One of our favorite sites is at it again! US Trendy brings us the most popular names in indie fashion voted on by their readers. But now they are offering readers access to these coveted names everyday! Readers get a one-of-a-kind look while designers are given another venue to sell their lines. It looks a bit like etsy…just for indie fashion lovers!

I just spent about an hour browsing all of the looks available and I don’t think I came close to seeing the whole store. For such a new online boutique, I’m shocked at the variety that’s available. No matter your personal taste or price point, there seems to be something for everyone.

BLOOM handbag- $40.00

Some of our favorites are this Love Belle dress by Sara Mena, Blouse by Julie and BLOOM handbag by Mamsirati Irm/-e .

Check it out and tell them LDB sent you! Happy Shopping!

LDB: I love the fresh look you give each design. How were you inspired to start your collection of jewelry? And tell us about the materials you use.

LLD: Thanks for your sweet words! I made jewelry in high school, but it wasn’t until a trip to San Diego, California after my first son was born that I got really inspired to make my own jewelry. I bought a few bracelets and then had an I-could-make-these moment. So I did!

My jewelry has changed over the years as I’ve learned new techniques and have grown into my own style. We use mainly sterling silver and cream freshwater pearls to create our signature look!

LDB: What part of the design process do you enjoy the most?

LLD: The design process is so much fun! My favorite part is seeing an idea go from a sketch to a real-life necklace hung around someone’s neck. And the first time I see a new completed design, I always think it’s the best one we’ve ever done.

LDB: What has been the most exciting for you since launching your jewelry line?

LLD: It’s been so exciting to watch the business grow. Being featured in magazines like Parenting and Glamour is thrilling. We did a local morning show in Birmingham, Alabama and it was my first experience with anything like that. Also, seeing celebrities wearing my jewelry is completely surreal.

LDB: What methods  do you use to market and sell your items? Are you currently sold in boutique stores?

LLD: Certainly our best advertising comes from word-of-mouth. Blogging has also been incredible for my business because people really want to know the artist behind the creations. We sell mostly through our online store at lisaleonardonline.com. We have a few boutiques that carry our designs, but we really focus on retail. If you are in California, check out Hands Gallery in San Luis Obispo- love them!

LDB: What’s next for Lisa Leonard Designs?

LLD: Hmmm, good question! Our plan is to keep making jewelry and we hope people continue to love it. We’ve got a couple new designs we’ll introduce in the next few weeks- so stay tuned!

Click here to browse Lisa’s full collection. Such a great gift idea for mom or grandma. Get Mother’s Day done early this year!

We love Lisa Leonard Designs!

My absolute favorite item is her photo tins. At only 4″ x 6″ the are small enough to fit in a small handbag and oh so cute! They retail at $25, fit nine wallet-sized pictures of your hubby, kids or dog and Sarah will customize the look to fit your theme, favorite color or anything you have in mind. This is what Sarah had to say about them: “

I think the photo tins are what I’m most proud of. I love the idea of being able to carry pictures of those you love in your purse and not worry about them getting bent or destroyed. I felt especially proud of the HOPE tins since it was my way of giving back…20% of each tin went to Susan G Komen for Breast Cancer Research.”

Here is a little more of my interview with Sarah:

What inspires your paper creations?

Different things inspire me. My kids…women with cancer, the incredible way a happy design makes people smile and feel warm. In terms of my designs, I can see certain colors together, see a pattern on some paper or see shapes while I’m out walking…anything can inspire me and then I just go back to my desk and play!

Where are you when you aren’t working?

Well, lately I can usually be found volunteering at my daughter’s school. Partially because of my former life as a teacher and partially because I love that sparkle I see in Emily’s eyes, I feel it’s essential that we support our teachers and schools as best we can…

Do you have a favorite boutique shop? If so, what?

I haven’t been doing a lot of shopping lately, but when I was looking for unusual and wonderful gifts, I would always go to Zipper. They were on 3^rd Street in Los Angeles and then they opened a shop in Brooklyn , NY . A month or so ago they closed their store here and opened in Sonoma , CA . So Cal ’s loss is No Cal ’s gain! At least I can still find them online!!

I had a great time getting to know Sarah and I was more and more impressed with each creation she pulled out for me to see. We’ll be watching her closely to see what she does next! To see for yourself, click here to visit her website.

