In this day of ‘less is more’ swimsuit design, Pamela Levenson of Popina Swimwear is bent on offering more modest & form flattering swimwear styles. Inspired by the 1940s and 50s and using modern construction and fabrics, Pamela creates designs for those of us who want a suit that actually flatters the body, instead of just showing every possible bit of skin allowed by law. Her retro-inspired designs are ones that you can actually swim in and are sure to get you noticed on the beach for all the right reasons, and not because your top came off in the surf.

You can find Popina Swimwear designs online in the Popina shop, in Portland at the Popina Portland Swimwear Boutique and in reatail locations in the US.

Read more about Pamela and Popina Swimwear in my interview with Pamela for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx.

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

The name of my business is Retro Swimwear by Popina Swim. I create retro, vintage inspired swimwear. My swimwear does a great job of covering all the right stuff and still having a great sense of style. I believe you don’t have to show it all to be sexy!

2. Tell us how you got started with your indie business.

I interned at a bikini shop when I was going to fashion school. Our shop did custom swimwear, I was responsible for the cutting one summer, I never thought I would use those skills I learned ever again! Twenty years later down the road, living in Portland, Oregon I had a trip to Cancun in November. I looked all over for a swimsuit that I liked and could not find one.

Then a bunch of things came together. The first job I had in Portland was working for a fabric company that sold swimwear fabric, a few years earlier I bought an industrial cover stitch machine on a whim from a friend, and my job at the time required me to learn pattern making. Growing up sewing, I was able to put all these pieces together to make what would become the Popina Boy Short, Retro Halter and Strappy Top for my trip. I got lots of compliments on my designs on that trip, and then the story that many entrepreneurs have, friends asked for suits, I then sold consignment for two years, then two years ago I opened my brick and mortar retail store - a whopping 250 sq ft. My Portland Swimwear Boutique expanded to triple its initial size earlier this year (I now have 910 sq ft) we now carry other outside swimwear brands, cover ups, flipflops and chemical free sun tan lotions.

3. What are your inspirations in your art and in life?

My main inspiration is nature and the outdoors, living in the Pacific Northwest there are a lot of amazing beautiful places to visit.

4. Are there any pearls of wisdom you’d like to share with newbie indie business owners?

Research your name before you start manufacturing a product. Trademark research is not too hard to do. Go to the US Patent and Trademark site and you can see if your potential name has been taken I did a blog entry on my web site on this process in a little more detail.

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by guest contributor Victoria Everman

Thanks to a recent mention in Body+Soul Magazine, Maine-based independent clothing line Brook There is riding a new wave of attention. Having just released the Fall 2008 collection, brand founder Brook DeLorme still creates each piece personally. Clean yet femininely thoughtful design is not the only thing that draws fans to the brand—every piece is made from sustainable fabrics, including: organic wool, soy, bamboo, organic cotton and tencel.

Available at select locations in the US, you can also get a piece of Brook’s line via her online shop or pick up a sample-sized item via her Etsy store. Last but not least—the burning question: why “Brook There?” “Brook is my first name and there reminds me of the idea of ‘someplace else’,” says Brook herself.

About the contributor: Victoria Everman is an eco-writer, model, crafter, yogi and attempting locavore. Perpetually looking for fresh ways to share her unquenchable green knowledge, she writes her own blog at Victoria-E.com and is head writer/editor for CraftingAGreenWorld.com. She will be imparting her fashion wisdom with us every other Friday on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog with her column Fashionably Indie.

A galleria is a roofed or enclosed courtyard of shops and my latest project, the Indie Fixx Galleria, is an online galleria of independent artists/crafters/designers and independent boutiques. It’s a juried monthly showcase for your browsing and indie shopping pleasure. Featuring a mix of goods including jewelry, accessories, homewares, plush, clothing and more, the goods and shops featured on the Indie Fixx Galleria will change monthly. The Galleria is a showcase only and does not offer products for sale, so if you see something that you’d like to buy or get more info about, just click on the buy it or shop links.

Enjoy and please feel free to let me know what you think of this new feature!

Also, if you are an indie designer/crafter/artist or boutique that sells indie goods and would like more info about how to be a part of the monthly Indie Fixx Galleria, just send me an email. I am currently accepting applications for June.

