Sites We Really Know and Want to Share

These aren't link exchanges from random strangers. All the links and mini-reviews here are those of friends, people we do business with or indie businesses we purchase from, and that Rotem Gear prez JR personally recommends.

• Mohop - Fabulous, unique shoes made from reclaimed materials -- footwear for celebs, really. They can be configured in endless ways, have gorgeous screen printing on the foot bed. I have a pair and they are too cool.

• J.Lynne - I use her mineral make-up. Love it! This isn't the commercial fake mineral makeup with additives that might irritate your skin -- it's the real deal. It sort of airbrushes you without looking obvious.

• Textile Fetish - Wonderfully quirkly bags, apparel and aprons sewn lovingly from reclaimed cool fabrics. Each time I whip one out of my purse someone asks me where I got it. Jennifer was our model in this Rotem Gear Informer post. She also has monkeys!

• KippyGo - Despite her obsession with ponies, or maybe because of it, my friend Kippy has a style that blends off-beat humor and contemporary flair. Visit her t-shirt shop for very funny t-shirts, or her Contempo shop for "stylish, mod, retro home decor to deck out your pad."

• evisionarts.com - Friend and colleague artist MaryO's network of t-shirt and gift shops includes an exceptional shop for dog lovers (especially pugs!), as well as shops for other animal themes, musicians, foodies, the eco-conscious & more. My favorites are her pieces derived from her own paintings. "Buy something or the pug starves."

• Art of Fox Vox - My friend Kristen Fox is another "arteest" extraordinaire. Equally adept at non-digital painting, photography and computer-based art forms, I think where she really shines is in her intricate and breath-taking Celtic knotwork designs. But also check out her other shops in the sidebar for quirky humor t-shirts and canvas totes.

• MiSpa - Mimie Wong lovingly handcrafts her bath/body products inspired by the Asian traditions of using rice in skin care, with essences that evoke the Pacific Rim-- lychee, sake, coconut lemongrass, gardenia ... I love my "sake" dry perfume and the gift package I got for a friend was lovely.

• Sommer Designs- I must confess I don't yet own anything of hers, but I do look, smell and salivate. Gorgeous, hand-sewn fashion tote-style purses (purses! not canvas "save-a bag" totes), for which Carries selects truly yummy fabrics, hostess aprons (exhibited at the L.A. Gift Show) and lavender liners. "Things that make you go 'Mmmmm.'"

• Ex-Boyfriend - Kawaii and emo fashions.

• UnEarthedTees - Our sister shop dedicated to geology and rock-hound geeks.

• CurryPlum - Another Rotem Design Studio -managed shop, featuring Asian abd Asia-themed products by other merchants from around the world.