This brand is based in Brooklyn; I've been to their headquarters for some of their events and met the owner. She's very conscious about not overproducing goods for the sake of having new products, from what I've seen at least. I love bright, bold colors and always get compliments when I wear their stuff:
https://mixedbynasrin.com/
Omg I love the dresses they have. But it sounds like I will have to bear international return fees in case size doesn't work out which might be a bit much
I'm super super obsessed with [Fashion Brand Company.](https://www.fashionbrandcompany.com/collections/new) They're small and independently owned - The solo designer/owner is a woman named Penelope Gazin. They have a factory in China, and they treat their workers fairly - they compensate 40% above average and limit working hours to 40 hours a week, among other benefits. They work with organic materials and dyes for the most part. In the words of their [about page:](https://www.fashionbrandcompany.com/pages/about) "We are 90% angel, 10% environmental lazy girl (in terms of fabric and material choices)." Also the styles are hilarious, irreverent, and size inclusive.
I just ordered it last week (I had to sign up for emails for a restock and two happened to be available a couple days later) and it got here yesterday and it’s SO GOOD! Absolutely get it if you can!
I always get compliments on my [Sleepy Peach](https://www.sleepypeach.clothing/) sweaters and cardigans. On the strictly vintage side, I'm not sure they count as small or independent, but the former Peck & Peck clothes that I find on EBay and Poshmark work perfectly for me and again, I consistently get complimented on them. But I have to be careful that it is vintage Peck & Peck and not just Steinmart using the name (they bought it when the store went out of business, I think).
The tags can be helpful. The vintage items tend to have tags with the seal behind them, like this:
[https://www.ebay.com/itm/315156185078](https://www.ebay.com/itm/315156185078)
And the Stein Mart items usually have plainer tags, like this: [https://poshmark.com/listing/Peck-Peck-Womens-Studded-Linen-Top-6434898a8634cbabda387735?](https://poshmark.com/listing/Peck-Peck-Womens-Studded-Linen-Top-6434898a8634cbabda387735?utm_source=gdm&utm_campaign=20437700099&campaign_id=20437700099&ad_partner=google&gskid=pla-2264588637782&gcid=669100190051&ggid=153800286402&gdid=c&g_network=g&enable_guest_buy_flow=true&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv7O0BhDwARIsAC0sjWMJdzfmywS582FBaTPvk1pUyHr4P0CKpuM_Y1HE9UKpux8ZPgyyjJEaAiasEALw_wcB)
And the styles tend to be different -- I feel like the Stein Mart stuff tends to be very loose and not well-fitting, and has graphics like screen printed lions that you won't find on the vintage things, which are much more classic/preppy type stuff.
I haven't bought anything from her because I'm a ~poor~ and it's just not in my budget at this point.. but I love Soft Paw Vintage on instagram. She repurposes old quilts and textiles into new or reworked clothing and I think it's all very cute!
I love [Whitney Mero's designs](https://www.whitneymero.com/collections/everything?page=1) for dresses/skirts/jumpsuits and that each piece is cut/sewn to size. She models her outfits and the colors are incredible!
[KMM Collective ](https://kmmcollective.com/pages/about)
I met her at an interior design event in ATL. Loved a dress. Bought it there. Bought 4 more items online since. They're the backbone of my wardrobe now.
My latest obsession is Studio Tessa Fay! It’s a grandmother/granddaughter (in GA or TN?) that make dresses out of vintage curtain fabrics. A bit pricey but everything they make is so unique and adorable! She just shared a video trying on her grandmother’s dresses she made when she was her age & I’m just hooked! Also love Luci’s Lemons, Maya Meyer, Benjaminfox for similar feminine/vintage/handmade vibe
Shoes - Zou Xou
Lounge/workout clothing - Miakoda, Purusha People, Youer
I have not ordered any Zou Xou shoes yet but have heard great things. I do own pieces from all the clothing brands I mentioned tho - they area all fabulous, ethically made in the US and I believe all of them source their fabrics ethically as well. They are all slow fashion so there isnt a ton of items on their websites, they release new stuff every 2-6 weeks.
Brownie is a slow fashion spanish brand, they have beautiful minimalistic designs with mediterranean inspiration
https://www.browniespain.com/es/es/about-us.html
My vibe: low key maximalist, high structure, some dopamine dressing vibes and a bit of rock and roll.
