5 Reasons To Consider Shopping Indie

A few seasons ago, I realized there was a dress in my closet I kept on seeing everywhere. It’s one thing to feel like everyone owns the same car as you ten minutes after you drive your new vehicle off the lot – but a dress (or shirt, or necklace, or scarf for that matter) shouldn’t feel so mass produced that you are bumping into it left and right.

It was at that point I started to really change the way I shopped. Oh sure – I still enjoy indulgences at Anthropologie and H&M every once in a while, but I try to branch out and check out indie designers when I can. Websites like Shopflick, Etsy and SupermarketHQ are excellent resources if you aren’t sure where to start on your indie adventure.

chocolateandsteal | Image: Shopflick

Still not ready to take the plunge? Here are a few reasons that should help change your mind about independent designers.

Limited Quantities
As I mentioned before, a large motivation for me was that I don’t want to be wearing cookie cutter clothes that everyone else has. It’s validating when you see the same design once or twice, but all over town? There is no personal style in that.

Relationship Building
If you come across a designer you truly enjoy, it’s actually possible to get to know the person behind the scenes. Can you say the same for your big box brand favorites?

Hidden Treasures
The large chains are catering to the masses – you probably have a quirky taste that you don’t even know about because you’ve never happened upon a designer that was as unique as you are.

High Quality
I generally find the cheap, disposable ‘fast fashion’ items I pick up don’t last. But the ones that are handcrafted survive season after season. There is simply more time and effort put into each item.

You Never Know
The little unknown designer you start investing in might just become the next fashion icon. You could be ahead of the curve and onto something huge – and what a great feeling that would be, wouldn’t it?