Vintage 60's Industrial Shop Chairs

Someone seriously needs to purchase these vintage industrial shop chairs I found on Etsy this past week. They've been dangerously eating at me ever since I laid eyes on them - aren't they just gorgeous? I think they'd be perfect in an open floor plan, used as bar stools, or addition to an artist's studio. I've seen so many similar remakes cropping up across mainstream retail - but you just can't beat the real deal.

The description even notes that they've been kept in a temperature controlled storage unit since their production - sigh. I'm seeing another case of "non-buyer's remorse" in my future...

Contrary Jewelry now at Honey and Hazel

More and more often I get inquiries of where my jewelry can be found in person since I work out of my home studio - especially in Brooklyn. Some shoppers can get in a bind and need something the same day or just generally want to see the collection in person.

I'm excited to say Contrary Jewelry can now be found at Honey and Hazel boutique in Brooklyn, NY. I was thrilled when Mel, the owner, contacted me about carrying the line in Honey and Hazel as I'm a fan of the shop - it is literally located 3 blocks away from my old Brooklyn apartment.

Find out more about Mel and the eclectic offerings at Honey and Hazel on the Etsy blog.

New York Jewelry Finds

I'm back down south from a whirlwind week in New York filled with both work and play. By day I got to enjoy being able to work in the DUMBO Etsy offices - always great getting to work face to face with my creative coworkers - and by night I spent time eating and drinking my way through the city with Tim while catching up with many of my friends who still live in the city.

Always must stop destinations in my free time are the jewelry supply warehouses stocked row upon row of little plastic cubbies filled with vintage, dead-stock, and raw brass findings, chains, and oddities. This trip I was able to stock up on findings, bring back a couple sold out designs, and came across some brand new (to me) vintage stock including the whistles, canisters, chains, and perfume lockets below.

I'm looking forward to working with these and the other new components I discovered while in the city. Stay tuned.

Fork Bracelets at Quirk Gallery

My fork bracelets were included in Quirk Gallery's gift guide for foodies:

Green Berries trivet by: Scandic Imports $18, Fork Bracelet by: Mary Andrews $40, Bird Salt & Pepper set by: Jonathan Adler $50, Cup with handle by: Justin Rothshank $32, Sugar Peas notebook by: Lab Clip $6, Not Plastic Cutlery by: Seletti $5(set), Bowl by: Andrew Coombs $32, Roller Bull brooch by: Metalworks $18, Bamboo Heart cutting board by: DCI $18

Find them available for sale at Quirk Gallery - there's still time to shop for those foodies on your list!

As Seen in Cleo Magazine: Mary Andrews' Contrary Zodiac Necklaces

I snagged September's issue of Cleo Magazine where they've selected my Contrary Zodiac Necklaces as part of the "What's Now" column: 15 Reasons we Heart Etsy. I've been saving this amazing news for a while waiting for the actual publish date and couldn't be more thrilled to be included in "The It Issue" featuring none other than Drew Barrymore.

One of the best surprises about this feature for me was the fact it centered entirely around Etsy designers; I'm in good company here and completely humbled to be highlighted in a publication of this magnitude.

My Etsy World

Thought I'd share some of my more recent Etsy acquisitions. I live in a virtual Etsy world each day as I work and more and more my physical world is becoming one in the same. Tis a good feeling.

Fragment Light, anzfer
Oscillate Shirt, Thimble and Acorn
Letter M Vintage Milk Glass Mug, KupAndSaucer

Happy 5th Anniversary, Contrary

Contrary Turns Five Today

Thank you for your support over the past five incredible years. Now it's time to celebrate Contrary's 5th anniversary with a sale to remember, and you're all invited! Sale details here.

Contrary Pocket Knife Necklace Giveaway

Check out the Contrary feature over at Refinery29 to find out how you can win an entire 5 piece set of my pocket knife necklace line. Complete every outfit in your wardrobe, or keep one for yourself and be the talk of your friends when you come bearing gifts.

Antique Industrial Laundry Carts

As of late, industrial and commercial grade essentials of the past have been at the top of my decorating frame of mind. One detail I've been fixating on for months is an industrial size canvas laundry cart complete with casters. Not only would one be great for actually doing the laundry, but just think of all the unique storage solutions one of these babies could solve: bathroom towel display, cleaning supply cart, a magazine and afghan caddy for the family room...oh the possibilities.

Find a newer version in production carried at Restoration Hardware, or snag a rare antique original version right here on Etsy. Both versions have been made in the USA. Know where I can find more of these laundry carts? Let me know where in the comments, I'd love to take a longing look at other varieties.

Trendspotting: Fingerprint Jewelry

One of this season's hottest jewelry trends emerging via Etsy designers is personalized fingerprint jewelry. You heard me right, there are an exclusive selection of jewelry designers working to preserve your own (or a loved one's) true fingerprint permanently in precious metals including silver, gold, and platinum.

These one-of-a-kind pieces are truly something unique that is sure to leave your stamp in time for generations to come. I'm seeing them being carefully created for events and special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, Father's Day, and Mother's Day. There are even a couple versions capturing the paw or nose print of those furry family members!

See my full post on Kaboodle.com to find my favorite fingerprint jewelry designs on Etsy right now.

Announced: Guest Blogging for Kaboodle

This week it was announced I'll be guest blogging from the Etsy perspective for Kaboodle. Find the Q&A intro to the new series here and stay tuned for Etsy exclusives, insider tips, and trendspotting from yours truly over on the Kaboodle buzz blog each Thursday.

