Souvenir Handmade

One of the best things about having a store is being able to choose who you do business with. There’s no nicer and talented girl around than Rikki McDougall,founder and creator of Souvenier. A jewelry line that features,a mix of vintage spoons ,organic material and Rikki’s own nature based illustrations.

What made you start your own business? How did you get started? 

It wasn't ever something I consciously set out to do, it's just something that happened organically. I started making my spoon pendant necklaces for family and friends as gifts. Through word of mouth I started to make sales and it just grew and grew. The next thing I knew I was expanding my line, taking part in local craft sales and soon after that selling in local Winnipeg stores and a few stores in Vancouver as well. 

What’s your favorite piece that you’ve designed?

I love my wheat spoon necklace. Wheat stalks are such a prairie icon, and the necklace goes with pretty much everything!

 

Where does your inspiration come from? 

My girlfriends mostly. I try and design things that I imagine they would want to wear.I also get really inspired by flea markets or antique stores. It's where I head to if I'm ever feeling stuck for ideas. I love being in amongst piles of forgotten objects- things with a history.I feel really connected to items of the past and enjoy thinking of ways to make them relevant today.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

I have two jewelry designers I love. I am a fan of Erica Weiner. She uses a lot of antique trinkets like old love tokens, and tiny pocket knives. Her jewelry has a sense of humour but still remains cool which I really admire. I also like the dark occult vibe of Pamela Love's jewelry. I would love to own one of her crow skull pendants! 

Whats next for you? 

I have been toying with the idea of taking a silversmithing class. I would love to learn another aspect of jewelry making...I think it could only help take my line further and add a whole other layer to my designs.

 

What advice would you give to aspiring designers?

My advice would be to create what you really love, and be true to what comes natural to you, while maintaining an openess to new ideas.Listen to what people are asking for...there might be some good ideas in there! Think about how you can put your twist on the trends and make it your own, or better yet-start your own trends.

3 things on your wish list for the holidays are...

For the holidays, I'm asking santa for a great new pair of vintage brown tall boots, an awesome tweed long blazer like the one I saw in Out of the Blue, and....maybe a new muffler for my car! Its starting to sound pretty loud these days! Haha 

Thanks Rikki,hope santa is good to you!

Blue Jean Baby

There is something about spring that makes you want to brush off your favourite denim, isn't there?

Maybe it's the nice contrast of blue jeans against green grass.

Warm sunshine is certainly a reason to dig up those jean shorts - or invest in some new ones!

[Side note: shorts are available on our website, www.outoftheblue.ca]

Currently we are loving these high-waisted dark-wash beauties. 

They are waayy comfy, and they stretch with you as you move, but they don't bag out or lose shape!

Paired with another spring staple...

Chambray!

We love the floral print on this chambray button-down!

Chambray + denim = crisp & lovely.

Ah yes, this is an outfit that will pair perfectly with all the greenery this spring/summer.

Feeling that freshly cut grass under your toes yet?

If you're not one for the tucked-in look, try wearing the blouse open over a white tank or tee!

Of course, us prairie folks are still enduring some cooler, rainy days...

No worries, though. We've got long denim for you, too!


 
Yep, these babies are our go-to blue jeans.

They are SO comfy and go with just about anything.

Many a staffer at Out of the Blue swears by this denim, and many a customer, too!

Perfect pairing for our favourite blue jeans?  This loose, pleated top & slouchy blazer!

Another colour that looks great with green grass :)

 

When you've got a skinny jean, it can be nice to do a loose shape on top for balance.

And a bright, cheerful print helps break up all the blue!

Flowers for spring, naturally!

Slouchy blazer + loose printed top + skinny blue jeans = boho, sophisticated, & fun!

So there you have it! Our most jeanius ideas on doing denim this spring.

So break out those blue jeans, baby ;) 

 

xoxo

The Out of the Blue gals.

Blog post by Jessica C

Spring Layers

What do you do when you are all set for spring but the weather apparently is not?

This layered look features our lace crewneck sweater (now on sale!), bamboo tights, and more

You layer up!

We've put together some key pieces to accommodate Winnipeg's transitional weather, starting with our crewneck lace sweater.

This sweater is now a sweet sale item! 

Was $59.99

Now $44.99 !!

Below we paired it with a lace bralette...

