Thrifty Boutique shops indie, do you?

ishopindie.com is brought to you by a collective of online artists, shop owners and crafters who want to increase awareness of indie shopping.

Slang for 'independent,' indie goods represent the products of crafty artists who have started their own micro-businesses. These businesses cover the spectrum of full- and part-time endeavors from work-at-home mom's, to matriculated students, to those who spend 60-80+ hours a week on their businesses. Edgy and fun or classy and elegant, the indie business lives at the intersection of innovation and coolness.

Acorn Studios :: Eco-friendly giftware made from recycled materials. Live Green and Give Green with Acorn Studios!

Gohgirl :: Modern tee's + paper goods that are simple and unique. Our creations are funky and fun, but sometimes a little odd and curiously strange!

Button Arcade :: Button Arcade features unique designs by Michael and Kyle.::Buttons, Mirrors, Bottle openers, and gifts. We do custom work, too!::Free shipping on all $5+ orders.

The spirit of indie do-it-yourself has always embraced community in a practical way and ad cooperatives like this are the perfect symbiosis of individuals creating items in their own studios and coming together to pool resources and wield a collective power. Without a public relations department to fall back on, many of these small businesses find it particularly challenging to keep up with running all the functions of a small company on a limited budget. Filling orders, bookkeeping, website maintenance and marketing take time, resources and effort. Being a member of an advertising collective helps to ease that strain and creates a strong, sustainable and visible presence in print and on the web.

Current iShopIndie.com member businesses include: Acorn Studios, Artghost, Button Arcade, Curio J, Ex-Boyfriend, Goh Girl, Good morning, morning!, If'n Books, mLee, Pink Purple And Orange, Sprout Studio, and Sveet Couture.

from our TB inbox - The Rock & Shop Market

PREMIERE SHOPPING & LIVE MUSIC EVENT IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH, NC

The Rock & Shop Market, Raleigh’s premiere shopping & live music market is hosting its next event on July 15th from 1-5pm at the Tir Na Nog (across from Moore Square).

First 50 attendees receive a gift bag filled with freebies including magazines, samples and coupons.

The market features designer goods including silk screened apparel and reconstructed t-shirts, custom IPOD cases, handbags, fashion jewelry, handmade soaps and more.

Enjoy a cold beer at the bar while browsing the aisles of over 35 vendors plus enjoy music by the bands Ryan Pound, Bull City and DJ Marco. Admission is $3.

Sponsored by Bust Magazine, Carolina Woman, The Raleigh Hatchet. Artists include: *Alenna Hennessy *April Fool Handmade *Art School Dropout *Debris Design *Lucky Accessories *Michelle Smith *Mood Swing Studio *Sprout Studio & more!
www.rockandshopmarket.com email: michelle@smashingmirrors.com

Adding another 2 cents to the cause

"I'm a girl of many skills :) but simple things like picking the right greeting card takes me for ever... I always end up sending a boring 'feeling guilty' e-card :( I truly believe Design-her Gals was thinking about me when launched the customized stationery concept..." - Rosie, Aug. '05
I proudly promote this incredible company, the artistic concept, The Gal to Gal Foundation and the great cause behind it, so bare with me, ok?
"...We believe in giving back, in whatever way we can. To that end, we've launched the Gal to Gal Foundation, dedicated to financially and emotionally supporting those patients diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. We encourage you to join us in our commitment.
PRINT ALL YOU WANT - WHEN YOU WANT!! Pay one time and print at home for 1 full year!
Become Member Now »

Gossipaway #26

THE PRIZE: 'Sweat it like you mean it' t-shirt from The R's Project. Price $21.00

THE RULES:

I (moi) will post a one of the following: A movie quote, a celebrity trivia question or a mystery celebrity sighting. Email your responses to gossip@thriftyboutique.com The first correct answer is the winner & will receive an email notification, as well as celebrity red-carpet treatment with mention in the Gossip blog & Thrifty Boutique's fab blog. Good luck hotties!

THE GAME: Guess the celebrity quote!

Answer: Jessica Simpson
Winners (due to TB technical difficulties, we are giving away 3 prizes this time, to make it up with all our TB readers):
Lori C. from Florida
Kate S. from Arizona
Eve C. from Florida
Love from Gossipaway winners:
"I just wanted to let you know I appreciate the prize gift. The earrings are just lovely (from Trunkshop). I love the color and how they dangle! Thanks again!" - Vanna

"I just received the hair clips from My Perennial and they are TOO CUTE! My four year old daughter has already laid claim to them. Thanks again and keep up the great site!!!" - Miwa

--..."thank you for the beautiful earrings! (Happy earrings from Bonnin Designs) I just adore your jewelry so much, it really makes me happy wearing it! Thanks again! Always," - Sandra

--"I just wanted to let you know I received the t-shirt (Ally Moon) yesterday. It's so cute! Thank you for mailing it so quickly, I really appreciate it. Your quizzes are a great idea, and the fact that the prizes are so nice makes it doubly good..." - Kelly

--"I just wanted to let you know that I have received the beautiful necklace (Roots of Art). (And was that a rose scented envelope too? . . . The package even smelled wonderful!) Thanks so much for the fun contest and the great prize." - Belinda

-- "I got my earrings and necklace--they are B E A U T I F U L! Thanks so much and I look forward to wearing them all the time! Even I will find clothes to match them or not! :-) Many thanks!" - Shannon
-- I wanted to let you know that I received my "R.R.R." t-shirt (The R's Project). It is so cute - thanks! " - Nickie

-- "Thanks. I got it yesterday. It is even cuter in person than the picture on line. (Reality Shoe tank). Thanks again!" - Erica

TB spotlight: Glow Fusion

They plumped your pucker and relaxed your wrinkles with some of the most advanced technology available. Now Fusion Beauty revolutionizes the healthy tan with GlowFusion, a new self tanner that gives good glow from the inside out: Micro-nutrient technology enables super effective absorption of a potent blend of vitamins and antioxidants, giving skin a seriously relaxed, vacation-mode luminosity. Enhance and extend your sunny outlook with subtle color and major hydration—the nourishing formula absorbs easily and is odor-, stain-, and streak-free. With a system this goof-proof, there's no reason not to get glowing.

Of course you know it's bad to bake, but you've tried the fake (and orange is not your color). Finally, get the glow you were meant to have: GlowFusion's pure formula, derived from sugarcane, reacts with your skin's keratin to develop into a natural-looking shade that's perfect for your skin tone. And the revolutionary micronutrient technology means that vitamins and antioxidants are ushered straight into skin, imparting a gorgeous, healthy bronze—which lasts up to two fade-free weeks. 5 oz $58.00
Sponsored by

Patriotic favors - time to stock up

Star candles - For an elegant centerpiece float these stars in a pretty bowl. For extra impact we like to use food coloring to make the water red. Set of four. Nicely packaged. $10.00

americana napkins - These napkins evoke a folksy, country feel -- great for a brunch or outdoor cocktail party. Pack of 20. Paper. 5" x 5". $4.00

star string lights - Star light, star bright, outta sight! Our star lights are a chic and festive alternative to traditional patio lighting. Can be hung indoors or outdoors. When the red and white paper stars are illuminated, they shine with extraordinary beauty. Mix and match to personalize your lighting design. Red and white paper stars over metal frame. 10 stars per string. UL approved. White end-to-end cord. Entire String: 10'10" Long. $22.00

'summer stripes' umbrella party picks - Take a swig of Americana with these red, white and blue umbrella party picks. They're perfect for a backyard barbeque's refreshments and buffet table loaded with platters of fried chicken, apple pie and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Paper. 6". Set of 12. $3.00

Find all your festive supplies at Plum Party

It's all natural, it's all good

Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Diapers, Stage 5 27+ lbs. 120 per Case. $49.99

Your choice of our certified chlorine free diapers help reduce cancer rates. The current level of dioxin pollution in our world create an unacceptable cancer risk for almost every man, woman, and child on Earth. Your choice of our chlorine free diapers helps reduce the amount of dioxin polluting our air, water and soil and helps make the world a safer, healthier place for your family and generations to come.

Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent Liquid, Baby 50 fl oz. $7.99
Our baby laundry detergent is specially formulated to get out tough baby stains, yet is gentle on baby's clothes and the earth. And it won't leave residues that may irritate baby's sensitive skin. If every household in the U.S. replaced just one bottle of 50 oz. ultra petroleum based liquid laundry detergent with our 50 oz. Baby vegetable based product, we could save 130,000 barrels of oil, enough to heat and cool 75000 U.S. homes for a year!

Seventh Generation Natural All Purpose Cleaner 32 fl oz. $3.00
Our natural all-purpose cleaner effectively cleans and degreases inside and outside of the home. Unlike many conventional cleaning products, our product does not create unpleasant fumes, will not leave harmful residues, and is safer for the environment.

Sponsored by

Stylish lil' divas

They will grow up, eventually...

In the meantime, let's encourage them to be all they can be, and then some, in style :)

Hot Bath Long Sleeve Night Shirt - $ 22.00

Adorable Originals - Future Ballet Star T-Shirt - $ 17.00

Stephen Joseph Quilted Backpack - Lady Bugs - $ 22.00Sponsored by B. Swanky Children's Boutique

Taking control

I have to say, I wish we had more 'real' women-oriented ventures like Just in Case.

We 'have to' be prepared, think ahead... it's our nature to be emotional but, today... taking control of our actions/bodies is priority, no matter how old or young you are.

"We believe we can take the messages in the media about safe sex practices and the risks of unplanned pregnancy, the epidemic numbers of AIDS or STD's, and transform them into action with Just in Case®. We provide a product that will discreetly and stylishly protect and make a difference in the lives of sexually active women, and restore her self-respect, confidence, and honoring of her own body."

How many times did you send your partner to get protection, or even to get your own feminine products? :) Hey, you are not the only one.

"We provide the privacy to purchase our condoms online, as well. We provide an online dialogue for women to share ideas, and some of the latest news in fields of sex education and health."

Pass around this review, join the Love Well. Love Wisely. ™ philosophy.

TGIF! Thrifty Friday

We are proud to be one valuable e-source, where independent companies & online shoppers meet on a daily basis. You are just a click away to discover small businesses (TB recommended), their seasonal products. Rosie :)

Dandelion Baby - You can count on high quality fabrics, classic coordinating pieces and attention to detail with One Kid clothing. A terrific upgrade from the basic tee with ribbon ties on sleeves, embroidered edges on hem, collar and sleeves, satin ribbon sewn flower detail and rounded hem. Made of soft 97% cotton, 3% spandex for just the right amount of stretch. Coordinates with the Hotch Potch Skirt, Stripe Pant, Cargo Capri, and Flare Capri. Available in sizes 12 months - 4T. Was $ 26.00 Now $ 21.00

Protect-a-Bub's sun protective swimwear comes in a two piece swimsuit with a rating of UPF 50+, the highest available for sun protection products. Available in a combination of fun colors, the swimwear is made from a breathable polyamide fabric that provides the ultimate in comfort and protection for your baby and toddler. We have protected your little ones with our stroller and jogger sunshades and are now bringing our infant swimwear to the USA.Protect-a-Bub does not use lycra based fabrics which can break down from prolonged exposure to chlorine or sun, reducing the UV protection of the fabric. Please check the sun protective swimwear sizing chart prior to placing your order.
To order, place the desired quanity in the quantity box. Select a color choice and size then click the add button. Two-Piece sun protective swimwear: Sizes 5 months - 5 years, $20.00 - $22.00.

Astrotot - Diva tee. This one comes in a raglan 2 tone tee (shown) in toddler sizes - 2t, 4t and 6t. $11.50 / The other version is a pink, lap tee short sleeve in these sizes:
Available in 3-6 month, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months. $11.50
American Made on sweatshop free American Apparel onesie - screenprinted in the bay area.

Bebe International - African Lullaby: this collection of lullabies reflects the warmth, musical richness, and soothing rhythms of the African continent; it is a gathering of talented singers and musicians whose gifts are recognized internationally. Young and old ears will delight in the magical sounds of mbira, balaphone, kora, a capella vocals, guitar, bamboo flutes, dundun, and talking drum. $15.98

TB Kiddos - Green Player tee: Our 100% cotton kids t-shirts will look great on your little ones. $10.39

Eye-problem solvers

This is the place where you’ll find what’s new from Benefit… from makeup to skincare, we’ve got what all you cosmetics junkies are looking for. Always expect the unexpected from Benefit. Do your eyes need a wakeup call?

De-puffing action eye gel de-puffs the under eye area and sends your bags packing! It helps to firm & lift... for younger, fresher & firmer looking eyes. 0.50 US fl oz / 15 ml $24.00

This delicate yellow cream makes eyelids look fresh & lively. The formula is soft, smooth and glides right on. Wear it solo for a quick Sunday brunch look... it's that easy. 2.7 g net wt 0.09 oz $18.00

With fading action! Fade those dark circles... this amazing treatment with extracts of orange, apple fruit and japonica leaf really works! 'Pack your bags, take off your shades', because eyecon de-puffs under the eyes and fades dark circles while it nourishes and smoothes the entire eye area. $28.00

Sponsored by

FREE Shipping on US orders over $60.00 with code HFS60

Spipo Designs - custom jewelry with spark

Self-taught designer Rickina Velte didn't leave the corporate world like many other jewelers say they do. With almost 10 years under her belt as an Aviation Technician on the F-14 Tomcat Jets (as featured in Top Gun) and after travelling and seeing it all (different cultures, art and jewelry) Rickina started creating jewelry out of her own imagination: colorful handcrafted pieces designed with the, happy, trendy fashionista in mind who loves to wear spectacular accessories.

