FILL UP WITH CARGO @ CARGOH!!

A very hip, very local online social marketplace came onto my radar recently called Cargoh. It’s a marketplace for art, design and culture made by local DIY artists, musicians and designers. The owner–operators of Cargoh are a very fun-loving, international husband and wife duo who have made Vancouver their home and were inspired to support vibrant, upcoming artists in the area and provide them with an avenue to sell their wares. Very much in line with Etsy, Cargoh is yet another great platform (and a Canadian one at that!) for artists to get their names and products out there in the world. An online market, what an awesome concept!!

So if you’re looking for one of kind items from jewelry and apparel to toys and home goods, and you like to shop online, check it out. It’s also a great way to familiarize yourself with artists and their work and get in contact with them directly. And with purchases through Cargoh you’ll be supporting your local community and economy, along with infusing more energy into our art scene which is always a positive thing! Go get some cargo at Cargoh and share the Cargoh love!!

Last Minute Gift Ideas - Think Local

3 days until Christmas - not enough time to get cool stuff shipped from the wonderful world of Internet, but  more than enough time to take advantage of the hip artists that live in your hood. Here's some great Vancouver artists to check out for this Christmas, or to keep up your sleeve for future gift-giving opportunities.

For your gal friends that love pretty things: 

Porcelain Mason Jars from Claire Madill at Heyday Design (image via www.heydaydesign.ca)

For your burgeoning art collector coworkers: 

Whale 2 Graphite and Acrylic on Paper by Kyu Hwang (image via takeiteasyplease.com)

For Your Picture Loving Parents: 

Custom Portraits painted by Roselina Hung. Image above: detail from Self-Portrait as a Polar Bear 2009. (image via www.roselinahung.com)

For your Homebody Hubbies:

Custom furniture designed and built by Nick Vorstermans of Wood Roots Furniture and Design (image via www.woodroots.ca) 

Take some time to discover the artists living under your nose, chances are - they've got some wicked wares to share.

xo
Jenny C

That's Mint

Like walking into a chic home decor magazine - a trip to Mint will make your eyes sparkle like their walls. This new home decor and furniture store in Vancouver has unique, handcrafted and stunning pieces from designers across the globe.

Some pieces that I loved the most were their ibride trays. ibride is an amazing design firm from France that you must check out - and Mint carries a wide selection of their line if you want something for your home now.

More beautifulness in the form of acrylic side tables and STUNNING mirror - my photo does it no justice. Also boo that I didn't note the designers! There is a lot of product info on Mint's site though if you follow the link at the top or bottom of this post.

Mint also creates custom furniture like the killer sofa in their display room and lovely occasional chairs. If you have a small mint to spend (let's be real - it costs money to buy such beautiful things), or if you just feel like furnishing the mansion in your mind, stop by Mint and check out their offerings.

Mint Interiors
1805 Fir St.
Vancouver BC
Tel: 604.568.3430
Web: www.mintinteriors.ca

Colourful Find

Mixed media/collage artist Brandi Strickland's work brings a shot of colour to this grey Vancouver day. Her work above is entitled "Crystal Lattice" - check out more of her art at her shop or on her website.

One day I imagine my house will be mostly white and clean but with colourful, odd and evocative art everywhere. What art do you want on your walls?

Found via Black Eiffel

Fashion Finds

Shot of Portobello West Fashion + Art Market in action!

I am all about thrift and seeking out original apparel when it comes to adding to my wardrobe. It’s usually a fine balance between staying on budget, getting what I really need and trying to incorporate fun and fabulous locally or nationally designed pieces. So yes, it’s true that Winners is my shopping Mecca and meets my frugal shopping tendencies, but I also like to supplement this with a good dose of local boutiques, markets, outlets and sample sales whenever I get the chance. Some great fashion resources which I’ve come to enjoy here in Vancouver include:

Portobello West Fashion + Art Market

Local designer digs, exceptional jewelry and accessories selection, and artwork for every taste, this market has become a Vancouver go-to. It’s hosted on the last Sunday of every month from 12pm to 6pm from March to December at the Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1150 Station Street, Vancouver and only a $2 entry fee. Next up on Sunday October 31st.

One of a Kind Show + Sale

This is my new found fave market! With designers and artists from across North America supplying endless quantities of beautifully handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items, you will want to attend every day that it showcases. They not only have clothes, jewelry and accessories, but artwork, toys, décor and more. So far it only comes once a year, which is truly bitter sweet. This year it’s on from December 9th to 12th, and trust me it’s addictive, you’ll want to go more than once! Watch out for a show update in December!!

Lulu Lemon Factory Outlet

Lulu apparel is the quintessential Vancouver yoga/training/lounging uniform and it’s definitely nice when you can find this high quality sporting apparel at a fraction of the price at their new outlet store at #110-5560 Trapp Avenue in Burnaby.

I Love Sample Sales Website

A most wonderful friend introduced me to this great site and you do fall deeply in love with it and sample sales! At sample sales you tend to find items that are ahead of season, pieces that don’t even hit the shelves and typically at bargain prices. If you have a good sense of direction and some patience, as often the locations of these sales in the Lower Mainland can be tricky to find and merchandise displays can be a bit crude, then sample sales are a great option.

This road to fashion is definitely not for everyone, it can require a bit more time and often some some clear focus or else you can spend hours aimlessly wandering aisles of clothing, shoes, bags and accessories (which some people like me really enjoy!). It’s definitely worth going off the beaten shopping track once in a while to find something different, locally made and at a great price!

Happy fashion finding!

P.S. Stay tuned for another edition of local Fashion Finds…what fun and funky areas to shop at in our fair city!