» Kirsten Dickerson: Co-Founder, Raven and Lily

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Kirsten Dickerson: Co-Founder, Raven and Lily

4-PIece GIVEAWAY and Austin, Texas Uncovered

ELAINE SAYS: If you follow The List Collective on Twitter [and you should] you're bound to stumble on some chatter between me and my new friends at the AUSTIN-based jewelry and accessories line, RAVEN and LILY. A brand with both ethos and innovation at it's core, KIRSTEN DICKERSON [with Co-Founder, Sophia Hirokawa Lin] is building something truly inspiring. From the brand's home base in Austin, Texas, Kirsten employs female artisans all over Ethiopia and India using sustainable materials, integrating beautiful & endangered art forms, empowering women who would otherwise be quite challenged & offering pretty products at affordable price points. If you visit the site, you can literally feel the heart and soul that goes into the mission. So, knowing how Kirsten operates, I wasn't surprised to get an AUSTIN LIST overflowing with great suggestions. If you're INTRIGUED BY AUSTIN the way I am, if you love SHOPPING A NEW CITY or you're PLANNING A VISIT, this one's for you....that pretty much covers everyone, right? *****PS: ENTER TO WIN A 4-PIECE COLLECTION FROM RAVEN AND LILY, SELECTED BY KIRSTEN. CLICK HERE FOR CONTEST DETAILS.

Posted on July 8th, 2012

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KIRSTEN'S TOP SHOPPING + SNACKING + STAYING SPOTS

Favorite Shops Spartan + JM Dry GoodsIf I need a gift, I always head to Spartan. I love everything in this store... jewelry and gifts that unique, simple, handmade, and modern. Totally my style. Next door is JM Dry Goods filled with one of a kind treasures and caftans from exotic lands....take a peak of whatʼs available via her website blog.
South Congress Avenue Stag + By George + Hopdoddy's + Uncommon Objects + San Jose HotelIf you come to Austin, you must hit this section of town just south of the capital where there are loads of local restaurants and stores, my favorites being Stag for the coolest menʼs store Iʼve ever know, By George high end fashion (its like our own local Barneyʼs), Hopdoddyʼs for my kids favorite gourmet burger (grass fed beef and other ingredients from local farms), Uncommon Objects to explore an eclectic mix of unusual antiques, oddities, and curious goods (you could spend hours soaking it all in), and stay or catch an event at the fantastic San Jose Hotel (the owner also has the amazing nearby Saint Cecilia Hotel)
Eastside Finds Dean Fredrick + Eastside Showrrom + Hillside Pharmacy + Take Heart Shop + Franklin BBQ + Helm Shoes + Heywood HotelThe Raven + Lily studio is on East 5th street next to downtown in a neighborhood that is heart of many artists and creative businesses in Austin. Our showroom is just above Dean Fredrick who creates gorgeous 100% conflict free high grade natural diamond jewelry (including my redone, vintage inspired engagement ring) . Nearby is Eastside Showroom for fantastic cocktails (its like the speak easy of the Moulin Rouge), Hillside Pharmacy for a tasty bite (a remodeled “old french apothecary” cafe), Take Heart for fabulous modern, handmade gifts (global finds as well as many local artist creations)(http:// takeheartshop.com/), Franklin BBQ (hands down the best BBQ, but you have to getin line as they sell out everyday just shortly after they open...he too started in a trailor), Helm Shoes (the coolest handmade mens shoes owned by one of our dearest friends), Heywood Hotel (a wonderful new neighborhood boutique hotel where my husband and his writing partner recently finished their latest screen play)
Radiant Cosmetics Radiant CosmeticsThis locally owned beauty brand is a social enterprise cosmetics company that seeks to raise awareness and funds to end human trafficking. The owner donates 20% of profits directly to anti-trafficking organization Free The Captives to go toward education, prevention, intervention, legal research and more. Their products are made with fair labor and their ingredients (most specifically mica) is fairly sourced, and made here in the US. Paraben free/natural products include: Mineral Foundations, Lipsticks, Lip glosses, Blushes and Bronzers. I use the foundation, mineral powder and lip gloss! (http://radiantcosmetics.org/)
Food Trucks Eastside King + Veracruz + Gourdoughs + Vegan YachtIt is so hard to narrow down a list of all my favorite food trucks because there are so many awesome ones. Some of the owners of the best restaurants in town started with a food truck. For example, Eastside King has yummy Korean street food (owned by Paul Qui, winner of last seasonʼs top chef and executive chef of Uchiko). I also love Veracruz Taco for the best veggie taco and guacamole, Gourdoughs for a gourmet donut that becomes a meal (We only allow ourselves to eat hear twice a year as you gain 5 pounds each time...but its totally worth it), Vegan Yacht (super yummy, healthy vegan bits).
The Triple Threat Barley Swine + Henri's Cheese + Lick Ice Cream In a humble little corner just a block from my home are three of the most amazing new foodie places in town all next door to each other: Barley Swine (mouth watering small plate adventures... the owner is last yearʼs Food and Wine chef of the year), Henryʼs (wonderful selection wine and artisan cheeses), and Lick Ice Cream (my favorite ice cream in Austin, hand-made from local Texas ingredients and inspired combos).
TreeHouse | Progress Cafe Treehouse + Progress CafeMy husband and I are thrilled about the new eco friendly hardware store that opened near our home. If you want a one stop shop for being “green” in your home (construction, chicken coupes, plants, housewares, and more), then Treehouse is it. Its for people who want education on how they can help them make their home smarter, healthier and more efficient - not just a green aisle. And while youʼre there, stop by the Progress Cafe inside. Thereʼs one on the Eastside next to the Raven + Lily showroom too. Their coffee is fair trade, organic, shade- grown and custom roasted by hand coffee in small batches, plus their food is local and organic. When weʼre not drinking Progress in the cafe, weʼre enjoying it in our French press at home.

KIRSTEN'S FAVORITE PLACES TO PLAY

Blanton Museum Blanton MuseumMy favorite local art museum connected to the UT campus. This week they happen to be hosting a trunk show for Raven + Lily. They have a fantastic permament collection and wonderful exhibitions....my favorite being last fallʼs El Anitsu recycled bottle cap art from Africa. Breathtaking!
Town Lake Town Lake + Austin City LimitsWithin a short bike ride of my house is Zilker Park and Town Lake, home to miles of beautiful walking and biking paths, a beautiful botanical garden (I visit the Asia garden often), Bartan Springs pool (cold, natural swimming hole), lots of water fun (like rowing, paddle boarding, and kayaking), and home to fabulous events like ACL Music Fest (the line-up for Oct 2012 is amazing)and the spring Kite Fest. I love living in a city that is surrounded by so much nature and outdoor fun. (http:// www.austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park) (http:// www.aclfestival.com/)
Violet Crown Cinema + Eliza Page Jewelry Violet Crown Cinema + Eliza Page JewelryBeing married to an indie film maker, this is one of my favorite date night spots. Locally owned and tastefully done, this assigned seat theater shows the best independent films and offers some great food and drink options to enjoy before, after, or during your flick. (http://violetcrowncinema.com/) The shopping and restaurants just outside along 2nd street are pretty great too...including renowed local jewelry store Eliza Page (they happen to carry Raven + Lily designs too)