Posts Tagged ‘Handmade’

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

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!

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!

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!