I don’t know why I am so compelled by books like this, but I am. I like conceptual but very personal art projects, and perhaps it shows. Today I was contacted by someone with a project/product that fits the bill, and now I am talking to her about carrying it in the store. More on that as it happens.

Today I also read an article in Metropolis on indie retail or “curated shopping”. Our friends at Greenjeans were featured, which is excellent. I think that curated shopping can also apply to what I am trying to do with my store. I bet you didn’t know it but Rare Device is like peering into my head…some of the product choices are based on customer demand but a lot of it just fits a mental grid where Cool Thing X made by great Local Designer Y would work well with Neat Product Z. You know?

Besides the art project hinted at above, I am going to get jewelry by an artist of all trades made of glass and feathers. I love finding this stuff for you.

The first day of spring is in less than a month and I can’t wait. I am thinking of having some kind of an event to celebrate, so stay tuned.

And here is the exceedingly rambly part of the post: Octavia Butler, a favorite author, passed away last weekend, I am very sad about this. And, comic book rock star Paul Pope’s Batman Year 100 Issue 1 is out and I need to get it.

I have just a couple Kristen Aronsson bags in right now, from her winter line. These were the amazing handmade leather bags with pleats, gathers, weaves and braids that were the major lust objects during the holidays. They are in amazing colors with her signature metallic-lined straps and coordinating linen linings, with all the phone and gadget pockets a gal needs these days. Kristen says she has new shapes and new colors for us for spring, so stay tuned.

We are honored to be in the latest issue of New York Home magazine, in an article entitled “Park Slope Chic” by Grace of design*sponge that reviews some of the design-oriented shops in the neighborhood. We’re in the great company of Nest, Loom, Matter and 3r Living. Hurrah for Brooklyn shops!

Back in stock, by demand: Kathleen Lewis Honey Dream Cream in large and small jars – the winter weather is doing awful things to my skin so this lovely cream is really the ticket. It is made of natural ingredients and contains no water, so it is thick and rich, a little dab really works.

Also – don’t know if I’ve mentioned it but we have Purldrop crocheted earrings back in stock as well. These are painstakingly made in Fort Greene and will be hot for spring. I have seen other more expensive versions in magazines, but why not save some money and buy local?

Paper lovers rejoice, the Lovely Design journals are back in stock! I have the petite Pocket Book (blue, green and red) and the larger Journey Book (blue, orange and red), plus one of the maple card files…these are guaranteed to go fast.

I also have some of the Pinder laptop bags in blue and green – the medium size is backordered but if you have a 12″ or 17″ laptop, you’ll want to take a look. These are as slender as a sleeve but come with tote handles and an optional shoulder strap too. If you just need to tuck your computer in a larger bag, this is the ticket.

The Sympatico candles are here, and also some great new bags from Six Foot Four, lovingly made in Greenpoint. Come by this weekend and check it all out!

Congrats to Sheila D who made Daily Candy today with her graphic, go-anywhere reversible totes! Sheila was a great find in Park Slope, I happened across a postcard of her work at a cafe and the rest is history We’ve got a few totes in both sizes at the shop, if you don’t see them on the wall o’ bags, just ask.