You guys know I absolutely love online shopping, right?  I also love all things pretty, quirky, off-beat and beautifully made.  New online gifting boutique, Utique, speaks to me on all those levels and also makes it easy for me to discover and support proudly South African design.

Utique’s aim is to seek out those hidden gems that might have taken you forever to find, then they bring them together in one beautiful online space.  They carefully select the featured suppliers, making sure you as the buyer is getting the best with regards to creativity & quality.

Some of the creative labels you’ll be introduced to…

The site offers a little something for everybody.  The Home & Garden section covers all kinds of gorgeous things to brighten up your home, from linens, stationery and ceramics to kitchen goodies and tableware.  Then they have womens accessories, clothing, jewellery and pampering stuff.  Some mens fashion and goodies for the little ones.

I was lucky enough to attend their launch last Thu eve which took place at the Hope St Market.  Here I got to meet the lady behind Utique, Chantelle Crawford, who I could tell right off the bat is very passionate about showcasing local is lekker design:

Me with Chantelle

As I looked around the room I spotted my favourite bunnies from Sootcookie Ceramics by Tanya Laing – I fell in love with these little guys at the Design Indaba this year and have been obsessed with them ever since.  I’ve seen them at a few little boutiques around town, but it’s nice to see them available online now.

The big boy will cost you R1900 and the little guys are R595 each.

Leigh on the other hand totally fell in love with this papegaai from the Colour Africa display:

And he’s perfect cause he can’t poop on your shoulder!

I also chatted to the ladies of Two birds with Some Stones (I told you guys about them in my City Bowl Market update back in July) – their beautiful jewellery will be uploaded to the site today.  Along with some awesome wallpapers and other cool stuff from Design Kist and Design Mate.

Other things I’m lusting after include these fun skull soaps by Dia De Los Muertos:

R90 per bar with scents like Asian Tree Bark, Activated charcoal and Columbian cacao

Also these bamboo cutting boards from Maiden Name:

R199 – two colour options: white or grey

And then I’m a total sucker for pretty stationery, like these “Birds in flight” notecards by Essie Letter Press:

R135 for 10

You’ll be happy to know that they ship across SA and they have two easy delivery options:

• To your nearest SA post office (5 working days) = R30
• Right to your door via courier (1-3 days) = R80

And you will even be able to track your order online via the “My Account” page. 

So hop on over there and have a look, I’m sure there will be something that catches your eye…  and just a few clicks later it can be in your home, think about that!  

xxx