It was quite cold during the first weekend of December. Temperatures dropped to the numbers we Chicagoans don’t usually have to deal with until mid-January; however such was not the case this season. Yet we as Chicago residents are used to braving the cold, bundling up in layers, and refusing to be shacked in by the Midwestern weather.

Therefore nothing could stop us from venturing out to the first ever Fashion & Shopping Extravaganza held in the trendy Wicker Park space, The Creative Lounge. Hosted by Fashion Rocks Chicago and See More Shopping, designers spanned the enormous space with tables and racks for their items, while we shed our coats and layers to get down and dirty with fun and fashion.

Attendees received complimentary homemade goodie bags upon entering the event along with free snacks and refreshments. And if trying on pretty clothing and jewelry wasn’t enough to get over the cold, mini makeovers and hair styling was provided for guests courtesy of Sugar & Spice.

Designers included the wondrous talents of Evil Kitty, Anastasia Chatzka, 5p1t, CC Bella, Rosina Mae, K-Fleye, Mr. Tastees and Poise.cc. Partners included Sugar & Spice, SeeMoreShopping, Smashing Darling, Liberation Prints, We Give to Get, Rock Uniform, MaZi Dance Fitness Center, and Janet Jewelry.

We also received a lovely preview of the TOYOTA i-REAL, TOYOTA’s newest concept personal mobility device. The TOYOTA i-REAL collaboration was established in 2008 with designers Agga B., Anna Fong, Melissa Serpico, and Lidia Wachowska, to create fashions inspired by the i-REAL design and concept. This is an image during the event of a model donning an Evil Kitty dress (designed by Lidia Wachowska) with the i-REAL.

It promises to be a long winter ahead of us in Chicago-land! But when there is such fabulous fashion to be had, we’ll make sure to bundle up for it!

Photos: Aza from Sugar & Spice

Natasha Wilson!

Congratulations, Natasha. Enjoy!! Send us pictures and we’ll post them up.

Check your email for details on how to claim your prize.

Our last Holiday Countdown Giveaway is coming in a few…Check back with us tonight!

I have a Handy Hold-All™ hanging over my closet door right now and I love it! Suddenly my closet isn’t cluttered with giant handbags in every corner. Now that they’re on the door, I’ve gained about 30 sq feet in my closet! A great gift for the girl (like me) who has a handbag addiction.

Kosher Rock Socks- $9.95

Talk about a stocking stuffer!…or a Hanukkah gift! For less than ten bucks, get socks that make a statement, start a conversation or just turn heads. Not your everyday tube sock!

Kitchen Couture’s Timeless Elegance $48.95

A gift for your favorite hostess! Kitchen Couture makes kitchen-duty glamorous! These gorgeous designs are made here in the U.S. by women who know high class. And…for a great price!

Kalvin Kauzbot- $24.99

Kauzbots are all the rage for kids this year. These stuffed robots are perfect for the kid, tween or teen on your list. But the best part is that each kauzbot has a “kauz” that is important to him. This little guy, KALVIN is passionate about helping mothers and their children transition out of homelessness. A portion of the proceeds from each KALVIN Kauzbot sold will go straight to his cause!

Rectangle Key Chain by Lisa Leonard Designs- $48.00

Our sentimental pick! For less than $50, have a special message engraved on sterling silver gift items for the perfect gift from the heart!

Every Little Counts “A Violent Sensual Sensitive Girl” Tee- $32

We love ELC! Designer Amy Snider has created a sexy t-shirt line with attitude. These T’s are perfect for the fashionista on your list or for the woman who has everything. Comfort and style for a great price!

Coin Purse by nJoy Designs- $10.00

nJoy Designs was wildly popular by our readers! And for good reason. These handbags are 100% made in the USA using water-resistant oilcloth. They are easy to clean and look super sleek. Great stocking stuffer for mom!

Beso Handbags- Eve $42.00

We LOVE the style of this “Eve” bag. So chic with a beautiful deep red lining, this handbag goes with most outfits and will be sure to draw attention. Dress it up or down, the “Eve” is definitely our favorite Beso Handbag!

Andy Gersh Coral Necklace- $30

I’ve watch the way this designer presses glass into pendents from his own LA studio. These designs are gorgeous, especially knowing how they’re made. Take my word for it! These are a great deal!

Lizzie Parker Assymetrical Top in Black- $28.00 ON SALE

We first met Lizzie Parker during Portland Fashion Week and we loved her holiday collection! This assymetrical top is part of a previous collection with the same classic elegance Lizzie Parker is known for at a VERY affordable price. (Regular Price: $85.00) Find this piece now on badjoan.com.

