Wallets, Belts and Hardware

I love the internet for many, many things but not so much for shopping.  It is not that I am so old fashion that I cannot get the wonder of being able to go online any time of the night or day and shop.  Nor am I clueless to the fact that the internet is one of the best ways for a start-up (see my Consulting tab to open a store without much overhead.

That said, I have been in love with brick and mortar stores since I was a wee little Dandi and I believe that being able to walk into a store and not only try on the clothes, but have the warmth and service that comes with interacting with a great and knowledgeable shop owner and sales staff is one of the best experiences one can have.

I also believe that shopping local is the way to any economies heart and the other day I was in a local Austin store, Creatures Boutique, on South Congress.  They have been around for eleven years serving up really cool stuff.  The sad news is that they no longer carry the extensive and unique collection of men’s shoes and boots that lined the side wall and made me drool every time I went there.  In fact, it seems they have done away with all things men.  But since I am more about the mixing of the sexes I did find some great accessories that I think will work well for any Dandi’s wardrobe.

I really love the masculine pictures on these thin (and easy to sit on) leather wallets.  Shara Porter is a designer and artist who seeks out vintage accessories to give them new life.  Check out her website sharaporter.com to find out where to buy her great designs.

Being a little cocky myself I love a good rooster accessory.  Creatures had this gem by Classic Hardware – Karyn Cantor sitting in the window.  If you have a belt that you are especially attached to but don’t wear it because the buckle is too small or it is dated don’t throw it out, just go buy a new buckle.  Worn-in leather is one of my favorite looks with jeans. Check out classichardware.com to find more about Karyn and the other artists she collaborates with.

Last but certainly not least I found these cool belts at Creatures that can give a Dandi that Steve McQueen look from Neves.

Don’t be afraid of color.  Especially as a Dandi.  Our job is to threaten the boredom inherent in day-to-day dressing.  Some brave souls will wear this red belt with red shoes.  That would not be my style but if you are up to it, go for it!

Basic black goes a long way.  If you are shopping for a belt and love the leather but the buckle stops you from buying it, think again!  Remember that all you need to do is change out the buckle and you will have the belt of your dreams.  Neves also has an extensive selection of buckles.  Check them out on thinkneves.com

Where I shopped:

Creatures

1206 south congress

austin, texas 78704

512.707.2500

open 11-7 daily

www.creaturesboutique.com

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• Vintage Leather Glove Wallets (coolmaterial.com)