Put a Bow on It

I keep hearing print catalogs are a dying breed, but it's hard to believe that when you receive, in the mail, a 48 page catalog for.... bow ties?

Called Beau Ties LTD*, this Vermont based company wants to tie a bow on you for the holiday season. Holiday bowties, "smart" bowties**, outdoor bowties***, patriotic bowties, and, of course, suspenders to match.

So if you want to support your college in an incredibly formal way, or if you just want trout**** tied around your neck, visit beautiesltd.com and they'll dress you up.

*The beauty of this name is that when you squish it together for the url it's beautiesltd.com
**periodic table
***camo
****why? no.

Spread the Woosah Grand Rapids!

The highlight of the SS16 Cushe Conference was collaborating with Erica Lang of Woosah Outfitters on an original woodcut design.

Woosah Outfitters and Printshop is a naturally inspired print and apparel brand meant to inspire an inner peace and calmness—which Erica refers to as Woosah.

Today, Erica celebrated a great achievement, the grand opening of her store front on Division Avenue, known as the Avenue for the Arts, in Grand Rapids.

The store is combination of everything Woosah means for Erica > the artful, handmade nature of her carved woodblocks, mixed with the stillness and beauty of nature. Erica has put so much of herself into the store, and it is designed personally and immaculately. Details were not overlooked.


A graduate of Kendall College of Art and Design, Erica's designs are created as woodcuts, which is the oldest form of printmaking. It's a time consuming process, driven by skill, but also by pure passion.

To make a woodcut, first you carve a design (in reverse) into a block of wood. You carve away the areas you don't want printed. What remains will then get inked, usually with a roller. When you roll ink across the block, the raised portions will take on ink. You can then print the design by pressing it into paper (Erica uses an etching press here to apply even, consistent pressure).*

Erica's designs have a distinct style and handmade texture to them. Each is inspired by an obvious love for the outdoors, and displays a sense of whimsy and inspiration.

Erica funded the store opening through a very successful Kickstarter campaign. It is a place that brings about immediate peace and wonder, and invites you to look around and linger. Check it out for yourself at 131 S Division in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Follow Erica and her amazing art on instagram, and spread a little Woosah yourself!

*This process is not entirely unlike the linoleum block printing I've done in that past.

Reliquishing the Impulse

On a recent trip to World Market, these "unnecessary" items* found their way home with me.

While certainly none of these items broke the bank, none of them offered any ROI aside from self-indulgent, curiosity satisfaction.

When it comes to impulse purchases, packaging can often win me over.** But only in terms of grabbing my attention and initiating an initial purchase – the product still has to deliver on taste and value. 

Un-intimidating price points are definitely key to nailing an impulse sale, but something else that World Market does really well is create an aura of authenticity, uniqueness and worldliness. It's like finding an undiscovered treasure.***

Every time I go in there, I sort of feel like I've been tricked into buying something that looks Peruvian but is really crap manufactured in China. This awareness often leads me straight to the food aisles... which is where I unburied this haul. Let's see how my treasure fared... 

Ginger People's Ginger Syrup. I may be biased towards ginger, but this is a pretty stellar product. It works to liven up pancakes, but I've also been putting it in my coffee and tea, and it has a gingery-honey effect that is absolutely pleasant. 

WM Banana Chocolate Spread. This is a Goober Grape throwback for me. Except it's for adults and awesome. I'm not sure exactly what you're supposed to spread this on, but I've decided sandwiched between two windmill cookies is best. It also turns toast into dessert. The only thing that makes me nervous, is what's in this that makes refrigeration not required? 

Fentiman's Sodas. Both the Dandelion & Burdock and the Curiosity Cola were full of exciting flavors— cola with hints of anise and ginger with a fruity lightness, not sugary and strong. 

All three of my recent impulse purchases from World Market proved themselves recommendable. Even if they are all frivolity loaded with sugar.

*Are there ever "necessary" purchases to be made at World Market? 
** And the word "Ginger" will ALWAYS win my over.
***That is mass-produced and sold in similar World Markets all over the country.  

Reclaiming Ground in Easttown

Rebel Reclaimed has always been one of my favorite gift buying destinations in GR. It's a eclectic mix of handmade and vintage with an on-trend, yet unique flare. 

