Shopping Local

Since I've been procrastinating writing about my teenage years and life beyond that, I wanted to touch on the amazing things that I've found in small business stores, made by Alaskans!  With big cities, you don't have to seek it out as much.  In fact, when living in D.C., I rarely shopped anywhere but Tysons Galleria in McLean, VA.  Beautiful high-end stores (Neimans, Saks, Chanel, Versace, Bally, Burberry, Cartier, Tory Burch, Gucci...etc.  Hermes and Louis Vuitton were a mile away.  Beautiful items, but rarely original or one-of-a-kind.

Since arriving, I have found some great places to go for fashion and home.

Some of the businesses I support regularly -
AK Outerwear http://www.facebook.com/akouterwear?fref=ts  They have amazing hoodies and lots of items for winter sports (and my personal fav, fishing).  Their logo is so rad, that it makes a great gift  (even my dad in AZ wears it)!  Dimond, West of King - Anchorage, AK

Bella Boutique - all items handmade. http://www.shop-bella.com  The owner has made several sets of earrings for me, and is very talented.  On Spenard, North of Northern Lights - Anchorage, AK.

Sheritt Fine Arts Gallery - a small, well thought out gallery, ran by Fayrene and her husband.  http://www.facebook.com/SherrittFineArtsGalleryGifts?fref=ts  She does a lot of jewelry, while he does a lot of the artwork.  2nd St - Hope, AK

AK Starfish Co. - you would think with just a few designs (starfish, salmon, raven) that this store would be boring.  HARDLY!  www.akstarfish.com  They carry these few designs in t-shirts, hoodies, tanks...for men and women.  I visited the one on the Homer Spit, in Homer, AK.  However, there is one right next to Bella Boutique (above) on Spenard.

Sevigny Studio - gallery and lots of home items.  http://www.katiesevignystudio.com/  Beautiful store, and you leave wanting everything.  4th Ave & F, Anchorage, AK

Her Tern - best and one of the most expensive indie boutiques in Anchorage. www.herternboutique.com  They have so many great brands that they carry - Patterson J. Kincaid, Prairie Underground, Alternative Apparel, Jeffrey Campbell, Mink Pink, Frye - the list is long!  7th Ave & H - Anchorage, AK.

Bells Nursery - don't let the name fool you, this is not just a nursery. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bells-Nursery/119990414707247?fref=ts Not only do they have plants for your garden, they have high-end cookware, fine china, the whole Swarovski line, and seasonal gifts. They also boast a full coffee shop on the patio.   Le Creuset and Stonewall Kitchen are some of the brands I've walked away with.  Specking Rd & Rabbit Creek, Anchorage, AK

Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge  www.moderndwellers.com - went in the first time today, and walked out with a gift for someone...jewelry!  So there's chocolate, local artist jewelry and artwork.  It amazed me.  Will be back for more!!!  You would not fail finding a gift here.  36th St & Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK

My all time fav is Plain Jane consignment.  Melinda has THE best items to consign.  High-end, reasonable prices and she has great taste about what she takes.  I consign there, and like to use my credit on something new.  Brands I've purchased in clothing, just to name a few - Prada, Missoni, Helmut Lang, Burberry, Nanette Lepore, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Theory...she has everything.  Northern Lights & A St. - Anchorage, AK  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plain-Jane-Consignment/161142813902848?fref=ts

So get out and shop local - you wont regret it!!!

Pics of some of my wares -

Handmade earrings from Bella Boutique

Alaska Outerwear (Original Logo) Hoodie

Earrings from Sheritt Fine Arts Gallery (made by Fayrene)

Shoes from Her Tern (Seychelles and Jeffrey Campbell)

Raven hoodie from AK Starfish Co.

Handmade hand-warming mug from Sevigny Studio