Find the first installment of the series on Kaboodle's buzz blog leaking where to find the Etsy jewelry highlighted in this season's The Bachelorette. I'm so looking forward to spreading the Etsy love with Kaboodle and hope to see you over that way!

Trendspotting: Over The Knee Stockings

Variations on the ideal length of socks and stockings seem to be forever changing from one whim to the next. The "just over the knee" look seems to be cropping up as the new sweet spot this season. Not quite a knee sock, not quite a thigh high, but just barely over the knee.

The sock inspired looks I found above are via Etsy and LookBook.nu.

LookBook.nu: White Knee Socks
LookBook.nu: Grey Vintage Socks
Pinstripe Socks: poppyswickedgarden
LookBook.nu: Navy buttons Socks
LookBook.nu: Plum Socks
Tattoo Socks: post
Silver Thigh High Leggings: BabooshkaBoutique
Neon Socks: bewakeful
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LookBook.nu: Grey Knee Socks
Black Stem Socks: undertheroot
LookBook.nu: Red Bow Socks
Sock Garters: SWANclothing
LookBook.nu: Pointelle Black Socks
LookBook.nu: Black Bunny Socks
LookBook.nu: Sheer Heart Stockings
LookBook.nu: Black High Socks

Weekend Market Finds

From our last visit to the Winter Market: Fresh carrots, cheese, greens, and apples.

There's always something new, each week we visit.

Love: Hunter Wellington Boots

I tend to fixate on certain finds I convince myself I need. A current preoccupation has been geared towards a pair of the original green Hunter wellington boots. This brand is made in the UK and has been a classic field staple since the 1850's when the first factory began production. I keep dreaming up imaginary "field situations" in which I'll need to wear them, hence saving the day.

Each of the looks above via Lookbook.nu.

Oh Hunter wellingtons, one of these days we'll be the best of old pals.

Trendspotting: Menswear

Trend: Debonair Classic, Menswear

Fitted blazers, micro vests, button down shirts, and trousers. Tweed, hounds-tooth, and pinstripes. High waists, thick belts, oxfords, and fedoras. Androgyny at it's best, give me more.

Each of these looks can be found via LOOKBOOK.nu.

Valentine Inspiration via Etsy

Love inspiration via Etsy
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Pink Ruffle Tank: SoulPretty
Heart Brooch: ThePitbullBarNGrill
Double Fingerprint Necklace: fabuluster
Love is All You Need Photograph: Kristybee
Bearfurcated: everyeskimo
Vintage Bowling Pins: bluebellbazaar
Vintage Heart Cookies: whippedbakeshop
Miniature Heart Sampler: MiniatureRhino
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Diamond Band: kateszabone
Vintage Pumps: persephonevintage
If I Only Had a Heart Brooch: Schmutzerland
Pink Baby Bear Hat: simplybasicdesigns
Anatomical Heart Necklace: MarKhed
Flower Bud Shirt: bchildrenswear
Silhouettes Necklace: LostAndFawned
Keyhole Watercolor: GollyBard

Wishing a happy Valentine's to you and yours. xoxo

Kitchen Inspiration via Etsy

Simple kitchens with pops of color and vintage accents have a way of stopping me in my tracks. The hunt for the perfect find is also half the fun in building a fitting collection over time.

Kitchen Inspiration via Etsy
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Vintage milk bottles: agoodvintage
Vintage jars: TopsyDesign
Ceramic salt jar: clayswan
Baker's twine: CaliforniaCraft
Egg basket: nostalgictreasures
Vintage cast iron: TheWhiteMole
Vintage milk crate and Vintage Scale: Hindsvik

Shop Contrary's Black Friday Cyber Monday Weekend!

As you toast the season with family and friends, the elves here at
Contrary would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving accompanied by an
exclusive 30% off shop-wide sale just for you. Take advantage of your first look and get a head start on
your holiday shopping while the shop is stocked.

To receive your exclusive 30% discount, shop at Contrary anytime between
the time you read this post and midnight Monday, 11/30. Enter the promo code
"BFCMblog" in the message to seller field during the checkout process. Once
you complete your order and checkout, simply wait for a prompt revised
invoice sent by email reflecting your discounted total and proceed to pay.

Here's wishing you a happy holiday season and special thanks from Contrary. Feel free to forward this code to your friends and family.

Antique Nuts and Bolts Cabinet

While in Virginia last weekend I came across this nuts and bolts cabinet from the turn of the century. It's in an octagonal shape, has never-ending drawers finished with porcelain knobs, and rotates on it's base. It's like nothing I've ever seen and as you can probably guess, I was awe-struck. It was typically used to house nuts and bolts in hardware stores or candies and small toys in general stores back in the day.

This piece of furniture would be a dream come true as a component in my ideal studio space. Alas, we did not leave with this gem on that day. It's been on my mind ever since and I hope to find a similar one to make mine somewhere down the road.

Sarah Seven Spring 2010 Fashion Show

Last night I was invited to Sarah Seven's spring 2010 fashion show. It was an event put on in conjunction with the Soho International Film Festival. The show was incredible and her work is even better in person than represented in her Etsy shop. I've been a fan of Sarah's since spotting her shop on Etsy, have been familiar with her line, but finally got the chance to meet her in person last night at the show. She's simply a gem.

Some of my favorite looks from the line include:





Here's Sarah post show, scissors round her neck and all:

After stopping by her post show trunk show today at The Dressing Room, a great little boutique/bar on Orchard, I snagged a one of a kind sea-foam hued short number that just happened fit like a glove.

View my full set of show photos on Flickr for all the spring line looks or watch the slide-show below: