8 minute read
Jess Conti Leather Goods
Santa Barbara boasts an eclectic mix of boutiques and only-in-SB shops offering everything from expertly-curated designer goods, to custom jewelry and swimwear. With something at every price point, and for every style, Santa Barbara is a shopper's paradise.
Advertisement
Located in downtown Santa Barbara's historic La Arcada shopping center on State Street, this momand-pop denim shop is home to Central Coast denim brand Ace Rivington. Come in for a custom denim fitting or repair and shop for super soft Ace Rivington tees, henleys and French Terry sweatshirts. A wellcurated selection of California lifestyle goods and gifts inspired by the spirit of adventure rounds out the offerings. 1106-A State Street, 805.560.1580, acerivington.com
baxter moerman
Each exquisite piece populating the cases of this downtown San Luis Obispo fine jewelry store is designed and handmade by co-founders Matthew Baxter and Matthew Moerman, alongside their inhouse goldsmith. Since its founding in 2009, clean, classic designs and artisanal craftsmanship have defined the brand’s aesthetic. An inviting showroom and excellent customer service make this a must-shop destination for jewelry. 1128 Garden Street, San Luis Obispo, 805.801.9117, baxtermoerman.com
Bijou
Located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles, on the historic town square and public park, this clothing and lifestyle store offers a unique mix of whimsy, fashion and function. The meticulouslyselected goods include an eclectic mix of on-trend clothing, basics, jewelry and accessories for women of all ages at a variety of price points. There’s also a sweet section dedicated to goods and goodies for the little ones, along with books, body and bath, gifts, and other fabulous home decor items. 815 12th Street, Paso Robles, 805.296.3833, bijouonthepark.com
BIKINI FACTORY
The Bikini Factory offers a vast selection of separates and one-piece swimwear, hats, sandals and other “beachy” accessories. The Bikini Factory has been helping girls and women of all body types find the most flattering suits and perfect fits for nearly 50 years. They also offer design services for custom-made suits. 2275 Ortega Hill Road, Summerland, 805.969.2887
BRYANT & SONS, Ltd.
Since 1965 the Bryant family has offered Santa Barbara and Montecito customers the world's most elegant selection of jewelry and gift items, along with original designs and rare finds. Bryant & Sons is proud to represent many of the world's most distinguished jewelry designers and timepiece collections. 812 State Street, 805.966.9187, bryantandsons.com
A boutique where the vibe is real and the stuff is cool.
@shineupfunkzone
Located on Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria, this charming beachside collective carries an array of clothing, jewelry, accessories and decor items that capture a perfect blend of Southern France and our American Riviera. 3823 Santa Claus Lane Suite A, 805.318.9275, @cassis.collective
catherine gee
This elegant flagship store and atelier is beautifully curated with goods including printed silk blouses and dresses, elevated denim and jacquard coats by designer Catherine Gee, along with timeless staples and a tight edit of covetable accessories and lifestyle goods. 414 E. Haley Street, 805.324.4699, catherinegee.com
celadon house
Step into a world of sophisticated offerings and interiors at this downtown Santa Barbara showroom and studio. Peruse a cohesively curated mix of global goods focused on natural textures, sustainable furniture collections and a calming color palette. 1224 State Street, 805.899.4676, celadonhouse.com
Chapala and parker
Katie Koski, owner of Sevilla Square's beloved corner clothing boutique Chapala & Parker, has a commitment to offering au currant goods that genuinely capture the essence of casual but elegant Santa Barbara style at an easy price point. 350 Chapala Street, 805.962.1115, chapalaandparker.com
Coast 2 Coast Collection
Create an inspired home and shop gorgeous dinnerware, crystal, linens, wine & cocktail glasses, serving pieces, vases, gifts, candles and jewelry. Fine brands include Christofle, Vietri, Juliska, Michael Aram, Jan Barboglio, Riedel, Versace, William Yeoward and much more. Wedding registry services available. 1114 State Street Suite 10, 805.845.7888
coco cabana
Shop from the comfort of your own home from a carefully-curated selection of men's and women's swimwear, clothing and accessories, along with cabana-inspired home decor and more. This online swimwear destination keeps the resort vibes going year-round. ilovecococabana.com & @ilovecococabana
the crafter's library
Nurture your creative spirit, learn something new and leave with a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted project at this unique gathering space. Here makers of all abilities are welcomed to enjoy various classes and workshops, including basic sewing, glass etching, macrame and other modern craft projects. 9 East Figueroa Street, 805.770.3566, thecrafterslibrary.com
dylan star
A trip to Dylan Star will remind you about the pleasures of in-person shopping. Both Santa Barbara locations - one in the Funk Zone and another in Paseo Nuevo shopping mall - are brimming with a wide selection of on-trend
WORKING STUDIO and retail showroom Jess Conti Leather Goods is the kind of place that feels like a rare find - old-school, authentic and inspired. Here, you'll find leatherworker and long-time local Jess Conti hand-crafting the one-of-a-kind luxe leather bags, belts, backpacks, jewelry and decor items that populate her small but impressive boutique - impressive because every single piece is made just on the other side of the counter at her hide-stacked and tool-loaded workbench. The designs and patterns are original and hand-cut from cow, American Bison or deer hides. Of course, this allows for made-to-order customer collaborations that yield fabulous things like buttery suede leather bucket bags, custom-fitted belts and perfect wrist wraps. We recently caught up with Jess in her unique shop and workspace, which is housed in the back of a Funk Zone "OG" Quonset hut building, and here's what she had to say about her early artisan roots, source of inspiration, new creations and love of owning a local business. JESS CONTI LEATHER GOODS
Genesis of Jess
Tell us a bit about yourself and the origin story of your business. I learned the basics of sewing and pattern construction from my grandmother, a dressmaker. After college, the job market was lean, and I took a part-time job with a tailor. I was introduced to an industrial sewing machine and had an opportunity to work on some leather pieces there. It just really piqued my interest and developed from there.
Form & Function + Fashion
What drew you to leatherworking and leather as a medium, and what inspires your designs? I'm inspired to create functional pieces that still feel fashionable. I'm also really enjoying creating fun one-off pieces. I want to make things that people actually use in their everyday life. To me, the greatest compliment to my work is knowing people use their bags.
Letting The Leather Sing
How would you describe Jess Conti Leather Goods style? I like to think of my style as accessible. I aim to emphasize the natural beauty of the leather in my designs without overdoing it on hardware or excessively complicated design features.
Ready to Wash & Wear
Are there any new designs that you are especially excited to produce and introduce into your collection right now? Yes!
I'm working on a new collection of washable suede wraps, ponchos and capes, as well as a specialty line of these silhouettes in dreamy soft cowhide leathers.
Funk Zone Fervor
What is the best part of owning a local business in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone? I love the zeal of the Funk Zone; it feels like it has a pulse all its own tucked right here in
Santa Barbara. I am surrounded by creative people, and I get to welcome travelers and locals alike into my working studio, where
I make each piece by hand.
121 SANTA BARBARA STREET JESSCONTILEATHERGOODS.COM @JESSCONTILEATHERGOODS
Clockwise from top right: Jess at her work table; handstamped deer skin zippered pouch; double snap wrist cuff; the retail showroom; Bucket bag; Hat Trick (hip bag, cross body or clutch); Angelica shoulder bag.
16
14
13
TRAIL MIX
Whether you’re headed into the wild or hitting the Urban Wine Trail these goods from some of SB’s best men’s shops have got you covered.
THESE EARTHY TONES ARE ANYTHING BUT BORING AND THESE SHADES DON'T LET THE SUN SHINE IN!
3 2
5
6 1
4
7
TAKE A WALK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE WITH THESE COLORFUL OPTIONS.
11
10 9
1. Bandana, Dylan Star. dylanstar.com 2. Sneakers, SeaVees, seavees.com 3. Sunglasses, Occhiali. occhialieyewear.com 4. Bracelet, Marisa Mason Jewelry. marisamason.com 5. Sweatshirt, Loveworn. shoploveworn.com 6. Shirt, The Shopkeepers. shopkeeperssb. com 7. Bracelet, Dylan Star. dylanstar.com 8. Shirt, ShineUP. shine-up.com 9. Wallet, Jess Conti Leather Goods, jesscontileathergoods. com 10. Overalls, The Shopkeepers. shopkeeperssb.com 11. Key chain, Marisa Mason Jewelry. marisamason.com 12. Belt, Coco Cabana. ilovecococabana.com 13. Tote bags, bandanas, beanies and sneakers, Ace Rivington. acerivington.com 14. Shirt, Dylan Star. dylanstar.com 15. T-shirt, Coco Cabana. ilovecococabana.com 16. Hat, Loveworn. shoploveworn.com 17. Ring, Baxter Moerman. baxtermoerman.com 8
