FAVORITE THINGS GIFT GUIDE: OHIO EDITION

Christmas shopping is in full swing for most people and every blogger has most likely shared their gift guides.  And I myself have two more gift guides I am looking forward to sharing.   Today’s gift guide features all Ohio based small businesses, and later this week, I will be sharing the rest of my favorite small businesses.  Although we just celebrated Small Business Saturday, we can still continue to support small businesses this holiday season and throughout the year.  

I would say it wasn’t until I started blogging that I really became passionate about supporting local, Ohio based businesses.  Sure I have always enjoyed shopping at the cute boutiques where I live.  I even worked for two of them and working for those boutiques are part of the reason I love fashion so much.  But I think it took the many collaborations and partnerships I’ve been fortunate to experience that deepened my love for Ohio brands.  

Although this list does not nearly cover all the amazing small businesses in Ohio, I hope it opens the door to discovering some truly incredible brands.  All of the brands I’m featuring this year are women owned and operated.  

And if you are looking for even more small businesses to shop this year, I’m teaming up with my friend Sarah from Cozy Little Joys and Stephanie from Linen and Littles to share small businesses that are local to them.   AND, we are sharing a giveaway over on our Instagram’s this week, so be sure to follow us!

OHIO SMALL BUSINESSES 

Michelle Brunner Art

If you love impressionism and Ohio, then you have to check out Michelle Brunner Art. Michelle Brunner was my first Instagram turn real life friend! Michelle’s art speaks to my soul in a way that I can’t even describe. Her paintings bring me so much joy and they transport me to a place of peace and contentment. With a style that is somewhat abstract and somewhat impressionistic, Michelle’s focus on color and texture is just outstanding. A true reflection of Ohio Midwest living, Michelle’s paintings bring to life long summer days on the lake or relaxing car rides through Ohio’s’ farm country. Michelle Brunner Art is a perfect gift for the person in your life who loves modern art or coastal and farmhouse décor.

Click here to shop Michelle Brunner Art!

Instagram: @michellebrunnerart

Coastal Cleveland 

Based in Avon Lake, Ohio, Coastal Cleveland celebrates coastal living and life on the water, specifically life on Lake Erie waters. Coastal Cleveland offers a variety of clothing for anyone who loves the water. From cozy collegiate crewneck sweatshirts, to the softest cotton t-shirts, all of the apparel designs are created by Erin, the owner. If you are native to the Ohio Northcoast, you will find shirts that give a nod to Avon Lake, Lakewood, Cleveland, and of course Lake Erie. In addition to running this business, Erin also maintains a blog where she shares her love for all things coastal, boats, Northcoast traveling, and everything in between.

Click here to shop all things Coastal Cleveland.

Instagram: @coastalcleveland 

Kylie and Bryn

Handmade right here in Columbus, Ohio, Kylie and Bryn is a jewelry/accessory company with the brightest and prettiest African vinyl and wooden bead bracelets. The moment I laid eyes on these colorful, vibrant bracelets, I knew I needed a few to add to my accessory collection. All of the bracelets are handmade and the craftsmanship and quality is just beautiful. The owner, Amber, creates bracelets in the brightest of colors – from neon pink, to royal blue, turquoise, and kelly green to yellow, blush pink, and even rainbow! And, she offers school spirit inspired bracelets and customizable word bracelets. You can purchase the bracelets individually or as a medley stack. There are so many options to choose from!

Click here to shop all things Kylie and Bryn.

Instagram: @kylieandbryn

Shore Society

Shore Society, another favorite coastal Ohio apparel brand, prides itself on creating pieces that are reflective of the lakefront lifestyle that encompasses the Great Lakes and the Midwest. Founded in 2012 by Rachael Koenig, Shore Society products are inspired by the nautical aesthetic of Cleveland’s coast. If you have ever seen the “Lake Erie Love” print floating around on merchandise, you will be happy to know that this is a signature of Shore Society. In the seven years since its founding, Shore Society has expanded to include sweatshirts (for Lake Erie and Lake Michigan fans), tee shirts, hats, totes, mugs, candles, pennants, art prints, and so much more. It’s a lifestyle brand that offers something unique for all coastal lovers. They also launch incredibly fun, seasonal apparel products that are hugely popular.

I’m a huge fan of Shore Society products and am happy to support such a great Ohio brand where I know the products are high quality and stylish.

Click here to shop all things Shore Society!

Instragm: @shoresociety

OntkOrganix

If you are into skincare products that are earth friendly, gluten-free, and chemical-free, then OntkOrganix is your new favorite place to shop! Based on a tiny island in the middle of Lake Erie (known famously as Put-in-Bay), OntkOrganix is a family owned business with over 40 organic products. From face wash to toners to moisturizers, to deodorant, to hair care, and suncare, OntkOrganix has something for everyone. And you can feel good knowing that every single product is chemical-free. My favorite is the Lavender Balm! And the best part is the owner, Christie, uses the lavender that grows right in her garden in the balm itself!

