry has abandoned its leadership role due to the politics of a man trolling the planet. 

Some people just want to set the world on fire (with polluted coal).

Luckily the vast majority of countries (and to the contrary the United States) are not dying dinosaurs and have a desire to be on the path to sustainability knowing that it is the future. Cities, governments, corporations, farmers, communities and small businesses have been finding ways to make our future more sustainable and eco-friendly and will continue to do so regardless of Trump’s proclamations.

There are some large retailers known for their eco-friendly stance such as Patagonia, Burton’s and Eileen Fisher. Adidas and Stella McCartney just announced they were debuting collections made from recyclable plastics from the ocean, however there are many smaller and lesser known brands built on their dedication to sustainable fashion. Being aware and shopping these brands will help the planet so The Local Artisan Guide is highlighting four brands in the fashion world that go above and beyond for sustainability and accountability while also creating a stylish, well made product.

Rothy’s

Rothy’s is a footwear brand that creates stylish, sustainable flats for women out of recyclable water bottles. Rothy’s has figured out how recycled plastic water bottles can be transformed into a comfortable knitted shoe that fits like a glove and is soft like a sock. Founded by Stephen Hawthornewaite and Roth Martin (two industry outsiders) and based in San Francisco, their goals was to "Create an alternative, versatile shoe: one with the ease of a sneaker but with the polish of a feminine flat. And do it with low-waste, low-impact materials, hand-assembled for high quality and durability.”

Rothy's

Rothy's

Rothy’s shoes are almost like glorified socks as you can wear them, walk in them, spend all day in them then throw your Rothy's in the wash (cold water, gentle cycle, gentle detergent), and let them air dry. They come in an array of colors, patterns and toe shapes (only flats though) and share such qualities as: recyclable, an earth friendly carbon free rubber soul, recycled water bottle construction, washable quick dry technology, flexible sole and upper, blister-free seamless knit, lightweight all day wearability, moisture wicking all weather comfort, reusable packaging plus when you feel they are at the end of their wear you can send them back to Rothy’s to be recycled at their recycling facility.

Rothy's

Rothy's

Rothy’s basically seek to make a comfortable product with the least amount of carbon footprint possible yet still be fashionable and stylish with the feel of luxury. 

Rothy's

Rothy's

Matt & Nat

The name of this vegan brand from Montreal may sound like two friends named Matthew and Natalie (or Nathaniel) getting together and deciding to start a sustainable footwear and handbag brand (that’s what I thought). However Matt & Nat stands for MAT(T)erial and NATure meaning to explore the synergy between the two, the reflection of one on the other.

Matt & Nat

Matt & Nat

Established in 1995, Matt and Nat was created with the idea from the start to not use leather or any other animal-based materials or products in their designs. With every passing year they have continued to explore new innovative ways to remain sustainable and eco-friendly. This includes experimenting with different recycled materials such as recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber and cork. Since 2007, they have been committed to using linings only made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Matt & Nat have also recently introduced recycled bicycle tires to their collections.

Matt & Nat

Matt & Nat

Matt & Nat have also adopted a very eco-friendly production and work environment. Their factories operates by the SA8000 standard and their goals are to make this standard a bigger part of their production going forward. The factories are socially compliant and the brand makes an effort to keep to PU (polyurethane) instead of PVC as PVC is much more harmful to the environment. Not only are Matt & Nat's customers getting the cutting edge of ethical and eco-friendly fashion. Their materials are consistently improved and updated with composites that are less harmful for flora and fauna.

Matt & Nat

Matt & Nat

At the office in Montreal, Canada they have made it a ‘cruelty free’ zone with monthly staff celebrations of vegetarian potlucks and vegan cupcakes. They encourage community volunteering for their employees and would like you to upcycle any Matt & Nat product when possible. 

However the most impressive feat that Matt & Nat offer is their design aesthetic which will have you not missing leather goods at all. The brand offers handbags, footwear, wallets, small vegan goods and men’s bags. They manage to cover all the latest styles, trends, colors all while putting out their own unique form. 

ECOALF

ECOALF is an outerwear lifestyle brand for men and women founded by Javier Goyeneche in 2012 after years of frustration with witnessing the excessive use of the planet’s natural resources and the amount of waste produced by industries around the world.

