Your word of the day, dear readers, is mei.  Mei translates from Chinese to “beautiful,” a word that is often replaced with “cute,” “pretty” or “hot,” but is much more classy and should be used more often (in English or Chinese).

Mei Vintage, a woman-owned handbag company, has the perfect descriptive name: they create beautiful handbags from vintage-sourced materials – handbags that are just waiting for you caress and coo at them. (Who needs kids when I’ve got handbags?)

Mei Vintage handbags, which are priced from $150 to $300, are created using environmentally conscious materials – a practice I find to be, well, beautiful!  Their bags are made using leather remnants, which would otherwise be thrown away, as well as vintage kimono fabric and hemp lining.  This melding of new and vintage materials creates something classic yet so unique that some of their designs are only made in a limited run.  Each color combination comes in small batches, and everything is handmade in the USA.

Designer Alice Huang spent her formative years in Los Angeles and various parts of Asia. This bi-continental lifestyle set her creative juices flowing.  As she entered college, Alice began collecting vintage kimonos and, when she began designing her handbags, she took inspiration not only from her two homelands, but also from her other travels around the world. The result is a set of designs that are universally beautiful – not to west coast contemporary, not too classically Asian.

You can purchase Mei Vintage handbags and wallets at MeiVintage.com.

Images via the Mei Vintage Facebook page. Like them for free shipping!

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I may be another new Pinterest freak – ohmygodthatwebsite – but I still spend a lot of time on Etsy.  Specifically, I spend a lot of time playing in treasuries, and occasionally I find an absolute, well, treasure.

Pretty peach panties! I love the ultra-feminine, vintage bent. Click the image to see the treasury in full size, and to get to each beautiful option for purchase.

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My boyfriend and I are complete coffee snobs. Well, he more than I – I just love coffee. He knows like 724 ways to prepare it. Every once in a while, I’ll trade it for tea, but most of the time, coffee is an integral part of my morning ritual.

Those of you who know what it’s like to love coffee must also know the value of having friends who are just as obsessed with the stuff. I’ve managed to surround myself with people who will always want to get coffee over grabbing a glass of wine. (Replace wine with gin, though,  and you have a different story…) Growing up in Seattle also gave us all the misguided sense of ownership over the ancient art of drinking coffee, and I absolutely fly that [meaningless] flag with [meaningless] pride.

Jen and I, coffee-and-shopping in Westlake!

This Secret Caffeinated Beverage Club that you’ve been hearing about your whole life definitely exists, by the way. It not only contributes to our inflated sense of importance, but also allows us to hyper-fixate on novelty-esque holiday gifts. Buying something coffee-related for a coffee-person is always a hit, in my book. I have more coffee paraphernalia in my apartment than I care to admit, and, damnit, I hope I accumulate three times as much. That’s how much I love to think about steeped beverages.

Sustainable/Handmade Gifts for Coffee People

While I’m not silly enough to post anything I’m actually getting for one of my too-many coffee nerd friends (I like to pretend they read this blog), I can tell you that the amount of coffee accoutrements on Etsy are not only startling, but heartwarming in their vastness, and my friends will definitely be on the receiving end of some things I found today!

Coffee Stencil by Cosmic Emotions  | $18 + $4 shipping

I’m not sure that something has ever flown onto my favorites/wish list as fast as this coffee stencil did.

Did you think that coffee could get any cuter? Because it can. With penguins.

Hand Stamped Vintage Coffee Spoon by Jessica N. Designs | $10 + $3 shipping

There is something so wonderfully frivolous about a “coffee spoon” – particularly one that has a coffee-related engraving. This seller has a bunch of cute coffee spoons with phrases like “this is how we brew it” and “I love you a latte.” Pretty adorable stuff.

Retro Coffee Quote Poster by Of Life And Lemons | $16 + $2.50 shipping

This print is so cute, and the amazing artist behind it even took the time to recommend an [inexpensive] IKEA frame that works with it!

