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Guest Curator: Kitsune Noir


Story by kitsunenoir Published on October 7, 2009 in Spotlight	Photo by Kitsune Noir

Bobby Solomon is the creator of Kitsune Noir, a culture blog that focuses on art and design but dabbles in a little bit of everything. Located in Los Angeles, Bobby works from his apartment and posts daily about the things he finds enjoyable. Recently he got rid of his car and has decided to exclusively bike and take public transportation around L.A., so he might have some kind of death wish.

Not too long ago, handmade items weren't considered a luxury, they were the only option. Okay, maybe that was before most of us can even remember, but it seems like handmade is definitely having a revival. After the plastic craze of the 60's and 70's, people are over mass-production and want something unique and well-crafted. Not that mass-production is going anywhere soon, but it's certainly nice to have some alternatives.

My list of Etsy picks, as well as my personal style, is a mixture of vintage and contemporary things. I definitely have a love for both the new and the classic, so finding items that mesh well together is the challenge. The list also journeys not only into items for the home but personal accessories as well. I hope you enjoy my choices, I had a lot of fun putting them all together.

Antique New York subway rollsign

I found this beautiful New York Subway Rollsign and fell in love immediately. I love the boldness of this and the faded white font on the deep black looks amazing. It's also double-sided, so you can pick your favorite side.  From luckylittledot, $335.

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Deerman in Profile

I already own a piece by melabo, a squirrel body with the head of a girl, and I bought my friend a six-legged lamb, so obviously I'm a big fan of her work. The piece above is called Deerman in Profile, and is the combination of two casting molds. I love how totally weird this is, but then the fact that it's made of porcelain seems to lessen the weirdness for me. She's always creating new stuff, so be sure to visit her shop regularly.  By melabo, $40.

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Nenjuu leather bag

While this isn't a vintage bag, its inspiration is definitely taken from the kind of utilitarian bags you'd find in the first and second World Wars. This bag is made of oiled bull hide and has stainless steel hardware to keep it together. It has a nice zipper on top to keep your belongings where they belong and the rain out, as well as pouches on the side and front for your phone and items you want to access easily.  By JMBCanada, $450.

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Monster Barbershop Digital Print 18 X 36

This awesome print by kickatruck is one of my favorites. In one panel he's a grumpy, shaggy beast, and the next he's a well coiffed man about town. It's not only cute and fun, but it's also huge, measuring in at 18" x 36", and for only $25 it would definitely fill a wall quite nicely.

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PROPER CRIMINALS brown leather wrapped HANDCUFF key ring ITEM 006

When I first came across this one, I thought it was some kind of kinky bracelet, but then I realized that it was a key ring and thought, "Huh, that's pretty cool." propercriminals, a very apt name, have decided to take the iconic handcuff, wrap it in brown leather that will age with time, and make a fancy little keychain out of it. It's an out-of-the-box idea that's really clever and well executed.  $31.

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Dancing. 13 x 19 print limited edition

I covered this one on my blog a couple weeks ago and still think it's an amazing piece. matteart does an incredible job of creating retro illustrations that feel so fun and lively. This one is my favorite, I love that the men are getting down with pipes in their mouths.  $60.

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A5 Print - Cat Mart

I'm a huge fan of Gemma Correll's artwork, and she shares a ton of her hysterical prints in her shop, gemmabear. Cat Mart above is one of my favorites; there's something about it that just makes me laugh so hard. Look at the face of the cat in her backpack, the look is hysterical!  $10.

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black beauty

I came across mobilosity's shop and fell in love with all the different kinds of mobiles they create. They remind me of something that Calder would make, but you know, at one tenth of the price. Black Beauty (shown above) is my favorite though. I'm really digging the sharp, black, leaf looking pieces. The fact that it's nearly 2 feet tall is also a bonus.  $69.

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Splat Kendo Bamboo Modern Wall Clock

I wish this clock were made out of real wood instead of MDF, but nonetheless it's still a beautiful clock. The bamboo has a nice depth to it, and the cut out rad starburst gives this a very classy look. They also have a ton of other clocks in this same design but in different colorways if this doesn't quite do it for you.  By pilotdesign, $49.