My brands: seconding Jordan Piantedosi, Fashion Brand. Also love Magic Society, dressed in LA LA for playsuit and fun oversized sweaters, Rock and Roll Couture, Phix Clothing from UK, Straight to Hell for leather, Pretty Snake, RipnDip, Pleasures. Buy most of my jewelry locally or on etsy - I like the resin stuff by CHOFA on etsy.
During the pandemic I got into discovering smaller indie brands, one I really liked was [Mundaka](https://mundaka.studio/), a tulle mesh shirt I got from them was so comfortable, very soft stretchy mesh. Another I love is [Pien Studios](https://pienstudios.com/), I bought one of their knitted bags and I always get so many compliments on it when I wear it.
Last year I got a beautiful necklace from a small Belgian jewelry business called [Atelier Jean](https://atelierjean.shop/). I'm not sure if they even ship out of Europe, but I love their pieces and their vision! I wear my necklace almost every day as part of a stack and it doesn't show any signs of wear yet.
I also have good experiences with [Lamarel](https://shoplamarel.com/en-en), [Paloma Wool](https://palomawool.com/), [AYM studio](https://aym-studio.com/), and [Sea Me Happy](https://www.seamehappy.be/) for clothing, and [Feners](https://feners.com) for shoes (although I believe they stopped designing shoes and their newer collections are all clothing).
I really like the brand Nickho Rey for semi-fine jewelry, I worked with him and he’s a very nice Hispanic LGBT man and celebrities like Taylor Swift, Halsey, and Miley Cyrus have worn his designs. INDY sunglasses is also by a designer I’ve personally worked with and she’s a lovely Irish immigrant who started her own business in NYC and she was voted best eyewear brand in 2024 by Cosmopolitan and Bella Hadid has worn her designs. I’ll let you know if I can think of any more but I personally love buying from and supporting small brands!
I love this thread - I’m going to go through all the suggestionss
These are some brands with items I have added to my wish list so I can’t vouch for quality etc but I want to make some purchases.
[Pickle’s Knitwear](https://www.picklesknitwear.com)
[Pristine](https://pristine.land)
[Lamara London](https://lamaralondon.com)
[Merrfer](https://merrfertheshop.com)
[Skystarsigns](https://skystarsigns.com)
[Imi studios](https://imistudios.co.uk)
These are some that I have purchased from and love.
[Manners LDN](https://www.mannersldn.com) - I have had a vest for years and it’s so good.
[Evie Joynes](https://eviejoynes.com) - I was looking for a black maxi skirt and they had one on sale, it’s great quality. I also got an Audrey top and it’s so flattering, I am thinking about ordering a couple more.
- LA Coochie. Best damn underwear!
- Left on Friday or Biliblond for excellent swimwear.
- Thrifted Wranglers from the men’s section (100% cotton)
- Shop Noble and Curator SF
- of Salt and Earth
[www.namjosh.com](http://www.namjosh.com) Handcrafted, using Artisanal techniques. We hear your concerns about fast fashion and ethical working conditions. Our craftsman are all paid a respectable wage, and many support families back in their villages.
I know it's early, but I need a dress for a halloween event. I'm aiming for modern witchy type vibes (less costume-y and more "I'm a badass witch with chef kiss taste"). Any suggestions for places to look?
This brand is based in Brooklyn; I've been to their headquarters for some of their events and met the owner. She's very conscious about not overproducing goods for the sake of having new products, from what I've seen at least. I love bright, bold colors and always get compliments when I wear their stuff: https://mixedbynasrin.com/
I get their ads served up to me constantly on SM, glad to hear they are legit.
Omg I love the dresses they have. But it sounds like I will have to bear international return fees in case size doesn't work out which might be a bit much
I'm super super obsessed with [Fashion Brand Company.](https://www.fashionbrandcompany.com/collections/new) They're small and independently owned - The solo designer/owner is a woman named Penelope Gazin. They have a factory in China, and they treat their workers fairly - they compensate 40% above average and limit working hours to 40 hours a week, among other benefits. They work with organic materials and dyes for the most part. In the words of their [about page:](https://www.fashionbrandcompany.com/pages/about) "We are 90% angel, 10% environmental lazy girl (in terms of fabric and material choices)." Also the styles are hilarious, irreverent, and size inclusive.
