Classes and workshops are a fantastic way for budding fashion designers to get schooled.

Read my article on how designers in-the-making can be inspired by fashion while they gain the tools necessary to take the fashion scene by storm.

Fashion Merchandising class gives stylish entrepreneurs essential career tools 

Want to stay updated on Fashion Arts news?

Don't forget to check out my other Fashion Arts articles, follow us on Twitter or subscribe to the Toronto Fashion Arts column.

Photo: Sew Be It Girl

Popularity: 23% [?]

For those of you who only know me from Indie Collective and styleFLASH may not realize that I have another aspect to my life – I'm a writer!

Well, now I'm combining my two loves – fashion and the written word – in the new Fashion Arts column at Examiner.com!

This is very exciting for me, and I hope you will all follow my articles and share any tips for events or topics.

I will, of course, continue to share indie fashion and style tips here on styleFLASH (sorry I've been a bit lax in updating, but I've got some great indie finds coming up!).

My new column will continue to bring you the best in indie style & design, and will also include features on local events here in Toronto, where I live.

So, I invite you all to read my articles, subscribe via email or RSS and follow me on Twitter to stay updated on all the great fashion tidbits I can dig up.

My first piece shines a spotlight on a local boutique, Nathalie-Roze & Co., and their fundraising efforts for Haiti. If you're in the Toronto area tonight, do pop by the event to help!

Photo by Jennifer Tramel

Popularity: 25% [?]

Much like your favorite fashion magazine, the 2009 Holiday Shopping Guide showcases the talents of today's creative independent designers.

Browse the pages of our Shopping Guide and discover the best of indie fashion & style in a fresh & exciting magazine-inspired format.

With jewelry, handbags, accessories, items for babies, paper goods, bath & body products and fashion, this is your chance to discover something new in the world of indie style & fashion. And many of our participants are offering great savings, so you can score some fabulous indie goods on the cheap.

We also have special Editorial Featurettes, which will spotlight a selection of our 2009 Holiday Shopping Guide participants.  Presented here at styleFLASH, these features will help you to find the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list!

The Indie Collective enjoys providing one of the hippest resources for today's savvy shoppers, and look forward to introducing you to the innovative indie designers in our 2009 Holiday Shopping Guide.

Popularity: 10% [?]

If you like to include a sense of intrigue in your style, this Sterling Silver Webbed Ring from Yinibini is just the delicate little piece that will up your Femme Fatale quotient.

Ethereal polished silver offers a dreamy lightness, while the criss-crossed detailing adds whispers of ghostly beauty.  

$40USD from Yinibini

Popularity: unranked [?]

The Indie Collective is getting a makeover!

We've been busy planning a modern revamp of our website for some time, and we're almost ready for the reveal.

We have many new features in store, and for this first stage of the new Shopping Directory, we need your help.

If you are a member of the Shopping Directory, we ask that you take a couple of minutes to login and verify your information at: http://www.indiecollective.net/makeover/ in order to have your link migrated to the new servers without a hitch.

If you are having trouble logging in or have forgotten you password, simply head to http://www.indiecollective.net/profile.php?mode=sendpassword

Not a member yet? Sign up for a free listing at http://www.indiecollective.net

We are very excited about the new modern look that is coming for the Indie Collective Shopping Directory, and we will be in touch as new features and additions are added.

Popularity: unranked [?]

We're at it again – it's time to sign up for the 2009 Holiday Shopping Guide!

With over 4000 independent designers and crafters listed in our shopping directory, the Indie Collective continues to be one of the leading online destinations for savvy shoppers in search of the latest offerings from innovative indie designers – like you! And our 2009 Holiday Guide is a great way to introduce your new product lines for the holiday season!

The Guide will be showcased at http://www.indiecollective.net and will run online for 6 months from mid-October 2009 to March 2010.

Whether you are new or are already familiar with our Shopping Guide, we will once again continue to offer the same great enhancements of our past guides :

* 2 Featured Products for the price of 1
* Optional Editorial Featurettes & Red Ribbon Placements
* up to 3 Product Photos with a Red Ribbon Placement
* Discounts on Sponsored Listings & Banner Listings at the Indie Collective Shopping Directory
* Extended viewing, the Guide will run for 6 months until March 2010

 
Ready to show off your wares?

For further details visit: http://www.indiecollective.net/giftguide/advertise.php

Popularity: unranked [?]

From the ladies at Ampersand Designs:

Ampersand Designs will have been in business for one year this coming Sunday and what better way to celebrate it than with a 25% discount on all of our merchandise!

Just type in 25OFF in the comments section at checkout and we'll refund the difference.

This coupon will only be valid until June 10th, 2009 so get shopping! We also offer free shipping for purchases totaling $100 or more.

Just a reminder that our Fall 2009 collection will be available July 1st, 2009 and we're really excited about this one.

Keep an eye out for sneak peeks on our blog over the next couple of weeks (www.ampersanddesignsblog.blogspot.com).
 
Happy Shopping!!!
 
-Laura & Michelle
Ampersand Designs
www.ampersanddesigns.com

Popularity: unranked [?]

If you're a guy who longs to put on your fancy pants with a little masculine flair, Solesu has an extensive collection of belts in so many styles, you can go from rocker to biker to anything in between.

We think Solesu's belts will not only show who wears the pants, but who does so stylishly!

What do you think? What outfit would this piece go great with? Get in on the discussion and share your ideas with other readers of styleFLASH by leaving your comments.

DISCOUNT ALERT! Want to save on your purchase at Solesu? Use coupon code IC1 for 10% off your order! And don't forget – tell 'em you found 'em on styleFLASH!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Ready to put winter behind you once and for all? Let our 2009 Spring/Summer Shopping Guide brighten up your days with the cream of the crop in indie design!

With jewelry & accessories, handbags & apparel, gifts for kids, and goodies for both you and your home, our Spring/Summer Shopping Guide offers the latest offerings from innovative independent designers.

This is your chance to discover something new in indie style & fashion! And many of our participants are offering great savings, so you can score some fabulous indie goods on the cheap.

Watch our blog for posts highlighting the AMAZING participants of the Indie Collective's 2009 Spring/Summer Shopping Guide!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Want to spread some indie love? Sponsor one of our Gold Star Giveaways!

If you're an indie designer with some wares you want to share with our readers, you can donate a prize to one of our monthly giveaways! 

Just fill out our form detailing the goods you want to give.  We'll create a Sponsor Spotlight post where interested participants can leave their comments. At the end of the draw period, we will randomly select a winning name from the entries and email you the details!

All you have to do is mail away the prize to the lucky recipient!

Ready to get started? Just fill out the form here and we will get back to you. We look forward to sharing your handcrafted goods with indie shoppers!

Popularity: unranked [?]