WIN! WIN! WIN!

Enter to win an original Sadie Designs Quartz and Gold Necklace!  Electroplated quartz crystal pendant, 30″ gold tone chain.  Made in Vancouver, Canada.  Summer Rules.  Natural and Multifaceted.

Check our their great Etsy Boutique here!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post to be entered into the draw to win this gorgeous pendant! Contest will close in one week and the winner will be announced and contacted shortly after!  Please include your email address in your comment so that we can contact you.

I wore my favorite new scarf from Halifax. I love how in one store it
was $15 and across the street it was $42. Ahh Halifax. Actually I
think I looked more fashionable with my coat on then off, too bad I
didn’t fit in with the mini skirt world in my S&K coat. Have you been
to their website? I LOVE their coats! http://www.soiakyo.com [their
pink gloves this year = amazing] I actually bought mine in Toronto
since they had my size because the coats here (found in Kismet &
Ozeki) sell so fast.

Trunk sale? I know what you are thinking. I was thinking that too. It
does have some cache I have to admit. I started envisioning racks and
racks of discounted clothing with affordable prices, boxing day sized
crowds of women, cool one of a kind dresses that are magically not the
size of the model who wore it yesterday but one size fits me size so I
can buy it!

Friends faking excitement when the show is late.
Disappointment ensues, not only is the venue open 30 minutes late and
you had to wait outside in the cold, you had to pay $18 to even go to
the sale since it was running during the fashion show – the fashion
show that started over 2 hours late. Here is a cute pic of Jimmy-Lee
waiting for the show.

Why is everyone late? Now hold on a minute while I step off my soap
box. Ahem. So the sale was actually quite charming it was assembled in
the basement of The Banke and had some really wonderful vendors.

One in particular was the gorgeous handmade knitwear from knittles. I
really really loved that scarf. The pieces are all available through
etsy : knittles.etsy.com so you can shop from home!

I also feel in love with closetjewellery by Alexandra Hunt. This
necklace was amazing. Visit her website at www.closetjewellery.com

Since we had some time to kill before the show we bonded with the
bartender in the upstairs lounge only to then learn she is the owner!
Joanne was so amazing to speak with the building has such a great
history from weddings to high school grads. In November it will be
transformed into BR& a new steak house http://www.brandsteak.com/.
There will even be the chance to book a private dinner in the vault!

Anyways as I was checking out the room waiting for the show I noticed
something VERY out of the ordinary. I was shocked it was the first
time I had seen such a sin at a show all week.

Someone was eating. Gasp!

It was Subway too. I was really jealous. So jealous that after the
show Jimmy-Lee and I went to Peter’s Drive-In for dinner. That’s right
watching models made my crave Peter’s. You really can’t beat the
marketing ‘ the drive-in you can’t drive by’ – genius! I have a bag
with that tagline on my office at work.

Right fashion not food. Anyways so the show begins – actually before
the show begins I should report that my ever so cool spaceboots that I
wore ONCE on Wednesday are now scratched and torn. Spring shoes – gasp
I know I know so cheap they should fall apart but after one wear? I
don’t think so.

Don’t buy these boots.

A shout out to the paparazzi of the event. Who knew we had so many in
Calgary? Isn’t it horrible that everytime you read paparazzi you sing
Lady Gaga in your head?

So House of Nonie knows how to put on a show. The show began with a
gorgeous dance. It was stunning, the lighting and music – all stunning.

The dresses were very delicate and I loved the colours.

Stunning white dress. I wish I had hair like Joan Holloway.

Carrie Bradshaw shout out. Yes I love crinoline – yes I loved this
outfit.

Gorgeous black dress although a little rough to walk in.

Drum roll – this is it – what I have been waiting all week for an
entire line I would wear and buy. Thank you Holly Irwin.

I loved the ruffles, colour, wigs – it felt like a tea party with
Marie Antoinette meets Alice in Wonderland!

What’s that? A model that isn’t under 100 pounds and taller then 6
feet? Happiness! Excitement! Beautiful women in clothing that I cold
wear in my size – what a fashion week finale!

Check out the amazing art on their faces. Gorgeous. The hair pieces.
Fabulous!

I love this dress, the pattern at the bottom is beautiful. I love the
accented ribbon and feathers in her hair. I loved her fierce walk.

Love the patterns, I am a sucker for a floral pattern. I love this
style it’s cute and feminine.

So adorable and sexy.

Love the lace.

Wow, if I could buy this dress I would in a second. Favorite of the
week by far. Pink ruffles and pockets and check out the collar!

Love love love this green dress.

And to wrap it all off if you ever wondered what designers look like
here is a photo of Holly Irwin from DustedRose Designs and Nina Rahal-
Kharey from House of Nonie being interviewed by CItyTV.

Peter’s time.

***story and photos by Allison Moore!

MARKET COLLECTIVE is an independent market, created to showcase the works of local artists, artisans and musicians and to strengthen the art community in Calgary.
_______________________________________________
We are going to use the venue we used last time. It is an amazing building that will be showcasing 5000 square feet of Market Collective Vendors on the main floor, and 1700 square feet of art installations and interactive displays on the second floor!
_______________________________________________
PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY!
It’s October, and we are happy to announce that our next artist sponsorship will be photography specific.

