At my high school everyone bought their clothes from the same few stores, mainly American Eagle, Hollister, and Abercrombie. Not that there's anything wrong with these stores, but they definitely provided my high school with an excess of striped polos. Ever since I started to become more interested in fashion (sometime around my second year of college) I started searching for some independent designers to buy from. I love knowing that when I wear a piece of clothing I won't come across 30 other people also wearing it.
My first source of independent designers was Modcloth. And although I continue to shop on Modcloth, I've also been trying to buy more directly from designers. The easiest platform to do this (at least for me) is Etsy. It's extremely easy to browse and there's usually plenty of feedback from previous buyers (which can provide assurance about the quality of the product as well as the timeliness of the shipping).
Some people avoid independent designers because their stuff is often a little out there (the refreshing consequence of them not having to make their designs match a certain image, which is what often happens when they work for a person/company). But really, there are many independent designers who design more classic pieces.
Below are some of my favorite independent designers:
Kellyssima
I love the unique necklaces in her shop.
Light as a Feather Pendant sold by (each sold separately), etsy.com, $23
Inch by Inch II (ruler necklace) sold by kellyssima, etsy.com, $26
Courtesy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kellyssima
Minxshop
In the summer I live in dresses because I'm often too lazy to put together an outfit. These dresses are unique enough to make a statement on their own - no accessories necessary!
Tuxedo Dress sold by Minxshop, etsy.com, $130
Romantic Silk and Jersey Dress sold by Minxshop, etsy.com, $140
Entomologist Field Dress sold by Minxshop, etsy.com, $160
Courtesy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Minxshop
Yokoo
This etsy shop has some extreme looking accessories, but even the most classic dresser needs a crazy scarf or hat to mix things up every now and then.
L to R: Multi Colored Soopa Chain sold by Yokoo, etsy.com, $129; The Pembroke Cowl in Charcoal sold by Yokoo, etsy.com, $85
L to R: Yokoo Uniscarf in Barley sold by Yokoo, etsy.com, $160; The Mohawk Hat sold by Yokoo, etsy.com, $60
Courtesy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Yokoo
Supayana
This shop is filled with tops, dresses, and skirts. I'm a huge fan of this shop because a majority of its merchandise is made with recycled or secondhand fabrics. Not only does this make these products eco-friendly, but it also gives them a unique look.
Grey Reconstructed Top sold by supayana, etsy.com, $64
Spring 2011 Peek-a-boo Stretch Silk Blouse sold by supayana, etsy.com, $72
High Waisted Diamond Skirt Supayana Fall 2011 sold by supayana, etsy.com, $65
Wool Izzy Dress sold by supayana, etsy.com, $150
Courtesy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/supayana
As you may have noticed from looking through this post, often times pieces from independent designers are more expensive; however, they are also generally of high-quality. Obviously, we can't all buy everything from independent designers because of the higher cost and time constraints (sometimes it's nice to be able to run into a department store and get everything you need in one trip), but it would be worth it to browse around Etsy and the web in general the next time you need a piece of clothing. The extra time, the uniqueness of the garment, and all the compliments you'll receive will make the extra time worthwhile!
Posted by Donna on January 26, 2012 at 05:48 PM EST #
Posted by GiuliaValen on January 27, 2012 at 12:42 PM EST #