At the time of year when spirits are stirring and things go bump in the night, it’s difficult not to get caught up in the dark romanticism of it all. Independent perfumery Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab embraces that notion, and has stocked their online shop with potions and elixirs that, for the goth and the goth-at-heart, will make everyday feel like Halloween.

Browsing BPAL’s online catacombs, it is easy to become enchanted by their sweeping array of themed scents that run the gamut from amour to the afterlife. However, with befitting monikers such as Love Potions and Dark Elements, one can easily navigate the collections and find scents to tickle your senses with devilish delight.

Perfectly befitting autumn and its melancholy atmosphere, The Lab’s Bewitching Brews collection is rife with perfumery fit for a Queen of the Night. Thirsting for something dark & ominous? The musky undertones of The Raven could be just what you are looking for. Looking for a signature scent with a little more bite? The bitter blackness of The Lab’s Count Dracula scent promises to add a more sinister spice to your perfume repertoire.

My own gothic teeth were cut on The Cure, Bauhaus and Siouxsie & The Banshees, not to mention a steady diet of black hair dye, talcum powder and my trusty Kohl eyeliner. So, imagine my delight when taking a virtual stroll through the dizzying selection of tantalizing scents and aromatic oils found at BPAL.

Amongst the mythological and magickal concoctions, you will also find numerous limited edition scents, such as the Halloween-themed Pumpkin Patch collection. With five “delightfully strange” variations, including #2, a combination of pumpkin with cocoa, hazelnut, & walnut, there is certainly one that will appeal to you. And don’t worry - a quick search on BPAL’s user forums offers up customer reviews of each Pumpkin Patch scent so you can, indeed, find the one that appeal to your personal scent preference.

In fact, the forums are an endless source of ideas & inspiration from perfume enthusiasts who love to talk shop, experiment with and swap their BPAL stash. Seriously, I can’t think of another indie shop that has developed a cult following such as The Lab’s, one that collectively thirsts for their aromatic blends, and will gladly wait the 21-30 days it can take to process, hand-blend, package and ship orders.

The funny thing is - with such a ravenous fan base, I have to admit my curiosity is piqued. Now to whittle down my wishlist to one that won’t break my budget.

From the antiqued labels, vintage cobalt & amber vessels, and spine-chilling artwork, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has found their niche in perfumes for the dark-at-heart, and delivers them with dead-on diabolical accuracy.

For others who are intrigued by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab’s extensive menu of intoxicating perfumery, visit their website, and be prepared to while away your witching hours browsing their virtual shelves laden with seductive scents sure to steal your heart.

Site: www.blackphoenixalchemylab.com

By: Mary Rajotte of www.outstandingink.com

Art School Dropout is simply too cool for school. Seriously. A quick jaunt through the site will leave you feeling most unpopular if you didn’t already know about it. Don’t fret though, you’re finally in the know! The only dilemma now is where to begin because just a few clicks into Jessee’s world of creations and you just might find yourself lost in, yet inspired by, the endless eye-catching color combinations and designs just as I was.

The most prominent pieces on the site are in a series called “Juxtapose”. Among the Juxtapose series are one of a kind necklaces and pendants constructed with both new and old parts such as vintage buttons and beads, enamel flower pins, as well as Jessee’s own hand-cast plastic pieces.

However, the fun doesn’t end there. In addition to this popular series you will find whimsical brooches, earrings, hairpins, rings and bracelets made of equally unique findings. The best part of all, no piece is currently priced over $35 which is well within even an art school dropout’s budget.

Site: www.artschooldropout.net

By: Stephanie Lesky of www.junkinourtrunk.com

This week our interview is with Danielle Kelli Fleming the founder of Danielle and Company, Inc. At Danielle and Company, the goal is to change the boring soap routines of yesterday. Danielle’s soap will tantalize your senses and make your body feel refreshed and clean. The amazing scents and colors will invigorate you and the natural, high-quality ingredients will cleanse and nourish your skin. This is the revitalization of soap; the soap of the 21st century!