Happy Shopping!

Laura uses Swarovski crystals and Semi-Precious stones on most of her designs, which makes $5.00 an AMAZING DEAL.

Click here to shop online. Pick up a few gifts for others…and maybe one or two for yourself, too.

Happy Shopping!

Congratulations, Adam. What a great holiday gift! Send us an email at andrea.pohlot@littledesignerbook.com with your shipping address and we’ll make sure you receive your new prize.

Still haven’t won? Don’t worry!

There are more great designers coming up. CLICK HERE to enter our brand new giveaway from Gebbie Cloth. But hurry!

This one ends on December 16th at 11:59pm.

Talk about a Stocking Stuffer!

Erica is one of the most interesting, self-motivated designers I’ve met in a long time. Her concept for fun, witty socks is so fun and a little bit nuts. We first met Erica at Unique L.A. about a month ago and even thought I’m not much of a sock girl, I couldn’t help but get drawn over to her booth. Even I had to admit…these socks are hot! Sit back and enjoy…ROCK SOCKS!

LDB: So what first got you started in designing socks?

RS: For years I’ve worn shorts and knee socks as my everyday “uniform” the way some people wear jeans and flip flops. I had been toying with the idea of designing socks for a while, because there are very few companies making interesting, stylish socks, but didn’t actually take the plunge until last year. Seeing the amazing variety of hip Obama gear and products I thought ‘Somebody needs to make Obama socks!’ Then I realized that there was no reason I shouldn’t be the person to make Obama socks and voila! The world had its first-ever presidential knee socks and I had a sock company.

Actually, it’s great because I’ve worked in fashion most of my adult life and I finally feel as though I’m putting my English BA to good use! Putting the power of words on socks.

LDB: What has been the response so far?

RS: The response to Obama socks was huge and immediate - they were featured in everything from Marie Claire to LA Weekly and I couldn’t keep up with the sales. That success allowed me to introduce a full line which is also doing really, really well. Quirky socks are a niche but these socks are very unique and fun; the people that like them REALLY like them. A lot of people buy them as gifts because they are playful, useful, unique and affordable.

We’re doing especially well in hip, indie cities like Portland. And there’s been an awesome response in Japan.

LDB: Can you tell us what new socks we can look forward to seeing soon?

RS: I can’t give away my secrets, but by late October there will be a whole new group of word socks (check www.rocksocks.net or our Fan Page on Facebook for updates). They won’t be styled like retro tube socks; they are dress socks. I describe the new collection as the kind of socks Oscar Wilde would wear if he were alive today and listening to the Ramones and hanging out with Rodney Bingenheimer.

LDB: Where can we find you when you’re not designing and promoting your business?

RS: When I’m not working on Rock Socks, I’m buying vintage clothes - I’m a huge collector (I co-authored and photographed Rock Tease (Abrams Image, 2006), the first book about vintage rock T-shirts), urban hiking (aka walking in LA), shopping at Amoeba or traveling. I am also a partner in Portland’s Red Light Clothing Exchange, a huge vintage clothing emporium. The Red Light keeps me pretty busy - it’s a rock star clothing junkie’s Candyland.

Erica is smart, hip and quick-witted…all of which is reflected in her sock collection. I’m looking forward to more. I’m not sure what to make of Oscar Wilde/Ramones/Rodney Bingenheimer dress socks. (?) We’ll wait and see. For more information on Rock Socks or to inquire about a wholesale order for your store, click here to contact Erica directly.

Thanks, Erica for taking time out with LDB. We wish you the very best with Rock Socks!

Every Little Counts is an L.A.-based graphic T-shirt company that launched their business for Valentine’s Day 2008. Founder and designer Amy Snider says, “The aim is to connect with the closet romantic; girls and women who secretly believe in a hidden world of romance and drama.”

Although Amy’s company began in 2008, she was hardly new to the business of fashion & design. As a child, she grew up in Massachusetts with an eclectic style and a love for vintage treasures. Amy went on to study fashion at various schools including London College of Fashion. From Europe, she landed in New York and eventually her career brought her to L.A. for even more opportunities.

Now, ELC is enjoying a growing cult following as each collection reveals new treasures unlike the season before. See what other voices in fashion have had to say about Every Little Counts.

And now, Amy’s brand new fall line has just been introduced. Click here to pre-order these pieces!