Blossoming Designers Grow Your Online Presence. Plant a Boutique on Etsy.com.

By: Amy Juneau

Why would you want to be one of the 400,000 plus clothing, jewelry and accessory designers on Etsy.com? Etsy is the number one recognized, online marketplace for all things handmade. So, for those of you who haven’t gone by the way of mass-producing your goods – plant yourself on Etsy.

Etsy designers received notice in Lucky magazine, on Good Morning America’s website and women on The Bachelor wore an Etsians' designs in the last six months.

Cost involved? It is almost free compared to the cost of having your own website with a shopping cart and 4-5 payment options included. Etsy charges twenty cents a posting per item and takes about three to four percent of your profit per item sold.

I’ve recently established my jewelry line – Aclaire Jewelry (www.aclairejewelry.etsy.com), on Etsy.com in August 2008. While my online sales aren’t through the roof, they’ve been consistent with just a little grass roots, self-promotion. Those designers who have the luxury of purely just designing for a living (i.e.; no day job) and have time to do more than a little self-promotion, reap the benefits of being on Etsy.com. Some have made it a full-time occupation starting on Etsy.com.

Designers, get your business growing! Go here to find out how you can set up shop on Etsy.com: http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/a-beginners-guide-to-starting-a-shop-on-etsy-1721.

Springtime in Black & White

Fashion designers using black and white stand out from the saturation of pastels and brights on the runway this spring.

This particular, fabulous look (left) from Cynthia Steffe, as seen on Style.com, is laid-back class. Certain occasions during the spring and summer months may call for a more dressed - up approach. This style takes it to the same level as a simple cocktail dress. Plus, this look is for women who want their clothing to go a little further than a one-event appearance. The bustier can be worn again with jeans or shorts, and the satin pants can be paired with a button - down shirt for office attire.

Black and white is considered an easy, classic option year-round by Etsy (www.etsy.com) accessory designers. Here are some ideas from a few Etsians, that may inspire your own, personal twist:

Lacey, Knit Scarf by: Kanokwalee (Texas)

Over-sized Button Earrings by: Aclaire Jewelry (Arizona)

Bead-stitched, Cuff by: Litelle