I’d like to share my latest Indie Fixx project with you…it’s called the Indie Fixx Galleria and will debut next Monday, May 5th. The Indie Fixx Galleria is a juried gallery of independenet crafters, designers, artists and the indie boutiques that carry their work. A galleria is an enclosed courtland of shops, otherwise know as a mall, and I like to think of the Indie Fixx Galleria as an ‘Indie Mall’. It will be another way for you to browse and shop indie.

If you are a designer or indie boutique and want to learn more about how to be involved with the Galleria, just send me an email.

Otherwise stay tuned for the Galleria next Monday! I’ve got some great stuff lined up for you.

The designs from Treehouse28 prove that comfortable clothing doesn’t necessarily mean boring. The eco-conscious creations from designer Alix are yoga comfy wear that can totally be worn off the yoga mat. They are so lovely and ruffley, not fussy or frou-frou ruffley, but more like happy textured interest ruffley. Alix designs and makes all of the pieces from scratch and strives to incorporate her passion for uniqueness, beauty, simplicity and comfort into each one, plus each piece is completely custom made for maximum comfort and fit.

This post started off as innocently as any other Fashionably Indie post – tracking down a feature-worthy small fashion brand and giving you, the readers, the nitty gritty on tis background and how to add their pieces to your wardrobe.

Upon finding Fables by Barrie a few days ago, I was quickly derailed. What was once a simple blog post became an exciting interview that I must share with my fellow Indie Fixx’ers. Drawing inspiration from the “classic” TV show Hee Haw and the sunny shores of San Diego, Fables by Barrie isn’t your everyday clothing line – it is all about being yourself (go figure).

Their Spring 2008 line is drawing many to Etsy, but their past collections are just as drool-worthy, available via their website’s store. Being an indie brand, designer and founder Barrie Kaufman is always open to doing custom pieces, a number of which have made appearances in some chic photo shoots. Keep read to find out more about how this brand came to be, its unique influences and why 1970’s jeans are the best.

When did you first become interested in starting your own fashion brand?

I’ve always been interested in fashion, I spend lots of my free time sewing and transforming vintage pieces into something new and more exciting. I decided to start my own label when things just came out better and better (with PLENTY of practice and mistakes corrected) and when I would wear my creations out and people kept asking where I got my items, it was just perfect timing.

I noticed you are from Iowa - how did you end up in San Diego?

Iowa was a fantastic place to grow up (a super small rural town of 200); the people are nothing but sincere and willing to help out their neighbors. I attended film school at the University of Iowa, hoping to start a career in film as a camera person, and eventually direct documentaries. I made the big trek to Los Angeles upon completing my degree, worked on random productions when I could, and eventually fell into wardrobe. A job opportunity opened up for me in San Diego doing costumes for cheesy telenovelas (Spanish-language TV soap operas), and made me realize that there was so much more in doing my own line, that I dreamed about all day and night, so San Diego became the home of Fables.

Who/what are your design influences? Do you set a theme for each collection? What is the inspiration behind your most recent collection available on Etsy?

I try to keep each collection themed as much as possible, but my mind frequently runs wild with new ideas all the time, so there are always odd-ball pieces, and when there are runways shows ahead, I always whip up a few costume-y pieces last minute, to get some of the creative build up out to share. My current collection was mostly inspired by old reruns of Hee Haw, totally honest. I love that old country feel of the clothes, with a modern twist, of course!!

Are you currently both the designer and seamstress or do you have others helping you out?

I do most of the seamstress work myself, with the current line in production, I use one seamstress at a time to pick up some of the slack, but I really prefer to have complete control of what we put out for the public. I have a fantastic intern who helps out immensely.

Why the switch from the name “Cornfed” to “Fables”? Despite the name, how long has your line be around?

“Fables” was a new concept. When we were “Cornfed”, we used a lot of vintage pieces, but with the demand for a consistent product, we decided to change the name to give the company a mini facelift. We think the new things are whimsical and give a storybook type of vibe, hence Fables by Barrie. Also, our first photo shoot ever was with fantastic models, but we put animal heads on them all to give it more of an animal kingdom feel, so it worked out lovely.

What fashion trend are you dying to revive? Which one would you love to leave buried forever?

High-waisted everything! We’re so tired of the super lowest of low pants, we know the trend is picking up, but we would love to see it stick around forever, its so flattering on most gals. With the creative designs of our line, we like to add a little sparkle and special vibe to our products. It’s so often that out and about you see so many girls with matching or close to identical outfits. We love individuality and promote standing out in a crowd.

