for now, browse the clothing menu boutique, including the sale items, and buy now cause they’ll be gone on monday!

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!

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.

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!

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.

- 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.

- 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?