By Shayna Mace | Photography by Shanna Wolf
Natalie Bass has always been a creative. She started her own clothing line, orangyporangy, back in 2005 and sold her tops and skirts at the Dane County Farmers’ Market and at regional maker’s markets. In 2010, she opened her own retail shop called Zip-Dang, where she could sell her clothing in addition to items by other makers in the area and beyond.
Named after a “weird phrase” her father- in-law used, the shop reflects Bass’s quirky sensibilities and has the tagline “purveyors of the un-mass-produced unusual.” It has a comfortable, welcoming vibe, and you’ll probably walk out with something cool (I did).
Find T-shirts, jewelry, home décor, prints, candles and more. Bass has always carried her husband Mike’s work, including photography and Madison-centric T-shirt designs and prints. He’s recently added folklore-themed items to his line, which she notes have been popular.
“I consider this shop independent, interesting, intriguing and different. I’ve made a lot of friends over the years here. We have an awesome community that really supports us,” says Bass.
2636 Monroe St., zip-dang.com
SHOP THE LOOK
- You don’t need to be a kid to love this pink dino vase. $28
- This gorgeous leather keychain is a cute way to hold your keys. $18
- These funky Lucite earrings are by an Australian artist. $52
- Bass designs and screen-prints her own T-shirts for the shop. $28
- Bass’s husband, Mike, is a writer and illustrator, and his folklore-themed prints are a hit at the shop. $20
- These silver-plated and vintage Lucite bead earrings were crafted by Bass. $28