Shopping for personal gifts can be a challenge – and although mall gift cards are quick & convenient, we feel that everyone deserves a thoughtful gift.

That's where you come in, indie pals! We need you to help make gift giving something extra special this year. We want to spotlight your handcrafted goodies and show shoppers how buying handmade gifts, bits and baubles can add a personal touch to the holidays!

Our 2010 Holiday Shopping Guide is just the place to flaunt your stuff – and with our new look, blog featurettes and additional photos with every placement, you can showcase your goods for 6 months!

Ready to kick-start your holiday shopping season? Become a Shopping Guide participant today!

With over 21,000 page visits per month, 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 2010 Spring/Summer Guide is a great way to introduce your new product lines for this coming season!

Our 2010 Spring/Summer Shopping Guide will be showcased at http://www.indiecollective.net and will run online for 6 months from April – September 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:

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

Ready to show off your wares?

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

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

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.

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

$40USD from Yinibini

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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IN THIS NEWSLETTER
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1. 2009 Spring/Summer Shopping Guide
2. Get Noticed at styleFLASH.net
3. Get in the Indie Designer Spotlight
4. Take Part in our Gold Star Giveaways
5. Our Plans for 2009

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1. 2009 Spring/Summer Shopping Guide
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The Indie Collective is now looking for participants for our 2009 Spring/Summer Shopping Guide.

With over 3500 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 Spring/Summer Guide is a great way to introduce your new product lines for the new season!

Our 2009 Spring/Summer Shopping Guide will be showcased at http://www.indiecollective.net from mid-March to September 2009, giving you 6 months of exposure and providing shoppers with ample opportunity to discover your wares. For those of you who are already familiar with our Shopping Guide, we have once again added some great enhancements that we know you will be pleased with :

* 2 featured products for the price of 1
* up to 3 Product Photos with a Red Ribbon Placement
* Extended viewing, the Guide will run for 6 months until September 2009

 —————————————————————————–

… And for those of you who are new to our Shopping Guide, here is a quick run-down of what our 2009 Spring / Summer Shopping Guide will feature:

* Platinum, Gold, and Silver Product Placements
* Optional Editorial Featurettes & Red Ribbon Placements
* Discounts on Sponsored Listings & Banner Listings at the Indie Collective Shopping Directory
* 2 featured products for the price of 1
* up to 3 Product Photos with a Red Ribbon Placement
* Extended viewing, the Guide will run for 6 months until September 2009
 
Ready to show off your wares?

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

Questions or Comments? Email us!

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2. Get noticed at styleFLASH.net
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styleFLASH.net is the sister site of the Indie Collective where we feature the best in indie design & fashion.

We are always interested in hearing from you – whether it is the launch of a new line, interesting causes or shows that you are taking part in, our a special sale that you wish to share with indie shoppers!

Feel free to submit your tips to us anytime at http://www.styleflash.net/submit-your-tips/

Who knows – you may find yourself featured in one of our columns!

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3. Get in the Indie Designer Spotlight
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Our newest column, Behind the Design, is the place where we let you show off what goes on behind-the-scenes in your crafty life!

From how you got started with your indie biz, to the things that inspire you to create, we love to hear all those cool little tidbits and quirks that make you…you!

Want to get in the spotlight? Pop over to our website and share a little bit of your crafty life here: http://www.styleflash.net/indie-designer-spotlight/

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4. Take part in our Gold Star Giveaways
—————————————————————————–

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

If you've got some wares you want to share with our readers, you can donate a prize to one of our monthly giveaways! 

Just fill out the form here: http://www.styleflash.net/gold-star-giveaways/ detailing the goods you want to give.  At the end of the draw period, we will randomly select a winning name from our mailing list and email you the details!

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5. Our Plans for 2009
—————————————————————————–

We've got big plans for 2009! With a sleek new look, cool Shopping Directory features, and other improvements, we look forward to continuing to provide one of the leading online resources for independent fashion and design.

Watch your inbox for news of these cool new options in the coming months!