Buy this sweater on our website here

But if you're extra chilly, layer it with a longsleeve!

Pretty crochet!

Paired with these super-comfy denim shorts:

 

Loving the denim-and-cream-crochet combo!

 

Since it's still chilly out there, we suggest layering your shorts over our bamboo tights!

For sale on our website

We added some colour with a floral scarf and embraced our bohemian side with a tooled leather belt & vegan leather satchel!

 

So there you have it!  Great long-sleeve pieces like our crochet sweater (for sale on our website) and some spring layering will keep you cozy while still looking cool and fresh!

Take care & stay warm!

xoxo

the Out of the Blue gals.

Blog post by Jessica C

Celebrating Moms Everywhere!

Aren't Moms swell  :)   We sure think so!

Love your dress, mom! 

In the spirit of celebrating Moms everywhere, we are bringing back our Mother's Day contest from last year!

Mother's Day is May 11th, and we are giving you a  chance to win a $100 prize package for your fabulous Mom!

The contest is easy as pie & will occur via Facebook & Instagram:

Enter on Facebook:
 Visit us at Out Of The Blue (Frockstar) Clothing and send us a message with a picture of you & your lovely Mom, and, if you desire, share a story or memory or just a reason why your Mom is great!  You can also upload your photo right to Facebook and tag us as "Ootb Frockstar".

Enter on Instagram:
Upload your photo with the hashtag #ootbmom . That's all there is to it!

Submissions are due by May 8th!

We will share your submissions in a photo album devoted to your amazing moms.

We will only choose one winner - though we do think all the Moms out there deserve a super-special Mother's Day!

xoxo

The Out Of The Blue gals.

Blog post by Jessica C

Pop Nuit 2014

We are so excited to be one of the sponsors for Pop Nuit, Winnipeg's alterna-pop music festival!

Part of the New Music Festival, Pop Nuit celebrates Canadian pop musicians who continue to break boundaries & create new, exciting sounds. 

Plus, there are some great local acts appearing again this year!

Clockwise from top left: Colin Stetson, Venetian Snares, Hannah Epperson, Mahogany Frog.

Four performers, two events:

Pop Nuit 1 - both local acts!

Saturday, January 25th (tomorrow!)

11pm

Union Sound Hall

Venetian Snares

with 

Mahogany Frog

Pop Nuit 2

Friday, January 31st

10pm

Millenium Centre

Colin Stetson 

with

Hannah Epperson

Read more about these great Canadian pop performers here.

These will be shows you won't want to miss.  Hope to see you there!

Blog post by Jessica C

Romeo + Juliet - Win a Pair of Tickets!

We here at Out of the Blue are excited to announce a special (and local!) contest in partnership with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Amanda Green and Liang Xing in Romeo + Juliet
Photo: Rejean Brandt

We are teaming up with the RWB to award you with a pair of tickets to see Romeo & Juliet!!

Out of the Blue on Facebook

If you've visited us or browsed the Village this past week, you may have noticed beautiful ballet costumes in our windows!  We're so thrilled to have these amazing pieces on display.

Amanda Green and Liang Xing in Romeo + Juliet
Photo: Rejean Brandt

The contest is simple: swing by the store, fill out a ballot and you could win 2 tickets to see R + J !

Check out the dancers' dazzling costumes:

Photo by Bruce Monk

Talk about  (really)vintage-inspired garments! This ballet's style is right up our alley.

Praise for R + J:

"Romeo and Juliet leaves you longing for a few more pages of music and another lovers' pas de deux."

-The Winnipeg Sun

This ballet adaptation of the timeless tale first premiered on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet stage on September 30th, 1981 (RWB's blog will tell you all about it).  23 years later, R + J are back! 

Note: the pink dress on the far left is not a ballet costume; it's one of our dresses!  It is definitely ballerina-inspired, and would be a sweet outfit to wear to R + J or on your Valentine's Day date!

Romeo + Juliet plays at the Centennial Concert Hall February 12-16. 

Amanda Green and Liang Xing in Romeo + Juliet
Photo: Rejean Brandt

How great is it that we live in a city where we can see a classic Shakespearean tragic love story set to music and transformed by a professional ballet company? 

Being a Winnipegger can be pretty great.

Come on down and see us to win your free tickets to R + J!

