Archive for the ‘Accessories’ Category

Vintage, say what?

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

First of all, thanks to those who came out to the market on Sunday to show your support to our monthly market. It was so great seeing some familiar faces and meeting new ones who will hopefully be back for some more fashionable fun! That`s what this market is about, celebrating fashion in the heart of a growing community, right?

Something that I`ve always loved are vintage finds. They’re one-of-a-kind and add a bit of flare to every outfit, not to mention the fun that goes into the journey of finding it. But when you aren’t able to raid the vintage stores around the neighborhood, it’s always so refreshing to see that so many designers are putting a vintage edge on their pieces whether it may be creating an overall vintage aesthetic or finding vintage gems and making it new again. It saves us the work doesn’t it?

I’m excited to introduce or re-introduce you to two designers who will be at our September market who really take pride in making their items, vintage inspired. These two designers have grown to be some of my favorites: Vintage Creations and BuenoStyle.

The great thing about Portobello West is that it gives the community a chance to get to know great designers and it wasn’t until I found out about PW that I began to look into Vintage Creations. Vintage Creations offers recycled cashmere and other luxurious creations that was founded in 1998 by Beth Nielsen. Although Vintage Creations is based in Seattle, Nielsen’s line is offered in several boutiques across the US and Canada. Probably one of the things I love about this line is that it’s so effortless to pull off. Her pieces are something that you can easily throw on and walk out the door wearing but still look amazing. FYI, her sweaters and wraps are perfect for the fall! :)

I fell in love with jewelry by BuenoStyle the first time I walked into Barefoot Contessa on Commercial Drive. My jaw drops whenever I look at the pieces online but in person, you can see the high level of craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Her pieces range from $12-$90 USD which is a steal for something that no one else has. I love how everything has an antique feel- it’s not old but at the same time isn’t new so I think that in itself is kind of appealing when it comes to jewelry. It adds substance, you  know? I know the market is a month away but definitely make this vendor a MUST see when the time comes :)

Remember, $15 membership cards are still being sold at our market! Many people have picked one up already so make sure to give it a second thought. It gets you free admission for a year as well as 10-20% discounts from several vendors!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

It’s kind of sad that summer is coming to an end, especially with the weather staying consistently beautiful and hot but we all know that come September, that’s going to change drastically. So with summer transitioning into fall, there are several changes that need to be made to every fashionista’s wardrobe aka my favorite time of the year! Say goodbye to your tank tops, beach bags, and bare arms and hello to t-shirts, messenger bags, and fancy pullovers. Sounds kind of complicated and time consuming doesn’t it? Lucky for you, Portobello West has you covered in all areas by making it easy, fun, and convenient for you to find all of your fall essentials in one fabulous place.

Tank tops were so last month so instead, pick up a t-shirt to start your fall right. Street wear enthusiast Tykkun combines elements of bold and simple aesthetics to give their designs spunk and comfort for a laid back, rainy, September day.

You’re not going to need your summer beach bag for another year, so why not trade it in for a stylish messenger bag by Anuk Harvey. These bags are designed with a vintage flare in mind and will make any dreary fall outfit, look put together and stylish all year round.

Kdon’s 100% recycled ECO friendly line offers some amazing knit pullovers that are ideal for those chilly summer nights and perfect for the upcoming and unpredictable  fall weather. So don’t miss out on the chance to stay fashionable and warm with designs from Kdon!

Don’t forget that it’s our 4th birthday so make sure to come early and stay awhile. Remember that Portobello West is offering membership cards to save our valuable customers money every month for just $15.00. These cards will get you free admission for a year and will get you discounts and perks from all of our fabulous designers. It’s an amazing deal, you don’t want to miss out! You’ll thank us come the Holidays, trust me :) .

Get back to school ready with PW market finds by Herrohachi, Kukubee, and Sideline Designs!

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Our monthly markets are all about providing you with unique and affordable finds and what better way to stand out in school this fall than with one-of-a-kind, standout products made by some of our talented designers? The first day of school is always a fashion show of some kind so make sure you come to our anniversary market on the 29th of this month to find everything you’re looking for, for this up-coming school year!

Herrohachi has this neeenja canvas tote that is super cute for the fall and very practical for all of your school essentials like your pencil case, notebooks, cell phone, lunch money, and of course my ultimate essential: chapstick! If you’re like me and you don’t like carrying a backpack because it never matches your outfit, then you’re definitely in luck with this tote. Best part of all? It’s $35, yeap, you heard me. While all of your friends are walking around sporting a tna or lululemon bag, you’ll stand out because you’ll be toting around this one-of-a-kind canvas bag!

