Leather so soft, it looks like it would melt with the slightest touch of your fingers.
This is what Seattle-based designer Angie Bowlds uses to create the beautiful, one-of-a-kind bags, coin purses and card holders for her line, Stitch & Swash. Angie sources this leather from dated, damaged and unwanted jackets that she finds in thrift stores.
She was taught how to sew at an early age by her mother and started specializing in bag-making a few years ago. A graphic designer by trade, Angie sees making her bags as the perfect way to combine the two things she loves - screenprinting and sewing.
Angie decided to make leather her material of choice because of it's strength, durability and ductility. She manipulates the creamy leather to create soft pleats, and the rich, neutral-toned leather makes an excellent background for Angie's brightly coloured, modern, screenprinted designs.
Angie runs Stitch & Swash from her basement studio in Seattle and has set up an Etsy store where she aims to offer products in a variety of colors and styles. Since Stitch &Swash does not offer wholesale items, she is able to keep the prices low so that her products are affordable for everyone. Currently, price of items range from US$6 to US$55.
Angie also has another store called The Crafty Devils which was started by her and friend Nicole, and it offers bags made out of new leather which she sells wholesale to a few shops. However, she finds it more rewarding to collect and recycle the soft, vintage jackets rather than use new leather because it gives them "new life as a bag that someone will love to have."
In the future, she plans to transition completely out of using new leather and also expand the Stitch & Swash line to include more tote and purse styles, men's wallets as well as new screenprint designs. 
Click here to go to the Stitch & Swash Etsy store to see what other great items they have for sale!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Indie Designer Spotlight - Stitch & Swash
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Grey's Desirability
As far as wardrobe staples go, I've covered both black and white. Now it's time to shine the fashion spotlight on the gorgeous shades of grey in between.
This moody neutral colour is far from dull this season as it's showing up in many shades on tons of trendy clothing styles.
Even though my love for grey may not be as extreme as this, I'm still craving a few grey items right now - specifically boots and bags - to add to my wardrobe.
Grey is powerful enough to stand on its own but I think it looks even better when it's paired with brighter colours like pink, purple or yellow.
Below are some chic grey clothing and accessories for your consideration.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
What I got - Retro Floral Dress, White Blazer and more
It's been quite a while since I've had a successful thrift hunt but I got lucky last weekend and scored a few great items.
First up is this 50s/60s style abstract floral print dress that I bought from a garage sale last weekend for BDS$6.
Note: US$1 = BDS$2 
To be honest, it didn't look very impressive when I first picked it up but I liked the colours and the print so I decided I would buy it anyway. However, it soon began to grow on me on the ride home and when I finally tried it on, it was instant love! The style is so cute and retro - it reminds me of those gorgeous dresses worn on Mad Men.
I could never wear these gloves and tights during the day in Barbados but I'm not going anywhere today and I love dressing up so I thought "why not?"
I also got this awesome white blazer from the same sale for BDS$8. Unfortunately, it's a little tight when I button it but I love it so I'll probably just wear it open. 
I went to another sale the same day and got the two bags below. The first one is a black oversized clutch that I bought for BDS$5. It has a really beautiful relief design on the flap that isn't obvious unless you look at it closely.
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The other bag I got is this cool denim fringed Miss Sixty bag that also cost BDS$5. I've wanted a fringed purse for a long time but another reason why is love this one is because of the brilliant woven detail on the flap.
This last item is not a garage sale purchase but a bargain buy nonetheless. I ordered these amazing pewter caged heels from the Urban Original Ebay Store for US$10.49. I don't usually wear shoes this high so it's going to take some practice walking in them, especially because of the thin heel, but I think I'll get the hang of it eventually. I don't think this shoe style is still in stock but if you're interested in checking out more of their stuff, they also have a website you can visit.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Stud obsession
There's something so edgy and sexy about studded clothing and accessories that I find very irresistible. The decorative hardware toughens up any outfit and you don't have to be a biker or punk to rock out this look with confidence. This is a bold look so, as is the case with many trends, the trick to effortlessly incorporating it into your style is to do it in moderation.
One celebrity devotee of this look is Rihanna who is often seen wearing numerous stylish articles such as the studded bag, skirt and bracelets in the photos below.
photos courtesy ultimate-rihanna.com and justjared.buzznet.comA few of my favourite (and currently unattainable) studded items are these Christian Louboutin 'Ariella' boots, Burberry 'Warrior' bag and Carrie's belt from the Sex and the City movie.
photos courtesy elleuk.com, elitechoice.org and patriciafield.comBelow are some fab and very affordable studded items that may interest you.
