Independent Designers

The Coveted Loves Mahtab Azimi's Little Black Dress

Jennine on Sep 15, 2009 5:23 AM PDT

Everyone needs a comfy little black dress in their wardrobe arsenal. This much I know... and I have quite a few in my closet to back it up! Yet, like black shoes, there never seems to be enough! When designer Mathab Azimi sent me this lovely Micah sheered tunic dress for a review, I just couldn't be happier. The Micah dress is made with a poly-rayon blend which has kind of a jersey feel, only softer and with more movement.

The Pros: For $69.95 this dress is really well-made. The dress is very adjustable, with a tie belt and even the sleeves are customizable with ties, and can easily be worn with bows showing in the front or back. The length of the dress will adjust according to how much you pull up the top, and you can make it shorter in front, longer in back, mini or knee length. I really liked the gathering which gives it a nice Grecian effect.
The Cons: The only real gripe I have is that it's dry clean only. If I had to pick something else, it would be that the flip side of adjustability also means that sometimes you need to adjust the dress during the day, but not much.

All in all, it's a great dress and since it's done by an independent designer, the price is more than reasonable. I definitely would recommend it! Check out The Coveted for more fashion reviews!

Tags : the coveted , style , shopping , review , independent designers

Influential International Style: Chloe Sevigny

kate napleton on Jul 21, 2009 10:18 AM PDT

Chloe Sevigny knows what she's doing. She's best known for her roles on Big Love and in Boys Don't Cry, but also just as well-known for always looking cool and chic both on and off the red carpet. Though American-born, she seems to possess a European grace and polish to her clothing choices. As the face of fragrance for the house of Chloe, I know I'm not the only one that recognizes her subtle glamour. Her trick? Wearing neutrals and patterns that don't overcome her own beauty, and keeping her hair long and loose. To get her look, choose individual pieces with wonderful detail like scalloping or a reserved lace. Check out my slideshow for Chloe Sevigny style tricks! Photo credit: PR Photos

Tags : see by chloe , nordstroms , nordstrom , leifsdottir , independent designers

Summer Must-Haves From Fresh Independent Designers!

Jennifer on Jun 14, 2009 9:22 AM PDT

I'll admit it -- I've spent the last four months hidden away inside my Toronto apartment just waiting for the warm weather again. Time not wasted though -- I've been keeping busy head-starting the season by staking out my summer wardrobe! After all, who doesn't love online shopping? With careful consideration I was able to sift through all of my options and weed out my absolute summer must-haves from the pages and pages of things I loved but could realistically live without for now (I guess). If you haven't given yourself the same ahead-of-the-season jump start on your summer shopping, don't fret! There's still some time to get some advanced shopping done online. And hey, you could also always last-minute shop online from the poolside! Personally, I'm prepared to spend most of my summer outdoors, so I chose some key pieces that should carry me through both in style and with comfort. For further inspiration, check out the slideshow for some Designers Connect-approved summer staples and get ready to enjoy the sunshine with fashionable friends!

Tags : summer trends , summer style , summer dresses , summer , independent designers

Check Out DIYthing's Favorite Vintage And Indie-Designed Brooches

DIY thing on Jan 25, 2009 5:32 AM PST

Michelle Obama has caught our eye with her impressive collection of brooches and we can't wait to see what new ones she will wear as First Lady. While we're waiting, we thought we'd find some vintage brooches as well as some created by independent designers. Smashing Darling is a great online indie boutique to start with - they have a large selection from Bakas Artysta, and One Sweet Peach, as well as others. There's even a patriotic one, and you really can't miss the vintage fireworks brooch with antique gold and red rhinestones. Plus, we found some great brooches made of felt and even buttons- so perfect for your DIY-obsessed friend or even yourself. Check out our slideshow for a dozen of our favorites.

Tags : vintage brooches , vintage brooch , smashing darling , rhinestones , independent designers

Get Your Designer Obama Inauguration Memorabilia On Etsy Now!

DIY thing on Jan 11, 2009 5:20 AM PST

Ok, we know you are all set to be at Barack Obama's inauguration. You've been saving up, and you just need to locate a pair of tickets and get a hotel room somewhere within a five state radius. While you are trying to work out all of the details for your cross-country trek, we will show you some cool handmade inaugural memorabilia that you can get online now! Check out our slideshow to see the latest Obama designer t-shirts from Coup and 57thirtythree. We also found a limited edition Obama victory wallet by Corporaldale. There's something for every price range, and you can find them all online at Etsy.

Tags : barack obama , button , coup , earrings , independent designers

Wear A Dress By An Emerging Indie Designer For The Holidays!

Jennifer on Dec 9, 2008 12:25 PM PST

This holiday season, impress your friends with inexpensive and fair trade designs by emerging independent fashion designers. It's not haute couture (designed just for you), but it's the next closest thing! Besides, it's way more affordable and also supports an amazing fashion concept. Buying independent means the items are not mass-produced, and range from production quantities of sometimes twenty to one hundred pieces made for each style. These independent designers like to keep their collections fresh and current, recycling old styles and moving forward each season. Doesn't the idea of showing up at a party only to find another guest has already arrived wearing your same dress sound so embarrassing? We've put together a quick gallery of our favorite holiday dresses made exclusively by independent fashion designers so you can be sure this won't happen to you. Click on the slideshow to see them all!

Tags : women's clothing , women's apparel , women's , unique fashion , independent designers