ECOALF

ECOALF

Absolved to create a fashion brand that is truly sustainable ECOALF states “Our goal is to create the first generation of recycled products with the same quality, design and technical properties as the best non-recycled products. That way we show there is no need to use our world’s natural resources in a careless way”.

ECOALF uses a few key materials while producing their products: recycled water bottles are crushed into plastic flakes which then are processed and spun into a rough polyester and then fashioned into a yarn for the fabrics, straps, laces, etc. ECOALF has used up to 70 million recycled water bottles in their production thus far. 

ECOALF

ECOALF

Recycled cottons and recycled wools save water as 1kg of convention cotton needs 2500 liters of water. ECOALF uses the recycled cottons and wools in their outerwear, accessories and knits.

ECOALF also uses recycled fishing nets which are transformed into a fiber used for the swimwear. Used tires are compressed into a material for flip flops, and used coffee grinds are spun into a thread that produces a water repellant fabric used for jackets.

Their store is not only designed to maintain sustainable eco-friendly standards but stands as a place for the community to meet for conferences, exhibitions, screenings, etc. all within ECOALF philosophy. 

ECOALF's Madrid store.

ECOALF's Madrid store.

ECOALF also has started a foundation, The ECOALF Foundation is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to promote the selective recovery, recycling and revaluing of waste in order to prevent its adverse impact on the environment. This is achieved through the development and application of new scientific and technological advancements – especially with regard to plastic waste products that are found in the marine environment.

For all that ECOALF strives to provide as a sustainable fashion brand, they know if you design outerwear, apparel, bags, shoes, swimwear and flip-flops that its all a waste of time and materials if you produce a product no one finds stylish enough to wear. ECOALF proves you do not have to have a hippie sensibility for sustainable fashion as they create cutting edge fashion with an aesthetic that leans to minimal chic and fashion forward. The brand is growing and starting to do projects outside of Madrid however their online store means ECOALF is available worldwide for those looking to expand their sustainable fashion closet.

BOTTLETOP

The Bottletop Fashion Company is a handbag and accessories brand that sprung from the Bottletop Foundation which was founded by Cameron Saul and his father Roger (Founder of British luxury fashion brand Mulberry) through a design collaboration with Mulberry. From the foundation came a handbag made from recycled bottle tops in Africa that was lined with Mulberry leather in Europe. The bag created a lot of buzz and generated local employment and raising funds for grass roots education projects in Africa.

Bottletop

Bottletop

This bag was followed by another bag designed by Bottletop’s Co-Director Oliver Wayman who discovered the "Bellani", a stunning silver chain mail bag with a distinctly 1970’s feel in Brazil. With the lightweight material, the bag consisted of upcycled aluminium ring pulls held together by crotchet. The bag is made by artisans in Brazil and has lead to the Bottletop Fashion Company being established in 2012 to create a brand that funds the operation of the Bottletop Foundation, which uses contemporary art and music to raise funds and awareness for education projects that tackle delicate teenage health issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. The Bottletop Foundation supports young people in Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Brazil and the UK.

Bottletop's "Bellani Mini" made from upcycled Aluminum ring pulls.

Bottletop's "Bellani Mini" made from upcycled Aluminum ring pulls.

As a foundation they frequently collaborate with other well known brands such as Narcisco Rodriguez and Idris Khan. The design and quality by Bottletop are a work of art for the craftsman and consumer alike. Their philosophy is “Blending design with technique across cultures, Bottletop creates collections that celebrate true craftsmanship. A timeless ‘created by hand’ aesthetic. The creation of Bottletop products not only enhance the techniques of some of the most highly skilled artisans from around the world but our training programs enable others to join them, supporting themselves and their families in the process”.

One of Bottletop's many artisan workers.

One of Bottletop's many artisan workers.

The brand offers handbags, travel bags, backpacks, clutches, accessories, etc. The aesthetic looks and feels luxurious and contemporary even with the aluminum rings pulls. When you chose a Bottletop bag you are not only purchasing a piece of artisan craftsmanship, you are helping the environment by choosing recyclable materials and contributing to a foundation that helps disadvantaged youths with their community and health.

