We are kicking off the new year with a slight twist to our Branded series. Over the past few months, we’ve highlighted the recognizable looks of Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, and Kate Spade: companies that boast styles we all know and love. We’ll now be featuring brands with styles we should know and love. In turning our attention toward independent designers and small business owners, we hope to share ideas and styles that are home-grown, made with love, and support a local economy.
When we were first brainstorming the idea of introducing smaller shops into the Branded series, Epona & Oak was the first that came to mind. My favorite shop in all of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, “consists of a refined collection of over fifty designers with quality handmade goods ranging from functional to truly inventive” as described by Leeann Hynes, one of three sister owners. Part retail and part wellness studio, Epona & Oak has an organically artistic style all its own; we’ve put together this inspiration board to highlight a natural wedding day look.
Brand Tip: If you find a shop or designer with a look you love, ask about custom work; often local designers will work with you to create a whole set of jewelry, gifts, or favors for your wedding party or guests. Epona & Oak will help couples assemble personal gifts tailored for each wedding attendant. (Guys love the duct tape flasks!)
As with all of our Branded inspiration boards, we’ve picked out something incredibly lovely for our monthly contest!
This month we’re giving one lucky reader an adorable clutch from Pear Threads along with a handcrafted soap cake that smells wondrous by Ablutions (Epona & Oak’s in-house aesthetician’s brand). Just leave us a comment below and we’ll pick a winner at random this Friday at noon (Eastern time). The winner will be announced on Sunday, January 15!
We’d love to hear what other independent brands (or shops) you’re interested in seeing in our Branded series.
Get inspired with more natural wedding looks on Pinterest!
Images: Top photos taken by yours truly at Epona & Oak; Yellow Floral Headband by Petal & Print; Handmade Coral Gown by kt jean; Enameled Heart Earrings by Lucky Accessories; Acorn Canister Locket by contrary; Handmade Various Soaps by Prunella Soaps (these would make excellent favors!)
I LOVE Epona & Oak!! Pick meeeeeeeeee
Love, Love, Love Epona and Oak! I get all my massages there, love the owners, and everything they carry. When shopping there for gifts it takes me hours to decide because everything is so beautiful.
i love the idea that you are featuring small businesses. I love learning about new places!
I’ve never heard of this place! what beautiful items. where are they located?
They are in City Market downtown — that whole area has some really great little places now.
This is a really cool store. I had fun shopping there over the holidays!
Very nice feature! Love the inspiration board, photos, plugging the small businesses and all. The Roo Crew ROCKS!
Thanks! Heading to Raleigh this week! Looks like an awesome new shop for me to check out!!
I love that y’all are supporting local businesses! Also, I can’t get enough of Epona & Oak’s handmade jewelry!
I’m always finding excuses to go into Epona and Oak. Whether it’s for a spa treatment, a little pick-me-up jewelry, a gift for someone else, or my favorite First Friday stop. Plus, the Hynes sisters are always good for a chuckle!
SUCH cute items! Thanks for sharing!
Oh so pretty! Will have to check out their shop sometime soon!
Love to visit our favorite Raleigh store when we’re in town. They have great stuff.
It’s wonderful to hear all of your great comments/feedback and so awesome that so many of you already know about Epona & Oak! Remember, if there are any other small shops/artists you would love to see on our blog, let me know.
Good luck to all of you! I’m excited to see who wins this cute giveaway!
Very eccentric!
Oh that wedding dress is swoon-worthy!
Looks like a cute shop; will have to check it out!
Epona & Oak, a favorite for baby gifts and earrings, duct-tape wallets and….wait for it – North Carolina shaped necklaces with hearts over Raleigh. I want one of those necklaces soooo bad!!! Maybe the next give away???
Those are super cute! I got the enameled penny earrings for Christmas by Lucky — love!
Yay local boutiques! Nice write up Kristin.
Thanks!
Love that you’re focusing on small shops and artists! You should check out Edge of Urge in Wilmington.
Kristin, I just want to tell you Bj & I went on our first downtown Raleigh trip yesterday! I loved Epona & Oak! I will definitely be going back!!
Yay! So glad to hear! But wait, you didn’t even call me?!
Check back Sunday to find out who won!!!
oh, hope i’m not too late to enter!
thepryfamily@gmail.com