Yesterday was all about the big deals at the big box stores. Today give love to the small businesses in your community and online. Today bypass the major chain and patronize the indie coffee shop, visit the small market, pop into the mom and pop shop. If you're shopping online, here's my favorite fashionable small businesses:
I bought a leather bag from their Etsy shop a few years ago and it continues to be my most-used bag in my closet and the most versatile. It still looks like new, the leather so soft yet thick, the hardware strong, the style made to accommodate a lot of stuff and a lot of trips. Rough and Tumble is a woman-owned small business based out of Maine and they have a large variety items in their shop - beeswaxed canvas products, jewelry, clothing, shoes and boots, and unisex items and gifts for many people on your holiday list.
I connected with Cortnie when she still lived in the DC area. I bought one of her LoveCortnie bags after seeing so many fellow bloggers rock them and it continues to be one of my most-used and loved clutches. Cortnie's collection has grown from just clutch bags to totes, bucket bags, and fab accessories like tassels to update your bag (and make great gifts!). Right now she's offering free shipping with any order that includes at least two accessories.
I love Stella's unique style, flattering fit, and how she uses so many natural yet luxe fabrics. I love how the line can mold to your personal style; Adrienne at The Rich Life in Wine Country has a completely different figure, personal style, and lifestyle from me yet we both love and regularly wear the line. Stella Carakasi is a woman-designed business in California.
Brynn Capella is a Chicago-based handbag designer and self taught. Her bags are made of gorgeous leather with a boho feel that I find dress up and down nicely. I have the Nikki Clutch and the finish and studs are gorgeous, it's a perfect size, and I love that it comes with a strap to easily make it into a shoulder bag. The Angi satchel is the type of bag you can use daily for years.
Delicious scents and delightful bracelets by a big-hearted woman I now consider a friend. Lynette makes all her product for Lifetherapy in the USA and I love how the goal of her line is to choose your mood and embrace positivity. I love adding one of her beaded bracelets to my mix of metal on my wrist, and really dig her line of necklaces. Her bath and body products make for a great gift.
