Guest Picks: The Best of the Best Little Web Shops Around
No Need to Shop 'Til You Drop: Get Gorgeous Hard-to-Find Goods at These Online Stores
If you've ever wondered where shelter mag editors and design bloggers go to find the next big (little) thing, look no further then this roundup of well-edited web shops that are "off the beaten path."
From handmade heirlooms, vintage wit and the creations of global artisans, I've selected a few of my favorite picks from each shop. It's the stuff stylists' dreams are made of.
—Jenn from Department of the Interior
From handmade heirlooms, vintage wit and the creations of global artisans, I've selected a few of my favorite picks from each shop. It's the stuff stylists' dreams are made of.
—Jenn from Department of the Interior
Clear Glass Edison Light Lamp
I discovered Haus Interior while flipping through one of my shelter mags, and noticed they're all sourcing from here. I adore Haus Interior and browse it anytime I think my apartment is in need of an infusion of NYC cool. Case in point, this ultra cool edison lightbulb hurricane.
Blue Series Painting
Grouped together or separately, these dreamy blue paintings are a great, nondescript accent for any kind of home, but it's the little details that get me--in this case, the little weather report at the bottom of each painting.
Dauville Gold-Brushed Nesting Bowls
You might remember seeing the Shelter Island home of Canvas owners Harriet Maxwell Macdonald and Andrew Corrie in a few magazines, and that Scandinavia–cum–beach house feel translates to the simple, airy aesthetic of the shop's wares. I'm always a sucker for a simple white bowl, but the gold-brushed interior lining of these bowls elevates them to show-stopping status.
Pilmlico Bedroom Chair
Another staple of Canvas's line-up are traditional furniture shapes made fresh with muted handwoven linens. The Pimlico Chair pictured here is a personal favorite.
Basics Candles
I'm of the belief that one can never have too many white scented candles stocked in your closets. I love the delicate scents of Canvas's basic candle, and the packaging ensures a winning hostess gift.
Cotton Blanket
Brooklyn-based Brook Farm General Store is my number one source for well made, no-fuss basics. I remember curling up under a cotton blanket much like this one for most of my childhood, and I can think of few things more comfortable and nostalgic for me. Speaking of nostalgic, the printed word senovinis on the trim means "immemorial" or "old-fashioned" in Lithuania, where the blankets are made.
Decorative Art of Victoria's Era ~ 1st Ed.
I've yet to find a better source for vintage books than Lynn Goldfinger's Paris Hotel Boutique (assuming you judge a book by its cover — and styling potential, of course!)
In fact, I was able to score a 1950s edition of Jane Eyre I'd been hunting for months just yesterday. Because I'm a very nice girl, I've left this first edition in stock just for you, even though it would look mighty nice on my coffee table...
In fact, I was able to score a 1950s edition of Jane Eyre I'd been hunting for months just yesterday. Because I'm a very nice girl, I've left this first edition in stock just for you, even though it would look mighty nice on my coffee table...
Astier de Villatte Sobre Large Paris Vase
There once was a time when only a trip to Paris could put you in possession of Astier de Villatte's decadently milky ceramics. Fortunately for state-side collectors, those days are long gone. Sue Fisher King has the greatest online selection by far, and the rest of her high end offerings are perfectly lovely as well — think D. Porthault bedding, John Derian decoupage and Christopher Spitzmiller lamps.
Fog Linen Kitchen Cloth
While Pod's shop is small, I love their selection of Fog Linen and other handmade items for the kitchen. If you love food photography, Pod has an abundance of little details that make the care you put into your cooking come through on film.
Petite Wire Mesh Pot
These wire planters keep all the attention on the blooms they hold, and that's why I love them.
Sailor Stripe Pillow
Haus also offers a great selection of accent pillows. This sailor stripe one is chic enough to adorn a sofa at the city, shore or country.
Granada Oval Trays
Loaded Trunk owner Roni Jaco trots the globe looking for truly unique artisan-made products: think authentic suzanis, Mexican bedspreads and these aluminum trays from Granada.
Hand Woven Iringa Basket
Hand-woven baskets like these are catching on everywhere, but there's nothing like the real deal. The Loaded Trunk's baskets are woven in Tanzania and at $59 are reasonably priced. I love the shot of hot pink in this one.
Beach Towel
L-Atitude is another wanderlust purveyor that crossed my radar when ultimate style blogger Garance Doré wrote about them. L-Atitude's offerings are primarily fashion at the moment, but there is a small home section sourced directly from Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. Hammam towels are most definitely on trend, and I love the fact that this beach towel can double as a sarong.
Family Chairs Style 3 & 4 Set
Horne is another perennial editor fave, and no wonder — they consistently deliver clean modern design and home accessories at a respectable price point (read: not completely through the roof, but not cheap either). This pair of stick back chairs from Design House Stockholm are perfect examples.
Cowhide Rug - Caramel Yerra
Cowhide isn't for everyone, but if you are a fan, this authentic hide from Horne is a great value.
Handmade Pendleton Wool Pillow Cover by Little Byrd Vintage
I couldn't complete this list without mentioning a few of my favorite Etsy shops. Little Byrd Vintage in Portland has an amazing selection of western/country vintage, like this pillow made from a vintage Pendleton throw.
Vintage Cast Iron Horse Double Wall Hook by High Street Market
High Street Market is another brilliant source for vintage on Etsy with an endless supply of quirky brass knicknacks, refurbished lamps and more. It's like rummaging through a fabulous estate sale from the comfort of your home.
Vintage Louis XVI Chair
Inspired by the eponymous book by the naturalist John Burroughs, Wake Robin is yet another source for artisan-sourced goods. I fell in love with the contrast between the ornate shape of this Louis XVI chair and the simplicity of the cotton canvas upholstery.
Pig Bank
Resort-wear store Calypso St. Barth is another unexpected source for home decor, but they have a secret selection of gorgeous rugs, pillows, books and more — including this kooky cool piggy bank. Every home needs a touch of wit and this Harry Allen designed gilded piggy manages to be cute, clever and, well, kind of weird all at once. So of course I love it.
Next: More guest blogger product picks
Next: More guest blogger product picks