Tiered Stud DressPrice: US$28.99
http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3163947&cp=&sr=1&origkw=stud&kw=stud&parentPage=search&searchId=
Bold Square Stud Design HeadbandPrice:US$4.99
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/cutesyshoes/items/item.aspx?itemid=4929581
ASOS Studded Fingerless Leather GlovePrice: UK £15.00 (US$32.45)
http://www.asos.com/Kimberly-Stewart/Asos/Studded-Fingerless-Leather-Glove/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=286059&cid=4174&clr=Black&sh=0
Gold Stud Triangle Top and Gold Stud Bottom (sold separately)Price: US$19.50 each
Top: http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=12480
Bottom: http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=12481
Colin Stuart® Studded t-strap sandalPrice: US$49.00
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=9B-207536&cgname=OSKEYSHUZZZ&rfnbr=4782
Black 3 Row Alternate Pyramid Studded Leather BeltPrice: US$16.00
http://www.bodypunks.com/product.asp?sku=BPIBELT005&browseby=category&category=ROOT/Belts/&material=&producttype=&gauge=&brand=BodyPUNKS&size=
Black Studded Aviator SunglassesPrice: US$11.25
http://www.torrid.com/torrid/store/product.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302024217&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442172540&bmUID=1217272275752
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
As chic as a peacock
Hey everyone,
First I want to apologize for being absent for so long. I haven't been feeling well this past week so I decided to take a break for a little while. I'm feeling better now so I'll try to get back to posting regularly.
The theme for today's post is the peacock which is one of my favourite animals. I remember visiting to the zoo when I was much younger and there were so many peacock feathers scattered all over the grounds because the birds were allowed to roam freely. I obviously gathered as many as I could, took them home and enjoyed playing many games of "Dress-up" with them.
I still love peacock feathers today and although they're not as abundant as before, I do love using them for various projects when I get my hands on them. The last time I got peacock feathers, I used them to make a haircomb for a friend.
Now what would this post be without a little info on the beautiful bird it's based on?
The term peafowl can refer to the two species of bird in the genus Pavo of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. These two species are the Indian Peafowl (shown below) and the Green Peafowl.
photo courtesy ladyhalfbreed.files.wordpress.comA male Peafowl is known as a peacock and the female is called a peahen. The Indian Peacock has iridescent blue-green or green coloured plumage and the Green Peacock has green and gold plumage and the wings are black with a sheen of blue. Both species have a crest atop the head.
photo courtesy subjunctive.netThe extravagant "tail" or "train" of the male peacock is the feature for which these birds are best known and it is proudly displayed when courting females (as seen in the photo above). This is often mistaken for tail quill feathers when it is, in fact, highly elongated upper tail coverts. The train feathers have a series of "eyes" that are best seen when the tail is fanned.
photo courtesy blanc-wall.comFeathers from the train have long been considered a sign of beauty and knowledge because they are attractive and because they are in the form of an eye.
Peacock feathers or inspired motifs have a unique appearance that when used on clothing and accessories often leads to gorgeous results.
Here are a few lovely items with a peacock theme:
ASOS Peacock Trim Flat SandalsPrice: UK £18.00 (US$38.93)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/1/Asos/Peacock-Trim-Flat-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=266983&clr=Purple&SearchQuery=peacock&sh=0
Peacock Lure EarringsPrice: US$24.00
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&navAction=jump&id=14990253&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS&color=07
Peacock Feather BeltPrice: UK £12.00 (US$23.96)
http://www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/39370641
Marais Feather Print TotePrice: US$34.00
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2985379/0~2378467~2378483~2377034~6007303?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007303&P=1
Peacock Racerback TunicPrice: US$19.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=tops&product%5Fid=2051097426&showBACK=OK&cookie%5Ftest=1
Wings of a Bird BarrettePrice: US$5.00
http://www.lulus.com/products/Wings+Of+A+Bird+Barrette/9041.html
Los Gatos Clutch - Purple PeacockPrice: US$20.00
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=13559231
Peacock Feather Ring by Handmade JulzPrice: US$24.00
http://www.shopplasticland.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=P71109507
Vera Bradley Peacock Small CosmeticPrice:US$18.00
http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?colorid=59&sku=210%3a59
Daytrip Peacock T-ShirtPrice: US$25.00
http://www.buckle.com/product/product_detail.jsp?prd=50185912P5CF&bmUID=1216823288412
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Cool Vintage Finds - Woven dreams
It's an image I grew up seeing: men and women sitting by the side of the road selling their crafts to anyone who would buy, in order to make enough money to feed their families. These people were obviously not rich but they possessed a great wealth of talent and knowledge when it came to their particular trades.
