Holiday Shopping: Etsy Favorites

The holidays are upon us, and while there might be nothing like the joy of giving, there's also nothing quite like the throbbing headache, aching feet, and weary disposition that comes from a day spent at the mall. This year, rather than engaging in combat with cut-throat shoppers, relax in the comforts (and safety) of home while supporting self-employed artisans by shopping on popular e-commerce site Etsy. Etsy's showcased items range from jewelry and knits, to homeware and paintings, and they're handmade by artists from all over the globe. There is even a vintage section for unique clothing and curios! Skip the department stores and check out these shops to win the hearts of your fashionable loved ones.

Love.sexton — The Peter Pan collar proves that sometimes you don't have to grow old; it's cropping up on everything from overcoats to T-shirts this winter. Give the gift of eternal youth with a collar from Love.sexton. Hailing from Minneapolis, Love.sexton fashions unique collars out of real and faux leathers in black, gold, and bronze. Diamonds, studs, and lace adorn this cute and classic accessory.

Yokoo — This nymphy knitting maven from Atlanta can be seen peeking out from beneath layers of scarves and modeling various knitted accessories on her shop's page. The one-of-a-kind pieces are hand knit by Yokoo herself, and they come in a myriad of colors, lengths, and sizes. What makes a better gift than something warm, cozy, and stylish?

Michelle Chang Jewelry — Delicate baubles in silver and gold are sold in the shop of NYC-based artist and jewelry designer Michelle Chang. Sweet, simple, and sometimes spooky, the designers' tiny gold skulls, diamond-eyed kittens, and sterling silver hedge hogs (to name favorites) are fashioned into charms, rings, and earrings that will suit any taste and budget.

Text Meghan Mardon
Image Etsy

Summer Wedding Guide: Under $105 Bridesmaid or Wedding Guest Dresses

It's that season again!!!! If you are like us, you have one or two weddings you have known about since... let's say December, but haven't really gotten around to buying a dress for the occasion. Blame it on the blistering cold that dissuaded you from tracking down the perfect dress, but now that the sun and shades are out, it's time to shop. Operation: Perfect Summer Dress That Will Fit Your Budget and Your Body Like a Glove. Do we have the perfect dress guide for you with a treasure trove we found on Etsy.

Here are some of our favorites:

5 Online Shopping Hunts That Are Worth Your Visit

As fun as it is to walk into an air-conditioned store with anticipation of swiping your credit card for a bag full of pretty things, sometimes all you really have time for is online shopping. However, open 24 hours a day with limitless nooks and crannies, the world wide web can indeed be a really wide, disconcerting world. So here are five online stores to guide you in the right direction, preventing that overwhelming feeling of helplessness like a kid lost in a supermarket.

Need Supply Co. for reasonably priced style (pictured above) -- This Virginia-based online shop carries trendy but not-too-trendy clothes that seem very high-end. However you're in for a real treat when you look at the price ($48 for that romper? Score!). It could be the beautiful models, good lighting, or the high-fashion aesthetic of its lookbooks, but excellent style doesn't lie. More after the jump!

Text Kristina Bravo

Sources: Need Supply, Bona Drag, Fred Flare, Etsy, Three Feathers Vintage, DisciplesOf, La Garconne