it’s been a great season achieving one of my 2010 goals opening up an online store. i learned a lot, met great people, and had fun. but, it’s time to close it out for now. don’t worry – this blog isn’t going away – i’ll be back with it in a couple weeks with fresh new posts!
for now, browse the clothing menu boutique, including the sale items, and buy now cause they’ll be gone on monday!
looking to support independent designers or to buy something none of your friends have? shop the clothing menu boutique and browse through the sale items for some great deals. we only carry limited quantities, so buy now if you like something – thanks!
last year, i asked some fellow bloggers and designers why they buy indie. this year, i decided to ask a very similar question to people who know first-hand what it’s like to support independent artists. i asked the designers in the clothing menu boutique, “why buy from an independent designer over a mass-market store?” and here’s what they had to say:
a.g. ambroult - “We are living in a crazy consumption-obsessed country and so much is suffering from it. These days, families spend their ‘quality’ time chasing sales, and resources are being depleted in the name of our throw-away culture. Conversely, independent designers do their tiny part by creating quality-made items that are built to last. Many small business owners do their part to use earth-friendly practices, and they help keep the money local, too.”
Fischer Clothing – “To promote innovation, localization (Fischer Clothing is made here in NYC in a small factory that pays fair wages and has high quality standards) and personal style. People are beginning to re-understand the value of ‘investment dressing,’ which basically means carefully choosing well-crafted pieces which are menat to last for decades.”
Truth – “Independent designers usually put a lot of work and heart into what they create! Plus, you get an exclusive piece, instead of thousands of others with your same piece.”
Pattern Recognitions - “You pay for uniqueness while supporting the artists.”
cuttlefish – “Because there is an opportunity to express your individuality more when your clothing and accessories are not mass-produced and on every third person you walk by. There is a certain pride that can be taken in wearing something that you worked hard to find, select, and wear in a way only you can wear it. And a certain pleasure in knowing that not everyone can have it.”
why do you buy from an independent designer?
in just three words, you can learn a lot about a person - or in this case, a fashion collection. the designers in the clothing menu boutique were asked what three words they would use to describe their current collection in the shop and here’s what they said:
“organic (in an earthy, rough-around-the-edges way), contemporary, easy-going” – a.g. ambroult
“nonchalant, comfortable, off-beat” – Fischer Clothing
“rocker-chic, classy, casual” – Truth
“bold, intricate, colorful” – cuttlefish
“nature, amorphic, play” – Pattern Recognitions
now it’s your turn. what word would you use to describe your style? let me know and you might win 25% of your order in the clothing menu boutique!
details for the giveaway:
- comment on this post here, on facebook, or tweet to @theclothingmenu what one to three words describe your style by Monday, 12/6 midnight EST
- one winner will be chosen next Tuesday to get 25% off your order in the clothing menu boutique (excluding the shipping cost)
- you will be reimbursed the 25% through PayPal within 3 days of your order
- 25% off must be used by January 31, 2011
image from weheartit.com
one month ago the clothing menu boutique launched. it’s been really great to hear all of the positive feedback about it and have support from the designers in the shop and fellow bloggers. please browse the shop to buy clothes and accessories from the talented designers and visit the press page for the blogs that have supported the shop’s launch.
and as a thank you to you, you can buy unique gifts from the clothing menu boutique with free shipping (in the US) for the next week (ends 12/3). the designers only make limited quantities of each item, so buy if you like something because we will sell out quickly!
thank you!
want to buy a gift that can’t be found anywhere else? take a look at this holiday gift guide for unique items from the clothing menu boutique. and don’t forget – we only carry limited quantities, so if you like it, buy it before it’s gone!
does she like music and going to concerts? buy a tank or tee with attitude from Truth.
does she like getting dressed up for a night of dancing/drinks? buy fun earrings from cuttlefish.
is she an all-american girl? buy a classic top from Fischer Clothing or necklace from a.g. ambroult.
is she an artist or appreciate art? buy a “wearable art” scarf from Pattern Recognitions.
i’m excited to introduce a new clothing line, Truth, now selling in the clothing menu boutique! the collection includes tanks and a baseball tee with designs that are sexy + rocker chic. here’s a bit from the designer, Kamii:
How did you get started creating your clothing line?
Shortly after graduating college, I was coming out of a broken relationship. I decided the only way of getting over it was to my focus elsewhere. The main problem with the relationship was all the lies that were told. Spring 2009, I started a brand and called it Truth.
What makes your designs different?
I focus on the simplicity of artwork. I was really tired of seeing tees covered in art that lacked a meaning, so I decided to change things with Truth.
you can buy a tank and this baseball tee below in the shop now. and buy this week because free shipping for the grand opening ends sunday!
this is it – today is the grand opening of my new indie fashion shop, the clothing menu boutique! now you can read about fashion trends and independent designers and then go to the shop to buy from them. my goal is to offer people unique clothes and accessories to buy, but to also tell you about the designer behind them so you have a story to tell when someone compliments you on what you buy here! 
last week i gave you a sneak peak at the designers who are selling in the shop. here they are:
- Fischer Clothing – timeless tops from a Brooklyn designer who creates clothes that are made to be worn in different occasions (work, class, dinner, etc.) so you get the most out of what you buy
- Broken Doll Clothing – trendy tops and a dress from a Calgary designer who makes clothes that look good, but are also comfortable (note, Broken Doll Clothing is not in the shop right now, but will be very soon!)
- a.g. ambroult – earrings, rings, and a necklace from a mom of 2 located in the Boston area who is a metalsmith making interesting pieces of jewelry
- cuttlefish – jewelry from a Boston designer who makes colorful unique pieces out of stones, gems, wood, and glass beads
- Pattern Recognitions – scarves from a designer based in Montreal who prints images onto the scarves from her own video work and photography
happy shopping! new designers and items will be added all the time and the shop only carries small quantities, so if you like something, buy it before someone else does! free shipping in the US for the grand opening.
last week i shared the exciting news that the clothing menu is opening up an online store. well, it opens on monday selling clothes, scarves and jewelry from 5 designers for the launch of the store opening! i’m not going to release the names yet because you’ll have to check back when the shop is open :). but here is a little bit about what you’ll find:
- timeless tops from a Brooklyn designer who creates clothes that are made to be worn in different occasions (work, class, dinner, etc.) so you get the most out of what you buy
- trendy tops and a dress from a Calgary designer who makes clothes that look good, but are also comfortable
- earrings, rings, and a necklace from a mom of 2 located in the Boston area who is a metalsmith making interesting pieces of jewelry
- jewelry from a Boston designer who makes colorful unique pieces out of stones, gems, wood, and glass beads
- scarves from a designer based in Montreal who prints images onto the scarves from her own video work and photography
are you excited yet? i am! visit on monday to buy from these talented designers and continue reading the blog for more on each of them.
i recently found out about a brand new clothing line, dollparts, based in chicago. the concept behind the line is really cool. the designer, michelle, takes vintage/thrifted clothes and leftover/unused fabric to create new clothes! she is very focused on ensuring that the clothing line is eco-friendly by minimizing the amount of fabric that is used and by recycling fabric and details, like buttons and zippers, wherever possible. since dollparts is a new clothing line, there are 2 things you can do to make sure it’s a success:
- buy dollpart’s original clothes and vintage finds from the online store that just opened this week
- help fund the clothing line through kickstarter. there are only 12 more days left – ends October 27!
what do you think of dollparts?
