Design Hunter's Journal

Have you ever noticed there is a depressing sameness to most shopping malls in the U.S.? The same stores, the same brands everywhere. Consistent products for the most part, made with reliable quality, but what if you want something a little more exciting?

I made a great discovery this weekend – Garmentory! This is an online marketplace for small boutiques and independent designers. If you want to shop small, this is a great way to do it!

“We are fortunate to work with incredibly knowledgeable and talented buyers from more than 800+ boutiques around the world,” Savannah Krenzel, Garmentory’s general manager, told me when I asked her how they select their designers and products. “We utilize their thoughtful curation and our internal research on trends in the industry to identify standout brands and designers.”

Some of the real standouts appear below. I have chosen these products from the categories of clothing, accessories, and home goods to give you an idea of the stylish things available on this site:

Scape Tray Set by Areaware

For your home office or den, may I suggest these eye-catching trays with wavy borders? Made by Areaware, a purveyor of creative home goods.

Great Desk Toy

Even if you aren’t a candle person, these stackable candles by Ri-Ri-Ku would make a great desk toy. It reminds me of an adult version of that colorful ring-stacking toy from childhood. These candles are available in a wide array of colors, and the fun variety of wax rings could be stacked on shorter pillar candles as well. Buy two sets in contrasting colors and make your own unique desk sculpture!

Moving on to shoes…

Joan I Sandals by Paloma Wool

These aren’t shoes, they are modern sculptures for your feet. Made by Paloma Wool of Barcelona, these sandals have interesting squared-off soles and marvelous color contrast.

Flight Denim Skirt by Paloma Wool

Step out of those gray sweatpants and into something a little more exciting! This denim midi skirt with angel-wing graphics, also by Paloma Wool, is another standout.

Butterfly Wing Sunglasses by Anna Sui

Veteran clothing designer Anna Sui takes the ordinary eyeglass shape into extraordinary territory with these Butterfly Wing Sunglasses. These sunglasses are true flights of fancy! I love the subtle butterfly shape, available in several colors.

Indra Dress by Rachel Comey

With the addition of some well-placed cutouts, this little black dress by Rachel Comey goes from basic to extraordinary. I must confess, I had a dream a while ago where I wore a stunning dress like this to the Oscars. I won’t even tell you what Hollywood star was my date for the evening!

Garmentory is a great source for exciting design made by an ever-increasing group of independent designers. “We are constantly onboarding new menswear, gender-neutral, childrens, homegoods and beauty-focused boutiques to expand our potential reach to additional customers globally,” Krenzel explained. “We seek to introduce small, local businesses to a global audience interested in leaving fast-fashion behind and investing in exceptional items they’ll love for years to come.”

I hope you will find the clothing and accessories of your dreams on Garmentory!

-Louise Hunter Burton