The REV It Up List

Rose La Biche: Apparel with a Twist!

Rose La Biche is the creative outlet of a French designer based in San Francisco. The Rose La Biche label came out of her urge for elegant yet edgy basics with a refreshing alternative personality compared to trendy look-alike mass-produced pieces. We think she has done just that, taking comfy and casual hoodies and tees and turning them into ART. Really cool art!!! The tees and dresses are fantastic and we are head-over-heels in LOVE with  the hoodies. Check our our favorites: Collerette, Plumage, and Sparrow. Prices range from $85-$105. Yes, a bit more than you might normally spend on a hoodie but these don't look like your mama's hoodies, thankfully.
Check out the Rose La Biche etsy shop and blog, too.

Artist: Kimberly Reed

Artist Kimberly Reed has taken the plunge! With the nudging of friends and fans, she's finally opened her etsy shop! Her bold and colorful florals will brighten any spot in a dull room. Prices range from $30-$40.

Etsy Stalking: Artist Linda Solovic (lindasolovic)

Artist Linda Solovic creates masterpieces out of art paper, found paper, found objects, fabric and just about anything she finds interesting or intriguing. And, like most true artists, she excels at multi-tasking! She works on her creations while watching tv and talking to her friends on a cordless headset. We love that (because that is how we work, too.). Lucky for the world, Linda has an etsy shop where you can find prints of her limited edition collages at really good prices.

Artist Alexandra (Xan) Underhill

Too cool for school* artist and author Alexandra (Xan) Underhill has opened a new etsy shop where she is selling her unique
fashions, many created with thrift store finds! I love the tie aprons and this very comfy looking t-shirt dress that was featured in the book Alternation (co-authored with the lovely and talented Shannon Okey). I have had the pleasure of seeing Xan's tie aprons in reality and they are fantastic. Her attention to detail is remarkable!

* Xan graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art with honors in 1993. Cool kids stay in school.

Silkscreen madness

I had the pleasure of purchasing this shirt as a gift for a dear friend from Stevester (actually her name is Stephanie, but her shop is called Stevester) ... and it was one of the greatest transactions I've had at Etsy. She got it out and delivered before Christmas, even when I ordered it on the 20th. She was so nice, and you gotta love nice people.

This particular shirt has a quote on it from The Dhammapada: Sayings of the Buddha, and the number 5. Besides this style of shirt, the Stevester shop has other shirt designs (long and short sleeve), tank tops, messenger bags and totes with designs ranging from Buddha to horses to birds and flowers. (Something for everyone!)

And, yet another bonus, until Jan. 8th you can take advantage of this deal: buy 2 or more sale shirts (not combined with the bag) in one order, and you get to pick a free tote bag from the listings.

Buy a shirt, REV yourself up and look artier by WEARING art in 2008.

Meaningful Jewelry: Accessory a la Mode

Last year when I wanted to remind myself to be mindful, I ordered a custom sterling silver ring from Accessory a la Mode with my I AM prompt stamped right into it. I never forgot to live in the moment because I was reminded every time I looked down at my hand. Debbie creates each little work of art by hand and is happy to customize your piece for you. Her etsy shop also features many of her unique designs  including rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings. The beginning of a new year is a great time to turn your resolutions or intentions into beautiful works of wearable art! Jewelry with your loved one's favorite word, number, or letter makes a lovely and sentimental gift!

Upcycled Starbucks Gift Card Coasters

One of our favorite things about Starbucks (aside from the peppermint hot chocolate) is the way they incorporate art into EVERYTHING, even their gift cards. The artists at Flawed Flock have recycled (or as they say, upcycled*) used Starbucks gift cards into too cool for words coasters!

*I'm not sure what the difference is between recycled and upcycled but it doesn't  matter because these coasters are fabulous! What was tossed into the garbage is now ART!

The Milkman shirts & accessories

I always like to do a search on Etsy of my favorite things about once a month. Usually this search goes like this—irish, notre dame, nashville, letterpress, birds, and the list goes on and on. Just last week in searching for Nashville ‘schtuff’, I found the milkman, that sells too cute baby and toddler shirts. And you can even buy little milk jugs to put them in. (Can you see that I'm continuing with Linda’s milk + cookie theme?)

For that future little Johnny Cash in your life, I particularly like this shirt. My little man is definitely getting one for his ever looming birthday, coming up just after Christmas.

You can also visit their website here, and they’re offering free shipping till ’08!

Craft Aprons: lulubellas

When I am working on art projects, I like to keep all my tools close by. I also like to look good while I am working in case any of my friends drop by out of the blue with a chocolate cream pie. These OH SO functional and fashionable craft aprons from Lulubellas are PERFECT! I love all the pockets of various sizes and the fun patterns and colors. I also love that I won't be needing to buy new scissors every week because there is a handy strap to keep them attached to me! This would be a great gift for crafty friends!