I Heart Local and Handmade

Although I've been born and raised in New York, it has taken me a while to venture out of Manhattan to explore new neighborhoods. It wasn't until Mr. Canary and I moved to an up and coming neighborhood, did we start venturing into the outskirts of Queens and Brooklyn to check out new restaurants and shops.

With the economy the way it is, I've been trying my best to support local vendors, particularly artists and crafters. Lately, I've been spending a lot of time in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where there are a plethora of great boutiques, not to mention fantastic music venues and restaurants.

A new shop that has become a big favorite (I've already been there twice this week!) and telling all my friends about is, Tria. I wish I had discovered this store when I was planning the wedding because I would have adorned my wonderful bridesmaids (and myself!) with the coolest jewelry and hats!

Tria is the brainchild of three collectors/artists/designers: Ryan Wilde, Valerie Bowers, and Georgia Varidakis. Like a superhero team, each brings her own talent. Ryan is the resident milliner. Her creations have graced the pages of bridal magazines and appeared in Patricia Field's (SATC costumer) shop. Valerie is a vintage scout. She fills the store with the best finds from estate sales. When I'm in the store, I have to stay away from Valerie's collection of vintage earrings. I've already gone home with several pairs, since they're all just to irresistable! And last, but not least, Georgia, is the jewelry designer. She is self-taught and makes the most delicate and charming necklaces and rings.

A perfect bridesmaid gift. I love these simple charm necklaces. They can be customized with initials, numbers, and stones.

One of the coolest things I've seen in a while. These heart-shaped pendants are cut from slides!

The vintage letterpress tray filled with the cutest and classiest earrings. Also perfect for bridesmaids!

A selection of Valerie's vintage finds. Check out those mint condition shoe clips!

My favorite hat selections from the store. They're all handmade by Ryan. Unfortunately, they sold out of all the bridal samples they had in the store, but if any of these pique your fancy, you could definitely contact Ryan for a custom bridal design.

I love love love this one. I have nowhere to wear something so whimsical and fantastic... but a girl can always dream, right?


I call this one the Aretha Franklin.

For the less adventurous, I'm partial to these beautiful feathered headbands.

I saw a customer in the shop donning this one as an everyday hat. Perhaps, I will be an everyday hat kind of girl.

If you're in the neighborhood, be sure to check it out. It's definitely well worth a visit. If you're not local, you can visit Valerie's shop on Etsy, Ryan's galleries online, and Georgia's soon-to-be open online shop.

Tria is also having a Valentine's Eve shopping party on Friday, February 13 with cocktails and treats. Everything in the store will be 20% off (including custom hat orders,) which for me, may be the huge incentive splurge on a wild cocktail hat!

What are some of your favorite local shops? Do you try to purchase items from vendors who focus on handmade or artisan goods? Any one have any additional NYC shopping suggestions?

Shop info:
Tria
135 Grand Street (between Bedford and Berry)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 974-6248

www.triabrooklyn.com