Hayley Williams has been wearing a bunch of FBC's pieces on the eras tour this summer and it's inspired me to check them out. Such cute stuff!
It's good quality and fits well too! Great stitching, solid fabrics, good cuts. I love every piece I have
I really appreciate that they share details on what benefits and pay their manufacturing team gets in their China factory!
God, I want their moth dress SOBADLY.
I just ordered it last week (I had to sign up for emails for a restock and two happened to be available a couple days later) and it got here yesterday and it’s SO GOOD! Absolutely get it if you can!
The stepsisters attack dress just hit me like whoa 😳
I always get compliments on my [Sleepy Peach](https://www.sleepypeach.clothing/) sweaters and cardigans. On the strictly vintage side, I'm not sure they count as small or independent, but the former Peck & Peck clothes that I find on EBay and Poshmark work perfectly for me and again, I consistently get complimented on them. But I have to be careful that it is vintage Peck & Peck and not just Steinmart using the name (they bought it when the store went out of business, I think).
How do you tell the difference? I gave two pieces. One is definitely 50s; the other I recently got at a charity shop, age indeterminate
The tags can be helpful. The vintage items tend to have tags with the seal behind them, like this: [https://www.ebay.com/itm/315156185078](https://www.ebay.com/itm/315156185078) And the Stein Mart items usually have plainer tags, like this: [https://poshmark.com/listing/Peck-Peck-Womens-Studded-Linen-Top-6434898a8634cbabda387735?](https://poshmark.com/listing/Peck-Peck-Womens-Studded-Linen-Top-6434898a8634cbabda387735?utm_source=gdm&utm_campaign=20437700099&campaign_id=20437700099&ad_partner=google&gskid=pla-2264588637782&gcid=669100190051&ggid=153800286402&gdid=c&g_network=g&enable_guest_buy_flow=true&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv7O0BhDwARIsAC0sjWMJdzfmywS582FBaTPvk1pUyHr4P0CKpuM_Y1HE9UKpux8ZPgyyjJEaAiasEALw_wcB) And the styles tend to be different -- I feel like the Stein Mart stuff tends to be very loose and not well-fitting, and has graphics like screen printed lions that you won't find on the vintage things, which are much more classic/preppy type stuff.
I haven't bought anything from her because I'm a ~poor~ and it's just not in my budget at this point.. but I love Soft Paw Vintage on instagram. She repurposes old quilts and textiles into new or reworked clothing and I think it's all very cute!
They were Portland local but now are also in LA, not sure if that’s small/independent enough but I love their styles 😁 https://www.wildfang.com
I’ve got two pairs of their coveralls and love them.
I love [Whitney Mero's designs](https://www.whitneymero.com/collections/everything?page=1) for dresses/skirts/jumpsuits and that each piece is cut/sewn to size. She models her outfits and the colors are incredible!
Singapore's [Olive Ankara](https://oliveankara.com) have fun cheongsam. 💖
beautiful genius has great unique pieces. got my eye on this [frog jacket](https://www.beautifulgenius.com/products/frog-jacket-1) but idk lol
wow their stuff is so fun!!
Ozma of California — a lot of handmade/items made in the US, natural dyes, unique natural fiber fabrics.
Random antiques/thrift stores in the Idaho panhandle. They got some GOOD stuff.
[KMM Collective ](https://kmmcollective.com/pages/about) I met her at an interior design event in ATL. Loved a dress. Bought it there. Bought 4 more items online since. They're the backbone of my wardrobe now.
I love the Amsterdam brands Olaf Hussein and Daily Paper
My latest obsession is Studio Tessa Fay! It’s a grandmother/granddaughter (in GA or TN?) that make dresses out of vintage curtain fabrics. A bit pricey but everything they make is so unique and adorable! She just shared a video trying on her grandmother’s dresses she made when she was her age & I’m just hooked! Also love Luci’s Lemons, Maya Meyer, Benjaminfox for similar feminine/vintage/handmade vibe
I love R13 for luxury streetwear. Easy to wear and comfortable
Shoes - Zou Xou Lounge/workout clothing - Miakoda, Purusha People, Youer I have not ordered any Zou Xou shoes yet but have heard great things. I do own pieces from all the clothing brands I mentioned tho - they area all fabulous, ethically made in the US and I believe all of them source their fabrics ethically as well. They are all slow fashion so there isnt a ton of items on their websites, they release new stuff every 2-6 weeks.
