Spotlight – Handmade in Vancouver

It’s always so fun to find a new shop from a local seller whose work you love! Last night I came across this gorgeous handmade jewellery from Sadie Designs and I’m very glad I did. I know it’s still 2 months away, but I’m already starting to add items like this to my Christmas wish list! You can purchase Sarah and Jennifer’s work online here, or in Vancouver at Dream and Little Dream.

~Posted by: Amy

Fun news! Forsya is inviting shoppers down for a special night of VIP shopping this Thursday, October 14th – you’ll get 20% off all designs and the opportunity to celebrate the launch of Forsya’s Fall Collection while sipping wine and enjoying appies. If you haven’t stopped by Forsya before, it’s a great boutique featuring Canadian and local talent – clothing, jewelry and more. The event starts at 7:30 at 2206 Main St. in Vancouver this Thursday.

They carry Montreal indie fashion designer, Eve Gravel’s line (pictured above), whose fall collection looks just gorgeous!

To the Canadians – hope you had a great long weekend.

~Posted by: Amy

Monday feels a bit more fun – with this sale from Vancouver’s own Elroy! They’ve added lots of items to their sale section, several pieces which would be really great for fall.

~Posted by: Amy

We’re taking a bit of time out this afternoon to go see this exhibit at the W2 Storyeum near our house – I’ve got lots of work waiting for me when I return home, but I’ll pretend that’s not the case! Was browsing through the exhibitors for the show and came upon this video from local motion picture collective, Salazar – I’m usually not a fan of video on the web (short attention span) – but their 2010 demo reel drew me in big time. It doesn’t hurt that I’m a big fan of the Katie Stelmanis song they chose (make sure you watch with the sound on!) – and seeing British Columbia featured in such a beautiful light is awesome too. Definitely the kind of video that makes you want to venture outside – even if the weather isn’t the greatest.

Hope your weekend is fun!

~Posted by: Amy

I’ve been a fan of Karen Jess’s beautiful shell jewelry for several months now. I love that each piece is handcrafted here in Vancouver from a shell that she’s found on one of her many surf trips. My husband is really into surfing, and I’ve dabbled a time or two, though I prefer boogie boarding when the water is warm and the waves are a fun size and speed. I’ve got lots of great summer memories of time at the beach with friends and family – spending hours out in the surf, picnicking on the beach and retreating in the evening to a campsite or lodge for games and S’mores.

Just as we say our goodbyes to summer – I think it’s great that Karen Jess has opened up her long awaited online shop, so we can get a little something to remember our favorite beach memories by.

~Posted by: Amy

Was browsing through dace’s site and saw some great looks I wanted to share with you today. The site currently has a preview of their fall collection, and the rest of the fall looks will be available on the site soon. You’ll probably want to take a peek at their sale section, they’ve got some great summer styles on sale too! dace is one of Vancouver’s most popular indie fashion lines – both designed and manufactured here in the city.

Click here to shop.

As many of you already know, Vancouver local, Tyler Wright has been missing since August 16th. He set out on a grueling solo hike on August 10th that was to take him from Squamish through the mountains to his final destination in Coquitlam (read more here). When he didn’t contact his family on the 16th they knew something was wrong. North Shore Search and Rescue has been looking for Tyler in the woods for many days now. They have found footprints (he has distinctive size 16 feet) and spots where he has spent the night and continue to search diligently, every day.

Hikers have been known to survive for up to a month in the wilderness as they have access to berries and fresh water. Everyone that knows Tyler knows that he is a fighter and has an unwavering positive outlook that will serve him well in the days to come. Those of us who are friends with Tyler know that he has the kind of energy and resolve that are needed to survive an extended period in the wilderness.

Tyler’s family is now asking for help from the public in viewing aerial videos. As you have time in your day please take a minute to view a video or two. The more people that watch these videos, the more chance that an additional clue might be spotted.

For more information on viewing the videos and other ways you can help please visit: Missing Tyler Wright

~Posted by: Amy

Love indie fashion? You’ll want to check out Jesse Smith’s latest collection. With recent news reports chock full of concerns about the environment, it’s wonderful to hear about a designer like Jesse. It’s clear eco-friendliness is high on her list of priorities – each of her garments is sustainably produced here in Vancouver, using fabric that has been imported from Europe. Take a look at her latest collection here.

~Posted by: Amy

Lily + Jae is indie fashion at it’s finest – and I think their fall 2010 collection is gorgeous. Designed and manufactured in Vancouver, Lily + Jae has found a large fan base far beyond our city. While it’s tough to imagine bundling up now, fall will be upon us soon enough! Trends I’m noticing for fall – and am personally very excited about: a definite return to a more tailored shape, plaid, minimalism, and classic silhouettes with a twist. The message in the bottle above, from the Lily + Jae lookbook, “Less is more” really sums up the collection nicely for me – and I think it’s a great approach to life and fashion. There is a definite beauty in keeping things simple.

~Posted by: Amy

Even before the term handmade and the ethos of shopping locally had become somewhat mainstream – there was Dream Apparel and Articles for People here in Vancouver. Launched in 1993, this mainstay of Vancouver’s Gastown also has a sister store on Granville Island, Little Dream. This is a mecca for lovers of indie fashion, handmade jewellery and accessories.

To say this shop is special would be an understatement – it’s actually pretty wonderful. I hadn’t visited in awhile but was wandering around my neighborhood on the weekend and thought I’d pop in. The range of handmade and local goods currently available is outstanding. I also spotted Allison Wonderland’s lovely designs on sale too! I’ve featured some of the brands that caught my eye above: Glam Vintage Remix, Flightpath Designs, and Bywa Bags. It was my first time spotting a Bywa bag and I was happy to learn that their bags are all made from recycled leather and repurposed materials.

If you haven’t stopped by Gastown lately, I think now’s the time as the summer sales start to kick into high gear! If you’re not a Vancouver local do check the links above as these lines also offer online shopping.

~Posted by: Amy