Bang for your Buck!

So. During my regular peeking about etsy, I came across this vintage seller, Reruns, who has incredibly reasonable prices on some great pieces(I posted a dress of her's in the last post.) Now mind you some are a tad bland, some are cute/basic and some are just waiting to be altered into something awe-mazing. I loved this gathered bust dress from Balenciaga's S2009 collection, a piece contructed so differently and yet can be so wearable. This is what makes me dream in fashion. Now Reruns has a dress that has a tinge of similarity at a minute fraction of the cost, 10 bucks to be exact. Yes, it's actually a black dress and not a typical spring pastel/bright. But on a night out you can never go wrong with a LilBD. So stop your tsk-ing and take a look-see. First crop it into a mini, if needed slim out the back and tighten the neckline. For $10 what have you got to lose?



















Ultimately the dress is not supposed to look exactly or even close to the Balenciaga one, otherwise they wouldn't be special on their own terms.

Some other note worthy pieces from Reruns' selections, the Suede Lace Ups, Hot Leather Skirt, '50s/'60s Gorgeous Dress, '80s sequin Dress, and the Black Pant Jumper which would be slick cut into shorts.

xo
mike.

UpsideDive's 5 Hot Topics!

The buzz word is that things are warming up to spring and we can't get these 5 things shake outta our heads.

1) Sewing Classes.

That's right kids, if this is a year to learn a skill it's sewing machine 101. Think of all the things you could do if you only knew how to sew! Alterations, upholstery, birthday gifts! Making your own clothes, that fit you to a T. Art projects, accessories, mending! Honestly my mind goes wild! The workroom run the lovely Karyn, is a great lil' sewing shop here in Toronto. Both Ang and I have taken a one day course and we're both pretty hooked. The great thing is that Karyn offers a wide variety of classes, check the schedule often because they do switch up. 

I also recently picked up an amazing book from 1972 called "Designing in Stitching and Applique" by Nancy Belfer.

Quite amazing the work her and her contemporaries produced and in many forms. Wall hangings, textiles, and conceptual pieces all with a mid century abstract art theme but in very organic '70s materials and colour choices.

So in looking around I few found some artists/designers/crafters where sewing is an integral part to their work.  APPLIQUE designed by jane makes these awesome brooches in floral and starburst patterns. I came across this one armchair on Fiber Art Furniture and thought it mimicked a lot of the new colours in interiors today. I think i've posted about Snaggs before, but her love for '60s-'70s pop culture, especially Peter Max illustrations keeps me coming back. Also just a quick mention of the awesome Mr. Grant Heaps who makes amazing works comprised of quilting, who this last month was a part of the Radiant Dark show at Made. Not a quilt, but just as time-consuming, his piece can be seen here and here. Quite a magnificent piece, that nods to traditional style craft, pushing it into a modern market.

2) Spring frocks.

Form fitting, architectual and in bold, bright colours. And I know, I know it's hard, but can we forget being too body concious and just have a lil' fun.

Red Wiggle Dress - Erstwhilestyle, Grey Business Suit Dress - adVintagous

, Blue Sexy Sweater Dress - Reruns , Coral Suede Dress - NodtoModvintage , Red Collared Dress - NinthAvenueVintage

Next week UpsideDive has a tonne of new spring frocks going up daily be sure to check back then.

3) Mixed Material Furniture.

This piece on Lushpad says it all. Wood & metal & lux finishes. Now mind you not for every piece of furniture, and not the central focus, but definitely one quiet piece off to the right of the room that catches your eye and smoothes things out quite nicely.

4) Independent Media.

What better a time to read our independent media outlets. Leave Vogue and Esquire to the doctor's office. Zines, blogs, small press mags need all the support they can get. Otherwise if you blink you might miss' em. Worn Fashion Journal and N.E.E.T Magazine are two top picks for those into smashin' fashion. And of course Broken Pencil is a great source for independent press.

5) Vegan French Toast.

