I wasn’t sure what she meant by that.  Do you look through the sets people designed and go from there?  You can, but what my co-worker does is use the search products feature in the upper right-hand corner.   This works best when you are looking for something really specific, like an olive colored dress for example.  Just type in what you are looking for and up comes a bunch of results with images you can scroll through including the price and what online store you can buy it from.

If you see something you like, just hover over it and you can see sets people created with that item or you can go directly to the online store it’s from and buy it.  Very smart!  Anyone else use Polyvore to shop?

theswapaholics.com

Swap events are the ultimate in sustainable fashion.  So it’s clear how swap meets made a lot of sense when the recession hit and people needed to cut back.  These events have been a great way to still get that “retail therapy” fix we all need, but for little to no cost.  It’s become more accepted over these penny-pinching years to shop at consignment stores, repeat wearing your clothes more often, and attend these swap events.  But, as the economy starts to pick-up again and people’s discretionary income comes back, will people go back to the mall and skip over wearing other people’s clothes?  Or have these events introduced a brand new way of responsible shopping that is here to stay?

I think even if the recession is going away, people are still struggling to get by and it will take years to get back to where we were before it all went downhill.  With gas prices going up now due to the protests in North Africa, the cost of clothes and food are the next things to rise, so cutting back on the excesses of shopping will be here for awhile.  I do think for those people who are not so passionate about the consignment store way of shopping, they will be the first to go back to the traditional way of buying new clothes as soon as they have the money to spend.  But for people who have always been interested in sustainability, but just found out about responsible clothes shopping, swap events will be here despite the economy.

PS – What do you want to see more of on this blog? Let me know by voting here - 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!

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!

How did you get started creating your accessory line?

I am a video artist and I started experimenting with printing video stills from my work on various materials, such as wood and plexiglass and when I printed on fabric I immediately wanted to wear the prints, so this where it all started..

What makes your designs different?

It is wearable art.

there are 2 different scarf designs from Pattern Recognitions in the shop and more to come!

How did you get started creating your accessory line?

My company has a holiday fair each year for people to sell/show off their crafty side.  I had been making my own jewelry for some time and thought I would show the few pieces I had for fun.  I ended up selling all of them and taking over 50 orders for additional jewerly.  It made me think maybe there was a market out there for my work.

What makes your designs different?

My designs can vary in tone from season to season – sometimes I lean towards a certain color palette, sometimes I prefer to create items overly simple, and other times I want to create big, grandioise jewelry, but I try to always take a playful approach to beaded jewelry.  I particularly like to bring in a variety of colors and textures and toy with asymmetry to find new styles and designs I have not seen in other work.

there are multiple earrings and necklaces from cuttlefish in the shop.  go take a look and buy now while shipping is free!