There's No Where Left To Hide

I may have this habit of constantly being on the lookout for something different, something unique, or something no one else has. I have always enjoyed making gifts for friends and family, but when I cannot think of something to make or if what I want to make is beyond my own capabilities, I search the ends of the Earth for the perfect gift. I have favourite shops in different cities and towns in different states and countries, but best of all... I can search the internet like it was on the main drag in my hometown.

I recently started up my own shop on Etsy about two months ago. I'm finding my footing with which items are going to be my bread and butter, but for now I'm trying a bit of everything to see what buyers are interested in purchasing. That being said, I've found there are several shops on Etsy that I continually go back to time and time again. They make up my list of favourite sellers, and their items take up the majority of the 20 pages of favourite items I have. I guess I drift towards a particular style, or I'm really good at hunting through 8,000 pages of items for roughly five shops that are already saved in my favourites!

I'm going to list out several of my favourite finds. These are items that I cannot live without, and if I don't already have them, they're on my wish list. The first item isn't really "one" item. It's more like one item at the beginning of the month, for a year, type of item. Underwear of the Month is a club run by Recession, which was started by Avery and Leah (and friends) after the downturn of the economy in 2007. They've kept fashion, comfort, and affordability alive in West Oakland. This is one of my favourite finds and a must have. Who doesn't like getting a new pair of designer undies each month?? (For both women AND men!)

The next gem I've found is Cocoricooo, and it is as unique as the name itself. I cannot pick a favourite item of theirs, as I practially want the entire shop!

Cocoricooo is a group of four lovely ladies in Thailand. All of their clothing is handmade, hand embroidered, and hand dyed (if applicable.) They are passionate about their work and it shows in each and every one of their items.

This is definitely at the top of my list of favourites!! Much love for Cocoricooo!

I am not much of a shoe girl. I know, how could I not be, right? I design and sew and would rather go barefoot than wear a pair of styling shoes. That was until I stumbled upon these beauties. Hydra Heart is a shop run by Molly, and boy do I love her! Each of the 100% vegan and earth friendly shoes are constructed after being hand drafted by Molly.

I fell in love with this pair of shoes, which I am getting in the ballet flat and heavy tread, so that I can wear them EVERYWHERE! Each set of shoes is custom designed to fit your feet. She takes exact measurements in inches or regular shoe sizes. Give them a try!

It may appear to you that I spend way to much time on Etsy and other people's blogs, if you came to that conclusion, you are right!

I have found a whole new world of shopping, in which I can limit my shopping to local Etsy shops, Eco-friendly shops, or shops halfway around the world. Like Cocoricooo!

And every now and again, I stumble upon shops that incorporate my own passions. Pretty Birdie, by Stephanie Teague, shares the same passion for upcycling and recycling materials for her handmade clothing. I have been a fan of hers since I started on Etsy, and will continue to be a fan for many years to come.

Stephanie uses vintage, organic, cotton and hemp fabrics. She has a fabulous eye for stylish design, and I'm in love with many of her items!

And lastly, Miss Unplastic herself, Evelyn Fields. I have worked for people who were on the radical end of environmentalism. From hang drying clothes, using cloth diapers, reusable wipes (I kid you not), cloth napkins, you name it... they were on it. Plastic bottles had no place in their house, but where they lacked, and Evelyn soars, is in UN-plastic snack baggies.

Evelyn shows us that there was indeed life before the birth of plastic. I hate plastic, and am thankful that there are people out there who agree with me. (You can also follow Evelyn's blog for more wonderful ideas.)

From unpaper napkins, snack sacks, bread bags, and rising cloths to sandwich bags, napkin rings, and reusable coffee filters. YES! Reusable coffee filters!! Evelyn does it all.

She brings a whole new life to unplastic, unpaper, reusable, and washable everyday kitchen necessities!

Thank you, Evelyn!

There are many more items, more favourites, more MUST HAVE's, but for now I'll leave you with a brilliant idea to help keep our earth happy and healthy.

Reusable dryer sheets.

Love,
Katie

"I'm not an environmentalist. I'm an Earth warrior." -Darryl Cherney