This year I’ve been super excited to scope out and work with quite a few Canadian brands – and today is another brand to add to my ‘collection’. You’ve probably seen or heard about various ‘Buy Local’ initiatives, but I want to tweak that sentiment a bit and encourage you to buy local OR indie. In fact, I’d really think of ‘local’ as Canada – when you’re supporting an indie Canadian retailer, crafter or designer, you’re doing good. Not to mention, you’re also probably buying something that’s been made with love and care – not a bad idea when shopping for your loved ones methinks. Anyway, today’s featured brand is Fitzy, a Toronto shop based out of Toronto and run by Robin Fitzsimons. Robin’s specialty is working with leather – manipulating it unexpected, wearable, on-trend ways. With each piece made lovingly by hand, you’re getting top notch craftmanship with a whole lotta style. Now I’ve rounded up some of my fave picks from Fitzy – happy shopping!
Leather Bow Ties – $40
My husband, dapper fellow that he is, actually rocks a bow tie at work every day. But I have to say – I’ve never seen bow ties quite like the unique leather ones Fitzy carries. Made from hand dyed leather, these chic, unisex bow ties add an unexpected flair to a basic button-down. Unlike traditional bow ties, they actually come with a string instead of a strap, making them super comfortable and adjustable – as well as versatile. You could even throw it in your hair for a Blair Waldorf-esque accessory. Available in caramel, nude and black, this is a true statement piece for any bow tie lovers in your circle.
Braided Cuff – $45 + Braided Bracelet – $35
Leather is an intriguing choice for jewelry. While it emits a slightly boho vibe, when rendered in Fitzy’s sleek, polished style, it instantly takes on a classy, chic appearance that works just as well with a crisp white top as it does stacked up for a weekend music festival. What’s particularly interesting here is the fact these braided bracelets are actually made from a single strip of leather. Anyone who’s ever braided anything will shake their head as to how that’s possible, but I assure you it’s the case. Both the large cuffs and the smaller bracelets come in a range of fun colours – from a neutral nude that’ll darken with age to sprightly, tie dye-esque purple and teal. And at this price point, they make fabulous gifts for your girlfriends, mom or siblings.
Cord Keeper – $12
I love this one as a stocking stuffer idea for just about anyone on your list – from tech-obsessed teens to your mom that’s always digging through her oversized purse. The conceit is simple – a strip of leather with a string inside. Simply tie up your headphones and loop them around the strip to keep them tangle-free and at the ready for whenever you need to bust out some tunes, multi-task while on a phone call, or get through that next chapter of your audiobook while on the bus. It’s available in three shades and should make for an easy choice for the entire family.
Long Wallet – $100
If you’re looking for a wallet with a slimmer profile, look no further than Fitzy’s sleek and chic Long Wallets. Available in the brand’s signature trio of nude, caramel and black, these wallets miraculously won’t take up much room in your bag, yet still keep things super organized thanks to multiple pockets for change, cash and receipts. It’s a great gift choice for anyone that can’t be fussed with a million zips and sleeves, plus it’s a unisex design meaning your mom, pops, or just about anyone on your list will be happy with it. And if you want something even smaller, they also sell a Minimalist Wallet with two exterior sleeves and one interior pocket – just the right size to squeeze into the pocket of a pair of skinny jeans.
Earrings – $30 each
Again, leather is given an interesting application with these 3D-meets-2D earrings. Rendered in beautiful caramel brown, at the moment Fitzy carries two styles of earrings inspired by geometric pyramids and cubes. The result is intriguing to say the least, as these danglers aren’t nearly as heavy as one might think on first glance. And best of all, they’re perfectly priced if say, you’re shopping for a good friend that loves to wear subtle statement pieces.
Sunglasses Cases – $65 each
There’s something lovely and classic and artisanal with Fitzy’s pieces. It’s not just the fact the leather has been hand-selected and dyed. It’s all the little details, like the rugged yet sturdy hand-stitching on these chic, durable sunglass cases. It’s the solid brass button that harkens back to a simpler time. And it’s the fact virtually every piece in the Fitzy line works for him or her, young or old. This is where I leave you with my Fitzy roundup for the day – hopefully a little inspired and a little in love like I am, with the brand’s super cool and expanding line.
Now if you clicked on any of the links above, you’ll already know that Fitzy has an online shop that ships across the country. So what are you waiting for? Get shopping! Oh and of course, I’m giving away a fab prize package from Fitzy to one lucky reader. If you win, you’ll score a Sunglasses Case, a Bow Tie, a Cord Keeper and a Minimalist Wallet – for a total value of over $180. Here’s how to enter for your shot at winning:
1) Drop me a comment on this post by November 28, 2014, telling me what your favourite item is from Fitzy and what colour you’d nab it in. Hint – visit their site to view the whole line!
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around November 29, 2014 to select the winner(s), who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry #1: Like Fitzy on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall about your favourite product. Link back to your wall post in a separate comment below. Also while you’re there, be sure to check out details about Fitzy’s appearance at this holiday season’s One of a Kind Show in Toronto.
5) Bonus Entry #2: Follow Fitzy on Instagram and leave a comment and / or like one of their photos. Link back to that photo with your instagram username in a separate comment below.
