Time for the second installment of the studio preview!
The other day I got out my handy toolkit (thanks Dad!), and finally hung the frames in the studio. I had posted about possible jewelry display ideas awhile ago, and Renee from Eat.Live.Shop (one of my favourite local blogs) suggested I use my collection of frames to do so. I started collecting vintage frames a few months ago for my exhibition display, spray painting them white and using them for the various branding elements that I had designed for Bicyclette. I’m so glad I’m able to reuse them now, and I love the overall effect they have hanging above the vanity (also a thrifted piece that I reworked and painted) and between the two shelving units I have for storage. Keep in mind that this is still a work-in-progress, and yes, I know that some of them are slightly askew!
On display are some of the pieces that I’ll be selling from Soos Rocks (vintage-inspired jewelry) and Oh Dina! (feather hair fascinators). Pretty, aren’t they? Trust me, it’s even harder to resist temptation when I feel the urge to accessorize now that they’re so nicely displayed. I think it’s time to start collecting frames again, as I’d like to continue the display out to the sides and across the tops of both shelves.
This post is somewhat selfish. My “brand” spotlight is on Needsupply, which isn’t exactly a brand but an online store that I frequently window shop and can always count on for at least a few covetable pieces. As we’ve been teased these past few days with sunshine and higher temperatures, it’s hard not to think ahead to summer and start planning out new purchases and outfit options.
Quiksilver Day Tripper Dress
This nude colour is perfect for accessorizing with bolder pieces , and the semi-sheer, breezy material lends itself to summer layering with ease. I love how they’ve styled it: open on the bottom over a tank dress.
Dolce Vita Patricia Dress
I love the details of this dress: the coral colour, the small graphic print, the peplum skirt, ruching and exposed zipper. Oh, and the fact that I’ll be carrying the Dolce Vita clothing line very soon, and this is just a small sampling of amazing styles.
Denim Vest
This vest, made from recycled mens denim, has the perfect amount of military inspired detailing and the slight acid wash has summer written all over it. I’m picturing it styled with floaty summer dresses, giving them a little more structure and edge.
Flat Stud Pattern Drawstring Bag
I love the fact that this is white. Always a fan of studding, I think this is a great way to carry it into summer without it being too heavy, and the flat studs are a little softer. The drawstring shape is great as well. Hmmm, might there be another studding DIY in my future?
Maslodesign Mint Julep Drop Earrings
These earrings are amazing, and I don’t think they need much explanation. Bold but not heavy, the perfect opalescent sea green and the vintage detailing make these the perfect topper.
Oh dear. Must. Refrain.
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
I’m back from Vancouver. Back from the Enterprize competition, empty-handed, unfortunately. The winnings went to three different start-ups, all tech-based, and all from UBC, which I guess makes sense seeing as they hosted the conference and competition. It was a matter of criteria, the fact that I was pitching a retail concept (not an entirely revolutionary concept, I suppose), and not inventing a product or system that is patentable and has the potential to dominate the market. I received great feedback, support for the idea and encouragement that failing to place in this particular competition had nothing to do with the viability of the idea or the belief that it could be a successful venture, but instead it was a matter of not meeting the specific criteria set out. Fair enough, disappointing, yes.
But without further ado, we are back to our regular programming, sans crazy business plan prep, which means that I am able to focus more on the blog once again.
I’ve discussed my love and adoration for accessories before, and we all know how much my eye is drawn towards embellishment and luxe detailing, so when I came across Angel Jackson, accessory label extraordinaire, my heart melted a little. These are pieces that stand alone, pieces that demand attention and catch your eye, pieces that draw you in and encourage you to get up close and personal. Angel Jackson was launched in 2005 by sisters Katie and Millie Smith and the line can now be found in prestigious boutiques around the world.
They were adamant that it would be possible to create an international fashion label with ethically sourced products and good working conditions for its staff, whilst being recognised for well designed, stylish and glamourous accessories… Stylish, super chic and with a twist of underground edgy-luxe, there is no wonder why Angel Jackson is a closely guarded secret by fashionistas…
Images: Angel Jackson / Collages: bicyclette
How fantastic are the feather pieces? I can’t get over the colours and textures, they’re just asking to be showcased and adored. And the oversized relaxed shapes. I’d attempt a DIY if I wasn’t so afraid of working with that many feathers. I think it would be asking for disaster.
Thoughts? Too much extravagance?
I think one of the reasons I’m so drawn to these pieces right now is that recently any purchases I’ve made have been focused on finding luxe basics that are versatile and simple, encouraging more layering and creativity within outfits. Accessories such as these from Angel Jackson, especially the purses, are the perfect addition to these outfits, adding a surge of colour and texture and creating that focal point that every outfit needs. Voila!