On the Fifth Day of Christmas...

Out of the Blue gave to you... 

(sung) Fiiiiiiiiive sterling riiiiiiings!!

Okay, I know in the song it's "five golden rings," but we had to put our own little twist on it.  Plus, we just got three new lovely sterling rings in yesterday!

(from left to right, top to bottom) 

1.  Laurier Leaf Ring - these delicate silver leaves will be the perfect addition to your holiday manicure. Simple & delicate - and a great accessory to a formal outfit! $29.99

2. Green Semiprecious Stone Sterling Ring - We love how this bold pop of green stands out in an outfit (plus, it's festive!).  $39.99

3. Triple Sterling Ring Set.  Whether you wear them together or split 'em up, we think you'll love these simple-yet-pretty pieces. $49.99 for the set of three

Annnd, since the last three rings pictured above are sold as a set, we've got two more for you: 

(from top to bottom)

4.  Snake ring:  this little guy is so detailed, he's even got etched-silver scales! Coil it up on your finger for an edgy look.  $29.99.

5. Roman Numeral Ring: I love how the numerals stand out against this ring's pewter-coloured background.  Plus, sometimes it's nice to switch up your dainty jewelry for something chunkier! It would also make a great gift for the Roman-history-buff on your list.  $29.99 

That's it, folks!  Stay tuned as the countdown continues!! 

Keep merry, and keep on decking those halls,

xo

Blog post by Jessica C

On the Seventh Day of Christmas...

Out of the Blue gave to you... 

Seven sweet little animals to delight you! 

I know, I know.  A WEEK left til Christmas?? Already?!?! Where does the time go? I hope you guys are more prepared than I am.  I personally still have quite a bit of baking / wrapping / shopping (eek!) still to do.

Well, here at Out of the Blue, we're visiting the animal kingdom to bring you some gift-giving inspiration.

(from left to right, top to bottom)

1. Ohh, the Gurgle Pot!  These fishes are so much fun.  Sure to delight at your next dinner party when you're refilling water glasses and your handy fish jug glug-glugs like a real-life guppy. Small gurgles are $19.99, large gurgles are $39.99; they also come in a variety of colours.

2. See/ Hear/ Speak No Evil Owls.  These darling little figurines will make you smile and remind you to be "nice" this holiday season :) $9.99 each

3.Gleeful Peacock bird necklace.  This unique hand-painted piece hangs on a long antique-gold chain and works with any neckline.  It is $39.99 and comes in mint (pictured above), red, and mustard. 

4.  Alligator sponge holder.  Don't worry, we've trained him not to chomp on your fingers when you reach for the sponge. $8.99

5. Leather elephant bank. The elephant is actually a feng shui symbol to bring good fortune.  It's supposed to work best when the elephant is placed high up on a mantel or shelf so it's easily seen.  Bring this lovely coin bank home and (we hope!) your fortune will grow!

6. Bird measuring cup set. Adorable, right?  Next time you're baking cookies, you can use your bird cups and pretend you've got little animal helpers, like you're in a Disney movie (....or is this just something I would do?)  $24.99 for the set.

7.  Horse pens!

photo courtesy of Google

Reign in a couple of these for the horse-lovers on your list who need some new writing tools.  $6.99 each!

Hope these fun (and furry) friends will help you find that special something for the animal-lover(s) on your gift-giving list. 

Peace! 

xo 

Blog post by Jessica C

10 Days, 10 Gifts, 10 Bucks or Less

Ten days and counting!!  Have you stocked up on stocking stuffers yet?  In case you haven't, we've got 10 great little gifts to choose from, and each one is 10 dollars or less!

(from left to right, top to bottom)

1. These colourful fabric headbands are stretchy, comfy, and $9.99 apiece!  They're just the thing to add some pizzazz to your hairdo.

2. "I'm Saving Up for a New Pair of Jeans" coin bank. Save your dough the funky, retro way. $8.99

3. Ah! These Cursed Cookie Cutters make edible voodoo dolls.. spooky and fun for $9.99.

4. Dog Salt & Pepper Shakers. These pups are $9.99 and look adorable on your table.

5. Little gum packs with sassy sayings on the box will bring a smile and freshen your breath for $1.99 each!

6. These lovely Marrakesh mugs come in yellow, red, green, and blue (on the inside of the mug) and are only $7.00 each, so you can sip in style.

