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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
Glitz & Glamour!
Will you be my Valentine? Ladies will be screaming “Yes!” with smiles and tears when they feast their eyes on Anne Sportun’s magnificent jewelry! As a symbol of love and appreciation, tell that lucky somebody “I love you” with dazzling earrings, slender bracelets, unique necklaces, or bold and beautiful rings!
Anne Sportun is the glamour guru when it comes to creating stunning pieces of art that can glitz-ify your ensemble for any occasion! Featured in numerous Canadian magazines, Sportun has emerged in Toronto as your #1 jeweler and CRAVE is 100% enthralled with what she has to offer! Staying true to her belief of encouraging intimate exchange through the piece of jewelry and its wearer, Sportun oversees each hand-crafted piece of jewelry to bedazzle your comfort of looking fant-abulous!
Fellas, you got nothing to worry about for the upcoming hallmark day of love- Anne Sportun has got you covered! Her jewelry is located in several stores all over North America and overseas. Valentine’s day, anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, or weddings- Sportun has got the perfect icing to solidify your glitz and glamour! So ladies, fufill your CRAVE-ing and get your hands, wrists, ears, and necks sparkling with Sportun’s elegant designs!
“Pecious. Everyday.” See for yourself, right here!
General Inquiries: 1 800 788 1247
Interview with Patricia Pinkney of Pangea Collection
Pangea-Collection.com features distinctive artisan jewellery, fair trade jewelry and eco jewelry from around the world.
The jewelry pieces are mainly from small, independent artisans, many of whom are women, and those living in developing countries. Â By purchasing their handicrafts you are contributing not only to preserving deep cultural traditions, but also to providing artisans with an opportunity to earn a living and achieve the art of self-reliance.
The perfect Christmas gift for the giver with a conscience!
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Ethical. Â Cultural. Â Fashionable.
What are your most popular products or services?
Our Harmony Balls (earrings and pendants). They are the jewellery piece that started the business and everyone loves them.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
For two years I worked in Paris, France in an international capacity so I was fortunate to travel to many countries around the world. While I was abroad I always made time to explore the local culture. I could never leave without a piece of that place-usually a piece of jewelry. That’s where the idea for Pangea-Collection.com came from. When I wore the jewelry they drew compliments from friends. I would then tell the story about the place it came from or even the artisan who handcrafted it. I loved that! To me these jewelry pieces represent some of the most beautiful people and places I have ever known. I’m proud to be able to share their stories with you, and even happier for you to pass them on to your friends. Wearing these jewelry pieces exhibits the beauty of their origins. You become part of a living culture.
How do you spend your free time?
Traveling, traveling, traveling.
What is your indulgence?
Travel of course but also Champagne- a little habit I picked up in France!
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
My personal aim is to do my part to enable artisans, particularly women and those living in emerging markets, to earn an income through the practice of their craft. In my own small way I want my business to support the livelihoods of these skilled artisans. In many cases their crafts are the living expression of deep cultural traditions and I, along with the Fair Trade organisations with whom I work, believe in the importance of the preservation of these cultures.
Contact Pangea Collection at:
416-498-1331
Berylio-beautiful hand-crafted jewelry!
I love well-designed stuff. I’m not a picky person, just very observant, noticing the little things intensely. From how food is presented on a plate, to the delicate detailing on a sweater, to the arrangement of flowers in a vase, it’s the workmanship (or work-woman-ship) in the detail that I admire and crave most. I was recently window-shopping and yes, the Christmas windows around the city are exciting and showcase sparkly goods, but nothing caught my attention (to detail that is!). Now, I’m not the grinch…OK, maybe a little picky, but after my unsuccessful shopping I decided to get out of the cold and visit Berylio Jewelry online in the comforts of my own home.
I met Berenice, the designer behind Berylio at our latest CRAVE shopping event and remembered that there was depth and quality in her work and her designs were dynamic and fun. After reading Berenice’s blog and viewing her collections I was so drawn to the energy and creativity that she puts into her craft. Her color schemes, attention to detail, quality of material (semi-precious stones, wood beads, etc) and unique style is so refreshing! What got me more excited was the option to place custom orders (excellent for Christmas), or to book a jewelry party all I have to do is grab my girl friends, bottles of wine, and Berenice’s expertise, and voila! Berenice is a fierce female with loads of creativity and style, be sure to check out her website and start shopping today!
Email:
Watch out Toronto, there’s a new kid in town!
Watch out, there’s a new kid in town! Only 4 months old and already rockin’ the scene, Devlish Angelz is the city’s go-to kiddies clothing boutique! Devlish Angelz is already in full swing dressing and accessorizing Toronto’s busiest babies and hippest tots. Owner, Jaclyn Baynham is the trendsetter and enterpreness behind Devlish Angelz, scouring out the best of all designer brands to offer to her customers. Trendy mommy’s now have a local spot to shop for their trendy babies- sorry moms, nothing bigger than a kid’s size 16…but you can always match their closet with yours! Jaclyn carries all the brands active mom’s love, like Converse, Bench and Diesel!
Located in the heart of Yorkville, Devlish Angelz naturally fits in, offering friendly and current knowledge of fashion and the seasons must-haves (for your child, remember!) Jaclyn knows what her customers want- from a weekend on the slopes to a busy day full of play dates, Devlish Angelz has your snow bunnies and social babes in mind. Their ever-changing stock of the sassiest snowsuits, coolest JOE Jeans, and cute jumpers are sure to impress!
