You might have noticed that I’ve been absent for a little while but rest assured, all is well at Apartment 46! I recently attended the San Francisco International Gift Fair (SGIF) to hunt for new and unique products. To say that the show is overwhelming is an understatement, however, it was easy to focus when I stayed true to the philosophy of the shop: It must be beautiful, natural, creative, unique, and bring the buyer joy. Lastly, but probably most importantly, I also have to love it!
I did bring in quite a few items from the Vintage Cash and Carry section of the show where no two items are alike. I felt like a tiny pirate on a major treasure raid! I have gorgeous little iron sparrow bottle openers, miniature iron urns, Victorian finials and a really fun new line of gift tags, and mini gift bags. I found a really fantastic vendor named Glorie (no web site yet), that would be perfect for wedding favors, bridal attendant gifts and event decoration.
I am over the moon about Maris, a new line of bath and body products I’ve decided to carry. As I am a long time devotee of my Bonny Doon Farms line, I was not actively looking to add to the mix in that area. However, meeting the founder and her husband at the show, smelling and testing the delicious fragrances and having the good fortune to try the full size bath bar in my own steamy shower, I am now officially addicted to both lines! I see Maris as the perfect product for customers wanting more luxury in their products without wanting to pay ridiculous amounts of money to get it. I have never smelled nor felt anything like the body creme and I would feel confident recommending it to my clientele.
Adding to the mix I’m bringing in really cool items from Susan Gould of Shadow Box. The line is very graphic, a bit twisted (Alice in Wonderland graphics with fun quotes) and really well made and creative. I’m very excited about having so much pop and color in the store. Below is one of her beautiful large pins:
On the near horizon I’m bringing in beautifully cute and surreal Kamibashi prints and a few of their clocks that are sure to brighten anyone’s home – not to mention their heart every time they see it.
By mid-October I hope to have a nice amount of Dia de Los Muertos items in from a husband and wife rep team called Sweet Birds. They spend half a year in Oaxaca working directly with artisans that have a special style. I am especially crazy about their incredible Muertos Insects as they make me laugh out loud and bring me a lot of joy.
If you haven’t yet stopped in, or haven’t come by in a while, please pop in and have a visit. There is a lot to see, touch, and smell!
Best,
Melisa
