But what’s a fashionista to do if you don’t want to look like everyone else in the same fleece jacket or bulky sweater?

Check out what the indie designers are doing, of course!

Etsy has more than 200 pages of sweaters alone.  That’s not including other cool-weather clothing like shawls, wraps or jackets.

If you’re in the market for something new and cozy – it’s definitely worth a browse.  Check out some of the unique pieces I found:

This circular wrap jacket is made from organic merino jersey (soft and lightweight stretch wool fabric) by Sandmaiden.  All of their clothing is made to order, so you can request a custom size.

This lightweight linen sweater by Linumgirl looks almost architectural to me – check out those amazing details!

If you want a more substantial sweater, this hand-knitted bolero jacket by Overjanegra is made from a wool/acrylic blend and should keep you warm and cozy all winter long.

images: Etsy

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Stay Warm, Cozy & Fashionable

Image: Etsy/Rennes le Chateau

If you love big bags, about 15″H x 17″W x 3″D big, or need a stylish and versatile bag that will hold just about everything you can throw into it, the Annie Leather Tote Bag ($200) is a fantastic choice.  This would be wonderful to use for travel, as a carry on bag or even as a bookbag.  It’s made out of soft cow hide leather that’s been dyed this amazing shade of purple.  The overall design is simple but most classic bags are.

Image: Etsy/Rennes le Chateau

Another, smaller, version of the bag above is this bag called the Gretel Leather Tote ($180), shown here in Slate Grey. A beautiful colour that’ll go with just about any outfit. It measures 13″H x 16″W x 3″D so it’s still quite roomy but it won’t overwhelm those of smaller stature.

Browsing through the Rennes le Chateau Etsy store, there are other bag styles, small pouches and clutches. If you want to invest in a bag that’s handmade and a true ‘go with anything’ bag, check out the Rennes le Chateau Etsy store.

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Chic & Affordable Rennes le Château Bags

Today, we will take a look at few up and coming handbag designers you may not know about…

REBECCA MINKOFF
As some of you may already know, I’m a huge fan of Rebecca Minkoff and her handbag collection. Her gorgeous bags have been seen on all the hip celebrities like Hilary Duff and on shows like CW’s Gossip Girl. Her line includes satchels, totes, hobos, chic clutches and has even expanded to include clothing.

Images: Shopflick

Morning After Mini – Affectionately called MAM by Rebecca Minkoff fans, this is the small version of the iconic MAB (or Morning After Bag) in a beautiful colour for fall, Persimmon.
Steady Tote – Similar to the regular sized MAB, the Steady is a go anywhere bag that won’t disappoint. The glazed leather and studs is in tune with all the fall trends.

I have quite a few Rebecca Minkoff bags and they are terrific for work and as every day bags. The bags above are on sale at Shopflick so don’t hesitate to check them out as well as the other pieces in the line.

JENNY YUEN
A New York City handbag designer, Jenny Yuen got her start working along side Takashi Murakami (do you remember the Eye Love and Cherry Blossom collections from LV? Yes, those!), Jill Stuart, Michael Kors and Anna Sui.   In 2006 she established her own handbag line and has since opened a boutique called, Lonely Hearts Girl, in SOHO. Jenny designs handbags that are stylish, versatile and are perfect for work, every day and for travel.

Jenny Yuen Handbags (Images: Shopflick)

Sherlock Chestnut Stachel – A beautiful Italian leather satchel in a rich chestnut shade.
Gatsby Weekender – A light-weight tote in a lovely garnet shade, it’s perfect or work or the weekend.

As you can see, Jenny Yuen handbags are all quite chic and sophisticated. Each one is of great quality and has a signature heart charm for added fun. You can view and purchase the bags above at Shopflick and check out the rest of the line at the official website.

SUKARI
Sukari means ’sweet’ or ’sugar’ in Swahili. The handbag designs, in this New York based line, are exquisitely designed. Each one is made with either exotic skins, high quality Italian leathers and hardware finished in either 24k gold or rhodium silver.

Sukari New York (Images: Sukari)

Oxaca -  A gorgeous and roomy lambskin leather hobo with a simple shape and minimal details.
Arusha – Such a pretty shoulder bag in a lovely shade of forest green.

