Mixt Goods is an online marketplace that features handcrafted goods from North American artists. Started by husband and wife team Sandra and Chris Ross, the site supports local independant artists from around the country by providing a marketplace for them to sell their unique handmade goods at fair prices. Handbags, clothing, art...just about anything you would expect to find that is handmade! I recognize a bunch of the names from Etsy and a few new ones that I was happy to find!
Little Pretty is a fabulous on-line boutique that features gorgeous jewelry from eight gifted American designers. With designs ranging from simple and elegant to bold and chunky, there is something for everyone here and at a great range of prices. What I especially like about the store is that the owner is focused on promoting the designs of smaller independent designers who are committed to the quality and uniqueness of their work. Each piece on Little Pretty is handmade by the designers in their own homes, stores, or workshops, not in a factory. It is a great place to check out some of the new up-and-coming jewelry designers that are out right now. Because everyone deserves a little pretty. 
LoungeLuxe is a fabulous site that features stylish handbags, unique jewelry, chic apparel, and luxurious skin care products from some of the most promising emerging talent in the country. Not a retail site, LoungeLuxe is an advertising co-operative that enables independent designers to pool their promotional dollars to purchase advertising they might not be able to afford on their own. For indie designers, like myself, this is a great tool to help get your name out there. For buyers, this is a great way to see some wonderful talent all in one place. And, now through November 15, sign up for their mailing list and automatically be entered to win a fabulous collection of goodies from various members of LoungeLuxe. 
Frock Boutique, a beautiful boutique in downtown Houston, has now opened a wonderful online shop filled with the same chic and totally wearable pieces from hip indie and up and coming labels. The mix of brands is fantastic: silk tops and tunics from Yumi Kim, vividly patterned dresses from T-Bags and sweater tanks from Stacia. Bonus: Right now everything is on sale (30% to 50% off!!). Check out more HERE.
B.Dazzled is a great new on-line boutique that provides a wonderful selection of funky and hip accessories from up and coming designers from around the country. Clothing, jewelry, even gifts, can be found at this eclectic little shop. Some of my favorites are this rhinestone-adorned, tea-dyed tank, so cute and sassy, that would look perfect with some wide legged trousers and a chic pair of wedge flip flops. Add this great metallic leather bracelet, available in silver or gold, and you have an easy-going, but fabulous looking outfit! Check out more HERE and start shopping outside the mall.
Artchestra is a charming on-line boutique that carries an exquisite selection of accessories, jewelry, art and home goods from some really talented independent emerging artists. Items range from ultrafeminine lampwork bracelets by Katie Gerner (the Kona featured below is one of my favorites), to beautiful clay boxes by Jennifer Lacour (all heavily embellished with copper, gemstones and beads), and simply stunning handformed clay bowls by Marea Palmer-Loh (the Honey Flower featured below has amazing pools of red and blue throughout). Colorful and cheerful, this is a great shop to do all your mother's day shopping at once. And, now through May 13, 2007, you can take 10% off your total purchase by entering the code MOM at checkout.
Some styles of fashion may come and go (and we all know the ones we wish would stay away forever!), but others will always be in style. And with this adage in my head, my choice for Cool Site of the Week is Sydney's Vintage Clothing Shop. Sydney Nichols, the owner of the on-line boutique, has been a collector of vintage clothing for many years and has been selling them for the past four. You will simply be amazed at the amount (and quality!) of vintage clothing and accessories that she carries. Vintage suits, dresses, and accessories (to name a few) from the Civil War era, the swinging 40's, rockin' 50's, mod 60's, disco 70's, pink 80's, and up to modern day designer labels, can all be found in her shop. Sydney searches estate sales and flea markets and collects only the best of the best. She also writes an interesting blog on these "treasure hunts." Want something, but cannot find it on her site? Just email her and she will check her huge inventory to see if she has it. With over 5000 pieces in stock, there's a good chance she will. 
My choice for this week's Cool Site of the Week is My Bonnie & Clyde. Dedicated to promoting and supporting independent artists and designers, My Bonnie & Clyde offers artists of all mediums the opportunity to gain exposure and share their creative expression with the world. Some of the many wares at this on-line shop include really cool wall art by artist Caroline Bolter (also the owner of the site!), great music by recording artist Amanda Rogers, beautiful vintage inspired jewelry by Laura James, and handprinted clothing by Hopeful Monsters. The site is very easy to navigate and the shop is named after the notorious outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow who refused to conform to society's rules and regulations: Caroline's tribute to those that think outside of the box and thrive on their own independence. Shop Indie!!
Cleveland's greatest concentration of cool galleries and boutiques are found between trendy cafes and established restaurants in historic Little Italy. However, if you're pinched for time and can choose only one shop to visit, Gina's Gallery and Boutique, in the former gallery once occupied by the Fiori Gallery, is your spot. There is so much to see in this newly renovated boutique that you are guaranteed to find something for everyone on your holiday list. Owner Gina Dudnik has an uncanny eye for what's stylish and the Boutique features clothing, jewelry and accessories from the most promising up-and-coming designers such as one-of-a-kind retro inspired clothing by Cleveland's own Pinky's Daily Planner (who is having a trunk show on December 9, 2006), hand crafted bags featuring japanese and vintage fabrics by Feisty Studio and fun and flirty hostess aprons by the Gina Show (the talented owner herself). The Gallery showcases photography, sculpture, art glass, pottery and paintings from local and national artists including this funky bright cobalt blue octopus by Anchor Bend Glass. Stop by if you are in the Cleveland area for a totally unpretentious shopping experience or check out her website at www.ginasgalleryandboutique.com. 
Jane's Closet, a relative newcomer to the on-line shopping worlds, makes an indie-cool, edgy statement by featuring clothing, accessories and jewelry from the most promising new names in fashion. Devoted exclusively to promoting up-and-coming talent such as Pure Vida, Alisha Levine, Sara Luna, and Cigana, you will find lots of cool superfeminine, statement-y pieces that you just wont' find anywhere else. Right now, I am loving the Jazzd Pea Soup purse (the faux fur topped with an orange and brass buckle add up to a gorgeously ununusual bag), the olive silk dress by Alisha Levine (curvy details and the gathered elastic teal belt make this dress so modern and feminine), the two cream and black dresses by Sara Luna and Cigana (the subtle volume and 60's style chic are fabulous plus the added versatility of being able to wear now and in the summer) and the backless top by Alisha Levine (sleek and fitted at top, flowing down from the chest, and wait till you see the back!) Save 15% on the all non-sale items at www.janescloset.com by using the code: bloominglily during checkout! 
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