vote FAVORITE BLOG POST

It's time to announce the winners of the 2009 BLOG OFF, but first we'd like to get your help.

Trish (Smashing Darling) and Lesley (WHATdesigners) are choosing their favorites, now it's up to you! The 3 runners up will be chosen by your votes, so check out the list below and vote for your favorite.

Voting ends January 17th, 2010.

The contenders:

• http://kenziekate.blogspot.com/2009/12/on-cuff.html
• http://inkandwit.blogspot.com/2009/12/inkwit-holiday-picks-merchant-no-4.html
• http://freshlyblended.blogspot.com/2009/12/gifts-under-3000-for-kids.html
• http://stickersandstuff.blogspot.com/2009/12/catherine-kippel-mugs.html
• http://housemartin.typepad.com/housemartin/2009/12/smelling-sweet.html
• http://viamannelli.blogspot.com
• http://www.scoutiegirl.com/2009/12/independent-design-is-clever-practical-power.html
• http://www.skinnylaminx.com/
• http://analoguechic.com/?p=572
• http://www.iadorestyle.com/2009/12/holiday-gift-guide-2009/
• http://www.tildaintheburbs.com/?p=1879
• http://funkyfinds.blogspot.com/2009/12/holiday-gift-guides.html
• http://www.outsapop.com/2009/11/to-tie-for-gtie.html
• http://www.missmalaprop.com/2009/12/effies-heart-vintage-inspired-style-for-the-modern-girl/
• http://bellestyle.onsugar.com/6374243

sponsor spotlight SMASHING DARLING

Sure, Smashing Darling was a sponsor on the latest INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 2009 - but still the truth is that the Smashing Darling website is the first place that I go to find inspiring independent fashion designers. Many of the designers in the new Little Black Dress feature in the guide were first seen on Smashing Darling, including one of my favorites the Pin-tuck Ballerina Dress by Prizi Sebastian (above).

This love-fest doesn't end there. WHATdesigners is hosting the 2009 INDEPENDENT DESIGN BLOG OFF with $500 of prizes from Smashing Darling. We will be selecting our favorites blog posts and announcing the winners in the first week of January.

The Prizes:
One First place prize of a $250 Smashing Darling gift certificate
One Second place prize of a $100 Smashing Darling gift certificate
Three runner up prizes of $50 Smashing Darling gift certificates

The Rules:
1. Write a blog about independent design or an independent designer
2. Include a link to the 2009 INDEPENDENT DESIGN BLOG OFF in your post
3. Leave a comment here with a link to your post.

Deadline:
December 30th, 2009

competition THE BEST AD WINS

WHATdesigners.com is offering 2 free ads in the upcoming INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 2009. One full page and one 1/2 page. The ad doesn't have to be from an independent designer, but does have to fit with the spirit of independent design.

If you haven't seen the guide, please check out the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // fall 09

TO ENTER:
+ design an ad in either of the following dimensions
- 975px (w) x 525px (h) (full page)
- 475px (w) x 525px (h) (1/2 page)

+ leave a comment below with a link to your ad and a way of contacting you (you can upload it to flickr, blog, etc.)

+ Deadline: November 3, 2009