Seattle Shopper Gift Roundup

This year I am trying to find gifts that only come from local stores, artisans, or vintage stores. This little gift roundup may be Seattle-focused, but finding good local gifts for your friends and family this year is as close as a Google search or a stroll around your own city.

Here are a few Seattle-based items I found for boys and girls alike!

Field House Bone Handle Knife from Blackbird - $48

Does your fella need something to occupy his time on long winter evenings? How about whittling! While I rarely advocate giving gifts that could also serve as weapons, this whittling knife is classy, and could potentially reap some hand-carved rewards.

As a companion, you could give him the Big Book of Whittling and Woodcarving, and hope that he carves you a pair of wooden clogs.

The Big Book of Whittling and Woodcarving - $10 on Amazon.com

Another great companion to the whittling knife are these fetcing cowboy bandages, avaiable at Archie McPhee

Cowboy Adhesive Bandages - $4.95 at Archie McPhee

Ah...what a nostalgic hobby!

Make your friend a custom T-shirt this year with B-Bam! Oh, sadly they no longer appear to have a brick and mortar location, but you can still order through their website. Got an inside joke with a friend? Print it on a shirt and tell your friend to wear it proud: http://www.b-bam.com/

The Great Chicken Escape by Nikki McClure - $10 at BuyOlympia.com

Check out artist Nikki McClure's amazing paper cut art children's books. The Great Chicken Escape is just one, but a large selection of her exquisite books for little people can be found on BuyOlympia.com

Ruffle Print Top by Nick & Mo - $41 at The Frock Shop

The Frock Shop on Phinney has cute, affordable clothing for women and children. I love this Ruffle Print Top by Nick & MO

Mackinaw Cruiser Jacket - $279.50 at Filson

Help your man stay warm and stylish this year in one of Filson's Mackinaw Cruiser Jackets. The price is a bit steep, but this jacket will last a lifetime due to Filson's extremely high quality materials and craftsmanship.

There are many local boutiques in various Seattle neighborhoods and on the Eastside that do not have online stores, so put on your coat, and hit the streets! 

 - PJ

Mango & Cherry - Pages and Pages of Beautiful Things

El Mariachi Skirt, on sale at Poor Jean

Stumped for shopping ideas?  Check out Mango & Cherry; it has pages and pages of beautiful, handmade things.  Scrolling through the simple pages and bright photos quickly becomes addictive.  I would know - I have been looking at it for 20 minutes, with no sign of stopping.  The next time I feel the need for a little online retail therapy, I know where to look for ideas!

 - PJ

Introducing 80% Upcycled Frocks at Poor Jean

Upcycled doesn't have to mean lower quality.  For the summer Poor Jean will start carrying dresses, shirts, and skirts made of over 80% upcycled and vintage material with special care and attention to detail.  Each piece created from these materials may be made of 80% upcycled, but they are 100% unique!

I enjoy working with reclaimed material because of the challenge it presents.  Unlike a clean, new bolt of fabric (a blank slate) taking a bed sheet or an old prom dress and turning it into completely new garment is puzzling and sometimes frustrating, but the end product is always interesting and one of a kind.

All the material used for my upcycled clothing has been meticulously checked for defects, thoroughly washed and is guaranteed to be clean and sturdy.  Curious to see what kind of alchemy has been taking place?  Check out my bedsheet frocks below - the first two of many to come!

Upcycled Dandelion Frock, coming soon to Poor Jean. 
This dress is made of 90% upcycled materials, including the lace and buttons.

100% Upcycled Garden Party frock, coming soon to Poor Jean. 
All materials, including the lining, is reclaimed or vintage.

80% Upcycled Garden Party Strapless frock.  Soon to be on sale at Poor Jean.

Sneak Peek - Four Sunny New Skirts!

These four bright and breezy skirts will be available on Poor Jean by the end of this weekend.  All three are made of both new and upcycled material, and all four will be available as made to order.  Here's a little preview of what is to come!

Enjoy!

 - PJ