Shopping New York: Dinosaur Designs

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to aimlessly wander and stumble upon new discoveries, like unknown designers and shops (ice cream shops included!). Such was the case when strolling around my old — and favorite — New York neighborhood, Nolita, this weekend. The bright, bold colors and shapes of Dinosaur Designs instantly drew me in.

Set up more like a gallery than a shop, stacks of resin bracelets beckoned, as did cool vases — all made of resin and all in unexpected and fun color combos. Like alligator burgers and Crocodile Dundee, Dinosaur Designs hails from Australia and each piece is handmade.

I love a good cocktail ring and these fun statement rings won me over. Wouldn’t they be fun to rock at a holiday party, quite literally?

These earrings would also make quite the statement, whether with a chic little black dress or jeans and a tee.

Once my eyes spotted these gold bracelets, voices in my head — that sounded eerily like Hugh Jackman — chanted in unison, ‘Come to mama, come to mama!’

And even though I wanted nearly every piece I touched (I touch everything when I shop, sue me!), I didn’t buy anything on the spot… And totally regret it.

Luckily for me — and all of the lovely ladies I’d like to give pieces to for Christmas, there is a Dinosaur Designs online shop, too.

Which would you go for: ring, bracelet, necklace, vase?