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.

Kaeleigh Round Toe Block Heels Slingback Shoes, Chiko Shoes $106

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.

Layered Necklaces at Dana Blair Designs

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.

Journals at Goods for the Study

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.

Bitterman Salt Co. with Salt Block, The Meadow, $58

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.

Green Velvet Personalized Laptop Case, Chain & Charger Pocket, BAG ALL, $60

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.

Mum Candle, The Commonfolk Collective, $60

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.

Marrakech, The Bubble Collection, $120

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

Celebrating Women Artisan Jewelry Designers for International Women's Month

With March nominated as the month to celebrate women and their achievements (yes I know shouldn’t it be half the year at least, women are Half the Sky) The Local Artisan Guide has decided every week this month to highlight some women artisans in different categories starting with jewelry designers from around the world that you might not know about but are worth knowing. 

We chose ten women jewelry designers who work in a range from a new twist on the traditional to contemporary to spiritual to cultural pride. There is a plethora of raw materials, stones, crystals, metals, price points and traditions explored by all these jewelers. The spectacular talent these female artisans have in their art form and imagination when it comes to jewelry is worth highlighting in a category where most of the product is worn by women.  More so as many of the jewelers below also explore ways to make their work sustainable, ethical and give back to their communities.

Polly Wales

Polly Wales

Madeira Skull Ring, $15,400

Encrusted skull with purple, blue, and black sapphires and brown diamonds on a large face skull.

Kindly Note: Each piece is unique, one-of-a-kind and unpredictable -- the product of a specialized manufacturing process that we've developed over many years. It is the heart and soul of the Cast-Not-Set process and the Polly Wales style. Stone colors may vary slightly. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold, Stones: Sapphires & Diamonds.

Polly Wales is the Creative Director and Founder of her eponymous brand of fine jewelry. Polly was born in London and gravitated towards the arts from a very young age. She studied sculpture in University and later taught art to juvenile offenders. However, she discovered her real passion when she began to design jewelry, making intimate wearable sculptures. She went back to school to study Jewelry Design at the Royal College of Art, where her naturally anarchic spirit combined with classical training to inspire the creation her signature “cast-not-set” process.

Casting gemstones directly into molten gold has enabled her to push the boundaries of traditional fine jewelry and produce unique collections year after year. In 2016, Polly moved the company from the rolling hills of the English countryside to the sunny grit of Downtown Los Angeles where the company is now based. She currently lives in a treasure trove of curiosities in the hills of East Los Angeles

Anna Sheffield

Anna Sheffield

HAZELINE SOLITAIRE RING

14k Gold & Blackened Rutilated Quartz, $2,850

8mm blackened rutilated quartz center with 0.03ctw small black diamond accents set in 14k recycled yellow, rose, or white gold.

Please note that gemstones are natural materials and therefore each stone is unique. The Hazeline is a cornerstone of the Anna Sheffield ceremonial jewelry collection. A classic style with a delicate silhouette, this timeless design is based on a ring belonging to Anna’s grandmother. Envisioned here in a solitaire style with the same detailed basket and slender shank, the Hazeline is the perfect ‘heirloom-to-be.

Anna Sheffield’s childhood in the Southwest has had an enduring influence on her work, setting the stage for a lifelong interest in natural beauty, spirituality, and all forms of art and design—from architecture to indigenous crafts. These diverse interests led her to pursue a degree in sculpture. After moving to New York City, Anna shifted her attention to jewelry, drawing upon her Fine Art fundamentals to create a singular style—elegant, irreverent, and truly original.

Claudia Desideri - Desideri Designs

Claudia Desideri

Crown Hook Earrings $175

Inspired by Classical jewelry  Crown hook earrings are a true beauty. All Swarovski crystal beads are individually hand-stitched. Try pairing  with our crown studs for an edgier look . Material Finishing. Emerald green and Metallic rose gold Swarovski crystals beads. 14K gold filled , 4 cm long.

Desideri design is NYC based jewelry brand founded by Roman born Claudia Desideri. Since her early age, she’s always been interested in Art and Drama and had an affinity for artistic design. After graduating at the Istituto Nazionale D'arte in Rome she moved to New York, where she attended the Lee Strasberg film and theatre institute. Her passionate creativity and love for Art and Nature finally converge in 2004, when she founded Desideri Design. Since then, she has been creating luxurious, classy but still wearable pieces of jewelry which combine both “hard” and “soft” elements, organic and futuristic materials, geometrical Minimalism and sparkling Baroque. Her collection of rings, necklaces and earrings are all unique pieces made using Swarovski crystals, natural stones and fresh water pearls.