Pulp Kitchen makes this to-die-for almond paste french toast, and once again I can't stop thinking about it. Currently I'm searching for a similar recipe, do you happen to have any?

xomike.

A View from the Showroom...February

 

we've changed up the showroom once again. if you haven't been by lately, we're rocking a scandanavian winter wonderland vibe. not just kitsch, check out some of our lovely contemprorary pieces for a modern world.

-walnut dining suite, with highback laddered chairs/tangerine tweed seating $550

-assorted pyrex mixing bowls, metal enamel bowls/fondue pots/canister sets, Iittala-style glassware and candle holders

-aubrey beardsley print $100

-regency teak and brass credenza $225

-assorted metal letters $20 ea.

-oak and chrome office cabinets (stacklable) $250 ea.

-space heaters, orange or beige $30 ea.

-khaki vinyl occasioanl chairs $125 ea.

green sofa daybed $375

-bamboo-shaped chromes side tables $150 ea.

-jute swag lighting $125

-assorted rugs for sale

-new boots and shoes to the boudoir... dress up anyone

and of course, a large selection of other goods whether for your living spaces or your closet,  are available. stop by, have some coffee or tea, and peruse. 

Coming Soon! Look what's NEW

attire is back with a vengeance! we've been taking shots left, right, and center to get some of the fabulous stocked clothing, boots, and shoes online for the weekend. you'll see the lovely Dinah Mannekin sporting our newest habiliments.




for those who seek decor and furniture galore, we'll be bringing in fresh items from storage next Monday as we're giving the showroom a little makeover boost. just a smidge o' nip and tuck here and there. on route will be a retro sofa daybed, bamboo-chrome and glass side tables, mid-century occasional chairs, and many other pretty things. some new pieces available for the weekend include the satin walnut dining table with 6 laddered chairs and hotel lobby credenza below, as well as various decor and houseware items. so keep those eyes on the prize...

The Upside of Community!

We are always amazed at the genuine connections we make through our shop, it makes it seem a lot more than just work. This is what we've been searching for, i think, a job that we can truly be proud of, and not just 'cause it's going well, but mostly that we've made that deeper connection with our customers. Customers we like to call friends.

So I'd like to shift attention to John & Juli who've recently started a new blog, that is pretty darn amazing, Kitka Design Toronto. J&J live in a very stylish home that they've crafted together, which this week Eye Weekly has featured. I truly think these kids are heading somehwere, their determination to provide a creative connection for design hounds of all kinds is heartfelt. They've made a step, so you should too. Send them photos of your home, ideas for DIY projects, links to good design, your favourite vintage find, or post a comment and start some discussion.
This feels like a year of great change.

January Winter Blues Sale!

UpsideDive is having a week long sale extravaganza! Savings of 15%-50% off regular priced items in all categories on-line and in store! The sale starts today Monday, Jan. 5 and runs until Sunday, Jan. 11, with more items in store on sale, that are not featured online. The week finishes off with $10 bag clothing sale in store on both Friday, Jan.9(12-7pm) and Saturday, Jan. 10(10-5pm). Cash only for in store purchases and bag sale. No holds and no coupons/extra discounts on sale items. Email us at upsidedive@gmail.com with questions/inquiries.

UpsideDive Winter Newsletter!

Why hello!
The gang @ UpsideDive would like to send out a big thanks for your support over this past year and wishes you the happiest of holidays and a wonderful New Year. We will be closed for the holidays from Dec.25-29, but open December 30-31. Closed again on New Years day, and back to regular hours on the January 2. Our winter hours are:
Tues-Friday 12-6pm, Saturdays 10-5pm. Don't be a stranger, stop by for a warm drink and some cookies. Just a quick note to let you know that we will be having a January Winter Blues Sale in store and online, January 5-10, with lots of amazing savings. Keep checking the site/blog for more details!

Cheers!

UpsideDive@gmail.com
416-546-3037