For those of you who live in the US, I’m sure that you’ve heard that the economic stimulus checks have started to go out this week. I’m also sure that plenty of you are going to do exactly what the government doesn’t want you to do, put it in savings or pay off debt. I know I plan on doing that with most of mine, but before I deposit mine in my savings account, I plan on treating myself and supporting some independent design as well. According to the U.S. Government, that certainly would be the most patriotic thing to do (written with a certain amount of tongue in cheek sentiment).

So, I plan on doing my civic duty and here’s some of the goods I have my eye on. What are you planning on doing with your check? Whether we agree with the strategy or not, the checks are on their way, so are you planning on supporting indie design?

I’ve had my eye on the carved resin necklaces from Hotcakes for some time now, ever since I first saw them in person at my local indie brick & mortar shop, Bloom. I’m attracted to their bold statement and graphical pendants.

I really, really , really love the screenprinted bags from Jenna Rose. The Rooftops Porter Bag in natural cotton canvas is the one I’ve been coveting.

I featured the handmade journals by Five and a Half earlier this year and ever since I’ve wanted one. I always carry a journal around with me to record thoughts, to help me stay organized and to sketch new designs.

I’ve been a long time fan of the Bella Lucce line of skin care products and the Wildberry goodies are among my favorites.

I have a pair of the Mohop bent ply sandals and now I’d like to get their newest addition, the Wedge Sandal.

The Split Pod from Whitney Smith Pottery would look so lovely on my desk and now that’s spring, I could use it to bring a little bit of color in from the flowerbed.

The only problem with getting one of the recycled skateboard necklaces from 2ReVert is, which one to pick?

These cross-stitch pieces from Chez Sucre Chez would look fabulous in my new office.

The Mimosa Earrings from Prismera Design are just absolutely stunning. I really feel that I need to own them!

Andre is so sweetly melancholy and cute! From Morninglori’s cast of adorable little characters.

The porcelain cup and saucers from Bailey Doesn’t Bark are so lovely in all their quirky simplicity.

I’m also thinking of adding one of the Chair series of prints from Desire to Inspire to my office.

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

Oh, happy day! Spring is here! I’m doing a little dance while I type this! I’m so happy…as if you couldn’t tell from all the exclamation points! I am such a spring and summer girl and much prefer warmer weather to cold. In fact, I stay cold from October to about April, depending on when Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow (this is a total aside, but my Grandmom was actually born in Punxsutawney).

Anyway, on this most glorious 1st day of spring, I share some of my favorite spring indie goods with you. These are all goods that I am seriously coveting.

Milk Stud Earrings from Trove & Bloom Pin from Margrietje

Marigold Cotton Coverlet from Sleeping Buddha & Teal Bird Pillow from Joom

Purple Daisy Runner from Henry Road & Teapot from Daisy Dog Studio

Air Necklace from Bellissima Jewelry & Plymouth Bay Necklace by Amy DiGregorio

Ride in the Rain Tote from Supa & Spring Blooms Bag from Oktak

Silver Bunny Pin from Imogene & Porcelain Birds by Coe & Waito and available at Peek Keep

Walnut Wedge Shoes from Mohop & Pleated Lemon Yellow Bag from Sketchbook

Rainbow Bike Tee from Vital Industries & Nature Speaks Tee from Deliscious Tees

Native Flowers Journal by Jill Bliss & Freedom Carried on the Wind Print from Vol. 25

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.

I know some of you went to the mall today and I’m going to let it slide, because I know Black Friday at the mall often has more to do with the whole spectacle of it than the actual shopping…and it’s when Santa arrives too. But, after today it’s got to end. Leave the mall shopping to the mall rats and do some indie shopping instead. You can find more unique, one-of-a-kind, imaginative, often better made and just downright cooler gifts from independent designers and crafters. Aunt Betty can buy her own sweater, and probably would prefer to, so buy her an indie made gift and knock her freaking socks off!

Here’s a few ideas—and a few discount codes to help you out.

After weeks and weeks of no rain here, it has been raining for three days and it’s supposed to rain all day….needless, to say that the ground is a spongy puddled mess. I may just have to break down and get myself a pair of Plueys. Named from a play on the French word ‘pluie’ for rain, Plueys are the reinvented rubber boots of our childhoods. Playful, yet totally practical, they can be worn to work, school, the beach, or on 5th Avenue. I’m thinking that they have to be my newest purchase for my fall wardrobe.

It’s time to get your pedicures, ladies! Spring will soon be here and it will be time to wear those strappy little sandals. I will be wearing my Mohop sandals as soon as it gets warm enough to do so. Mohop is an amazing line of shoes made by designer Annie Mohaupt. They are molded wooden shoes, decorated with screen-printed designs that are worn with the ribbons of your choice. They are also available in three heights from low to high, depending on your preference.

I have two pairs of Mohop shoes and I have my ribbons all ready for the first warm day. I have silver satiny ribbons on one pair, on the other pair, I have both pink and blue ribbon—the silver is a little dressier, and the pink and blue will be for everyday. However, the beauty of Mohop shoes is that you can change the ribbon depending on your look and your mood. I have a couple of weddings that I will be attending this summerm, and I plan on wearing my Mohop shoes with special ribbon to match what I am wearing. I think Mohop shoes would also be perfect if you are a bride looking for something a little different.

T.S. Harrington of T.S. Harrington Photography took the amazing photographs pictured above. Be sure to check out her site. She is available for commercial fashion photography, modeling portfolios, individual portraits, family portraits and black & white film images. She is also available for weddings, infant photography and figure studies.

Some of the varieties of Mohop designs.