Beautiful Find: Brian Sage

I like art. Actually, I love art. I'm the art kid- I was the one that kept to myself in school and took on as many independent studies in art as possible. I graduated early from high school to work on my portfolio and started a business where I design and create jewelry, as well as websites and tons of other creative stuff in between.
Art is my life, really. It's a constant thing- it's always around and it's always inspiring.

So, this cute guy moved into my apartment building and come to find out: he's an artist (yes!). An oil painter, an American impressionist. His work is stunning.
The colors, his distinct style, and the way he captures light is absolutely beautiful. He deserves recognition and tons of sales now- we wouldn't want him to be a starving artist would we?

Here's a small taste of what's to come if you click on this link:

Two Sails

Beacon Hill

Koi and Heron

Oil paintings for viewing and purchasing available at sageartworks.com

Cool Find : Coma&Cotton

So, I found this amazing site for men. Yes, you read correctly: MEN.
However, for some reason when I try to capture images from the site, it gives me trouble. So, instead, you're going to have to settle for a link and trust that I'm sending you to a site filled with unique, wearable clothing that your guy or you will dig.
The colors and textures on each piece of clothing are truly art that you can wear and not feel embarassed by- because, let's face it, that wearable art usually isn't wearable by anyone that can see, if you know what I'm saying.

There are t-shirts, button ups, and blazers for men. There's stuff for girls, too. A little bit of both and very cool find. Check their stuff out at comaandcotton.com

Product Review: Becky Oh! Designs

I opened a cardboard box addressed to me, inside I saw bright green tissue paper.
Carefully, I unwrap what's inside: a nice protective plastic bag with a pretty bag inside. A wristlet by the very talented Becky Oh! Designs.
Another minor detail that I really appreciated was that the bag had a plastic bubble inside to give it shape- I don't know, I thought it was a really nice touch. I was like, oh I can fit that much in it? :)




As I've emphasized in the past, I normally do not like bags made of fabric. The boring designs and poor sewing are a huge turn-off for me. They remind me of high school home ec and horrible everything was that the people made.
Luckily, every once in a great, great while, a bag comes around that reminds me just how awesome fabric bags can be.




This awesome wristlet from Becky Oh's new Apropos collection is stunning.
Not only is the combination of colors beautiful and obviously very carefully chosen, but the craftswomanship is outstanding. This is not a word I use. My standards are very high (have you seen my wire wrapping skills?), I don't settle for curvy lines and gathered thread. Or pleats in the fabric where there are surely not supposed to be. You will not find those flaws in the bags created by Becky Oh!
They are crafted with meticulous attention to detail.





Becky Oh! sets a new standard for handmade bags made from fabric- they should all be so perfect. Other designers should aspire to have their skill be 50% as good as Becky Oh!.

These unique handmade wristlets start at a mere $20, this one was $35- underpriced, if you ask me.



Oh, I should and want to mention that each handbag is a one of a kind piece. However, Becky let me know that if she has fabric left (say, like the fabric in this bag), she is willing to make another. How awesome is she? Go buy one and thank me later.

Product Review: Zevin Creations

So far, all of my stationery reviews have been for printed cards. Not a thing wrong with that, of course, but I am happy to do my first handmade card review.
Zevin Creations was kind enough to send me a few cards and they are really pretty.

I'm first going to mention the packaging- as you know, I love products that are packed nicely.


It's always nice to receive something that looks like a gift. Very pretty!

Inside of that purple tissue paper was a stack of cards. Obviously handmade (in a good way), they are vibrant and have a really nice feel to them. You know, that made with love feeling, but without the cheesiness of that saying.


The first one I saw was this birthday postcard or as Zevin Creations calls them: zevlets. Fun idea, right? I love the high contrast of the pink with the orange & yellow. The ribbon detail is really cute, too. And, how unique is the postcard idea? I've never seen that before and I'm a card shopper- I mean, I look all over the place for the right card. Anyhow, I love it and who wouldn't want to receive something so fun?
I love how you can see the detail without seeing any glue!

Oooh, ooh, ooh! This just in for Fall:

How rich and beautiful. Warm and welcoming. How fall. The earth tones mixed with the torn paper on that copper background looks stunning. I can see using these as a just because card for the season, as a Happy Thanksgiving card, or as an invite to a festive fall event. Versatile and my favorite of the bunch.


Everyone needs to (or, they should, at least) send out thank you cards. I love the mix of textures and subdued colors.
This one has a really vintage feel to it, like I could have gone into my Gram's attic and dug through boxes to find this card. Still in perfect condition, but with an undeniable nostalgic vibe that you can't get from new cards. Yet, somehow, this card- the design and construction acheive that. Really cool and different.

Another thing that really struck me about the cards by Zevin Creations is that on the back of each card is their backstory. There's something about that that really speaks to me, not only as a fellow designer, but as a customer it's always interesting to know the who, how, and why.

If you're into handmade with a modern, yet vintage feel, zevcards.com is the way to go. Prices range from $3 to $12.50.

INDEPENDENTluxe favorite, Anna Bella Stationery, revamped

One of INDEPENDENTluxe's favorite designers for cards & stationery just had a complete revamp and got a new URL, as well. Anna Bella Baby is now annabellastationery.com.



Everything on the site is lovely and/or adorable, and there is something for every occassion.



The colors, fonts, and designs used in each individual card or note are darling.

To celebrate, Anna Bella is offering 25% off to their customers, now through 9-30-06, just enter GRAND25 in the coupon code section when you checkout to receive your discount at annabellastationery.com.