I’m in Chicago this week for some career-related stuff and to visit friends, but you probably won’t notice because I was a busy, busy girl last week.
I’m still checking in and I’m hoping to get a few posts in here and there. While I’m here, eating some gigantic pizza and hoping to stop by CB2, what indie-ness should I check out?
I’ve been here plenty of times, but I’ve never had a chance to go look for awesome boutiques.
Suggestions?

image: iheartnorwegianwood
I’m not an avant guarde kinda gal. I usually stick to Threadless tees and skinny jeans these days, especially since I’m not working and spending a lot of time at home.
But Susie Bubble is kind of my inspiration. If i had guts, I usually say, I would totally dress like her. So when she started lamenting about cage skirts I decided to take a look.
iheartnorwegianwood on etsy makes these couture little items in pretty much any color and with any kind of buttons you want. It’s a layering item for about $60.
I love layering and I think it could …read more

but I do not know about?
I’m on the hunt for some new stores and designers right now, especially storefronts. It seems like a lot of indie stores have been closing down and I want to find some good replacements.
Tell me what you know, dear readers.

Some people do designer, some people do vintage, but we at ISF do indie.
I do indie because I love talking to designers and artisans. I like knowing that I am indeed helping someone make a living, not helping them buy a third house. I like how indie really is custom and unique.
But what I want to know if why do you buy indie? What is it about indie that you like so much?
Let me know in the comments.

I’m going to try and produce a once a day feature for the next two weeks called Handmade Holidays. We usually do clothes here, but I’ll bend the rules a bit and do more gift-y things in addition to clothing.
But who wants to only see things I want? E-mail me and let me know what you want. I’ll feature your wish (and you!).

After Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the crazy holiday shopping season. Lists will go around, requests will be made and lots and lots of money will be spent. Since we’re all about the independent here, I’m trying my best this year to buy according to this philosophy and thousands are doing the same. they’re pledging to buy handmade, to buy indie.
Indie made things support artists and people, not companies. For the same reason I shop at the Farmer’s Market, I shop indie. You can talk to the artisan. They’ll tell you about what you’re buying, how it was made and …read more

(plaid sweater by Alexander Wang at Kick Pleat)

{democracy:2}

Are you a indie designer or store owner? I’m still looking for more take five interviewees and other great things to post about!
Leave a comment or e-mail me.