Archive for the ‘Calgary’ Category

Generation Next – Down to THREE

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

A couple of weeks ago we blogged about Generation Next, a new designer competition hosted by The Honey Mustard Fashion & Media Services, that some features some amazing, up-incoming talents. If you have no idea what I’m talking about click here to go back to our previous post to get updated on the must knows for this competition! Anywhoo,I have some developments that I’m excited to share: last week the contestants were narrowed down to just 3, to battle it out for the title of Generation Next.

And the finalists are…

Lede, Madame Wolf, and Sofia Clothing

These 3 finalists are extremely talented and all add a different component to the competition. Lede produces all of he clothes in Vancouver, combining both comfort and style. Who knew those two words could be used together in the same sentence because when I think comfort, i think uggs and sweat pants :) . Marla Lede, the mastermind behind these designs is able to infuse both elements that can any woman feel fashionably comfortable in her own skin. Alberta gal Jenna Etcheverry, the designer of Madame Wolf, takes a different approach combining elements of glam-rock, flirtatiousness, and modesty to her line. If you’re looking to turn a couple of heads, you’re in great company with Madame Wolf. Last but not least, Sofia Clothing, created by Mendez Scheone, celebrates femininity and confidence in her exquisite Fall2010 line. The perfect thing about her line you ask? Her pieces are versatile- you can dress up, dress down, and mix and match items for a night out or a night in with the gals. Talk about fun, right?

Well guess what, we’re cordially inviting you to this fantabulous event, get ready cause here’s your evite:

There’s only two weeks until this event so the designers must be on pins and needles (literally), getting all their stuff together to put on a mouth watering fashion show for all of us to see.

Tickets can be purchased at Portobello West’s Anniversary Market on August 29th. Remember, we’re turning 4, we’ve got awesome new membership cards to save YOU money, and we’ll be at the Rocky Mountaineer Station from 12-6. It’s rude to miss a birthday party ;) !

XOXO

Posted in Art, Artist, Calgary, Clothing, Designer, Fashion, Fashionista, Innovative, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Elika Designs!

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

HAPPY CANADA DAY! - what better way to spend your day than to read this blog, right?!! :)

Alright, so before we get into Elika Designs, I just wanted to remind you of some excited news: Portobello West Market Event is on it’s way back  to Calgary this fall! The market will be held at an exciting new location, the Arrata Opera Centre, from September 10th-12th and will vary in times, so grab a pen and jot this down in your planners. On Friday the 10th, we will be there from 4:00pm- 9:00pm, on Saturday the 11th from 11:00am-6:00pm and lastly, on Sunday the market will begin at 11:00am and will last until 5:00pm! We will be featuring some amazing designs by some very talented designers (as usual) and OBVIOUSLY want you all to be there to take part in all the fashionable fun!

Alright, so Elika designs. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already heard of them because they have been in some very reputable fashion magazines such as FASHION and Elle Magazine! When I look at their line, some words that come to mind are classy and timeless. I think there is something so beautiful about the structure of their garments, it’s edgy yet very wearable, perfect for a date night with the girls or to show off for a new beau.

Elika designs instills elements of nature, Japanese design and contemporary architecture. It’s modern take on fashion combined with the perfectly crafted details each piece has, any girl would stand out wearing these clothes. The draping, especially, is definitely a WOW factor and one of my favorite things about this line. I’m just so happy that I get to be the one who gets to talk about them!

Make Elika designs one of you must see vendors! Our next market in Vancouver will be held on July 25th from 12-6 at the Rocky Mountaineer Station! Be sure to keep up with updates, because if it’s a nice day we’re doing it outside!

Have a wonderful Canada day! GO CANADA GO! xoxo

Posted in Art, Calgary, Clothing, Designer, Fashion, Fashionista, Uncategorized | Comments Off

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


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Posted in Accessories, Art, Calgary, Designer, Fashion, Fashionista, Innovative, Jewellery, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Looks So Sweet: Creampuff by GG

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

During the season opener of Portobello West Market in Vancouver, I stumbled upon the cutest designs of boxer shorts I had ever seen. Adorably named “creampuffs,” these girlie shorts are the epitome of looking fashionable while staying comfortable. I met the amazing lady behind the idea, Gerry-Gail Endean, and she was full of enthusiasm and pride for her creative undergarments. After an inquiry about how the idea came about, the brand came to life; Gerry-Gail wanted to wear fancy dresses, but was tired of being held back by her debate on how to stay comfortable underneath – thus, “creampuffs” were born!

