Happy Small Business Saturday 2020! Since the launch of Style Charade, supporting small businesses has been a hallmark of the blog. Plus, it’s simply how we live our lives! From emerging fashion designers to thriving lifestyle boutiques, stylish stationery companies to incredible artists, I try to highlight a mix of companies that are on the verge of big, bold things. Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to share some of my favorite Small Business Saturday ideas.
Moreover, 2020 is an incredibly important and invaluable time to support our small businesses. Shopping local, and in many cases within stores that don’t have e-commerce websites, is one of the best things that we can do to boost our economy, support our neighbors, and well… to just be a good person.
Therefore, please note this round-up is just a tiny snapshots of brands to support right now. Frankly, I wish that I had the time to highlight 1,000 companies! I did my best to share a good batch, and I promise to feature more in the months and years ahead, as always.
What is Small Business Saturday?
While the holiday has become more prevalent in recent years, I wanted to give a quick refresher on what the holiday is! Small Business Saturday is a U.S. shopping event held during the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Small Business Saturday Ideas
Below, I’m rounding up just a few of the small businesses that I highly recommend that you checkout. I’m confident that you’ll find a brand that you love and want to support! Whether it’s a stocking stuffer or present for a loved one, please make time to check each and every one out!
Sail to Sable
Kicking things is Sail to Sable. No surprise there! 🙂 As my fave brand, Sail to Sable continues to surprise and delight with their seasonal women’s and kid’s collections of ready-to-wear. From cardigans to dresses, sweatshirts to caftans, they always have the perfect timeless piece for you to wear right now. Also, we still have a few summer pieces left at a great price.
Dudley Stephens
I could spend days and days talking about my love of this line! In fact, I’ve been wearing them non-stop this fall and winter. Dudley Stephens entire collection is divine, and they continue to expand into new offerings. Trust me – just try one of their fleeces, and you’ll be hooked.
Estelle Colored Glass
This Black-owned business is everywhere! And with good reason – the colorful glassware is divine! My favorite is the set of six glasses in different colors, which adds a pop of happiness to your home. Love it, and I can’t wait to see what new styles they come out with.
Every. Single. Independent Local Restaurant
The hospitality industry is greatly suffering due to the pandemic. Bob and I are committed to doing our part to supporting independent restaurants and chefs, but we must continue to do so for a long, long time.
We’ve done progressive weekend meals, a TON of delivery, and even surprise drops to friends and family of food to make their weekdays and weekends fly by a little faster. As a reminder, try to buy gift cards directly from the restaurants themselves as gifts and/or for yourselves.
Also, consider ordering meals directly from them for small gatherings and beyond (i.e. try not to go through delivery services if you can since they take a cut!).
Mestiza New York
Where do I even start with Mestiza New York? Mestiza pieces have been a HUGE part of Style Charade, and frankly some of my all-times favorite pieces in my closet. In fact, if you were to ask me about some of my favorite photos of all-time, and they’d be Mestiza.
Their gowns, dresses (and frankly team) – are just some of my all-times faves. I’m thankful to know them. If you’re new to the brand, I highly recommend starting with this piece! It’s the ultimate “gateway” to becoming obsessed with Mestiza, in my humble opinion!
Mollie Moorkamp
Many summers ago, we had the chance to meet Mollie Moorkamp on Nantucket. She’s even more wonderful in-person (if that’s possible)! Her and her brother, Sam, are just beyond delightful! The collection is just perfection. It’s like a hint of Hepburn and a dash of Kennedy. I seriously love every single piece. Furthermore, it’s been lovely to see her expand outside of dresses to separates.
Eyewear Love Affair
Earlier this year, I had the chance to get to know the Eyewear Love Affair team. They sent me one of their gorgeous pink eyeglass chains, and I’ve been hooked ever since. From their gorgeous sunglasses to elegant eyewear, and of course – their fantastic eyewear chains, you really can’t go wrong with the items for gifts and to wear yourself!
Hampden Clothing
This Charleston-based boutique is one of my all-time favorite destinations! Stacy, the owner, is the epitome of all things phenomenal. I am continually inspired by her talent, commitment to her team, and her ability to see beauty in this world. Be sure to shop Hampden for holiday gifts and beyond.
Lo Home by Lauren Haskell Design
For frequent readers, you know that Lauren Haskell Design has become an important part of our home décor – especially this holiday season. Everything that Lauren Haskell touches turns to gold. What speaks to me the most are the soft, breathtaking pastels in ginger jars, trays, and accessories. Lo Home has a wonderful future ahead, and I’m thankful to have a few pieces from a line that’s going to do BIG things!
The Tiny Tassel
As I mentioned in my Black Friday guide, this brand is just pure joy! I love the colorful, bright, stylish accessories, jewelry, clothing, gifts, and beyond. My personal favorite style is this skirt, which pairs perfectly with any top. You can dress it up or dress them down.
Loren Hope
After visiting Loren and seeing her store in-person in Newport, I felt different. Changed. As y’all know, I’ve always adored Loren and her collection. Plus, she has a fresh point of view and perspective on the accessories industry that is beyond refreshing. Every single retailer should be knocking down her door to work with her. Seriously.
