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Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Spring Fashion Crush!

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We just enjoyed 3 days of glorious sunshine (which is a rarity this time of year here on the “wet coast”) and all I could think of was how I’d love a new dress or two soon, to be ready for all that summer will have to offer. A little insight into life here in Vancouver, we locals joke frequently about how most of our city’s dwellers have at least a mild case of “SAD” (seasonal affective disorder), and how we love to watch abandoned streets, patios and beaches become almost instantly filled when the first hint of summer sunshine arrives. Honestly, I’m getting wistful just typing this! Before I segue, I’ll just let you know that if you need somewhere to visit in the summer time, Vancouver is truly where it’s at if you love the great outdoors, good food, and unique shopping (and no, I don’t work for Tourism Canada ;).

Moving along… I’ve got a wonderful fashion duo to share with you today! Hailing from Australia, Three Little Ducks is a boutique fashion label run by Katherine Humphery and Patrick McDermott. Their line is full of beautiful classic tailoring, figure flattering cuts and details that make this fashion lover swoon! More than one dress from this collection has caught my eye and has me mentally calculating shipping costs and timing for a package to arrive from Australia to Canada.

Katherine and Patrick share on their blog that the focus of their line is quality and simplicity with details brought into their pieces through the use of layers and textured fabrics. Their passion for what they do is so evident – it seems clear to me they know the power fashion can have to transform us and they say it best on their blog:

“Even the serious fashion cynic can find him or herself in unconscious appreciation of a tailored shirt and aware of its persuasive influence on both wearer and observer.

The clothes we wear of course surround us and, if we accept Alain De Botton’s notion that, for better or worse, we are different people depending on our surrounds, we should resist the gauche and embrace skillful design and construction in fabric and clothes.”

I hope you’ll enjoy this peek into their latest collection and are inspired by their passionate approach to their craft. If you have a favorite indie design label you think we should cover here on the blog I’d love to hear about it!

Handmade Summer Whimsy

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The end of summer is creeping up on us, so I thought now would be a good time to focus on some fun, whimsical summer items that are sure to make you smile as these hot days draw to a close.

First up is this absolutely perfect summer dress from Amanda Archer. I am not at all exaggerating when I say that I think this is the perfect summer dress. Not only that, but if you throw on a cardigan, it would make the perfect fall dress. Add some tights and it will carry you into winter in style. With some ballet flats and a chunky bracelet it will take you right on through the spring. So, I guess it’s really an all around perfect dress.

Summer-1-Map-Dress

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haute couture bookbinding

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This week I am multi-tasking as I write my column. I am selling my jewels at the Pawtucket Rock And Roll Yard Sale. Please excuse me should any random song lyrics find a way into this post. As I sit surrounded by vinyl and rock memorabilia I have been focusing on these elegant journals and albums from local artist Natalie Stopka. Quite a contrast I know.

Natalie of Natalie As Is has an amazing eye for integrating vintage odds and ends into her books. The lace here is so precious and adds a special detail to the canvas she has bound together.

And when the artist doesn’t have the proper trimming in her stash she makes her own from scratch by creating hand sewn embroidery. I am in awe of Natalie’s description of her book as “humble” as they are far from that in my eyes.

Her details are ever so carefully collected and utilized. We can recognize the fabric swatch on this book cover and feel comfort in the memory of soft cotton against our skin. This repurposed smock adds a delicate detail and gives the book a dreamy quality, possibly dictating what stories or pictures are to be logged on it’s pages.

The book in the photograph above is my favorite of Natalie’s collection. I am in awe of the detail and care in construction. It is the same care someone would give to the making of a wedding dress, as this would make for the perfect guest book for any bride and groom. It is timeless and classic, always a favorite.

This is another great example of the artist creating the perfect landscape for her vintage finds. The whole piece is well balanced. No one element outweighs another. The subtle hues of the book’s covers allow you to appreciate the artist’s skill in bookbinding. This same neutral cover allows us to appreciate the antique satin ribbon she chose to accentuate her album. This mastery of design is a unifying element in Natalie’s work. I am never ceased to be impressed when I browse her shop. Enjoy and happy shopping.

New in the Gallery

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  • Pastel Hippy Upcycled notecards

    These 4 darling butter yellow cards measuring approx. 2.5 x 2.5 inches (6.5 x 6.5 cm), are accented with salvaged wrapping paper in a pastel, retro motif, a crumply distressed paper bag square with a heart hand stamped on the front and a lovely pastel pink bow.4 matching… → details

  • Rainbow Bright

    Three strands of multicolored small glass beads – no particular pattern or order. Approximately 7″ → details

  • Fireworks Barrel Bag

    This bag is hand knit in a cylinder shape, black yarn is used throughout and mixed with a rainbow of colors (gold, orange, red, pink, purple, blue and green) all of pure wool. It is then topped with a fluff black eyelash yarn to give it a flirty look.… → details

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The Black and White Dress

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Whether you’re celebrating this Valentine’s Day with your partner or with your friends, do yourself a favor and leave those pink and red outfits in the closet this year. Instead, wear something classic – a black and white dress – and you’ll be sure to stand out in the sea of lovebirds and perhaps even attract cupid’s arrow. This elegant color combination brings back memories of classic starlets, silent movies, and, of course, romance.

For those with modern tendencies, this black and white dress by elbling is simply stunning. With asymmetrical color blocks and sleeves as well as beautiful draping and a comfortable fit, this dress is both elegant and dramatic – a rare combination. Paired with a few brightly colored accessories, it is an instant classic that can be dressed up or down depending on your Valentine’s Day plans.

If you don’t mind showing off a little leg this Valentine’s Day, consider this gorgeous lace dress by LaBronz. The simple 60s-inspired cut compliments the drama of the lace, creating a classic and romantic look that is sure to catch the eye of your loved one or inspire envy in your friends. The short cut is offset by the 3/4 length sleeves and a simple round neckline, making it a classy choice for your night of romance.

Paired with colorful heels, this a-line dress by aliceanna features a full skirt that’s made to be twirled around the dance floor. The bold black and white fabric is both playful and whimsical while the H-strap back adds a touch of sophistication and romance. The thick black band will highlight the smallest part of your waist and ensure that you look good no matter if you’re dancing to swing or salsa.

The gorgeous photo featured at the top of this post was taken by Amelia Kay Photography.