Support Black Owned Businesses...Every Month.

It’s February, which means it is Black History Month. And while we think Black history is American history, so should be celebrated (like all cultures) all the time, we do think this is a great opportunity to show some love. So we've curated a list of Black-owned businesses to support. Check out some of our favorite companies:

 

Apparel

 

Philadelphia Printworks

Zuvaa

 

Circa Eighty Two 

 

 

Lingerie

BeingU

 

Skincare/Self Care

 

Temple Zen

Naked Bar Soap Co

Soul Sense Box

 

Money Services and Banking

One United Bank

Sole Strivers 

Diverse Stock Photography 

Tonl 

Baked Goods

Southern Girl Desserts

For the Kids

ABC Flashcards

Natural Girls United

Beverages

Not So Urban Coffee

Maison Noir Wines

Watches/Jewelry

Talley & Twine

LilyEmme Jewelry

Valentine's Day Gifts for Everyone, Including Yourself.

Generally speaking, Valentine’s Day consumerism focuses on the ladies. Don't get us wrong, we believe everyone deserves copious amounts of chocolate and jewelry... but we decided to switch up the vibe and give some innovative gift ideas that are gender and status neutral. Here are some of our faves! Click on the images to visit their websites. 

 

1. Timbrephone is a wooden box that luxuriously amplifies and upgrades the acoustics for an iPhone without any plugs or electricity needed!

1. Timbrephone is a wooden box that luxuriously amplifies and upgrades the acoustics for an iPhone without any plugs or electricity needed!

2. Stone Candles make woods-scented candles for that cuddled-in-a-cabin feel. It's made from food certified coconut oil, making it the cleanest burn available - we love the Juniper scent. 

2. Stone Candles make woods-scented candles for that cuddled-in-a-cabin feel. It's made from food certified coconut oil, making it the cleanest burn available - we love the Juniper scent. 

3. Our office uses these chic and efficient Poketo project planners!  So easy and visually stimulating to organize projects and schedules.

3. Our office uses these chic and efficient Poketo project planners!  So easy and visually stimulating to organize projects and schedules.

3. Winc is a Unique office obsession! You can buy your partner (or yourself *ehem*) a box of curated wine from California, a tasting box of bubbly, or even a subscription to 4 wines delivered to you per month. This is definitely for the winos i…

3. Winc is a Unique office obsession! You can buy your partner (or yourself *ehem*) a box of curated wine from California, a tasting box of bubbly, or even a subscription to 4 wines delivered to you per month. This is definitely for the winos in your life. You're welcome. 

 

 

4. For those of you who want to spruce up your flower-giving game, we highly suggest Bouqs. They are a farm to table, sustainable florist that tells you exactly where your fresh flowers are coming from.  

4. For those of you who want to spruce up your flower-giving game, we highly suggest Bouqs. They are a farm to table, sustainable florist that tells you exactly where your fresh flowers are coming from. 

 

5. Calpak is killing it these days (if you don't know about their luggage now you know) and this affordable and stylishly neutral backpack can fit a laptop and secure itself on the back of your wheeled suitcase.  

5. Calpak is killing it these days (if you don't know about their luggage now you know) and this affordable and stylishly neutral backpack can fit a laptop and secure itself on the back of your wheeled suitcase. 

 

6. Simone LeBlanc is for all the elevated gift giver's out there. They specialize in an array of luxurious gift boxes, and we love the reusable wooden crate it all comes in. Our choice would be the "Staycation" box for a night of pampering…

6. Simone LeBlanc is for all the elevated gift giver's out there. They specialize in an array of luxurious gift boxes, and we love the reusable wooden crate it all comes in. Our choice would be the "Staycation" box for a night of pampering properly with your mate or with your self. 

7. For the chefs in the house! Gift a VERY sturdy and well made apron that is hand crafted from American canvas, raw Japanese selvage demin and European linens. For the amateurs and professionals alike. 