Coffee Butter Sugar Scrub by Sweet Sally Soaps | $7.50 + $2.75 shipping

The smell of coffee shown strong aromatic abilities to reduce stress – you wouldn’t think so, would you? Envisioning over-caffeinated people alone makes me anxious. Plus, coffee alone is full of antioxidants, and has some great detoxifying effects on skin!

Coffee & Cupcake Tights by Aguce | $27 + $4 shipping

Are you serious? I could easily apply this lifestyle to 40% of my friends, and each of them would wear these. (Even some of the boys.) Too adorable not to post!

Coffee Bean Necklace by Jill Griffin Jewelry | $42 + $2.25 shipping

What a perfect, everyday necklace for one who wants to subtly but proudly preach their coffee devotion.

White Mustache Stackable Mugs by Love Grace Joy | $34 + $14.90 shipping

I can’t deny my love for the hipster-mustache trend-whatever. They’re cute, and kitschy, and so are these mugs. Plus, I dig the stack-ability (for me and my teeny-tiny apartment).

Coffee Art Print by Type Posters | $15 + $5 shipping

This is especially cute since Jen is trying desperately to cut back on caffeine. Neener!

Then, of course, there’s always you know – coffee cups and actual coffee, which make equally great gifts. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest and want some killer coffee to purchase as a gift (or all to yourself), check out these ethical roasters:

• Lighthouse
• Cafe Vita
• Stumptown
• Honeymoon Bay

For those on a shoe-string budget, let it be known that coupons for coffee dates are just as adorable and special as anything else here.

(Awww.)

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I cut off my hair again – you know, as I am wont to do every few months.

I love juxtaposing boy stuff, like the shaved back of my head, with girl stuff, like precision-cut bangs and really high heels. So imagine how excited I was when I stumbled across a lovely new collection from tomate d’épingles:

bow tie necklaces.

Okay, yeah, and headbands, but the necklaces are what make me swoon. So cute, and totally recycled using old ties sourced from thrift stores. Buh. I die.

Plum and Turquoise Bowtie Necklace

Khaki and Gold Bowtie Necklace

Hi, yes, those ties are made for autumn. Also, a few friends of mine celebrate “Tie Tuesday” and, even though I don’t wear collared shirts and have therefore lamented not being able to participate, now I can. Take THAT, you adorable hipsters. (I’m looking at you, Cass and Greg.)

Double Grey Bowtie Necklace

Look how fancy she is! Perfect for a black and white event. Oh, you have a black tie event? Here’s a classic black bowtie, you rebel.

What do you think: Are bowtie necklaces the next most awesome thing, or will I regret the purchase six months from now?

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File this post under “Reasons I Love Twitter.” In the same way that you can’t choose who you fall in love with, you can’t choose who follows you on Twitter. It could be a disaster, it could be your next wife, it could be that friend from 10 years ago, and it could be your ex who still has your Planet Earth DVDs (all the more reason to connect!).

Because we love social media and community, we always check out the people who follow us (and follow a lot back!), and we’ve discovered some really amazing people, brands and even food from the practice. This morning, I woke up to see a notice from @ClareBareXO, a lingerie company based out of Brooklyn, NY.

To be fair, they’re a whole lot more than just panties.

Bralette & Garter Hot Pant (bamboo cotton jersey) | $52 & $50, respectively.

Much of Clare Bare‘s offerings are made in the “softest” bamboo jersey, and include intricate and delicate details such as lace, bows, and vintage fabric. A goal of Clare Bare is [obviously?] creating designs that flatter your figure without requiring restrictive elements, like too-tight spandex or boning.

That all being said, when they do panties, they do them well.

Tailfeather Bloomers (available in 25 vintage fabrics!) | $34

Heart High-Waisted Hot Shorts | $45

Bamboo Jersey Garter Hot Pant | $50

Oh! And PS – it seems that most (if not all) of Clare Bare’s panties are lined with organic bamboo jersey. In case you weren’t sold, already, on the gorgeous design and price point. It’s pretty much a hat trick.