Victoria Everman is an eco-writer, model, crafter, yogi and attempting locavore. Perpetually looking for fresh ways to share her unquenchable green knowledge, she writes her own blog at Victoria-E.com and is head writer/editor for CraftingAGreenWorld.com. She will be imparting her fashion wisdom with us every other Friday on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog with her column Fashionably Indie.

Contest Alert!

In honor of Earth Day on Tuesday and today’s Fashionably Indie column, you could win a copy of the new book, Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style by Christie Matheson. It’s a smart little green guide that helps readers realize that saving the planet and being fabulous do not have to be mutually exclusive. Filled with eco-fashion tips on how to make your wardrobe more eco-conscious, ways you can still pamper yourself without being so wasteful, beauty secrets that are better for the environment and more.

How to win it!

Leave a comment below with the name of the publisher and you will be entered into the random drawing for the book Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style. The contest ends on Monday, April 28th at 11:59 EST and one winner will be chosen to win a copy of the book. Comments will be kept secret until after the contest is over.

I recently came across the Ahpeele t-shirt line and I am just smitten with their mix of Asian, nautical, Victorian and nature themed designs. Hand silk screened by the husband and wife team of AdAm and Hiromi in Raleigh, NC, each design is more fetching than the next. My favorites include: Asian Red Pine in Metallic, Old Style Sailing, Purple Rain Anti-Drought and Gold Koi. Which one is your favorite? Can you pick just one?

You can shop the Ahpeele website or choose to shop via their Etsy shop.

Established just three years ago, New York’s Snoozer Loser has become an unmistakable indie designer and a favorite among many. Founded and designed by Parsons School of Design graduate Sonia Tay, Snoozer Loser has been featured on both Daily Candy and GenArtPulse, helping only to add to their stylish fan base.

The line features clean but curve conscious lines, made from a mix of plain and sweetly patterned fabrics. Sonia mentions music, nature, vintage handmade clothing and wallpapers has inspiration for her designs, via her Gen Art Pulse interview. When you order her designs though Snoozer Loser’s Etsy shop, you can request a custom fit from Sonia. Snoozer Loser also has a limited-edition collection of 6 pieces on The Shiny Squirrel online store – a must see!

Victoria Everman is an eco-writer, model, crafter, yogi and attempting locavore. Perpetually looking for fresh ways to share her unquenchable green knowledge, she writes her own blog at Victoria-E.com and is head writer/editor for CraftingAGreenWorld.com. She will be imparting her fashion wisdom with us every other Friday on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog with her column Fashionably Indie.

I’ve been collecting recycled skateboard accessory shops for a while now and I thought it might be time to share them with you. The coolest of cool found objects, skateboard decks with their vibrant and graphically intense images just lend themselves to being remade into hip & fashionable accessories. The shops and designers I’ve featured below create everything from bags and jewelry to iPod covers and shoes and all are made from recycled boards. Enjoy!

Becy(y)—bags, iPod covers, money clips, belt buckles and jewelry

2ReVert—jewelry and belt buckles

Claire McDermott—jewelry

Maplexo—jewelry and pocket mirrors

Kris Lovett—shoes

Sometimes I just love this job and today is just one of those times. I am so pleased to be able to share my interview with Hannah Kopacz of Made with Love by Hannah. Made with Love by Hannah is a deliciously kitschy sweet and sassy line of screenprinted skirts, dresses and tops. Drawing inspiration from gnomes, Matryoshka, Pennsylvania Dutch motifs and all sorts of gewgaws, doodads and bric-a-brac, Hannah lovingly designs, prints and sews her creations.

Refreshingly sweet and with a wonderful retro feel, I have long been a fan of Hannah’s goodies, so it was such a treat to me to be able to interview her. I do hope you enjoy the interview and if Made with Love by Hannah is new to you, head on over to the site and be prepared to be wowed!

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

Made with love by Hannah. I make screen printed skirts and other fun clothes for gals. I also like to make knick-knack art.

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

2004, I wanted some cute clothes for myself! Making the screens and printing things seemed like a lot of work just for me, so I thought I’d put them out there and see if any other ladies wanted some.

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

Usually when I come up with an idea I’ll sketch it out right away, so I don’t forget. Then I let it simmer until I get a chance to make the actual artwork for it, figure out what style garment I want to put it on, how many colors, how many colorways, what material I want to use. Once I figure that stuff out it’s pretty smooth sailing in terms of making it into a finished piece of clothing.

4. Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with newbie indie biznesses?

Only make stuff you love, because it shows!