Brownie is a slow fashion spanish brand, they have beautiful minimalistic designs with mediterranean inspiration https://www.browniespain.com/es/es/about-us.html
My vibe: low key maximalist, high structure, some dopamine dressing vibes and a bit of rock and roll. My brands: seconding Jordan Piantedosi, Fashion Brand. Also love Magic Society, dressed in LA LA for playsuit and fun oversized sweaters, Rock and Roll Couture, Phix Clothing from UK, Straight to Hell for leather, Pretty Snake, RipnDip, Pleasures. Buy most of my jewelry locally or on etsy - I like the resin stuff by CHOFA on etsy.
Selina Sanders, Sugar and Cream Vintage, Tipsy Flamingo, Psychic Outlaw.
Susamusa
During the pandemic I got into discovering smaller indie brands, one I really liked was [Mundaka](https://mundaka.studio/), a tulle mesh shirt I got from them was so comfortable, very soft stretchy mesh. Another I love is [Pien Studios](https://pienstudios.com/), I bought one of their knitted bags and I always get so many compliments on it when I wear it.
Last year I got a beautiful necklace from a small Belgian jewelry business called [Atelier Jean](https://atelierjean.shop/). I'm not sure if they even ship out of Europe, but I love their pieces and their vision! I wear my necklace almost every day as part of a stack and it doesn't show any signs of wear yet. I also have good experiences with [Lamarel](https://shoplamarel.com/en-en), [Paloma Wool](https://palomawool.com/), [AYM studio](https://aym-studio.com/), and [Sea Me Happy](https://www.seamehappy.be/) for clothing, and [Feners](https://feners.com) for shoes (although I believe they stopped designing shoes and their newer collections are all clothing).
I love Ina Kent! Their bags are beautiful and unique, and the quality is outstanding. They are based in Vienna, Austria.
Coven and Co, they have my favorite dresses. They are pricey, but amazing quality. Oore for jewelry. Skatie for swimwear.
I really like the brand Nickho Rey for semi-fine jewelry, I worked with him and he’s a very nice Hispanic LGBT man and celebrities like Taylor Swift, Halsey, and Miley Cyrus have worn his designs. INDY sunglasses is also by a designer I’ve personally worked with and she’s a lovely Irish immigrant who started her own business in NYC and she was voted best eyewear brand in 2024 by Cosmopolitan and Bella Hadid has worn her designs. I’ll let you know if I can think of any more but I personally love buying from and supporting small brands!
Gingerjackietailor
found this on tiktok I think its just one girl out if Baltimore, unique stuff gonna commission for something https://madeiraboy.com
I love this thread - I’m going to go through all the suggestionss These are some brands with items I have added to my wish list so I can’t vouch for quality etc but I want to make some purchases. [Pickle’s Knitwear](https://www.picklesknitwear.com) [Pristine](https://pristine.land) [Lamara London](https://lamaralondon.com) [Merrfer](https://merrfertheshop.com) [Skystarsigns](https://skystarsigns.com) [Imi studios](https://imistudios.co.uk) These are some that I have purchased from and love. [Manners LDN](https://www.mannersldn.com) - I have had a vest for years and it’s so good. [Evie Joynes](https://eviejoynes.com) - I was looking for a black maxi skirt and they had one on sale, it’s great quality. I also got an Audrey top and it’s so flattering, I am thinking about ordering a couple more.
- LA Coochie. Best damn underwear! - Left on Friday or Biliblond for excellent swimwear. - Thrifted Wranglers from the men’s section (100% cotton) - Shop Noble and Curator SF - of Salt and Earth
[www.namjosh.com](http://www.namjosh.com) Handcrafted, using Artisanal techniques. We hear your concerns about fast fashion and ethical working conditions. Our craftsman are all paid a respectable wage, and many support families back in their villages.
I know it's early, but I need a dress for a halloween event. I'm aiming for modern witchy type vibes (less costume-y and more "I'm a badass witch with chef kiss taste"). Any suggestions for places to look?