...Anyone else like small weird designers? - YouLookFab Forum

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...Anyone else like small weird designers?

ironkurtin

Veteran

Feeling a little bit lonely on the forum at the moment! I don't shop at most of the venues people mention here; for example, I don't do NAS. And I don't worry about fitting into a strict employment dress norm, since I'm in entertainment.

I've always loved smaller designers. I posted some here in the past: Masnada, Spina, Inhabit, Herff Christiansen, Wayne, Prairie Underground, Nau. I combine these with more mainstream labels, of course, but I'm always seeking them out - they have a tragic ability to suddenly disappear!

Anyone else in my boat? Any smaller labels you love?

Posting a picture from the Masnada site, I just purchased that jacket off Yoox. If it fits, I won't be wearing it with the full outfit shown here! It's all sustainable cotton.

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Shopping

29 replies

Latest reply was from cciele

Diana

Veteran

I do, but I can't really afford most of it unless it's on massive sale and I often can't find it here in boston to try on.

Photo is of an outfit with my Ines Raspoort jacket which I scored on major sale at Century 21. I'd have a lot more small designer stuff if I lived in NYC.

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Mo

(website)

Veteran

I think I'm too low end of a shopper to even know these labels! I am not very brand conscious in general, but I do like the architectural vibe of the items you often show us.
I hear you on not joining the crowd in the same shopping destinations. I'm not usually buying what most here are, and I also don't have an employment code to dress for.

Keix

Veteran

My clothing tastes are primarily mainstream (albeit Anthropologie-type more than Nordstrom-type) but I like to mix in indie and ethnic stuff. LiaMolly does some great knitwear with unusual patterns, although out of my price range unless it's on sale. I also have two "magic wrap" skirts made from recycled Indian sari silk, which are some of my most-complimented pieces.

My foray into small, weird designers is primarily in jewelry. I love, love, love the work of Kythryne Aisling at Wyrding Studios, and recently discovered the affordable Quebecois artist Christophe Poly. Etsy is another great source for independent jewelry designers, of course.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Chin up, Dana! I'll shop whatever brand passes my style and quality filter. In whichever country I am shopping in. And you should too. It's all good and we leave no retail stone unturned :)!

The most important part here is that you are happy with your style and purchases. For a recent while you weren't happy, and I may have missed the update - perhaps you are happy with your style now? But if you're not, it's worth investigating why - and that *may* include the types of places/brands that you shop.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Hello Angie! I've done some massive closet purging (bringing much joy to other mummy friends who are shopping my closet with glee) and some soul searching on what is left. I posted recently about my takeaways, I think. One of my findings is that I like textural, odder pieces contrasted with a very classic foundation. I find the smaller labels often provide that touch of architectural interest I like, much more than mainstream labels. I've always liked small labels, and now I know why!

I do notice that you seldom post the labels for your own purchases, though. I can see why, but sometimes I like to know who makes things so I can check out their other artistries.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I would be totally bored if everyone on YLF liked and wore the same things. I'm so glad you are here and bring your perspective to the table. I really do like much of what you share, and would probably try it out if the dress code at my office weren't so strict. I have to spend a pretty penny for my work wardrobe, which doesn't leave me with much to explore other styles. If I could, I'm sure I would try out more of the types of things you show. I love looking!

Anonymous

I do!!! Speaking of which I have lots of info for you, but you'll have to check my post to see why I haven't yet got back to you! But, I'll have even more info for you after Tuesday. We're in Chamonix (special surprise from my other half), but going down to MILAN on Monday!!!!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

i want to completely echo Amy's thoughts. I adore seeing your style IK. i work in a conservative office which dictates much of the items I can wear (although I try my best to "Shannon-ize" my style) and where I live doesn't offer a huge variety of designers to shop. I like that YLF has members of all sizes, shapes, financial means and styles - it's what makes this community so unique and diverse. Don't feel lonely - feel like an individual that we are all waiting to see what you're wearing next!

BTW - that jacket is DIVINE! And I'm not shopping NAS either.

ironkurtin

Veteran

For those of you who think small designers must be $$$, I typically cap out at below $50 per piece. I stalk on ebay, small online boutqiues, and Yoox. I've spent more on a single Eileen Fisher or pair of 7FAM jeans than I have on an indie piece!

