Friday, May 20, 2011

Lady Laura


I am OH SO pleased to introduce the newest member of the I Heart team. Please, put your hands together for Miss. Laura, who has taken the role of our part-time assistant. 


Passionate about jewellery and accessories, this young lady is a student at OCAD University studying Material Arts and Design, and specializing in jewellery design and metalsmithing. She hopes that upon graduation from school she can start her own jewellery line and business, and I am quite pleased to show her the ropes. Stop in and say hi next time you're in the hood...but be nice, she's new around here ;)

XOXO
With Heart, 
Natalie

Friday, May 13, 2011

Lazy Updates


Shame on me for being the laziest blogger ever to blog. I do apologize for not giving you any updates on my petite boutique and all it's greatness in the last little while.

Here are some updates:

In Toronto, it rained all of April. This, you know. But did you know that we carry Fulton Umbrellas, and they are the coolest? They have definitely been a favourite at the shop as of late.

Look how much these people like theirs!



And why wouldn't they be ecstatic? Fulton Umbrellas are from the UK, where it rains the most ever. So you KNOW they're fab. They are built with wind resistant frames...so there aint no flyin' up and out with these babies. The best part? They hold a Royal Warrant, to Her Majesty The Queen, and previously to Her Majesty The Queen Mother. This is serious business.

Speaking of The Queen, her darling grandson was married this past month! If you acquaint yourself with such folk who attended/hosted High Tea, you may have adorned your pretty head with one of these beauties...




...and If you haven't already worn one, now you have an excuse to do so at your next shindig. If princess Beatrice can do it, you can too.


Another main event this past week was a day dedicated to the strongest people on the planet, Mothers. Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the ladies who have given life to another. You are all incredible...and if you received some accessories from us, know that they were wrapped in our gift bags with love.

So have we been busy? Yes, we have been. Between Spring Fever, Mom Love and a new hire (yes, a NEW HIRE! - Her name's Laura, you'll meet her soon), it's been a jam-packed few weeks. Stay tuned for fab new arrivals in the next couple of weeks. Keep it real.

XOXO
With heart,
Natalie

Friday, April 8, 2011

Accessories CAN Save The World!

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that some days end on a high note, and you feel generally amazing about life...and then some days are the opposite...and all you want, is a bowl of ice cream and some mindless, reality television. Yes, life gets challenging...but when I complain about my VERY fortunate life, I can't help but feel ridiculous, considering the situations that so many others are facing in the world.  I get impatient when my elevator stops 10 times on the way down to the parking garage, yet thousands of people in Japan had their whole lives washed away in an instant.  

As a business owner, I hold a responsibility to give back to the world that has given me so much. No one has placed that on me, I just feel it.  And what immense joy there is in meeting others who feel the same way, and who take it many steps further to organize events, and bring people together who feel the need to contribute.

I have recently been given the opportunity to give back through some great initiatives that are worth mentioning.  Although no one really NEEDS accessories, our accessories have been able to help those IN need. 

Shop for the Cause 


Nathalie-Roze Fischer, owner of amazing shop Nathalie-Roze & Co. is a superstar.  Shop for the Cause: A Pop Up Sale for Japan, is the third Pop Up Nathalie-Roze has organized, in an effort to send relief to those who have been affected by Tsunami. Her ability to gather communities and shed light on an issue never goes unnoticed. This is the second time we were able to donate some of our goods, to be sold and have profits given to The Canadian Red Cross.



The mission of this amazing charity, is to provide formal gowns and accessories, free of charge, to Toronto area high school girls who are unable to purchase their own prom attire.  Every year, we focus on selling prom attire, but why not focus on giving it? This is the first year we participated in The Corsage Project, and are happy to continue this trend.



Tamika Auwai of Shop Socials, is an Event Planning Guru, and her next big thing is Hot for Hope, an evening of SPA-ing and SHOP-ing in uptown Toronto. Proceeds from the event are being donated to The Canadian Red Cross in support of Japan.  I Heart Accessories is of course, taking part in the shop crawl fun.  Click here for more info! 

If you know of a charity, or initiative that you think we should also know about. Send us an email! My heart goes out to those in need, and our accessories go out in support of them.

xoxo
With Heart,
Natalie

Monday, March 21, 2011

How do you like your Fedora?

Our most popular hat in 2010 was without a doubt, the straw fedora. Something about the combination of sun hat and style was pleasing to all. Finally, we can protect our heads without looking like we are trying to protect our heads.

This spring...the fedora is back in full swing.  We're seeing both the classic fedora in different colours, and a wider brimmed fedora with a slight cowgirl feel.  With so many ways to wear this stylish topper, you really can't go wrong by picking one up at I Heart Accessories for just $24.




Here are some of our favourite looks a la fedora this season...





Truth be told, the fedora is versatile enough to be paired with almost anything in your closet. The must-have accessory this season.

xoxo
With Heart,
Natalie

Monday, February 21, 2011

Art Is Where The Heart Is

I consider myself an artist. Not in the typical way you would envision an artist - i.e. a painter with her palette... But I do consider what I do to be art. I create, I love what I create, and put that creation out into the world so others can love it too.