How did you get your start?

I created my company when I was tired of boring bath soaps, that dried out my skin. I began studying the ingredients in soap and found so many companies that use irritating chemicals in their formulas. Most of the soaps smelled very chemically to me and the colors and scents were just plain and not exciting. So I let my creativity flow and I made my first bar of Cool Cucumber Soap.

Using the soap in the shower was amazing; it smelled great, looked fabulous and made my skin feel wonderful. I even found the process of making soap to be very therapeutic and relaxing. I was hooked. The soaps I created made me feel alive and refreshed. Each morning I was filled with anticipation to use another bar of soap! Taking care of the outside, made me feel good on the inside.

I gave my soap away to friends and family and they loved it; wanted more. It was wonderful to make something that smelled great as well as nourished my skin. So this is where it all began…
Over the next three years, I perfected my formulas, created a smooth shaped soap with contemporary yet simple packaging. To meet the needs of many people, I created two different soap lines: the Purity line and the Fabulous and Fun line. The Purity line is made with pure essential oils and soft colors, whereas the Fabulous and Fun line is vibrant in color with high-quality fragrance oils. With over 20 different soap scents, there is a special bar for everyone.

What was the first item you ever made?

Cool Cucumber Soap! To this day is one of our top sellers! Each bar of soap has been personally developed by me and I only use the finest ingredient that nature has to offer. I test our soap on soap lovers, not animals, and do not use animal by-products. The soap is 100% vegetable-based, consisting of coconut oil, palm oil, castor oil, safflower oil, kosher vegetable glycerin, and shea butter. My soaps do not contain the following which are known to be irritating to the skin: perfumes, alcohol, sugar solutions, surfactants, sulfates and detergents. Each bar of soap will tantalize the senses, nourish the skin, and renew the soul.

Do you have any formal training?

I do not have any formal training. I am all self-taught. I learned from reading lots of books and making recipes from scratch. I would test them on my friends and family and the ones they love are the ones on the shelves today! My background is in psychology. I earned my B.A. in psychology from Moravian College and received my M.A. from Marywood University. I have also received many awards, including being named one of The TOP 20 UNDER 40 Business Owners in NEPA, Northeast Woman in 2003, Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, as well as being nominated Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005.

When and why did you create Danielle and Company?

Why: I created my company when I was tired of boring bath soaps, that dried out my skin. I began studying the ingredients in soap and found so many companies that use irritating chemicals in their formulas. Most of the soaps smelled very chemically to me and the colors and scents were just plain and not exciting. So I let my creativity flow and I made my first bar of Cool Cucumber Soap.

When: In May of 2002, I began my business out of my kitchen using a double boiler to create the soaps. At that time, I sold my soaps at local farmer’s markets and crafts shows all while completing my graduate work in psychology. In 2004, Danielle and Company opened its first retail store in Clarks Summit, PA, where the soaps and other fine bath and body care products are sold. At the time, Fleming realized that her enthusiasm for her business and her soaps was more powerful than her long-life dream of becoming a psychologist so she left the field of psychology to pursue her passion wholeheartedly. In 2005, Danielle and Company soaps made their way to boutiques and department stores shelves across the nation!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being creative is the part of the job I enjoy the most. I love creating new formulas, new scent combinations, new products. It is just so much fun!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Most of my inspiration comes from my customers. They will request certain scents or colors, or tell me what they like the most. I get inspiration from just about anything, from the smell of a flower blooming in the morning to the smell of freshly made chocolate! My Classic Beauty soap was inspired by a rose garden that I was at in Miami last year. It is a classic blend of red roses with a modern addition of tea, damask, and ice rose with a carnation to-note.

Who is your favorite designer?