7. Rosebud lip salve.  The lip balm that is uber moisturizing and lasts forever (more or less).  A can't-go-wrong-gift at $7.99.

8. From Village Artisan, this fair trade journal features a hand-carved wooden cover and an antique leather spine!  Plus, it's on sale for $7.99.

9. Darling animal ornaments that will look dazzling on your tree.  Glitter owl: $6.99,  Bluebird: $7.99,  Blue Fawn: $9.99.

10. Handlebar mustache corkscrew.  So you can pour yourself a glass while you reminisce on all the good times you had in Movember.  $7.99

So, there you have it!  10 gifts for $10 or less that will be fun to add to your loved ones' stockings. 

Stay merry, everyone!

xo

Blog post by Jessica C

11 Days 'Til Christmas

Only 11 days til Christmas!  Are you folks excited?  We sure are.  Out of all the fun gift ideas in-store right now, we narrowed it down to 11 items that we know will shine under your tree!

(from left to right, top to bottom)

1.  Scratch map!  For the jet-setter in your life, this map lets you scratch off the places you've visited! $34.99

2.  "Let Peace Take Flight" tee from Love Nail Tree, the graphic tee crafters who are passionate about inspiring change.  For this tee, Love Nail Tree is collaborating with Discover the Journey, and a portion of every tee sold will go towards improving the lives of children in conflict. This gift looks good and does good for $49.99.

3.  Matt & Nat Vintage Marlon purse. Montreal-based Matt & Nat uses 100% vegan materials, and the linings of their bags are made from recycled plastic bottles.  Plus, they're adorable!  This geometrical plum-coloured bag is $139.99.

4. Blanket scarf!  If you've tried a blanket scarf, you know how ahhhh-mazingly cozy they are. Bundle up in this one for $25.00.

5.  Hugging elephant salt & pepper shakers.  Probably the most adorable way ever to season your dinner.  Just $9.99!

6. Sketch & Scribble Set, $14.99. Two-in-one notebooks, one lined, one unlined, so your loved ones can jot down their ideas and draw them, too.

7.  This nifty knit tube scarf can be worn snugly around your neck or as a hood!  $29.00

8. Keepsake box.  Perfect size for hairpins, jewelry, or whatever your heart desires.  Cute & practical at $8.99.

9.  Tooled faux-leather iPad case. Comes with the option of a wristlet or cross-body strap! It's tablet-storage and a chic evening clutch all in one, and on sale at $52.99!

10.  Wool beret from Canadian company Parkhurst.  For only $19.99, these chapeaus keep your noggin cozy, covered, and lookin' mighty fine!

11.  Last but not least, this charming locket from Pika & Bear!  It's a statement piece that lets the wearer keep a special note or picture inside. $24.99.

With 11 days to go, we've got plenty more great gift ideas in store, so stay tuned!

Happy holidays & take care.

xo

Blog post by Jessica C

12 Days of Christmas

There are only 12 days till christmas and Out of the Blue is full of so many great gift ideas; one for each day, to be precise!
(from left to right, top to bottom)

1) J.B.G wallets in brown, green and black.  They are 100% genuine leather and $49.99.

2) Picabo leather mittens with Thinsulate glove lining. To keep each one of your loved ones' fingers cozy this winter, these lovely guys are only $19.99!

3) This cozy winter sweater comes in red and navy, and for this weekend it is 30% off from its original price of $69.99.

4) For the seamstress in your life, this quirky corkscrew in the shape of a dress mannequin is only $16.99!

5) With temperatures dropping below -30C, this fashionable colour block toque is the perfect gift this holiday season at $19.99!

6) Stay warm with these heart warming tea defusers in the shape of robots, monkeys and owls for $9.99.

7) Help decorate your loved ones tree with these sparkly little owl ornaments for $6.99.

8) Our fleece lined leggings come in red, navy and black, they are 1 size fits all and make the perfect gift at $24.99

9) The cute satchel in camel coloured vegan leather pictured above also comes in black and is a great choice for anyone on your christmas list! $34.99.

10) On top of #9 is a stunning and practical pocket watch necklace from Spare Parts for only $29.99.

