Since moving to LA in 2011, I have been to several of the bi-annual shows.I always leave with a cool tote bag (giveaway at the door), handfuls of Luna Bars (given as free samples), a stack of business cards, gifts for special people in my life, and creative ideas for projects of my own. I was so inspired by yesterday's show, I stopped by a pile of rubbish in my neighborhood and loaded some scrap wood into my trunk this morning--what becomes of it will be blogged about.
For now, here is a list of some of my favorite vendors from the Spring Show, a brief description of their goods, and a link to their website:
Pommes Frites Candle Co- Soy candles handpoured in DTLA. I am very sensitive to scent (re: upon entering Yankee Candle Co. and/or Bath and Bodyworks I contract a massive headache) and P.F. Candles are a delight. (Get it de-light!) They are not overly odoriferous, but pleasant. I currently burn their Jasmine & Fig. The jars and the typeface of the labels are small details that draw me to this particular product. (Oh, and pommes frites is French for French fry!--what's not to love!)
Treeline Woodworks- Reclaimed wood = all the more reason to go through other peoples' trash! Treeline is LA based and their Skyline Hangar (pictured left) is something worth saving for.
Hedley & Bennett- When I am not working, working out somewhere outside, or sleeping--I am in my kitchen. I love to cook and love all things that involve cooking so it is no wonder that I love aprons, but I don't love the frilly housewife, lacey concept most people have of aprons. I want something stylish, androgynous, and of industrial strength. Hedley & Bennett--thank you, you've done it!
PEI Designs- I love papergoods--prints, cards, small notebooks, anything of that genre. I am one of the few people of my generation that still uses stationary and hand-writes letters. The other few people of my generation that also still use stationary and hand-write letters are my friends writing ME letters. I picked up a few cards (Mother's Day is upon us!) from this delightful booth and I still have my eyes on this adorable, trรจs Parisienne print.
Ellsworth & Ivey As my late twenties set in, I find myself gravitating to what one would call a "classic style". Most things in my closet are neutral colors--blacks, whites, and tans with the occasional navy, gray, or red pieces. I now think maturely in terms of quality vs quantity when I shop--I don't need a lot of clothes, but few high quality, well crafted pieces. I think one of the capes from Ellsworth & Ivey needs to make a closet debut. The founder, Taylor Ivey, seems to have some roots in Litchfield County, Connecticut which is where I am from. (Cue children singing, "It's a small world after all.)
Shopping small is such a meaningful experience. It makes me proud to own products and give gifts that were made by a hard-working individuals, especially when I have met them. There is a story (usually heartwarming) behind every booth that makes it to a UNIQUE LA market. I can't help but leave the event with a huge smile on my face. Just wondering, when was the last time you left the Glendale Galleria/Grove/Americana {insert shopping mall name here} grinning ear to ear?