Click here to shop all things OntkOrganix.

Instagram: @ontkorganix

I hope this guide has allowed you to discover some new female owned, small businesses. I am proud to support all of these women and their work and I hope you are too.

Happy shopping!

Shannon

SOLTY FRIDAY’S 10.23

I have something extra special for you guys today! Jaye’s Studio recently launched their Fall/Holiday collection and it is stunning! I’m fortunate to have been gifted their brand new Sussex Plaid Tray and Assorted Ginger Jar Ornaments. Both match my decor PERFECTLY. I love that I can incorporate blue and white holiday inspired pieces into my collection. And believe me when I say that both the tray and ornaments are beautiful quality- such top notch design and craftsmanship.

The plaid tray is a piece that I will use over and over, whether it’s to style items on my coffee table, or use it for snacks and beverages during a movie night. It’s so functional and I love that. I also envision using the ginger jar ornaments beyond the Christmas tree. They are actually pretty hefty in weight and I think they are so cute styled on shelves, on a coffee table, or used as name place holders on a dining room table. I love a piece that is beautiful and has so many uses. Be sure to check out the new collection at Jaye’s Studio and use code SHANNON15 for 15% off your order!!

> I’ve been watching Dream Home Makeover by Studio McGee on Netflix and it’s so.good. I’m such a sucker for good design shows and this is one of my favorite’s to date.

> We have a pub style table in our kitchen nook that we’ve had since we moved into this house and it’s just getting too small for the three of us.  Plus, Lilly is quickly outgrowing her high chair and she needs to be at the table.  This past weekend I purchased a new kitchen table that will fit four chairs and I’m so excited.  I really wanted this one from Serena and Lily, but was not going to pay $1500.  I found a similar style on Wayfair for much, much less and I can’t wait for it to arrive. 

> Since I bought a new table, now I need to find new chairs! I love the traditional spindle chair and I’m currently eyeing these ones from Target

> If you are a coffee drinker and someone who loves cute branding, you will love Preppy Coffee! This brand new company offers the cutest, preppiest patterns for your coffee.  Head to their website to select your preppy print, your coffee roast, and click ship! It’s that easy.  

And with that, I’m going to sign off and finish getting ready for L’s birthday! There are a few decorations to hang up and a handful of presents to wrap.

Slainte,

Shannon

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: KYLIE AND BRYN

This month’s brand spotlight is all about an Ohio based brand (my favorite!).  Handmade right here in Columbus, Ohio, Kylie and Bryn is a jewelry/accessory company with the brightest and prettiest African vinyl and wooden bead bracelets.   The moment I laid eyes on these colorful, vibrant bracelets, I knew I needed a few to add to my accessory collection.  

Amber is the creative artist behind Columbus based Kylie and Bryn.  She is a lovely human being and has been so easy to work with.  All of her bracelets are handmade and the craftsmanship and quality is just beautiful.  She offers bracelets in the brightest of colors – from neon pink, to royal blue, turquoise, and kelly green to yellow, blush pink, and even rainbow!  And, she offers school spirit inspired bracelets and customizable word bracelets.  You can purchase the bracelets individually or as a medley stack.   There are so many options to choose from! 

I’ve been wearing a medley of these for a few weeks now and they are so comfortable.  I love to mix and match the different colors together.  They also pair very well with other bracelets in my accessory collection.  If you are looking for stylish and chic bracelets to brighten up your look, these ones from Kylie and Bryn are a no brainer.  

Below I’ve shared a few more ways I’ve styled them over the past few weeks. From days by the water, to pool days with L, and wearing Lilly Pulitzer, these bracelets are so easy to wear and they literally go with everything.

Be sure to follow Kylie and Bryn on Instagram and be sure to check out the Etsy shop!

Sláinte,

Shannon

STYLE: FALL HEADBANDS WITH S.LYNCH KNITWEAR

With the official start of fall less than a month away, (eeeek!!) many people are starting to think about transitioning their wardrobe to fall.  Fall is actually my second favorite season, so I will embrace it in due time, but I prefer to love summer until the last possible moment.  I won’t officially break out my fall wardrobe until October, but I will start to add in subtle touches like ballet flats, leopard print accessories, and maybe a denim jacket.  

I’m thrilled that S.Lynch Knitwear designed a collection of autumn inspired headbands.  This is the perfect way for me to subtly acknowledge the end of summer and the return of fall.  The fall collection of headbands from S.Lynch Knitwear is so good.  Think purples, dark gingham, leopard, and fall florals.  These headbands are the perfect way to blend my summer wardrobe and autumn inspired colors. 