…and I can’t let this post go without showing you my favorite of their non-panty wares.

Hollow Daze Cut-Out Romper | $102 

Organic Bamboo Criss-Cross Bralette | $40

I’m a novice when it comes to lingerie, and being busty doesn’t really lend itself to ideas like… “bralette.” I had a hard time understanding hardcore lingerie collectors until I saw this collection from Clare Bare – the fact that it’s both affordable and eco-friendly/organic is just the icing on the cake.

Check out the rest of Clare Bare’s lingerie on their site, ClareBare.com.

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One of the most amazing things about shopping with independent designers: you find odd objects in creative forms. It’s not uncommon for me to come across a piece of handmade jewelry, or intricate skirt and find out that the “ingredients” to create that piece was completely uenxpected.

In this case: Those rugged, vintage-feel, gold beans on this lariat are made from bullet shards.

Makes an already pretty badass piece of jewelry that much cooler, don’t you think?

Botticelli’s Niece has an entire line of gorgeous, simple, bullet-shard jewelry – including these bullet casing necklaces… for less than $100.

But if you’re a pretty straightforward person and the unexpected everyday items aren’t your thing, you could always go the direct route and pick up one of these:

That’s pretty much a bullet casing with a gemstone in it. A big, raw, un-futzed-with gem. What could be better?

If you’re looking for a new, crazy-good, every day necklace to wear at work, home, or out? Please share my excitement over this gorgeous bullet flake necklace:

Gorgeous, right? And, again, under $100.  You could be wearing bullets, as a living human, for under $100. I love it.

What do you think of found/re-purposed objects in unexpected forms? Would you wear bullet casings?

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Let me tell you about my vintage wool jacket.

Yes. That will do nicely. Now, as I was saying…

Amanda and I were introduced by my good friend Haley when I visited in Mississippi earlier this year. We were a perfect pair and, though Amanda had that “I’ve been in a pile of clothes for too long” smell and a few ripping seams, I decided to take her home with me. Amanda cost Haley approximately $5. She was free to me.

I brought Amanda home, introduced her to the pets and my boyfriend, and then took her to my tailor/dry cleaner to have her cleaned and her inside lining stitched. A month later, I brought her back to have the exterior seams reinforced, because after who knows how many years of wear and tear, the thread was wearing out.

Total cost: $32. For a fitted wool jacket that is one-of-a-kind, fits me perfectly, and always gets compliments. Score.

Want your own? Irritated that I haven’t made a “vintage jackets” post before? Me too. So here one is, care of Etsy.

Breakfast Club Wool Tweed Coat: $36

Before we move on, please prepare yourself emotionally: all but two of these jackets are under $50. The two that are over $50 are made of leather, and they’re still under $75.

I know: you love me. I love you too.

Leather Trench Coat in Buttercream: $40

This jacket has a few signs of wear, but if you take it to a skilled tailor, you’ll still be paying less for it than you would a new leather tie-waist coat.

 
Nantucket Riding Jacket: $35

The BB Dakota version of this jacket is more than double the cost of this one ($83) and I guarantee it won’t last as long.

Vintage Black Leather Jacket: $62

Really wishing the sign next to her said something Top Gun-related right now.

Ethnic Tapestry Jacket: $45

I know someone who would look phenomenal in this jacket while knitting blankets, drinking coffee, eating day-old pizza and laughing at the ridiculousness of the phrase “ethnic tapestry jacket” all at the same time. She is one of the most interesting people I know.

Early 80s Levis Jacket: $48

Yes, you can be that kind of hipster.

Fitted Wool Blazer with Military Cuffs: $40

Cuff swoon.

Blue Velvet Fitted Blazer: $26

This jacket needs a home. I need someone to wear it, and own it, and show the world that velvet can be used for good. SERVE YOUR COUNTRY, READERS.

Rust Patchwork Suede and Knit Jacket: $62.99

Does her amazing hair come with this jacket?

