Archive for the ‘Jewellery’ 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 :) .

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

Catherine Sutherland Art and Design

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

I have never seen jewellery like this before. It’s unrefined, unique, and absolutely raw. It’s so raw that there is a sense that it was pulled from the earth and it naturally moulded itself over a molten forge. It doesn’t have the refined beauty that most jewellery embodies. Instead it has something so intriguing just like a naked faced model.  

Catherine uses recycled scrap metal from US companies after finding out how most metals are made and processed. She found the facts very disturbing and didn’t want to contribute the destructive ways. “Anything can be done in a responsible manner”, Sutherland says, “It’s important that I work that way.”

                   

After receiving the metal, she then casts it into her jewellery. Each design is unique and is inspired by the metal itself. It’s like she makes the metal into the jewellery it wants to be. Each turnout is different with many failures, which allows each piece to be truly one of a kind.

Check out her website here to learn more about Catherine or to view her art and jewellery.

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!

Menuet Designs – Jewellery to inspire

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

It only took me a three second glance to be wowed by Miyuki Kamitsuma’s jewellery designs. Simplified, elegant, and modern pieces fill the collection to the point that it could be timeless. Each piece seems to be made so effortlessly, but at a closer inspection it’s very intricately made. The jewellery seems like it’s made to complement your style rather than being bold and loud. Another thing that makes Menuet Designs so great is that it’s very affordable! It’s not often you find something of such great value for an affordable price.

Miyuki Kamitsuma spent ten years as a fashion designer in various fashion houses in Japan. When she moved to Canada in 1997, she moved on to make fabric purses. What surprised me the most was that she just started making jewellery one year ago!

Miyuki’s design style is influenced by nature, pine cones and branches and incorporates gemstones and glass pieces. She does a variety of mini collections in the categories of: sterling silver, fabricated jewellery, blowtorched, silver and white gold plated, and beaded designed.

I have a feeling that Miyuki is going to go far in this industry, and I’m usually right about these things. I even bought a piece for my mom. Go check out Menuet Designs Etsy shop here or head over to their website to learn more about Miyuki and Menuet Desgins.

Toodlebunny by Trudy Wynans

Saturday, May 15th, 2010

It’s not every day that we see something not metal or stone in jewellery at the Portobello West market; which is exactly why I liked this stall. Trudy just recently incorporated leather into her jewellery. It has spurred fantastic looking results in the form of bracelets and necklaces. The pieces are quite edgy and rock and roll-ish with a modern asymmetrical look.

The picture above has this cool leather bow that you can move up and down. You can rock it like you’re wearing the bow, or just let it hang with the chain. Trudy has many innovative, creative and interesting pieces.

Check out her website at ToodleBunny. You can find out where her next showing will be or where you and find her stuff.

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


You Won’t Fall Asleep Shopping at Sleepy Moon Designs

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

You know when you walk into a store like Aldo Accessories and you see so many cute and trendy pieces of jewelry and you think to yourself “wow, this would be SO FABULOUS if it didn’t have ____” and then you look at the price tag and you put it down. This is what I do just about every time I go into a Forever 21, Aldo, H&M, and etc. Don’t get me wrong, all of these stores are great places to shop for different occasions and reasons but most of the time, I find myself mostly looking at something, thinking about it, and then walking away without ever going back for it. They say if you love something set it free, but SERIOUSLY if I saw something I loved, I would buy it.

Keep in mind, I would never blog about something I didn’t love and would not purchase myself so writing blogs are kind of a big deal to me :) . Here it is, three words: Sleepy Moon Designs, need I say more? Probably, because most of you are probably wondering what the heck I’m talking about. Zoe, the creator of Sleepy Moon Designs, grew up loving art because of her upbringing and it wasn’t until recently that she began her journey as a designer. The name Sleepy Moon Designs actually comes from her love for the moon (how cute!!) and how it’s ” almost like one big glowing gemstone in the sky”, which is very apparent in her creations.

Sleepy Moon Designs is a jewelry line that prides itself on modern yet classy jewelry to fit any occasion with just about any outfit. It’s very affordable, ranging from $18.00- $79.00 US, and are timeless pieces that will never go out of style. The color combination and choice of materials and gems are put together in such a cohesive manner where the talent of the designer reigns supreme in each piece.

The difference from purchasing jewelry from a chain conglomerate and an independent retailer or designer is the overall aesthetic of the piece. The pieces you can find at Sleepy Moon Designs are one of a kind pieces made and put together by one designer with one vision; you wouldn’t find this stuff anywhere else and I don’t know about you, but that would make me feel extra special, especially when wearing it.

Seriously. Can you tell how much I absolutely LOVE her stuff? Because I do, SO much!

Sleepy Moon Designs will be at the Portobello West Market on May 30th from 12-6 at the Rocky Mountaineer Station, so make this vendor a definite go see. You won’t be disappointed! :)

Toodles for now