Spipo.com expresses her goal from click one: to be known and appreciated as a true artist/designer and her jewelry to be worn by whoever is looking to make a very feminine statement, from celebrity stars to hip grannies alike. Her love for gemstones and truly trend-bending designs are her inspiration to create contemporary, yet classic jewelry. Spipo: (spy-po / adjective., high-spirited, charismatic blessed, talented and full of life) is extremely user friendly and it offers a wide range of support from shipping specs to custom gallery. Currently Rickina is offering home trunk shows and jewelry making classes so that she can share her talent and skills with others. She also does custom Bridal pieces and Bridesmaids sets for that special day, to ensure your jewelry is just as special as your day.

Extra! Extra!

TB friends

Mamie Originals - Sassy accessories for stylin' mommas, hip daddies & sweet babies.

good morning morning offers unique handmade bags and accessories. Each handbag is created using a vintage textile - what once was a pillowcase or curtain could be dangling from your arm! This reincarnation instills a sense of history in the works, and ensures they will be truly unique. Though we can't promise the good night's sleep the fabrics formerly involved, these recontextualized accessories still seem dreamy.

Extra! Extra! Vintage styles

...Fossil was the first American brand to bring value and style to the watch category transforming the concept of timekeeping from the merely functional to chic and stylish must-haves for the wrist. Influenced by and incorporating a fifties Americana design into the brand image in an attempt to target value driven consumers, Fossil's concept paid off and the Company quickly emerged as the leader of a growing industry. Fossil's renowned designers constantly study emerging lifestyle and fashion trends to bring consumers the most innovative and unique products worldwide...

TB Shopping featuring Bebe International

Bebe International seeks to celebrate children of various cultures and religions from all around the world. Our company was built upon a love for children, a passion for unique baby gifts, and a deep respect for cultural diversity. We specialize in the exclusive and hard-to-find gifts for the most imaginative family and friends.

The Bebe International’s team of professional moms searches from Toronto to Taipei to find the most exceptional children's products in the world. Our mission is to promote cultural diversity through education and e-commerce. Purchase European baby care products, African room décor, and Asian rompers as you browse our site and learn how different cultures celebrate and cherish the birth of a child.

Whether you were born in the United States or in Asia, we want to offer quality products that you and your loved ones will find intriguing and exquisite.
We are committed to serving our customers and communities. Tell us what you think about our product lines and your shopping experience. Let us know how we can make Bebe International your favorite online shopping source.

Delivery time: June 18th

EXCLUSIVE! A sensational and delicious surprise for Dad's special day, this terrific tower is full of mouthwatering treats from Cheryl&Co. that he's sure to love! Includes fudge, blondie and oatmeal scotchie brownie minis, original and peanut butter Cheryl Oh's, mini chocolate pretzel clusters, and an assortment of cookies in such varieties as chocolate chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and round frosted cutouts. It's a Father's Day gift he won't soon forget at a value you'll love! Tower measures 11"H x 6"D. Cheryl&Co. Father's Day Tower. Was $55.99 Now $49.99


For all those times he taught you how to hit for the fences, throw a touchdown pass or swing a club like Tiger Woods, give Dad an all-star gift he'll never forget. Our three-tiered, sports-themed tower is loaded with mouthwatering goodies, including caramel popcorn, chocolate-covered pretzels, mixed nuts, milk chocolate-covered cashews, peanut brittle and sports-themed milk chocolate balls. This gift will keep him snack happy whether he's on the couch or at the game! Tower measures 19.5”H x 15”D. All-Star Dad. Was $62.99 Now $49.99


Delight your favorite coffee lover with our spectacular gourmet java gift set! Inside a keepsake glass French press, they'll receive a 2.5oz. bag of Wolfgang Puck's medium roast coffee, from the celebrity chef's signature line of bold, energetic brews. To complement this savory selection, we've included crisp and delicious Nonni's vanilla biscotti and sweet dulce de leche hard candy. It's a terrific gift at a terrific value that's perfect as a thank you, a surprise for your Admin Professional or for anyone who deserves a gourmet coffee break! Measures 10"H x 6"W x 6"L. Coffee Delight. Was $35.99 Now $29.99


Give that special guy in your life a slice of chocolate heaven! Imagine 16oz. of non-alcoholic premium fudge with all the rich, deep flavor of Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon but without any of the alcohol! Dark and decadent, it's made from only the finest ingredients—including pure cane sugar, creamy AA grade butter and rich Dutch cocoa—it's a unique gift he'll love! Measures 1.125"H x 7.5"W x 7.5"L. Jim Beam Gourmet Fudge. Was $24.99 Now $19.99

Sponsored by