Today, I’m going back to the basics, and what better brand to take us there than Velvet. I find that it’s often more fun to shop for the “trend” pieces, if you will, and shy away from the so-called boring basics. The pieces that boast fun prints, shapes and fabrications in a variety of styles, and are considered new and interesting. Something different, unique, that we haven’t really seen before. And yet, basic styles can add just as much to any outfit, and these are the pieces that you will keep in your closet forever and find yourself turning to again and again. The key is finding styles that have something extra to offer, whether it’s an updated shape, an interesting colour or a soft, sheer fabric, what I refer to as luxe basics. Velvet manages to do just that.
From the website:
Velvet by Graham and Spencer is a contemporary t-shirt collection that offers a fresh approach for women that demand more than just novelty from fashion… the result is a collection of soft and sensuous t’s that flatter without sacrificing feminine fit and beauty.
Sounds just about perfect to me. Take a look at these styles from their Fall 2/Holiday 09 collection (the most recent on their website), and you’ll notice that these go way beyond your basic tee.
These are all perfect layering pieces and are far from boring, each with their own detailing. And I can personally vouch for the soft touch of the fabric: trust me, this is something you’re going to want against your skin. Another benefit of playing around with basics is the opportunity to be bold with accessories and have some fun playing with other aspects of your outfit.
Here’s one way that I like to wear my basics, in this case a simple, oversized stripe shirt from H&M that I’ve had for ages: throw on a blazer, some accessories, and boots, et voila! Simple.
Oversized Striped Shirt: H&M / Blazer: Thrifted / Denim: BDG / Rhinestone Necklaces: Random / Beaded Clutch: Vintage / OTK Boots: Heel Boy
What brands do you turn to for basics? And how important are they as part of your daily wardrobe?
First weekend of freedom, and I must say, it was well spent and much needed. Red wine and catch-up chats … Sleep ins and lazing at my own leisure … Drinks and impromptu dance parties with the ladies … Afternoon walks in the sun and good food … DIY planning and projects … Catching up on John from Cincinnati and Dragons Den.
Beautiful, yes.
Thought I’d share a few of the DIY projects I’ve completed recently. They’re simple, but this is just the beginning, I still have a long list of to-do’s in this department!
Sequin Decal on Batwing Top
Studded Bag
Lace Bib Necklace and Earrings
The jewelry isn’t quite done yet (the chain’s not attached), but I’m pretty happy with how it’s turning out so far. I’m taking orders for it, as I have lots of supplies left over! I think I’m going to start looking for vintage lace (wedding dresses, perhaps?) and repurposing it into jewelry. The possibilities are endless, and each piece would be completely unique, an aspect I love. I just wish I had more experience in knowledge in jewelry-making. Hmmm… possible extra-curricular activity?
DIY projects are definitely something I want to incorporate into bicyclette, though I’m still trying to figure out what the best way to do so would be. I would love to hear your thoughts on this … selling pieces DIY’d by us, under a bicyclette label? Offering DIY sessions to customers?
Also, if you want to share links to other projects that I might be able to pursue, or projects that you’ve completed, I’d love to see!
On that note, I leave you with this lovely bicyclette-esque illustration that I found, courtesy of illustrator Clare Owen’s blog. It’s love. Expect to see more on her soon.
So as promised, here’s a brand spotlight, a little late from Tuesday, but here nonetheless!
Not only am I personally a huge fan of accessories of all kinds, they also will be a big part of the bicyclette merchandise mix. For lower price points (well, sometimes), it is possible to completely change an outfit or make a statement with an otherwise simple outfit. Yesterday, I mentioned how Erin Wasson effectively uses accessories to take her style to the next level, and how well she incorporates tougher accents into her wardrobe.
Well, I found a line of hair accessories that will help you do just that: Jennifer Behr.
jennifer behr creates a range of seductive headpieces – 21st century crowns – each one with its own appeal… crystals set in dark metal and hand-stitched to ethereal silk chiffons, braided ropes, slick patent leathers and tough studs. this season jennifer artfully incorporates it all to pin back even the unruliest of locks. the collection is made by hand in her studio and within a network of small workshops in brooklyn and manhattan. this results in hair accessories carrying the soul of handwork, while remaining thoroughly modern in appearance.
From: http://jenniferbehr.com/
These aren’t Blair Waldorf’s headbands, that’s for sure! I love that they aren’t traditional, they have a very current feel to them. I’m partial to the “Petite Jet Pearl and Rope Headband”… Which one’s your favourite?
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