Indie LA - Shop Local!

I always knew our beloved city was a breeding ground for fashion, art, and the engaging of the two, but the destinations for such events seem to have grown almost overnight. And.now that the official gift-giving season has arrived, it's the perfect time to check out the best of what LA's got to offer local-style. Here are a re-cap of the ones I've visited, plus a few more that I've got my eye on:

1. A girly-girl's dream world is one called Sassy City Chicks Fashion Bash. A multi-city touring sample sale, there is literally something for everyone. 5 hours of shopping, spa treatments, and complimentary cocktails all under the roof of LA's coolest vintage auto museum? Yes, PLEASE.

Ashley Proud of Haute Life PR is an absolute doll and equipped us (me & Jenna Koerner of JBird Photography, that is) with yummy goodie bags before ushering us inside to see all the fun. After checking out the rather impressive vintage scooter collection of the Peterson Automotive Museum, we chose to indulge a little and hit up the spa section. Free massages, make-up application, and manicures soon followed suit, fully relaxing us for the main event: shopping! I love this place already.

Wandering towards the 45+ vendors equipped to sell us everything for the seasons ahead, I stumbled upon the complimentary bar whose 'tenders had just finished whipping up a fresh batch of dreamsicle cocktails ripe for the tasting. Perfect! Off we went, now all senses engaged, ready to strike a deal.

Belina presented a pretty mix of soft leather and shiny hardware bracelets, layered necklaces, and petite earrings with just enough shimmer, all for ridiculously practical price points. I'll take two! Revenge Is displayed activism-friendly designs made from organic cotton and bionic yarn (yep, that's recycled plastic bottles converted into fibers, you eco-conscious geeks) all with something to say.

A sucker for anything out of the ordinary, I was drawn in by the giant Lego display in front of the Lok'd Jewelry booth. A fusion of punk rock glam and childhood fun, this jewelry collection (headed up by Jase Calderon), is definitely on my list.

2. The ThreadLA show was held in the Cooper Design Space and a last-minute addition to my Sunday schedule, but definitely happy to join in. The ladies at the Eva Franco booth were as adorable as their party dresses and instantly had me dreaming up reasons to add one to my already-overflowing wardrobe. Chunky, art deco and Native American-inspired rings beckoned to me shortly thereafter at Confection Jewels where I fell in love with beautiful antique gems and burnished metals hand-crafted into one-of-a-kind pieces fit for any personality (Jolly Stallion, anyone?). I'm going to need juuuust a few of these.

Fahmina answered the leather prayer to my heart in petite-sized (they actually fit my pint-sized wrists!) wrap bracelets, chained belts and fringed waist bags. Waving hello to my Lok'd loves, I couldn't help but notice an amazing display of what looked like molded abstract art pieces. Looking a little closer, I discovered they were plastic and glass pieces expertly melded into very wearable necklaces, cuffs, bustiers, and amazingly-crafted full-length gowns. Designed by Anh Volcek of L'une Collection, these were definitely my cup of tea.

3. I was able to drop by the NativeLA + Dripped + Collective Souls Sunday Flea Market in its last hour. A collaboration of up-and-coming local designers, artists, and vintage collectors, this hipster haven was complete with $3 PBR's and shoppers you cold not tell apart from the designers themselves, in a K-town proper warehouse

The first to catch my eye, Miss Wax Jewelry, is no stranger to the LA scene and always bringing something new to the table. Handcrafted and laser cut simple shapes paired with bold brights, fringe, and painted-on metals created both a futuristic and forward-thinking collection that insisted on nothing less than my undivided attention.

I perused through timeless treasures I wished I had time to try on from My Grandma's Closet and Threaded Revival, but stopped dead in my tracks for a Robert Frost-referenced card framed in white by TwoRavens. Proclaiming simply Stay Gold (meaning: stay forever true to yourself.), this, on top of the oh-so-sweet Hello Darling letterpress cards made my heart sing and I knew we were going to be great friends. A holiday shopping extravaganza is in the works (December 16^th, to be exact) complete with a fashion show and 25 more lovelies with whom to become better acquainted. I'll be there and you should be too.

That's not all! These indie-designer markets are everywhere you are. Here are some must-sees:

• Be sure to stop by the Rose Bowl Flea Market early to get a full day's work (ahem, shopping) in, as this is one of the largest and longest-running markets well worth the jaunt. 2^nd Sunday of the month.
• The Silverlake Art, Craft, & Vintage market is probably right in your backyard and rightfully full of vintage wares and new wall pieces. Get to it.
• Don't forget about the Melrose Trading Post happening every Sunday at Fairfax High School for a mere $2 entry fee. Always a blast.
• A newbie to the scene, TruckIt Fest offers the true Angeleno experience with rotating venues, food trucks, live music, and pieces you really will not find elsewhere.
• The Parisian-inspired Open Market Place at Hollywood High School is necessary visit if not for the French experience alone, then for the one-of-a-kind pieces.
• UniqueLA gathers the best designers and craftsmen LA has to offer and throws them altogether for your shopping pleasure twice a year. Lucky for you, their next show is THIS WEEKEND at the California Market Center.
• It's an Eco-Wonderland December 9^th complete with pomegranate champagne, a DIY corner by Style Section LA and fashionable goods by Future:Standard at the oh-so-lovely Urbanic Paper boutique off Abbot Kinney in Venice. Divine.

Happy Shopping!

Xox,

MK <3