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.

For those of you lucky enough to live in Portland, OR, you must visit Flutter. Flutter is billed as a delightful disarray of found objects and clutter. It’s like a wonderfully girly boudoir with a little bit of the strange thrown in for good measure. Shoppers will find deconstructed clothing and jewelry from the house line of Frocky Jack Morgan, recycled kimono, crystal chandeliers, delicious apothecary goods, silk Chinese lanterns, vintage religious chalkware, erotic Victorian postcards and more….visitors describe the feel of the store as evocative of what Alice must have felt when she tumbled down the rabbit hole.

Flutter will be celebrating it’s 2nd anniversary with a party in the shop on May8th from 5-9 and with an all day 15% off sale.

You can also shop Flutter online for those outside the Portland area.

Here’s a selection of some of the items that are available in the Flutter online shop. Just lovely!

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.

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!

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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.

I am so excited to be able to share my interview with Paulina from FluffyCo for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx. If you aren’t aware already, FluffyCo is a fun line of tees, accessories and homewares and with just about each new product release, I see something to I covet (I just love the Bird of Prey design). I’m sure you do know exactly what I mean. Read the interview and take a look at the shop and pick your favorite design.

Read my interview with Paulina below and learn more about FluffyCo.

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

FluffyCo is a small lifestyle brand that has grown to include Men’s and Women’s tees and accessories, hand screen-printed home décor Items and now our baby line, Little Fluffy.

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

FluffyCo was founded at the very end of 2004, so it’s been 3 years now. I had always wanted to own my own business (let’s call it insubordination, but I’ve always had trouble taking orders or having someone tell me what to do). I had worked in advertising and design studios for years, then had a small business with a friend before Fluffy: it all led me to realize that I wanted to do my own thing, my way.

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

It’s cyclical. We come out with new designs every six months, so at some point I have to sort of turn it on. I start with inspirations in the media and culture, and that leads me to the first designs. It’s funny, but these initial ideas never make the cut for my sample production: they’re a first step to give some direction. Then, it’s all about refining the ideas and getting down to something I’m really into.

4. What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?

I guess just getting this going in the first place—it takes a leap of faith in yourself to stand up to all those risks.

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

I am incredibly messy. My husband and I joke about letting my inner hamster run free…making piles all over the house. Sometimes, it’s like we’re living in a crack house or something, but more sanitary.

(Continued)

Oh, how I love that the two parts of my life I’m most passionate about (living a creative, hand-made life and supporting others who do the same, and taking care of our earth) are married more and more every day, and that living an eco-friendly life has stylish and unique options. The range of products that are both good for the earth and good for small, independent businesses seem to increase by the minute and I say, Hurray!

I often bookmark sites and products that I would like to have in my life or as part of my home, and today I thought it would be fun to fantasize about ‘A DAY IN MY ECO-INDIE DREAM LIFE’ by pulling them all together to create a list of products for each part of my day. From waking up, showering and getting dressed to jotting down inspirations and going out at night, there’s something on my list for all of it!

I hope it inspires you to think about what your own eco-indie dream life looks like!

6:30 am: Wake up in an organic bed, under a Cove cream & cocoa organic duvet cover from Amenity. #1 & 2

6:45 am: Brush teeth with Recycline Toothbrush, made from Stonyfield Farm yogurt cups. #3

7 am: Eat breakfast and drink coffee—Gimme! Coffee Las Mingas Relationship Coffee, sustainable, fair-trade and delicious. Fiona’s Granola, made in my hometown of Boulder. Catch up on blog reading. #4 & 5

7:30 am: Shower using shampoo by Luscious Naturals. #6

7:45 am: Put on makeup by Mixology. #7

8:00 am: Get dressed. Top from Urban Renewal, undergarments from Louella Bloom, skirt by orangyporangy, cute sandals from Mohop. Now for the accessories—a cork ring by ottoman and a necklace from Atlanta-based Smart Glass Jewelry. #8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13

9:00 am: Time for errands! Grab the purse—it’s a hand bag from escama, a company that combines fair-trade practices with sustainable design, by working directly with two Brazilian crafting cooperatives, to create gorgeous pieces using recycled aluminum pulltabs. Can’t forget my wallet! It’s from bird vs. bird. #14 & 15

11 am: Work, work, work & create, create, create! Make sure my eco-friendly notebook from ecojot out of Ontario. #16

5 pm: Get some groceries for din-din with a tote bag from greenward, no paper or plastic for me! #17

8 pm: Going out! Change up the accessories a bit: a ring from julep115 and a necklace from 2ReVert. #18 & 19

11 pm: Back into my Amenity bed to dream, dream, dream!

