Saturday, December 9, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide and Shopping Small 2017

One of my favorite things about Instagram is discovering small companies. A few of my absolute favorite shops are from stumbling across them while scrolling my feed. I love finding new unique and ethical places to shop. I thought it would be fun to include them in my holiday gift guide this year!




This contemporary lifestyle brand is based in the UK. They have very clean lines and their quality is top notch. Their dresses are very feminine but simple and I am obsessed with the black backpack purse that Josh just got me for my birthday.


These beautiful timepieces are crafted out of surplus leather off cuts that would otherwise go to waste. Each watch band is created from small pieces of new leather that fall to the floor as a shoe or purse maker cuts out their pattern. Since watch straps require such a small amount of material, they are able to collect scraps of designer leather from factories around the world and transform still new "waste" into fashion forward timepieces.

The fashion industry is one of the largest waste producers in the world so you can rest assured that each purchase of a Berg + Betts timepiece is you doing your part as a responsible consumer. If you'd like to pick one up for someone special -or even yourself!- use my code "THISTLEHARVEST" for 20% off!


I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachel Calhoun, the designer and maker of Wind Blown Jewelry, on my blog a few weeks ago. If you are interested, you can find my interview here. Wind Blown is inspired by simple lines and shapes. Rachel has hand-sawed, soldered, textured, and forged a dynamic collection out of her Raleigh studio. Her brass and gold jewelry is characterized by an effortless, minimalist look meant for everyday life.

The pieces that I own, with the horizon necklace being my favorite, are my constant go-to pieces. Their minimalist design compliments any outfit. I cannot say enough good things about Rachel and her gorgeous jewelry collection.


This online shop, based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has quickly become one of my favorites. Created by husband and wife, Joël and Danielle Cyr, MÛR is fueled by Danielle’s insatiable passion for design and Joël’s entrepreneurial flair. They have combined their expertise and have created MÛR, a curated collection of simple, beautiful and useful products for everyday living. I have a couple basket bags from their shop and I am obsessed. I also love their sweet home collection of goodies and I do believe I may have a couple presents from MÛR that the husband may have picked up for me under the tree to open this Christmas. :)

I recently won a giveaway on Instagram and was sent a candle and hand wash from Lightwell Co. I had never even heard of this company before but it is now one of my favorite candle suppliers! From the minimal design to the intoxicating scent, I fell in love right away. Their candles are made from a blend of 100% American-grown soy wax and pure coconut wax paired with soft, subtle fragrances to create the most beautiful scents. I received the chestnut and clove and recently ordered the frasier fir and they are both amazing.


It's no secret that I am obsessed with linen. Whenever I go shopping or thrifting I am always on the lookout for some linen pieces. Not Perfect Linen recently sent me a shift dress and I see myself wearing it for ages! The cut, fabric, and craftsmanship of the dress are indeed perfect in every way.

Not Perfect Linen is owned and operated by a family in Lithuania. In their own words: "More than simple forms, simple colors, simple seams, natural fabrics and the thoughtful creating process – these all honestly simple things were created for those who appreciate natural things and adore simple forms, relaxed looks, and long-lasting garments. No smell of the factory, no factory seams, no perfect ironing - only a handmade idea in its best way. Linen (flax) is a healthy and non-waste product of nature. For us it is very important that it does not have any detrimental effects on our earth and ecology.

We are dedicated to the thoughtful creating/making process so we try to avoid programmed machines or other non-human help and try to use as much human input in the whole process as possible in order to not only provide you with a handmade item but also hire more seamstresses who can honorably earn a living. Regarding this, our making process is slow but we hope that it also motivates our customers to find satisfaction in slow buying and slow living."


Esther Clark is a calligrapher and illustrator based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Esther's design has been a favorite of mine for a long time now. Her work is delicate and detailed, inspired by the simple, natural beauty of plants and flowers, soft linens, and the Flemish and Dutch still life masters. Her style is organic and elegant, with an aesthetic of flowing lines and subtle grace. Many of her pieces feature mixed textures from materials like handmade paper, vellum, and fabric.

If you are looking for a unique and beautiful gift for the botanical loving girl, Esther's calendar is my absolute favorite and I enjoy turning the gorgeous pages throughout the year to see what the next month reveals.


Saint Signora is another fun discovery I made a year or so ago. It is a shop based in Atlanta, Georgia, of carefully curated vintage finds. From an old pencil portrait, to antique calligraphy nibs, I've picked up some very unique finds from them. It is always fun to browse their new stock of treasures for you never know what you may find.





This blog post was sponsored by Berg+Betts but all the shared opinions are my own. 
The brands I feature on this blog are backed by my genuine love for the product. 
Thank you for supporting the shops that help Thistle Harvest grow.

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