11) An extra cozy cable knit neck warmer from Vero Moda is also only $29.99...

12) And for those hot cocoa lovers out there this handsome mug is the perfect size to warm hands and hearts this winter! Only $7.99!

Post written by Hailey G

E is for Empire!

And no, we don't mean in a "Strikes Back" kind of way.
We mean...

em·pire waist  \ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r\  \ˈwāst\     a style in women's clothing in which the dress has a fitted bodice ending just below the bust, giving a high-waisted appearance, and a gathered skirt which is long and loosely fitting but skims the body rather than being supported by voluminous petticoats.

[definition from wikipedia]

Okay folks, I am particularly excited about this post, because the empire silhouette has been my favourite style to wear for as long as I can remember, starting way back when I was a wee one.  My first fancy dress I ever wore had an empire waist!  It was white and frilly, and my mum did my hair in a fussy updo (I was six; I whined profusely) to complete the look.  And my grad dress?  Empire waist. It's definitely been my go-to dress shape over the years. 

The empire waist dates way back before I was six, though.  I definitely wasn't born in the 1800s. 

Evening gown, 1811
photo credit: wikipedia

The lady above looks like she's got some pretty cool (if not current) dance moves.

So this dress style does date back in the 1800s, but the term "Empire silhouette" didn't come about til the early 20th century in Britain. The "Empire" in question is the First French Empire.  Napoleon's first Empress-lady-friend, Josephine de Beauharnais, made the Empire silhouette in dresses a raging success.
[source: wikipedia]

Historically speaking, there are countless portraits of elegant women sporting this shape:

Portrait of Félicité-Louise-Julie-Constance de Durfort, Maréchale de Beurnonville (1782-1808) by Merry-Joseph Blondel (1781-1853)
photo credit: Wikipedia

This lady (Felicite-Louise-Julice-Constance de Durfort.. hoo boy! That's a mouthful!) totally knows what I mean about the tedious updo thing, by the way.  I wonder if she had a professional hairstylist, or if she was styled by her mum, too.

There are a million ways to wear an empire waist.  This style of dress is for sure one that stands the test of time. 

Here's what we have in-store right now: 

Photo credit: Hailey G

This little number is pretty funky and definitely a unique twist on the empire waist! It's not all that often that you see an empire waist AND a Peter Pan collar in the same dress, which is what makes this one so special!  As you can see, this dress has its waistline just under the bust, and the skirt skims the body loosely (not to mention it's a great skirt to twirl in!).  

  

Photo credit: My little sister

This is my grad dress, from many years ago (okay, not all that many, but it sure feels like a lot).  Like I said, I'm an ardent supporter of the empire waist!  Always have been, always will be.  The woven detail at the bust was my other favourite aspect of this dress.  Plus it was super on sale (score!). 

So, there you have it!  I hope this post has been entertaining and educational, and I hope there are some fellow empire-waist-lovers like me out there. Either way, I'm gonna keep waving the empire-waist-flag til I can't wave it no more (not literally)!

Stay tuned for our "F" post in our Fashion A to Z's!

xo,

Jessica Cuddy
(Out of the Blue's resident Blogger)

D is for Dart!

dart

noun\ˈdärt\ : a stitched tapering fold in a garment

 

  

     

As you can see in the above photo, darts are used to give three-dimensional shape to a garment, specifically in women's clothing.  Darts allow a garment to mirror the feminine form. 

There are two kinds of darts:

Vertical

• Vertical darts are sewn from the bottom of a blouse to a point generally around the bust-line. These are generally used to pull the garment in towards the wearer's waist.  

Bust 

•   Bust darts are short triangle folds that provide space for breasts such that the fabric fits closely to the wearer. Subtypes of bust darts include:
  • Center
  • Waist
  • French
  • Side seam
  • Armhole
  • Neckline
  • Shoulder
  • T-dart
  • Inverted T-dart

Some of our favourite frocks in-store right now owe their shapeliness to darting!  

This little number from Sugarhill features horizontal bust darts.

The coletterie gives a nice step-by-step tutorial on sewing darts.

There you have it!  The secret behind that pretty party dress that fits you like a glove... a dart or two (or three, or four)! 

Dart diagrams courtesy of Google

Dart info from wikipedia

"Around the world" dress from Sugarhill Boutique, photo here