GREEN CHALLENGE: find an old t-shirt that you don’t wear anymore and turn it into a grocery shopping bag. And use it this week!

Share your project on the Indie is the New Green Flickr Group. Since there was no winner for last week’s challenge, one person will be chosen this week to win a reusable coffee cup sleeve made by Textile Fetish and available for sale in the Indie Fixx Shop!

About Jessica:
Jessica is an artist from Atlanta, Georgia who is endlessly creating. Her work includes paintings, drawings, illustrations, and paper goods and is vibrant, colorful, and charming. Her work can be found on her site, in her Etsy shop and in the Indie Fixx Shop. You can also read more about Jessica and her work on her blog.

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.

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

I’m going green and greener today on Indie Fixx…that’s green, as in the color green—and greener, as in eco-green. I’ve compiled a list of goodies that is bound to make you green with envy (yes, today is also going to filled with clichés). Some of my finds are eco-indie products, because I know you all want to be more responsible shoppers. Other finds are just great green lovelies in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Finally, some of my finds are both…green and green-er! Which ones are which????

1. Whale Preppy Print Tee from Charlie and Sarah

2. Shadow Pods Moleskine Journal from Gosh Darn Knit

3. Clover Card from Hello World

4. Owl Gocco Print from Matteart

5. Envy Earrings from August Lately

6. Canvas Tote from Peace Love and Canvas

7. Swirly Green Bobbies from Sprout Studio

8. Fuchsia Foliage Pendant from The Intuitive Garden

9. Coin Purses from Bird vs. Bird

10. Reconstructed Skirt from Secret Lentil

11. Four Cork Tote Bag from Cork and Cotton

12. Recycle or these animals are going to eat your pants T-Shirt from Andy Eats Only Candy

13. Vintage XO Typewriter Earrings from Webby Sue’s

14. Cork necklaces from Uncorked

15. Flirty Apron from Callie Micks

16. Ctrl, Alt, Delete Keyboard Pin Set from Acorn Studios

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

This week’s Reader Fixx Pixx were curated by Marie from Marimello. Marie also has a charity shop on Etsy for victims of the SoCal fires. Read more and shop here.

Krenae

Eden Ink Arts

On the Inside

Piper Ewan

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!

Today’s Indie Artist Fixx interview is with Jessica of Slaughterhead. Slaughterhead is the husband and wife team of Joey Slaughter and Jessica Head. Jessica designs and sews vinyl bags and wallets and Joey designs and screenprints tee shirts. I love, love, love their unique designs and especially love the Jumbo wallets–I think they might be big enough for all the crap I carry around in my wallet.

Read more about Jessica and Slaughterhead below in my interview with Jessica.

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

My business is www.slaughterhead.com. I create and sell vinyl handbags and a variety of wallets. My husband, the other part of the Slaughterhead duo, designs and prints tshirts, as well as vinyl for me to use in the wallets.

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

We got started about 4 years ago. I had graduated with my BFA and was teaching elementary art. I enjoyed it, but wanted something else; I missed the creative time I had in school. One afternoon Joey brought a sewing machine home for me, and slaughterhead.com began soon after. I loved sewing and have been doing it since.

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

The creative process for me involves piles of color. I don’t really throw away scraps so I have many colors of vinyl that I keep sorted. I play with color and shape until I find something I like, often reminiscent of a mood/feeling. I usually have a couple of themes; currently it’s rock layers.

4. What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Our biggest accomplishment so far is that I am able to stay home with our son and work on Slaughterhead full time. It’s hard to get a lot done with a baby toddling around, but I’m very proud that I’ve created more this year than ever before. Joey teaches at the university level, so I’m really excited for summer break when we’ll both be home to crank it out together.

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

I hum all the time–really truly all the time. I have somehow become a sponge for any song I hear. Joey often picks on me about it and will intentionally say one line from a horrible song just so that I will get it stuck in my head. I can’t control it.

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