Independent designers: Tarantula Clothing Company

If you're a fan of vintage clothing, you'll know that there comes a point when you realise you've worn your favourite items to death and it's time to send your much-loved threads to Garment Heaven. That's when vintage reproduction clothing enters, with a much-needed fresh flourish -- you get the retro look that you want, minus all that wear and tear.

Check out these two outfits from the Los Angeles-based Tarantula Clothing Company -- I love the look of that white linen skirt and the reversible t-shirts (in fact, I really love those t-shirts!).

Sex Kitten Capris ($75.00). Reversible t-shirt ($60.00)

White Linen Zsa Zsa Skirt ($89.00): Reversible T-shirt ($60.00)

Pauric Sweeney Overnight Bag

I was having a quick look around Browns when I came across this Pauric Sweeney overnight bag. I think I could be persuaded to carry it to a little 'stayover' or two.



Pauric Sweeney Patent Overnight Bag (£655.00)

Handmade Knitwear: Uloni at Etsy

Stores have been awash with mass-produced hats and gloves for the last couple of months but I much prefer to have something original from an independent designer. I love the look of these handmade wristwarmers and the earflap hat from Uloni at Etsy.

Beige/Cherry Red Wrist Warmers with thumb ($32.00)

Cabled Wrist Warmers ($32.00)

Spiky Knit Earflap Hat -- Spitzmuetze ($22.00)

All Mighty Clothing

Over at the Larkin & Catcher store, we've just put on some adorable designs from the independent All Mighty clothing line. All Mighty clothing looks original, slightly quirky and has a nice retro feel to it. Perfect for the girl who's not a slave to trends, want to wear something that's not available in High Street stores and has a bit of a liking for 1950's/1960's styling.

Mercer Top (£30.00)

The Willoughby Top (£49.00)

Battery Blue Jacket (£59.00)

Happy Rain Black Top (£20.00)

We've only a very small selection of All Mighty clothing, so if you want to see their whole collection -- or if you live in the USA -- head over to their web store and see what they have to offer.

Damned Dollies

I personally think that Barbie gets a bit of a bad press, in terms of her part in brainwashing girls with a distorted view of the female form. Most kids know the doll is just a piece of plastic which is fun to dress up and by the time we reach our teens we've worked out that 'she' is only an idealised version of reality.

But if you prefer dolls with a bit more bite, have a look at Dana De Kuyper's Damned Dollies. These handmade, one-of a kind creations don't have even a smidgen of a Stepford Wife about them and have more attitude than Naomi Campbell on a bad day. De Kuyper's illustrations are also available on clothing and purses.

Bianca Dolly ($35.00)

Bear Purse ($14.00)

Louisa Brooch ($24.00)

Hoodie -- Aviator design ($49.00)

Swank Jewellery

If you grew up in the 1980's you might be particularly interested in the cute jewellery at Swank. Betty Wignell takes her inspiration from the toys that were around in her 1980's childhood and everything you see on Swank is designed and handmade by Betty herself.

Chuck Out Your Chintz Necklace (£9.00)

Glossy Bitch Lightbulb Necklace (£35.00)

Lego People Necklaces (£13.00)

Independent fashion designers: Bonzie at Etsy

I was getting kind of tired of Etsy mid-way through last year -- too many little bits and pieces that I could have made myself, blindfolded and with both hands tied behind my back (not that I go in for that sort of thing...). But Etsy's just got better and better recently and there's a great deal of talent and creativity shining through.

Look what the independent Irish fashion label Bonzie has to offer, for instance. Gorgeous designs in luxurious fabrics, with more than a dash of Steampunk about them. Several items from Bonzie are now definitely on my 'I Want' list (which is, admittedly, around a few miles long).

Custom Made Venetian Inspired Jacket ($350.00)

Couture Victorian Ruffled Scarf ($70.00)

Fabulous Embellished Spats ($70.00)

Jmaccknit at Etsy

I had decided to have a break from posting today but I couldn't resist a quick look-see at Etsy -- only to discover some really talented designers that I hadn't come across before. Can't spend too much time here today but just had to make a quick mention of Jmaccknit. I love the Encyclopedia Brown Capelet and -- if her Sold section is anything to go by -- this designer's shop is well worth checking out again to see what other gorgeous knits she has in store for us.


Encyclopedia Brown Capelet ($60.00)