Below are two ways I’ve styled two of the new patterns from the fall collection.  Be sure to shop the new collection from S.Lynch Knitwear on Instagram when it drops this Friday, August 28 at 7:00 p.m. est. 

LEOPARD PRINT 

I paired the leopard print headband, which is a perfect neutral for fall/winter with a striped t-shirt dress, white canvas sneakers, and a classic denim jacket. The perfect amount of summer and fall mixed together. Don’t be afraid to treat leopard as a neutral and mix it with other patterns!

GINGHAM PRINT

I knew the minute I saw this print I needed it. I love gingham all year round and the deep purple makes it an easy transition into fall. I paired this headband with classic denim white shorts and a three-quarter length chambray shirt.

Are you team dress for fall or team wait until it’s official?

Slainte, 

Shannon 

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: MADDIE AND CONNOR CO.

I’m exceptionally excited to share this latest brand spotlight with you all! A few months ago I connected with a fellow mama, Sara Feeney, on Instagram. We quickly bonded over motherhood, classic children’s clothing, the coastal life, the list goes on. Early on, Sara mentioned a dream of hers to create her own brand of children’s clothing that was preppy and classic. Over the last couple of months, I’ve had the pleasure of watching Sara bring her dream to life. And so, without further ado, I introduce you all to Maddie & Connor Co.!

Maddie & Connor Co. offers timeless and classic clothing that captures the joy and essence of childhood. All of the styles are designed by Sara herself and her attention to detail is top notch. Think stripes, seersucker, embroidery, eyelit, and scallops. The designs are so timeless that they can be passed down from sibling to sibling, and generation to generation.

One of my favorite designs in the new collection is the Lighthouse Beach Dress. You guys know I’m a sucker for blue and white stripes so I knew right away this style would end up in Lilly’s wardrobe. The ricrac along the ruffle and hem make this dress so incredibly sweet. And the fabric is really lightweight – perfect for hot, summer days down by the water.

When I’m shopping for clothes for Lilly, I look for quality, style, and price. And Maddie and Connor Co. hit all three of these criteria. The quality is beautiful (the Lighthouse Beach Dress washes so well!!), the style is timeless and classic, and the price is completely affordable. If you are looking for a great children’s clothing brand, I highly recommend shopping Maddie and Connor Co.!

Slainte,

Shannon 

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: JAYE’S STUDIO

I love sharing my favorite brands, artists, and creatives with you, so I’ve decided to start a new series that spotlights all of these amazing companies and individuals!  And to kick-off this new series, I’m shining a spotlight on Jaye’s Studio, a New England based company with a passion for details.  

Founded in 1976, Jaye’s Studio is a somewhat newer brand to me, but I have quickly fallen in love with their products.  Their perfectly curated collection of classic, bright, and preppy products are totally my style.  They offer beautiful, high quality pieces for the home, as well as a pajama collection that has quickly become my new go-to for pajama sets.  I love this brand and their mission and I am sharing some of my favorite products below! 

Sea Life Sateen Capri Pajama Set 

You guys know how much I love my summer pajamas and this adorable sea life pajama set is the perfect addition to my collection.  I’m literally obsessed with the vibrant blue and white octopus print.  I love all the classic details, from the cap sleeves to the ruffle capri.  And, the capris have pockets, which are always such a win in my book.  The cotton sateen fabric is so cool, lightweight, soft and easy to move in – perfect for summer mornings, sipping coffee or chasing a toddler (or both!). 

Regency Anchor Tissue Box

It’s all in the details.  I spend a lot of time searching for home decor details that bring us joy and that make our house feel like a home.  I’ve actually been searching for a tissue box cover for years and this blue and gold one is literally perfect.  The colors match our decor splendidly and the anchor detail adds just the right amount of nautical flair that I love. 

Wish List

Below are some items that are on my wish list. 

Don’t Fret Blue Sateen Robe: This looks so cozy and perfect for easy, summer mornings or late summer evenings on the deck.  Plus, it’s blue and white so it instantly caught my eye. 

Elephants at Play Sateen Ruffled Summer PJ Set: This short set looks perfect for summer and it has the same cute ruffle hem that my capri set has – plus the pink and green elephant print is so timeless and preppy. 

Interlocking Key Square Cachepot: This cachepot is so cute.  I love the blue and white pattern.  This would be perfect for plants, flowers, kitchen utensils – you name it! It’s so versatile and would be a perfect addition to any home. 

Chang Mai Color Block Tray in Gold: A gorgeous bamboo tray, this would be perfect for displaying trinkets, holding amenities in a guest bathroom or hosting a cocktail hour.  It’s classic, timeless, and versatile.  

Ginger Jar Blue Napkin Ring: These are literally so cute! I guarantee these will be the talk of all of your dinner parties! 

Definitely do yourself a favor and check out this amazing family owned brand.  Use code SHANNON15 for 15% off your first order!

Slainte,

Shannon