Two Words: Hasami Porcelain.
Mercantiles
34.0522º N, 118.2437º W Los Angeles is the perfect place to wander the lot of bright and sun-filled shops in search of vintage and handcrafted discoveries — and then getting back in the car to drive to another part of L.A. and wander some more. (Sorry! NYC pedestrian joke). The shops in Venice are cheerful, accented with light colors and tones welcoming to relaxed passersby. Tortoise General Store has a warm storefront of exquisite handicrafts for the home such as cookware, kettles, and soaps. It’s…
Be nice to locals.
Mercantiles
45.5231º N, 122.6765º W The Pearl District is located in Portland’s downtown and is downtown’s pearly gem. Brick loft spaces with tall ceilings and luxury condominiums line the cobblestone streets of this small, chic hood. Made Here PDX is an expertly curated general store carrying a wide range of quality goods. Find jewelry and bags, a stylish ice breaking hatchet, or leave with a new canoe paddle. Everything here is made in Portland supporting local Portlander craftspeople and artisans. What…
Sign me up Santa Fe.
Mercantiles
35.6870º N, 105.9378º W The El Museo flea market is a sizable collective space of artisans, vendors and craftsmen who set up their own traveling boutique — much larger than a standard booth — featuring handmade jewelry from materials such as copper, turquoise or leather; vintage saddles, bags and boots; antique prints; and woven textiles from a range of local and Native American artists. It’s also a destination for soap and candle makers, photographers and painters to showcase and sell…
Climb trees.
Mercantiles
42.0409º N, 74.1182º W On Tinker Street across from the village green—the heart of charming Woodstock—set among tie dye and tarot, yogis sipping green juice and sampling artisanal chocolate, Woodstock General Supply is a cabin-esque outdoorsman’s haberdashery and outdoor woman’s port of call. It has an expertly curated collection of clothes and bags, candles, notebooks made from stone instead of trees, and grooming products for you and your bearded comrades. The first time I came across this shop was several years ago,…
Salty and Bitter.
Mercantiles
45.5231º N, 122.6765º W Portland is a gem in the West, a familiar hipster haven with an affection for the outdoors. Artisanal crafts, coffee, and cocktails enliven the quadrant city, all to the rhythm of the entrepreneurial flow which emboldens such creativity and ambition. It’s where intellectuals find themselves in sleeveless fleece zip-ups trail running America’s largest urban forest. A floppy hat with low Frye boots will get you everywhere else you need to go — that and a rain…
Grab the blanket.
Goods and Brands, Mercantiles
44.2950º N, 93.2688º W Faribault Woolen Mill was founded on the banks of Faribault, Minn. in 1865. World renowned for quality blankets and throws, the mill endures as one of the last vertical woolen mills in America. Fifth generation craftspeople continue to dedicate themselves to creating beautiful wool and cotton goods with century-old methods and machinery. The company’s flagship store is onsite at their Faribault headquarters. It’s beautifully curated with an entire section of discounted excess or compromised materials. We…
Talk to nature.
Mercantiles
67.2090º N, 93.2923º W It was a bright and unseasonably warm day. Eagerly waiting to be seated for a busy Sunday brunch, we wandered the strip mall—of course, the architecture of a strip mall is not terribly charming, but the shops inside truly were. The window of Flora and Fern caught my eye, filled with vibrant plant life. The inside of the shop is playful and even more spirited, with a swing built into the ceiling and an actual greenhouse…