As I mentioned earlier, it’s more than likely that you’ll have a pencil case in your school bag so it’s best to have all of your writing utensils stored away so you won’t lose anything. Is it just me or are school supplies a lot expensive now?  Anyways, Kukubee makes a ton of these cute little zipper pouches that will fit all of your pens, pencils, and erasers! They come in an assortment of designs and colors, all handmade with love btw,  and are only $12 a piece. I’d get like 5 of them if I were you because you’re friends are going to try and steal yours and I don’t blame them one bit.  It’s an amazing find at at an amazing price, you can’t go wrong!

If you’re feeling kind of depressed that summer is almost over, don’t worry you can still wear your tank tops, dresses, and shorts for just a little while longer if you have something layer over. These scarves by Sideline Designs are wearable art that are made using the Nuno felting method with a silk scarf center to provide durability and strength. Long story short, you’ll be warm in one of these guys. You can put one in your book bag if the weather is looking a little questionable or you can pull one out if you’re getting chilly in a lecture! See, pretty AND accessible! For $35, what more can you ask for? :)

Back to school is a lot more fun if you get excited about all of the new things you can buy for yourself without feeling guilty. I mean come on, you need all of this stuff for school! It’s totally justifiable, wouldn’t you say? Back to school never looked THIS good!

Oh, and remember to mark the 29th off on your calendars this month because it’s our anniversary market! It won’t be a par-tay without you all!

xoxo

A Sneak Peak at PW’s Jewelry Galore!

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

If you’ve been to one of our markets, you already know that the jewelry we have at PW is exquisite! The designers are so talented in finding what beads work with what and what color it looks best in. Those vendors are definitely the ones where I spend most of my time at. Just to get you all excited about our market on Sunday, I figured what better way to start the party than to bedazzle you with a blog featuring some one of a kind jewelry by some amazing designers!

ELIZABEADAN

Mother, daughter team Sharon and Sandra are taking Portobello West by storm with their handmade jewelry made in studio in Vancouver! Some of my favorite pieces by this power dual are their pearl necklaces! Seriously, what is more classic and beautiful than a woman in pearls- they’re totally timeless and definitely worth the buy! ELIZABEADAN is definitely a brand to look out for, so save yourself the trouble and jump aboard the train now because there’s no telling how far this mother daughter team will go! If you don’t believe me, check out their stuff on Sunday. You won’t be disappointed, make sure you report back to me! :)

Kilauea Dawn

Jessica Dawn, the creator of Kilauea Dawn, has been creating jewelry since 2007. With most of her jewelry inspired by the beaches found in Vancouver, Jessica uses a combination of pearls, crystals and shells from Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, the Seychelles, and Tahiti in her jewelry. Her love of the beach and ocean definitely show in the aesthetic of her designs. I think what I love most is the color combination each piece has. You can totally tell that there is a thought process that goes into her creations because the materials used in one piece is so cohesive to the other. It’s absolutely fabulous! If you plan on taking a trip to I don’t know.. Antarctica or you’re thinking ahead to the winter when you know you’ll be missing the beach, definitely pick up one of these pieces. That way, the summer will be with you all year long no matter what season it is!

Izzy and Buds Jewelry Designs

Izzy and Buds Jewelry Designs by Jesee and Koko scream “Ooh La la”, which is what these two talented designers intended when they began creating their designs. Although Jesee is the artist behinds these wonderful pieces, it wasn’t without the help of her partner in crime and muse Koko that is making their jewelry journey a success!  Izzy and Buds Jewelry is designed in such a way where their jewelry pieces are versatile offering simple, classic and avant garde designs that reveal the goddess in every woman, at all times. These pieces speak for themselves- they’re absolutely stunning!

THIS SUNDAY is the big day! Come see us and all of our wonderful designers at the Rocky Mountaineer Station from 12-6pm. Remember, if it’s sunny we will be outside! Get excited! :)

See you then!

Baby, It’s Hot Outside

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

I hope you all have been enjoying the wonderful weather outside because I sure have! I’ve managed to go to the beach twice this week and for some strange reason, I am still very very pale. I’ll probably be making a lot more trips down to English Bay, especially with the fireworks right around corner. So I thought hey, why not dedicate this blog to the beach!

