Becoming a "Localista"

As longtime readers of this blog know, IndyStyle has been conflicted from day one on what "Indy Style" should really mean. Does it mean that I will confine my shopping only to Indianapolis locales? It hasn't, but more and more I'm thinking it should.

So, inspired by the local food movement, I'm embarking on a little experiment. For the remainder of 2008 (essentially the whole year), I'm only going to spend my money at Indiana stores. I'm broadening it beyond just Indianapolis, because I think a Bloomington excursion would be just fine. The local food folks call themselves "Localvores;" I'm adopting "Localista" as my handle for shopping only locally.

This means no online shopping - for anything, including music. I'm going old school there - not taking the easy way out and downloading from iTunes, but going to record stores (even though they hardly exist anymore) to buy CDs. That alone will be interesting. It will certainly make it more difficult to get my hands on things like DJ Rekha's new disc, which I highly recommend (and thankfully downloaded yesterday, before this whole idea took hold). Ditto for books. I know, it's easier and quicker to just order what you want from Amazon, but where's the fun in that?

I'm also going to try - and this is just going to be an attempt - to frequent locally owned stores as much as possible. So avoid the chains. Now, I can't be completely strict about this, as a year without darkening the doors of Target or Sak's is just too much to bear, but I will try to support my own local economy as much as possible. French Pharmacie, thankfully, continues to be a safe haven.

This also means no vacation shopping. However, if someone (say, my mom) buys me a gift while I'm shopping with her on a vacation or something, that is acceptable. It's not my money, after all. She's supporting her own local economy...

I think this will be interesting. At the very least, it will allow me to better serve my readers, as I'll be forced to uncover more hidden gems.

Trendwatch globally, spend locally...

Fun Night at French Pharmacie

French Pharmacie hosted a holiday open house last night, which was of course fabulous. Even though I didn't win any of the door prizes (like a Balanciaga wallet or a cute fur hat), I drank plenty of champagne and made new friends with some fellow fashionistas.

FP has started to receive some resort wear, and it's very cute. Lots of Tory Burch and 3.1 Philip Lim. I purchased a very cute Philip Lim dress that I can wear now with a black turtleneck underneath and some black tights (thanks to Stacy Kosene for that great suggestion), and then pull it out for parties in spring/summer on its own. I think it would be perfect for, say, a wedding on the beach in Naples, FL - should such an event crop up on my social calendar in '08 (fingers crossed).

There's also some GREAT stuff on sale at FP right now, including a ton of jewelry marked down 50%. That's right, 50%. So of course I couldn't resist snapping up a ring I've had my eye on essentially since I moved back here in April. Merry Christmas to me! And it looks great with my new dress.

So if you've still got a little money rattling around in your pocket after your holiday shopping, head to FP and buy yourself something shiny to put in your stocking.

Tonight is First Friday, so I'll be attending the opening of the Indianapolis Art Center show at Barnes & Thornberg (11 S. Meridian), followed by the Harrison Center and possibly Big Car in Fountain Square. Should be fun!

Project Runway Dress is at Steve and Barry's

And guess what - it's cute. Especially for $19.98. There's nothing else in the Bitten line right now worth a second glance, sadly, but the winning Project Runway dress is worth snatching up. Even just as a pop culture collectible it's worth $20.

Other than that, Bitten is a disappointment right now. There were a couple of jackets that looked like they had a cute cut, but the fabric is super cheap. I know, I know...what do you expect for $19.98? But I'd rather spend a little bit more for better fabric.

All in all, I had some good luck this weekend. Saks has started its designer sale, and the "premier" designer shoes (Prada, Manolo, Chanel, etc.) have been marked down 30%. Also, J. Crew has some cute stuff in the store right now - I fell for a bright orange wool blazer that's very reminiscent of the prepster stuff that Balenciaga had in the fall line. Definitely worth a look.

Don't feel like it's an emergency to trek to Lafayette Square to pick up your Project Runway dress. Steve and Barry's had a ton of them (thank you, Steve and Barry's for actually making enough of what's sure to be a hot item) in all sizes.

Happy shopping!