IndieShop.com Blog

Holiday Guide: Gifts for Guys!

2010-12-17T05:42:00.001-08:00

Some men are so easy to shop for, while others are impossible. Whether you are looking for gifts for a boyfriend who needs everything, or gifts for Dad who has everything, we have some great indie design products to help you with your holiday shopping in our latest Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Guys!

Recycle in Style Vaya Bags combines great design with eco-friendly materials. Their Recycled Bike Tube Belt is made from a rubber bicycle tube, and it also features an actual safety belt buckle. It is a great gift item for environmentalists, bike enthusiasts, or anyone who would appreciate a very cool belt. Combine it with the matching black wallet, also made from recycled bicycle tubes, and you’ve got a truly unique and practical gift for him. Belt: $20, Wallet: $30
Indie Design for Music Lovers Is your guy always rocking out? If bands like Vampire Weekend or Gorillaz dominate his play list, check out this Barbed Wire Tee by Alison Pierz. The grey printed barbed wire image stands out against the black, 100% cotton shirt. It’s edgy and comfy, and will be one of his favorites. He may also appreciate Claudia Pearson’s Music is my Sanctuary print, inspired by Grammy award winning saxophonist Gary Bartz. Tee: $22, Poster: $24
Meditative Bamboo Forest If you need something for a mellow fellow, the Bamboo T-Shirt by AdAm & Hiromi features a beautiful bamboo forest in the wind. In fact, the wind has blown the leaves all the way around the shirt, as the image sweeps across the chest and down and around the back. He’ll feel an instant sense of calm whenever he puts this on. Namaste. $28
Classic Leather with a Handmade Twist Your boyfriend or husband will make a great impression carrying Paul Aude’s Handmade Leather Organizer. You can see the handcrafted quality in the rich leather, fine stitching, and classic clasp. It is masculine and practical for carrying important documents, whether he is an aspiring writer or the CEO. For a more personal gift, the Camel Journal is just the thing for writing anything from poetry to business ideas. The leather will continue to develop even more character through years of use. Organizer: $145, Journal: $85

Check out all the unique indie design products on IndieShop.com. Be Original. Shop Indie!

Holiday Gift Guide for Pets and Pet Lovers

2010-12-13T07:58:00.001-08:00

Our pets are members of the family. We want them to be comfortable and happy, and even stylish. Pets are not accessories, but our designers have created fun and practical pet accessories for your puppies and kittens, your home - and for you too. Here is our new Holiday Gift Guide featuring wonderfully creative gifts for the pets and pet lovers on your list priced from $18 - $135!

Dogs and Boys = Wrestling So your dog loves to wrestle? Have him test his strength with this Luchador dog toy from BowhausNYC. This soft, squishy masked fellow is an action-packed challenge between you and your pup. Play Lucha Libre tug-of-war until the wrestler squeaks for mercy! Price: $18
Sipping in Style Your dog always needs access to fresh, clean water to stay hydrated. This lovely black wristlet is actually a portable water bowl. No need to carry around a container or search for water sources anymore. Simply drop a bottle of fresh water in your bag, and pop this little pouch on your wrist for the perfect day out with your best friend. Price: $24
An Octopus Ate My Dog These beds from Prima Dogs never cease to make us laugh. Not only are they conversation pieces, but they are comfortable pet beds for your dog or cat. They are manufactured using Japanese Nanotechnology to keep them clean and fresh. And when you tell your friends that your dog fell asleep inside an octopus (or a shark, or another dog for that matter), you won’t be lying! Price: $49
Who’s ready for Mojitos? The Guayabera is a popular men’s shirt style throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Pet Fashion Designer Ada Nieves has created the perfect version for dogs. Built for comfort and style, the Guayabera features fine vertical pleats and detailed stitching. You can order a dog’s size and a matching one in large for his human. Could it get any more adorable? Price: $50
Uptown Style and Downtown Edge No pet gift list would be complete without a fabulous leash and harness. Ada Nieves does it again with this matching set. The flashy animal print has its Uptown style, and the tattoo art appliqué accent gives the ensemble a distinctly Downtown edge. Your pup will be admired wherever she goes. Price: $50
Dog Crate No More - It’s Home Décor Dog crates provide a safe environment for your dog, but they do nothing for your home décor. Until now. BowhausNYC has created a cover that turns a crate into a palace. Featuring classic fabrics like this traditional French toile, damask, or cabana stripes, these dog crate covers also come with soft cushion. Your dog’s crate will enhance your living room, an eyesore no longer. You can also purchase a matching dog carrier in the same fabrics with leather trim and web shoulder straps for style and comfort. Price: $70 - $90 for Stand Alone Crate Cover \| $135 for Dog Carrier

These are just some of the carefully designed products for our best friends. Have a look at the entire collection to find the perfect gift for pets and the humans who love them. Register your IndieShop.com Wish List too – you just might get the perfect gift this season! And don’t forget our furry friends in need. Rescue your next pet – you’ll be glad you did.

