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Historical February–March 2010 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Lovers of properly brewed tea would die for the glazed/unglazed teapot and “boat cups” by Paul Eshelman at Craft Alliance, while Sam Stang’s Blue and Yellow Murrini bottles will appeal to every collector of America’s finest hand blown glass. Very understated small wooden cutting/cheese board sets are made from selectively harvested lumber and lightly etched with designs from nature; the non-schmaltzy greeting cards from Plant Me, (several have whimsical love birds), all are embedded with herb seeds to bury when frosts have ended. Prices: $6.00 to $450 With just a hint at a corseted bodice, the deceptively demure little black cocktail dress at Tantrum achieves its real edge with an inset of heavy black cotton lace at the back to show off shoulders; also, for a good deal more than sheer comfort there are sassy plaid flannel shirts with studs by JAK, and the “collars” necklaces with flounces of gauzy petals in either hot pink or aquamarine, to dress up a simple V-neck top. Prices: $25-$60 Staff at Vintage Vinyl, where it’s mostly the vinyl that’s vintage, suggested a large selection from compilations named For Lovers (Verve label), performed by Louis Armstrong, Billy Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, John Coltraine, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. Price: roughly $12 According to some, it is Madgascar’s only export, and rarely found in shops — the Ocean Jasper at Silver Lady is dreamy. Made from another somewhat rare mineral, the Variscite pendant has been beautifully polished and cut to reveal its thick, rich apple-green vein. Prices: $80-120 There’s a lingering misperception among shoppers that Subterranean Books deals in used books – not so! Staff recommends Us: Americans Talk About Love, edited by John Bowe and the unusual notebooks, journals and paper hand-made by local artists. Prices: $10-$16 At MacroSun find an unassuming little shadow box from Bali.
It frames a hand-carved, gently abstract “loving couple” entwined to form a heart.
There are also long silk skirts and slippers, all produced through fair trade. Prices: $20-$50 Very enticing at Plowsharing are gloves, mittens, and scarves in solids, variegated jewel colors and bold stripes made from Alpaca – softer and warmer than cashmere and hypo-allergenic. Look for baskets of plump, vibrant red heart-shaped “worry stones” that fit perfectly and feel wonderful in the palm of your hand. At another table the Trunk Scrub Shea soaps – naturally moisturizing in Lavender, Tea Tree and Rosemary, are made by Global Mamas, a non-profit organization helping women in Africa develop businesses. Prices: $3-$30 Especially for men and designed to go almost anywhere, the Samuel boot by Bronx at Sole and Blues gives extra comfort with its generous leather in-sole; the slender waterproof bags made by Urban Oxide Village with recycled material are rated indispensable by men who travel. Made by Toms, the “classic slip-ons” (and you wouldn’t mind living in these) look like a quirky spin-off of the French espadrille.
They are made from recycled, materials, some in leather and others with a vegan option. For every pair of shoes sold, Toms gives a pair to a child in need. Prices: $60-$170 Just as the label says, the citrus soy votives at Good Works are truly lemony.
They come in other fragrances and are found close to boxes of festive beeswax tapers. You might want to investigate the Climbing Tendril wine rack mobiles, made of entwined metal vines that hold six bottles. Prices:$3-$40.
As to Valentine’s Day offerings from Ben & Jerry’s – think of hot fudge sundaes and small ice cream cakes, made to order! Prices: $6-$21 With a little notice, and for flowers that are fragrant you may order a dozen single pale roses, or a combination of roses, star gazers (which come in plum as well as white) and stock, in a classic, long white box tied with ribbon, from Blooms in the Loop. Prices: $60-$70/ dozen
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2010.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Printed Billy Holiday, John Coltraine and Madgascar variants retained as source spellings.
Original source: SD_Times2010_02.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