Both of the Sukari bags above are also available in different shades such as aubergine, cognac, espresso and black. You can purchase the collection by calling the boutique (212.673.8300) in New York or through the Dezsigners Den website.

LABOSH
The LaBosh handbag line is a mixture of contemporary style and Old Hollywood charm. Each one has a bit of a vintage glamour vibe not found in a lot of lines.

LaBosh (Images: Shopflick)

Edna Handbag – A gorgeous blue shade for day.
Eden Clutch – A hot little number to use at night.

Don’t you just love the quilted leather, the rich colours and the cute kiss lock closures? So chic and nicely priced too! The blue would be a fun bag to use during the day and the red wristlet would look fantastic with a little black dress for evenings. LaBosh handbags are available on the Shopflick website.

COCCINELLE
Translated, the word Coccinelle means ‘ladybug’ or ‘ladybird’ in French. The line was founded in Parma, Italy in 1978 and has since been designing truly remarkable bags.

Coccinelle Handbags (Images: Forzieri)

Charlotte Tote – A sophisticated pleated calf leather tote that will take you from day to night.
Ginger Satchel Tote – A hybrid of a satchel and tote, perfect for the cosmopolitan girl on the go.

The Charlotte tote would be my choice. It has all the right details to make it the perfect bag to take with you anywhere. The Coccinelle handbag line can be purchased through the Forzieri website. Also, with your purchase of $165 or more, you can save $15 with the code: 439058.

As shoppers and bag-aholics, we have so many amazing bags to choose from. Sure you can buy a bag from the super popular and more widely known designer lines but maybe, it’s time for a change. If you’re looking for a new bag, why not broaden your collection and choose a bag that is just as well made and equally fabulous? Who knows, you might just pick up the next “it” bag!

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Up and Coming Handbag Designers

Are you looking for a fantastic bag to use for fall and winter? Look no further than Jennifer Yuan Zhenun Leathers collection of ultra functional and eye catching bags. Jennifer currently lives in Thailand and her bags are inspired by the rough and tumble lifestyle of jet setters. She creates bag that have just enough distressing and details to make it look like a well loved, old friend.

(Image: Zhenun Leathers / Etsy)

The Acorn Hobo is my favourite from her line. It’s available in tangerine, lime green, teal blue (shown above) and black leather. It’s a nice sized bag measuring 12 x16. It would work very well as a work bag, daily bag and maybe used as a school bag too.  The simple style and shape is really make makes this bag stand out.
Since fall is coming up soon, I’d definitely pick up the tangerine version, appropriately called Acorn Tangelo, if I were you. It’s a bold colour choice that will make all your outfits pop and you can use it during spring and summer too! Pick one up at the Zhenun Leathers Etsy store for $105.

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Zhenun Leathers Acorn Hobo

(Image: Nina Forrest)

Upon browsing the Nina Forrest collection, this amazing floral pendant caught my eye immediately. It’s absolutely perfect for summer and can easily be dressed up or down.  The Chalcedony Wire Wrapped Pendant Necklace ($133) is truly a work of art.  This would be a great gift idea for someone who love flowers and bold statement jewelry. Available at Nina Forrest online and through her Etsy shop.

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Make A Statement with Nina Forrest

In the late 18th century, wealthy Brits made a game out of scrutinizing inmates’ antics at the Bedlam asylum. Hence, the inspiration behind “Bedlam,” Nom*d’s imaginative A/W 09 collection.

Nom*d, which stands for Nom de Plume, has helped define a style known as “The New Zealand Look,” which is usually slightly gothic and darkly humorous. Designer Margarita Robertson takes traditional fabrics like Fair Isle knitwear and vintage pajama prints and lengthens, doubles and bandages them tightly around the body.

Image: Nom*d

How long before teenage girls are hanging out at Starbucks with their sleeves fastened around their chests?

Find out more at nomd.co.nz.

Image: Nom*d

Image: Nom*d

Image: Nom*d

Lisa Fogarty’s Bio: “I am a reporter for the Queens Tribune newspaper in New York City and a recent graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. I am obsessed with skincare products, pretty scarves and belts and any sweater or blouse that features an unorthodox neckline. And shoes aren’t so bad, either. Check out my new blog, Recession Runway.”