IndieShop.com Holiday Gift Guide for the Fashionistas on Your List

2010-12-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

We all have someone in our lives who possesses the gift of self-expression through their sense of style. They are the true originals who keep up with the fashion trends but are more about creating their own style. Looking fabulous appears effortless. They never wear the exact same outfit twice and are always perfectly accessorized. IndieShop.com is the perfect place to shop for unique gifts that will delight every fashionista on your list.

Blooming Scarf Wrap for Leisurely Days Designers AdAm and Hiromi have created the Blooming Scarf Wrap, stylish and versatile, perfect for those days when one wants to look great without too much effort. You can create many different looks: a cardigan, a shawl, or a hoodie. The fabric is Slub, a stretchy, striated fabric knitted with soft, unrefined cotton yarns. The scarf collar is printed with an elegant, stylized blue floral design. You can play with the many different ways to wear this single design.
Little Black Skirt With A Twist Your fashionista probably has a favorite black skirt that is the bread and butter of her wardrobe. With a cute top and some great accessories, and she’s set for any occasion. Well, indie designer Alison Pierz may just give that skirt some competition. Her barbed wire print skirt is flirty and feminine, and the silver metallic barbed wire print around the bottom of the skirt adds a subtle edginess. It’s an easy fit in S,M,L and you can adjust the length by folding the waistband. Smart and sexy, this hot skirt is a must-have for the fashion forward set.
Tie Dye Dress for All Seasons We love that tie-dye is back. This slate colored T-shirt dress is sleek, flattering and hand dyed by designer Jessica Hollander. Jessica’s training with oil paints shows her eye for color and the patterns are unique and flattering, drawing your eye to the burst of color on the hip. The sweet pocket details are a fun finishing touch. Bring out your hippie chic with this versatile, one-of-a-kind handmade dress. Wear it with leggings, boots, and a sweater for a fun day on the town.
What About the Fashionisto? The fashionista’s male counterpart - guys love great design and fashion too! The Red Moth Cabana Men’s Shirt designed by Juli Raja, is a cool, retro look. Wear it with a black jeans and a leather jacket in the city, or poolside on vacation. The colorful hand block print patterned mulmul cotton fabric is light as a feather and created in limited editions for her menswear line. Your fashionisto will also appreciate the shirt’s handmade wooden buttons.
Scarves –Perfect Fit, Perfect Gift Every stylin’ gal has a closet full of scarves but could always use another. IndieShop.com has so many great scarves to choose from! Alison Pierz’s Barbed Wire Scarf matches her fabulous barbed wire clothing collection. And Jessica Hollander creates tie-dyed scarves if you want a bit of boho style. Michelle Murphy creates hand painted silk scarves, which are true works of art. Artisan Emporia’s funky, soft, and versatile Hood scarf and the Mind Maze Silk scarf by Juli Raja are both great for men and women. The right scarf will fit everyone perfectly every time.

If you’re still hesitant to make a purchase, a gift certificate to IndieShop.com is a thoughtful solution. And to make sure you get what you want this year, make sure to sign up for Wish List on IndieShop.com. Happy shopping!

Holiday Gift List: Unique Products for Kids!

2010-11-29T06:38:00.001-08:00

The holidays were meant for kids! Here on IndieShop.com, we have wonderful, unique products especially designed for them, from toys and books to clothes and whimsical artwork to decorate their rooms. Instead of plastic toys and mass-produced items that have been shipped across the planet, give your children gifts that are a lot of fun and made with care and quality by indie artisans who believe that good design isn’t just for adults.

