I am particularly excited to bring you this Store Spotlight on The Library Store in Los Angeles, CA, not only because we recently created a custom Maptote for the Library’s various branches in LA, but also because they have set out on an admirable venture as a non-profit to raise money towards programming for all of the city’s branches…and the store seems awesome with such a witty and genius collection of merchandise!

Q: Can you describe your store aesthetic?:
A: We like to say we’re “library-centric”. If it has to do with reading or writing, we want it! We carry a broad range of eclectic items, educational toys, autographed books, stationery, crafting supplies, cookbooks, and more.

Q: Are there any fun or interesting store facts?:
A: We made an 8 foot long papier-mâché bookworm for a window display last year, out of newspaper and pages from a book about New Orleans during prohibition times.  The bookworm is now retired from view, hidden in one of the many rooms here at Central Library. Maybe one day he’ll make a reappearance…

Q: Tell us a bit about your neighborhood and why you love it!:
A: We’re in downtown Los Angeles, and we completely love it! Our building, the Central Library, has been here since the ‘20s and is a beautiful example of the Egyptian Revival architecture of the time period (our building is topped with a mosaic pyramid!). We’re surrounded by people from all walks of life, and we love the hustle and bustle of being downtown. People are really starting to take an interest in downtown as well, so we’re constantly getting new eateries, fun shops, and new residents nearby.

Q: When not in your store, where is the next most likely place you’d be?:
A: I should say “reading”, we are the Library Store after all! But probably shopping… getting inspiration for the store.

Q: Do you have any favorite restaurants in Los Angeles?:
A: So many to choose from! My most recent restaurant meal was at the newly opened Umamicatessen, here in downtown. It was fantastic—I can’t stop thinking about their trés leches donut!

Q: If there is 1 thing someone “must do” when they visit downtown Los Angeles, what would you recommend?:
A: Exploring the library would be at the top of my list. It’s a HUGE building (4 floors up & 4 floors down), filled to the brim with books, murals, a zodiac chandelier, sphinx statues…. You get the idea. You could get lost in all there is to see at the Central Library.

Q: What was your inspiration/motivation to open your store?
A: Our store came about in an effort to raise money to reopen the library after it was damaged in an arson fire in the late ‘80s. It started as just a catalog of fundraising items, and has grown to what it is today. And no, the arson culprit was never found…

Q: How did you come up with your store name?
A: Well, we’re in the library, and we’re a store… not a ton of imagination was used.

Q: What’s next for The Library Store…. any upcoming sales or events?:
A: We’re collaborating on a tote bag with Maptote! Using the basic Los Angeles map idea, but adding the locations of our 72 branch libraries.

Q: Are there any blogs or magazines that you follow or draw inspiration from?:
A: Sadly, I haven’t picked up a magazine in ages (I hear Domino is coming back though!) As far as blogs, of course Design Sponge is a daily read—so much inspiration. We’ve found a few items for the store on the Swiss Miss blog. We like to keep up on what’s going on in LA, so we’re always checking LAist & The Eastsider Blog. And I can never resist the hilarious posts on Bon Appétempt!

Q: Where do you find all of your products?
A: We go to the California gift show twice a year, and to the NY Gift show every fall. We also scour Etsy, find items through blogs, and are just always looking when we’re out for things that would fit the aesthetic of our store.

Shop The Library Store online, follow them on Twitter, like them of Facebook, or visit the LA Public Library’s blog!

It is Mothers Day this Sunday and I can’t believe that I will be celebrating my 2^nd mothers day as a Mom.   I’m looking forward to the days of handmade cards and crafts, but for now while my little one is still a wee baby here are some ideas of fun and unique Mom gifts that I’d be happy to get (hint hint, Dad).

Seed bombs (1) seem like a pretty easy way to plant a garden.  Unfortunately, I discovered Chew beads (2) a bit too late when my daughter was over the teething phase, but I still got one and love it.  They are pretty necklaces and bracelets that are safe for your baby to teeth on – so smart!  With a growing family, I dream of the days when we own a home of our own and I’d definitely want to adorn our front door with Heath ceramic (3) door numbers.  As a Mom, I don’t have too much time to get dolled up but one of these Flirty Aprons (4) would make me feel cute while preparing dinner or even a pot of tea after a long day with this fun elephant tea pot (5).   I love ice cream and Van Leewan (8) is one of my favorites – this would bring a smile to my face any day of the year.  People say the days are long but the weeks are longer and it is so true.  This ‘Mom’s one line a day’ (6) would be a fun way to remember and journal all the good, bad, and funny moments of being a Mom.  And of course, there is the Maptote zip pouches (7) that would help any Mom stay organized.

Happy Mother’s day to all you Moms out there.  It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it and you’re doing a great job!

Our Detroit Maptote was just featured as one of All You magazines picks for Mother’s Day!

Today Me Me Antenna gives us a glimpse into their one-of-a-kind shop in Brooklyn, NY, where they combine amazing vintage finds, beautiful artisan jewelry, modular synthesizers, vinyls, Maptotes, and so much more to create a truly original experience! Owner Mari Ayabe, and operator Nami Ishikawa, have joined their efforts in the hopes of creating a space where people can come together to share and discuss current trends in the music world…you are guaranteed to leave with an entirely new and distinctive musical repertoire!

Q: Can you describe your store aesthetic?
A: We are a unique gift & music store that sells a little bit of everything we love. We originally started as the music label Concent Productions. We have selections of modern DUB CD’s, vinyls, as well as modular synthesizers.

