This vs That session 2, with MCF

We had a great response to the 1st blog post of this versus that.  I wanted to do another one, again with my folks from Military Circle of Friends.
This vs That is to showcase, that you don't always have to go with the best known names to get the best stuff, sometime handmade is just a better value and a better quality, as well as more unique.

Caramel Pecan Bark from Godiva is $25 for 12oz

Chocolate Pecan Pie from Nicole's Handmade Treats 1lb (16oz) for $18

Personally, I think Nicole's looks better.  I would also bet hers is more fresh, and her customer service more personalized.



Gem Flower Hairclip from Gymboree $6

Pink and White Kanzashi Flower Clip from Hold It $7

I don't think this felt clip from Gymboree holds a candle to this well made, and more substantial hair clip from Hold It. Plus the Hold It shop has countless colored and patterned options.

Brooks Brothers Womens Handkerchief (2) $25

Monogramed Handkerchief from Elegant Monograms is $17

If you are going to use a handkerchief for your big day, or if you just love the old time elegance of it....you are not doing it right, if it isn't beautifully monogrammed, and have a delicate lace edge, like this one from Elegant Monograms. She does a fabulous job of offering a wide variety of monograms and embroidery, to get you the exact sentiment and aura you need for this beautiful accessory.

Jennifer Harruff makes me a Dress

I am 33. Yep. And when I was a tween and a teen, the cool places to shop were Contempo and Wet Seal. My mother hated these places. Loud music and higher prices than JCPenney, where we almost always shopped, since my father worked for the company and we got a discount.
I remember vividly once while shopping for school, it was when the baby doll dresses with tees underneath were the BIG thing (Can we say soooo 90210, people).  I begged my mother to go into Wet Seal and there was a sundress I fell in love with for $49.99.  My mother did not want to buy it (yes Mom, I still remember it to this day). 
Why do I mention this????  Well let's think about that, it was likely 20yrs ago.  I'm much larger than I was then (so more material), and I love things much more unique than what I did back then. And ummmm, I just got a STEAL!
My friend, Jennifer Harruff, just made me a custom dress. All for $48.50 SHIPPED (pricing will vary).  I got to pick the fabrics, and she is making it based on my measurements.  It is something made ESPECIALLY for me.....for a mere $48.50.  

As per last nights blog post of this vs that, all I have to say is handmade rocks, and you usually are going to get something better made, with better service (than Wet Seal for sure), and perfect for you! Look at some handmade options, support a small business owner, BEFORE you go out to the mass market.  You'd be surprised at the value, the charm, and the quality craftsmanship and service that people of our generation have forgotten about to get mass market and convenience that we have been taught is the "fun" and "stylish" way to go from commercialism.  

As a sidenote, Jennifer Harruff is also a member of the Military Circle of Friends Team on Facebook. Check us out to see Lilac Ave, Jennifer Harruff, and many more talented artisans.

This vs That, MCF Style!

This vs That is a comparison of goodies you could buy at a chain retail store versus the handmade counterpart.  This edition is doing the comparison up against my Military Circle of Friends (MCF) gang.



Hovering Agate necklace by Anthropologie $38

Amethyst Amulet by Winddancer Designs $39

 Personally I like the necklace by Winddancer Designs better; there is a lot more detail and finishing touches, for practically the same price. Not to mention, I'd rather buy handmade. 

Black and Creme Zebra Pouch from A Stones Throw $10

Pyramid Stud Clutch from The Gap $29.95

The above is a clutch from the Gap.  Not only is the wristlet from A Stones Throw 20 bucks less expensive, but the fabric instead of PU (yuck, is right) makes it washable, for those times when your lipstick cap fall off, or if you have an isue with a pen getting loose.


Echo Newsboy Cap from Nordstrom's $35


White Buckle Newsgirl from Two Seaside Babes $37

Not only is the Two Seaside Babes hat made by a handcrafting artisan, but it is also 100% cotton (the Echo hat is an acrylic/nylon/spandex blend).  And if you ask me the design looks sturdier and more complex than the Echo hat from Nordstrom's.