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Etsy Find: Little Wings Designs Roll Top Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Our latest Etsy Find is a gorgeous mustard leather handbag by Little Wings Designs. The Double Pocket Roll Top Bag ($564) has a unique roll top design to secure your belongings. Once the top is rolled, the straps buckle together creating your handle. That's pretty cool. The front is accented with two exterior pockets with a circular antiqued brass piece at the center and on either side of the pockets.

This slouchy Roll Top Bag is very roomy in length and width, so you can fit virtually anything you need for the day and perhaps the night too. In addition to exterior front pockets, there is a zippered back pocket and several compartments in the interior. The lining is made with 100% organic hemp muslin. It's available in numerous colors like cognac, leaf, teal, and dark grey suede to name a few. You could also request a particular color for a custom order. Dimensions: 13" x 7" x 16".

Baobab Platinum, A Gentleman's Candle

Filed under: Decor, Modern Gentleman

Belgian candle maker Baobab, known for their handmade collection of African-influenced scents, injects some refined manhood into the home decor world with a platinum creation.

There's something about the combination of scented wax and an open flame that seems to negate masculinity, whether due to the enduring legacy of Yankee Candle or the inane obsession with dividing inanimate objects into "his" and "hers." Some candle manufacturers surmount this by festooning the jar with skulls or dying the wax black, which is like wrapping a pirate flag around a fruit basket. But since 2002, Baobab has quietly been producing an entire line of perfumed candles that actually seem appropriate for the boardroom, bar or (his) bedroom. For one, the line takes its olfactory inspiration from Africa (it was created in Tanzania) with scents like Masai Spirit, White Rhino and Zanzibar Spices, all developed in the French fragrance capital of Grasse. The base note for the line is rooted in cedar sandalwood, a warm and spicy foundation to build each individual expression. There are also five sizes to choose from, from the 50gr Mini Max candle to the towering seven-wick, 7.5kg Maxi Max, which has a burn time of 800 hours.

And now Baobab has introduced a platinum jar edition, available across the line. The silvery finish is an elegant and understated display that will hold its own amongst club chairs and single malts. With all that cigar smoke and musty leather in the room you're going to need something that smells good.

Etsy Find: Ilemi 2 Way Leather Bag

Filed under: Handbags

The Ilemi 2-Way Leather Bag has a handle that is phenomenal looking. I don't usually get sucked in by a bag handle, but it is truly unique. It posses an intricately knotted thick leather handle that beautifully offsets an otherwise understated handbag. However, that's not to say that without the handle this bag would be overlooked, because even with a simply designed handle, this bag is still gorgeous.

Handmade from calf leather, the shoulder bag has a roomy interior (measurements: 16" W x 16.5" H) fitting everything you need for the day and then some. The 2-Way Leather Bag ($750) features a detachable shoulder strap while the body has stitch detailing resulting in a somewhat pleated effect. This bag is a unique yet timeless investment piece that could easily be worn throughout the year (minus the blaring hot heat wave days and tear-producing frigid snowstorm days).

Henry cuir Naphotaline Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

It's not too often that I come across a clutch that would complement rather than fight a casual outfit. The Henry cuir Naphotaline Clutch ($650) is a petite grained leather fold-over clutch that maintains a stylish and sophisticated look even with the most casual of outfits - think skinny jeans, v-neck long fitted t shirt, flats and a long statement necklace. The Naphotaline is handcrafted and features colorful cross-stitching at the edges and along the center with a subtle accent of an African bead as its closure. Seen here is a bordeaux color, the Naphotaline is also available in a lighter shade, not surprisingly called natural.

Statement Necklaces by Elva Fields

Filed under: Jewelry

Designer Elva Wheat Maynard creates one of kind necklaces and earrings for her Elva Fields Jewelry line that are visually captivating. While I love all of her pieces, my heart lies in her gorgeous statement necklaces. They are stunning! I've been a long time fan of Elva's work and if I could, I would buy as many of her necklaces as possible and become an avid collector. Unfortunately, before I get the opportunity to purchase, the ones I like are already sold out! Luckily, her Savor Sunrise Necklace ($118), shown above, is still available for purchase and on sale. Upon first glance, the Savor Sunrise seems fitting for the Summer, but it's coral tones and deep yellow hue would beautifully compliment beiges and browns for the Fall.