Vintage and pin-up inspired, each boxer short is made of a polyester mesh fabric that is sheer and breathable. Hitting just below the belly button, the fit is comfortable and realistic, fitting women of all sizes. Gerry-Gail’s designs are fashionable and modern, using prints and solids to satisfy individual style taste buds; they can also be worn a variety of different ways. “Creampuffs” are perfect over a bathing suit, can be worn over tights, and are suitable for bedtime attire as well! They are designed with the on-the-go stylish women in mind, and add a perfect seen (or unseen!) touch of feminism to any outfit.

With names for her fabrics such as Sweetie Pie, Raspberry Jam, and Cocoa Puffs, how can you resist smiling at these flirty but extremely sensible designs? You can visit Creampuff by GG at their website, and find Gerry-Gail at the Calgary Portobello West Fashion and Art Market this weekend on April 9th, 10th and 11th. Embrace your sweet side with “creampuffs!”

Photo taken by Rachelle Morgan, Portobello West Vancouver

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Posted in Calgary, Clothing, Designer, Fashion | Comments Off

Àlalá Makes it Work.

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

I think you’re going to notice an ongoing trend with me: I love TV, especially any show that involves a lot of clothes and a lot of drama. I’m especially a softie when it comes to reality shows and I remember seeing our next designer, Adejoke Taiwo, on Project Runway Canada and was absolutely shocked and in tears when they sent her home. I definitely have to commend her for going on a reality show and for putting her heart on her sleeve every week during judging. It takes a person with great character and talent to use a show like Project Runway as a stepping stone to greater things, and that’s what Adejoke did. The name of Adejoke’s line, àlalá, means dreamer in the native Yorùbá language of Nigeria and is where her line and inspiration originates.


What I love most about àlalá, other than the obvious fact that the line is FABULOUS, is that you can tell that these pieces were very well thought out, and were made for the modern woman. The use of texture, color, and fabric make these pieces stand out and complement women in the right areas.


Àlalá’s Spring/ Summer line is full of vibrant colors and prints that are perfect for a lunch with your parents or a night out with your favorite girlfriends doing very inappropriate things ;) . In this economy, we need pieces that will work for several different occasions and will easily mix and match with things we already own. Àlalá accomplishes that with flying colors and that is why this brand measures up.

Make sure you check out àlalá’s website and remember to come out to our upcoming Portobello West’s Fashion & Art Market in Calgary, at the Big Four Building in Stampede Park on April 9th, 10th, and 11th.

Auf Wiedersehen

àlalá

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Posted in Calgary, Clothing, Designer, Fashion, Fashionista, Innovative | 1 Comment »

B&B Jewelry: A Vintage Wonder

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

I am constantly on the hunt for interesting and eclectic jewelry; something that mixes the old with the new, the past with the present. It seems that my search is over with the vintage and pop culture-inspired B&B Jewelry. Named after her two gorgeous dogs (Butch and Bruiser), the creator of this handmade line, Christine Norman, shares her love of movies, artists, and anything that catches her eye, through her jewelry. Combining iconic prints of the past with Swarovski crystals and sterling silver, Christine creates a line of designs that capture bravery with innocence. Her pieces are playful while maintaining a degree of elegance, and range from necklaces, to rings and bracelets.

The signature pieces revolve around intricate charm bracelets, with movie posters and artwork displayed in a fashionable manner. There is truly something for everyone; whether you love 50’s pinup girls, Twiggy, Andy Warhol, Star Trek, or even Hitchcock’s movie ‘Psycho,’ B&B Jewelry covers all the bases. With an antiquity that would catch anyone’s eye, Christine isn’t afraid to take B&B Jewelry to another level, taking loved references from the past and bringing them to the present in a complete fashion overhaul. My absolute favourite is the Romeo & Juliet Storybook Necklace – with the original cover in resin on the front, the necklace opens as a locket to feature Juliet and an old playbill. I’m in love with the way B&B Jewelry relives history by making it utterly chic and fabulous to wear.

