With Father’s Day just around the corner (17th June), I’ve put together a few classic gift ideas with an indie spin.

First up is the neck tie. Cyberoptix TieLab has taken this much maligned and sometimes stuffy accessory and replaced it with something fun and edgy. Each tie is hand-silk screened onto 100% charmeuse silk or microfiber polyester.

Or what about a tee? Red Prairie Press has a range of sweatshop free t-shirts incorporating unique hand-drawn designs in limited runs.

If you’re looking for bath stuff, take a look at the Adam and Eve collection over at Lady Wurlitzer. The Eucalyptus and Orange and Bergamot soap bars have been blended in such a way as to tantalise the noses and bodies of both men and women. (And I can personally recommend the Orange and Bergamot soap - smells divine and lathers up a treat.)

If your dad’s a bit of a joker take a look at Attus Apparel. This small clothing label has created a range of stylish polo shirts sporting quirky logos, such as ‘The Hangover’ above.

And finally, the humble cufflink. Enthral has some smart wrist-wear incorporating vintage cabs, stones and reclaimed buttons.

Cute, kitsch and kawaii. A few words to describe the charming jewellery and accessories by FluffsStuffs. Choose from pins, hair combs, earrings, rings, cuff links and charm bracelets.

Most pieces incorporate the signature fabric covered charms. Themes include storybooks, animals, children and nature. My favourite is the Wizard of Oz charm bracelet.

Buy online at www.fluffington.etsy.com.

I think I’ve mentioned before how much I like collage art. There’s something about the use of different materials to convey mood and emotion. But it can be extremely tricky to get it right. Materials have to be carefully selected and combined to communicate the right message. A bit like writing a poem - you have a relatively small space and therefore every word has to count.

Chloe Roberts has got it right. Using paint, ephemera, magazine pictures, vintage greeting cards, photos and other materials she creates interesting, striking pieces. And you can commission her to create a piece of art just for you, incorporating personal pictures, significant words etc. Prices are very reasonable in the region of $40 (approx £20).

For further details you can find Chloe at www.apoetsdream.deviantart.com and www.apoetsdream01.blogspot.com.

I bought a fabric purse/pouch a few weeks ago and I find it so useful. It holds my mobile phone, business cards, make-up and other bits and bobs, which means I don’t have to dig around my handbag to find them.

I noticed that Betty Joy has some pretty examples in vintage and Japanese prints, with cute button embellishments. And I had to mention the Metric Purse made from bright yellow dressmakers tapes - a real talking point.

For more quirky handmade accessories, toys, jewellery and homewares go to www.bettyjoy.co.uk.

A brand new fashion event is set to take London by storm this summer. Capturing the spirit of Portobello Road and Brick Lane, FaCshion aims to ‘bring together a wide range of independent designers that seldom have the opportunity or the means with which to reach the masses.’

The event will provide a platform for indie designers to sell directly to consumers and meet buyers at the same venue on the same day. Organisers are currently looking for exhibitors from diverse backgrounds, including fashion designers, jewellers, footwear and accessory designers. Stalls are very reasonable starting at just £350 incl VAT.

Go to www.FaCshion.co.uk to download an application form.

When: Saturday 28 July 2007
Where: Barbican Exhibition Centre, Hall 2, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your well-worn denims then 3-G Buckles may just have the answer. The Texan based company has its own unique line of belt buckles featuring vintage cigar box art. Choose from numerous themes including Wild West Women, Pretty Pals and Fuzzy Friends. There’s even a range incorporating freshwater pearls.

Each buckle comes complete with a free suede belt in black, camel or brown. And if you live in the US then shipping is free.

Buy from www.3gbuckles.com.

RED INSTEAD handmade is an Aussie brand created by the multi talented Jen Leheny. As an avid crafter Jen likes to make things, especially with her sewing machine. The shop is bursting at the seams with bags, clothes, painted ceramics, mobiles and artwork.

I love the tissue cozies - a practical way to stash your Handy Andies and pretty to boot.

RED INSTEAD handmade ships worldwide from www.redinstead.com.au.

Today’s post is a personal recommendation. My mum bought me some Banana Milk Shake and Strawberry Slice Soap for Christmas. It smells divine and scents the whole bathroom. So much so that even Richard noticed.

The company that makes the soaps is Bubbles and Baths and they have a whole range of bathroom goodies including bath bombs, shampoo bars, lip balms and gift sets.

Go to www.bubblesandbaths.co.uk and claim your 20% discount on all orders over £10. Just enter indie during the checkout process.