Monday, June 28, 2010

Things I Love

1. This Pyrrha anchor ring! Every time customers ask to see the Pyrrha rings, I pull them all out, and ever so subtly, slip this baby on. What can I say, I'm a great hand model.


The anchor ring is $184, and is a size 6 and I might even be wearing it as I type. The anchor seal is a symbol of optimism and it reads 'still have hope'. Actually, Pyrrha will do any of their seals in ring form, so keep it in mind. And all seals are available in silver or bronze. And maybe someone out there could do me a favour and just buy this ring so I don't have to torment myself everyday? Please and thank you.

2. Audrey. I do love her. Audrey is former noko-staffer Miranda's Grandma. (And you know how I feel about Grandma's). Miranda was in town last week and she stopped by the shop with Audrey. Though, what I also love about Audrey is that Miranda has a blog named after her. Pieces from Audrey is Miranda's style blog, and one of my favourite blogs to visit. The reason for the name:
I realized that almost any day I have something on my person that is from my gran, Audrey - so hence the name "pieces from audrey"
You'll find tons of inspiration, beauty and love on this blog, so check it out!

(Pictures of Miranda and Stella from Pieces of Audrey)

3. Boredom. Seriously. I know there's the 'only boring people get bored', but there is something to be said about letting your mind wander. This morning my (uber-talented) friend Veekee posted an article that really sunk in with me. The author, Peter Bregman, wrote about why he returned his new iPad (unthinkable, right?). He got tired of filling in every spare minute with things to do.

Being bored is a precious thing, a state of mind we should pursue. Once boredom sets in, our minds begin to wander, looking for something exciting, something interesting to land on. And that's where creativity arises.

My best ideas come to me when I am unproductive. When I am running but not listening to my iPod. When I am sitting, doing nothing, waiting for someone. When I am lying in bed as my mind wanders before falling to sleep. These "wasted" moments, moments not filled with anything in particular, are vital.

You can check out the article here.

I think it really resonating with me because I am experiencing a bit of a 1/3 life crisis. WHAT DO I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE!? Can anyone relate? I have a lovely house, an amazing boutique, 2 cats and 1 boyfriend. Everything has been checked off my to-do list. Now what? It's time for me to set some new goals and ambitions in my life and get at them. But first I need to figure out what the hell those goals are. You should hear the stuff that is rolling around in my head, it's pretty hilarious. But what I am enjoying as I begin this process, is getting stuck in my head with ideas and fantasies; basically no boundaries or limits. And this only comes around once I have quietness in my head, from sitting on the couch and staring at the wall (or, more likely, laying in bed and staring at the ceiling). Here's to boredom. And all the ideas and creativity and fantasy that arises from it.

4. Feather earrings from Myrtle and Pearls. Love them so much. Beautiful, light weight, and affordable ($32!). We just got in a new batch from Ms. Genevieve yesterday.

Genevieve recently moved to Montreal, check out her adventures on her blog.

5. Silk screening! I'm going to set up a silk screening area in the store basement in the next month or so, and I am realllly excited about it. Laurel was our silk screening lady for years and years, and every once and I while I would sneak into the studio to help out with bag fabric. It was so much fun to work with my hands, and just get into the silk screening zone. So I'm going to try and get that magic back.

And, speaking of silk screening, the Society of Northern Alberta Print-Artists (SNAP) is holding a fundraiser this weekend that you should really check out. Called "Love Those Clothes You Wear", it will be an evening of artwork, a silent auction, fashion show, music, food and drinks. Basically the perfect mix. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and will be held at their new location, which I have yet to see! It's on Jasper and 120 Street. See you there? Yes? Yes!


Oh, and for more information, check out the fb event page or else SNAP's website.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

jewels!! sales!! jewels for sale!!


anna de courcy large antique coin on 30 inch chain, with heart padlock clasp, reg: 220, sale: 165


noemiah necklace, reg: 60, sale: 30


anna de courcy thimble necklace, reg: 300, sale: 225

noemiah earrings, reg: 50, sale: 25


anna de courcy 9K gold padlock on 18 inch chain with a 14K clasp, reg: 360, sale: 270

all sale prices are just until sunday!

