Today I am highlighting a few of the small (but mighty) independent brands and retailers that I love. The events of the past few weeks have hit these businesses so hard and I want to give extra attention to these brands (and friends) that bring me so much joy and happiness. Scroll down to read about some of my favorites and please support small brands!
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MEGABABE
Founded by one of the loveliest people on the internet (and IRL), Katie Sturino, Megababe is an incredible brand featuring beauty and self care products that I adore. I am personally a huge fan of Rosy Pits and Squeaky Clean – which is so very necessary right now! P.S. Katie is hilarious and an excellent follow on Instagram.
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HAMPDEN CLOTHING
Stacy Smallwood is the force behind the most well curated and beautiful shop in Charleston, South Carolina. She recently expanded her footprint on King Street and carries so many of the brands that I love including Tibi, Golden Goose, Lizzie Fortunado, Viktor and Rolf (top featured above), and the list goes on and on for days. While her shop sits downtown in Charleston, her website ships worldwide! Her new arrivals never disappoint.
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PACHAREE
This brand is new to me, and the B letter necklace that I am wearing above has quickly become a favorite of mine. The brands designs are defined by natural forms and shapes that compliment the natural beauty of their pearls and precious stones. Sophie, the founder, grew up in a gem trading family, and her love of art and gemstones shines through in each piece.
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HESTER BLY
Is Palm Springs your vibe? Do you love the 60’s? Slim Aarons? A great caftan? Well you should meet Hester Bly! This brand is all kinds of colorful and all kinds of fun. They have so many day time frocks that can easily be dressed up with a great heel and statement earrings for a night out!
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LEAL DACCARETT
The Colombian based designers Francisco Leal and Karen Daccarett caught my eye years ago and have remained a force in my closet every since. Their theatrical designs create incredibly inventive combinations. Think bright colors, exaggerated shapes, and lots of tie front tops!
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BURU
Founder Megan Hutchinson (a former stylist) founded and created BURU for the modern mother. And while I’m not a mom myself, that hasn’t stopped me from picking up a few of her versatile items. Her pieces are all hand-picked for their ability to withstand the demands of motherhood – think washability and toughness – without ever sacrificing style.
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PAMELA MUNSON
I am so lucky to call Pam a dear friend. We connected years ago when she was just starting her business and her passion and love for product is so palpable in everything she touches. Her bag creations are casual, yet still sophisticated and feminine. She started with a few signature styles and her line has since grown in so many thoughtful ways. From shoulder bags to crossbodys and clutches to totes, there is truly a straw bag for every occasion in your life! I can’t count how many compliments I have received while carrying her creations.
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YULIYA MAGDYCH
These stunning embroidered creations bring me so much happiness and always put a smile on my face. Julia dreams up the most interesting color combinations and embroidery techniques that feel like true works of art. Her desire to rethink traditional Ukrainian national costume aesthetics is such a breath of fresh air. Please check them out here.
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AURELIA DEMARK
Aurelia and I met in Corporate America in 2012, both working in Merchandising for Tory Burch. She is far and away one of the most creative, kind, and hilarious people I know. We both left Tory around the same time and I was so delighted to learn that she had started a namesake jewelry line. Collaborating closely with her mother to design each piece, she then works with jewelers in NYC to bring them to life with only the finest of materials. My elephant pendant is one of my most cherished possessions. If you are looking for meaningful pieces that can be passed down through generations, look no further.
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OLIVIA RUBIN
Color, rainbows, and sparkles! Olivia Rubin‘s signature traits just so happen to be all of the things I adore. Her beautiful, funky and fun lines bring so much joy and are such a delight to wear. Olivia graduated from Central Saint Martins College in London and worked for incredible designers like Alexander McQueen and John Galliano prior to setting out on her own. It’s no surprise that her multicolor masterpiece designs have built her such a strong industry presence in such a limited time.
ALAMEDA TURQUESA
Alameda Turquesa was founded by a mother and daughter duo, Ana and Carolina, back in 2013. A popular pom-pom bracelet led to an even more popular pom-pom sandal and has now, lucky for us, morphed into a full line of accessories. All Alameda products are made combining unique colors with luxury details, textures, and materials, and all of their pieces are handcrafted in Portugal. I am particularly fond of their handbags – you can shop them all here!
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ANDREA AYALA
Andrea Ayala has a way with ruffles and high low hems on both solid and floral pieces. I originally found her brand on Instagram and fell in love with her aesthetic. All of her creations are designed and produced in El Salvador. Her site will be up and running shortly so sign up for her newsletter!
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JENNIFER BEHR AND SISTER JANE
Jennifer is the definition of a creative and she is such a kind soul. She also may or may not have an adorable dog named Ruby who I try to steal every time I stop by her studio in Brooklyn. Jennifer’s distinctive hair accessories have been on the scene since 2005 and her heirloom-quality pieces just keep getting better – and more inventive – season after season. It’s no wonder she is such a favorite of the best stylists and most popular celebs.
Sister Jane is a London-based brand that focuses on creating vintage-inspired designs. I love their whimsical, layered dresses and bowed tulle blouses. The star dress pictured above is one of my all-time favorite pieces!
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LIRIKA MATOSHI
Lirika Matoshi hails from Kosovo and launched her first collection in 2016 at the young age of 20. She loves “adding a hint of sparkle to any everyday outfit” – a statement I can certainly endorse! I’m wearing her Hearty Corset Midi Dress above and have another one of her newest creations that I will be wearing on the site soon!
BRINKER & ELIZA
This mother/daughter duo from Connecticut sure know their stuff when it comes to creating amazing jewelry. As I’ve mentioned in the past, their pieces are quirky and unique and are begging to be stacked and stacked! The Carpe Diem necklace featured above is incredible, but don’t sleep on their amazing sunglasses chains.