Freckles

Veteran

I love small independent designers but they tend to be pricey and go out of business quite quickly. I used to foray in this when I worked but stopped when I left work. Jewellery is my one passion for the different. The Musee des beaux-arts in Montreal always has some stunning pieces and there is a kiosk at the Ottawa airport of a Montreal designer that I just love.

Jonesy

Veteran

I love yoox.com! I cruise the site probably twice a week :). Love their footwear and some designer stuff too. Don't feel lonely! I think YLF has a variety of different styles represented--though it might *feel* like you are flying solo, there are plenty of people who can feel a kinship to you even if they don't dress identically to you or share your style exactly, you know?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Love what Jonesy said.

That makes sense, Dana. I'm glad that you have honed your style! Our styles could not be more different but I totally appreciate and dig your look! Perhaps you might even appreciate my polar opposite style. Variety is the spice of life. It works *for you*. You feel confident sporting it and that's what it's all about.

I don't post where I bought the things that I wear because I just don't think it's important. YLF is not about my style, body type, and budget. YLF is a celebration of all styles, body types and budgets. That said, I am MORE than happy to share my wardrobe info when asked though. I have no style or shopping secrets. My goodness - I am the co-founder of YLF. All I do is share information

btw, I LOVE yoox.com. I am always looking at their stuff and make a few purchases a year from the site.

Diana

Veteran

Sort of OT, but IK, do you know a good way of getting more information about the things that are sold on Yoox? They have so much cool stuff, I am always hesitant to order because they provide so little identifying information for the pieces - usually just something like Designer name + pants. I am a difficult enough to fit size that I like to be able to look things up elsewhere to see if there are reviews, sizing info, etc, and I can never figure out what the actual style names/numbers are from the pic alone. (For example, I saw something that looked like my much loved Vince jeans from a couple of years ago, but couldn't tell if they were actually the same style - my pair is a size, possibly two, down from my normal Vince size so it would ONLY fit if it were the same style, and I CAN'T TELL on Yoox. Drives me nuts.)

rae

(website)

Veteran

I love them! But it's so rare that I am able to try the pieces on with free returns and exchanges the way I'm able to do with bigger designers and chains. And when I do find an odd brand at the swap meet, for example, I have a helluva time tracking the brand down. I'm always very impressed with the wonderful things you find!

Jonesy

Veteran

It *is* a bit of a leap of faith with Yoox, for sure! Sometimes I can find info. on a piece or a brand from another site, but other times I just go for it and cross my fingers.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Diana - what Jonesy said. Deep breath and take a try! No, shipping and returns aren't free, but the experiment is part of the fun. Sometimes I do get burned, like the no-return Theyskens top and the rag&bone jeans that were missized. But nothing ventured nothing gained!

Angie, I LOVE your style! On you - it wouldn't work for me. This is something I had have to learn through painful and costly trial and error. We have totally different body types, and it really does make a difference to how a piece looks.

Kate

Veteran

IK, I love your style and really enjoy seeing what you wear. I love independent quirky designers too, but I just don't have the time to search them out. When we lived in Europe, it was so much easier to do so. I still have some items from young Belgian designers that I bought when we lived there in the early 90s. My only recent purchase was a dress (tunic for me!) from a tiny shop in Reykjavík, Iceland—we were there earlier this summer on vacation—called Einvera on Laugavegur. Sisters Rebekka and Katrín Alda Rafnsdóttir design under the label KALDA. They also sell some of their designs under contract to Liberty of London. Great stuff, that I think might appeal to you. Here are some pieces from their 2011 line:

http://blog.icelanddesign.is/rff-kalda/

Abie

Veteran

I love small independent designers, A few of my favorites have gotten a lot bigger since I started buying from/looking at them... Kiyonna, Igigi

Others I like are Toombas Jeans, Svoboda, Coco and Juan from etsy.. Diane Kennedy in Canada..

I intend to explore this more in the future. There are some complications involved. I'm plus size and I like most of my items to fit closely. You really have to take risks to buy things like that sale or resale as you have to bet on being able to resell yourself if it doesn't work.

This doesn't stop me it just means that I have to add that stuff as icing right now and not the bulk of my wardrobe. I think I started out this year with not many things at all as I had a baby recently and had to start from scratch. but I do intend to add more in the future as opportunity arises. I'm constantly looking.