Probably one of the biggest essentials for us gals is our makeup, or lack there of at the beach. I don’t know if this is kind of vain but even when I’m at the beach I put on a little bit of matte powder so my face doesn’t look greasy because of all of the sun and always some mascara because I can’t live without it! Other things I would take with me is sunscreen for my face, blotting papers, and some lip balm. Now all of this would have to go into a trusty makeup bag, just like this super cute girl neeenja one by herrohachi. The great thing about this pouch is that it’s affordable (15.00 USD), water proof, and it’s big enough to put all of your makeup essentials in but small enough to fit in your beach bag. It’s definitely perfect for summer!

Everything else including your makeup bag would go into your beach bag! This bag by Sideline Designs is more of a multi-use bag but that`s why I love it. The design of it is perfect for summer and it`s definitely big enough to carry all of your beach essentials and the things you can`t live without like your ipod and cell phone, I did a quick test to make sure at our last market :) ! When you`re not flaunting it at the beach, you can use it as a tote for a light school day or even as a purse when you`re going for lunch with a bunch of your girl friends. It`s super fun, flirty, and versatile- definitely a steal that you can find and get your hands on at our next market the coming Sunday!

I like to wear cute earring at the beach in my bikini, is that weird? My whole theory is if I`m not going to be able to wear rings, necklaces, and bracelets to avoid getting some weird jewelery tan, I should at least put on some cute earrings, right? These ones are by Menuet Designs.! Again, these are multi-purpose! You can easily wear this with just about anything but if you`re like me, you`ll wear them at the beach because you like to see them sparkle in the sun and perhaps, attract some male attention if you know what I mean ;) . But in all seriousness, picture this, you`re in your bathing suit with your hair in a loose bun, wearing some fabulous earrings, that`s perfection right there. I know it`s a little bit strange but think about it!

Our market is happening THIS SUNDAY from 12-6 at the Rocky Mountaineer Station.  Remember, if it’s sunny, we’ll be outside! So make sure you come by to check out all the vendors before you hit the beach ;) .

See you all then!

Girl Neeenja Pouch

Kukubee!

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

When my friends and I passed by the Kukubee stall, we were all instantly attracted into stopping and taking a look at what they had. It was filled with fun images pasted into various items such as bags and zipper pouches. One of Kukubee’s images looked so much like our mutual friend that my friend had to buy it for her!

Kukubee’s vector style art spouts out clean and clear lines, uses of bold colours, and plays with gradients and shadows. Brent, the artist, was actually recruited by Brandi, the seamstress. Brandi saw how great Brent’s art was, that she wanted to transfer it his art on to something tangible. It started off with 12” bags, and then branched off into other products.

Kukubee started last April and has received great responses since then. They’ve has tons of feedback, and has even been featured on the Etsy Blog.

Fun fact: Brent is also Brandi’s fiancé.

Kukubee wants to thank you for supporting them and is a proud member of the Vancouver arts scene! Check out their Kukubee’s cool looking website and their etsy shop here.

Papaya Blue Designs: Simply Elegant

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

It is sometimes in the simplicity that creates the greatest impact, which can definitely be said for the stunning designs of Papaya Blue. Handcrafted locally by designer Marni Fernandes, it is clear that she puts her heart and soul into every piece created. I love her work with silver and gold, using soft shapes and beautiful semi-precious stones that are uniquely found in faraway places, such as China and India. From traveling the world, to being a mom, Marni takes her life experiences and passion, putting it indefinitely into the jewellery she designs.

Papaya Blue Designs consists of three different collections: necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. With a perfect cohesiveness, the gems correspond to the style of intertwined hoops and circles, giving a soft and elegant effect. Stylish and sophisticated, Marni’s designs range from $60.00 – $300.00 and are the perfect accessory for any outfit, whether it’s a casual blouse with jeans or a little black dress and heels!

Find Papaya Blue Designs at the Portobello West Market on June 27th, between 12-6pm. Visit the website here for more information on Marni’s fabulous handcrafted jewellery!

Noei – Fun filled Japanese fabrics

Friday, June 11th, 2010

There are certain things that make you recall a point in time of your life or allow you to remember something you’ve forgotten long ago. It’s like a fitting in a lost puzzle piece of an incomplete past. The patterns of Noei’s fabrics triggered something that made me recall a faded memory of a slow motioned and sunlight filled childhood. It was nice.

