Do you know what is better than new (or new-to-you) clothes? New clothes that actually fit your body, support your lifestyle, and align with your values. Clothes like this take the beauty of fashion to the next level by highlighting the beauty of the people who make and wear each piece. This people-focused approach to design is one of the things I love about working with small businesses.
In honor of Small Business Saturday today, I want to introduce you to a few of the amazing brands I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year. Each of them has a unique style, niche focus, and a purpose that goes beyond just the clothing.
If you are doing some shopping this weekend, I encourage you to choose pieces that you feel good in from brands that you feel good about. As you search for that perfect fit, here are nine brands you can get to know and shop from.
– Alison
(None of the links below are affiliate links and I do not receive any commission if you make a purchase from any of these brands. I’ll just be excited that you found something you love.)
Betty Hannah
Betty Hannah co-founders and sisters Audrey and Mary focus their brand on timeless design, quality fabrics, and the perfect fit. They believe that dressing modestly IS stylish. Just look at their collection and I think you’ll agree! Their dresses can take you from the office, to church, to a holiday party with comfort and confidence. Each dress has functional and stylish details like the green lace Alison dress above that comes in both knee and midi lengths and features side seam pockets and elegant, knotted puff sleeves.
Show up to all your occasions in style this season and get your dress 40% off through Wednesday, November 29, 2023. (Or, if you are reading this afterwards, sign up for the Betty Hannah newsletter to get 20% off your first order.)
J. Margaret Weaver
J. Margaret Weaver is a clothing brand focused on creating classic capsule collections that simplify life for busy women. Each piece is made in the USA with high quality fabrics and thoughtful details that meet the needs of modern women.
The latest Fall/Winter collection features a new Magpie shift dress, Melissa mock neck 3/4 sleeve top great for layering under blazers and jackets, and customer favorites the Ann Trouser, Barbara dress, and Connie petal sleeve top – all with J. Margaret Weaver’s signature easy-to-care-for professional style.
Use code ALISON25 to take 25% off your order this weekend!
Slow Goods Studio
Slow Goods Studio is a Midwest-based creative studio and ethical fashion brand that designs, manufactures and sells high quality, statement-making garments, made in small batches in the United States. Slow Goods emphasizes the creative process of garment making, transparency in the development and manufacturing of products, fair wages, craftsmanship, sustainable fibers, and original, artful garments. Championing the notion that choosing fewer, delightful and thoughtfully made goods is an act of affirmation — Slow Goods seeks to enrich the experience of living with, and extending the life of, the goods we choose to clothe and surround ourselves with.
The artist and designer behind the brand, Meg, has a stunning eye for color and combines her hand-painted prints with fashion in playful ways like how this colorful stripe print changes direction from the top to the skirt! Each piece is truly a work of art.
MLM Brand
MLM Brand designs elevated, feeding-friendly clothing for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Each piece is designed with nursing and pumping-friendly functionality that allows new moms the flexibility, comfort and peace of mind to focus on what truly matters in those early months of postpartum — her young family.
MLM Brand’s pieces are designed and ethically made in Los Angeles and Chicago by women who work in fair conditions and earn a living wage. Check out the mom-favorite Little Breastfeeding Dress (it is so versatile, seasonless, and comfortably stretchy) or snag a Nursing cover to gift to the new mom in your life!
Whimsy Rose
Whimsy Rose lets you co-create your own fashion. You choose your favorite print from the extensive artist collection, then choose which garment style you want it on, and the Whimsy Rose team prints your unique style to order. The result is a one-of-a-kind garment, individually printed in the USA, made for your very own whimsy! The fabrics are super soft and there is a print for every occasion and mood.
You can create your own unique piece today and get 25% off site wide through Cyber Monday November 26th, 2023.
Katie Pritchard Designs
Katie Pritchard Designs founder Katie has a background in bridal and special occasion and a love of sewing. Her brand offers romantic dresses, corsets, and accessories as well as custom-made pieces. Each piece is inspired by story-book characters from Austen heroines to Disney princesses.
Her Most Ardently collection shown above is entirely enchanting with feminine florals, floating fabrics, and dreamy details like the straps of the Bewitched corset embroidered with a Mr. Darcy quote from the 2005 movie of Pride and Prejudice. You can still get yours today and wear it as you live out your own story.
UPPERCASE
UPPERCASE is a brand of simple basics that aim to “fill-in-the-gaps” in your existing wardrobe. The pieces in their collection are meant to be lasting and fully interchangeable, with neat designs that are focused on details and finishing. Each garment is made on-demand in the USA – meaning only what will be used will be produced. UPPERCASE’s mission is to build smart wardrobes that fit seamlessly with your closet and your life and free up your time to do what matters. They provide a full range of tops, dresses, skirts, and pants that are minimal, yet boast quiet details.
Brakefields
Brakefields is a universally designed clothing label that focuses on fashion and function. The co-founding mother-daughter duo Stephanie and Mary Cayten design vibrant pieces that solve the problems created by traditional fashion. They design and create fun, comfortable, and adaptable clothing that doesn’t sacrifice style. Their clothing and accessories make dressing for disability, motherhood, a demanding job, or an on the go lifestyle easy and accessible.
Their holiday specials include customizable PJ sets pictured above as well as accessories that will have you feeling great and looking amazing whether going out or staying in. Order any (or all!) of these gift-worthy pieces by December 1st to make sure they arrive in time for Christmas.
LMS by Lina Mayorga
LMS By Lina Mayorga‘s soon-to-launch collection of convertible pieces seamlessly blends sophistication and sustainability. Born from the vision of sustainable designer and artist Lina Mayorga, the brand focuses on high-quality, unisex designs that effortlessly transition from the office to outdoor adventures. The versatile garments feature vegan materials, waterproof and windproof capabilities, and multiple functionalities and styles in one piece. With a commitment to encouraging individuals to connect with nature, LMS represents a sustainable and inclusive future, embodying both versatile fashion and purpose.
RSVP for the LMS By Lina Mayorga online launch party on December 12th at 7 PM EST. The event will feature a new drop and an insightful “Redefining Sustainable Fashion” panel, exploring the future of eco-conscious style. I’m honored to be one of the panelists!