COZBI

This is COZBI -- I adore Cozbi Cabrera and her beautiful creations! I feel quite fortunate that her shop is located right across the street from me. As you'll see, her clothes for women and children, her interior style and her illustrated books and are all a total inspiration!

Cozbi painted this lovely backdrop.

This is Cozbi. She is one of the most stylish women I've ever known! I will have to add a full length photo of her in one of her great outfits. She told me today that she makes everything she wears, with the exception of shoes & underwear. Although, I'm sure she'd do a nice job with those, too! Here she is wearing a necklace by Kristin Eno, a local jewelry designer/artist & film maker. Cozbi carries her line of necklaces & earrings.

This book is a must have for any of you creative and crafty people who are considering taking that entrepreneurial leap of faith!! Crafting a Business Make Money Doing What You Love, written by Kathie Fitzgerald, is a compilation of stories from 31 women who have followed their passion, worked hard and achieved success in their fields. Each had been profiled in Country Living Magazine. It is very encouraging without making running your own business sound like a cake walk. I personally love hearing about people's journeys and this is an insightful and fun read!

I wore one of her skirts to a wedding rehearsal dinner and all eyes were on me! Maybe not ALL on me, but this is one of my favorite skirts :)

Another of her skirts I own. I actually have quite a few and she fits them perfectly to your body!

Here are some of Cozbi's illustrated children's books. I have this one Beauty, Her Basket by Sandra Belton I intended to give it as a gift, but I decided I couldn't part with it. Cozbi's style is the perfect compliment to this lovely story. I'm drawn to her use of vibrant color and her delicate, yet confident hand. See other books on her site.

Cozbi began as an art director in the record industry, designing packaging. She started sewing Munecas, one-of-a-kind handmade dolls in honor of her Honduran heritage, after noticing an opening in the market. There is an inspiring story in "Crafting a Business" about how she was low on her dolls from the success she'd had at various craft shows. She took some of her quilts to fill extra space and they caught the eye of an editor at Martha Stewart Living TV --Nice break for sure!!

Precious dresses for little girls and these pillows below are so cute :)

This is Kristin Eno, her jewelry line is carried by Cozbi and she just happened to stop by the store today. Her baby girl is 4 months and as happy as could be! Take a look at Kristin's site, she's not only a fine artist, but is Director of Little Creatures filming imaginative collaborations with young children.

Above is some of Kristin's jewelry--felt--cool! The rings and necklaces below are by a designer named Kiki and I don't currently have a link. You'll have to stop by I guess!!

These earrings above and orange/yellow bauble-necklace is by Kristin.

A darling doll sits atop the jewelry display.

One HAPPY CUSTOMER!!! Love this coat :D

Cozbi is located at 530 Court Street between Huntington & W 9th Street. Take the F or G line to Smith & 9th Street Station. Phone 718.246.7960 Hours: Tues-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12-5pm

Ruby Moriarty in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

This is Ruby Moriarty -- A new shop opened by Jessica Dineen at 516 Court Street between Nelson & Huntington Streets in Brooklyn, NY. I first met Jessica about 10 years ago when she & her husband, Terry ran their space as an art gallery. I brought some slides over and it turned out I had been in a painting class with Terry at NYU. He is a very talented artist and they curated some fun shows here. I had the chance to exhibit in a couple myself! Her new store showcases her great line of handmade dresses, as well as her lines of skirts, ties (for women!), bandanas in playful, vintage fabrics and an array of super cute Japanese vinyl bags by minmie (pictured in window below) also Pocky bags and best of all-- the real thing-- Pocky chocolate sticks! In fact, plenty of tasty japanese candies can be found here! You will also find some cool jewelry, kids' pajamas, stationery and my *adorable Brooklyn Buckaroo line of baby & toddler tees, plus tanks for women :)

Yummy!!

One of Jessica's lovely summer dresses and a bag by Minmie...

Ties are Cool!! Hello Annie Hall ;)

Funky fun necklaces drape The Last Supper above...

Such cute and colorful pajamas for kids (will have to get back with name on these, sorry)

Yes! That is Popeye the Sailorman you see. You never know what film or cartoon you may see projected while you shop.

Above is Ruby, herself, taking a nap...

This is a detail of a neat-o game called Paradice designed by John O'Neil that doubles as sculpture!

Jessica's style infuses the shop with a fun mix of sleek & modern with tongue-in-cheek vintage, which combines to give Ruby a smart, yet easy going feel. Neighbors, shoppers, browsers and friends stop in, often to find nice snacks & lemonade in back.

*Sneak peek at fabrics for new skirts!

Oh soooo cute ;)

Here is Iris (Jessica's daughter & top notch model) in a Top Dog Tee (now wearing a women's medium!) Think it fits, because I've been using American Apparel for my designs & they are all cut quite tiny, even for kids!! Nice choices in colors, though. I love this hot pink.

Here is Jessica with Iris from 4 or 5 years ago. Jessica & Terry moved to Ireland for a period of time (with Iris & her older brother) and I've rarely been as flattered as I was when they contacted me about sending another Rocky Rabbit Tee because Iris had to have another (can't remember if the original was too dirty or lost?) Nevertheless, she remains one of my best promoters!!

Ruby 516 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 Phone 347.275.0770

Hours: Thurs 1-7p Fri-Sat 1-6p and by appointment :)

Take F or G train to the Carroll Street or Smith & 9th Street Station