Judith Haas

Judith Haas

Persian Necklace, $275.00

Fine Silver (.99)  partially oxidized, with 24k gold leaf pendant. 15 inch fine gold filled chain with 2.5 inch extension chain ( 17.5 inch total) Ask for costume made length. Pendant is 2x1 1/4 inch. One of a kind

Dutch artist Judith Haas creates jewelry and fine art 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.

Ms. Haas received a Masters degree in Physiology from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). She has devoted herself to her art career since 2003 and has exhibited at galleries and boutiques widely including Harvey Nichols Hong Kong, Hankyu, Tokyo.

Yanina Faour - Oleana Jewelry

Yanina Faour

Citric Sun Mandala Pendant $218.80

In sterling silver, with yellow gold plating, enamel and crystals. Representing the union between the sacred and the earthly world, mandalas are deeply meditative symbols that harmonize chakras and have a positive effect on those who wear them.

Oleana jewelry is handcrafted in Buenos Aires and designed by Yanina Faour, fourth generation of jewelers, inspired in the architecture and fine arts that identify the magic of her hometown, Buenos Aires.

Yanina Faour launched her own brand, Oleana in 2003, combining the high quality craftsmanship of her ancestors with a fresh and modern aesthetic. What sets Oleana apart its is fine jewelry collections in silver and 18K gold, with influences ranging from architecture to spirituality, to be worn at different times of the day. Ind addition to being a young businesswoman and mother, Yanina is a mentor and has an affinity and interest in the development of the female entrepreneur at all levels. She herself is a fellow of the Vital Voices Organization and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women In Business program.

Marielise Lachapelle

Marielise Lachapelle

Malachite Necklace. This necklace featuring a malachite stone, is quite versatile as those three genuine rose leaves coated in gold, are designed to slide through the center of the stone so you can adjust the length. The stone is approximately 2” long but the shape will vary slightly with each piece. Many other stones available. Price upon request.

New York based artist Marie-Lise Lachapelle grew up in the green suburbs of Montreal. Her love of nature, fashion, and the influence of her entrepreneurial parents have culminated into a successful career designing stunning jewelry. She creates custom high impact jewelry and a variety of collections using organic elements and shapes. Her unique combinations of flowers, precious metals, and stones, have garnered her international attention and is a favorite for editorials, celebrities and fans of her jewelry around the world

Jane D’Arensbourg

Jane D’Arensbourg

BLACK BUBBLE NECKLACE $1,500

Jet black glass bubble, sculptural bib necklace. This is a big show stopping unique statement necklace. One of a kind. Chain length 24” x 3/8”. Sculptural bubble bib size 7”x6”. Sterling silver clasp.

Brooklyn based designer Jane D'Arensbourg began working with glass early in her career as an artist and became greatly inspired by the unique properties of the medium, particularly as a vehicle to capture light, energy and fragility. .Jane D’Arensbourg launched her glass jewelry designs in 2002 in New York City. 

In her studio, D’Arensbourg's process starts with raw, durable, borosilicate glass rods that are transformed with a torch free form. Using heat and gravity to shape the glass, the designer handcrafts one-of-a-kind sculptural jewelry. With each piece, D'Arensbourg honors the fragility and inherent elegance of the material, creating timeless and unique jewelry. Borosilicate glass is one of the most shock resistant glass available which results in it being a surprisingly wearable material. Jane D’Arensbourg views her jewelry as functional art. A ring can function as a sculptural object sitting in your home waiting to be worn and experienced in another way. 

Jane D'Arensbourg has exhibited her artwork and jewelry in museums and galleries internationally. Her work can be found in esteemed stock lists from New York to Japan as well as in the permanent collection of The Museum of Art Design, New York.

Ilenia Corti Vernissage

Ilenia Corti

Blue Imperial Moth Necklace $1,920

Sleek, sculptural and dynamic, this deftly crafted necklace has a bold, modern aesthetic that will complement a modern and casual outfit. Handcrafted of 925 silver, it has a distinctive princess neckline composed entirely of realistic imperial moth charms of varying dimensions. The moth's slender wings are finished with a midnight-blue enamel, creating a smooth, elegant texture that resembles that of stones. This exceptional necklace will elevate the style and allure of any ensemble and modern jewelry collection. Lobster claw clasp. Available also in brass upon request.

Ilenia Corti grew up in a family of jewelers and worked as a fashion accessories designer for high luxury companies all over the world. She created Vernissage inspired by the world of nature, and the tension between the childlike awe we feel in front of its small and enchanting phenomena and the pragmatism of the adult world. The uniqueness and strong creative identity of her work has earned the enthusiastic response of authoritative magazines. Each piece is handmade by the expert craftsmen of the Santagostino company, leader in this field and owned by the Corti family.