After seeing the pieces and her studio/store, hearing her story, and meeting her husband, I can honestly say I can’t imagine supporting a better brand. Loren Hope is the gift of all gifts, and you I have no doubt you will love the pieces as much as I do!
I Am Khatu
After the pandemic started, I felt flustered to find a mask that felt comfortable, stylish, and frankly – protective. My brother ended up buying me an extra sturdy mask, but I wanted something that felt more like “me” for every day. Enter I Am Khatu by Khatu Wong.
Friends, I LOVE these masks. They form my face perfectly, and the prints and patterns are delightful. Best of all – she also sells matching headbands for an extra custom look.
Shop Buru
This Dallas-based brand is relatively new to me, but I’m excited to be in the process of working with them on my very first post! Stay tuned! 🙂 In the meantime, definitely checkout their gorgeous array of apparel and accessories. I’m especially impressed with their price point for the quality of their items. Plus, the prints and fabrics are so luxe and interesting!
Pencil & Paper Co.
This year, I had the pleasure of becoming a member of the Pencil + Paper Co. Creative Club. Every month, I receive “happy mail” featuring a well-curated array of products. I especially love her attention to women-owned businesses as a part of the monthly mailers. Very, very cool.
Society Social
While I’ve never had the chance to meet Roxy, owner of Society Social, I feel like we’d be friends in real life. Is that strange to say? Haha! I love how hardworking she is, and how she’s built a lovely home furniture and accessories brand. Furthermore, I love the lens through which she sees the world. The brand is going on to do massive things too!
Semicolon Bookstore
Chicago’s only women’s owned bookstore and gallery space is the ultimate destination for fantastic gifts, books, and beyond. Located in the River West neighborhood, they also have an online store where you can peruse for books, audio books, and e-gift cards for yourself and your loved ones.
Alice + Wonder
In case you’re unfamiliar, Alice + Wonder is a Chicago-based boutique featuring an incredible array of clothing, accessories, gifts, etc. Years ago, I had the opportunity to meet the owner, Ali, for a work initiative. She is pure sunshine, and I can’t imagine a better or more deserving person for success.
Crosby by Mollie Burch
Hello color! This spring, I had the chance to wear my very first Crosby by Mollie Burch dress (seen here). It was love at first sight! Everything she designs is pure fun, and I love seeing the seasonal collection drops. Also, it’s a joy to see the brand continue to expand to new retailers like this one.
Pnk Elephant
This summer, I invested in my first pair of Pnk Elephant shoes. My Instagram DM inbox was flooded with questions about the style, size, fit, and beyond. At first, I was taken aback by the amount of questions. However, this statement shoe speaks is a stunner, and it comes in an array of colors, patterns, and prints.
Caitlin Wilson Designs
Okay, okay – my obsession with all things Caitlin Wilson is well-documented! In truth, if i could fill our home with one brand – it would likely be Caitlin. I loooovvvveee everything she creates and designs. In fact, I have to stop myself from scrolling through her website. Otherwise, I’d buy everything in sight, lol.
Nicola Bathie Design
This fall, I had the pleasure of receiving my first few pairs of Nicola Bathie Designs earrings. I wore them during a few Zoom and FaceTime calls with clients, colleagues, friends, and family, and the compliments poured in. Her earrings are a delightful mix of feminine meets quality, attainable price point yet totally luxe.
Sarah Flint
For years, I’ve worn my Sarah Flint flats and heels consistently. They continue to be some of my most comfortable shoes in my closet. Recently, Sarah Flint has released a lot of patterns and prints on her shoes, which I really love. Stop by her site to see the full collection.
Suite by Jennifer Diederich
Stop the presses – these escape coats are everything! For countless years, I’ve been wearing Suite by Jennifer Diederich coats and dresses. In fact, I recently donned one of her dresses and coats for our living room reveal. You can never go wrong with one of her pieces!
Sue Sartor
Okay, Sue Sartor has the best printed dresses on the planet. Plus, she releases new patterns and prints often so you can always find something that speaks to your design sensibility.
Additional Favorites
Additionally, I wanted to list more brands to shop today (and always!). I’m forever thankful to be able to work with, support, and champion these brands along their journey. In no particular order whatsoever:
- Only on the Avenue
- Chappywrap
- Jenn Thatcher Art
- MegMade (one of my PR clients)
- Shop Anecdote
- 2 Vain Girls
- Goldbug Collection
- Lindroth Design
- Pret a Provost Print Shop
- Alexia Maria
- p.45
- Josh Young Design House
- Arianna Belle
- Little Design Co.
- Mackenzie Horan’s Nantucket Print Shop
- Victoria Metaxes
- Weezie Towels
- Beauty Bio
- Peter Beaton
- Ana New York Print Shop
- Meg Biram Studio
- cara cara New York
- Festive Collective
- vonBloom
- Camilyn Beth
- Sheridan French
- Hair Loft Chicago
- Jenny Sweeney Designs
- WHIT New York
- T. Marie Designs
- Elizabeth Wilson Designs
- White Elephant Designs
- Mer Hanson
Please note this post contains some affiliate links. I receive a small compensation should you make a purchase from these links. This does not cost you anything. Thank you for your continued support of Style Charade!