Off the Cuff :: Exhausted & Enlightened

The manic haze of the show season seems to leave me exhausted yet enlightened.
First there was the Vancouver One Of a Kind, then Prince George Studio fair, coming home to put on my first biggish show Igloo, and then I was off to Calgary Art Market and Toronto One Of A kind. This season was great overall with a few notes that struck a cord. I now know what I am doing at least a bit better, as it is my 4th real year at it, and I have luckily developed a great community of carny designer folk. Other exhibitors that I respect, admire and can call friend. Those long hours (usually 13 hr days) and intense emotions and social output of the shows creates understanding bonds.

My note of enlightenment was a deeper understanding of acceptance. Inevitably I get super high hopes and expectations for the total outcome of any show, which can leave me vulnerable and disappointed if not exactly on. I had a day of this in Toronto (even though the show was good in the end) where it was a Sat and not that busy. In my exhausted state I hit
the wall - I could not keep positive or able to converse with one more soul... So I went away and sat down for a bit at a near by restaurant and ordered myself a wheatgrass shot, a flu fighter smoothy and veggie burger in the hopes of powering good food to shift the mood. While this helped it took a day of mopping and the next morning of brief meditation for me to really get that my only way and choice for that moment, and life in general, is the truly accept the moment for what it is. To let go of my expectations and to appreciate what is given and thus to surrender. Wow - I mentally know all this rhetoric but to really feel it in a different and deeper way was a gift. And funny enough I had a fabulous time for the rest of the show, selling what I love to make, working with great friends at my booth and just being.

Flirt with Lace

The Style File by Leah Wong

While we discussed the wear of lace tights last week, this fabric accent is making appearances on any type of clothing imaginable. Shirts or dresses with lace covering the shoulders and arms, add a ladylike accent to an otherwise basic piece. The added texture to an outfit has a flirtatious charm. With a strong use of lace in Pre-Fall 2010 collections, it shows this trend isn’t fading anytime soon.

Christmas Wish List: Focus on the Men

Looking for some great gift ideas for boyfriends, lovers, fathers and brothers? We'll show you how to "Get the look" and where to find it. For the urban cowboy, check out the great selection of vintage cowboy shirts at the Rusty Zipper. Choose the shirt just right for your dude and then select a Shi lasso belt to accent.

Shown here:
1970's Mens Western Shirt. Levis - Mens tan, rust, brown, off white and blue plaid print cotton and polyester long sleeve western shirt. Pearly snap front closure, shirt tail hems, yoke accenting and snap secured flap top patch pockets on chest. $26


Shi Oval 'Lasso' Buckle and black leather belt: $131 for both or $75 for the buckle.




Shown here:
1980's Mens Leather Jacket. Latigo leather bomber style jacket with fitted elasticized waistbard, front zipper, metal snap cuffs, medium width pointed collar, angled inset pockets, chese grommet details and ful taffeta lining. $56


Shi Rectangle Lucky Buckle and brown leather belt: $131 for both or $75 for the buckle.

Style File: Far From Basic Black

The Style File by Leah Wong

A key element for transitioning your favourite summer bottoms into colder climates is the use of tights. While basic black tights are a classic way to cover your legs, there are many fun,patterned options available this season. The use of texture adds visual interest to any outfit. When wearing boots with a knee-length dress or skirt, a glimpse of lace tights adds unexpected sex appeal to the most conservative of outfits.

Style File: Romanticized Ruffles

The Style File by Leah Wong

Ruffles remained a strong trend on the runway this fall, following their appearance in last spring's collections. Ruffles have a Parisian flare, adding a touch of romanticism and femininity to any outfit. While designer's use of ruffles may seem difficult to translate into everyday wear, fashion bloggers simple incorporation of ruffles are the perfect inspiration. Adding a chic Kai belt and warm layers, can streamline a ruffled summer dress, extending its wear into the winter months.


View more of the newest collections by some of our featured designers. Golden ruffle dress by Jason Wu and Parisian chic by Tracy Reese.

Off the Cuff :: Building Community at Igloo

As in most ventures or adventure, we don't really understand the magnitude of what we are doing until we are in it. This is the experience I just had putting on a show and event called Igloo this past Sat Nov. 14th. Overall the event was a great success. The Marriott ballroom provided a cozy yet grand atmosphere, the designers offered great wears, the fashion show actually worked (I have never organized a fashion show so was nervous), the models looked amazing and the music, food and drink was a nice added touch. People came to shop!

But - wow - what a huge amount of work! What amazed me was the incredible help and support we received from friends and family. Marcy Ross, myself, Denise Phillips, Tanya Kirkland and Regine Brucks did the majority of the in depth organization, while Ila from the Hive, Katie and Tammy volunteered hair and makeup. All the models volunteered as did the door folk. It gives me a great pause of appreciation to acknowledge all this fantastic, generous energy coming together to create this event.

Layer up and be Cozy

Layers are a natural way to keep warm with the colder days and nights of early winter, but can sometimes leave one feeling a little bit "frumpy"! Kai belts are a great way to add some polish and finess to a tunic style top or dress. You can cinch the belt in and wear it high on your waist to give more shape to your top or leave it long and loose, worn on the hips for a more casual, daytime look. Celebrate your personal style by creating a custom Kai belt to compliment a long shirt or dress that could use a little pizzaz.



We celebrate fashion pioneers and love these one of a kind up-cycled garments made by inspired and ecologically conscious designer, Marian Smale. She makes unique garments using mainly upcycled, vintage or handpainted/dyed materials. These tunic tops/dresses would look fabulous with a Shi Studio Kai belt made to match.

ps. There is a big sale on her Etsy site this weekend, Nov.27-30th - 30-50%!