Here are some great gift ideas for children, ranging from $15 - $31, ages 0 and up:

Cute Critters Art for Kids’ Quarters Artist Kenneth Kudulis of Kudu-la creates unique prints of whimsical characters that are perfect for decorating the walls of your child’s room. Kudulis draws funny imaginary beasts, some cute, some scary, and each print is applied to a block of wood, giving it a nice, unique texture. All of Kudu-la’s creatures are “based on people and pets I see on the streets and subways of NYC.” In his “Mason Jar Collection,” all of the beasties are captured in the jars because “they’ve been running amuck around NYC long enough.” Your child’s imagination will run wild too as he tries to figure out the stories behind each colorful character. *Price: $15, Ages: 0 – 110.*
Kids Learn about Native People Across the World Tribal Alphabet is one of those books that your kids will remember for their entire lives. They will learn about 26 different native people around the world, including Native Americans. This award-winning book is aimed at children 3 – 8 years old, and a percentage of the profits go to Cultural Survival, working to defend the rights of indigenous people worldwide. Author Claudia Pearson will even send your child a personalized autographed copy. *Price: $18, Ages: 3-8 years.*
Hippie Chic Tie-Dyes for Retro Kids What’s more fun that picking out baby outfits? Put your groovy baby in a hippie chic tie-dyed onesie by Indie Designer Jessica Hollander. She hand ties each tiny garment, and then dips it in a variety of colored dyes to come up with unique patterns and hues on every single piece. The variations are beautiful and striking. Your baby will be happy in his ribbed pima cotton onesie and make people smile with his retro fashion sense. *Price: $28, Age: 1–18 months*
All Snuggles, No Sneezes with Herbal Pals Your kids will snuggle happily with Herb the Penguin in the evening. He certainly is cute and soft. He also helps relieve allergies. The creation of Allergeze, a team comprised of a researcher in Chinese herbal medicine and a doctor of public health, Herbal Pals are designed to ease the symptoms of children’s allergies with a pouch of natural herbs that slips inside an opening on your Pal’s back. As your child cuddles with Herb the Penguin, the pouch releases fragrant oils with curative properties to help her breathe comfortably and sleep through the night. *Price: $30.*
Design Your Own T-Shirt - Crafts For Kids Kids love to draw and see their artwork hanging ceremoniously on the refrigerator. With the T-Me Design Your Own T-Shirt Kit from Poloppo, your children can actually wear their artwork on a t-shirt! Spend some time drawing pictures together during the holidays and have your children pick their favorite creations. Use the envelope provided to mail in the drawings. Within a few days, Poloppo will return your child’s very own one-of-a-kind t-shirt. These kits are also great ways for kids to hand make gifts for their siblings. *Price: $31.95, Sizes 4 - 12.*

We have many other products created by our talented indie designers. So have a look around the site. You may just get ALL your holiday shopping done in one single place.

Holiday Gift List: Five Beautiful Necklaces

2010-11-18T06:14:00.001-08:00

Making up a holiday gift list can be exciting and fun – for some people. Others might prefer elective dentistry to trying to figure out what to give to whom. The best way to thrill your friends and family this season is to get them unique, handcrafted gifts that they will absolutely love. We are posting Holiday Gift Lists each week on our blog, featuring the best of indie design and great gift ideas for everyone on your list!

We have a wonderful and diverse array of jewelry on IndieShop.com. This week’s Holiday Gift List features five beautiful and versatile necklaces, priced between $28 and $95.

Hammered Sterling Silver Gong Necklaces The Gong Necklace by Rebecca Shepherd has two tiny discs, one nesting on top of a slightly larger one. You can see the raised textured dots, which arise from hammering on the inside of the disks. It comes in several color combinations, including sterling silver, oxidized/sterling silver, and oxidized/14K gold vermeil. This dainty necklace is a perfect fashion accessory for the girls and ladies on your list. Price: Sterling Silver $28, Oxidized/Sterling Silver and Oxidized/Gold Vermeil $30
Eco-Friendly, Reclaimed Tin Necklaces Looking for an eco-friendly gift? Eco jewelry maker Anna Johansson of Annabuilt collects tin cans of all sizes, shapes and colors and creates one of a kind jewelry by matching up the original patterns on the cans. Her Reclaimed Tin Offset Chain piece is colorful and asymmetrical, a lovely and light statement piece. Price: $36
Vintage-Style Lockets Lockets are back in style. Wink & Flip’s sweet, vintage-style lockets come in antiqued gold and silver. Each side features a different intricate design. Place a meaningful picture or a very special memento inside a beautiful keepsake locket for a very special person in your life this season. Price: $40
Two Points Gold or Silver Necklaces Lauren Haupt’s Two Points handmade necklace comes in silver and gold. The two hand casted points are small and fine, and if you look closely, you’ll see that they are two different shapes. Rather than making a statement on its own, this necklace will enhance the personal style of some lucky person on your list. Price in Silver: $36, Price in Gold: $45
African Queen Necklaces If you’re looking for something a bit more extravagant, feast your eyes on the African Queen Necklace. Created by Saskia de Vries, this handcrafted piece is a mixture of the rich design traditions of Asia and Africa with a distinctive American style. Large focal beads are strung with Ghanaian brass orbs, Japanese seed beads, and Asian pearls. This striking necklace comes in six shades of green, red and blue. Price: $95

Inspired yet? Visit IndieShop.com to find more unique necklaces in all shapes, colors and prices! Come back for next week’s Indie Design Holiday Gift List: Great Gifts for Kids!

