Photos by Tony Valainis
Sartorial Speakeasy
Based in a Carmel storefront, Tailored Society caters to the city’s aggressively style-savvy set, hooking them up with impeccable custom and bespoke menswear. The suit-buying experience begins with a by-appointment consultation and includes two fittings, but this dark and handsome man cave doesn’t just sell suits; it offers advice and guidance to keep its clients ahead of the curve. 23 E. Main St., Carmel, 317-797-8371 —Julia Spalding
Leather Collection
Howl + Hide’s Grocery collection is a whimsical detour from owner Christian Resiak’s ruggedly demure bags. Arranged in a vintage grocery display on the second floor of the local brand’s Fountain Square boutique, this colorful line of leather goods is styled to look like pantry icons—think doughnuts with sprinkles, a bright slice of Swiss cheese, and a fresh-picked apple … but in purse form. Each piece is as much a cheeky sculpture as it is an eye-catching accessory. 1046 Virginia Ave., 463-224-9518 —JS
Brand Collab
We should have seen the Vera Bradley + Zooey Deschanel matchup coming a mile away. Launched in Fort Wayne in 1982, the handbag company saw booming business with its French Provençal–patterned line long before the Gen Z fascination with all things quilted. As hipsters repurposed their bedspreads into coats and aprons, the venerable brand was nearly left in the dust—that is, until famously quirky dream babe Zooey Deschanel was tapped to be the company’s ambassador. The result is a fun, practical, and unabashedly grandma-chic line that appeals to a multitude of generations. —Eve Batey
Vintage Boutique
Instagram-appropriate neutrals dominate sustainable fashion destination Nuova Vita Vintage’s new Stutz location. Think Nancy Meyers–level linens, nubby sweaters, and patinaed leathers—all vintage or upcycled and selected with owner Macey Schumacher’s discerning eye. There’s also a tightly curated selection of vintage housewares, gleaming golden accessories (some from partner artists), and locally poured candles to set the mood. 1060 N. Capitol Ave. —EB
Subversive Fashion Statement
If you live or work downtown, you know full well what’s happening when the streets fill with a sea of blue corduroy jackets every October. The annual convention of the National FFA Organization (formerly the Future Farmers of America) brings teens from all over the country to the Circle City for agriculture workshops, competitions, and other activities. Surprisingly, this yearly blue wave has inspired a farmer-chic fashion trend. The official jackets with the FFA emblem and the wearer’s state chapter emblazoned on the back retail for $60–$85 on the organization’s website (an extra $5 gets you an engraved wooden hanger). If you want the look without the membership, you’ll have to pay up—authentic, pre-owned FFA jackets currently list on eBay for $80–$950 for the classic navy hue and up to $2,800 for a special-edition black version made in the ’90s. —Andrea Ratcliff
Woodwork
Take a peek at Bohall Design & Fabrication’s line of handcrafted chairs and tables inside the 8-year-old company’s Factory Arts District shop, Appaloosa. There, the Delano leather-slung chair (which was inspired by horse tack) and the ergonomically elegant Sylvia stool with a hand-shaved seat share the floor with designer wool blankets, handmade leather belts with brass buckles, and fashion bandanas threaded into wooden bolos. 1125 E. Brookside Ave. —JS
Photo by Tony Valainis
Artist Workshops
Geoff Davis, namesake of Workshops of G.B. Davis, is well known around town for his diverse skill set—including but not limited to woodworking, bookbinding, Shaker furniture building, printmaking, Santa Claus impersonating, and trombone playing. He runs workshops out of his studio, drawing on his rich background in education (in a former life, he was a grade school teacher) and his self-described “hyperfocus” on traditional arts. His classes are hands-on, engaging, and full of character, much like Davis himself. 92 S. 9th St., Noblesville —JS
Candle That Smells Like Home
Adding to its selection of Hoosier-centric gifts and novelties, Silver in the City teamed up with locally owned Primrose Candle Company to create Indiana, a fragrance that captures “peonies and fireflies on a summer night” in a 7-ounce jar. Launched by IU grad Kelsey Christiansen in 2019, Primrose produces a line of hand-poured, small-batch soy candles. The exclusive Indiana scent offers a fresh whiff of our state flower intermingled with notes of raspberry, honeydew, cactus water, amber, and sandalwood. 434 Massachusetts Ave., 317-955-9925; 111 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-993-3669 —AR
Western Glam
Imagine The Golden Girls recast with Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn. Now imagine their yard sale, and you have an accurate idea of what it’s like to browse the racks and stacks of secondhand goodies at Satellite Vintage. The converted house in Broad Ripple is the holy grail of Nashville core, every inch of the shop curated, down to the pink velvet chairs and framed paint-by-number horse art. Boots and hats get the love they deserve, but do not sleep on the A-line dresses on the Vintage Vogue rack. 824 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-643-2412 —JS
Local Fragrance Company
Clutch and Kindle founder Cari Hahn creates one-of-a-kind phthalate- and toxin-free fragrances that include perfumes, body oils, and home scents. After she survived breast cancer eight years ago, she wanted clean ingredients in her home and body. She found a healing outlet in creating fragrances, and Clutch and Kindle was born right at home in her kitchen. Perfumes like After Dark, Boho, Beach, Broke and Bougie, Dolce, Iris, Golden, and Love are handmade with unique blends of florals, musk, and gourmand notes, creating aromas that leave a lasting impression anywhere you go. —Gabriela Bell
Retail Therapy
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better cheer-up spot than Broad Ripple’s Grazie Mille. Shoppers get instantly lost in the eclectic mix of unique gifts, sassy stationery, sweet seasonal decor, and cute curiosities curated by designer and world traveler Cynthia Veatch. Peruse Alba Bijoux semiprecious stone bangles, French Knot knit goods, Hester & Cook place mats, and vintage home goods like a silver peanut dish. Among the treasures are scented candles made by women at Wheeler Mission’s Restored Creations enterprise and bags of gourmet dog treats, the purchase of which gives back to IndyHumane. Even if you manage to walk out empty-handed, no matter. Browsing is mood-lifter enough. 825 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-955-9088 —CV
