As this year is starting to come to an end, my mind has been racing with excitement over everything I’m hoping will come in the new year. High on my list of things I’m hoping will happen is another shopping trip to Buenos Aires. It seems that so much has happened down there since my last trip in 2008 and I’m dying to catch up! I’ll definitely be stopping by Bartolomea, an adorable little store located in Palermo, BA.

Bartolomea is a gorgeous little boutique shop stock full of colorful and eclectic items for your home. They carry both new and vintage merchandise from flea markets, local designers, and beyond. I think I want ten of everything!

If you’re in or heading to Buenos Aires, be sure and check out Bartolomea. Then send me an email and brag all about it! I promise I won’t hate you.

I’m a bit busy with the HUGE LAMA clearance sale that’s going on right now, but I just had to share these outstanding movie posters I spotted last night. Based on films by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar and Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón, I was completely taken by their simple and cool graphic design work. There seems to be a growing trend in the reinterpretation of movie posters happening these days, but I haven’t come across any for some of my favorite films in Spanish. I’m particularly fond of the Y Tu Mama Tambien poster. Probably because it’s one of my favorite films. Oh how I would LOVE to see a Motorcycle Diaries poster!

These film posters (along with lots of other great posters) can be found via Claudia Varosio’s Etsy shop.

Typically, I don’t cover controversial topics here on the LAMA blog. For me, LAMA is a place to celebrate the best of Latin American culture and design. It’s a place where I like to celebrate and honor the culture I grew up with in a very positive way. Recently I discovered the work of a wonderful group of people behind the store Surropa and I realized that, though their approach may be more controversial than my own, they are doing just what I am; celebrating and honoring the culture they grew up with in a very positive way. Back in July, Surropa began to release a line of t shirts opposing one of the most disappointing and blatantly racist laws in recent history, Arizona 1070.

I remember being in complete disbelief when I initially heard about Proposition 1070. I truly thought it was some kind of terrible joke. To be honest, I’m still in utter disbelief that a law of this nature can be passed. It blows my mind to think that I can be asked to prove my citizenship should a police officer in Arizona suspect that I am illegal. Incredible. Perhaps I’ll just have to bring this shirt along next time I’m in Arizona.

Be sure to check out Surropa’s amazing collection of “fashion apparel and merchandise from top Latin American brands.” A big internet high-five to Surropa for taking a stand. To show your support against this heinous law, visit the Do I Look Illegal site and make yourself into a luchador. Below you’ll find mine. “If anyone can look illegal, we all can.”

Anyone who knows me knows I love dresses. In fact, you can check out a selection of some of my favorite dresses right here. I don’t get to wear them as often as I would like, but I certainly seize the opportunity when I do get the chance. I just love how feminine and pretty I feel in a great dress! I was so excited to recently stumble upon these gorgeous Mexican dresses by Aida Coronado that are “full of tradition, culture, love and emotion.” Handmade in Mexico, Aida likes to say that there is “a heart in every piece.” I like to say, I heart every piece.

Elena Mexican vintage embroidered hippie chic tunic dress

Birds y Nubes Strapless Mexican embroidered boho hippie dress

Peacock Mexican embroidered tunic dress

Sweet days pink off shoulder Mexican embroidered dress

Be sure to check out Aida Coronado’s entire collection!

Over the weekend I came across these incredible Ojos de Dios by artist Jay Mohler. I remember making these from yarn and popsicle sticks, back in elementary school, while learning about Mexican history. I’ve encountered quite a few on road trips to Arizona and in museums here and there, but none as beautiful as the one’s below. I would love to have one for my apartment. What a beautifully stunning art piece!

You can find more of Jay’s work here and here.

Dear Deer is an independent design studio and shop located in Guadalajara, Mexico. Showcasing the best of Mexican independent design, Dear Deer is also a venue for local art shows, musical performances, and independent art education.

In their own words, “The ethos of Dear Deer is to enable DIY (‘Do It Yourself’) creativity.  A self sufficient community of art, music, fashion and workshops that encourage all forms of creative thinking between contemporary artists and designers.” Recently, Dear Deer has branched off with their own online magazine entitled, “Oh! Dear” which focuses on independent culture throughout Mexico and all over the world.

It’s fantastic to see what an exciting design mecca Mexico is becoming! I love when I stumble upon amazing venues like Deer Dear, which promotes and features independent designers. I would be thrilled to visit this fantastic shop and studio someday soon! Until then, I’ll just have to enjoy the photos of their lovely space.

Felicitaciones (Dear Deer) por tu hermosa tienda y por tu inmensa ayuda en la promocion de los diseñadores independientes!

Alqo Wasi, which means “dog home” in Quechua, is an incredible dog-wear company I discovered last night while perusing the internet for cool dog products. Alqo Wasi creates beautiful dog garments created in native Peruvian communities. Founder Patricia Queirolo came up with idea while traveling through the Peruvian Andes. While attempting to come up with a business idea for her university thesis, she became inspired by the incredible Andean landscape outside of her bus window. Keeping in mind all that she loved and was inspired by (her two pampered dogs and her love for Peruvian culture), she created Alqo Wasi.

Alqo Wasi’s products are produced on traditional weaving looms from alpaca and fine cotton native to Peru. I love the traditional Peruvian patterns and colors and how they work on a modern product like dog clothing. I would LOVE to add some of these pieces to the LAMA collection! Hmm… Miles does need a poncho… I’ll have to see what we can do about this. Regardless, I am a huge fan of Alqo Wasi! Miles the LAMA shop dog tambien! Click here to check out the Alqo Wasi website.

Like many of you, I have been feeling completely devastated by the recent events in Haiti. The reports and coverage of the earthquake have been so heartbreaking. It has been so inspiring, however, to hear the stories of people like you and me who rise to the occasion and do their best to help out when others need it. I was so excited to hear that the lovely Jenn over at Indie Fixx has decided to start a silent auction over on her blog.

Jenn will be auctioning off some gorgeous merchandise generously donated by indie crafters, artists, and designers. 100% of the proceeds from Indie Fixx’s silent auction will go to the Red Cross International Response Fund. It’s for a great cause so head over to Indie Fixx and bid bid BID!

One big challenge I’ve come across as an online-only shop owner is how to best display my homepage in order to give new and returning visitors the best scope of the range of products they will find on LAMA. I’ve been bouncing around some ideas in my head for months now that I’m eager to jump on and, after checking out Supermarket Sarah (via Modish), I have been inspired to move this task to the top of my “to do” list.

I absolutely adore the way UK shop owner Sarah has cleverly displayed the products she sells through her online shop. it’s simple, warm and inviting and definitely makes me want to come in and have a look around. I completely admire Sarah’s innovative way of showcasing her goods. Fantastic! Thanks for the inspiration!

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve got some serious Oakland pride. That’s why I was so excited when one of my favorite Oakland shops, Urban Indigo, introduced their iconic Oakland map earlier this week. Lucky me, I already have one hanging in my apartment! My wonderful boyfriend headed down to Urban Indigo with Miles while I was in NYC to purchase this awesome welcome home gift for me. How sweet!

If you love Oakland as much as I do, I highly recommend you head down to Urban Indigo this weekend and pick up your own. Bonus! It fits perfectly in an inexpensive Ribba frame from Ikea. To check out the map in greater detail and to find Urban Indigo’s location, check out the newsletter below. Go Oakland!