Looking Good and Doing Good: Fair Trade Products from Artisan Emporia

2010-11-10T09:03:00.001-08:00

We are very excited to be partnering with Artisan Emporia not only because they bring us wonderful, unique products, but they’re also making a difference in the lives of artisans around the world. They work to “build sustainable trading relationships based on mutual respect, cultural curiosity and shared aspirations.” They follow the Fair Trade Federation’s standards "to ensure that the artisans we work with receive an honest and fair price for their products while sustainably preserving their cultural traditions.” Sounds like a win-win situation to us!

Patched Hat The right hat actually can make us think better, be more creative, and definitely look good. Well, that’s been our experience. Patched Hat from Artisan Emporia is one of those hats. It is made of soft cotton by Mayan women of the Lake Atitlan region in Guatemala. They use flowers, bark, and leaves from in and around the mysterious lake to make the dyes for these hats. The results are 5 deep, rich colors (Ash, Graffiti, Burgundy, Moss, Flame). The appliquéd shapes are funky and unusual, and they add insulation to make this an even warmer hat.
Infiniti Scarf This scarf really lives up to its name. We could only come up with a million things to do with this continuous loop of incredibly soft cotton jersey, but we’re sure the uses are indeed infinite. It’s a shawl, a hat, a hoodie, a poncho, a baby support, and on and on. Designer, Patrizia Pizzatti, works with the Guatemalan artisans to create this comfortable, lovely and versatile fashion accessory.
Chalina Necklace Chalina actually means a scarf with a big knot tied in it. And the Chalina Necklace from Artisan Emporia is just that, made from hand painted ceramic beads. Look closely at the photo of this accessory - the level of detail astounding. The women of “El Quinto Sol,” an artisan group in Guatemala, string and weave thousands of beads and semi-precious stones, much like artisans have done for hundreds of years in the region. It’s a piece of jewelry and a work of art.
Urban Backpack Artisan Emporia also sells a wide variety of bags: yoga bags, hobo bags, shoulder bags, and backpacks. The Urban Backpack is that perfect combination of smart design and great style. It holds a lot more than you’d think, and the shiny black flap is actually made from a recycled motorcycle tire flap. It is made from organically dyed cotton with the look, feel, and durability of soft canvas. The single shoulder strap even has a pocket especially for your smart phone or MP3 player. It’s a great travel bag, whether you’re trekking in the mountains or making your way across NYC!

You can’t get these items in any clothing boutique. We actually met up with Artisan Emporia at the Brooklyn Flea, one of New York City’s premier flea, artisan and food markets. Their products were rich, interesting, and unlike anything else at the market. And we loved the direct connection between our own urban markets and the artisan markets in other parts of the world. So if you can’t get to Guatemala or Vietnam, where many of Artisan Emporia’s products are created, you might be able to get to Brooklyn. And you can definitely get to IndieShop.com from wherever you happen to be.

Indie Winter Wonderland: Great Handmade Accessories

2010-11-05T12:03:00.001-07:00

The winter weather is finally here, and it’s time to turn over our closet from our beloved soft tee shirt collection and sandals to our favorite sweaters and warm boots. Looking for special gift ideas? Here are some items we would love to receive ourselves:

Moody Ruby We totally have a thing for scarves because they can dress up any outfit, any time of year. The reversible Moody Ruby Silk and Cotton Scarf designed by Juli Raja is perfect for the winter. The black side with a dramatic hint of intense red is just the thing when you’re getting ready for a night on the town. The reverse side is finely patterned with creams, grays and reds, a great look with a suit. This scarf is handmade by artisans in India from silk and cotton threads, making it light, warm and super soft. No itchy scarves for us!
Snowflakes for All Occasions Handmade jewelry runs the spectrum of fun and funky to fine and pretty. These Recycled Vintage Snowflake Earrings pretty much cover all of those bases, plus they are made from recycled materials. Designer Saskia de Vries uses recycled vintage copper pieces and hypoallergenic niobium ear wires in this pair of earrings. And they dangle from dainty chain links, so when you wear them, they move like falling snowflakes. No matter what the weather forecast says, you will want to wear these earrings day and night.
Melt Your Cold Heart If someone or something other than winter tried to turn your heart cold, don’t keep it all inside. Instead, sport this edgy yet dainty Cold Black Hearts Necklace made by Lauren Haupt and show the world you are completely over it. Oxidized silver hearts stand out against the delicate sterling chain to create a dramatic effect. Wear this necklace with a v-neck top or over a sexy sweater dress. And who knows what the season will bring to the door of your cabin in the wood, or your apartment in the city for that matter.
Crystal Calm Persuasion If you love the winter as much as some of us do, you’ll be happy to go outside with the ice and snow. Although if you’d rather be sunning yourself on a Caribbean Island than skiing down a mountain at Breckenridge, we do understand that too. Either way, the energizing beauty of the Crystal Calm Bracelet by Cynthia Rybakoff will give you just the lift you need this season. This bracelet is made of chunky natural crystals strung on knotted grey silk with a sterling silver toggle clasp. Every crystal is slightly different from the next, and so each bracelet is distinctly unique. Just like snowflakes. Changes in seasons and wardrobes can be a challenge each year, but with the right accessories you can add a bit of that holiday spirit to every outfit, even on the coldest winter day.

Pretty Puppies and Doggy Decor

2010-11-01T13:33:00.001-07:00

Our pets are a part of our family. There are no two ways around it. The days of the family dog living out in the backyard all year round are long gone. At IndieShop.com, we love our four-footed, two winged, and even scaled friends with long tails. Here are some products from our indie designers that are practical and, well, not so practical but quite fabulous.

The Elegant Dog Crate Cover We understand the value of a dog training crate for our puppies to give them a sense of security at night. But we don’t have to like the looks of it. So we went searching for a cover up to spring our dogs from their small jail cage. Luckily BowhausNYC designs beautiful crate covers that turn those ugly metal bars into a boudoir. Whether you have a beach house or a mod urban pad, this bold cabana stripe crate cover is also a great decorating idea. Get a cushiony matching bed, and this luxury dog "haus" is sure to become your little BFF’s favorite napping spot. And all this elegance is easy-to-care-for; simply pop the 100% cotton cover and bed case into the washing machine. (See? Practical.)
The Stylish Dog Carrier for Your Pup BowhausNYC also makes a rich, stylish toile fabric dog carrier for the pup on the go. These sturdy tote bags feature 100% cotton canvas surrounded by a natural leather trim that’s only going to look better with time and use. The bag is fully lined, has reinforced bottom and holds dogs up to 15 lbs. The comfy 14” shoulder straps help make long journeys easier. A safety hook makes your pouch secure. So attach your keys to the handy BowhausNYC logo ring and hit the avenues.
The Cute Dog Outfit & Harness Designer Ada Nieves holds a certificate in dog fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology (eat your heart out, Tim Gunn). Dress up your dog in this tiny red polka dot outfit, perfect for a day on the town. Pluck your pup out of the damask carrier, and she’s ready for tea at the Ritz. However, it is also a comfortable dog harness so that your dog can breathe easily and stay close by as you shop together at Saks. It comes with a matching leash, naturally.
The Dog Shaped Dome Bed On a slightly different note is the unique and funny Doggy Dome Bed. It is actually a high-tech dog bed that uses Japanese nano technology to create a clean, fresh sleeping environment for your dog. This bed won’t match your sofa (hopefully), but it will be a conversation starter in your home. It comes in several equally fun shapes, but we like the idea of a dog sleeping inside of a dog, like furry Russian nesting dolls.
Bling Dog Collar For the finishing touch on your pampered pooch, we suggest the Bling Collar from BowhausNYC, made from fine Italian leather and covered with crystal rhinestones, each one carefully placed by hand.

Over the top, you say? Absolutely, my dear. Nothing but the best for our family..

Feeling Blue In A Good Way

2010-10-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

Blue is an eternally favorite color, which is not lost on our designers. Green may be the new black but blue is a color that always feels good. It’s the color of relaxation, water, the sky, and many of our fabulous designs.