The winner will get 400.00 to spend on supplies and photo finishing at VISTEK, as well as 100.00 at KENSINGTON ART SUPPLY!
The winning photographer will also be given a gallery space at MARKET COLLECTIVE in the new year to show (and sell, if they choose) their photos!
We would like to thank both of these businesses for being so amazingly supportive to both Market Collective and local artists!!!

This sponsorship will be a random draw. In order to get your name in please send an email entitled “Photography Sponsorship” to: the.market.collective@gmail.com. in the email please include one sentence about yourself or your work, and attach one photo (good, bad or ugly) that you have taken! Deadline: October 31st Midnight.
_______________________________________________
TABLE VENDORS:
Amanda Mueller

Blanche

Adam Patterson’s fine preserves (Jay Bilyk + Joel Brideau)

Keri-lyn Freebird

Andrea Bures

Leona Yee

Ole Originals (Chandler Herbut)

Alyssa Giammarino

Jennea Frischke

Tara Griffiths

Angela Reimer

Bluebird Vintage (Wendy Pringle + Rachel Mackay)

Jenny Chan

Tanya Lam

Aviv Fried

Erin van Wijk

Trista Orchard

Gwen Morgan

Glynis Cassley

Roxanne Wang

Anna Shulyakovskaya

Elizabeth DiMarino

Deanna Mac

Split Pea Vintage (Claire Ouchi + Rachel Rivera)

Freda Loves Porter (Courtney Sokal)

Melissa Pedersen

Pamela Shakespeare

Jenessa Krebs

Freyja Ulveland

Sarah Radomsky

Aldona Barutowicz

Sikknits (Anna Liza)

Michelle Etheridge

Dee Murray

Kristin Hall

Kym Gray

Light and Soul Creations (Kai Cabunoc-Boettcher + Dave Carlton)

Timothy Nguyen

Victoria Moody

Tekoa Design (Tekoa Predika)

Marbella Carlos

Danny Kirk

Davis Design (Thom Davis)

Marcia Harris

Kevin Duhaney

David Littlejohns

Peter + Joyelle Komierowski

Jesse Murphy

Paul Podojil

Kate Ediger

Nikki Gour

Tara McAuley

owl.in.tree (Renee Crawford)

Kari Thompson

Rachel and I received photo training from Calgary Fashion for this 
photo. Posing on the red carpet is harder then I thought. I was 
distracted by the tape on the floor and the logos behind me. You know 
you work in marketing when you are more distracted by the brands 
behind you then trying to pose for the photo.

The show was at The Banke and truly this venue is made for events. The 
team did an amazing job preparing the ballroom for the event. The 
lighting and music was also incredibly well done.

The ceiling though did look like the perfect ceiling for Batman to 
drop in through to make a dramatic entrance.

Stream of thoughts as I enter the room:

*Everyone is wearing black and I missed the memo again
*I wish straight men wore hats like that
*Clearly, I should replace all my lighting to chandeliers
*Nice art, I wonder how long that has been on the wall
*No matter how cool it is, I am not wearing a headband across my forehead

No, I did not spray on a bad fake tan — this is how I look in fancy 
accent lighting.

The show began with a gorgeous collection by Lael Osness. I loved the first dress since the back was green and the dress had an amazing red belt.  

Next up there was gloves! I love gloves! Gloves and floral patterns - this is my kind of fashion. The yellow collar was a gorgeous addition to this dress.

I love how dramatic this piece is.

Love the boots and the hair, this would be a good New Year’s Eve dress.
Love the back and love the gloves!

This model had the most amazing legs. I think I am as tall as her knee.

    
A couple favorites of the evening. Beautiful colours.

The last piece was a stunning open dress.

Next up was Rock Steady which opened the show with this stylish hooded 
dress.

The collection had a bright neon palette and a consistent print used 
for a variety of different designs. The other element that was 
integrated was hoops. Some pieces had hoops to adorn the back of the 
dress while there was also a bikini and strapless dress that 
integrated the hoops.

Apologies for the ghetto photos, despite wearing huge heels the models 
move fast!

For the last 3 shows we relocated to the upper balcony to see if we 
could get a better view.

Next was the collection of Hali Sweet who had some phenomenal prints 
and tights. All the models had black lipstick which I think the 
fashion gods would call fierce.

Caitlin Power was up next. There is a last name I would make a husband 
accept as their own. Who wouldn’t want to be Mr. Power?

Each model had the most amazing feather ring. I was so distracted.

Gorgeous ruffles.

This is my personal favorite and the back was fabulous as well.

I want this skirt. Everyone needs a flower on their hip. The coat is cool too — it reminds me of Samantha Jones.

This dress was hot. I feel like you could take over the world in it. 

Fashion world domination could be achieved.