7. For the chefs in the house! Gift a VERY sturdy and well made apron that is hand crafted from American canvas, raw Japanese selvage demin and European linens. For the amateurs and professionals alike. 

8. A robe is a gift that truly keeps on giving. Our pick is this 100% linen robe in "Chaos Theory" from Fussy Hussey - one of our Unique LA vendors! 

8. A robe is a gift that truly keeps on giving. Our pick is this 100% linen robe in "Chaos Theory" from Fussy Hussey - one of our Unique LA vendors! 

9. Another Unique Vendor we love to support in the Robe department that gives us a 70's vibe: Highway-Robery. 

9. Another Unique Vendor we love to support in the Robe department that gives us a 70's vibe: Highway-Robery. 

Unique Fall Fashion: Metallic state of Mind

Trend Four: Metallics

The metallic trend is practically evergreen in fashion, which is why we’ve seen it time and time again. The Metallic or silver sparkle trend can be easily incorporated into your attire through tops, bottoms, shoes or jewels. 

Although a metallic piece is sure to stand out from your wardrobe, nothing makes more of a statement than a metallic shoe. By adding loafer of this color to your fall wardrobe you can achieve a comfortable, yet stylish look, perfect for all ages.

Check out our entire fall fashion line-up on the Unique Markets Blog.

Unique Fall Fashion: Rocking plaid, 70's Style.

Trend Three: 70's Plaid

70’s plaid is another trend, which is practically evergreen in fashion. From the plaid pants to the checked blazer, this vintage inspired style can be worn to the office or dressed down to meet your street style needs. Decade after decade, 70's plaid is a pattern you can continue to recycle and most definitely one to rock this fall.

Brown and rusty versions of the plaid trend, which give off a warm autumn vibe are perfect for daytime strolls. While the traditional grey 70’s plaid tones create a sophisticated and elegant look, perfect for an evening around town.


The 70’s plaid trend is also a look children can wear during the fall, adding a seasonal touch to their tiny wardrobes..

Stay tuned for our complete round up of fall fashion trends throughout the month of November!

Unique Fall Fashion: Be Bold with Couch Florals

TREND TWO : couch florals

Florals are a trend that can be worn throughout various seasons. However, when transitioning to fall it is essential to trade in your spring florals with darker vintage inspired prints

To achieve this easily attainable look, you can choose anything from a statement maxi dress to a floral  bomber jacket. The dark print can be easily transformed from day to night, by adding something as minimal as a leather jacket or a wool coat.

The floral trend is also makes for the perfect toddler fall wardrobe, which can also be transitioned year round. To keep your toddler up to date with the floral trend, pair the print with pantone colors like Butterum, Grenadine, Navy Peony and Shaded Spruce.

And don't miss the other posts in our Unique Fall Fashion Guide! Check out our favorite Pantone color palette for fall

THE UNIQUE FALL FASHION GUIDE

LIFE ISN’T PERFECT BUT YOUR OUTFIT CAN BE.

Happy October! We are rapidly nearing the end of the first month of Fall. And although it still feels like we're in the throws of summer, with scorching temps here in LA, we're craving a new fall wardrobe. So it's time to get up to date with all the latest and greatest fall trends that we're crushing on over here at the Unique HQ!

After spending more than our average amount of time on Pinterest, we have rounded up a series of five fall fashion trends, which we will unveil over the next few weeks. 

TREND One : Pantone Colors

When transitioning into fall wardrobe, it is essential to keep the Pantone Color palette in mind. That is, darker hues like navy peony, golden lime, and autumn apple; which will help evoke a rusty and warm hue, reflecting seasonal vibes.

 

Grenadine 

Resemblant of the pomegranate, this syrupy color is sure to make a bright and bold statement.

Tawny Port

 

Consisting of deep brown and amber hues, Tawny Port is the perfect color for embodying autumn tones. 

 

Ballet Slipper

Subtle, yet sophisticated. This pink hue is one of the many pantone colors that can be easily transitioned throughout all seasons.

