Dear Etsy,
Stop taking all my money and watching me crawling back for more. You’re starting to replace my coffee addiction and I’m scared we’re getting too close too soon.
Lots of love and commitment issues,
Lisa
While that doesn’t quite replicate the Pumpkin Spice Latte love letter, it too comes straight from my heart.
Even if all you do is scoff at my affection, know this: Etsy is amazing and crazy addictive. It started off slow: I’d browse the site once a week, maybe less than that, thinking yea nice stuff, but too expensive for my taste. Then our relationship started to pick up: hey $60 for that isn’t too bad, I should casually mention it in my post about back to school shopping. Now, it has completely replaced Facebook and my usual online shopping romance; I can’t stop wasting away the hours spent at work on the computer looking at everything I should be buying. It just isn’t healthy… or cheap.
I guess it’s about time I clued you into what I’m actually talking about huh? Well if you haven’t clicked on the link to the site yet, Etsy is a website where independent sellers establish online shops and where you, the soon-to-be addict, can go to get your fix. Since clothes for women are what gets me hot and bothered, here are my top 5 sellers:
1. Supayana
I love Supayana. Originally designing in New York and selling her stuff on eBay, she has sinced moved to Canada and started selling her stuff on Etsy. I used to try and bid on her stuff on eBay, but to my dismay I was always outbid in the end. Luckily I can now buy without the fear of competition! Supayana’s designs seem to go through phases: from large fold-over collars and bright prints to redefining how to work a men’s shirt; so far, I’m craving them all. Her newest editions are somewhat more prim-and proper, but still has her signature re-worked collar for added flare. The best part? Most of her designs are one-of-a kind (nothing comes in editions of more than 5), meaning you will be the sole person to rock that look. Once in a while she’ll also put up some cheap vintage finds which is always an added plus.
2. JunkPrints
Contrary to the name, JunkPrints boasts prints that are hardly junk. Coming out of Redhook, Brooklyn (which, coincidentally, a lot of the sellers on this list come from), what I love most about these designs are their complete outrageousness without resorting to bold neon colors all over the place- they’re giving the 80’s a rest! Men’s stuff, women’s, stuff with prints, reworked vintage, plain old vintage, graphic prints, and bags- pretty much everything you’d want to find in a store! Here, most things come in editions of 50 so grab ‘em quick! The descriptions are equally as funky as the designs (and I don’t mean smelly). Check out the “Man Bag” and the “Smello Sweatshirt“. I recently bought the latter and it’s pretty much the funniest thing in my wardrobe, not to mention super soft. My kindly old Japanese teacher even complimented me on it. Although I guess that just gives her more brownie points than it does the sweatshirt.
3. Desirapesta
Also from Brooklyn, Desirapesta’s designs are fun yet simple, classic yet quirky. Her older stuff was filled with interesting hand-drawn prints, carnival themes, and her signature belts. Now, her new line seems to be going in the direction of sophisticated bow-tied blouses and nicely tailored pieces. Either way, I like it. Especially her recent collaboration with Prada print designer Robert Daurio. Man I really want to buy this scarf. Must. Stop. Myself. Sometimes I find it a bit hard to imagine myself wearing these clothes to class even though I love to look at them, and to an extent that’s why I end up stopping myself. But I suppose it’s up to you to see how adventurous you are with your clothing. Come Christmas I know I’ll have bought at least one thing from her.
4. Norwegian Wood
I recently stumbled upon Norwegian Wood, but I instantly loved her for the chain vest reminicent of the Bliss Lau chain vests that I’ve been salivating over forever. Aside from that, I really love the funky (but again, non-neon) colored leggings that’ll dress up that plain old dress you have tucked away and the adorable log cushions to trick out your humble abode. Some of the stuff on there seems almost downright kinky, but I guess that’s half the fun, huh? Oh- suprise, surprise, Supayana models some Norwegian Wood gear. Kind of awesome how sellers I like tend to travel in the same circles- makes it that much easier to go broke!
5. Ruffleofheartslilsnoty
Ruffleofheartslilsnoty. Yeah, that’s totally what they’re called. While I have been complaining about the overuse of neon, sometimes I find myself taking it back, and here’s one of those times. I love the bold geometric shapes on all of their gear, sort of like “yeah look at my threads and envy me sucker!” Err or at least that is what I think in my head when I look at their stuff. They pride themselves on being “small, ethical and homegrown.” (its all done under one roof). “We use salvaged materials, dead stock from manufacturers, vintage products as our source fabric.” So you can be like “yeah look at my threads, envy me, then suck it some more because I’m being good to the environment!” They’ve also got this badass neckbrace that acts as a fanny pack…for your face!
So there’s my Fav Five. What do you think? Tell me here if my style kicks ass or sucks balls. Or email me at lisay@collegeprowler.com!
(Photo cred: everyone’s esty accounts and stellaloella’s flickr)
October 25th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Yay! Thanks so much for liking my stuff. You know what’s really crazy? The Red Hook Brooklyn thing you mentioned….. Chanel of Junkprints, Ruffeoheartslilsnoty and I all work in a collective studio space together and are in a collective called Parachute. We’re all besties and I think it’s so wild to see that people often group us together in their treasuries on etsy and now here in your blog without knowing our relationship. Thanks so much and I really enjoy reading what you have to say about my styling, it’s great to hear feedback. xo
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Hi!
Thank you sooo much for featuring me and my friend Angie!!! After reading Desira’s comment….that is even more funny! Hey, you know what they say….birds of a feather flock together!
x
Yana