Five Cool Things I Found on Instagram This Week
I've been using the Instagram feature that allows you to see brands similar to the one you're currently viewing based on their magical, mysterious algorithm. And this week I really fell down the rabbit hole. My finds were all about brands that make you feel like you're a part of their family and supporting something really special. The greatest thing about finding brands that make made-to-order clothing is that the relationship between the maker and buyer is so intimate: Finding the brand, browsing and asking about sizing, buying the clothing, and arranging for you to receive your order a few weeks later is all done by a small team. And the clothing doesn't feel amateur at all; the finishings are pristine and the fabrics are of the highest quality. The next five brands are redefining handmade.
In the name of exploration, I'm sharing my most treasured Instagram finds. They're the brands that caught my attention in a sea of pictures; the ones I felt compelled to share with my friends for discussion; and accounts that I thought about while I was brainstorming my next purchase. Ahead, the fruits of my Instagram labor! Enjoy.
1. A/N/K Studios
The description is simple "contemporary accessories label," but they don't warn you about how one gem-encrusted earring is the gateway to charming daisy bracelets and colorful hair barrettes. It's like being a kid in a candy store, but candy is replaced by playful jewelry you may never change out.
2. Eye to Eye
This brand makes those surprising gems that you find in your mother's closet and wear for many moons afterward. The silhouettes are simple, but the fabrics are high quality and bright. The citron skirt makes you reconsider the colors in your *will wear* and *won't wear* categories. The clothing is also made to last, maybe even to be passed down and loved by your daughter too.
3. Courtyard LA
I can attest to the life-changing effect of Courtyard LA's clothing. I own one of the brand's pieces, the Poet blouse, and have never had the urge to wear a white blouse as much as I do with this one. A made-to-order brand, Courtyard LA is based in Los Angeles, and got its start selling really good vintage finds. Earlier this year, the brand shifted to handmade clothing, and you're going to want to follow along for the ride. The few pieces they've released are already so good.
4. Aéryne Paris
Aéryne is based between Sweden and Paris, and it shows. The clothing is colorful, frocks are ruched and tie dye. It's quirky *and* sexy. Aéryne inspires me to wear sheer clothing and figure out what I'm going to wear underneath later (the pieces are too ethereal to be concerned with such matters). Five percent of every purchase is donated to a female education project in Mumbai.
5. Aurore Van Milhem
Made-to-order clothing brands are having their moment in the spotlight. They're reminding us to invest in slow fashion and love the quality of the pieces we buy. The inspiration is women and art, which makes total sense when you stop to think about the blouses and dresses we're pretty sure we saw in a Renaissance painting during art history class.
Follow along on our new Instagram account @tvstyle for all other things fashion and beauty, and of course to discover more brands we're loving.
Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
