You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been going with the international theme this week. I’m quite a little globehopper myself. So I like spreading the indie lust to designers everywhere.

One of my favorite places for locating independent designer goodies is Paris. And now I can get a taste of the Parisian flair here in the US, thanks to French Touche.

This gem of a site features apparel, jewelry and handbags from a variety of French independent designers.

Most of the site is in French. They do have a link at the top right of the screen for the English version. But (sacre bleu!) you’ll still find plenty of French.

In any case, they do ship all over the world. And they were featured in Lucky, which is like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for womens fashion.

So indulge mon petite kumquat!

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Let me tell you something, embroidery is no longer in the ‘Reserved for Grandma’ category. And it’s not just the stuff you do on those $600 embroidery machines either. (You know the one’s that come pre-packaged with “You Go Girl!” templates?)

Though actually I’m a little biased because-
(a) I’m stylish,
(b) I’m in my 30s,
(c) I like to do embroidery.

Therefore embroidery is hot. Tell a friend babe.

Unfortunately (sigh) my bags never come out as beautifully as the ones at Artizan Sarai.

They feature handmade home decor, jewelry and handbags from women in Turkey, Afghanistan, India, Morocco, and other Eastern-based countries.

Their work is stunning. And the prices are very reasonable for the quality received.

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Well shiver me timbers! I discovered a new word today - camiknickers.

Evidently I’ve been out of the loop, because ‘camiknickers’ is a term that has been around since the 1920s. It’s basically part camisole, part knickers. What a fancy fact!

Etsy-based seller, Swoon are specialists at creating camiknickers, bras, garters and other assorted female lingerie goodies. And everything is made by hand.

The fabrics they use are absolutely smashing. Bunnies… kittens… teacups with stripes… and ‘wee madame’ - even the Eiffel Tower plastered on your bum.

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Ference|kämmer is a one-woman operation with a mission. Spread the ‘made in Germany’ love to as many handbag afficianadoes as she possibly can.

Okay that’s not actually her mission. (I made it up!) But don’t you think it should be?

Her bags are fun. They have a ‘push-your-boobs-up-with-duct-tape-and-wear-a-halter-top’ quality about them. You’ll feel like an absolute doll in one.

My favorite is that butterfly mini-tote.

I wanna put on some pink jelly shoes, and go pick up a couple of subs and a half gallon of milk with that bag.

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My five-year old is a rock star debutante. Nothing gets her more into air guitar mode than a rift from Prince (she’s more into the Revolution days).

And she adores the Red Hot Chili Peppers. (Can you blame her?)

She told me that Venni Caprice’s line reminds her of a rock star debutante. (Which is what I call her when she’s rockin’ out.)

I’m digging Venni Caprice’s line because it’s curve fitting, but not overwhelming. (I’m past the painted on look. Shit… I gotta hide my Victoria Secrets girdle!)

It has that California girl look. Very fun for the summer.

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