Shopping locally and supporting small businesses is a great way to feel good about your fashion addiction. I love knowing that my fabulous outfit supported creative jobs, my community, and the local economy. That being said, here are four local designers you absolutely NEED to know about.

Vintage-inspired Mode Merr by Angela Zampell (one of my new favorite people), based in Pawtucket, is all about wearable, flattering, and sexy looks for everyone: She makes sizes XXS - XXXL. More importantly, she's having a Fall Open Studio Event on Sept 19th with sale prices ranging from $10 - $120, so don’t miss out! Click here for more info.

*As an added bonus, Mode Merr’s Sew Right Studios will teach you how to make your own clothes. Sign up online, for a class taught right out of the workshop, here. 

You will definitely get lots of positive attention wearing Providence based collection Pretty Snake by Joseph Aaron Segal (another one of my new favorite people btw). Pretty Snake designs are all about color, Color, COLOR and fun patterns. I love a good pattern! You can purchase pretty snake online or currently in store at Queen of Hearts in downtown PVD. And definitely don't miss the chance to go visit them at RISD CRAFT 2015, coming up Oct 10th. Find out more details by clicking here.

Speaking of great patterns, Kaizen by Muffy Brandt’s optical printed apparel blows my mind every time. You can get fun and funky in her looks. She is a great designer (also a long-time friend) who's always having fabulous promotions on Facebook and Instagram for her customers. No spoilers but definitely keep an eye on her because I happen to know she’s got some amazing new things in the works. Kaizen will also be at RISD CRAFT 2015, so basically I know where to find you shopping Oct 10th.

Elegance is everything for Newport based Isoude by Kate Brierley (Haven’t met her in person yet, but we have had a lovely email exchange.). Looks by Isoude are so clean and fresh that if you invest (The clothes are pricy but worth it.), you're sure to have a timeless piece you will wear forever. To see their designs up close and personal, visit the ISOUDE ATELIER at 118 John St. or attend their trunk show this week at The Four Seasons Hotel Boston on Sept. 16th and 17th.

*Also, find Isoude, by appointment only, at Marc Allen on So. Main St., in PVD. 

If you liked this post, stay tuned to PattyJ.com for My Early Shoppers Handmade Holiday Gift Guide coming in November. I will have some exciting inside info on the best locally crafted accessories and gifts and how to get them early (or customized) - before your favorites are sold out. WINK!

Brooke

Photo Credits: All photographs provided by the designers except Brooke's out and about photos provided by her iphone ;)