I recently read the book Linchpin by Seth Godin, which was gracefully gifted to me by my good friend, Sally - an artist in every sense of the word.  The book describes a way of life/work that encourages you to be the best you can be at whatever it is that you're doing, and to do so by making that work art, and showing the world how well you do your art. I'm not trying to sell you on this book, but it is worth a read if you're stuck between doing what you love, and doing what you feel you have to do in life.



That being said...one of the things I love about my business (and I've written about this before), is being able to help other artists, get their art out into the world. Although I Heart Accessories is still a tiny little baby girl, she's still very much in love with those who create, and does her best to promote those creations. We have loved selling local work, of all different types and styles, and want to do so even more as we grow. It helps those who create, and brings fresh new vibes to our shop each time a new piece is dropped off.  Here are some of the pieces that been created by some of our favourite artists, and give our shop that extra unique feel.


Headmistress

Quoise Jewellery


Sidelines Jewellery
All local, all beautiful. 

Here's where I'm going with this. If you're an artist, and you've recently decided to put your art into practice, and that practice has anything to do with adorning accessories, you should let us know. Granted, a fit between your work and our shop is necessary, but we'de love to hear from you. Along with a few other steps forward for I Heart Accessories this year, generating greater relationships with artists is primo on the list.


xoxo
With Heart,
Natalie

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Your Piece

I can't believe January has (thank the universe) slipped by so quickly and left me with only 1 written blog post.  For those of you who follow and read...my mushy brain apologizes.  I have felt like a crusty bear in hibernation for the last 30 days...and who can blame me with the painful weather that has been bestowed upon us?   I digress. I'm here, I'm alive, and the worst is behind us. Who's ready for Spring-a-ling-a-ling?


I have been inspired by a dear friend to write this post. Natalie (we are same-namers) came in a few days ago with her pal Jen, and perused all of our new lovelies. She picked up a bracelet that I absolutely knew was her style. A beaded wrap bracelet in espresso, that she could effortlessly pull off as a daily piece.


When she picked it up...I instantly said "That's so you!".  I should point out that although my job is to sell the items in my shop, I never do it with lines like "That's so you", or any other line for that matter...I'm less of a line girl and much more of a "if you're feelin' it, you should totally get it and make yourself happy" kinda girl.  When she decided to make that baby hers, I mentioned a new book, which absolutely absorbed me on my last visit to Indigo. As one of two comfy chairs and myself became one, I licked my lips with each new page of "You Know You Want it: Style-Inspiration-Confidence" by Eric Daman.


Daman is the costume stylist for the television show Gossip Girl, and although the show's premise is less than interesting to me, the outfits keep me watching when I "accidentally" stumble upon it.


 In the book, Daman discusses the idea of having "your piece". One of his simple fashion rules is that every girl (and guy, for that matter) needs a piece to call their own. A Carrie necklace, Audrey pearls or a Natalie wrap bracelet. Your piece is your piece...and although it won't define who you are, something unique may symbolize your personality...and I adore the idea. Daman's piece? Meaningful charms that hang on gold and silver chains around his neck. My piece? I seem to wear this little gal quite often...

  A piece created and customized by my good friend Dawn from iWEAR.





What's your piece?


xoxo
With Heart,
Natalie

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Looking Forward

As I enjoyed a couple of days off from the shop while ringing in 2011, the business brain in me couldn't help but think about what this new year will bring to I Heart Accessories. 2010 was good to us...and since things can only get better, better than good is undoubtedly in the forecast.

With a new season just around the corner, we've already got our eyes and hearts set on some brilliant new pieces, thus, I thought I would post about things to look forward to in the next few months at the shop, and get you just as excited as I am.  With a dash of I Heart flare, this season's trends are looking pretty fabuloso if I do say so myself. 

Bridal

This year, we are putting a little more focus on brides and providing some trendy, inexpensive options for accessorizing both the belle of the ball, and her lovely ladies.  The 2011 bride is all about feathers, flowers and crystal...three things we all adore.

Coming soon (among many), The Gardenia Fascinator by Headmistress, $75

Colour

This is one thing I personally look forward to every Spring! We didn't hesitate to paint our shelves with deep colours for Fall/Winter, and this season, we'll do the same with spring hues. Although things will be brightening up, trends are leaning towards paler shades of orange, hunter greens and grayish blues.

 Cuff, $24

 Necklace & Earrings, $29

Glass stoned cuff, $29
Key Pieces

With clothing moving towards very flowy, longer pieces, i.e. the maxi dress shown below...accessories are definitely the ones that are taking shape this season. 


Bags are looking more structured in 2011 along with my fave trend for spring, the belt purse. 
Tassels are huge for spring, on clothing and with jewelry, in fabric and metal.

The turban is taking center stage this spring.  Shown above, one from the new Headmistress 2011 Spring Collection. 
 Lastly, our 4th season carrying Lindsay Phillips will start with this new cutie-patutie! Lot's more colours and styles to come along with it.

Of course, the shop will also be bursting with new hats, shades, and jewels...but I couldn't help but share the joy with some pieces that will be totally new for us this Spring. I Can't wait for new arrivals! Seriously. I'm shakin' in my boots!
To stay updated on what comes in, and when, join us on facebook! We can't wait to accessorize you this Spring!

xoxo
With Heart, 
Natalie