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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
Look Like a Celebrity!
Attention fellow CRAVE-ers! Spring is creeping up on us! Still bundled up under those chunky and heavy clothes? Well it is time to store those sweaters, scarfs and leg warmers away and lash out with Stella and Dot‘s hot new Spring/Summer 2011 collection of trendy and fashionable jewelry!
Check out their newly released collection and get the look celebrities rock so that you, too can be adored by the paparazzi! We’ve had the privilege of having Stella and Dot at our Fall Shopping Sunday event and they displayed the most eye-catching jewelry any woman could ever dream for. What are you waiting for?! Browse through their website now and we promise you will see “MUST HAVE” jewelry right before your eyes!
Our two go-to Stella and Dot stylists that joined us at our event are:
Mirjana Letterio
and
Realeza Inc.
Be your own star & look like one too with Stella and Dot’s brand new Spring/Summer collection 2011!
A Little Bit of India in a Big Way!
Looking for an innovative and creative way to decor your secret space? CRAVEÂ a taste of India in the comfort of your home? We’ve got the answer to your desires! No need to travel across the world to the enchanted land of India when entrepreness Sapna Alim along with her partner Amanda Steele has got a boutique full of the best contemporary styled-Indian infused accents to make your home an impressionable living space!
From bed linens to tableware to curtain panels to bath and body products– Liloo At Homehas got it all to give your home the unique and exotic touch its been missing! With the ability to connect your westernized way of living with the essence of India’s rich and magical ambiance– Sapna offers her philosophy of this astounding dichotomy to Toronto.
With products sourced directly from India and Canada, CRAVEguarantees that you will receive the highest quality of the most spectacular homeware! Liloo offers a plethora of accents to modernize your living with an Indian elegance. Christmas is less than a month away so be sure to make your way to Liloo for those amazing gifts that scream luxurious taste! Get your hands on her bath and body products to indulge in the sweet aroma of their exotic scents!Â
Save your travel miles and click here to visit the unique land of India right here in Toronto!
Contact Sapna Alim- the Indian infused home decor guru!
734 Queen Street East Toronto, Ontario
416 466 8710
Follow Liloo on Twitter @lilooathome & like on Facebook!
Taking Elegance to a Whole Other Level!
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CRAVE beauty, elegance, & sophistication? Indulge in a whole new meaning of uniqueness with Barbara Stewart’s Adornments on Queen! With an extraordinary taste for fine furnishings and decorative accessories, Barbara has created a business of true affordable elegance to cater to your ostentatious needs! Find only the rarest, most exquisite and majestic items at Adornments on Queen…
 Combined with experiencing a luxurious and angelic ambiance, Adornments on Queen is fully equipped with their very own Steeped and Infused Tea Bar. Mmm! What is better than shopping and relaxing with a sublime cup of hot or iced tea and a delicious pastry or sandwich!? Not only does Adornments on Queen gratify your furnishing and decorative needs but also satisfy your taste buds with a dedication to health and well-being!
The store panorama is truly divine with a knack for captivating customers at first glance. If that weren’t the only thing that stole your heart, then the quality of Barbara’s products sure would! She gets her products from only the most unique gems of the world trying to source as many Canadian made items as possible! From Art Tone Designs to Caroline Crawford to Jenna Rose to so many more crafty designers, Adornments on Queen only features the highest quality of Canadian made and foreign products!
Walking through this store will give you an experience of a lifetime– you will feel a true romanticism aura throughout with an alluring vibe to simply sigh at the beautiful and heavenly ambiance. Christmas time is getting closer and closer! Adornments on Queen wants to be sure your home is just dreamy with the Christmas decorations now available! “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” with Adornments on Queen being your #1 CRAVE-resource for enthralling furnishing and enticing decorative accessories… Make your home an enchanting fairy tale; only with the elite– Adornments on Queen.
Visit Adornments on Queen to experience true charm!
Contact info@adornmentsonqueen.com
Phone: 416 955 4791
Mobile: 647 702 2072
338 Queen Street East (@ Parliament)
Toronto, Ontario
Lash Out with the Most Unique Icing
We all love to look and feel miraculous but do you CRAVE to be the most unique femme in the party? Are you tired of the same old jewelry from your local jewelry stores? Do yourself a favour and decorate those hands, wrists, ears and necks with BIJU‘s most fabulous collection of enticing gemstones. Feel the magic that entrepreness Veronica Ianceoglu can create with a single piece of jewelry. Whether it is a necklace, ring, or bracelet– she has the ability to transform your body into an enchanting sight for sore eyes!
Since every piece of jewelry is hand-made, you can customize your beauty to your liking! She works with a plethora of gemstones each with the power of attracting that special someone! But make sure you choose a stone that your heart desires. When it is time to hit the town, be sure you have BIJU jewelry on hand to absolutely WOW your fellow party goers! There is nothing more the ladies at CRAVE love than being the most creatively bejeweled!
