Jack Spade Waxwear Nook Cover

image from BN.com

Now I'm not saying go out and buy a Nook. You'd be better off with a Kindle. But if you must, then check out this Waxwear Nook Cover in Chocolate. Handsomest e-reader case BY FAR. By so very far. Browsing through Best Buy's in-store selection always makes me cringe. Go ahead, mash up your technologies!

Handmade? No

Made in: "Imported"

$85

Brooklyn Industries Waxed Canvas Jacket

image from brooklyn industries

This is the first I've seen of a heritage waxed jacket for women. A collaboration between Brooklyn Industries, an young urban apparel brand, and British Millerain Co. Ltd, a company that has been producing waxed fabrics since 1980. I'm not crazy about the contemporary stand-up collar- maybe they took the hint from Filson that women prefer modern construction? The mens version looks quite rugged, and I'm so glad they extended the line to women. All in all, they are a terrific deal, as you will probably never again find a waxed canvas jacket of such nice material for under $100.

Handmade? No

Made in: ?

$89

Tender Co. Type 200 Oak Bark-Tanned Belt

image from Hickoree's

Strong contender for Belt for Life.

From Hickoree's (it's quickly becoming my favorite online storefront) :

Not so long ago, people relied on horses to travel significant distances. Heavy leather-and-brass horse tack had to be substantial; a broken stirrup was a serious problem. So stirrups were cut from an impenetrably thick section of hide and fitted with solid cast brass hardware.

Tender Co.'s Type 200 belts are cut the same way -- from the stirrup butt, which runs along either side of the cow's spine. The leather there is 1/4 inch thick: a stack of $20 bills that high would add up to $1,160.

The leather's heft is matched by unique "bent-wire" hardware, designed by William,Tender Co.'s founder. The buckle is cast in solid brass by a UK metalsmith, using the time consuming lost-wax method. The pieces are assembled at a Somerset factory where leatherworkers cut each belt by hand, using scalpels -- the leather is too thick for the factory's electric rotary saw.

These belts are substantial in weight and in history. The leather is made at the only oak-bark tannery left in Britain; a tannery that has been turning animal skins into leather since Roman times. Much of the machinery used to de-flesh and polish the raw hides is run by water-wheel. After this cleaning, the skins are soaked in pits of oak-bark liquor for 18 months and then rubbed with a "currying" mixture of mutton tallow and fish oil. The process yields leather of deep nuance and remarkable aroma. The smell is at once animal, vegetable, and mineral; a warm fishy top note is immediately recognizable and surprisingly pleasant.

Bonus: Photo-heavy post (Part 1, Part 2) on how the good folks at Tender Co. make this superfine accessory using old-timey methods. Truly amazing craftsmanship. It is both too long for my waist and too rich for my blood, but a girl can ogle.

Handmade? Yes

Made in: England

$175

Military Watch Company

image from Military Watch Company

Thanks to Hickoree's, I've discovered my next watch: a MWC International GG-W-113. It is modeled after the Vietnam War era Benrus infantry watch. God knows I adore my timeless Swatch watches and would never part with them, but the durability of their plastic bands is laughable. Unlike the trendy vintage (imported) Timex military watches you can get at J. Crew, this shit is real.

Handmade? No

Made in: I'm guessing Europe

$126.40

Klean Kanteen Reflect Series

image from global enfant

I am quite satisfied with my Klean Kanteens, with their attractive metal bodies and responsible Chinese manufacturing. But I held off from getting them until I found them on sale at the REI outlet for $9 each. List price was just too much. And now, the company has come up with an upscale, plastic-free, paint-free bottle with a unibody bamboo and stainless steel cap. Taking a huge cue from Apple, I see. As reported in their FAQ, customers have previously complained about the stainless steel caps being squeaky. I wonder if the issue has been resolved with this new line. The press photos are really lovely, yet does anyone see the absurdity of shelling out $33 for a water vessel? It's difficult not to be distracted by the shiny mirror finish... it's so pretty....

Handmade? No

Made in: China

$32.95

Striped Tokyo Tote

This affordable tote bag is reminiscent of the Cat in the Hat's zany hat. I dig the full grain leather straps. Made by Etsy seller Rib and Hull.

Handmade? Yes

Made in: Warsaw, Poland

$39

Leather Utility Pouch

image from forestbound

Humble brown leather pouch with unfinished edges crafted by etsy seller forestbound.

Handmade? Yes

Made in: New England, USA

$60