a fashion student's journey

Consider this post to be an ode to “geek chic”.

The boy collects two things: records and comic books, and until recently, I was always somewhat hesitant to tag along on new comic book day (Wednesday) when the new issues come out. And then I discovered Cinderella, which is part secret secret spy, part Devil Wears Prada, part fairy-tale and all amazing.

Cinderella is now divorced from Prince Charming, owns her own shoe store, appropriately named Glass Slipper Shoes, but also moonlights as a secret agent, so she’s basically a bad ass fashionista spy. Best comic book ever? I think so.

Not only is the story itself fantastically done, the illustrated cover art is perfection, and is what initially caught my eye. Done by Chrissie Zullo, the style is enchanting, and captures the essence of this fashionable, stroke-of-midnight secret agent.

I have the first five issues, and have to wait until next month for the final issue … the suspense! If you’re intrigued, you can read more here, but I would suggest going out and grabbing the comics themselves. See you at Silver Snail?

I’m running on very little sleep and still have a lot of work to get through tonight, but I wanted to get in a quick interiors post. I was working on a project last week (or was it the week before? Oh my…) for my visual merchandising class in which we had to research and design an idea for a window display, and the first step was to find two inspirational stores. The first one I used was Love of Mine, which I posted about here, and the other choice was easy: Anthropologie. I had the pleasure of working at the opening of the location in Yorkville back in the summer, assisting with setting up the store and being part of the visual team, and it was a great experience, as there is no store that has such a strong vision when it comes to interiors. Anthropologie does an amazing job with their visual displays and merchandising, using found materials, handcrafted props and art to create stories and themes that are innovative and inspirational. They make organized clutter and chaotic creativity work and breathe new life into seemingly useless junk.

Here are a few of my favourites, collected over time and tucked away into my inspiration folder, so unfortunately I’m unsure as to sources …

Also, here’s a quick snap of the thrifted goods I found this past weekend that I mentioned yesterday, to give you an idea of what I’m working with. As soon as I finish my brand book (due next week, wow), I’ll be focusing my attentions on the exhibition props and adding a bit of bicyclette flair …

I’ve spent the majority of this weekend working on the bicyclette brand book and the storyboards for an interactive Flash interface that has a paper-doll-meets-collage feel to it. Many hours on the computer, but I think I’ve finally grasped the look and feeling of what I want bicyclette’s brand to be. Not saying that I’m close to being finished, but I;m happy to be able to move past the creative block I had.

Thought I would share some sneak peeks at what I’m working on. These aren’t full screen shots or fully finished, but they give you an idea of where I’m headed with it.

FLASH INTERFACE:

BRAND BOOK:

Note: The images used in these mock-ups are not all my own, nor am I taking credit for them

I thought it was about time that I dedicated a post to bicycle fashion, and what better day than on an “inspired” Wednesday? Since I’ve began this journey, I’ve often been asked the question, “why bicyclette?”. Coming up with a name is something that I find extremely difficult. It’s a very personal process, and it is really the beginning of the brand definition and identity process. You need something that is lasting and something that speaks to you. I’m not sure exactly where the name bicyclette came from or why I was so drawn to it, but it speaks to me. I remember traveling to the Netherlands when I was younger to visit family and explore my heritage, and finding so much inspiration in the gorgeous, effortlessly chic women on bicycles in every city.

I still get questions inquiring as to whether I’m selling bikes, which I find somewhat amusing. I know not everyone will agree with my choice, but to me, there’s a story behind it and a meaning that I believe evokes the spirit of the brand I am trying to create.

Awhile ago I came across Copenhagen Cycle Chic, which is a blog that is dedicated to street style incorporating bicycles. Voila! – perfect inspiration. Another, more recent discovery is Riding Pretty, whose blog name I love, and is “dedicated to all the girls in the world who want to ride pretty on a bicycle”.  Sounds just about right to me!

Image Sources: Riding Pretty & Copenhagen Cycle Chic

I’m finding it harder and harder to balance school with “real” life. I’ve taken this huge step forward with the trade shows in Vegas (we’re talking about 250 pieces for the initial buy!), making the reality of it that much closer and bringing my excitement to the next level. I just want to dive in, full force.

So I’m looking at finding a studio space now, somewhere that I can work out of and use for storage, shipping and photo shoots, as well as developing the online store and looking into my different options in terms of hosting. And then I get to start styling and shooting the clothing, and selling online!

Inspiration is such an important process of this for me, and putting together this blog has been such a valuable experience, being able to gather my thoughts and explore my creativity and receive your feedback and comments. So thank you for being part of this with me, and as always, I would love to hear from you!

And with that … Happy Monday!

One of the things I love about Queen St. West, the area I live in and the future home of bicyclette, is the constant source of inspiration that the various stores provide. A walk down the street offers a multitude of creative window displays and covetable products. I was first captivated by the butterfly collage that greets customers as they enter the store, and then upon glancing at the jewelry on display and the interior of the store itself, was intrigued. Love of Mine is a fairly new store on the Queen St. West strip in downtown Toronto, offering a well-curated collection of jewelry and accessories.

Love of Mine is for the individual. It was designed to provide each client with a unique shopping experience by connecting the loves of the store’s creator to those of the shoppers. Think of Love of Mine as a way to express your sophisticated creativity and individuality. For us, craftsmanship and artistry define each piece. With this in mind, our modern designs maintain a classic sensibility, always unique and always in style.

The pieces all have a vintage-inspired aesthetic, marrying old with new and offering truly unique pieces that it is hard not to fall in love with. Owner Anna Damelin says,“I like things that are natural and organic; modern with a little bit of kitsch. It’s about picking the special things that no one else has. I want to be able to love it now and still love it 10 years later.”

Prices range from $12 for headbands to upwards of $500, with trendy pieces priced in the lower range and those with semi-precious stones and more intricate details higher. The store itself has a gallery-esque quality, allowing the pieces to stand out and draw you in.

Images Credits: Eat.Live.Shop, BlogTO & Love of Mine