the clothing menu

i’m not sure why it has taken me so long to put the indie spotlight on one of my favorite indie clothing designers, Every Little Counts, but i guess it’s never too late, right?  Every Little Counts is a line of tee shirts inspired by romance and love.  every season, a new collection with new love-themed graphic print tees are released and this spring/summer season is “a girl in love.”  check out the collection and my interview with co-founder/designer, amy.

How did you get started creating your clothing line?

Well, I had gone to school for fashion and I had been working in the industry for quite a few years.  So about 3 years ago, when the company I was working for closed, I decided to give it a go on my own. It was what I had always wanted to do anyway. It just felt like the right time.

What three words would you use to describe your current collection?

dreamy, romantic, smart

What do you think makes your designs different?

Well, we are always romantic and nostalgic, while often dreamy or funny, or even snarky, and we hope a little bit cool and edgy at the same time.  As well, we really try to develop a personal connection with our customers.  To that end, we agonize over every detail of each style- from the graphic, the typography, the colors, the placement, and the overall style, as well as the packaging and presentation.  Each of our pieces is coming from a very emotional and sentimental place, which we hope extends out to our customers.

What do you see in the future for your collection?

I would love to expand- to create a fuller, more realized collection. I would also love to expand into children’s and men’s. But then again, I do have my hands full right now with the line as it is. I can say for sure that there will be more one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces…those are the most fun for me.  I just wish I had a model and a make-up artist on hand at all times- that would make my life so much easier!

Why should people buy clothes from an independent designer over a mass-market store?

On one level, independent design is where a lot of the smartest and newest innovation is occurring, and it’s innovation that is closer to street level, closer to what people are actually wearing day-to-day.  Your average chain store has too many people to please to ever take a step in a new direction.  Independent designers can afford to take risks.

But, on a different level, I think what’s best about independently-made products is that you’re getting something that is made with love and passion, without compromise, and usually the only one slaving over each piece is the designer themselves! There’s often a more personal connection to the work that makes each piece more meaningful.