BIJU‘s collection is simply irresistable– we are positive that you cannot visit her website without CRAVE-ing to hit that “add to cart” button! With her affordable prices for the most alluring and mesmerizing hand-crafted jewelry, we advise you to make your Christmas orders asap! We can guarantee that your wife, girlfriend, sister, neice, or daughter will NOT be disappointed! Christmas is just around the corner! Avoid those crazy malls by contacting BIJU… here, only one click away to indulge yourself with the most beautiful and unique icing!
Veronica Ianceoglu — one of CRAVE‘s fav!
Interview with Cathy Bull, Martha Bull and Michelle Richardson of Feather Factory
The chilly weather is finally here and we’re sure you have your lovely new camel coat to keep you warm, but what is going to keep you cozy and toasty on those frigid winter nights? Â We’ll be heading over to Feather Factory to have Martha, Cathy and Michelle create a custom duvet made to our specific sleeping needs, that we can curl up under all winter long.
Inside Feather Factory you are greeted with light, colour and texture. Customers compliment on the Parisian feel. On offer: rows of quilts, colourful duvet covers, cushions and sumptuous high thread count linens. Their combined 85 years linen experience is at your service. They have sourced top, unique brands in bedlinens, towels, fabrics and wallpaper and they make their own superior down products.
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Eco-friendly. Â Creative. Â Dishy.
What or Who inspired you to start your business?
Duvets which are innovative, eco freindly and luxurious were the beginning (Martha pioneered duvets in Ontario) and a fabulous sisterhood inspired us to work together. Michelle is our adopted sister (she started working with Martha in the Eiderdown Shop 20 years ago).
People may be surprised to know…
We make our duvets, pillows and featherbeds on the premises. We made a pillow for Pope John Paul. Â All three of us are artists and feel that good bedroom design can often start with the art on your walls.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Locating in a major mall.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Cathy: Margaret Lawrence, canadian author.
Michelle: Queen Elizabeth 1.
Martha: Debbie Field, executive director of Food Share and political dynamo.
Where is your favourite place to go with girlfriends?
Michelle: McSorleys (Bayview hot spot).
Cathy: Poor John’s (best cafe in Parkdale).
Martha: Hugh’s Room.
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Business success would include satellite Feather Factory boutiques across Canada and in life, joy every day.
Contact Feather Factory at:
1606 Queen St. W
Toronto, ON 416-536-3708
Interview with Myrlene Sundberg of Urban Mode
CRAVE toronto was fortunate to have its first Business Chat hosted at home furnishing heaven, Urban Mode. Urban Mode is Toronto’s leading independent retailer of modern design and home furnishings and is regarded as the expert in small space management. Since 1977, Myrlene and her team have been showcasing new and noteable products from around the world. Passionate about design and architecture, Urban Mode has recently launched an eco-friendly modular pre-fab showroom docked adjacent to store.
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Modern.  Multifunctional. Vibrant.
What are your most popular products or services?
Space planning with multifunctional furniture.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was an interior designer inspired by European furniture but found that there was very little affordable modern design here.
People may be surprised to know…
That we are 33 years old!
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I didn’t take enough chances. When I had a great idea, I didn’t have enough faith in myself to take the leap.
What is your indulgence?
Books, books and more books. We have at least 30 feet, floor to ceiling, of the best design and architecture books from around the world.
Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
I like shopping in Paris, having lunch in the cafe in Gallerie Lafayette, or eating stinky cheese and fresh bagette.
Who is your role model or mentor?
I have always been inspired by my parents. I was raised on a farm and learned from them an amazing work ethic and integrity that has shaped my entire life.
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I would love to be a part of a “sisterhood” of women entrepreneurs. I have found it to be very lonely. There is a lot that we can share and learn from one another.
Contact Urban Mode at:
145 Tecumseth Street
Toronto, ON 416-591-8834
Interview with Jane Hall of Jane Hall The Voice of Style
Jane Hall The Voice of Style has a full range of custom made products designed by Jane and made by her elves. Almost everything, is made from fabrics featuring European designers.  There are custom made lampshades, cushions, drapes, “Janified” vintage and antique furniture. Jane Hall also offers a full range of interior design services including colour consultations, and renovation advice.
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Unique, vibrant, personal.
What or Who inspired you to start your business?
The birth of my three children in my early 20′s and the need to find a way to be at home with them and earn a living.Â
What are your most popular products or services?
Repurposed vintage furniture, custom made drapery cushions and lampshades, Interior design services and colour consultations.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I believe that growing too quickly can be difficult for a business, and hiring friends has never been a smart idea.
What is your indulgence?
Sleeping.
Who is your role model or mentor?
In 1976, when I first began on my kitchen table, there were no role models for me. I was a bit of a maverick, and have been an entrepreneur for 34 years. I have been a role model for others starting out.
People may be surprised to know…
That everything is designed by me and custom made by local artisans and workrooms.
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
In business IÂ CRAVE opportunities to work with great clients who trust me enough to have creative freedom and in life I CRAVE lots of interesting friends who I can share great conversation with.