***photos + story by allison moore

Now when she mentioned that it would be to blog about it, that was another story. Then it occurred to me that opportunity to play fashion police for a week was far to entertaining to pass this up. I accepted the challenge hoping that being exposed to Alberta fashionistas wouldn’t brainwash me into thinking someone who is 5 foot 2 can wear thigh high leather boots since they are all the rage.

With my new identity as a fashion blogger I decided the only way to properly prepare for this new role is to head to the fashion mecca and observe fashionistas in their natural habitat. Good thing the largest Holt Renfrew in Canada just opened in Calgary.

A little Holt Renfrew secret for those of you who don’t dare to enter the doors because you live on an arts budget like myself – they do sell hats for under $50. Take the hat test, go there and pick up 5 hats and check the price, most will be $120-220 but 1 will be $45-$50. I know this because I have a felt hat addiction and monitor the hat department stock. The grey one had my name on it.

Now with my fancy new Holt Renfrew pink bag I went home to put my outfit together. I already knew I was going to represent Calgary in a Shisomiso skirt. This skirt has a funny story I actually eyed it for months and couldn’t afford it – only to be reunited with it a year later in a consignment store in Vancouver. I was elated to say the least. Consignment stores in Vancouver are the best – my favorite is Mintage.

Everyone in the fashion industry wears black so I put on a black sweater to make me more legit as a fashion blogger.

Since you have to wear something edgy that doesn’t look like it makes any sense I donned my new space boots to see how people would react.

The guy in my elevator told me they reminded him of the 80′s. Sweet validation.

Now for the ultimate debate do I match my purse with my coat? And should my fabulous Joe Fresh gloves match my shoes or my hat? Seeing how this was fashion police tryouts the pressure was on.

If you purse matches your coat should the fashion police arrest you?

I got into the lineup outside at Seven Restolounge and have already broken 2 personal rules.

1.  The only thing worth waiting in line for in Calgary for over 20 minutes is Globefish sushi.

2. I loathe the term restolounge

As I was reflecting on how pop culture makes you associate fashion shows with NYC and Sex and the City ironically I looked down and my new line friend Denise was sporting a fabulous bag quite similar to the bag Carrie gave Louise for Christmas in the Sex and the City Movie.

I think to myself how I should have worn crinoline but it is Calgary in October and -10 outside.

Stream of thoughts are I enter the room:

Wow I missed the memo to wear 7 inch heels

I think I am the shortest person in here

I could never date a guy with that much hair product

I wonder if any men in here are straight

Wow she looks angry

I can’t see the bar they are all too tall

Then I was pleasantly surprised to see a friend of mine debuting on the red carpet as a fashion photographer. Noted fashion photographer David Austin (said in the same tone Tyra says for Nigel) was nice enough to take my photo on the red carpet.

As I wonder to the back of the room it occurs to me that the room is full of people that look like they are trying not to smile. Attempting to fit in I fail as I start smirking at different outfits in the room. I make my way to the front of the people without seats thinking maybe it was a good thing I wore flats.

Then my friend Sean comes over looking good in green.

He needs a favour, for me to be security. Seeing how I was Deepa Mehta’s bodyguard back in the day at the CIFF and one year for halloween I looked like Whitney Houston from the Bodyguard – clearly I am qualified for this new fashion assignment.

My task is to ensure people don’t walk in front of the camera during the show. Meanwhile I started surveying the crowd for their thoughts on my spaceboots. I was really hoping to find someone tell me they hate them however people were very polite – my favorite comment being that they had a ‘jetsons’ look to them.

Then finally the show began with Solsticio by Maria Orduz.

The dresses were very nice but very tight and very short.  I decided if I had to hire a model I would hire this one as she would have passed all of Tyra’s tests.

Coming from a marketing background I was shocked how short models posed for photos. I would have thought that there would have been more time for the media to get a shot of the product for promotional purposes. Silly marketing logic probably doesn’t match with the beat of the music and the timing of the show. Clearly I would have to find a better place to stand at the next show since my photos are blurry.

Next came Broken Ghost Couture by Jana Foehrenbach.

I have to admit I was thrilled to see pink on the runway since I am a huge fan. I really enjoyed the layering and patterns of the different fabrics.

The after party/factory party was at The Banke. This venue has had many different faces in Calgary. Originally the Bank of Nova Scotia it has also been a club and restaurant in the past.

I really enjoy the art installations at the factory parties in town however it drives me nuts that you have no idea what artist did which piece. Nonetheless the venue was impressive as was the art.

As you entered the basement of the building you had full access to the vault. It would be a good place to lock up fashion victims arrested by the fashion police. On this evening though there was an art installation in the vault. I will leave the interpretation up to you to ponder.

***photos & story by Allison Moore.

Alberta readers — this is something you can’t possibly pass up this fall.  The first ever Alberta Fashion Week is coming to our province.  The extraordinarily talented and ambitious David Robert Politi is the mastermind behind this whirlwind week of couture, street fashion, and trunk sales!  You can view the schedule online at Alberta Fashion Week.  And don’t forget to buy a pass, which you can purchase here.   Hope to see you out and about at all the fashion shows and supporting Alberta’s independent designers.