Emi Varga, the creator of Noei, started her business after constant suggestions from her friends who received her handcrafted items. She creates picnic bags, coasters, sewing bags, magnets, zipper poaches, key chains, drawstring poaches, cellphone bags, and cosmetic bags. Emi is also a collector of Japanese fabrics, and every time she goes back to Japan, she always comes back with a suitcase full of new and fun fabric to work with.

I asked her what was the inspiration behind the uniquely pattern and colour combinations were, and she told me that her grandma was.

“My grandma was my inspiration”, Emi says, “She always used to wear such colourful clothes.”

Check out her Etsy page at here to see her wonderful creations.

Revamped by Jenn: Style With A Conscience

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Looking through upcoming designers for the May 30th market, I stumbled upon Revamped by Jenn, a line of handbags that are revamped from vintage fabrics. Starting out with reupholstering couches, cushions, and the sort, Jenn’s career path took her to a new place that she could express herself: the world of fashion. Using eco-friendly and recyclable materials, Jenn takes a simple purse and molds it into a masterpiece. All of her designs are done locally and by Jenn herself, proving her craft of handmade items.

I love the classic detailing and casual style of Jenn’s designs. If I saw someone carrying one on the street, I would definitely do a double take! My favourite is the use of a typical mens tie as the strap and detailing – it’s innovative and so chic! What I also thought was a great attribute is the use of soft coloured leather; it really adds an edgy element while keeping the signature down-to-earth and vintage look of Jenn’s designs. It’s really apparent that each purse has it’s own style, proving that it can add such impact to, say, a casual outfit of jeans and a tee.

What I love the most is that each piece is completely unique and has its own identity; if you buy from department stores, it’s certain, without a doubt, that someone else will be sporting the same bag as you down the street. Revamped by Jenn let’s the buyer decide on a one-of-a-kind product that is solely theirs, which I think is the best part about the designers that Portobello West brings to Vancouver. Don’t forget to come down to Rocky Mountaineer Station to check out our market on May 30th, 12-6pm. Support local, chic, and breathtaking designs!

D + C = Designing and Conquering the World

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Hello Fashion Lovers,

Most of you are aware that in March we launched our first ever Portobello West Market in Calgary and it was a huge success. Well, even though our next Calgary market won’t be until the fall, in the spirit of fashion, it only seems right build up the anticipation by keeping you all intact with Calgary’s fabulous designers and fashion events (you can thank me later hehe).

If you aren’t familiar with Design + Conquer, I feel kind of bad for you. But don’t worry, that’s why we’re here :) . D+C jewelry is truly the definition of innovation and fun. Even though they’ve only been around for about 2 years, they’ve already conquered the fashion world with their designs featured in Elle Canada, Vancouver and Toronto Fashion Week, the National Post, FASHION Magazine, and most recently with their collaborations with Flora and Fauna. She accomplished this in 2 years, think about the many possibilities and opportunities that will come to her in the future! Crazy right? I’m so jealous.

Morgan Mallett, the designer of D+C, works out of Calgary but was raised in Vancouver. She obtained her B.Des in Graphic Design from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and her BFA at the University of Calgary. With her background in design and illustration as well as receiving several jewelry inquires, it only seemed right that she further her talent in jewelry design. So long story short, she’s a smart cookie with a heck of a lot of talent.

Alright, I’m just going to come right out and say that her stuff is awesome. D+C prides themselves on their original yet modern perspectives of what jewelry should be. Their spring/summer line focused on playful and bold experimentation with tasteful yet fun color combinations and interesting shapes. These pieces can be purchased on her etsy, click here to start shopping :) . Their fall collection takes things a little bit further by taking you back into a realm of classic 1980 movies such as The Neverending Story, StarWars, and TRON and to  electronic tunes by the music group, Telefon Tel Aviv. Keep in mind, these pictures are from her spring/summer line so there is definitely lots to look forward to come fall 2010!

Have I gotten you all excited yet? If talking about this amazing designer isn’t enough for you, boy do I have a treat for you! You are ALL cordially invited to Design + Conquer’s fall/winter 2010 launch party, happening on May 13 at the Marquee Room in Calgary! See event details below :)

Take advantage of this fashionable event to get in touch with your inner fashionista and support Morgan on her design quest to conquer the world!

xoxo