My favorite designer is Vera Wang. She is such an inspiration to me. She puts a modern twist on a classic piece. That is what I am doing with my soaps, taking a basic every day product and making them look as good as they feel on your skin.

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

A calendar! I am constantly scheduling, planning, making lists and more lists! We are still a small company, so I wear many hats! As far as fashion goes, my pink razor cell phone and Bluetooth is with me at all times!

What will you be wearing this autumn/winter?

I love that the Fall Trends at Fashion Week were blacks and chocolate browns with lots of layers. You will definitely see me with my black leggings, cole haan tall black boots and lots of layers! It is a great fashion statement and it keeps me warm in the Pennsylvania weather! I am also super excited that pony tails are hot this season!

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers trying to sell online?

You will get out of the internet what you put into it. You have to stay on top of it, constantly promoting yourself. You always want to keep your company name in the front of your customer’s minds. Send them coupons, announce your new design, have a contest, create a blog and be consistent.

Where do you hope Danielle and Company will be in 5 years?

In 5 years my goal is to have the Danielle and Company name and logo synonymous with great soap! When someone thinks of candles, they think Yankee, when they think of ice cream they think Ben and Jerry’s, when they think soap, they think Danielle and Company. This is my goal, my passion, my dream!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Always follow your dream, with your heart and soul, everyday. Every ounce of energy that you put into it will be returned 10 fold.

Site: www.danielleandcompany.com

By: Anissa Mook, Editor in Chief

One of my favorite shops is Little Odd Forest. Like most of us, Singaporean designer Lynda Lye prefers handmade goods to the mass-produced. Many of her designs are produced in limited quantities and are one-of-a-kind creations, handmade with nothing but love. She loves to make use of vintage fabrics and anything else to make her work unique.

The signature snotty little forest bird embroidered on the front pocket makes for one sweet sweet handbag! I am beyond in love with this bag! It isn’t just cute it’s practical and spacious too. This Cream and Pink version is the only one left right now. Let’s just hope that Lynda makes more!

On to the Huggables! This Forest Treeling is made of acrylic felt, synthetic filling, plastic beads and thread. They come in many different styles and shapes but I’m just loving this one for the Fall season.

Site: www.forestprints.com

By: Anissa Mook, Editor in Chief

Vain Angel offers a variety of jewelry designed and created solely by it’s creator. The materials used to make the pieces involve semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, sterling silver chains and 14K gold chains so as to ensure quality. Unconventional components like fabric and pocket watches are incorporated in various pieces to produce unique designs.

All of the jewels are so girly and fresh looking. I’m just loving the Azura earrings with the white clay flowers and bright sky-blue glass beads. At just $15.00 they are a real must-have!

The Tranquilla bracelet uses the same clay flowers as the Azura earrings but the black agate beads gives it such a different look.

If you see something from Vain Angel you have to have buy it now because there are no remakes!

Site: vain-angel.blogspot.com

By: Anissa Mook, Editor in Chief

Have you heard the latest dish? Your local health & wellness retreat has made the move from seaweed wraps to the information superhighway. And you’re the one who is set to clean up.

anise&currant, the newly-launched go-to site for all things bath, body and abode, is subsequently poised to be THE authority on sweet-scented elixirs, suds and balms. Resident scent sleuth at anise&currant, Kristen Magee is on her way to compiling an impressive list of companies specializing in spa products.

While dressing table standbys, such as candles and soap, are well represented, Kristen adds an extra level of cachet to the directory by seeking out products that, until recently, were more scarcely represented by smaller designers, including cosmetics & perfume.

The true beauty of any directory website is that of discovery. Browsing through the indexed listings, I am pleasantly surprised by the list of indie staples, as well as a number of shops I had not heard of before. From Kristen’s own Beccalights, to my new discovery of the cheekily-named Villainess, anise&currant’s showing of products promising to soothe, detoxify & de-stress is proof that the bath, body, candle and cosmetic markets are on the rise when it comes to home-based ventures.

