Posts Tagged ‘Designer’

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

Look into My Eyes and What Do You See?

Friday, June 25th, 2010

There’s something that needs to be said about beautiful photographs and some words that come to my mind are “what a wonderful world”. I think often times we take the simple things in life for granted by constantly flooding our minds with work, relationships, and things that shouldn’t be over analyzed and made complicated but are. We forget to recognize and take in the humidity of a warm summer’s day, appreciate the aroma of freshly cut grass and even see the authenticity and beauty of an old building that we walk by every single day. Photographs convey forgotten and under-appreciated moments that are timeless: My Eye Photography does that to perfection.

Tamara Lee, a local Vancouver artist, began her journey at a very young age with a toy camera. After taking various photography classes in high school, Langara College and Focal Point, Tamara developed her own process that enabled her to mold her craft into something beautiful and eye watering.

With digital media and photoshop taking photography by storm, Tamara still believes that there is something to be said about film. All of her work is shot on 35mm and medium format film, hand printed and uniquely perfected by herself. It takes a lot of patience, talent, and love for what you do to create an actual process that could have otherwise been done with technology. If that’s not dedication, I don’t know what is.

My Eye Photography will be at Portobello West Market this Sunday, so make sure you visit Tamara and tell her how amazing she is!

See you all on Sunday!

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


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!

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!

Shirin, Handmade brings some Spring style!

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Here is a little taste of what’s to come at the upcoming Portobello West market on the 27th and 28th. Shirin, Handmade collection “Sukre” is definitely unique in the choices of prints and fabrics. Here are a few pieces that caught my attention.

Machu Top and Malmo Jeans – I didn’t really notice the quality of this look until I took a closer look. The top is clean cut and features simple but elegant pleats. I would also love to see it in white, with the Malmo Jeans, black flip flops, white sunglasses, and this necklace from ecocessories. It would be a great outfit for a picnic in a park with a wicker basket and a dog. Well that’s how I imagine it to be.

The Toulouse Top looks great for a night out. Switch up the heels to a bolder colour to really celebrate spring and you’re mood – red if you’re adventurous, blue if you’re cool, and green for playfulness.

See the full line at Shirin, Handmade.