$10 for $100


The Red Raven Sale continues on strong! There are still loads of cute dresses and accessories to choose from, all at a-maz-ing deals. And starting Thursday June 24th, for every $100 you spend, before taxes, receive a $10 gift certificate to use on your next purchase! Offer runs until Sunday July 4th.

And you need come in and help us make room for all the new stock that will start rolling in in about two and a half weeks, including styles from Smoking Lily, Supayana, Maked, Preloved and more! I'm so so excited! See you soon! xox.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

shoes!! sales!! shoes for sale!

noko vintage short boot, reg: 35, sale: 29, size: 6

noko vintage short boot, reg: 35, sale: 29, size: 8 (i think this is the first that we have had an identical pair in the store!)

noko vintage shoe, reg: 25, sale: 10!!, size: 6.5

noko vintage shoe, reg: 25, sale: 19, size: 8

noko vintage shoe, reg: 25, sale: 19, size: 6.5

noko vintage shoe, reg: 25, sale: 19, size: 9

noko vintage shoe, reg: 25, sale: 19, size: 6.5

noko vintage shoe, reg: 25, sale: 19, size: 5.5

bags!! sales!! bags for sale!!


rachael f leather bag, reg: 179, sale: 89! (also available in black with a grey ship)



myrtle and pearls gillespie bag, made from recycled leather, reg: 300, sale: 229


hoi bo beeswax tote, reg: 330, sale: 259 (it smells so good!)


osei-duro tote bag, available in tan suede, navy suede and navy leather, reg: 160, sale: 89, and these bags have the most amazing lining ever!

as well, regular priced erin templeton and ashley watson bags are 20% off until sunday!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

sense and sustainability


If you're looking for something interesting to check out, may I recommend the latest installation at the Human Ecology Department at the University of Alberta? Above is the poster for the grad studies installation, titled: Sense and Sensibility. It runs until October 3, so you have oodles of time to check it out.

It's a multisensorial exhibit on sustainability, and it even features the a few creations by Nokomis designers, such as Preloved and Ashley Watson, both who use recycled materials.

Taken from the installation statement: "Going green and sustainability are the new mantras of today. Urban culture has become globally pervasive. One is always beckoned to replace the old and aspire for the new. People have set themselves in a vicious cycle where they have to constantly update and renew to stay in vogue. Its this culture sustainable? What does it say about those who follow rituals of disposal?"

I found it thought provoking, and enjoyed seeing styles we have sold in the realm of an exhibition. Check it out!

Monday, June 21, 2010

wedding season!

and the red raven sale continues! still lots of pretty pieces to pick from. and since i love sales so much, i'm extending the discount on jewelry/bags/shoes for another week! all things with percentages off will be on sale until june 27th! ya! (ie. 10% off pyrrha! 20% off ashley watson and erin templeton!)

we've had lots of customers in recently looking for the perfect something to wear to weddings this summer. i myself have two wedding to attend this summer (and thankfully one of them is in the mountains! road trip!) and i was recently looking through my closet trying to figure out what to wear. so if you're in the same boat as me, check out these suggestions!


dagg and stacey baggara dress, reg: 230, sale: 169. sizes xs/s/L

back detail

pyrrha wisdom pearl necklace, $314 and 10% off till sunday

noko vintage shows, reg: 25, sale: 19 (until sunday), size 8-ish

eve gravel pretty woman dress, reg: 205, sale: 149, sizes s/L

toodlebunny hummingbird teardrop locket, $89 plus 25% off!

noko vintage shows, reg: 25, sale: 19, size 6-ish

dace brie top, reg: 144, sale: 89, sizes m/L
noko budapest skirt, reg: 98, sale: 39, last one! size 8

anna de courcy small antique coin, 160, 25% off

noko vintage shows, reg: 25, sale: 19, size 7.5-ish

anastasia lomonova lila dress, reg: 349, sale: 199, last one! size small

milicent quartz necklace, $48 plus 25% off

noko vintage shows, SOLD!

snoflake love in the afternoon, reg: 230, sale: 149, sizes xs and m


biko charm necklace, 79 and 10% off

noko vintage shows, reg: 25, sale: 19, size 8-ish

so remember that the shoes and the jewelry is only discounted until sunday, and the clothes are marked down until they're all gone!