The Clothing Show part 2 - Chiyopia

As you can imagine people are always asking us about shopping local. It's not as simple as you think. There are definitely levels of local.
Here is a great example. You know the "new" charm bracelets? I think they call them "generational" bracelets too. Pandora is probably the biggest name, there is also Chamillia, Biagi and Trollbeads, and I'm sure a bunch more.
Well a team of Toronto guys have created their own version.  www.chiyopia.com  As far as quality, design sense and price is concerned they are definitely competitive with the other companies, in some ways superior to.

They are not manufactured here (so we can't carry them on www.100milefinds.com) but they do design some of the beads here, and in the U.S. They ship them from a warehouse in the Toronto area.  They are manufactured in Thailand, as are Pandora beads, and probably the other companies too. Each company offers slightly different beads, clasps, bracelet options...

This is an amazing local option! Maybe not as local as it could be but definitely more local than Pandora from Denmark, or Chamillia, Trollbeads & Biagi are from the States. Trollbeads from the US actually started in all in 1976.
As a supporter of artists I am sensitive to buying knock offs,  but I don't think this applies with any of the companies. I think they are all offering a superior product that is competitive price wise, each with their own unique offerings as far as bracelet and charm options.
So all things being equal, Chiyopia has some beautiful charms, check out their FairyTale section and their Family sections of beads.
There is also the local advantage of being able to go to sample sales, like the one at the Clothing Show AND returns are allot easier when done locally! I know, I know, you are welcome for this little tid bit!

The Clothing Show - Las Valentias

I only discovered the Clothing Show last spring. I had always known about it, it's been around forever. It used to be the Old Clothing Show and Sale featuring almost exclusively vintage and second hand items, over the years has morphed into a great place for local designers to show their stuff. There is still an amazing offering of Vintage goods but now there are more jewellers and local designers than ever before.

One of those local designers is Las Valentias. Their stuff is amazing! They use fabrics that are light with allot of movement. They offer pieces that are great for layering, so you can wear them all year round. There is a real classic feel, yet trendy and somehow nostalgic, it's hard to explain. All I know is I bought one of their tunics to wear over leggings for our photo shoots this week! They have a great sale going on! This dress is the Etta, it's on sale for $124.99, can't get much better than that!

I think they should start listing even more of their stuff on 100 mile finds. What do you think?

The Clothing Show

On Sunday Susan & I headed off to the Clothing Show. Damn marathon! It sure wasn't easy to get there by car, although the TTC really did their best to make travelling through the area possible. Now all they have to do is advertise that they are doing it!!
Once again we were humbled by the talent that exists in our city, our province, our country. It is truly amazing!
Eve from Torched Studios was there. Her work is spectacular.

She is one of those fantastic artists that is thrilled to be doing what she loves and not only does it show in her work but she is such a pleasure to talk to. Eve will be at the Parkdale Bazaar (Queen & Cowan in Toronto) on Saturday December 4th, 10-5pm. Check out her store on 100 mile finds, it gives you a hint of what she has to offer. She makes these enamel tube necklaces, they have a real ethnic feel to them, beautiful! She has started doing these amazing rings too! Very different from what she has been offering up until now. I think they are enamel, All I know is, I have to have one! I almost forgot to mention the bracelets, seriously you have to see her work. She also offers classes from her studio. Don't you think she post her new enamel rings on 100 mile finds so that we could buy them? Me too!

That's it for now, but stay tuned throughout the week. I want to tell you about Las Valentias, Slashpile, and some other ways you can shop more local than not!

Ruby Diego Sculptural Adornments

Sometimes the name says it all - sculptural adornments. Ruby Diego's jewellery on 100 Mile Finds is an amazing hybrid. The pieces are intricate, 3-dimensional works of art that any discerning jewellery lover would covet.

According to the bio, "My work is deeply personal and reflective, responding to current events and the daily activities around me. The ring is a source of great interest to me artistically because of its universal form. To think of the ring is to shape your thoughts, no matter the significance -wedding ring, graduation ring, friendship. Reinterpreting adornments gives life to the familiar object, paying homage to the history of jewellery".
The piece shown, Teacup On a Branch, is cast sterling. The teacup is "a symbol of our dreams....what you want is out there, just look around and reach for it." Love the sentiment, and love the art.

Upset Games at 100 mile finds

I don't know about you, but I don't just want to buy something because it was locally designed, manufactured, and/or produced! It needs to be a fantastic product that happens to be made locally. That is not too much to ask is it? Absolutely not!

Ever think you'd  be able to buy a great board game, locally designed in TO? Me neither! Well you can!

UPSET is a new board game that was designed/invented by local Torontonians. It just won the HOT toy for the Holidays 2010 by the Canadian Toy Association, they should know what they are talking about, right?

It's a game that combines chance with strategy. It rewards skill and strategic play with an element of surprise to make sure everyone has a chance to win! There is a travel edition too! AND the "piece de resistance" as far as I'm concerned is it promises to improve your child's math skills, sign me up! It is now available on 100 mile finds.

Las Valentias at 100 mile finds

One of the things that inspires us at 100 Mile Finds is the level and depth of local talent. Las Valentias is a local designer of women's clothing that we would love to wear.
"Employing a consistent look that echoes a modern lifestyle, we believe in casual beauty and tranquil elegance. Clothing that isn’t separated into formal or casual, but clothing that is built to endure and be beautiful".
Las Valentias has an amazing philosophy of creating pieces that go from season to season, celebrating fashion through the ages with a modern touch. They play with mixing fabrics giving their pieces a tranquil elegance that will last a lifetime.
Their 'Billie' dress (pictured) is charming, and comfortable. Perfect for work and play. AND the line is now on sale at 50% off. This is the perfect time to take advantage of beautiful, local and reasonably priced.

Alli's Originals

We can't help but think of great gift ideas here at 100 Mile Finds. So many of our vendors make such unique items, who wouldn't want to receive something with some personality.

Alli's Originals makes jewellery that can be personalized. With ideas for men, teens and special occasions, gift giving is easy. And as the giver, it is nice to think that the recipient will think of you when they wear their customized piece.
Looking for the perfect housewarming gift? Alli's Originals Canape Knife is so beautiful. It will never go out of style, and can be enjoyed for years.