Elva Fields offers three different collections - Elva (one of a kind), June (limited editions) and Deb (vintage). As you can see, her necklaces are large, bold, and chunky pieces that exude a feminine and sophisticated feel. Each one has such character that I find myself creating outfits based on the necklace itself. I'm sure many people would say starting with you accessories to create a look is crazy, but I say create your look from what has inspired you. Have fun with it. Being an accessories junkie myself, a large majority of my outfits are based on my handbags, jewelry and shoes. Take a look below for a collection of colorful pieces to inspire your next outfit.

The $35,000 Zebra Safari Chair from Fine English Company

Filed under: Decor, Architecture & Design


The Fine English Company, dedicated to the best in bespoke British luxury, has unveiled the newest addition to its collection of luxe furniture, luggage and lifestyle accessories reminiscent of Britain's colonial past with a contemporary flair. The company's new $35,000 zebra safari chair (above) took two years to complete and was a personal mission of the firm's founder, former financial consultant Benedict Wormald. It will be produced in a limited edition of only 10 pieces which are bound to appreciate in value; two of them have already been spoken for. The chair is called the "Percival" after the great British hunter and safari leader Philip Hope Percival, whose famous clients included Baron Rothschild, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, Ernest Hemingway and Gary Cooper.

Wormald and his team spent several months sourcing materials and locating and commissioning the finest artisans in the world to see the project to fruition. The completely handmade, hand-stitched chair is finished in full aniline brown distressed leather from Scotland and trophy grade Burchell's zebra skin. It features unrivaled, exquisitely hand-carved black walnut ball and claw feet, a beechwood frame, horsehair stuffing and a canvas interlining. Wormald calls it "the absolute pinnacle of English Handmade furniture," noting, "there is absolutely nothing to touch this product."

[via JustLuxe]

Jonathan Ellery Makes Handmade Bell & Ross Watch For Wallpaper Magazine

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

For their August "Handmade" issues, Wallpaper magazine is featuring a handmade watch by Jonathan Ellery based on a Bell & Ross BR01 Radar model. The watch will actually be part of a limited edition that will see public sales (at some point). Bell & Ross worked with Mr. Ellery to create the watch, which Ellery chose due to Bell & Ross' iconic status, especially in the design world. The dial is a reworked Radar with a white on black "explosion" motif. I can only guess as to what the hour and minute indicator are. Constantly rotating, the design only becomes clear twice a day. As a designer watch, it is rather fun - though not likely fun to have to read on a daily basis. Then again, this is art, and it doesn't need to be practical.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Hugh Simms Handmade Patchwork Neckties

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style


Hugh Simms is an L.A. based designer with degrees from Cornell and Fashion School F.I.D.M., where he first developed what he describes as his "Ivy League Grit" style. Passionate about supporting the American way and the Los Angeles manufacturing revival, all of his Handmade Patchwork Neckties are made in a small workshop in the heart of L.A. and each pattern, full of details, has significance and meaning. In the photo above Simms is wearing "Lost Library," which takes its inspiration from dusty broken-spined books filled with a paradox of both intelligence and toughness.

See after the jump for a Luxist Q&A with Simms and then see more of his designs, and the meanings behind them, at hughsimms.com and in the gallery below.

Rayskin Handmade Wooden Surfboards

Filed under: Sports


The surfers out there know how much difference a good board can make, and Rayskin is targeting them with their line of handmade hollow wooden surfboards. More eco-friendly than typical foam boards, Rayskin's wooden creations are meticulously designed to be both elite collector's items as well as hydrodynamic high performance sports equipment. A wide a variety of exotic wood types are used, and each surfboard is a numbered one-of-a-kind (because they're handcrafted and unique) "work of rideable art." Pricing done individually upon request.

