We always love the opportunity to peek into the workspaces of other inspirational businesses, so when Kimberley Gordon of Wildfox posted images of the showroom on her blog, it was the perfect opportunity to take a look at the behind-the-scenes set of one of our favourite lines. Not to mention the fact that there are a number of previews of the new jewellery line, their collaboration with Jeffrey Campbell, and the expanded White Label collection that is launching for Spring ’12. Talk about eye candy.

We’ve definitely drawn inspiration from the space, and with the white and pastel palette, feminine feel, vintage details and touch of whimsy, it’s very in line with Bicyclette. And can we please talk about those swings? Currently brainstorming ways to incorporate that idea into the shop. Love the merchandising possibilities they would present!

[images via ilovewildfox]

I fell in love with Kimberley Gordon’s (of Wildfox) home when she posted photos on her blog the other day. It’s always refreshing to see “real” spaces that are lived in and perfect in their imperfections. The dreamy white, pale palette with hints of pastels, rustic and retro feminine touches is similar to my design aesthetic, and what we strive for at the shop as well, so it’s perfect to draw inspiration from.

I’m a sucker for display inspiration, so when I came across this gem via Kelly Smith’s blog (one of my favourite illustrators) I was pretty excited. I always love when handmade elements are contrasted with more traditional props and elements, and these displays are the perfect balance.  They’re from Portmans, which appears to be a department store in Australia, and Kelly Smith did the fashion and bird illustrations that adorn the window. Loving the colour story and the ribbons … and the lights!

[images via Birdy & Me Blog]

This is always the time of year when I have the urge to nest and transform my apartment into the ideal living space, but instead I’ve been focusing on the pop-up shop. Needless to say, my home organization and decor have fallen to the wayside and Bicyclette has taken over, which is ok, because I’m looking forward to borrowing a lot of the merchandising ideas from the pop-up shop and using the props when it’s over.

Here’s a tiny selection of inspiration, dreamy spaces with vintage trinkets, pretty frocks on the walls, and cozy decor.

A few days into the pop-up and I thought I would share some instant photos from the space. I’ll continue posting as I change displays and things are updated. I don’t want to give it all away at once.

Also, for those who are in the area, I’ll be hosting a launch party in the space on Thursday. More details to follow, stay tuned.

I had every intention of posting earlier today, but then the day got away from me and I was immersed in pop-up shop set up. What a day. Had a bit of an eventful morning, with the battery of our rented Zipcar station wagon dying after we loaded up our first haul and having to wait for roadside assistance. Of all the days. But we managed to get everything to the space in three trips, and then spent the rest of the day setting up and planning out the layout. Always more time consuming than you think. Still not finished, but will be open for tomorrow!

Just to recap, we’re at *Hotshot Gallery in Kensington Market, Toronto. 181 Augusta Ave.

Wed: 11-5 / Thurs-Sat: 11-7 / Sun: 11-5 / Mon+Tues: Closed

Today was all about brainstorming sessions and focusing on the pop-up shop planning. With my head finally starting to clear and energy levels starting to rise, it feels good to be able to get back into the swing of things and be more productive.

Since the whole idea of planning out a physical retail space is new for Bicyclette, the biggest question was how to go about the planning process and allocate space. What I’m going for is a boutique meets gallery quality, with a focus on display. The idea is that I’ll have groupings of displays each with a common theme/character which will be represented by a styled mannequin and accompanied by a “collage” of items hanging on the walls that represent the various pieces that make up the grouping. Various clothing and accessory items, photo shoot images, etc. Almost like a true-to-size inspiration board meets gallery style art display.

I found the two images below in Free People’s vintage shop, Vintage Loves, which gives you more of visual reference. This is kind of the idea I’m going for, but with a little more styling and theme-based feel.

[images via Vintage Loves]

Found this clever use of mason jars on Elsie’s blog, A Beautiful Mess, (one of my favourite handmade and crafty blogs) and thought it would be great inspiration for the pop-up shop and my collection of jars. Elsie and her team are currently transforming a bricks-and-mortar location into a new storefront for Red Velvet Art, and I’ve enjoying watching the process and following along on the blog.

Now, I just have to figure out what exactly I’ll be putting in my mason jars for the pop-up. Thinking maybe a collection of my favourite photo shoot images, or something of the sort. Hmmm?

[photos: a beautiful mess]

A collection of photos from this past weekend, spent dedicated to preparing for the Bicyclette booth at The Clothing Show. So much work.

I’ve been busy writing product descriptions for the website, which means, inevitably, that I’m also scouring blogs as a means of procrastination and gathering ideas and images. I like to think it’s still productive, just in a different form.

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a post that focuses on interior design and decor, which I suppose makes sense as I’ve turned my focus towards the online store and put the physical store environment on the back burner. But I came across a few images that inspired me to do a little more research and after putting together these images to share, have decided that a branch chandelier DIY is definitely on the agenda. Not quite sure whether it will be a studio or home fixture (or maybe both?), but I think either way, it will be a simple addition with a great deal of impact. I also love the use of the branch as a means to display clothing, as in the  third photo, and can see this being used for jewellery and accessories as well.

There’s a magical quality that these all evoke, almost ethereal or other-worldly. I’m picturing spray painting the branches white for a more modern feel, maybe adding a touch of silver leaf to catch the light, and intertwining strings of delicate fairy lights. I’ve edited all of the below pictures to be in faded black and white, as I feel it better evokes the spirit I want to capture.

Any other ideas of how you could customize this DIY, or thoughts on how it would be most effective?

click on images for sources / editing by bicyclette
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