Shopping Small
Your wishlist needs to hear from these small businesses.
by BELLA TABAK ★ FEBRUARY 16, 2023
Want to add some one-of-a-kind pieces to your collection? Supporting and shopping from small businesses is a perfect way to achieve this, and there are benefits. These businesses avoid environmental damage caused by fast fashion companies since their products are not made unethically and in extreme bulk. The purchase is also more personal; it is fulfilling to know that you are helping a mom, friend, or fellow student. When someone asks where a piece I am wearing is from, I always get excited when I can explain and introduce them to a small business they may not have heard of. If you are interested in shopping small, here are some places to start…
If you are in search of a new top for darties or the Dome, look no further. Twosided Apparel, created by @aleyarleque on Instagram, is the perfect place to snag a custom-made game day fit. I ordered the Triangle Top, and it is one of the cutest tops I own. The quality and fit are amazing, and if you love showing some back for a sexier effect, I would definitely suggest purchasing it. When I asked Ale how she started her business, she stated, “It’s always something I had in mind… I always loved fashion… I posted a few shirts I made on Titok, and it blew up like crazy, about 900K views…”. Well, it gained attention for good reason. If you’re looking for something to wear outside of the game, Twosided Apparel also has many basics, like cute mini skirts, that you should definitely check out and grab.
In need of a pop of color or a statement piece? This resin alternative NEEDS to be the newest addition to your jewelry box. I have purchased multiple pairs of earrings from Mo.Na. and have loved every pair. They have the aesthetic features of regular resin, regardless of the products’ lack of it. Their jewelry has that lightweight feel, as well as a wide variety of translucent, fun colors. The effort to be plastic-free also comes through in their packaging. My earrings came in a nice surprise, a bed of rose petals held in a reusable metal tin. Mo.Na. was created and owned by Mecca Mcdonald and Mia Dunn, who combined their creative and scientific talents to create one-of-a-kind, bioplastic pieces. Their statement about their collection reads, “Through our designs, Mo.Na. challenges the narrative around what sustainability means, what it looks like, and how design can shape our physical and ecological future in imperative ways.” Elevating my outfits with this jewelry is so fun, and I definitely enjoy being able to tell a story about sustainability when people compliment them.
Are you sick of having to replace your Shein bikini every summer? 437 is about to be your new holy grail. I ordered my first bikini set three summers ago, and it is still in perfect condition. The best part is that their pieces are designed to be worn in multiple ways, so you can get more wear out of them compared to your standard bikini. While they are on the pricier side, they are totally worth the splurge. The quality of these bikinis is absolutely UNREAL. They are butter soft and last for years, which is why they are a better alternative to fast fashion options! 437 is a Canadian-based, women-owned brand that has endless styles, colors, and patterns for you to choose from in their swimwear. I will admit I have multiple sets now, so if I purchase any more, I will have to consider it an addiction.
If you are looking for a local Syracuse option, The Cherry Pit is absolutely perfect. While I have not had the luxury of visiting this small business yet, I hear it’s all the rage! This vintage shop was curated and created by Syracuse students Abigail Minicozzi and Michelle Pfaff. You can snag a variety of adorable vintage pieces either online on their Instagram (@thecherrypits.us), or in their shop on Salina Street. They also frequently plan and advertise clothing swaps, where you can swap unwanted or rarely worn pieces from your closet for a new item, as long as they are in good condition. The next clothing swap is set for February 18th from 12-2 pm, and they state that it is a, “...sustainable and low-cost way to refresh your wardrobe for 2023!” (The Cherry Pit).
Hopefully, you have been inspired to support these small businesses or any others that you can find. The internet has allowed people to follow their passions and build their own brands and companies online. Social media has made smaller creators accessible to a much larger audience, and we should be taking advantage of it. So, if you are ever in need of something new, think of shopping small!