Beautiful Hand-Blown Glass Bowl The blue Strata Bowl is a blown glass vessel made by William Couig of Furthur Design. It is a wide-open bowl with clear and opaque lines of different shades blue that feel like varying depths of the ocean, or the layered tones of a blue jazz number. It is a small bowl, 7” in diameter by 3.5” tall, and a beautiful piece of art glass for your home or would make a great wedding gift. And the price is incredibly reasonable for hand-blown glass.
Envision Your Room with Light Blue Anemone Wallpaper We just can’t get enough of this anemone wallpaper in the blue tones by Jill Malek. The graphic is beautiful and versatile, great for a single accent wall or an entire bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, or pretty much any room in your home. The Snowflower color scheme has a base of pale blue with dark blue and grey anemone designs layered on top, reminiscent of a winter’s day. The Alique color scheme is lighter shades of blue, grey and white on a light blue background, for an overall lighter feel.
A Wishful Necklace in Shades of Blue There are many shades of blue, and these gold necklaces by Wink & Flip come in three of them: Cerulean, Turquoise, and Robin’s Egg Blue. Each necklace features an asymmetrical quartz stone hanging from a gold-tone metallic pendant and a tiny blue crystal accent. They are one of Wink & Flip’s most popular designs, and we can see why. You can wear one or all three shades together like an azure sky to dress up a tee shirt or an outfit for a night on the town.
Inspirational Blue with Bird’s Nest Art A House of Blues for birds? This blue print of a nest with four tiny eggs is a lovely piece of art. The image was captured in Peconic Bay on Long Island by Matt Shapoff, using a 19^th century printing technique known as Cyanotype. This item is 4.5” x 4.5” inches and would be a lovely splash of color in your kitchen, or even a nursery.

Check out the many shades of blue on IndieShop.com in clothing design, home décor, jewelry, pet products, and so much more. You’ll be thrilled to get the blues!

We Love Our Skulls!

2010-10-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Here at IndieShop.com, we’re thinking about skulls. It’s partly because of fall and Halloween, but we also have to thank those ubiquitous Ed Hardy shirts, and the bikers of long ago who never dreamed they were trendsetters for the new love of skulls in indie design.

New York design duo of Ronen Aminov and Cynthia Catera of Fancy Sexy Me brings us the hell-raising Skull Crusher Knuckle Duster ring. Between just us girls, it’s super cute, with little, detailed silver and gold skulls, kind of like big diamonds, but not. Don’t tell the guys – they can hop on a Suzuki – ahem – a Harley, and be the envy of all their friends at the biker bar. (That’s how it works, right?)
The Skull Burnout Tee Shirt from AdAm and Hiromi is another one of those tee shirt designs that works for women and men. It reminds us of the traditional Day of the Dead skull drawings with all the flowers in the background. We adore that the teeth feature the word ‘love’ on them. And these skulls are not front and center – they’re on the shoulder, down the side, and on the hip. The shirt itself is super soft and extra comfortable. It’s the awesome and unexpected details like these that make us love indie so much.
And we can’t forget the puppies! IndieShop.com has some of the coolest pet accessories for your best friend. The Skull Collar from BowhausNYC has great accents, including an Austrian crystal encrusted skull with glowing sapphire blue crystal eyes, affixed to a fine Italian leather collar. Glamour up your pup!
OK, so maybe your dog is a bit more precious. Check out this fun skull tattoo dog harness and matching leash. It’s not something you’ll find in just any pet store! The white skulls and black background are dotted with blood red crystals to add some bling and vogue to this ensemble. A tiny Chihuahua will walk with a bit more swagger in his step!

Check out all the great indie design on IndieShop.com. Indulge your skull!

Soft, Safe, and Stylish: Indie Design for Kids

2010-10-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

When we think about independent design, we think of fashion, jewelry, home décor, and art. But we don’t always think about indie design when it comes to our children. At IndieShop.com, we believe that good design is important and valuable for everyone, especially kids!

Kids Create Their Own T-Shirt

Create your own T-shirt with T-Me Kids and T-Me Baby Kits by Poloppo. Using the markers and paper included in the kit, you and your child can create an original design and have it printed on a colorful T-shirt or onesie. Expecting a new baby? Older brother or sister can draw a picture and see the new baby wearing it on her first day at home. Simply create the image, use the pre-paid mailer that comes in the kit, and within days Poloppo will send you back a one-of-a-kind cotton T-shirt or onesie. T-Me kits are also great for baby showers. Each kit includes a prepaid envelope for sending in the design and also the cost of shipping back the final item.