Beccalights’ impressive range of candles, scent melts and room sprays is only outrivaled by the incredible scents! I personally own her Tannenbaum, Carmelized Chestnuts and Pumpkin Cheesecake candle tins, the latter of which I have to admit to continually opening and reopening, just to breathe in the realistically divine scent. These candles are richly infused with aromatic blends without being overpowering. With the addition of more new scents every season, Beccalights truly lives up to its tagline promise to “scent your world”.

Browsing around the website of my new discovery Villainess, I am struck by not only the endless list of scents in her Smooch! And Sudz lines, but also by Brooke’s combination of sassy wit, practical employ of traditional soapmaking, and the tongue-in-cheek naming of her fragrant “skin-friendly” goodies. With sinful treats such as the appropriately-named Decadence Smooch!, I would gladly adopt the Villainess lifestyle if that means being able to spoil myself daily with the milky concoction that promises to exfoliate as well as moisturize in one fell swoop.

The days of being wrapped up in bandages mummy-style are over (unless, of course, you are busy preparing for your best friend’s Halloween party). Today’s spas are au courant, and instead of stealing away to some secluded hideaway, now you can find the latest pampering products with the click of a computer mouse.

It is easy to become overwhelmed when faced with the sheer magnitude of fragrances, flavors, and colors, not to mention the clays, minerals, and herbs formulated into bath & body products. But anise&currant’s department-store directory layout is intuitive to shoppers both informed and those who are not so.

With a sudsy sampling of the best in bath & body, as well as an expanding collection of candle makers, cosmetic chemists and perfumeries all in one easy-to-navigate directory, you won’t have to run yourself ragged in order to hit them all.

Then again…you just may want to. It will give you the perfect excuse to spoil yourself with a little extra face time at aniseandcurrant.com

Site: www.aniseandcurrant.com

By: Mary Rajotte of www.outstandingink.com

Mod to Modern is the creative outlet for Vancouver resident Michelle. She takes castaway sweaters and turns them into fabulous and wearable creations. Wearing a recycled wool sweater creation from mod to modern is like being wrapped in a soft, warm hug. Each lovingly re-styled garment is a creamy confection of color and texture. Michelle finds and deconstructs the materials herself and all of the cutting, tailoring and finishing are done by hand. She may deconstruct as many as eight salvaged sweaters to create each one of a kind piece. Mod to Modern’s redesigned sweaters aren’t just beautiful but they are eco-friendly too.

Each sweater has it’s own unique look. Some are bold & funky with a sixties vibe while others are more the prepster look with argyle print. You may recognize a sleeve from your grandfather’s cashmere cardigan, the buttons from your mom’s angora Christmas sweater, or the collar from a little pink lambs wool number you wore on a spring evening.

Site: www.modtomodern.com

By: Anissa Mook, Editor in Chief

 IndieShopping.com’s Holiday Gift Guide is here! Inside, you will find a broad assortment of fun and unique gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Our guide brings you some of the greatest new products from up-and-coming designers, and even includes exclusive discount codes to help you save a few bucks!

Sofia Bean - http://www.sofiabean.com

Soft cotton baby clothes and matching accessories embroidered with Sofia Bean’s exclusive designs, which include dogs, a sheep, and a chick. Gift Box is printed with coordinating designs. Makes a great impression at showers or when a sleepy new mom opens the shipping box. And the box is perfect for storing diapers, toys or extra clothes. Pre-set value combination boxes from $29.99 to $99.99. Or you can “build your own box” choosing from several colors and designs. Have fun creating your own unique and practical baby gift. Flat shipping fee of $5.95. Orders are processed in 1-2 business days.

