If you’re not already completely Etsy-obsessed, then brace yourself, because you will be after checking out our list of shops you ought to know. Nowadays, nothing is more chic than being unique, and these shops definitely know a thing or two about how to make you stand out from the crowd. So forget the monotony of mass-produced fast-fashion and grab your wallet because you won’t be able to resist the urge to buy out each of their entire assortments!

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Fashion Week is similar to a presidential debate: Though many designers will enter, not all will survive the wrath of comments from reporters and editors. One designer, however, has consistently earned the approval of the fashion elite: Gwen Stefani and her L.A.M.B. collection. Highlighted below are a few of the many reasons why we feel her detailed Fall/Winter 2012 collection rocked harder than No Doubt.

Karen’s pick:

Sweet and sassy, the Peter Pan collar is here to stay! The L.A.M.B Spring/Summer 2011 presentation demonstrated how to rock this popular style the right way by keeping it retro-prep, not Lolita

-chic. Coupled with a classic skirt suit featuring nontraditional detailing in ultra-trendy black, yellow and gray plaid, the look is timeless, but with a rebellious edge.

If you’re looking to try this out yourself, start out with a traditional combination of black and white. It will look great paired with a neutral circle skirt in tan or camel. Once you feel confident, play around with textures and color palettes, but keep in mind that Peter Pan collars can easily look more toddler than twenty-something if not worn properly.

If the look starts to resemble the outfit you wore on the first day of preschool, then it may be time to rethink things. These collars may not look intimidating, but it takes an astute sense of style to maintain their sophistication.

—Karen Zapp

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Missy’s pick: MIA

Musicians have always been looked to as trendsetters, but some set the bar higher than others by playing double-duty, acting as both a musical artist and a fashion icon. One of my favorite artists who performs this double-duty is MIA.

Known for her rebellious attitude and lyrics, MIA has a personal style to match. MIA’s style is a metamorphosis of the 1960s tree hugging hippies and the leather-clad glam rockers of the 1980s.

She likes to take certain characteristics from the hippie counterculture such as layered accessories, unkempt hair and paisley prints and fuse them with the 80’s rock characteristics such as animal print, leather and ripped band tees to formulate a style all her own.

To achieve a style similar to MIA’s, take any vintage band tee and cut the neck to make it slightly slouchier. To maintain a certain level of comfort, choose a pair of bold printed pants and a pair of flats that compliments them. Lastly, throw on an oversized cardigan and add layers of accessories and a loud lip color. But, whatever you do, just make sure you don’t look too laden in gold and silver or somebody just may try to “take yah mon-aye.”

—Missy 

Flame Stitched Cardigan: Maurice’s, $36.00
Pink Leather Bracelet: Maurice’s, $14.00
Rhinestone Bracelet: Maurice’s, $12.00
Brown/Silver Circular Ring: Maurice’s, $10.00
Fleur Del Lis Ring: Maurice’s, $10.00
Red Stone Necklace: Maurice’s, $14.00
Purse Charm Necklace: Maurice’s, $16.00
Hoop Earrings with Charms: Maurice’s, $12.00

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