Those of you who visit the shop on a regular basis (or follow the blog) know that displays are constantly being reworked and the decor is always evolving. This aspect of having a store has always been one of my favourite parts, and I love that it is always an ongoing project, based on current inspirations, changes in seasons, the evolution of the brand, or a random spark of creativity. And I absolutely wouldn’t have it any other way. So yesterday I fought the Sunday morning urge to sleep in and met my dad (aka The Bicyclette Handyman) at the shop to tackle a few mini projects: switching a few shelves, mounting my bike (wrapped in glitter ribbon, of course) from the ceiling, and putting up a swing (inspired by this).
After we left the shop, my dad and I had a bit of a brainstorming session, and one of the items we touched on was what Bicyclette stands for as a brand. I reiterated what I’ve always believed it to be:
“… an independent retailer that offers a finely curated assortment of merchandise, drawing inspiration from a whimsical, nostalgic aesthetic and mixing it with a modern, downtown feel. Bicyclette believes in the beauty of juxtaposition and unexpected pairings: street style meets fairy tale.”
And that, ladies and gents, is why I didn’t think twice about hanging a glittery bike from the ceiling and putting a swing in the corner. It’s just so Bicyclette.
As promised, behold our lovely Holiday windows. We’re loving the white, winter wonderland feel to them, and strongly believe that they’re best viewed at night.
Last Thursday evening, Emily and I ordered a pizza, opened a bottle of red, turned up the Christmas music and put up our Holiday decorations at the shop. With 3 days of crafting already done, the process was relatively painless, and it was fun to give the shop a makeover infused with fairy lights, bright colours, sparkle, and lots of DIY’d projects based on our inspiration board. With this being our first (permanent) Christmas, we’re pretty excited to dive into the season and experience our first of many.
As is the custom, I wanted to share some photos that were taken that night and give you a little peek into the shop right now. You can expect many more photos over the next while as we continue to add to displays and play with the various elements. Next up? The window, tomorrow!
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]
If you don’t already follow Who What Wear on a daily basis, I suggest you start! It is a great online fashion site updated daily with fabulous styling inspiration. The ladies who created Who What Wear, Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr, teamed up with The Coveteur to show us the inside of their new headquarters. The office is absolutely beautiful and it offers much inspiration for the future Bicyclette HQ!
[Images via The Coveteur]
Emma
We’re always on the lookout for interior and decor inspiration (as you can tell from our overflowing ‘Decor‘ board on Pinterest), so when we noticed that Tori of Sitting In A Tree Events was featured on The Glitter Guide, we knew we were in for a treat. With an incredibly eclectic feel and a mix of various styles, the palette of white with pops of colour and accents of gold is right up our alley, and we’re loving the quirky items and personality that are infused throughout her home. A little bit feminine, a little bit glitzy and a whole lot of fabulous.
[images via The Glitter Guide]
A little bit of interior inspiration for the day, which mixes two contrasting styles that I love both for home and store, with rustic elements and a romantic feel.
[Images via Sanctuary]
Yesterday Paige and I decided it was time to update a few of the displays throughout the shop. ”A few” quickly turned into the entire store and before we knew it, it was time to close! We are so excited about the finished product and over the next few days we’re planning to unveil the new shop displays on the blog, starting with the window!
The theme of the window is based around the beautiful strip of brightly coloured confetti by Confetti System. We love how it adds a pop of colour and a whimsical touch to the display.We also knew that we wanted to highlight specific new local labels that have recently joined Bicyclette such as Fieldguided, Sui Generis and Little Fille.
We also couldn’t help but include our new “Fairy Tale” neon sign in the photographs! It is something that Paige has dreamed about for a long time and we are thrilled with the end result! It was custom made in Toronto and designed with Paige’s own handwriting, which makes it that much more special!
The completed window!
Brighten up a look with this HOT pink Little Fille Bow Headband!
This floral print Sui Generis tie-back strapless dress is perfect for our hot summers.
Blush dip dye Fieldguided 'Thunder' tote and our neon Fairy Tale sign!
A close-up of our lovely confetti!
Emma
When The Coveteur launched earlier this year, I think it filled a void in our online voyeuristic needs that we never really knew we had. Allowing us to peek into the closets of our style icons and get a glimpse at what is usually kept behind closed doors, it not only displays beautiful images of covetable items, but it also provides a personal story for each piece featured, and is wonderfully curated.
Personally, I love how each and every photo is expertly styled, and blurs the line between home, gallery and retail space. It’s one of the things that is very important to me at Bicyclette, creating a unique shopping environment and merging various aspects of merchandising, display and decor. This is eye candy at it’s finest.
I could probably do a blog post outlining my favourite photos from each and every closet they explore, but the last two featuring Meritt Elliot and Emily Current spoke to me especially, with their feminine influences, vintage inspiration and attention to details.
[images via The Coveteur]
Last week we did some serious remerchandising in the shop, designing a few new displays and rearranging everything for a fresh new perspective. Sometimes it feels so good to do a complete overhaul and start from scratch, and with the new props that I had found at the antique market, it was the perfect time. I’ve been really drawn to pale blushes, warm ivories and anything with lacy details, so that’s where this display began, and it evolved into a girly showcase of all things feminine. Nothing wrong with that! Since these photos were taken last week, there have been a lot of changes, as items sell out and pieces are rearranged, but the idea is still the same.
The wooden crate was completely rearranged, showcasing the antique radio (which I'm still in love with), the mini Eiffel tower and a new silver patterned teacup. Added glitter hangers dangling from the bottom, which are perfect for displaying jewellery.
Pretty indicative of the colour palette we're craving right now. Lots of texture and layering of neutrals with warm accents.
Lace on lace, adorned with a fabric flower (which seems to go with everything). Whimsical and shamelessly feminine.
Layering tanks and a new (vintage) travel case. Pretty nail colours and bow details.
More lace, vintage pumps and other accessories to finish off any ensemble.
Our favourite woven satchel from Deux Lux, in a warm neutral hue that's perfect for the summer.
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