Code: Use Indie20 to get 20% off one order

SpoonFed Art - http://www.spoonfedart.com

SpoonFed Art wearable art pendants are an absolutely perfect and entirely unique gift idea for any occasion! Los Angeles based jewelry designer Karin Collins uses ordinary spoons as a bite-sized canvas for her gorgeous, three-dimensional collage art, resulting in her stunning line of sparkling one-of-a-kind pendant necklaces. SpoonFed Art has recently been featured in dozens of magazines and websites from around the globe, including Nylon, Jane, Venus, and the LA Weekly. As Nylon puts it, SpoonFed Art is "an imaginative jewelry collection that takes wearable art to a whole new level…wear one and you’re guaranteed to cause a few mouths to open." Check out www.SpoonFedArt.com to scoop up the latest SpoonFed Art creations.

Free shipping with your IndieShopping order

Mad Imports - http://www.madimports.net

Mad Imports is a fair trade company that offers handmade handbags and accessories designed collaboratively with fashion designers in NYC and artisans in Madagascar and Kenya. Our popular Zig Zag tote is handwoven with penjy reed and features rich carved wood handles. Your purchase supports conservation and development in Madagascar and Kenya. Our bags and baskets make perfect holiday gifts! Check out our holiday SALE section to find fabulous bags under $25. Or, let the your gift recipient pick her own favorite by selecting a Mad Imports gift certificate.

Code:  Type in "indieshop" in the Promo Code field at checkout and you’ll receive a set of wildflower stationery FREE with your order.

Trunkshop - http://www.trunkshop.com

Trunkshop has joined forces with emerging designers to present an on-line shopping boutique with a unique selection of handcrafted jewelry and handbags. Trunkshop.com offers a beautiful selection of hip, trendy, must-have accessories for today’s fashion conscious women. Trunkshop provides an array of items and styles ranging from vintage charm to modern chic. Trunkshop is the perfect place to find unique gifts this holiday season. To ensure time for shipping please order early.

Code:  Free Shipping for Indieshopping readers with coupon code: FREESHIP

 
Mermedia - http://www.mermediadesign.com

Mermedia’s notepads and notebooks have been called "hip, unique, and stylish" but they’re also super functional and they make ideal gifts and stocking stuffers! The notebooks are the perfect size to stash in a bag or keep in your top drawer (3.75" x 5.5"). They were designed for a neat fit anywhere, for note taking on the fly! The notepads are ideal for desk-top list making (4" x 8.5"). Keep one next to your phone and your computer. All of the products are filled with 50 lined pages for you to fill with notes, numbers, lists, reminders and brilliant ideas.

Receive a free notepad or notebook with a purchase of 5 or more for orders received through December 31, 2006!

Paper Scissors Rock - http://www.psrock.com

Check out our unique and affordable clocks and magnets. All designs are reproductions of original paintings by Northwest Artist, Pamela Corwin. Our wall clocks look ceramic, but they are so light they can be hung on a pushpin. No one else makes animated alarm clocks like ours, the animated second hand appears to magically float around the face of the clock. Looking for a little gift or a stocking stuffer that doesn’t break the bank? Our glass and acrylic magnets are just the thing.

Best of all everything we sell retails for under $30.00!

My DIVA Shop - http://www.mydivashop.com

Whether you’re shopping for your favorite diva or pulling together a look for yourself, be sure to check out myDIVAshop.com for all of your holiday style needs! Trendy plus size clothing, fun t-shirts and cool accessories; we’ll help you celebrate the festive season in style! Available up to Size 3X.

Code:  Shop online today for the best selection and use discount code INDIESHOP and receive 20% off your purchase.

Click here to visit our complete 2006 Holiday Gift Guide

By: Anissa Mook, Editor in Chief

This week our interview is with clothing designer Laurel Wells. She lives and works in Brooklyn, NY and learned to sew as a child. Her collection is inspired by the imagined aesthetic of past and future.

How did you get your start as a designer?

