Being an indie designer can often be a bit lonely, spending countless hours holed up in my studio cutting fabric, sanding, painting and sketching. Though I think you never truly know yourself until you create alone there is an interesting phenomenon that has begun to take shape in our generation. Perhaps it is a need to be different, a need to have a voice, a need to share and to become a more responsible consumer. The definition of “community” has changed so dramatically in my relatively short lifespan. We are no longer defined by zip codes, state lines or vast oceans…all we have to do is to turn on our computers and type the infinite phrase:http://www.______.com. There is quite possibly a limitless amount of information available at our fingertips.

Most artists, designers and crafters are all very familiar with Etsy the premiere handmade marketplace to buy and sell handmade items. What I didn’t expect was a conversation I overheard this weekend while in an upscale salon in the Chicagoland Suburbs. Two twenty-somethings were perusing hair magazines, one toting a black Coach Bag and the other a very unique tote which had of course immediately caught my attention as well.

They were having a conversation about their handbags and the girl mentioned that she had purchased it on Etsy. The other girl started asking questions, commenting that she had never heard of that store but that she really would like to have a handbag that everyone else wasn’t carrying.

What struck my interest most about their conversation was the shift in consumer attitude. Now I realize that this isn’t any sort of ground breaking discovery on my part, it was just very unexpected especially given my location where labels are the ultimate status symbol. It drove home the realization that there has in fact been real growth in the independent market and that it had even stretched to the spot in which I was sitting.

And strangely enough this morning while sorting through my e-mail and favorite morning blogs I stumbled on an Etsy video I thought was worth sharing:

What I enjoy most about Etsy is the communal environment of creativity they have built. You can add items and shops to a favorites list, share, ask questions in the forums and of course buy and sell amazing items from artists, designers and crafters the world over.

The concept that we as artists and consumers are no longer defined by our physical location and now able to reach one another in a whole new way is exciting. This movement that embraces creativity and places a true value and opportunity to earn a living wage is the fundamental idea on which the American Dream was built.

And of of course I would be remiss not to mention that fashionjenn handbags are also available on Etsy!

Simple decor, but not too bare

Got the chance to visit a boutique I read about on ThrillList.com called p+l. They are located on the 2900 block of Clark in Chicago, just a few doors south of the Clark Dog.

Let me just say that I was in love from the very moment I set foot inside. They have a smallish space but it is very well organized and very smartly detailed to showcase the variety of wearables and accessories they carry. Men on the left, ladies on the right; they have a great selection of indie labels from Insight to Wrath Arcane for men and a great little collection of wooden jewelery (Bauxo) handmade in Bali for the ladies. Yes, they have the staples of denim and tees but they also stay very current and with the season. The labels are not the main focus of this neat Chicago boutique but they provided a blend that was as cohesive and appealing as the labels themselves.

I’ll definitely be headed back there, because not only did they exceed my expectations for selection and value but their staff (Paul especially) was so helpful and courteous I just wanted to give him a big hug before we left.

If you are looking for something on the unique side but not so far out you can’t wear it everywhere then I am sure P+L will have something for you. The few sale items they had left from the summer were not throw aways and they were very reasonably priced.

From Industry for the Girls to Wrath Arcane for the Boys