Have you visited Hannah Zakari recently? If not, you should definitely take a look. THE online shop for handamde jewellery has expanded its virtual shelves to include homewares, art, clothing, jewellery and stationery.

New designers include Dotty Speck, who creates beautiful silver jewellery from her Seattle studio, Kate Wilson, a London based illustrator with a passion for drawing the little things in life that people often pass by and T-Boo, who uses vintage components, gemstones and other sparkly things to create cute ‘n’ quirky jewellery.

And old favourites Hoolala, Eclectic Shock, FluffsStuffs and Custom Made have exciting new stock.

Go on, treat yourself - www.hannahzakari.co.uk.

It’s New York City at the dawn of the Jazz Age. Imagine it - the beautiful deco haute couture, the glamour of the speakeasies. . . . This is the inspiration for Octavine Illustration - a gem of a store specialising in Art Deco inspired wares. You’ll find custom invitations, posters and calligraphy, as well as screenprinted apparel, journals, and cards. Each has been illustrated by the talented Cara Buchalter.

Shop at www.octavineillustration.etsy.com and prepare to be dazzled.
Catch up at www.octavineillustration.blogspot.com.

And PS, I’ve just treated myself to the Parisian Moleskine Journal (bottom right)!

After graduating from university last summer, Candice Wren has been very busy launching her beautiful range of pashminas. Each pashmina is hand-picked and then silk screened with Candice’s own illustrations and sketches. The current collection includes print and applique from rare vintage fabrics and pretty embellishments such as beadwork and stitching.

For more information visit www.candicewren.co.uk.

A little while ago I blogged about Bonbi Forest and Lee May’s menagerie of animal doodles. Since then Lee May has expanded her empire and created the Bonbi Forest Indie Emporium. As well as Lee May’s own range of hand printed t-shirts and quirky jewellery, you can now shop for indie inspired clothing, accessories, zines and homewares. Designers include Fluffstuffs, Cat and Bang, Mr PS and Gallery A. They’re all interesting and original and very very cute.

Check them out at www.bonbiforest.com.

One of the biggest modern day myths is that all women love to shop. Well actually, I don’t. And I don’t think I’m on my own. Some things in particular fill me with dread; shopping for jeans and shopping for bras. A well-fitting bra is the holy grail of women’s clothing - highly sought after but rarely found. But don’t despair, help is at hand.

Vanjo is a sexy, funky, retro lingerie label whose underwear comes in a wide range of sizes and fittings. Their cup sizes range from C to FF, making them a must-have item for curvy women. They are also eco-friendly using, where possible, stock or leftover fabric and trims from cloth manufacturers ’ creating a use for material that would normally be thrown into landfill sites.

In addition, they also offer a range of men’s printed t-shirts and trunks.

Check them out at www.vanjo.co.uk.

If like me you’re feeling the cold at the moment, beat the chill with cheery mittens and scarves by Blue Sky Knits. The beautiful folk motif patterns have been handed down by generations of knitters in rural Maine and Canada. These were knitters who knew how to make the best of cold conditions. The diamond and wave patterns are a blend of influences ’ from Norway, Ireland, Scotland and the Shetland Islands.

The double strands of yarn used to create colour patterns result in an extra layer of warmth. And because the mittens are lightly felted, they are especially durable, soft and cozy.

Stock up now at www.blueskyknits.etsy.com. UK buyers need to convo for shipping costs.

Beanies from sweaters, bracelets from belts and bobby pins from vintage buttons. re:made is all about sustainable use and cute handmade goods. I bet you can’t guess what this fun and flirty sundress is made from. No? It’s made from vintage pillowcases. Wear it over jeans or leggings or on its own after the cold snap.

Everything in the re:made shop is completely unique and created from materials with a former life. For more information go to www.iloveremade.com.

Once upon a time a young girl in the land of stars and stripes shivered in the harsh winter. She searched everywhere for protection against the elements but to no avail. In desperation she turned to the residents of the North Pole and a sprightly young elf named Snart came to the rescue. He recited a recipe guaranteed to provide maximum warmth without reducing agility. The girl, whose name was Sarah, set to work creating a number of prototypes and finally, with a dash of her own added flair, the Snart was born - so called after her friendly elfish muse.

Sarah Witt’s Snart comes in a number of patterns, each with it’s signature bright beanie. Each toasty topper is designed to fit snugly to allow you to get on with everyday tasks, whilst keeping cosy and warm. You can buy online from www.sew-sew.net.