Mens Vintage Ralph Lauren Jacket: $68

I couldn’t forget the guys! This jacket is perfect, and I have no idea what’s going on with his hair. (I think they’re sticks to hold his dreads up, but they were poorly placed for this shot. Everything else is epic, though, so I’ll let it slide.)

You know what’s crazy about these jackets? They’re not even CLOSE to the only ones out there. There were tons more, but vintage Etsiers don’t always take the best photos. Please please pleeeease check out the vintage Etsy offerings to find the best vintage jacket for you.

Before I go, I have one more vintage jacket to show you…

That, my loves, is a 1980s vintage wool asymmetrical Karl Lagerfeld jacket. I have no words.

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This week, Awakened Aesthetic is being featured as a Tastemaker on our favorite ethical sample sale website, LovingEco!

Like most private sale sites, LovingEco offers deep discounts on beautiful fashion and beauty products…but they’re revolutionizing the realm of limited-time fashion discounts in two ways:

1. Everything item on sale is ethical. From clothing to accessories to beauty products, LovingEco is ethically on-point. Their products are eco-friendly and healthy, and they even offer a full-page Product Key to explain the merits of each green product.
2. Proceeds are donated to an eco-related charity. Three percent (net) from each purchase supports a vetted charity – either social or environmental in nature – including national eco-awareness charities like Global Green and worldwide community organizations like Village Empowerment.

Lindsay and I were asked to work directly with LovingEco to choose our favorite items from this week’s sales, as well as a charity to support with our choices. Here are our favorites:

Charity: Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary “works to protect farm animals from cruelty, inspire change in the way society views and treats farm animals, and promote compassionate vegan living.” As Lindsay and I learn more about ethical eating, we’re excited to have the opportunity to support an organization that works to promote those values.

ecoSkin

LovingEco doesn’t know this, but they have great timing: we both love ecoSkin, and it was hard to choose two favorite styles from them as our Tastemaker choices. We decided on the Magpie Top and Lyrebird Dress, which are both fair trade, organic options for your staple wardrobe this fall.

Essence of Vali

Lindsay and I keep making promises to our bodies: she’s promising to start running, I’ve promised to start getting eight hours of sleep each night…yeah. No. Not happening. When we saw the offerings by Essence of Vali, she was immediately drawn to a balm that would sooth her sore muscles, and I went for a soothing mist to help me get away from the computer and into bed.

farrah b jewelry

Look at these cute necklaces! farrah b jewelry takes vintage finds and combines them with new products to create beautiful, old-timey pieces with an interesting kick. The poet in me loves the Wish Necklace, and Lindsay gravitated straight to the Cherished Vintage Locket Necklace.

Check out our Tastemaker picks on LovingEco, as well as all of the other gorgeous options available this week. What are your personal picks?

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I am capable. I am smart. I follow directions and get things done. I am good with a staple gun, and I am capable of learning to sew.

I can DIY. I know I can. I’m just…scared?

Image via Country Living

My DIY dream is furniture. I hear stories about people who find that perfect chair or couch or ottoman or whatever sitting in someone’s garage, on sale for five bucks. They see past the ugly fabric, the cat fur and dog dander, even the smell, to the potential of the piece. They take their new furniture home, where they sand and stain and paint, and they pick out just the right fabric for re-upholstery. After all is said and done they have a dinner party, where they get tons of compliments on their “new” chair (though that’s not why they had the dinner party – they just like entertaining) and explain that they did all the work themselves.

Those DIYers, the ones with staple guns, callused fingers and a close relationship with their local fabric store, are the bad-asses of my DIY world. But how do they do it?

The more I researched, the easier it looked.

Oh. Okay then.