One of the trades popular here in Barbados and other developing countries is weaving. This is the process of interlacing two distinct sets of thread, yarn or thin strips of any flexible material, to form a fabric.
There are various types of weave including plain weave, knitting, basket weave, twill, satin weave and jacquard weave which are used to make products such as fabric, baskets, hats and bags.
Below are some vintage woven items that I discovered.
Vtg. 80s Glam Blue Woven Gold Chain Clasp PurseSeller Description:
Glam blue and gold handbag. Basketweave plastic body. LONG and heavy gold chain strap. Gold clasp. Shoulder strap tucks inside. By Danieli.
Measurements
Length - 7"
Height (excluding handle) - 6"
Shoulder Strap Drop - 22"
Condition: Great +
AUCTION END:
60s Mod Vtg. Ivory Woven Leather Stack Heel Oxford Shoes Starting Bid: US$0.99
Seller Description:
Sweet pair of vintage 1960s - 1970s linen/ivory hue soft supple leather shoes...love all the retro detail...stacked wood heel...super comfy...padded footbed...excellent condition...Designer: Cobbie
Measurements
Ladies Size: 8.5N - 8 1/2 N
Heel to toe: 9.5"
Along inside footbed wide: 3"
Heel Height: 1.75"
AUCTION END:
Vintage 1970s Braided Leather Woven Belt Starting Bid: US$5.99
Seller Description:
Awesome vintage belt. Measures 24.5” when on smallest hole, 28” on largest. Some green oxidation from metal on inside of leather, see photos.
AUCTION END:
Vintage 1960 "Le Charme" Black Raffia Straw Cloche Hat Starting Bid: US$14.99
BUY-IT-NOW Price: US$18.00
Seller Description:
In this listing we are offering a lovely vintage 1960 black raffia straw hat. This hat is an "Individual LE CHARME Creation". The trim is grosgrain ribbon. The condition is wonderful gently used with no holes, stains, repairs or damage. This hat is fresh from a local estate. This hat measures 21 1/2 inches around the inside edge.
This hat measures approximately 5 inches tall. The brim is approximately 2 inch wide at the front
AUCTION END:
Get this hat.
Vintage Woven Rattan & Lucite Bangle Bracelet Starting Bid: US$14.99
Seller Description:
Wonderful natural woven rattan or wicker laminated between black and clear Lucite bangle. Open work pattern reminiscent of an old woven cane back chair.
Measures 1" wide with a 2 1/2" (average) diameter and open in the back, excellent condition.
AUCTION END: Jun-18-08 06:05:24 PDT (2 days 20 hours)
Get this bangle.
Vtg. 70s Peep Cut-out Heels Pumps Woven Boho Shoes Current Bid: US$14.99
Seller Description:
Measurements
Size: 6.5 M
Length: 9 1/4 inches (heel to toe where extends in heel)
Width: 3 1/3 inches (widest part of sole)
Heel: 3 1/4 inches
AUCTION END:
Get these shoes.
Vintage 80s Liz Claiborne Beige Wide Brim Woven Hat Starting Bid: US$14.99
Seller Description:
This SPECTACULAR BEIGE Woven HAT with Round Mother of Pearl TRIM Circles on Hat band -- is SPECTACULAR!!! It's from the 1980s...fine weaving done in the Phillipines with a sexy 5 1/2" brim! It has the most gorgeous hatband woven in beige and mother of pearl circles embellishments for DESIGN INTEREST -- so GLAMOROUS!! It features very fine weaving. It was made in the Phillipines for LIZ CLAIBORNE - a world respected and sought after designer for fine items!!
It is in barely used vintage condition and looks like it was barely worn.
AUCTION END:
Get this hat.
Vtg. 80s Pink Woven Straw Stripe Boho Clutch Purse Starting Bid: US$11.99
Seller Description:
What an awesome reddish/salmon pink & tan woven straw vintage purse from the 80s . This woven straw bag is accented with a vertical stripe Design in red/salmon pink and tan at the top. This envelope snap closure bag has a swirl flap. This bag is lined in a solid cream cotton material and has a side zippered pocket. The main compartment of the bag has a zippered entry This Bag is in excellent condition!!!
AUCTION END:
Get this purse.