I joined the Atlanta Ballet when I was 6, and I think that’s when it all started–I loved the idea that you could become totally transformed by a costume. Cyndi Lauper was pretty much my idol back then, and I’ll never forget that newspaper dress she wore in the “True Colors” video, and I begged my mother to let me shave a checkerboard pattern into the side of my head! By the time I was in high school I found myself dreaming up outfits that I couldn’t find at the mall, so I started to get interested in making my own clothes. Most of the patterns you could buy at the store back then were pretty lame, so I got into making my own designs. They fit terribly, but I wore them anyway and eventually I got better at it.

What was the first item you ever made?

Actually it was this totally awful looking turqoise halter dress, tea length (yikes!). I don’t think I wore it even once after it was finished. I bought the pattern at Hancock’s because it was labeled “easy”, but I really struggled with the whole project. For those of you who don’t know, sewing a straight line is not as easy as it looks!

Do you have any formal training?

No I don’t. Thank you for inquiring, because people are always asking me what fashion schools I recommend, and I have no idea! I majored in painting in college, and when I wasn’t in the studio making artwork I was at home sewing, draping, and learning everything the hard way. I’m glad it happened that way, though, because I meet a lot of FIT and Parson’s graduates who feel completely unprepared to create a collection on their own. It’s one thing to be creative and to sketch well, it’s entirely another to bring it to life.

When and why did you create Laurel Wells?

It’s a pretty common story, but during my Freshman year in college I was wearing a dress I made and a boutique owner asked me to start selling more of them at his store. It’s funny that I didn’t really consider making a career out of it until a few years after I graduated…I had been paying the bills that way since I was 18. But after struggling as an artist for a few years out of school, it hit me that I had been barking up the wrong tree. So I moved to New York in 2003 and turned my “hobby” into a career.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Well, I have to remind myself that I love it every day, because it is a TON of hard work and can be incredibly stressful. But when I sit down and think about it, having the freedom to create and to offer something to the world is a really amazing feeling. It’s a gift, actually.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I find inspiration in odd places. I like to read about physics, if you can believe it, and a lot of scientific theories have inspired my work…mostly to do with the existence/non-existence of time. I’m inspired every single day by my bicycle–I love that it is such an elegant and efficient machine. Clothes should be more like bicycles, beautifully simple!

Who is your favourite designer?

You know, I am going to miss Phoebe Philo, formerly of Chloe, because she was absolutely my favorite. Since she’s taking a break I’ll say Alicia Bell is a close second. She’s especially impressive because she run her entire business out of Chicago.

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

My bike, for certain. Can you tell I’m obsessed? I live in Brooklyn and I don’t know how anyone does without one around here. So look out for a girl on a
green Peugeot with 3″ heels and a fancy dress, whizzing by you!

What will you be wearing this autumn/winter?

I’ll probably be wearing my Joanna blouse a lot (it’s the most comfortable shirt I’ve ever made/owned) with leggings and my Cydwoq boots. That’s pretty much my uniform…I’m also really happy that high-waisted trousers are coming around again, so I’ll be wearing those too.

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers trying to sell online?

Use jersey knits! I know, I know, it’s very practical advice, but when you’re trying to sell online the most important single factor is fit. I think it’s difficult enough for people to justify spending a lot of money without getting to try something on first, and imagine how heartbreaking it is to receive an ill-fitting garment!

Where do you hope Laurel Wells will be in 5 years?

I would love to open a shop/atlelier in Manhattan and concentrate on building a small client base. I really love having a personal relationship with my customers, so it would be fanstastic to have a place where they can come, chat with me, and play dress up. There is also a men’s line in the works.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My dear friend and internet retail genius Lisa Lahde of Mighty Flirt once told me: “No matter how big you get, always spend your money as if you don’t have any.” This advice has served me very, very well because the garment industry can suck you completely dry if you’re not careful. I’ve learned how to do a lot of things on my own or on a shoe-string budget, which has saved me quite a lot!

Site: www.laurieloo.com

By: Anissa Mook, Editor in Chief