5. Tell us one funny/goofy/silly thing about yourself.

I can’t wait until my hair is completely grey!

6. What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?

The best thing is having an idea and making it and seeing the finished product turn out exactly like I want it to. The worst thing is trying to get started if I don’t feel like it but have a ton of work to do. I’m really good at procrastinating.

7. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?

I like the craftzine blog. I read Bust and Bitch regularly. Mostly, I like to shop at thrift stores. I like Etsy too, speaking of procrastinating!

(Continued)

French instinct and New York lines come together seamlessly (no pun intended) in the widely-blogged clothing line titled Kcoline. From design and sketches to construction, modeling and marketing, 29-year-old founder Caroline does it all. Kcoline has already garnered a large following of style hunters but her following nearly doubled when the line was featured in Glamour and Allure last year.

Dedicated to using natural fabrics and long-lasting preparation, the Kcoline line is a blessing for crafty buyers that drool over runway shows. Never one to copy trends Stephanie is now the one who is making them, inspired by streetwear and a variety of mainstream magazines. “My stuff is mostly one of a kind, like people,” she says. Exactly what independent fashion should be.

Victoria Everman is an eco-writer, model, crafter, yogi and attempting locavore. Perpetually looking for fresh ways to share her unquenchable green knowledge, she writes her own blog at Victoria-E.com and is head writer/editor for CraftingAGreenWorld.com. She will be imparting her fashion wisdom with us every other Friday on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog with her column Fashionably Indie.

Dear Indie Fixx readers, let me introduce you to our latest contributor to the Guest Blog—Victoria Everman. Victoria is an eco-writer, model, crafter, yogi and attempting locavore. Perpetually looking for fresh ways to share her unquenchable green knowledge, she writes her own blog at Victoria-E.com and is head writer/editor for CraftingAGreenWorld.com. She has also written for many major magazines and websites, including Yoga Journal, CRAFT, Venus, ReadyMade and now Indie Fixx! As an experienced model, Victoria is uniquely positioned to offer insight and share the inside scoop on the world of fashion. She will be imparting her fashion wisdom with us every other Friday on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog. Enjoy and welcome, Victoria!

Looking for indie fashion? I’ve got it right here! My name is Victoria Everman - I’m a freelance writer and model with a passion for independent brands and I’m going to be writing the new Fashionably Indie column on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog. Having modeled professional since I was 6, finding clothing and accessories that are stylish and flattering has become second-nature. Now, I’m here as Indie Fixx’s resident fashion expert to introduce you to the plethora of chic handmade brands available.

Chicago illustrator and designer Angel D’Amico’s clothing line Ad Love is the epitome of unique. Hand screen printed, stenciled, and hand painted, Ad Love is a crafty clash featuring the beauty of nature and the complexity of urban environments. Along with shirts and hoodies, Angel also sells totes, buttons and art prints with her gritty yet soft designs. Some of her creations vividly remind me of the early 90s and the colorful Trapper Keepers we all carried to school … ahh, memories.

From Zukale & Huoviala and available at Chocosho, these exquisite tights are hand dyed and printed in Finland. Aren’t they just stunning?

The Indie Fixx Spring Fashion & Accessories Guide is here! I’ve chosen some of my favorites spring fashion and accessory goods for yours and mine spring wardrobe. You will find shoes, jewelry, clothing, hats and more. I hope you enjoy it and find some great new stuff for your spring shopping.

Also, make sure to visit the sponsors of the Indie Fixx Spring Fashion & Accessories Guide for more indie fashion choices.

These tees from Effin Effigy are just effin cute! Made by BFFs since 6th grade, partners Lindsey and Mary, they are a little bit sassy and a little bit sweet….the perfect combo in my opinion.

Like the 7th Place Winner design, which is inspired by 4-H and Horseback riding ribbons.

I love LOLcats with the little bit of purple ribbon on the sleeve! Super cute!

A mix of printed black and white buttons & real buttons make this shirt just buttonlicious!

I don’t know about you, but I love art deco. It has long been an interest and inspiration of mine. Currently, I’ve been coveting the Lucite line of jewelry by Alexis Bittar. I had the pleasure to see some of his Lucite work in person at Bloom last month and I can’t really stop thinking about going back to take another look.

The current Lucite Collection is hand sculpted and takes inspiration from both the 1930s art deco period and the 1980s Memphis art movement. They are funky, chic, elegant and just so lovely and luminous in person.

Other Alexis Bittar collections include the Miss Havisham and Elements collections.