Sewit Sium

Sewit Sium

ETERNITY SNAKE CUFF $150

The snake is symbol of transformation and renewal, as it has the ability to shed its own skin when it outgrows it. For thousands of years, the snake has been utilized as a symbol of transformation and renewal, as it has the ability to shed its own skin when it outgrows it. 18K gold plated brass. Snake is 3/16" (4mm) wide. Cuff is adjustable. Availability: Handmade to order in New York.

Jeweler and educator Sewit Sium has been crafting powerful jewelry imbued with living African history for over a decade. Prior to starting her company in 2015 of the same name, she taught Fashion Activism and Design in various NYC High schools. “I used jewelry - the oldest form of decorative arts as an educational tool, as primary document to teach predominantly Black students about their living African lineage, the world and their place in it. The goal is that they view their creations as well as their bodies as sites of knowledge transmission. I want them to internalize that their creations will outlast them, to see themselves as leaders and agents of change who can transform the world of image making authority.” 

Sewit’s mission and approach extends to her design practice that she hopes will be adopted by institutions such as the fashion industry, museums and design colleges alike. “it’s important for me to get as indigenous and specific as possible via symbols and motifs, I know the optimal power of jewelry is unlocked when attached to its origin story and makers - to bodies.”  Sewit's goal is to create initiatives that serve the reclamation and activation of indigenous objects. “Jewelry is a point of departure, but this is about people and ideas and those who lay claim should get to decide how their culture is accurately interpreted and shared.” Sewit is dedicated to decolonizing the way jewelry is engaged with, “together we can restore it to its rightful place - as documentation, a stunning object of desire and daring catalyst for change”. 

Sewit completed her MA at NYU Tisch, where her thesis was entitled Activation: Jewelry and the Body, Sites and Tools for Liberation. 

Sewit's jewelry has been featured in Elle, Vogue, Bazaar, Town & Country, Vanity Fair Magazines. She created various costume design pieces for HBO Insecure as well as feature films such as Coming 2 America. 

Mia Hebib - Oblik Atelier

OBLIK ATELIER MOBIUS EARRINGS $200

Mobius Earrings, brass plated in 14k gold

Mia Hebib started in jewelry at the School for Applied Arts and Design in Zagreb, Croatia. Upon resettling in the United States, she attended the Savannah College of Art and Design where she received a BFA in jewelry and metalsmithing. Besides running Oblik Atelier, Mia has been instrumental in re-launching Robert Lee Morris collection as well as launching multiple high- profile fashion brands like AllSaints and Coach wholesale line. Mia has also mentored at PRATT Institute, 92nd Street Y and SCAD.

Mia creates conversation pieces and her mission is to elevate jewelry from simply existing as an accessory to becoming a wearable sculpture, an objet d'art.

Mia's studio "Oblik" means "shape/form" in Croatian and the name is echoed in each created piece. Oblik Atelier is on a quest to define the most elegant and clean line and thrust that line through a three-dimensional metamorphosis.

Oblik Atelier jewelry marries traditional metalsmithing techniques to timeless designs via fold forming, fabricating and forging techniques. Each piece is hand bend to conform to the body. Surfaces are smooth, architectural, sculptural, sinuous, voluptuous and polished.  Jewelry is made in brass and finished with gold or rhodium plating.

All the above mentioned women jewelers come from around the world yet all find a way to uniquely express their vision of jewelry thus creating wearable art. Women creating for other women, a wearable badge of how a woman can express their aesthetic to the rest of the world through the media of metals and precious stones.

The Local Artisan Guide will feature a blog every week for the month of March on a different category celebrating women artisans and highlighting their contributions to the world.

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

Laos Dome Earrings, $130

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.

Frida Champagne Necklace, $165

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.

Deluxe Piper Brew Kit, $139

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.

In My Heart Keyring, $25

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.

Sunshine Lightpack, $41

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.

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.

Miriam Organic Bluebell Soap, 6.95 English Pounds

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.

Orange Flowers Blue Based - Silk Scarf - Large, 150 English Pounds.

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.

Twine Light Indigo Kitchen Gift Set, $75

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.

Mini Me Cape Shirt, $100 Euros

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 Balm Candle - Cardamom and Star Anise, $28

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

Old English Brandy Dopp Kit, $70.40

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.

Bucket Hat, Tagalong, $268

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.

Botanical Madder Root Face Mask, $28

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.

Percy Winter Boot, Vino, $318

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.

Agua de Gardenia - Skin & Textile, $100

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)

Kala Ukadelic Flamingo Soprano Ukulele, $35.59

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.

Frankincense & Myrrh Bath Bomb, 3.50 English pounds

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.

Early 18th century Italian bed, 44,000 English Pounds.

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.

Woody Black Optical Eyeglasses, 145 Euro

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.

Christmas Coffret from Paris, 156 Euros.

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

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