Ranging from $45 – $150, B&B Jewelry is affordable wearable art, and can be purchased at The Killer B’s Etsy shop and, of course, can be found at our upcoming Portobello West Fashion & Art Market in Calgary, at the Big Four Building in Stampede Park (April 9th, 10th, and 11th). Hope to see you all there celebrating amazing local designers and the passion they have for their craft!

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Posted in Accessories, Calgary, Designer, Jewellery | 1 Comment »

This just in: Freda Loves Porter

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

I think it’s safe to say that at one time or another we’ve all tuned into Gossip Girl, probably more so for the fashion rather than the teenage love affairs right? I know for me, being an obsessive fashion junkie, I’m always at the edge of my seat waiting to see what Blair Waldorf is wearing next and after wondering whether or not I can find it or something remotely similar on the internet,  for half the price.  But what is Blair Waldorf really known for, revenge seeking aside? Headbands. Lots of them, in several colors, and for the most part extremely bedazzled to make any look, look effortlessly glamorous. But thanks to Freda Loves Porter, the search ends here. Courtney, Kelby, and Vanessa, three girls from Calgary, Alberta began their journey with glue guns, pearls, and ribbons, when home sick one weekend. It may be strange to say but thank god for swine flu.

Freda Loves Porter specializes in one of a kind headbands and accessories that can easily turn any outfit from day to night, adding a hint elegance and a lot of flare to any look. Their choice of colour, fabric, and design truly makes these handmade headbands a must have accessory for the spring and for many seasons after. What’s the best part about these headbands? They’re affordable. They range from $18.00- $22.00 in Canadian dollars and can be purchased online. Every headband is personally made for each individual so you know that it was definitely made with some thought and some TLC.

Check out the Freda Loves Porter’s website to see what else they have in store and make sure to stop by our market in Calgary on April 9, 10, and 11 at the Big Four Building at Stampede Park. If they look THIS GOOD in pictures, I bet they look even better in person…  on your head.

If you’re wondering what’s next for these three fashionistas? I say world domination, hands down.

You know you love me, XOXO

Posted in Accessories, Calgary | 2 Comments »

Lav & Kush: The ‘Flirt’ of Sustainable Fashion

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

How can a name, based on two demi-gods who embody beauty and strength, not ooze a feeling of empowerment? The eco-friendly fashion label, Lav & Kush, proves that sustainable materials can be a friend to the Earth and feel luxurious on your body at the same time. With the motto “Who says you can’t have it all?” the brand demonstrates the harmony between feeling fabulous in eco-chic clothing, and being fabulous in an economical way  – the fashionista behind the designs is Angela Saxena, who not only creates clothes that are fun and flirtatious, but she also started a Fashion Share program in which a portion of proceeds benefit non-profits. This program promotes awareness for various environmental organizations, like Peta and World Vision, which help immensely in keeping our world lush and beautiful. Clothing that looks good, but also does good? There can’t be any better combination.

The Lav & Kush Spring 2010 line is full of rich colours and comfortable fabrics, with a touch of luxury and a certain sass. Angela explains on her website that, truly having it all, means “not compromising style and yet all the while being aware of our environmental footprint.” Made for the urban woman, the designs for the spring season would flatter any body type, with a whimsical softness of bohemian-like patterns and flowing dresses. Although, the designer adds her signature ‘flirtatious’ details with intricate backs and one-shoulder styles, never losing the element of style merged with sustainability!

Visit the Lav & Kush website for more information on this beautiful line of clothing. You can find Lav & Kush at our Portobello West Market in Calgary on April 9, 10, and 11 at the Big Four Building at Stampede Park. You won’t want to miss it!

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Posted in Calgary, Clothing, Designer, Fashion | 2 Comments »

Calgary is booming!

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Calgary is booming again but it’s not because of oil. The oil rich city is now becoming a fashion rich resource with talented designers on the rise!

With lines like Pout, designed by Kristen Summersgill a recent Lethbridge College grad, there is raw talent everywhere. Pout has designs to compliment the different personalities that a woman has - from the fierce side who wants a mini skirt, to the sweet side who wants a ruffled jacket.

Madame Wolf, a line by Jenna Etcheverry, is a women’s ready-to-wear line made with limited fabrics acquired on her travels to create unique items. Pieces are great to be mixed and matched and stylized with accessories to make any outfit your own.

Looking forward to seeing what will be coming out of Calgary next!

Posted in Calgary, Clothing, Designer, Fashion | 1 Comment »