WARNING: This is going to be a real picture-heavy post!
Today was Small Shop Saturday, which is an event specific to downtown Kelowna and takes place three times a year. All the participating shops had in-store promotions, sales, specials, give-aways, prize draws etc. etc. Of course I had to go! I'm going to let the photos do most of the talking. :D
First stop, Blonde! They threw an 80's party and provided jello shots (tequila or vodka or children's version). They also had a neon nail bar set up for anyone who wanted their nails painted. I had one tequila jello shot; it was so strong but so delicious. I also got a free feather earring!
... and the most awesome broccoli sticker that I have ever laid eyes on!!!
Next stop, Funktional! I like this store; they sell a lot of local art, jewellery and funky decor/collectibles. It's Gazebo Gifts (in Richmond Center) meets Blue Ruby but at much more affordable prices. The following are pieces that stood out to me during today's visit.
Octopus Cuff.
Turquoise Block Ring.
These little moose-heads are so cute. I would love to hang a bunch of them in my bathroom, IF I had my own bathroom and could put holes in the walls.
This pot kind of reminded me of my herb pot ... that is now dead.... completely and utterly DEAD. :(
Silver Buddha!
RMB-coin looking ring.
I like the colour of these flower studs!
Next! Frock Clothing! This is where I consign my clothes! I've been to a handful of consignment stores back home but this is by far the best one I've been to yet! The first time I stepped into the store, I had no idea that the clothes were used. The atmosphere is homey and the ambiance is just so vintage and AWESOME! And because they've always got a candle lit, it smells like dessert in there all the time. Can't complain, really.
Bags & shoes & local art, OH MY!
FREE cake pops! nom nom nom
Clothes & hand made hats galore!
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I wandered around to a few other stores but I didn't take any pictures.
But here's my loot for the day!
I accidentally spilled a bunch of rice (8 months ago) while pulling out the rice bag from the cupboard. Instead of throwing it out I've kept the rice in a container all this time. I guess I could've easily rinsed the rice, cooked it and ate it ...but I didn't. And I guess I could technically still do all those things but I figured I'd dump it in a shallow dish instead to display my loot! MASTERFUL, I know.
Handmade studs.
Handmade clock/charm necklace. I didn't realize until after I went home that the clock does not actually tick. I am thoroughly disappointed by this.
Say hello to Chubs, my new fat cat.
Profile, fat indeed!
Flip her upside down and she's a CUP! I also bought two small bags of tea (all loose leaf were on sale). Cocoa Vanilla Oolong and Ice Wine tea.
I bought her at Chaibaba, which is a local tea shop similar to David's Tea but definitely not as delicious. David's Tea is THE BEST. Why? Because it's from Vancouver, duh.
Just being REALZIES. Not biased.
I was also in American Apparel even though they're not really a "local or small shop". I love American Apparel, but their clothes are so expensive. Nonetheless, I walked in and the first thing I saw was a box labelled "$1". HOLLLLERRRRR! It was filled with nail polish!!! But I noticed that some of the colours in the box were also on a shelf labelled "3 for $18", which is their regular pricing. Curious, I asked the salesperson why the bottles in the box were $1. "Were they expired? Will they erode my nails? Are they deathly? What's happening?!" She said the bottles on sale were imperfect, as in the polish in them had separated. I didn't take a picture of what my bottles looked like before I shook them but separated polish actually looks pretty nasty. But oh wells, it's only normal for polish to separate. It's why all bottles have small metal balls in them for you to shake and help restore the original colour consistency. Anyway! I bought 4 bottles in spring/Easter colours! I shook each bottle for a good 10 seconds and now they look as good as new! If you're wondering, American Apparel nail polish is decent. They're free of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde, all the bad stuff! They're pretty chip resistant too.
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| Colours from left to right: Office, Factory Grey, Mac Arthur Park & Palm Springs |
I shall end this post with words of wisdom: EAT YOUR VEGGIES.
