Where? Meaning 'black' in old English, this online boutique is based in Santa Barbara, California.
Who? Jodi McMillen launched Blaec in 1999 after learning how to build a website. She has since established a reputation among the fashion savvy for sourcing unusual clothing - the designers may be familiar, but most of the pieces are not.
Fashion finds: the edited selection is edgy but not too trendy. Expect to find sexy tops in jewel tones from Ingwa Melero and Sass & Bide; cute summer dresses from T-bags; Lyell's Parisian-style blouse; ethereal tops from Phillip Lim; cute Meli-Melo shorts; denim from Paige Premium Denim and People's Liberation. Accessories include pleated Jocasi and distressed-leather Luba J bags and jewellery from Kenneth Jay Lane. There's also a sales rack that includes an adorable porcelain-inspired dress by Mint. The site stocks men's jeans, too.
The vibe: the website is easy to navigate. McMillen puts together total looks on the mannequins (minus shoes) in her virtual windows; just scroll horizontally through the window-shopping section. She also includes descriptions of each brand.
The crowd: city dwellers with a down-to-earth sense of style. Blaec has collaborated on several film projects, including Sahara with Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz, and has worked with David Beckham, Usher and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Extras: all purchases, including sales items, can be returned for a full refund or exchange, unless they