Designers Downtown Market

Courtesy of Chix, here's a cool event going on for local shoppers this weekend:

Inspired by open-air flea markets in New York and Paris, the Designers' Downtown Market is your destination for a unique Mother's Day Gift or something for just for yourself.

Come 9am on Saturday, March 9, the parking lots of Ornamentea and Get Dressed will once again be transformed into a shopper's delight. With more than 50 vendors from Raleigh and beyond, the Designers' Downtown Market has become a sought–after venue for jewelry, bath & body products, wearable art, baby gifts, clothing, hand-blown glass, beads, felted items, pottery and dare we say, more!

With crepes from Coffee & Crepes, and gourmet hot dogs and veggie dogs from Queenies Weenies, it's a great way to spend your Saturday.

Designers Downtown Market
Date(s): Saturday, May 9, 2009 (raindate Sunday, May 10)
Time: 9am until 3 pm
Location: Parking lots of Ornamentea and Get Dressed, 509 & 600 N. West Street, Raleigh
Contact: 919-828-7529 for more information
Website: www.DesignersDowntownMarket.com for a list of vendors

{Double Post} The Shop with a Conscience

I can't believe this is another thing I've never remember to blog about, because it's one of my Cameron Village favorites - Beleza: A Fair Trade Boutique.Described on their website as a place where:...you will find unique and extraordinary textiles and hats, jewelry and art that catch your eye and touch your heart.

Beyond offering beautiful things, Beleza exists to provide hard working people from countries around the world – and here in the US – essential support to provide daily necessities for their families.

While the store is fair trade, the major emphasis of Beleza is to treat people as they should be treated, and assist in global economic development.Beleza is owned and operated by two of the most wonderful people I know: P. Dail and his wife Sara.

I received the following email today from Sara about a new addition coming to their store that I am really excited about:Recently we met Audias from Honduras. Born without arms, he paints with his feet. We will have his work in the store very soon and encourage you to come see this work. Audias has no other means of support. We plan to host a special event for you to meet him.I'll be sure to update when I hear more details!

In the mean time, go check out Beleza and become an addict of their amazing selection of goods with a heart, too.

Scarf Weather

Continuing this trend of cold weather favorites... one of my sorority sisters, Whitney, has clued me into a local (sort of, by way of Asheville, NC) handmade artist: alena hennessey.

I'm SO in love with this scarf, especially the way it's shown being worn and with the plain white t, and double loving it's price!
flora on charcoal scarf
$28.00

wrap yourself over and over with this super soft, versatile, and extra long scarf. measures 93" long x 16" wide. made of perfectly combed cotton jersey.Any other fans? Be sure to check out the rest of Alena's site!

PS - Ooh, this tunic, too!

New Shop on the Block

I swear I had a previous post on this blog or on my Southern blog about the closing of Holly Aiken's shop on Glenwood Avenue, but I just can't find it!

Anyways, NewRaleigh.com reports some great news for retail addicts who like to keep it local in Raleigh: Holly Aiken to Open New Shop in Downtown RaleighThe new store will be located at Hargett and Wilmington streets in Downtown Raleigh and will open in August!

Rock & Shop Market!

This is SUCH a cool event for anyone who can attend! Check it out... you WON'T be disappointed!

Here's the info from the email newsletter:Mark your calendars for the 7th Rock & Shop Market next Saturday June 28th from 1-5pm at the Tir Na Nog in Downtown Raleigh, featuring over 30 emerging designers selling their wares and live performances by Red Collar & The Secret Theatre. In addition, there will be a silent auction at the event with proceeds benefiting Nest, an organization providing micro-loans to women entrepreneurs in third-world countries.

To preview the bands, designers and silent auction items visit www.rockandshopmarket.com.

See you next Saturday!
Michelle

PS - I'm still looking for volunteers, if you or someone you know is interested in helping out, please email me. Thanks!

By the way, what can you get there? Just take a look at these samples from the email as well:

PS - Volunteer to give Michelle a hand if you have time!

Tucker Blair - Classically Casual

Taylor Llewellyn sent me a nice little email about the new line, Tucker Blair, and mentioned that the preppy products are similar to my blogging interests... spot-on!

Check out the new line and the blog when you have some time.

Don't let the $100+ price point scare you off... these handcrafted belts are, as noted on the website:

"All of our finished belts are designed in the United States and 100 % handcrafted by our group of needle workers. Our designers and needle crafters work closely together to ensure detail and design accuracy in every belt. Each belt is 1.25” wide, with 100% wool stitching, and backed on dark brown full grain leather. Our classically casual belts can be dressed up for a cocktail party or dressed down for a round of golf, whichever your preference. And remember. This isn’t your father’s belt, and it probably won’t be your son’s. It’s yours."It's hard to pick favorites, but I'm partial to:

I expect to see these on boats and at tailgates very soon...