Well, it would be silly to go home because then you would still be going local!… Alright, aside from a good pun, there is nothing we love more than to support local businesses. WE LOVE LOCAL! We would shout it from the rooftops if we could. Shopping small and supporting independent retailers are hot tickets right now. So, why don’t you jump ahead of the trend and start shopping small?!
Local brands bring you individualized goods, and what better way to express your Personal Style than with something that really is uniquely yours. Chicago is becoming a hotbed for artisan entrepreneurs and we couldn’t be more excited to be smack dab in the middle of it all.
This week we are featuring some of our absolute favorite 'indie' brands. Most of these goods are handcrafted, which only makes them more special because of the hard work and soul that went into their creation. When you buy something from these talented individuals, you are doing more than just getting an amazing new item to covet, you are supporting their art form and paying respect to their talent - something everyone can appreciate.
Please enjoy some of our most precious belongings and check out and support these amazing businesses. You will not be disappointed.
Mineralogy
One-of-a-kind and handcrafted jewelry made right here in Chicago.
Theresa Cowen makes each piece using raw and uncut natural materials.
Mineralogy jewelry can be found online or in other organic-aestheticized stores, including Anthropologie.
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Lily Dawson Designs
Handcrafting since 2009, Lily Dawson is a midwest native who currently lives in Missouri.
Dawson's authentic and inspired pieces can be found in many boutiques, including Chicago's own, Von Z.
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Beadniks
Beadniks is a boutique located in Wicker Park where customers can hand-string their very own jewelry pieces.
Beadniks celebrates personal creativity and hosts classes and workshops that are great for GNOs!
This spot is perfect for handcrafting a heartfelt and personalized gift for anyone. :)
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Knot & Splice is designed by Chicago-graduate Nicole Jo Melton.
Her pieces are made with materials sourced by independent collectors and suppliers.
These beautiful handcrafted adornments can be found in Wicker Park's Asrai Garden.
Shop Knot & Splice
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Zora Jewelry
Zora, this jewelry designer, was born and raised here in Chicago.
All her work is handcrafted personally in her Wicker Park studio.
Her main focus and source of inspiration is the combination of elegance and simplicity.
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DPTR
DPTR, started by three Chicago men, is a clothing brand devoted to the ambitious creative minds and trendsetters of our time.
Their pieces can be found online and at Akira Men in Chicago's own Bucktown.
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Vivid Braille
Vivid Braille is a designer boutique located in Old Town.
The shop sells sporty lines like Opening Ceremony, Y-3, and Marshall Artist.
They have also recently expanded to their own designs, which are all created in store by creative director Brock Willsey. Vivid Braille also offers experienced craftsman classes.
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City of Win
City of Win is a clothing and lifestyle brand focused around the sports teams of Chicago.
The company prides itself on bringing together apparel, music, and event-related creatives.
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Alapash
Alapash is a Chicago-founded company that produces terrariums and other botanical-based goods.
Each terrarium is made as one-of-a-kind. Alapash prides itself on its love for collaborations with other artisans and crafters.
Individualize yourself by buying individual pieces and intermixing them into your personal style. Not only will you be in love with your piece, your money will be going directly to hard-working, truly inspired, and one-of-a-kind artisans.
Truly Yours,
P.S. "I believe small is the new big. Downsizing has become one of the most prevailing trends of our times, and it is likely to continue." - Sanford Stein, Retail Schmetail
To learn more about today's retail trends, purchase Sanford Stein's 'Retail Schmetial: One Hundred Years, Two Immigrants, Three Generations, Four Hundred Projects.'
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