Handmade Nursery Decorating Ideas

Looking for nursery decorating ideas? What could be sweeter than nursery décor featuring the Baby Elephant Wallpaper by Jill Malek? This wallpaper is hand printed with an original design of small elephants touching trunks and tails. It comes in several colors, including the soft pink Petals and the pale blue Rain; you can purchase 8.5” x 11” samples of each design for $2. The pattern is printed in straight lines, which makes it simple to match along the nursery walls. Your baby will love sleeping in a room full of elephants, and she’ll love waking up to them even more.

Kids Learn About Seasonal Food

The Buy Local Coloring Book by Claudia Pearson will help you teach your children about seasonal foods and the importance of the local food movement. The book has one page for every month, with whimsical illustrations of the fruits and vegetables that are in season each month. August features black currants, a peach, a pair of plums, blackberries, and spinach. Imagine all the bright colors your child can use to bring that page to life! You can even dream up recipes to cook with your kids. Just be prepared to answer why we can’t get watermelon all year long.

Toys For Kids With Allergies

New seasons may bring delicious foods, but they also bring allergens. The Herbal Pals Menagerie Collection is made especially for children with a seasonal allergy. These funny, soft, machine washable toys from Allergeze are not only perfect for taking a nap or dragging around by an ear, but they also help ease the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Developed by a Chinese herbalist using traditional remedies that are over 2,000 years old, each Herbal Pal comes with an intense but effective pouch containing a variety of natural herbs with curative properties. You simply slip the pouch into the little opening on the back of each Pal, and the herbs start working. Pouches are also sold separately; adults can use them too. Allergeze hears from happy parents whose children are not coughing but sleeping easier and sleeping comfortably through the night. And who doesn’t love a cute monster?

These are just some of the projects you can find on IndieShop.com. Kids will grow out of clothes and nurseries, but they will continue to learn about the world around them. Indie designs such as these will help you create a stimulating, comfortable, and fun environment for them to explore.

Indie Design Promotes Relaxation with Products from Artisan Emporia, AdAm & Hiromi

2010-09-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Newsflash!

If you're in the New York City area, come see our booth at the Madison Square Market in the shadow of the Flatiron building! Some of our top designers will be in the booth every day during the entire event, from September 25 – October 23rd!

Indie Design Promotes Comfort, Rest and Relaxation in Your Busy Day

It seems that the world kicked into overdrive the day after Labor Day. The realization that summer was over hit us like a ton of bricks. Remember the feeling of the first day of school? The nervousness, maybe a little dread, mixed with excitement, activities, and lots of homework? Often our work days feel the exact same way.

So we need to figure out how to relax and how to retain at least the feeling of those languid summer afternoons. At IndieShop.com, many of our independent designers work hard to create products to help you do just that. We have items that will remind you to breathe, reflect, and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

Artisan Emporia creates fair trade, organic bags designed to carry your yoga mat. Each bag is made with cotton organically dyed by Guatemalan artisans using ancient Mayan techniques to create dyes from leaves, barks and roots from nearby Lake Atitlan. Even the metal buckles and strap holders are made from a biodegradable alloy.

After your yoga class, pull on a wonderfully soft cotton burnout tee from AdAm & Hiromi. Adorned with a light blue lotus flower, this tee has that lived-in feel that makes it the first thing you grab in your closet when you just want to relax. AdAm & Hiromi also make tees for men, including one with a lovely, traditional Japanese image of a koi swimming up the back.

Designer Jessica DeCarlo creates earthy jewelry with small, sterling silver branches. Her designs inspired by nature translate into delicate necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, some embellished with semi-precious stones, such as vessonite and rose quartz.

Light up this sandalwood and amber scented candle by Curlew and be transported to the mysterious, romantic streets of Marrakech with its exotic scents and hidden treasures.

When your day is finally done, lie back and sink into a set of soft, cotton sheets from A Little of India. These cotton sheet sets come in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns, each hand printed using traditional wooden blocks.

Breathe deep, close your eyes, and wake up inspired for the day ahead. Repeat as needed.

Newest IndieShop Designer Courtney Webb

2010-07-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

View Her Products

Hi I am Courtney Webb the designer and creator of a unique collection of jewelry and accessories. My designs are distinctive, interesting, fresh, versatile, and wearable for women of every age and style.

Being a former architect the concept of my current collection is adaptive reuse. The fabrics I find come from anywhere from grandma’s closet to vintage stores may be a little dated as upholstery or clothes, but make original accessories when repurposed, rescaled, and reformed to simple, well-composed designs.

I studied architecture in New Orleans and loved the contrast of the weathered, colorful old city to the clean, modern concepts in the architecture studio. This contrast always provoked thoughtful and interesting ideas and has a profound impact on my design process and aesthetic.

