This month we are introducing our Blog of the Month concept, and our inaugural blog is Indie Style File, written by the lovely Kim Bui.  Indie Style File is a fashion blog, covering indie fashion designers.  What’s an “indie fashion designer” you ask?  While indie originally was used to refer to films and music that were not attached financially to a big name studio, indie fashion has crept into the mainstream vocabulary to refer to independent designers working and making a name for themselves without the financing and safety net of a big designer brand name.  In this WalMart world, where huge conglomerates suck up small businesses like a vacuum picks up cat hair from my carpet, indie designers (and musicians and filmmakers for that matter) are a cherished breed.  I hope you will take some time to visit Indie Style File, subscribe to the feed, and think about supporting some of the millions of independent fashion designers in the world today. 

From the rest of the Beauty & Style channel, our takes on “indie:”

Shoe Blitz shows you Mohop Sandals. These fabulous sandals, created by independent designers Annie Mohaupt and JoAnna Fleming, allow you to change their ribbon straps to completely alter the look.

Glamour Gift Guide loves these handcrafted Rose Garden Earrings designed and created by independent designers Anita Lin and Sara Schwittek at Shy Siren.

Aging Fabulous shares her love of shea butter with her favorite Whipped Shea Butter from Independent beauty company Bath by Bettijo.

Metrostylemen thinks this small travel kit by ZIRH is simply ingenius and it won’t even take up space in your travel luggage.

Shopaholics Daily loves to travel, but hates the packing part so she was quite impressed to find that a company has taken all of the work out of it for you. Babor has everything you need packaged and ready to go. Now the question is… where to vacation. Have you seen the gas prices lately?

Style Tots fell in love with a polka-dot hello kitty skirt made out of a bandana from Alissa’s Creations.

Style It Less featured a beautiful floral babydoll mini-dress than can also be worn as a skirt from Alissa’s Creations 2.

She Knows Best introduces celebrity/pop culture neckties from Simply Necktie to spruce up your Casual Fridays at the office.

Snarkstress wonders what Miss Independent, Kelly Clarkson, has been up to lately – fashion-wise, of course.

Her Accessories loves indie designers take on accessories and has picked some of her personal favorites.

Teen Style Lounge has found the perfect beach tote for you – and it’s both one-of-a-kind…and cheap!

Amy George, author of The Scented Life and independent perfumer, is profiled in URGE magazine!

eBeautyDaily profiles her favorite indie beauty designer, Beth Bender Beauty.

Manscaping 101 is getting ready for Father’s Day with some gift ideas and no ties or shirts are on the list!

MakeupMinute lists her favorite indie cosmetic brands

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Blog of the Month: Indie Style File

This website features handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other accessories designed and created by independent designers, Anita Lin and Sara Schwittek. The site also carries bags made by Sara’s twin sister, Amy Holzman. These fun handmade fabric bags are sold under the name Belle Bags.

Each item from Shy Siren is very unique and uses fabulous colors, textures and materials.

One of my favorite pieces on the site are the Rose Garden Earrings pictured here. These beautiful earrings feature rhodolite garnet, green vessonite gemstones, freshwater pearls and crystals that are hand-wrapped onto large gold-filled hoops. These gorgeous earrings are priced at $110 per pair.

Keep in mind, if you are ordering these as a gift, they are made upon order. Therefore, you should allow up to a week for them to be created. Shy Siren also offers free gift wrapping with every purchase.

Check out Shy Siren to view the rest of their awesome collection. If you are looking for more goods from independent designers, visit Indie Style File, where fellow b5 blogger Kim offers the latest in indie fashion.

Photo credit: Shy Siren

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Handcrafted Jewelry from Shy Siren