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Nom*d’s “Bedlam”

Helene Berman may be “indie,” but scrappy? Oh, no. While other women were burning their bras, the British dame was studying fashion design at London’s prestigious Harrow School of Art and Design.

Her swingy cropped jackets and petticoats – yes, I said petticoats – are charming and ultra feminine, while her ladylike collection of hats, which range from metallic bucket hats to satin turbans, epitomize elegance.

I’m hoping if I can don a cute straw trilby and dogtooth print skirt I can still get away with chugging black coffee instead of Earl Grey.

Image: Helene Berman

Image: Helene Berman

Image: Helene Berman

Find out more at HeleneBerman.com.

Lisa Fogarty’s Bio: “I am a reporter for the Queens Tribune newspaper in New York City and a recent graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. I am obsessed with skincare products, pretty scarves and belts and any sweater or blouse that features an unorthodox neckline. And shoes aren’t so bad, either. Check out my new blog, Recession Runway.”

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She’s a Lady

You can’t flip through a fashion mag without seeing those two ubiquitous words that have come to mean very little: Statement Necklace. Most of the time, editors seem to be referring to any and every gargantuan bauble one can squeeze a chain through. Office Tramp is an exception to that rule.

Image: Office Tramp

The inspiration for Office Tramp is simple: pure boredom. College friends Gina and Adriana began designing pieces because they were tired of their traditional mundane work attire. Their custom necklaces, earrings and pins are saucy, flashy and, yes, just a wee bit artfully trampy.

Image: Office Tramp

Image: Office Tramp

Find out more at OfficeTramp.com.

Lisa Fogarty’s Bio: “I am a reporter for the Queens Tribune newspaper in New York City and a recent graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. I am obsessed with skincare products, pretty scarves and belts and any sweater or blouse that features an unorthodox neckline. And shoes aren’t so bad, either. Check out my new blog, Recession Runway.”

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Office Tramp

Ayka Yasis is an artist’s designer. She learned how to sew out of boredom. Her muses include Mark Rothko, Leonora Carrington and Madonna and, instead of chasing trends, she scrutinizes, mocks and deconstructs them. If that isn’t enough to convince you she’s the coolest girl in Queens, NY, maybe this will do it: she didn’t go to school for fashion and chooses colors and fabrics based on what she likes.

Ah, if only my obstinacy could yield such interesting designs.

I Will Love Again Dress - Image: Talfoto

Ayka Loves Leonora Carrington Wool Coat - Image: Talfoto

J’Adore Porn Dress - Image: Talfoto

Find out more about Ayka Yasis and her designs at aykaayka.com.

Lisa Fogarty’s Bio: “I am a reporter for the Queens Tribune newspaper in New York City and a recent graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. I am obsessed with skincare products, pretty scarves and belts and any sweater or blouse that features an unorthodox neckline. And shoes aren’t so bad, either. Check out my new blog, Recession Runway.”

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Designer Spotlight: Ayka Yasis

You just know some designers will be okay. If they don’t make it in fashion, you can picture them striking gold as Parisian-based painters. While Deborah Kaplan and Tiffany Ang, the Brooklyn duo behind Death by Drone, certainly fit that category, their designs are just too aesthetically exciting for them not to succeed.

Sheer White Dress - Image: Death by Drone

From prim, knee-length pencil skirts paired with black-seamed stockings and butterfly collar blouses to swingy cropped jackets, Death by Drone can do it all. But their specialty, the thing they do better than any other new designer, is reinterpreting the poetry of Dr. Seuss in their hand-painted balloon skirts and dresses.

Gunman Dress - Image: Death By Drone

Dr. Seuss Balloon Dress - Image: Death by Drone

Oh, the places you’ll go! Shop and learn more about Death by Drone at deathbydrone.com.

Lisa Fogarty’s Bio: “I am a reporter for the Queens Tribune newspaper in New York City and a recent graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. I am obsessed with skincare products, pretty scarves and belts and any sweater or blouse that features an unorthodox neckline. And shoes aren’t so bad, either.”

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Death by Drone Makes Me Happy to Be Alive