Diamonds in the Rough

I couldn’t agree more with Paula’s last post and  list she devised, number four being my favorite:

4) Bonus points if I bought the piece on vacation, from a favorite local retailer, with a friend, or has a great story behind it.

Last week while in Far Rockaway with my friend, Gina aka Jiggly Bits, I discovered two absolute finds. The first was Bethany at Boarders Surf Shop. She’s an employee of the store who also happens to design unique utilitarian bags. I discovered them hanging in a far corner, hidden and begging not to be seen. Their bright colors and simple design made the “don’t notice me attitude” work in reverse. I noticed them, Bethany. You’ve been found.

Bethany was a textile designer for Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch, and only this year started designing for herself. Her debut collection, SCOTTY, is made of rip-stop nylon, stitched with reinforced seams, and uses rope developed for Mr. Jacobs. It also rules that the bags are washable. I purchased the Erica Tote with neon orange detailing. Picture below. If you go to www.scottyfashion.com you can see the other styles she has to offer. Order now before the price and demand go up. She makes everyone of them herself. Seaside couture at it’s best.

Bethany told me about a local flea market taking place across from Rockaway Taco that Saturday. Thankfully, I stopped by on my way home and met Melissa of Draugsvold Jewelry, a collection of earthy, Rockaway inspired statement-making pieces. I loved her entire collection, but had to move fast before my illegally parked car was ticketed and my three bikes stolen from the back. I went with the brass necklace and vintage brass and suede belt/necklace/bracelet (nothing beats jewelry that can be worn three ways.) Even the way she wrapped up my treasures was amazing; each piece getting the care and attention it deserves. If you want to see more, go to www.draugsvoldjewelry.com and buy directly or you can find her designs at Anthropologie, but it will cost you more.

Next time you’re walking past Barney’s, Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie, stop and remember to shop local, and look for the artists all around us. They need our support and are diamonds in the rough. Let us know about the gems you know about, or any local boutiques that shine bright. Remember, it’s not nice to keep secrets!

3 Responses

  1. wscott9268@aol.com'
    Karen Scott

    Thank you for recognizing my daughter Bethany Scott’s talents. She is an incredible young lady, and has so much creative energy to offer. If you are ever in Alabama, let me know, and I would love to show you around.

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