Until this year, they resided in a tiny tiny tiny location in a shared space with Urban Exchange on Fulton. But now, Rebel Reclaimed has moved to Robinson Road, right near Brandywine and Argos Books. The new space must be at least three times the old space, I love being able to turn around with no fear of bumping over something precious, and I also love that they now at least 3X as many treasures for me to look at. 

The store is a great mix — everything from furniture to jewelry — in a style that is only what I can describe as "exactly what i want my life to be". It's whimsical, it's light-hearted, it's sometimes sarcastic, and it's always colorful. 

The owners are two delightful gentleman who chat and share ideas with their customers. To go along with their new store, they also have a new website, and while you can't shop on the site (yet) you can get a feeling for what Rebel is all about. 

They want their store to be a happy place, and success boys, it is definitely my happy place. 

Shoppin' for Flowers

Look out Vera Bradley, English fashion designer Cath Kidston is sneaking around Europe, filling the shelves with her nostalgic floral prints and adorable homegoods.

Fighting the crowds along the busy shopping corridor of Grafton Street in Dublin, we spotted a Cath Kidston store when we paused momentarily for street performers. Drawn in by the pretty colors and soft patterns, I turned to Kelly and asked, "What's a Cath Kidston?". (Or more importantly, why had I never heard of it?)

Cath Kidston is not a new brand, in 1993, Kidston began selling vintage patterns she remembered from her childhood. Her modern spin on traditional English country patterns gathered a cult following and the product line expanded. There's something mildly girl, yet pleasantly sophisticated about her prints and wares. This self-proclaimed, modern-vintage girl approved immediately.

The collections are primarily sold in the UK, Asia and online, which may forgive this American's unfamiliarity. Though I feel the line would sell strongly in the US, offering a youthful alternative to Bradley, who's patterns often strike me as mature. 

Moments after leaving the store, I notice two young girls with Kidston backpacks meandering down the street.  So keep an eye out—wouldn't be surprised to see Kidston labels walking around Grand Rapids sometime soon.

Breathin' Brushed Pigskin

Spent a delightful weekend in Nashville last week and stopped by Nashville's oldest, All-Vintage shop, The Hip Zipper. Of course I went straight for the shoes, where I found these two vintage Hush Puppies boxes. (the shoes inside were not Hush Puppies). 

 Super fun finds. I love having something specific and fun to look for when I shop!

Retro Never Looked so Good

This is not a news flash to say that I'm obsessed with ModCloth. 3 orders in 5 days? Clearly I have a problem. But I think the design of their latest StyleBook alone justifies my obsession!

A little throwback flare is the perfect way to display their vintage inspired collections. I think they absolutely nailed these layouts, they look completely modern, while showcasing their '60s style. 

Like what you see? Shop to your heart's delight – and get a $15 credit with this link!

You Gotta Have It / She is a Real Person!!

There's been a lot of speculation lately (you know, in my little circle) about whether Lisa Frank is a). a real person and b). still alive. Well, an incredible eblast from Urban Outfitters today rocked my world with an interview that answered all my important LF questions.

You remember Lisa Frank, right?? Unicorns and music notes, kitty cats and rainbows. The pink glitz had more power than all the Marvel comic heroes combined!


Lisa's gone through her personal archives to offer a limited time, limited quantity sale of vintage Lisa Frank goods at Urban Outfitters. You can not imagine my reaction when I saw the email—I so totally remember some of these specifically!

Oh and did you see these? Stickers! Of course, stickers!

Like Wine, but... OIlier

During one of my art perusing afternoons, I stumbled into Old World Olive Press, a merchant of top shelf Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar products. 

Old World Olive Press originally opened in Rockford in 2009, two more locations followed in Plymouth and Birmingham, MI. The GR location on Monroe Center opened earlier this year. The facility functions much like a wine tasting. You can sample countless flavors of oil and balsamic vinegars. 

What did I learn? Well, I don't like sipping olive oil straight, even if it is infused! But there is a whole world of flavored vinegars out there that is just waiting to be experimented with–and I can't wait to get started.

I opted for the Cranberry Pear as a first go around. I tried it tonight mixed with oil on a bit of arugula, beets and mozzarella. Amazing.