Contact Jane Hall the Voice of Style at:
2156 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON 416-691-8080
Our Fav’s for Interior Design and Furniture in Toronto
Decorating a space is always a fun task, but can be sometimes be a daunting one. Unlike an outfit for the day, once you dress a room, you won’t be changing it tomorrow if it doesn’t work out. Fortunately for us, Toronto is a goldmine for fabulously talented interior designers and innumerable furniture and home décor boutiques. We’ve made a list of our favourite interior designers and home décor boutiques to help make your home feel like sweet home.
CAROL REED INTERIOR DESIGN INC. – carolreeddesign.com
As a practicing interior designer since 1993, Carol Reed is Principal of Carol Reed Interior Design Inc., specializing in private residential projects. With her work published in a number of home and décor magazines and having consulted for programs on HGTV, Carol Reed is an industry expert. Her service offerings range from single design dilemmas to complete room re-designs.
ERICA SWANSON DESIGN - ericaswansondesign.com
Erica Swanson has attitude, and we like it almost as much as we love her designs. With an eclectic outlook on interior design, she listens to her clients needs and then translates their words into inspiration for the room. Punch up any room in your home with her expert advice.
URBAN MODE – urbanmode.com
If you are braving the re-design of a room on your own, then we highly suggest heading to Urban Mode for your furniture. For over 30 years Urban Mode has been a leading retailer of contemporary design and home furnishings, carrying a number of distinctive contemporary lines. No matter what pieces you choose here, you can’t go wrong.
CHATELET – chatelethome.com
With two convenient locations (Queen East and Queen West), Chatelet sells beautiful furniture and lighting, offers custom services such as custom lampshades and headboards/footboards, and now, interior design services. Add something special to your rooms with one of their many fabulous items. We are a huge fan of their mirrored pieces!
BERGO DESIGNS – bergo.ca
Bergo can be a little overwhelming – a 6,000 square foot gallery of industrial design – but for those looking for that unique contemporary piece for your home, you are sure to find it here! Featuring creations from internationally recognized designers and architects, this is one store not to miss on your quest to decorate the perfect room.
FEATHER FACTORY – featherfactory.com
If you are a restless sleeper like we are, then Feather Factory will be your dream world. For over 25 years, Feather Factory has been making custom duvets and pillows to help you achieve maximum comfort while sleeping. They also do custom down and feather mattress covers, couch cushions and accent pillow, as well as sell bath products, home accessories and high-quality linens.
Back to School Shopping in Style
It pains us deeply to write this blog post and we apologize for it now, but the sad truth is that summer is quickly coming to an end. With only one month left of summer vacation it is time to start getting the kids ready for school. We all know that as much as we would love to be spending our free time soaking up the last few rays of the summer sun instead of back to school shopping, the stress of leaving it to the last minute is not worth it. That’s why we have put together a list of some great shops to find goodies and clothing for the kids before the first class bell rings. These fantastic places almost make it excusable to be indoors in August.
ELLA MINNOW CHILDREN’S BOOKSTORE -Â Â ellaminnow.ca
Prepare early for the unavoidable procrastination that is book reports. Ella Minnow has a huge selection of books catering to toddlers all the way to teens. They also offer online shopping, so you can enjoy your last month of summer vacation without the hassle of shopping in store (although we would never turn down a chance to shop).  While you’re buying books for the school year, why not pick up an extra one and have your kid do some reading this summer too?
LITTLE ONESÂ -Â Â littleones.ca
My mother used to be impressed if I made it out of the house fully dressed and not covered in half of my breakfast, let alone in designer duds. Times have changed. Little Ones is Toronto’s premier kid’s clothing boutique offering brand name designer children’s clothing from across Europe and North America. If you have a trendy little one who loves to be ahead of the fashion game, this is the store for them!
KIDS AT HOMEÂ -Â Â kidsathome.com
Children’s tastes change as quickly as they grow, and their bedrooms always mirror this. Kids At Home offers the most eclectic collection of cool furnishings, bedding, and accessories for kids of all sizes. Help your kids express their creative side designing the bedroom or playroom of their dreams.
Interview With Robyn Berman of Bergo Designs
Robyn Berman owns not just one, but two successful businesses in the Distillery District- Bergo Designs and Corktown Designs. Bergo Designs is a gallery of industrial designs that is unique, modern, and stylish. No knockoffs here! Bergo features award-winning designs from around the world, including: Alessi, George Jensen, Stelton, Menu, Umbra, and Koziol among others. You’ll find a wide range of designs for jewelry, watches, gifts, housewares, and Canadian-made furniture, not to mention a gift for every age and budget.
What are your most popular products or services?
Ethanol stainless steel fireplaces, lucite vases, The Ex knife block, Govino plastic wine glasses, Kikkerland head scratchers, Chilewich placemats and floor rugs, Peugot wine decanters, and Bodum glassware.
What or Who inspired you to start your business?
My husband. He strongly encouraged me to expand Corktown Designs, my first shop, which offers primarily handmade jewelry. I came up with Bergo and decided to keep them as two separate stores.
People may be surprised to know…
That Bergo Designs is a sole-proprietorship, and that I travel constantly around the world to hand-pick each item that is sold in the store.
What is your indulgence?
Soma chocolate.
Visit Bergo Designs at:
55 Mill Street, Building 47a
Toronto, ON 416.861.1821