Must Do: The Holiday Shops at Union Square

December 4, 2013

It's that time of year again, it's time to stock up on our favorite holiday pop-up goodies and take a peek at one of a kind gifts. Oh, and yes the holidays are right around corner as well. The days may be longer in December, but this month is whizzing by like nobody's business. To help make life easier for some, I've compiled a list of my favorite stands to visit at the Holiday Shops in Union Square.

Any kids or puppeteers in your life? Make sure to catch the wild assortment of puppets at Silly Puppets. I mention puppeteer since each of these puppets are designed by puppet specialists in their NYC office. Definitely instagram worthy as well.

Brooklyn Charm should be visited by those with DIY hearts. At their shop you can create and personalize one of a kind pieces for yourself or for gifting. If you can't make it to their pop-up visit their online etsy store here. For those of you who wait 'til the last minute, no worries, they have lovely pre-made creations available as well.

For my scent freaks, I implore you to check out Beekman's Copa Soaps and try walking away with nothing. You must be warned since the variety of soaps and scents they have is ridiculous. If you're anything like me, you'll end up with enough to last you a whole year... at least until the next holiday season. Seriously, they're stuff is uh-mazing.

Sugar skulls, sugar kittens, sugar people, sugar everything. If you're into Mexican folklore or sugar skulls in general, Mayan Dreams Import is a great place to stop by to get awesome decor for the home. It's also pretty neat to check out in general.

If you're into edgy pieces or leaning towards timeless jewelry, you must make stop at KT Collections. Katie Thompson's line is designed in our very own city along with a few curated pieces from other designers. I'm particularly fond of her rings, went back to her booth three times in one day.

Monkey Business is a great stop for those with kids and their curious minds. No kids? Then Monkey Business is a great stop for those thinking of sprucing up the garden or work space with something fun and playful.

Now I hope you all bundle up and enjoy the amazing shops at the Union Square Holiday Market. Although this is only a few of the many, I hope you encounter all the other amazing shops and food booths. All these shops are technically small businesses so if you didn't shop local on Small Business Saturday, we'll call it an even trade if you stop by soon.

Now it's your turn, what holiday pop-ups are making your heart swoon?

Union Square Holiday Market
Monday - Friday 11am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 8pm
Sunday 11am - 7pm
*Market ends on December 24th at 4pm*

Photos by Victor Cerejo

Etsy Picks: Jewelry

November 19, 2013

1. Atelier Yumi 2. Betsy and Iya 3. Katerinaki 1977 4. Kei Jewelry 5. Knobbly

Usually when I find something so out of this world amazing, I keep it to myself. I just get so worried that it'll end up, for example, like the Zara skort. I never bought into but I can just imagine how unspecial that skort became to some girls since everyone and their grandma was rocking it.

Sounds a little selfish right? Well, I felt a little it's selfish to keep these hidden gems hidden since they're independent designers and with business they can keep producing such mystical beauties. With the holidays around the corner I implore you to check these etsy shops out for yourself and as gifts for others!

1. Atelier Yumi
It's self proclaimed as jewelry for the day-dreamers, and with most pieces being made from clusters of gemstones and mixed metals this is a definite must-stop shop for those who consider their jewelry to be pieces of art.

2. Betsy and Iya
One day I'll visit their brick and mortar store but for now I'll settle with etsy. Their vibrant and quirky designs have me smitten. Shop here if you're into asymmetrical and conversation starting pieces.

3. Katerinaki 1977
At first glance it might look like dainty pieces, but look again everything offered is handmade, innovative and well constructed. Shop here if you want a taste of Grecian inspired jewelry.

4. Kei Jewelry
This emerging jewelry line is based out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Inspired by eternal summer and color it's a must if you love to layer on the necklaces and still keep a fun vibe.

5. Knobbly
This jewelry line is from Tel Aviv. If you're into ear cuffs you have to, HAVE TO, shop here. Each piece gets better than the last. Come on and give your ears some love.

P.s. If you want to me do an Etsy series on different themes, let me know! I basically live on this site.