These are four good brands to start your sustainable fashion closet. Larger brands are starting to take notice of the big, innovative ideas these smaller brands are contributing to the world and proving sustainable fashion is not only a real possibility but a stylish option that benefits all.

By Natalie Rivera

 

Local Artisan Valentines Day Gift Recommendations

Its here! That time of the year when you are highly encouraged to show your bae that you really care about them with greeting cards, chocolates, dinner at an overcrowded, trendy restaurant and a little trinket to seal the deal whilst donning racy lingerie. 

We here at The Local Artisan Guide have come up with some gift recommendations for those who want to celebrate this day of love with style and panache. The selection below is available online (click the link) and at their brick & mortar store. We did the legwork and sought out the greeting cards, chocolates, trinkets and sexy lingerie in a range of price points (Goop we are not!). We did leave the restaurant choice to you.

The recommendations are divided into three groups: for her, for him and unisex gifts. All recommendations are highly curated, sure to please, unique and thoughtful because in the end that is what we all seek from a gift from a loved one. 

 

GIFTS FOR HER:

 

Kempton & Co., Small Leather Pouch, Black, $52

Kempton & Co.'s pouches are great for multiple uses whether its for storing your cosmetics or using the pouch as a clutch for the evening out.

                           

                           

Pierre Hardy Shoes, Memphis Sandal, Mutli Nude, $795

Pierre Hardy Shoes are sexy, au courant and at the same time very lady like. 

Maison Close Black Feather Fan, $90

Let me entertain you! Imagine the surprise on your lover's face when you enter into the boudoir with this burlesques feather fan and...well not much else!

              

              

 

Gurhan Jewelry, Amulet Pendant in 24k gold with cabochon ruby. $2,400

If you are going to go all out and give jewelry to your Valentine, think out of the box with this ruby amulet that will make her think of the middle ages, poetry and being serenaded on a balcony.

                                      

                                      

 Le Labo Fragrances, Rose 31, eau du parfum, $175

Le Labo is a special fragrance brand as you can work on creating your own scents, however their Rose 31 scent is the perfect Valentines Day scent as it is reminiscing of walking in a rose garden.

              

              

Soapology, Fresh Cut Soap, Chamomile, $8

What a special way to show someone you think they deserve the best without emptying your wallet. The natural ingredients and fresh cut soap is not only good for your skin but makes for a beautiful item to add to a bathroom.

 

 

FOR HIM:

                               

                               

Ernest Alexander, Andy Leather Laptop Brief, Brown, $295

This sleek and handsome leather briefcase not only carries your computer in style, the side pocket can carry an iPad and the inside pockets easily hold a man's iPhone, wallets and pens.

                                         

                                         

Noah Waxman, Hyde Park, Tobacco, $595

Here is an innovative way to do color block on a man's shoe that looks like it can go from day to evening in style.

goorin bros., Rooster BBL, $30

You don't have to go into credit card debt to give your man a gift that is unique, fun and you know they will use often.

                                       

                                       

Larsson Jennings, Lugano Collection, $275

A timepiece is always a hit as a Valentine's Day gift and to have it at this price point is a win/win for all.

      

      

Fellow Barber Signature Candle, $60

Your man will appreciate this multi functioning gift as it will make his place smell like a cypress forest and when its done he can use it as a cup. 

Santa Maria Novella, Latte Corpo Uomo, Men's Body Milk, $96

If your man is a history buff he will appreciate this body lotion made from the finest ingredients with a formula used for past centuries for men all over Europe.

 

UNISEX GIFTS:

Taschen, "The Little Book of Pin Up, Vargas", by Dian Hanson, $9.99

What a sexy gift to flip through before you end your Valentine's Day evening.

                               

                               

 Marie Belle Chocolates, 16 piece Caramel Box, $40

These chocolates are so beautiful you may not want to eat them but their innovative flavors will change your mind.

Greenwich Letterpress Valentines Day Card, "Brain on Love" $5

Forget Hallmark, come to Greenwich Letterpress to find Valentines Day cards with wit and romance that you know are also unique at the same time.

So hopefully our recommendations have given you some ideas that will lead to an evening of unconditional love, lust and items you and your bae will cherish forever. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

By Natalie Rivera