Five Small Brands

you should have on your radar

My introduction to content creation began with relationships I’d established with a few small brands as a consumer. I love the stories behind how the companies were born, the artists, designers and founders behind them, the sheer will and determination of women who built their brands from the ground up. Let this be your quick guide of a non-exhaustive list of some of my favorite brands to shop (and that I’m now lucky enough to work with- pinch me!)

1. Vincent James Designs- I first became alerted to the minimal aesthetic and attention to fabrics of this brand a few years ago. Heather Sullivan, the founder, designer, mama, and creative behind the small (but growing!) Charleston, SC brand perfectly captures what so many of us try to achieve. Intentional, thoughtful outfits that feel both timeless and fresh simultaneously. Heather’s eye for beautiful cuts and her devotion to USA “grown and sewn” make her stand out in a crowd. Heather models many of the designs herself, on her artistic and soothing Instagram page, and manages to make a palette of mostly blacks, whites, and neutrals feel anything but boring. I have personally collected quite a few pieces over the years, and they are things I mix in weekly, if not daily. Everything blends seamlessly, and the quiet nature of her clothing makes them both versatile and easy to wear for everyday life. Using zero synthetics, she stands firm in her ethos of creating wearable works of art in organic cottons, linen, alpaca, and wool. You’ll catch me wearing her sport shorts constantly in the summer, along with the Hutton linen shirt, her breezy linen dresses, and I have not one, but two pairs of the merino wool Leigh wide leg pants. I recently added the Emma skirt and it's the most beautiful, comfortable, elegant skirt I own.

   

2. Abby Alley - working out of Chicago, IL, Abby has become not only a maker of beautiful leather goods, but also a friend over the past year. It always feels good when the person behind the brand is as genuine as Abby is. She’s been a huge supporter of me and other smaller creators, and her designs are as functional and well made as they are pleasing to the eye. Small batch-designs and high-quality craftsmanship collide in her beautiful bags, wallets, and card holders. Her sling bag is the gateway drug, making hands-free elegant and chic. I have the gorgeous Everyday Bucket bag , and it’s one of those pieces that only get better with age and use. (and I use the Mini Wallet as my everyday wallet- forcing me to stay minimal in what I keep in there- it’s the perfect size for my license, a few credit cards, and some emergency cash). I would be remiss not to mention the Soriee bag- (I call it my little dumpling) it’s a perfect touch for those nights out. Her pieces sell out quickly, and for good reason. Sign up for restocks if what you have your eye on isn’t available- it helps her gauge interest so she knows what to make more of.

   

3. Maria de la Orden- This new-to-me brand has my full attention. With the most fun and whimsical shapes and patterns, this brand is founded by two women with an eye for making color and eye-catching cuts in a way that feels accessible for everyday. I have the Paolo Pants and I’m completely enamored by them. They give just enough to feel special without being too overwhelming. I also picked up the Thea Vest- the muted stripes and frog closures garner compliments with every wear. I have my eye on the Fittonia Jacket as a transitional piece, and the Spencer Shorts to keep even the most basic outfit interesting.

4. La Veste- how two women can have enough creative juices to come up with not one but TWO completely unique and inspirational brands is beyond me, but the same founders as María de la Orden are also the creatives behind La Veste- the most colorful and playful brand I’ve yet to come across. Every single piece is an “ah ha” moment, rife with jaw dropping stripes, bold colors, and fabrics that stop me in my tracks. I wear their Parasol Pants constantly. The soft cotton and wide stripes are surprisingly easy to wear with almost anything. If you’re looking for a real statement, the Pippi Pants are a cult favorite and sell out fast. The caftans and hot shorts and terrycloth (oh my!) are a playground of fun for the fashion lover. Nonstop hits.

   

5. Mademoiselle Jules- believe me when I tell you that I wear my Mademoiselle Jules pieces every single day. To me, nothing anchors an outfit quite like a couple of strategic pieces of statement jewelry, and MJ does that SO well. My Pearl Whisper Necklace has literally had people on the street run me down to ask where I got it from. Her collections are full of tassels, seashells, pearls, and stones in designs that manage to be both attention-grabbing and understated. People recognize quality, and Mademoiselle Jules has that in spades. I’ve gotten such a collection that I often stack up two longer necklaces at once- I love a little drama around my neck. (RUTH15 to save there)

And that’s the roundup, and I’ll be bringing more of these in coming weeks. I love focusing on smaller brands, women-founded and designed companies, and unique finds you might not yet be aware of. Please share this with anyone you think may appreciate it, and if you have a smaller brand you love, please share it in the comments so others can have a look. It’s so important to shop small when you can!

Until next time, Ruth xx

Photo credits: VINCENT JAMES Designs, Abby Alley, and Ruth Grubb

*this post contains commissionable links and I may earn a small percentage, at no extra cost to you, should you choose to shop my recommendations. Thank you for supporting my work by supporting the brands I promote.