I am based in New York, NY.

Jemima Jackman - Latest IndieShop Designer

2010-07-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Meet the latest IndieShop designer....

Hi! My name is Jemima Biscombe and I design colourful 50s inspired headbands and ladies intimate apparel made from African wax prints. I use the surname "JACKMAN" as an attribute to my grandmother who was my first muse, dressmaker and source of my early training.

Coming from an island as diversified in culture as Trinidad & Tobago, has allowed me to manipulate the use of colour that depicts the energy of my passion.

I love the beach and working with cotton textiles in all variations.

After attending the Academy of Merchandising & Design in Toronto, I travelled Europe and studied Italian for inspiration, before moving to New York to work for a dress manufacturer in the garment district.

I'm dedicated to providing you with pieces that are timeless and rich in colour. Just as Carnival is like a mirror that reflects the many immigrants, so are the colourful fabrics, which shows the unique touch in each piece I design.

I am very excited about being a part of IndieShop.com and hope you appreciate my work!

Jemima

IndieShop In The News

2010-06-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Wall Street Journal article June 17, 2010

The Wall Street Journal noticed the splash that IndieShop has made in the indie fashion world. Their Thursday, June 17th article entitled, Crafts, Clothes and Clout discusses the growing popularity and influence of the smaller, independent designers. “What Sundance did for indie film – showcasing it for a bigger audience…Web sites are doing for the little guys of design. And starting this week, you can turn on your television and tune into IndieShop, which aims to take independent designs into living rooms all across America.” Technology, the Internet, and the Big Fashion labels themselves are to blame for the handcrafted, hand-made, “Indie” trend. Selling the same products the world over, the Big Boys just don’t have the same cache as the independents artisans. “These days, the ‘buy local’ movement has whetted shoppers’ appetite for a greater sense of connection with their goods’ creators.” Although using TV to drive hipsters to the web is untested, CEO of IndieShop’s parent company Marc Krigsman quotes, “We fully believe that television is the major driver of traffic to (IndieShop.com).” IndieShop brainchild Melissa Perrucci quit her job, and while travelling the world realized there was an under-served consumer…”who’d rather have their money go to a person, a face, rather than a big company.” For the full article, go to .

PICTURED: HANDS FREE BRACELET CLUTCH

Artisan Emporia

2010-06-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

See The Products | Watch The Video

A few years ago, while finishing my graduate degree by participating in a collaboration between design students, development experts and Mayan women in Guatemala, I set out with a few partners to create a new kind of Fair Trade business. We wanted to create a manufacturing, distribution and marketing platform emphasizing collaboration between fashion, fair labor standards, designers, artisans, and consumers. After years of research, buying, marketing and work on product development, we launched our company Artisan Emporia in 2009.

Artisan Emporia provides a marketplace for artisans to showcase their crafts. Emporia, being the Latin plural of emporium, denotes our desire to bring the crafts, designs and ideas of many markets to one place.

Our mission is to bring unique and beautiful products from artisans all over the world to North America, as well as build sustainable trading relationships based on mutual respect, cultural curiosity and shared aspirations. We work with innovative artists and cooperatives from many different countries to bring you one of-a-kind creations that are exquisitely designed and handcrafted. We work closely with our artisans to ensure that the products are of the highest quality using environmentally sustainable practices.

We employ the standards of Fair Trade as articulated by the Fair Trade Federation to ensure that the artisans we work with receive an honest and fair price for their products while sustainably preserving their cultural traditions. Artisan Emporia also seeks to provide a market place for designers and skilled craftspeople to collaborate on new and innovative ideas. Utilizing our network of global cooperatives we seek to create lasting partnerships between our artisans and designers seeking sustainable business development for their craft. Artisan Emporia also strives to provide maximum transparency between our artisans, and you, the purchaser. To this end, we proudly document our work and travel across the world to share with you, in the hope that together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of artisans through our purchases and cultural understanding.

IndieShop.com Blog

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Hammered Sterling Silver Gong Necklaces

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Vintage-Style Lockets

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Looking Good and Doing Good: Fair Trade Products from Artisan Emporia

Patched Hat

Infiniti Scarf

Chalina Necklace

Urban Backpack

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Moody Ruby

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Melt Your Cold Heart

Crystal Calm Persuasion

Pretty Puppies and Doggy Decor

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The Stylish Dog Carrier for Your Pup

The Cute Dog Outfit & Harness

The Dog Shaped Dome Bed

Bling Dog Collar