Image via The Haystack Needle

DIY Furniture: Where to Get the Bones

We all know that garage sales are a summer thing, and summer is coming to a close. While you’ve still got time to scour your neighborhood (and even grab furniture off of street corners as the local college kids move in and out of their campus housing) you can also pick up vintage and eco-friendly furniture at a few brick-and-mortar stores:

• Your local thrift store. I know it seems obvious, and I know you’re skeptical. You’re thinking of all those pristine, super expensive settees that sit in the antique store’s front window looking sassy and expensive, but those aren’t what I’m talking about. Next time you’re at an antique store, make your way to the nooks and crannies of the place, and find items that have good bones, no matter how ugly the fabric is or how scratched the wood appears. Buff and shine, baby. (Goodwill is GREAT for icky old furniture with good bones.)
• Ikea. The furniture giant is working on becoming more eco-friendly, and though their products don’t last the way vintage wood does, it is often made of sustainable products that will keep your carbon footprint to a minimum. Ask a manager to show you where their “green” furniture is, and imagine what you could turn it into if you had the right fabric.
• Craigslist. Most of my living room is Craigslist-subsidized. People often don’t want to do the work to restore old furniture, and will instead sell it for cheap, just so it’s out of their house/basement/garage/storage shed. Buying used furniture, vintage or otherwise, minimizes deforestation impacts, and if you restore it, you can always sell it to another person who might not be as crafty as you. That’s one piece of furniture living at least three lifetimes!

Image via Our Little Box

Where to Get the Fabric

•  A fabric store. This one’s obvious, so here is a fabric shopping tip: really think about where this fabric is going. Will this chair sit in a formal living room where it will rarely be used, or is it for a dining room chair the kids might jump on while waiting for dessert? Take into account the amount of fabric you’ll need and the wear it will need to withstand when buying. A small, less-used piece of furniture might mean a more expensive, luxurious fabric, where a larger, “main room” piece might swing you toward something less expensive and sturdier.
• An eco fabric website.They exist! Fabric.com has lots of options, Kravet makes eco-suede out of polyester, and even Etsy has eco options, including a ton of listings for vintage fabric. (Their supplies section is great in general, actually, for any DIYer.)
• Back to the garage sale/Craigslist. Think outside the box: is someone getting rid of curtains? How about a big, fluffy bridesmaid dress? Anything with enough fabric to cover your furniture will do, no matter what its first incarnation was.

Image via PieKnits

How to Do It

Ah, yes: the scary part. I found a few step-by-step tutorials on reupholstering, and if they didn’t make me feel completely inadequate, they should hopefully help you, too.

• Chicks With Stapleguns. PieKnits is a DIY haven, and this reupholstered couch gives me hope that I could be as cool as they are one day. If you’re like me and haven’t reupholstered before, they recommend trying something simpler, like this chair, first.
• Sofia Censoprano posted about a full chair upcycle, including sanding, paint and re-upholstery. The whole process cost less than $20!
• Ribbon Chair. This blew my mind! Who knew you could use something as simple as a bunch of ribbons to make such a beautiful piece of furniture.
• Curbly goes through the step-by-step process of upcycling a set of restaurant chairs, with photos for reference. Easy peasy.

Image via HomeWorkShop

Where to Buy It

Sometimes you just don’t want to do the work…and sometimes you have the extra cash to get away with it. Here are a few places that offer upcycled furniture for purchase:

• Etsy. Just search for the words “recycled,” “reupholstered” or “upcycled” and the furniture item of your choice (“recycled chair,” “upcycled settee,” or even just “vintage chair“). A few beauties: this black and white 1960s armchair, a perfectly-painted coral chair with a striped navy seat, a soft gray vintage 50s tub chair, and a balloon back chair with a patchwork pattern, and this robins egg blue rocking chair.
• The Divine Chair. The Divine Chair not only creates their own upcycled vintage furniture, but also does custom work for those that want their family heirlooms updated. They even offer rentals!
• UK: Greener Abode. If you’re across the pond, you have the option of Greener Abode, which offers a ton of green furnishing options. I love their balloon back chairs.
• 20Age. Restored and reupholstered chairs are their main product, and they certainly know their trade. Their work is stunning and inventive – even if you can’t afford them, check out their site for some serious eye candy.

Have you ever reupholstered furniture?

Was it hard?

Did you cry?

Should I try it?

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