Platypus File -- Art+Craft+Design

About a month ago, we were wandering around a downtown outdoor market in Tallahassee, Florida one humid Saturday afternoon. Tucked in between the photography stands and farmer's market tables was a hidden gem of a boutique, Platypus File.

Filled with eccentric, charming, and whimsical pieces the woman behind Platypus File seems to have created something for just about everyone. Between the earrings, hairclips, rings, and adorable bird pillows we had trouble picking out just one item to take home. Luckily, her prices were reasonable enough that we didn't have to settle. In the end, we left with two one of a kind cocktail rings, as well as a quaint pair of delicate earrings.

Along with her etsy shop, Platypus File's line can be found at indivudual shops up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Check out her website and shop listings for where to find her. And, as always, happy colorful, adorable shopping!

Average price: depends on item(s)

Rating: 5 out of 5!

KT Collection: Handmade Jewelry

Last March, I went to New York City for a weekend with my girlfriends. While wandering through the Village, we came upon a mini outdoor festival (New Yorkers, they love their outdoor markets). As we strolled from stall to stall we came upon Katie Thompson’s handmade jewelry, known as the KT Collection. My friends and I oohed and aahed over several pieces and I, in particular, developed quite a crush on her elephant necklace charms.

But let’s not stop at elephants. The KT Collection offers a little something for everyone – all delicate, classic, beautifully made pieces. I believe I’m going to become quite the fan.

Still, Mr. Elephant will always have a special spot in my jewelry loving heart, reserved only for him.

Average Price: Varies by piece

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Etsy Shop: Bijou de Chat

We should come clean and tell you we’re a tiny bit biased when it comes to a certain Etsy jewelry seller. Could be that we actually know her and count her among our group of friends in The Pink Mixer circle or it could be that we really just think her hand-made jewelry is top-notch. Okay, okay, you caught us – it’s both.

Working almost exclusively with gemstones, Bijou De Chat makes one of a kind creations – including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. All are reasonable priced and the perfect way to kick an ordinary outfit up a notch. Heck, the jewelry is so fun; it might even kick a plain old, ordinary day to a whole new level.

Average Price: Varies by Item

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Etsy Website

This post won’t be a revealing much if you already know about the gem of a website Etsy, a site that explains itself with a tagline that reads: your place to buy and sell all things handmade. Revelation or not, the Pink Mixer would like to just take a moment, stop thinking about the pending upheaval in her life, and sing the praises of this site. It is filled with so many pretty, unique items it can be a tad overwhelming, but what we love about it – beyond the rather inexpensive prices, the fact that our shopping supports artists, and the ease with which we can navigate through items – is the idea of actually owning something handmade, special, and unique.

In an age where we can walk down the street and spot five different women wearing the same skirt from H&M (even one that we ourselves, ahem, own) Target, or the Gap within a eight block radius and the internet has created the idea of shopping with no borders – not even international ones – it’s a nice treat to have the ability to purchase something a little different, a tad uncommon, and just for you.

Go ahead. It’s July. Treat yourself.

Average Price: Depends on individual seller/purchase
Rating: 4 out of 5

The Weekend Store.

I was first introduced to The Weekend Store in San Francisco, when Adjowah Brodie, creative force behind the vintage accessories she sells, set up a stand near the Ferry Building's Saturday morning farmers market. Being a lover of all things quirky, literary, and word-related, I was instantly smitten with her typewriter key jewelry.

Since my discovery of The Weekend Store, I have purchased items both in person and online and have been over the moon with every transaction and piece purchased. The prices are reasonable and in a jewelry cookie-cutter Target, H&M era, I love that every item in unique. For the Boston dwellers that prefer a glimpse of items in person rather than shopping online, local store Magpie carries a selection from The Weekend Store.

Happy Hunting!

Prices vary, depending on jewelry selected
Rating: 5 out of 5!