Archive for May, 2010

Shopgirls is so thrilled to have partnered with newish Parkdale business Coriander Girl to bring beautiful fresh blooms into the shop every other week!

Shop owner Alison Westlake is a sweet pea and her space is filled with beautiful blooms, locally-made crafts and botanical lotions, and good vibes. Once in a while, you’ll even catch her dancing off her stress to groovy tunes in the middle of the shop! Awesome. We love her and fully encourage you to check out her shop and all the beautiful things it has to offer!

In an effort to find new inspiration, accessory designer (and fellow Albertan) Jenifer Forrest started constructing miniature dioramas from found objects. The project started as art for art’s sake and evolved into a photo project for a line of Bennie and Olive change purses, sunglass cases, and luggage tags. Come check out these unique pieces at the shop; perfect for gifts (or selfish purchases)!

We got these reversible tank-tops in a few weeks ago and they have been flying out the door ever since! Worn forward or back they are both a scoop neck and a V, and have a long enough hem to layer under any shirt or be worn on their own. The perfect summer staple, the shirts come in a range of colours and are a super stretchy, one-size-fits-all design. Come pick one up in black, grey, charcoal, pink, purple, yellow, blue, green, and more!

Also to be had are leggings – full-length, capri, with gold or silver zippers at the ankle, in nylon or bamboo. Year-round comfy style, for serious.

Summer dresses are the most fun thing to buy. Each spring season I add a couple of new ones to my collection and wear them with cute flats all summer long! While its still chilly these light-weight frocks can be worn with a pair of tights and a sweater to keep you warm.

I love the bright blue colour of this silk piece by Véronique Miljkovitch.

The shape of this mymommadethat dress is easy to wear.

Plus, this jersey number from Zuzanium is a no-brainer!

Easily dress them up with elaborate accessories for evening or wear them comfortably on their own during the day.

As a personal style coach with THE REFINERY, Wendy Woods translates the world of fashion into a personal style that makes her clients shine! She is recognized as a style expert by media nationwide.

Shopgirls artist and staff member Jamie Lynn Metzger recently enjoyed a lengthy visit from some uber-talented musical Albertan friends, The Talisman Blues Band, consisting of Barry Mack, “Rotten Dan” Shinnan, and Sean Stephens. They played a gig at Grossman’s Tavern on Spadina, just one of many stops while touring their way out to Nova Scotia. I happened to have missed the band at Grossman’s, but caught them last Friday night at Jamie’s place, for a little sending-off before they continue east.

HOLY F***! Loved the late-night impromptu concert in the living room. Talk about gritty bluesy talent, the intimacy of a private show, and a room of old souls; all had smiles plastered on their faces as the boys blew us away with a few songs.

This video isn’t the best quality, but you get a feel for the night, and you even get a glimpse of Jamie hula hooping. Very cool, totally sexy.

Love it!

At The Fuchsia Factory, they know you are a busy gal! The goal is to make your networking experience effective and swift. Based on the model of “speed-dating”, the express networking events will connect you one on one with a unique blend of goal-oriented business women that enjoy networking at lightening speed.

Shopgirls is happy to be hosting one of these fabulous events on Tuesday June 1st from 7pm to 9pm with an informal meet and greet at 6:45. Tickets are $35. For more info visit http://www.thefuchsiafactory.com.

Big congratulations to Shopgirls’ owner Michelle and her hubby Rob, as they recently welcomed the newest addition to their fashionista clan, baby Zara! She is just over 2 weeks old, and ADORABLE. All of the staff can’t keep their eyes and hands off of her, so when Michelle’s visiting the shop with the baby, we get nothing done! It is undeniable: we are all baby crazy!

See cuteness here:

We’re a little late on writing about FAT, but bear with us! It’s such a great event, it couldn’t go without mentioning.

Evan Biddell, Cherry Dewar and Avendano were but a few amazingly talented designers who showed at April’s Alternative Fashion Week. I’ve been attending this annual event for several years and must admit that the caliber of talent and the event itself keeps improving. I especially love the integration of performance art breaking up the many runway shows, keeping the audience captive with a taste of diversity and sometimes obscurity.

What’s truly unique about this week is the lack of pretentiousness that can often be felt during other fashion events… less discrimination and more of a shared appreciation for art and fashion in general. This event also offers designers the opportunity to showcase their collections to potential buyers as well as sell goods directly to the consumer – making this a much more financially viable endeavor for those participating.

Kudos to Vanja Vasik and her team for pulling together such a fantastic event… excited to see what 2011 will look like!

Looking for something to do this weekend and still in need of a few spring goodies? The Clothing Show is on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Better Living Center at Exhibition Place.

Former Shopgirls and current faves are too many to list but here’s a few to get you interested.

Adrienne Butikofer . Clothing Brand Experiment . Embody . Greenbaum Clothing . Karamea . Lousje + Bean .

Maudlin and Joy . Susan Harris Design . Zippan Designs

Keep an eye out for two artists currently carried here at the shop; both deedeebird (pictured above) and Flora and Fauna designs (below) will be exhibiting at the show.

(For directions, info, and more photos visit www.theclothingshow.com)