Butterum

Another color exuding warm and autumn vibes is Butterum. The fourth color of the pantone color palette can illuminate your wardrobe with its golden tone.  

Navy Peony

Dark, stable and refined. Navy Peony is the perfect hue for fall 2017, which can either be worn to the office or easily transitioned for date night.

Neutral Gray

The universal color. Despite its neutral name, Neutral Gray is another perfect color for making a statement.

 

Shaded Spruce

Emitting a forest hue of green, Shaded Spruce is autumns alternative of Teal.

Golden Lime 

Another vibrant color sure to make a statement is Golden Lime. Its yellow-green tones are perfect for making an impression this fall and also next summer.

 

Marina 

The cool blue tones seen in Marina are perfect for creating a crisp and refreshing look during the fall.

Autumn Apple

Nothing screams “Autumn” more than the rusty and warm hues emitted from Autumn Apple.     

Easy DIY Costumes to Beat the Halloween Stress

Trick or Treat Yo Self! 

With Halloween right around the corner, many of you have probably begun stressing about creating an effortless, yet unique costume in minimal time.

DON'T WORRY, WE GOT YOU Covered. Here is the Unique Markets round-up of easy and affordable DIY Halloween Costumes ideas that will set the bar high for any upcoming costume contests.

 

Cactus

What you’ll need: A Green/Olive colored oversized sweater or dress, clothes pins or white paper and a flower. 

 

 

Starbucks Cup

What you’ll need: A tan dress, a printed starbucks logo, hot glue gun, paper towel roll, green acrylic paint, a foam brush, white felt, scissors and a headband. 

 

 

 

 

 

Brawny Man

What you’ll need: A roll of Brawny Paper towels and a red flannel.

Pinterest

What you’ll need: Plain red dress, Pinterest logo print out,  Pin it logo print-out and a hot glue gun.

Ice Cream Cone

What you’ll need: White Tee or tank, white tulle skirt or dress, white shoes, mini popsicle sticks, hot glue gun, brown paper, coloured paints, bobby pins. 

 

 

Elliot

What you’ll need: A red hoodie, either aN ET mask, stuffed animal or ET face print-out, a white blanket to wrap ET with and a milk crate.

 

Bob Ross, little tree + squirrel

What you’ll need: Brown Afro, cardboard, paint, nail polish or markers. Brown long sleeve shirt or dress, one fall branch from Hobby Lobby, squirrel picture printout, hot glue gun.

 

 

Dalmatian + Firefighter

What you'll need: A white long sleeve shirt, black felt cut in circles, hot glue gun, tulle skirt, a hard hat and suspenders.

 

Cotton Candy 

What you’ll need: One white poster board, pink ribbon, glue gun, pillow fill, design master perfect pink spray for silk flowers, a white fitted long sleeve shirt and general purpose adhesive spray.

 

House Plant

What you’ll need: Crepe paper, corrugated paper, paint brush, green acrylic paint, brown felt, canvas straps, scissors, basket, hot glue gun and excelsior.

Bubble Bath 

What you’ll need:  White balloons, a shower cap and a yellow shower mitt.

Lumberjack

What you’ll need: Red Flannel, beanie, jeans, suspenders and a toy hatchet.

APPLY NOW FOR THE UNIQUE LA HOLIDAY MARKET

The Unique LA Holiday Market returns to the California Market Center in Downtown Los Angeles, December 2 & 3. Would you like to sell at the Unique LA Holiday Market? Vendor applications are now up online!

FIRST: Review the FAQs, the Vendor Agreement, and then proceed to complete the online application. 

Vendor applications close on October 10!

Notification of acceptance will go out via email October 20.

 

 

 

Rad School Supplies for Adults

It's back to school time! If you're like us, this time of year makes you nostalgic for the days of wide ruled paper and #2 pencils (were you on team Ticonderoga or Sanford Eagle?), and makes you wish you had a non-ridiculous reason to search eBay for a Lisa Frank trapper keeper or a plastic lunchbox with matching Thermos.