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Dear You, Mister Fox - Mini Print

Seeing that my blog means "black fox," it's only fitting that I throw something fox related into the mix. I found these lovely prints by blackoutwell who seems to have quite an affinity for foxes and cats, which is cool, if you ask me. Dear You, Mister Fox is my favorite of the bunch, with his hand drawn frame and the yellow flower pattern behind him, just overall wonderful.  $9.

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STATES UNITED

This is one of the most clever posters I've seen in a while, and must have really taken some ingenuity to do. beauchamping has taken all of the 50 states and mashed them together into a big heart. Originally it was going to be called Heartland, but then it was changed to States United, which seems a little better to me. The states have a sketchy feel to them that I really like, which I think is a byproduct of the xylene transfer that was used to print them. Really nice and simple. $75.

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Mozart Bust

To finish things off, I have to include this amazing Mozart bust, something that I think is silly and classic all at once. I've always wanted one of these for some reason, I bet I saw it in a movie once, but it would look great on the shelf over my desk. He was a master of his craft and hopefully he can give me some of this wisdom! From coventgardenvintage, $12.

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Tags	A Dude's Perspective, art, blog, blogger, Bobby Solomon, California, culture, decor, design, Guest Curator, Housewares, kitsunenoir, Kitsune Noir, L.A., Los Angeles, men, shopping, Spotlight, SPOTLIGHT, Vintage

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107 comments Login to add your own!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:36 p.m.

thevintagecloset

fun stuff here!

:o)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:38 p.m.

EJPcreations

What a great blog! Off to read a little more :)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:39 p.m.

foamywader

Fantastic finds!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.

BeadinBabe

Lovely!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:43 p.m.

Ryanplz

just wondeful!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:44 p.m.

BabbidgePatch

Great picks ! I have a Beethoven bust on my piano :)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:45 p.m.

SimpleJoysPaperie

Fun finds! I have a Mozart bust like that one, along with Chopin and Brahms.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:47 p.m.

mucar

amazing!!i love it:)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:48 p.m.

LaveMeSoapCo

great bag!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:50 p.m.

xtwo

Nice picks! love Cat Mart and the Keyring :D

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:50 p.m.

lovelygifts

Great stuff. Love the clock and the leather bag. The states united poster is interesting too.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:53 p.m.

louloudo

wicked awesome picks! I'm a big gemma correll fan too

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:54 p.m.

blueskyclouds

What a great collection of items. I hearted a few and bookmarked Kitsune Noir as a blog to read!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:57 p.m.

smashgirl

Love the dancing print, so cool! Fun stuff!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:57 p.m.

franz66

absolutely LOVE the melabo piece! thanks for turning me on to her work. how brilliant.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:58 p.m.

MilkGlassVintage

Great finds! It's so nice to see such a collection of "guy stuff" on Etsy... even though, I have to admit, I tend to favor the froufy girl stuff most of the time :P

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:01 p.m.

pinkytoeclothing

The dancing print is awesome, kind of reminiscent of Shag designs for Disney - love it!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:01 p.m.

coventgardenvintage

Mozart silly?? Thanks for including him.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:02 p.m.

uncharted

I really like these picks, and always love finding out about great blogs. Thanks!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:04 p.m.

ColorfulTherapy

WOW -- Such a trigger happy blog -- LOVE it ;)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:07 p.m.

PrimaryRedux

Great items. whoo throw some cold water on me, those leather cuffs are the hottest thing I've seen come through here, wow.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:08 p.m.

VintageEyeFashion

love the graphics and vintage vibe!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:10 p.m.

coup

Just my style! I think you might like this tshirt while biking around LA with your newsboy cap, leather bag, and handcuff key ring: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:13 p.m.

carmenesque

So great items, very nice selection! :)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:18 p.m.

magickalrealism

That satchel looks handy.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:21 p.m.

bitchcraft

Love the wood on the handcuffs!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:23 p.m.

momerath

Fun vibe to these pieces. Kinda retro-contemporary. Nice.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:23 p.m.

beachhouseblues

Interesting choices!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:26 p.m.

ofmatter

What a great selection!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:28 p.m.

