There is sometimes a fine line between kitschy and fantastic when it comes to store displays and thrifted goodies, and as they say, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. There are times when I have a hard time discerning between the two, but I’ve learned to go with my initial reaction and get creative with how I can make it work for Bicyclette. The now-glittered castle is a good example of this: people either love it or hate it.
I visited Smash in The Junction this past week, and fell in love with many pieces, each of which has a story behind it and a unique, industrial vibe. I ended up leaving with an oversized crate (to be used for a store display/shelf) as well as four letters that I believe were probably from an old sign at one time. The letters available were limited, so concocting a word proved to be difficult (think: Scrabble), but I did manage to piece together one word that seemed somewhat relevant to a women’s clothing boutique: Foxy.
One fox mask and a coat of gunmetal spray paint later, I had myself a nice little display. Hmm?
This shoot has been floating around the blogs for a little while now, but I’m revisiting it now as I start to pull inspiration for our next lookbook shoot later this month. I’m pretty excited about this next one, as we get back into the groove after opening the shop and start embracing spring dressing full stop. Plus, we’re going to have two models, which is a Bicyclette first, and basically means double the outfits and double the fun!
This shoot was shot by Kimberley Gordon (of Wildfox Couture) for the SS’11 collection Irregular Choice, and is inspired by a day in the life of a Silver Lake girl, a shoot concept that I’ve always loved because of its “real” appeal. Silver Lake is a neighbourhood in LA, and I for one am loving the California girl appeal of this series, not to mention the as-always impeccable styling and retro quality about the images.
Now if only our Toronto weather would cooperate so that we can play our own game of dress up …
[images via ilovewildfox]
This morning I got up early and headed to the St Lawrence Antique Market, coffee in hand, to search for treasures. I was primarily looking for store display props, but as per usual, I ended up finding a few items for myself as well, namely jewellery. Favourite find of the day? The teacups, especially the blue and gold one that matches Bicyclette’s branding oh-so-well.
Pretty blue teacup, now displaying little rhinestone pins and a fabric flower.
Vintage pins and earrings. Can't wait to style these beauties, so perfect for spring!
Tiny, antique keys. Not quite sure what they'll be used for yet.
Pink teacup that nicely complements the first. Currently displaying a Lauren Elan necklace.
And the saucer. With my favourite, gold anchor-adorned belt.
Now that Christmas and the Holidays are over and we’ve started a new year (2011!), it’s time to set sights on the future and start thinking Spring. Crazy? Perhaps. But you can’t tell me your mind hasn’t started wandering in that direction even a little.
I’m adding a few styles to Bicyclette’s pre-spring orders, and I’d like your opinions. One of my favourite little lines from California have come out with a new sister line, full of pretty feminine details, silk styles and vintage silhouettes. I can’t wait to add some of these pieces to the mix.
So let’s hear it: What do you love?
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.
For those who haven’t already heard the news via Twitter or Facebook, I’m pleased to officially announce that Bicyclette will be opening a pop-up shop on October 22, in Kensington Market at *Hotshot, on Augusta. This is an idea I’ve been toying around with for awhile now, and after looking into various options, everything kind of fell into place. I’m really excited.
I’ve decided that I’ll do a little daily countdown here on the blog, updating as I make decisions and the shop starts to take form. Basically, it gives you a sneak peek at the whole process and a little behind-the-scenes glimpse into everything that goes into it.
First up, I wanted to share a few of the pieces that will serve as displays and props in the shop.
1. My new vintage chair that coincidentally matches the Bicyclette branding and is the perfect lounger for those who are not so keen on shopping but still want to hang out in the shop.
2. The dresser I repainted for The Clothing Show, which will be used again for the pop-up. And of course vintage luggage, a collection of mason jars, and the frames.
3. And a new dresser that I was lucky enough to find on the side of Queen St walking home last week. One person’s trash is Bicyclette’s treasure, and I’m extremely excited to add this piece to the collection. After a makeover, of course.
I’m prepping to shoot the first round of Fall pieces this afternoon, which is always exciting and a little chaotic. I’ll be sure to get lots of behind the scenes photos to share tomorrow, but first thing’s first, and here are the studio pics, showcasing my newly thrifted finds from last weekend.
Baby pink rotary phone. Yes, it works and no, I don't have a landline. Some day!
Uber kitschy aqua and gold clock. Verging on tacky, but I fell in love.
Curtains and vintage night gowns, and my new lace bunting. Pretty and sheer.
Pastel-hued hot rollers. Definite photo op some day.
The current vanity display, featuring my thrifted mason jars for the buttons and Biko jewellery.
Chalkboard wall, covered in inspiration tear sheets for the photo shoot. And yes, those are purple post-its all over.
Shot by Kimberley Gordan (I Love Wildfox) of Wildfox Couture (another favourite line, as we all know), these behind the scenes shots from Odylyne‘s Fall Lookbook are what my dreams are made of: gentle light and flowing fabrics, natural backdrops and ethereal settings. The styling is simple and effective, capturing the decidedly vintage and bohemian mood of the line and leaving one word in my mind: beautiful.
After coming across these shots, I think you can expect more from Odylyne on the blog, as these have got me hooked, and I think the aesthetic is very closely aligned with that of Bicyclette.
Free People just launched their Vintage Loves line, a collection of specially picked vintage pieces sold on their website. I’ve always been a fan of Free People, not just for the clothes but also their branding and overall image. The style is very bohemian (which I love), and this translates into their scrapbook-like graphics and layered styling, creating an incredibly cohesive brand experience.
I think the addition of a vintage line makes sense for them: a lot of their pieces are vintage-inspired, and so the integration is seamless. And there’s no doubt that the pieces they’ve selected are gorgeous, I’m just a little wary of the high-end prices.
It has, however, got me thinking that perhaps a vintage collection may be in Bicyclette‘s future … hmmm?
Love this little scrapbook-like collage. Will definitely use as inspiration ...
Always a pretty way to display clothing
How perfect is this, with the clothes-pinned roses? I've done something similar in the studio, pinning jewellery to vintage nightgowns
Another good idea. I've had this in my mind for awhile, a display against the chalkboard wall, perfect for displaying a new collection and styling
... and now I want an exposed brick wall in the studio
Product shots on the site from the lace collection. The old book pages ... !
photo cred: free people
I have a slightly odd obsession with vintage nightgowns, and thus have managed to build a fairly impressive collection. There’s something about the pastel tones, layers of sheer fabric and an abundance of lace and other intricate detailing that I fall victim too so easily.
So when I found the below photo on Fashion Toast, I decided that it was a sign that I should share my obsession with the world and hang my pieces along the Bicyclette studio window. How perfect! Love the way they catch the light and the whimsical, nostalgic quality of the display. I believe this is from the Free People headquarters, which makes perfect sense. Have I mentioned how much I love Free People? Always in my inspiration folder.
I’ll post photos when I have a chance to actually execute this. For now, it was just a little side tracked thought as I continue posting product to the site. Don’t worry, I’m hard at work, I promise!
Leave A Comment