Since we can't find a respectable reason to attend a client lunch with Lisa Frank in tow, we're using that sweet nostalgia as a great excuse to refresh our work spaces and buy some new supplies. Here's a roundup of some of our favorite "school supplies" for the creative, modern adult. 

Clockwise from top left:

- Keep your shit together with the WTF Planner from Hadron Epoch
- Minty fresh backpack from Individual Medley fits a 13" laptop and a trapper keeper (probably).
- Pocket Art Director by Pretend Shop via Poketo because sometimes you still need someone to tell you what to do
- Check all the right boxes with this School Subjects Pencil Set from CW Pencil Enterprise
- For a more sophisticated lunchbox option, opt for the Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag from WAAM Industries
- Countdown the minutes until class is dismissed with this iconic IBM Standard Issue clock from Schoolhouse Electric
- Professionals can still pass notes. Decorate them with Bando's gel pens.
- And finally, the adult version of a Thermos: The Corkcicle Canteen

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backpack.jpg
POCKET ART DIRECTOR by Pretend Store, available from Poketo
WAXED CANVAS LUNCH BAG by WAAM Indusries
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SCHOOL SUBJECTS PENCIL SET from CW Pencil Enterprise
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corkcicle.jpg

FALL MARKET: UNIQUE is heading to Minneapolis!

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Unique Markets is excited to be partnering with AIGA, the professional association for design, on the first ever Unique Minneapolis! This pop-up market will take place as part of the Annual AIGA Design Conference October 12-14, 2017. The market will be open to AIGIA conference attendees October 12 and 13, and open to the public Saturday, October 14. 

Interested in being a vendor at Unique Minneapolis?
Review the Interested Vendor FAQs and then complete the online application today!

Applications are due by September 8, 2017.
Acceptance decisions will go out September 15, 2017. 

Super-Amazing Exclusive VIP Deal !

We've gathered a few friends to create an AMAZING deal for VIP Ticket Buyers at the Unique LA Summer Market! Whether you're a boss lady, an aspiring boss-to-be or someone who wants to support great women and be inspired by their stories, our VIP Ticket is for you... Plus it's only $25, so for just $10 more you get all the perks of general admission plus a swag bag we've curated that is worth $65. Holy guacamole! 

VIP ADMISSION COMES WITH THESE EXTRAS

  • 2 issues of the awesome BossLadies Magazine (Gasp, that alone is worth $40!)
  • 2 notebooks from Scout Books to hold all your big ideas
  • 1 delish Dream Pop popsicle
  • an inspirational Unique LA pencil (you've got to write down those dreams)
  • a drink from our friends at Verday
  • a healthy snack from GoMacro

Freebie Fun at Unique LA

The Unique LA Summer Market is right around the corner and we are SO EXCITED for everyone to see the amazing swag that we've got in store! Our partners and sponsors have been working hard to make the weekend super special and fun for you! 

Did you know that GT's Kombucha is a family owned company based in Los Angeles? They are an OG Unique LA sponsor and we're so happy to have them on board for ALL our LA markets this year! They always have their best flavors on tap so stop by and get some. 

This summer ART CAMP LA will be hosting a very fun DIY project in the Barker Hangar to get your creative juices flowing! I don't want to give it away but you'll be flying high when you see it!!

Califia Farms is back with amazing juices and Almond Milk Coffee drinks to keep you going all day so you can SHOP SHOP SHOP till you DROP DROP DROP. 

Our friends at Oh Snap! never disappoint with photo booth fun that includes both prints and digital versions sent to your phone so you can post right to Instagram and Facebook and make your friends jealous about all the fun you're having. 

When you've shopped up an appetite and are ready for a snack, Quaker Oats has got you covered with their delicious overnight oats in a jar. Don't miss out! 

We're excited to have Bundaberg back this summer with their delicious ginger beer and drinks. Keep your eyes peeled for their sweet wooden bar and mosey on up for a taste!