ToadLillie

I'm thinking that mobile may be the perfect Christmas present for someone special.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:35 p.m.

HelloVictory

Love that United States print! Waaaay cool.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:40 p.m.

lisaroy

fun choices!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:48 p.m.

oldworldprimitives

Cool and eclectic picks!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:50 p.m.

coolranchstudio

such a fun group! i especially like matteart's dancing print, but i am a big fan of amy blackwell's foxes, too, :). nice work!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:57 p.m.

Handamade

Love that United States print out too! Is that suppose to be United States or meant to be States United. looks cool! :D

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:58 p.m.

paramountvintage

states united is the best!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.

ChloesRuffleButt

Nice picks! I really like the Dancing print..and the handcuff key chain...and the Mozart bust...well I guess I like them all a lot!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:11 p.m.

YacsPocket

What a cool selection! States United poster is superb! I love Dancing print, too. Compliments!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:13 p.m.

JessicaTorrant

Great aesthetic - loved the article, thank you!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:15 p.m.

PurseParts

Amazing picks! Some of my all time favorites!!! I think my wallet needs to watch out....

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:21 p.m.

WhiteFly

I think we have similar taste...

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:21 p.m.

Tias

Very cool.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:26 p.m.

OhMyAmpersand

There's gotta be a saying "You are what you pick". I love the overall style combination of all the items featured. I agree that handmade is a luxury. KN you rock.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:29 p.m.

DownToTheWireDesigns

Fun choices. I love that states poster too.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:48 p.m.

lavenderrabbit

Great! Love the States United, what an awesome design!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:56 p.m.

MyMoms

Great finds! I love them all especially the black beauty! Thanks for sharing!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:58 p.m.

soule

Those are GREAT finds! I like the deermen and the splat clock alot.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:12 p.m.

steinschmuckdesign

Absolutely cool!!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:17 p.m.

HibouCards

really cool! Will check out the blog.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:21 p.m.

Mumbot

nice picks! kitsune udon is my favorite kind of noodles by the way! =)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:26 p.m.

thesockgirl

love the bag and the handcuff keyring. AWESOME. great finds!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:33 p.m.

designlab443

oh, I love the dancing print!!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:33 p.m.

mette

great finds - i love everything!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:34 p.m.

VixVintage

You are pretty cool Bobby! Thanks for sharing.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:41 p.m.

girltuesdayjewelry

Love the range of items featured here! The handcuff repurposed as a keyring is brilliant!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 6:01 p.m.

birdie1

Great, varied selection - vintage modern to classic with a dollup of humor.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 6:39 p.m.

Deconize

Love those porcelain statuettes

Oct. 7, 2009 at 6:42 p.m.

livingstonandporter

diggin it....thanks for the great post!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 6:44 p.m.

DalkullanJewelry

Love black beauty by mobilosity, and the photography is wonderful, too. Terrific picks!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.

cottonbirddesigns

Great finds!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 6:50 p.m.

odiliafu

Very cool!!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 6:52 p.m.

JesseMosher

great !

Oct. 7, 2009 at 6:54 p.m.

OwlandMouse

This is such a unique selection!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 7 p.m.

shopgoodgrace

Love these picks. :) And good for Bobby for ditching his car in exchange for bicycling everywhere - in LA, no less! Bravo!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 7:08 p.m.

asundrynotion

Swell collection!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 7:56 p.m.

valkasinskas

I see the appeal... nice collection!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:01 p.m.

thebestvintage

Great selection of items!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:39 p.m.

bytheway

Wow! I loved these picks! I loved looking at each one - thanks for highlighting them :)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:42 p.m.

patspottery

Great picks!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:38 p.m.

YellowViolet

All of these picks appealed to me...some of them are going on my Christmas list!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:41 p.m.

gretchenmist

some very stylish finds here :)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:34 p.m.

worksofwhimsy

Great finds. Several of these sellers are in my favorites already. Off to add a few more!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:36 p.m.

RiverBazaar

I am groovin' on these picks...as much for the written descriptions as the objects themselves...i am amazed everday at the amount of 'stuff' out there...especially the items that tickle our individual fancy. things that someone would throw in the trash without a second thought...

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:54 p.m.