I also have a secret obsession with tailored and architectural pieces in hot weather eco fabrics, linens, flax, bamboo.. some lagenlook styles..and have been spending loads of time looking at this stuff. A lot of these items for plus are more boxy and loose fitting, but occasionally I run into a gem that has more fitted shape.

I'm trigger shy though as much as I like I can't quite figure out how to merge with what's been working for me lately. I almost feel like I should start exploring a whole separate thread of outfits with those elements and then figure out how to better integrate later.

This is a newish obsession for me. I think I will have more appetite for risk when everyone starts buying fall/winter stuff and linens are on sale.

K. Period.

Veteran

Don't feel lonely! I LOVE your clothing choices and feel inspired by you. Although I'm probably squarely in the modern classic world, it is more because of personal comfort with that style than by style choice. I absolutely adore modern, architectural styles and I often search the modern indie designers you list. I know that may not make you feel more involved with a group of equals, which I totally sympathize with, but if you are a leader, you are a leader. I would guess that in most circles you would still be a style leader, even in New York.

Jonesy

Veteran

Another thing to add: as the replies attest, there are plenty of people here who admire your style and are squarely in Camp Exploration/Experimentation in terms of their own style choices. For example, I may not share your style, but I do love to wear interesting, slightly unusual things, and am being drawn more and more to those types of pieces. Sounds like others here are on that same sort of journey.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I love Acne, but I don't think they're small and indie anymore. I wish I could get Sass & Bide easier. My few Improvd pieces generate lots of positive comments. For shoes I love LD Tuttle and recently Dieppa Restrepo.
But I also like fashion-y brands like Isabel Marant, Marni, and recently Carven.
You have a very defined style that works for you, your environment and climate.
I know my style has changed, but I still haven't figured out where I'm going.
ETA nobody dresses like me on the forum or in real life. I haven't even found a blogger doppelganger.

fern

Veteran

I'm glad Abie commented.
What I was going to say was: small independent designers and Yoox always make me feel sized out. I love Nau's aesthetic, they are local for me, but anything I've tried on was cut for a slim-hipped woman.

However, Abie's list of designers gives me hope to keep looking around. I just haven't found my designers yet.

jayne

Veteran

I don't really look for big or small designer, just clothes that will fit my style no matter what shop it is. I love seeing your posts and AB because they are so original and different to my own. But I guess I can understand your frustration being alone in your style since you don't have a specific person to exchange ideas with. When I go shopping now and see brands here I think of you or AB since for example the midsize brands like Acne are easily found.

Anonymous

Oh, no small, weird designers for me. I prefer my designers statuesque and conventional.

Just kidding.

I understand the appeal of smaller designers -- it's something like the fashion equivalent of wanting to eat local/organic/sustainable food, no?

And there must be a bigger thrill in the hunt of something harder to find.

I've seen several interesting articles about Michelle Obama's choice of some lesser known designers. She can transform their careers - I guess if you really love a small label and don't want it to disappear, hope that the first lady wears it!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....23723.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02.....wanted=all

I appreciate your aesthetic and what your bring to YLF, IK.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Alicat, it's more that smaller designers can take more risks, I think. They can have a distinct vision because they're deliberately appealing to a smaller market.

Also, I respect how they have to hustle like hell to get their vision out. The fashion world is a grinder, and it eats creative people alive! So I like to let them know I appreciate their efforts.

That's not to say I don't love me some mainstream action or big brands, their designers sweat blood too. They just have more money behind them.

And you're all very sweet with the compliments. Everyone go buy some slim black pants and a crazy draped linen top!

Anonymous

slim black pants: check (just got the Vince ponte pants at NAS)

will work on crazy draped linen top!

K. Period.

Veteran

Ha ha ha! Slim black pants? "Check!" for me too. Do my Souchi cotton sweater (in graphite gray) and CYDWOQ boots count? (Both similar to these....)

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jen

sass and bide, scanlan & theodore

cciele

Veteran

IK -- I also love your style and peeking into your cool wardrobe. And I'm a fan of supporting small local designers; I've posted several pieces by Miranda Caroligne, Kathleen van der Spek, and Alexandra von Bromssen. I also have pieces by Ghetto Goldilocks and hat designer Jasmine Zorlu.