Via Bornrich

SoLace Marbled Silk & Accessories

Filed under: Apparel

I first met Barb Polin when the two of us were stationed next to each other at a craft fair. I was showing fine jewelry and she had these gorgeous silk scarves... I basically spent all the money I made that day selling jewelry at Ms. Polin's booth. I should have known better than to actually visit her store, where I'd find more than small accessories -- whole outfits of the most beautiful marbled silk material I'd ever seen. Goodbye, paycheck.

I may have parted with more than I could afford at the time, but it was money well spent. Years later, everything I bought from Ms. Polin's studio, SoLace, is still holding up marvelously. The silk that she uses is extremely lightweight, but also very strong and sturdy, so these clothes are really an investment.

Most of her designs are made from a marbled fabric, which she dyes herself in her studio, making every piece one of a kind. She also marbles leather for accessories like wallets, photo albums, and various types of cases. Clothing styles are available for both men and women, and Ms. Polin has been known to take custom orders. You can browse and buy on the SoLace website, or catch her at a craft fair or in her studio in Elkton, Virginia, where you'll find an even better selection than what you see on her website.

Imprint On My Heart

Filed under: Jewelry


If you're still hunting for a Valentine's Day gift that is classic yet personalized then something from Imprint On My Heart may do the trick. They have a large selection of handcrafted jewelry in classic gold and silver that gets personalized with your own fingerprints (or your childrens, or even pawprints from your pets). Necklaces for women, bracelets for babies, and even cufflinks for men make for a list of choices that can handle whatever you're looking for, plus you can get everything custom engraved for an even more unique presentation.

Hand Forged Silver Tea Spoon

Filed under: Dining


Next time you're sitting down for tea or coffee (like I am right now!) take a good look at the spoon you're using. Does it have much character? Individuality? Is it making the whole experience a little better just because it's there? Ha, that last one might be pushing it a little, but the point is that good silverware can really increase the "luxe" factor of any meal or dining experience.

This hand-forged silver tea spoon from Etsy is made by the seller from a block of sterling silver, with a slight pattern from hammering left visible on the handle and in the bowl of the spoon, and also the creator's initials and date stamped into the back. I think one (or a few) of these would make a great gift. $75 each.

HUE Chocolate Glass Cabinet Hardware

Filed under: Decor


Although there are some beautiful choices when it comes to cabinet hardware, generally the the pulls on your doors and drawers don't attract much attention. These pulls from Spectra Decor are an exception. Handmade by artisans, the dimensional look is achieved by fusing together opaque and transparent layers of colored glass, which all rests beautifully on a satin pewter base. The HUE line of cabinet hardware is available in a variety of color combinations to match most any decor, but the chocolate brown and turquoise is my personal favorite. The quickest way to achieve a cabinet makeover is to install new hardware - and who wouldn't want to look at these each day? $38 to $78 each.

Handmade Painted Driftwood Mirror

Filed under: Decor


The name of this piece alone was enough to catch my attention, as I used to live near the ocean when I was younger spending many hours finding little bits of driftwood beaten by the waves on the beach. But although it's not a complete loss, I was a little disappointed with the painted and artificial look of this Handmade Painted Driftwood Mirror. The driftwood idea is awesome, and maybe the picture just isn't doing it justice, but I think a lot of the character and the effort they spent hand selecting pieces is lost under the layers of paint.

They do, however, take special orders so I'm wondering if they'd be willing to leave the paint off? Or maybe that's just me. The standard size measures about 48H X 36H and goes for $2395.

Townsend Sakai X-mas Tree Cards

Filed under: Art

Over the holidays, a lot more effort is put into selecting gifts than into selecting cards. Generic, store-bought cards are the standard. Townsend Sakai has a line of whimsical, handmade holiday cards that will put any off-the-shelf card to shame. Each design is individually hand-embroidered on muslin and attached to a chocolate-brown cardstock and a plain sheet of white stock is sewn into the card, providing a neat space for personal greetings, as well. The X-mas Tree Card is perfect for Christmas, but there are many non-holiday options to choose from, as well. Price: $8 each.

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