Shop + Tell: Karen of Me Myself and Kai

Who: Karen of memyselfandkai sent me one of the sweetest emails sharing her latest find from Shannon Hiramoto’s line machinemachine. How often do you indie-shop? Hmmm....it depends. Some months I won't buy anything. Other months I'll buy four or five things. I've tried to cut down my spending at places like Target so I can buy from an indie business instead. Scores...a bon dance dress from The Machine Stops. How does it make you feel? Special, Light, Happy, Nostalgic, and Fashionable What made you buy it? I live in the Southwest now, but I grew up in Hawaii and I instantly recognized that the dress was made out of bon dance scarves. Bon dances are a Buddhist tradition and a lot of folks from Hawaii attend. It's kind of like a big party. So the dress struck me as something uniquely Hawaii--not like the typical aloha-print dress or shirt. And the seller is from Hawaii and I felt an urge to support her work. I think I waited a day before buying it, but I kept checking on it compulsively and hoping no one else had purchased it yet. Finally I took the plunge and bought it because I knew I would love it and it would have a special meaning to me.

Thanks Karen!!

Are you an avid handmade shopper and recently bought something that you're absolutely in love with? Share it and help spread the love for handmade on Shop+Tell! Email me at hearthandmade[at]gmail[dot]com w/ subject Shop+Tell.