Archive for February, 2006

Art Meets Apparel

Tuesday, February 28th, 2006
Disco Girl and Monkey Designs by Retrofit

Each of these super soft t-shirts is an original work of art. Silk screened by hand onto 100% cotton, the shirts have a 60s/70s retro feel. Hence the name of the brand, Retrofit.

The garments have been designed and silk screened by artist/designer/illustrator James Nocito. His paintings have been exhibited in a number of art galleries and his fabric designs have featured in the collections of Donna Karan, Joseph Abboud and Anne Klein.

Silk Scarves by Retrofit

James has also designed a range of sumptuous, 100% silk charmeuse scarves. There are three original designs to choose from in five colourways.

Retrofit Designs Apparel can be purchased from www.retrofitdesigns.com.

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Getting Catty

Monday, February 20th, 2006

What is it about cats that we find so fascinating? So much so that we honour them in poetry and art and we’ve even taken to wearing their likenesses? I’ve been scouring the net and have come up with an array of feline-inspired goodies.

First up is one of my favourite Friday afternoon websites - Naughty Secretary Club, with their gorgeous Meow Meow Necklace and Prrrrrr Earrings. This online store is a treasure trove of revamped vintage and nouveau treasures. Visit www.naughtysecretaryclub.com to stock up on ‘kitty bling’.

Meow Meow Necklace Prrrrrr Earrings

And if you’re looking for some kitty arm candy, I found this cute Kitty Cat Lime Green Pouch at www.accessoriesonline.co.uk. Accessories Online specialises in unusual accessories and jewellery from respected designers. Ironically the designers of the pouch are called Dogeared.

Kitty Cat Lime Green Pouch

Now meet Albert. This coy little feller comes from the hand of David. David has been drawing all his life, inspired by the likes of Ralph Bakshi, Robert Crumb, Cosgrove Hall and a host of other animators, cartoonists and artists. His work has been used by Manchester’s famous Hacienda night club, the Royal Exchange, various international record labels and loads of books and magazines. David can be contacted through Indie Quarter at info@indiequarter.com.

Albert

Now, what about something to adorn your coat or bag? This Cool for Cats Kilt Pin from Aurora Bloom is chock full of vintage and modern charms and beads. Visit www.aurorabloom.com.

Cool for Cats Kilt Pin

And now for something a little different. Each of these cuddly Fat Kitties has been hand embroidered/embellished by Little Dear. They are one of kind and can be purchased from http://dreamfollow.com, where you’ll find lots of lovely other items created by designer Aimee Ray.

Fat Kitties

In contrast, you’ll love this Grrrrr Bracelet from Junkie, made up of lots of big cat charms. For quirky, vintage, novelty jewellery and accessories visit www.junkie3.com.

Grrrrr Bracelet

And last but by no means least, how could you resist this Hello Kitty Mascot Charm Bracelet by Tarina Tarantino? Kitty dresses up in a cutle little bunny outfit and is surrounded by girly beads. For a whole range of kitty-inspired, charm-encrusted trinkets, visit www.tarinatarantino.com.

Hello Kitty Mascot Charm Bracelet
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Bonnin Designs

Monday, February 20th, 2006
Nia Bracelet

Since its debut back in 2000, online jewellery store Bonnin Designs has gone from strength to strength. A number of their pieces have appeared in US TV shows such as ‘Becker’, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Yes Dear’. Jewellery designer Shari Bonnin is no stranger to TV, having appeared as a guest designer in DIY show ‘Jewellery Making’.

Maverick Earrings

Bonnin Designs jewellery is meticulously handcrafted and the style is colourful, vibrant and fun. As Shari is a Flamenco dancer Flamenco influences are apparent throughout the collections, with part of the website dedicated solely to Flamenco jewellery and accessories.

To view the Bonnin Designs collections, go to www.bonnindesigns.com.

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Disturbed Penguin Poo

Monday, February 20th, 2006
Car Mat Bag

Rachel Blackmore is the creative mind behind Disturbed Penguin Poo (not a name you will forget in a hurry). She makes unusual items out of recycled materials. The bag shown above has been fashioned out of a rubber car mat. It has a nifty front flap which fastens by pushing it over an inner tube valve.

Rachel also makes mosaic pencil pots like the one shown below, which is made from a recycled jar with handmade fimo tiling.

Mosaic Pencil Pot

You can browse Rachel’s products (she also sells beads and findings) at her eBay shop - http://stores.ebay.co.uk/disturbedpenguinpoo-beads. And no penguin poo in sight!

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Arty Pants

Monday, February 6th, 2006
Arty Pants Designs

Jennifer Park began creating children’s artwork back in 1994 when she became pregnant with her daughter. Painting pieces for her family and friends quickly turned into a business and from that came Arty Pants.

Arty Pants is an online boutique which sells trendy clothes and accessories for children and mums-to-be. Products include maternity wear, baby and toddler clothes, baby spoons, bibs, lap boards and feather wreaths. Their fun ‘Brand New Baby Wear’ collection features 9 babysuits, made of 100% cotton and sporting quirky slogans. Each bodysuit comes in a cute gift can (see below).

Brand New Baby Wear

Jennifer’s artwork can be fully customised to fit in with your required colour scheme. She also offers free personalisation of any product.

Hand Painted Suitcase

To view the full Arty Pants collection, visit www.artypants.biz

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