============================================

Mary & Chris
Indie Collective – Shopping Indie, Made Easy!
http://www.indiecollective.net

We will be selecting the best, most creative responses to feature in our Behind the Design column. It's a great way to show off what makes you unique, and entice shoppers to click through to your website!

What are you waiting for? Get in on the fun!

With over 3500 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 we want to show off your wares in our 2009 Spring Shopping Guide!

The Indie Collective Shopping Directory will showcase your handcrafted goods to shoppers who want something unique and creative to enhance their lives, and it's a great chance to introduce your new product lines for spring!

Visitors will be able to browse the pages of the Shopping Guide and discover your products in a fresh & exciting way, and we have no doubt that the modern look of our Shopping Guide will entice shoppers to visit your website and purchase your awesome indie goods!

We enjoy providing one of the hippest shopping guides around, and look forward to showcasing your unique, handcrafted items to shoppers everywhere!

Ready to show off your wares? Sign up today!

This Push Me Pull Me Car from Made By Ewe recalls a simpler time without all the glitz and gadgetry of today's fast-paced world.

Individually handcrafted, this classic toy is powered by your child's endless imagination!

All of designer Stacey Rothrock Steinfeld's toys are made from reclaimed pine, oak or maple finished with pure, safe mineral oil, making both the giving and receiving of these handcrafted items a true gift that reminds us of the true spirit of the holiday season.

What do you think? Tell us how much your kids would love this classic toy!

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 Made By Ewe? Use coupon code FreeShip for Free shipping on orders over $25! And don't forget – tell 'em you found 'em on styleFLASH!

Looking for more great indie goods?  Check out our 2008 Holiday Shopping Guide!

The adorable brass swallow brings a softness and romance to the piece, allowing the wearer to wax nostalgic about home, life and love.

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 Eclectic Eccentricity? Use coupon code COLL08 for 10% off your order! And don't forget – tell 'em you found 'em on styleFLASH!

Looking for more great indie goods?  Check out our 2008 Holiday Shopping Guide!

 
Tiny flowers give a bit of girly flair to the skulls and barbed wire pattern, and with an extra layer of cotton batting, your dreams will be comfortably frightful!

What's your take on this ghoulish eye mask? Is it too creepy for you? Or do you like the gothic look of it? Get in on the discussion with other readers of styleFLASH by leaving your comments.

RIP Eye Mask – $11USD from BibBon
Photo courtesy of BibBon

So if there's a new baby you want to celebrate, why not treat the new mom (and baby, too) to a blossoming bouquet of clothes from Swanky Blooms.

Making gift giving fun, these bright and bold bunches of baby essentials can include everything from socks to a complete set for the new arrival.

This Complete Layette Bloom includes 1 blanket, 1 short sleeve onesie, 1 long sleeve bodysuit, 1 cardigan, 1 pant, 1 hat, 1 reversible bib, 2 pairs of socks and 2 washcloths – all in a gorgeous arrangement that would make a lovely gift – and will definitely be the envy of the baby shower!

On sale for $99.95USD at Swanky Blooms

Photo courtesy of Swanky Blooms

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What do you think about these bright gift bouquets? Would you love to receive one of these as a new mom? Get involved in the discussion with other styleFLASH readers by leaving your comments! 

With over 3000 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 2008 Holiday Shopping Guide is set to be our best yet!

In this, our 5th year of providing a holiday shopping guide, the Indie Collective Shopping Directory will showcase your wares to shoppers who want something unique and creative to enhance their lives, and to make their holiday season a little brighter.

Much like your favorite fashion magazine, our 2008 Holiday Shopping Guide will showcase your products alongside other talented & creative indie designers. Visitors will be able to browse the pages of the Shopping Guide and discover your products in a fresh & exciting way, and we have no doubt that the modern look of our Shopping Guide will entice shoppers to visit your website and purchase your awesome indie goods!

We enjoy providing one of the hippest shopping guides around, and look forward to showcasing your unique, handcrafted items to shoppers everywhere!

Ready to show off your wares? Sign up today!