My most recent visit to the boutique had me smiling from entrance to exit; it was so enjoyable just browsing the latest apparel available for the girly fashionista’s and little dudes of the city. Just when I thought the clothing couldn’t be topped, I checked out the wide selection of accessories ranging from socks to sunglasses to little lip balms! Even if you don’t have children of your own, Devlish Angelz is the perfect spot to shop for any little love in your life.
Jaclyn has been the focus of tons of local media attention, from magazine spreads to TV news; her consistent social networking skills have paid off. With her new website, online store, facebook page, and daily twitter updates, her growing business continues to thrive! Be sure to visit Devlish Angelz this Saturday between 10am-6pm for a special “Angelz Xmas Wish” event.
Devlish Angelz
Jaclyn Baynham
45 Avenue Road, Yorkville
Toronto
T: 647 344 5400
From haute couture to ready-to-wear, Sew Be It Studio has you covered!
There is something special in the act of creating. Anything really, whether it’s making homemade jam, a birthday card, or your first snowman of the season, everyone knows bursts of creativity and energy are best shared with others. That’s why Toronto’s Fashionistas and chic entrepreness’ Lindsey Wise and Dilys Tong decided to spread their passion for fashion and talent in sewing and open a studio/workshop. Sew Be It Studio/Workshop offers teens, tweens (and yes, older ladies as well) a fashion infused approached to sewing and design. The studio offers an environment where you are able learn and grow from experts in the industry while advancing your skills and producing beautiful, unique apparel. Sew Be It Studio is super chic and super professional- being fully equipped with the best of the best, there is no extra cost for students to utilize the machines and tools needed to design their collections- after all, you do have deadlines!
And what about their classes? Sew Be It Studio’s classes are not only approved by George Brown College for their cutting edge approach, these ladies bring in high quality instruction from industry working professionals such as Carrie Russell, who specializes in luxury lingerie design, to Darci Cheyne who has worked on productions like Lord of the Rings and Hairspray! So, gather your gals (or should I say “co-designers”) and choose from over 15 classes and workshops that suit your interest; From beginners fun to filling out your fashion school application this female owned and fully operated fashion house has your wants and needs covered, literally!
Be sure to check out their daily news, designs and workshop classes by clicking here…
Or stop by for a visit at one of their two locations:
Sew Be It Studio
2156 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
416-481-7784
Sew Be It Girl
282 Eglinton Ave West
Toronto, Ontario
647-347-6353
Directors:
Dilys Tong, dilys@sewbeitstudio.com
Lindsey Wise, lindsey@sewbeitstudio.com
If green is the new black, Ecofinery boasts true colour!
With the cold weather here to stay it can be difficult to decide on the perfect winter or holiday accessory that will keep up with this season’s sparkle. How are you supposed to wear (and show off) your jewels when bundled in a thick turtleneck and heavy knits? This season get inspired, and re-direct yourself towards Ecofinery Designs!
At our latest CRAVE Shopping Event I met the very talented, vibrant, and super eco-chic jewellery designer Breeze Romain. Breeze is a unique and passionate entrepreness, having started Ecofinery five years ago; she has found her niche for sustainable wearable art and has had great success in Toronto. Breeze’s bold yet feminine collections are inspired by recycled, vintage and re-purposed jewellery findings. A well wired, gem-filled, beautifully crafted piece is guaranteed to transform you and your winter bore wardrobe into this season’s best dressed (and accessorized). Ecofinery believes in sustainability and style, which makes wearing and supporting this female owned business that much better!
Ecofinery also accepts customer orders, excellent for those eco-conscious fashionistas’ who are still searching for that perfect gift! Wear your passion for sustainable fashion and support Ecofinery. Click here to learn more about Breeze and to view her stunning collections.
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
Interview with Sandra Tarantino of C1 art space
C1 art space, open since November 2004, is a project developed by artist /teacher Sandra Tarantino and her husband artist Ross Bonfanti. C1 art space houses a variety of activities from art shop to art school, with the aim of being a welcoming community environment. The art shop showcases an assortment of handmade Canadian fine craft, gift items, artist apparel and more.
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Quirky, Humorous, Fun.
What or Who inspired you to start your business?
My love of art and teaching have always existed since I was a child. I’ve been planning to do this forever.
People may be surprised to know…
That they can learn to be creative. Our classes are fun and relaxed so it’s easy to learn how to D.I.Y.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Taking on too much but this is a hard one not to repeat.
Who is your role model or mentor?
My parents. Immigrants and business owners for 38 years. I learned how to run a business from them.
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Calmness and happiness… always.
Visit C1 art space at:
44 Ossington Avenue
Toronto, ON, Canada M6J 2Y7
Interview with Corrine Anestopoulos of Biko Jewellery
Biko is a “vintage meets modern” jewellery brand possessing a natural, time-worn look with a twist of au courant. Designer Corrine Anestopoulos mixes the curious with the contemporary, combining semi-precious stones with raw materials such as brass, and integrating gold, crystal, pearl and lucite into her original, timeless accessories. The result is an irregular beauty that can be small and precious, or bold and freeform.Â
What are your most popular products or services?
Kaleidoscope, Telescope, Charlie magnifier necklaces- they actually work! Clusters, lockets, movement necklaces- quirky cool. Leafdrops, vintage glam earrings- sweet, edgy.
People may be surprised to know…
Biko is green. Most materials used are vintage, dead stock, and re-purposed. All jewellery is handmade locally in Toronto, with love.
Who is your role model or mentor?
My mom. She is always eager to assist the research and design process, and her spirited energy is contagious.
How do you spend your free time?
Travelling for inspiration, walking in the sunshine, supporting independent businesses, and appreciating good design.
Visit Biko Jewellery at:
bikodesigns.ca or call 416.895.1071
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