Q: Any fun facts about MeMe Antenna that we should know about?
A: We are a gift and music store with a wide selection of goods that everyone can enjoy! Our collection varies from one-of-a-kind local artist items to vintage retro lamps, and jewelry. All of our vintage jewelry is hand picked & selected by our store staff; some of our jewelry is ‘brand new’ warehouse stock from the 1970′s! MeMe Antenna also harbors a great environment where musicians can come talk, share, and learn about music all day long.  It’s a good place to find the newest underground music.

Q: Tell us about your neighborhood and why you love it?
A: we are located in the Williamsburg Mini Mall in Brooklyn, NY. Our neighborhood is only few blocks from the East River which divides Manhattan & Brooklyn, the first subway stop off the L train from NYC. The great thing about this neighborhood is that we have so many visitors every day from all over the world.

Q: When not in your store, where is the next most likely place you’d be?
A: I would be in music studio recording, mixing new tracks or surfing in Long Beach NY.

Q: Favorite restaurant in the ‘Burg’?
A: Samurai Mama (Japanese Noodle) & Supercore Cafe, they are both in Williamsburg.

Q: If there is 1 thing someone “must do” when they visit, what would you recommend?
A: Cross the Williamsburg Bridge by foot.

Q: Whats next for you/your store…. any upcoming sales/events?
A: We are getting ready for spring & summer with new items & more fresh music on the way!

Q: What blogs/magazines do you follow?
A: I don’t follow a lot of blogs or magazines. The ones I do follow are “Dwell” & sound recording magazines

Q: How did you come up with the name MeMe Antenna?
A: When kids want something they say “MeMe.”  We are the antenna for those wants, for when someone wants something special. So, “MeMe Antenna,” a good name, right?

Visit MeMe Antenna on Facebook, check out their blog, and follow them on Twitter!

Our Queens baby one-piece was just featured on NY1 with the Queens Mamas!!  We love the Queens Mamas and are thrilled to be featured among some of their favorite products!

We are so excited to bring you these two new Maptote designs for Savannah, Georgia, and Vancouver, Canada!  Be sure to get one for yourself, and one for a friend, before they sell out!

As Earth Day approaches this beautiful weather gives us even more of a reason to get outside and celebrate! Here at Maptote we’ve picked out some economically and environmentally conscious favorites to get everyone in the Earth Day spirit. These hand-rolled pencils by Treesmart (1) are made out of 100% recycled newspaper and make a great guilt-free gift, either for a friend…or for yourself! If you can’t get enough of this springy weather, take full advantage by ditching your car and biking (3) to the grocery store, to work, to the park, wherever! If you you find yourself in the market for a new bike check out Horse Cycles; they live, breath…and build, gorgeous bikes! If you’re feeling the urge to escape from the city then hit some of these hiking trails (7), but be sure to pack plenty of water in your Bobble water bottle (4)…each bottle has it’s own built in filter!  Bring some sunscreen and snacks as well and pack it all in one of our very own 100% organic Maptotes (8).

If you don’t have the time to get outside then bring a little bit of the outdoors, indoors, with these hanging terrariums (2); they are not only fun to create, but over time you can watch them grow into their own miniature, independent ecosystems.  And of course we can’t forget about food! Celebrate Earth Day by eating out at an organic, locally sourced restaurant like Thistle Tavern (5), or create your very own organic Earth Day cupcakes!

You can also give your support by either making a donation or volunteering (6)…or even buy a tree!  Every little thing we do shows others that we care, and together these small acts will help spread the word and create change on a much larger scale.

Hopefully this guide has better prepared you so by the time April 22nd rolls around you will be able to celebrate in true Earth Day style!

This weeks store spotlight sheds some light on Plastica, a store that is almost okay to judge solely on their entertainingly colorful and whimsical window displays! Carla Denker opened Plastica in 1996 and since then has developed quite an eye for finding all things colorful, quirky, and in most cases, plastic! Whether you’re in the market for an adorable Rody, a geometric Themis mobile, an irresistible hand crafted Severina knit dog, or even a Maptote, you can find them all at Plastica!

Q: Can you describe your store aesthetic?:
A: Color, shapes, function, design, creative, fun.

Q: What is a fun or interesting fact about Plastica:
A: Not everything in the store is made of a plastic material.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your neighborhood and why you love it so much:
A: West 3rd Street in West Hollywood is a very central location in L.A. It is convenient for both east-siders and west-siders.  West 3rd Street also has a nice residential community vibe.

Q: When not in your store, where are you most likely to be?:
A: On a tennis court or with friends.

Q: Do you have any favorite restaurants in your city/neighborhood?:
A: Jar and A.O.C.

Q: If there is one thing someone “must do” when they visit your area, what would you recommend?:
A: Go to Lacma (The Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and La Brea Tar Pits.

Q: What was your inspiration/motivation to open Plastica?:
A: In ’96 we were in love with the thick plastic woven baskets and totes from Mexico. We took a trip and collected a bunch in very unusual color combo’s along with finding all sorts of other fun stuff.  Mixed with vintage findings we were young and ‘dumb’ meaning coming out of an art background as opposed to business.

Q: How did you come up with the name “Plastica?”:
A: Plastica – the name just popped into my head one day -  like most good ideas – quick.

The dictionary definition below best describes our theme of plastic:

plastic / ‘plas-tik / adj [L plasticus of molding, fr. GR plastikos, fr. plassein to mold, form] 1 : FORMATIVE, CREATIVE <~ FORCES IN NATURE> 2 a : capable of being molded or modeled <~ clay> b : capable of adapting to varying conditions : PLIABLE 3 : SCULPTURAL

Q: What’s next for Plastica?
A: Hmm, we just want to increase web sales and continue to get more traffic on our website, FB page and inside our shop.

Visit Plastica’s online store, their Facebook page, their blog, their videos, or venture to their LA location in person!