Shilshol: Artisanal Leather Goods From Santa Cruz
As many of you know, I am always on the lookout for fabulous artisan brands. And one of my favorite things to invest in is leather goods. So when I discovered the Santa Cruz-based company Shilshol, it was love at first sight. Founded in 2018 by designer and artisan Alaina Birch, Shilshol produces leather handbags and accessories that are made right in their Brick and Mortar boutique in downtown Santa Cruz. The luxe yet sturdy feel of their materials combined with the stylish minimalism of their brand has made me a faithful repeat customer. I can’t tell you how many compliments I get for my Shilshol accessories, and how much they’ve pleased as gifts in the past. For those looking to shop small for big payoff this holiday season, let’s get into my favorite Shilshol products, and how to shop them in time for Christmas.
My Picks
In the past, I’ve made several purchases of Shilshol leather products. Let’s get into the products what I use them for and what I love about them. And just in case you were wondering, Shilshol does produce pieces in colors other than black. This just happens to be a selection of pieces that match my personal style!
ACRYLIC HANDLE PURSE
Before discovering this purse design, I’d already been in love with Shilshol’s leather folders. And last year, I stumbled upon this particular handbag at a boutique in Austin Texas. When I saw that it was branded Shilshol, I exclaimed “Hey Steven! Of all the purses in the store, this is the one I like the best, and it’s from that brand I was telling you about!” As of this year, I finally made it mine.
This piece features Shilshol’s quality pebbled leather and a gorgeous tortoise acrylic handle that gives it just the amount of edge I like in a handbag. It’s also quite versatile, making it perfect for transitioning from day to night. You can wear it with your favorite jumpsuit for a day out shopping, or pair it with a really swanky dress and some heels for a more formal night out. Its magnetic top clasp makes me feel like my belongings are secure, and its wide bottom gives it enough room to comfortably fit my makeup bag!
My purse’s dimensions are 10.3'' x 10'' x 4.5''. This design comes in a miniature version, as well as other colors, finishes and handle options. If you’d like to have this piece made in my bag’s sizing, please contact Shilshol directly. You have until December 10th to place your order for delivery in time for Christmas.
Leather Envelopes
Shilshol’s leather envelopes were the first product I ever saw of theirs, and opened my eyes to all the possibilities of elevating items in my everyday life. For so long, I’d been struggling to keep disposable folders looking nice in professional situations, I’d been letting receipts fly around my suitcase while on vacation, and I’d been allowing important documents flop around in a tote bag on my way to the post office or bank. When I saw these, not only did I appreciate their beauty and quality, but I saw how they could be the solution to so many of those organizational issues.
They’ve since gone with me on so many errands, job interviews and vacations, and all of my papers have been kept in really good shape. I recently had some made for my Dad as well, and he has loved bringing them with him in his work when visiting with clients. They also have this lovely minimalistic look that can be dressed up or down depending on the situation.
In the past I’ve ordered the envelopes in two different sizes, which I love for different purposes. My smaller folder is 12 5/8"×9" and my larger folders are 10 1/4"×14”. The smaller size is perfectly snug for printer paper and works great as a protective case for books and journals while traveling! The larger case perfectly fits my Macbook, and can hold thicker stacks of paper.
If you’d like to have folders made, please contact Shilshol directly. I recommend placing your order by December 10th for delivery in time for Christmas.
Minimalist wallet
My two wallets from Shilshol act as miniature versions of my leather folders. This piece makes an amazing everyday wallet, or an organizer for museum membership IDs, gift cards, receipts and coupons. It also beautifully fits checkbooks if you’re old school like me!
This piece is currently available for immediate purchase on the Shilshol website. They recommend placing an order by December 18th in order for it to be delivered in time for Christmas.
Mini Snap Wallet
I can’t even count the number of things the mini snap wallet can be used for. You can use it to hold your bus ticket/Clipper card, a laundry card, extra cash, rewards cards or business cards. My Dad loves using the one I gifted him, and funny enough - among other things - I am using mine to carry around a Japanese Omamori good luck charm my mother gave me at the beginning of the year. If there were any year where holding onto a good luck charm would be necessary, it would be 2020.
This piece is currently available for immediate purchase on the Shilshol website. They recommend placing an order by December 18th in order for it to be delivered in time for Christmas.
I have been so incredibly happy with every piece I’ve purchased from Shilshol. So many of their products have helped me stay organized and look good while doing it. I hope you’ll consider these quality handmade leather goods for Christmas gifts for your loved ones, or much needed post-2020 splurges on yourself!
Brick + Mortar
And for those of you local to Santa Cruz, I highly recommend checking out their shop in person. Not only do they have most of their leather goods available for immediate purchase, but they also have a highly curated selection of accessories, home goods and cosmetics available.
There is a wide mix of styles and pricepoints that make this place a must for holiday gift-giving. The various other brands they carry are also available on Shilshol’s website, and Shilshol products are represented at varying stores across the country. In fact I discovered their brand for the first time while shopping at Lilify in Monterey!
I also credit Shilshol for helping me discover the Brooklyn-based indie skincare brand Palermo Body, which I am now whole-heartedly obsessed with. Their Detox and Vitamin C beauty masks have played a major role in the recent improvement of my skin, and their mask application brush is a must-have for any vanity.
See For Yourself
Shilshol is located on Locust Street right off of Pacific Avenue. They also offer in-store pick-up of online orders to save on shipping.
Please be advised that the number of customers allowed in the store at a time is limited, in order to be compliant with COVID-19 safety precautions.
For any further information about this store, check out their website ! Happy holidays! Until we meet again.