We're excited to have Bundaberg back this summer with their delicious ginger beer and drinks. Keep your eyes peeled for their sweet wooden bar and mosey on up for a taste!

Unique Style: Summer Products Picks

The temps are rising, the rosé is flowing--summer is upon us! New season means new styles. Unique's own Sonja Rasula has pulled together a roundup of her favorite summer product picks for women and men from Unique LA makers. Clockwise from top left:

- Sun pillow for max comfort while beach lounging by Sunshine Dreaming
- the perfect summer carryall by Harvey's
- old school cool men's Titan Beaver trunks by Party Pants
- A dude coverup, aka a robe by Highway Robery
- you're never too old for a swimsuit with ruffles by Paper Sails
- pretend you're in sipping a margarita in Mexico with this sunhat by Putchipuu

Unique Drinks: Califia Cocktails

Last month we hosted a small shindig with some of our friends and media partners on the rooftop deck of The Unique Space. It was a pre-Unique LA celebration to showcase the products of some of our vendors and to rally our friends in the media around our market. Unique Markets founder Sonja Rasula interviewed Luke Hobbs from Lincoln + Hobbs Design and Isadora Alvarez from Back Beat Rags, local designers and Unique LA vendors.  

For the rooftop happy hour, our partners at Califia Farms provided agua fresca for some fresh, springtime cocktails. That's right--Califia doesn't just make delicious almond milks and creamers. They make amazing fruit juices, too! We loved the refreshing drinks so much, we wanted to share the recipes with you! Just in time for summertime hangs. 

CALIFIA PINK LADY


INGREDIENTS:
Califia Watermelon Ginger Lime Agua Fresca
Shot of vodka (We used Tito's)
Soda Water
Fresh lime wedges

METHOD:
Fill highball glass with ice. Add shot of vodka. Add splash of soda water. Fill glass with Califia Watermelon Ginger Lime Agua Fresca. Garnish with fresh lime edge. Serve with a straw. 

STRAWBERRY BASIL SPIKED-FRESCA

Ingredients: 
Califa Strawberry Basil Agua Fresca
Shot of vodka (We used Tito's)
Soda Water
Fresh basil leaves

Method:
In the bottom of a short, metal cocktail shaker, muddle 5-6 fresh basil leaves. To the shaker, add shot of vodka AND 3 ounces of Califa Strawberry Basil Agua Fresca. Add scoop of ice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into highball glass. Top with a splash of soda water. Serve with a straw. 

 

We served the delicious drinks alongside yummy treats from some of our very own Unique LA vendors including baked goods from Broadway Baker, spiked marshmallows by Mallow & Hop, amazing chips, salsa, and dips by Casa de Brisa, and candy from Teebsie.

Unique Eats: Quaker Overnight Oats

Quaker Oats joined us at the Unique LA Spring Market. They brought with them an amazing family-friendly DIY station, a selfie booth, and, of course, amazingly delicious Overnight Oats!

Many of you have asked us for some of the Overnight Oat recipes that you tasted at the market, so here are two of our favorite! Such simple and easy breakfast ideas but oh so delicious. For many more Overnight Oats recipes, including Raspberry Coconut Overnight Oats and Mocha Almond Date Overnight Oats, visit QuakerOats.com

Blueberry Honey Overnight Oats

Lightly sweet, this version has fresh blueberries and lots of protein.

Recipe:
1. Combine 1/2 cup Quaker Oats with 1/2 cup low-fat milk
2. Add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 Tbsp honey
3. Refrigerate overnight. Rise, stir & enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

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Reminiscent of childhood, there's arguably nothing more comforting than banana and peanut butter. 

Recipe: 
1. Combine 1/2 cup Quaker Oats with 1/2 cup low-fat milk.
2. Add 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup sliced bananas, 2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter, 1 Tbsp honey, 1 tsp chia seeds (optional).
3. Refrigerate overnight, rise, stir & enjoy!