Monday, March 23, 2015

Hiatus Roundup

I hope to make this roundup a regular series on the blog. Here you'll be able to see what Crooked River Couture has been up to over the past week or month or so on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or even my personal Pinterest or Polyvore pages to see where my fashion head has been!

Since I've been a little absent on the blog for quite some time I'm officially calling it a hiatus. So what have the other facets of CRC had to say over the past several months? Find out below!


1. Small Box Cleveland

Quite possibly the most exciting thing to happen fashion and shopping wise in Cleveland during the last few months is the announcement and opening of the Small Boxes in the Warehouse District! Housed in old shipping containers, these mini shops were perhaps the most unique edition to downtown. Currently two boxes, the Banyan Box (a satellite Banyan Tree location) and the Wardrobe (non-moving location for the Wandering Wardrobe) are located at the corner of West 6th Street & St. Clair Avenue. A new shop will be opening soon called Blue Edge and will replace the Browns team shop that was there last season.

Here's what CRC had to say and post about this awesome new way to bring shopping to downtown:
A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on



Post by Crooked River Couture.

2. Small Business Saturday

Favorite day of the year for any avid local shopper! CRC rocked the west side for #ShopSmall 2014 and documented it all on Instagram:
A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on


A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on
3. The Cleveland Flea

It was just about a year ago when the Flea was just a wee little thing. I remember the first time I read about it and promoted the monthly event as much as I could. I only got to attend one of the summer Fleas in addition to their big November pre-holiday show. But let me tell you, they are just going to get bigger and better!
A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on


Saturday, March 21, 2015

A New Beginning of Sorts

So, okay, it's been almost a year since the ol' blog has been updated. However, if you follow CRC on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, you know that I've still been shining a light on all the fabulous, funky, and fashionable favorites our fair city has to offer. Keeping you updated on new shops, events, cool items, and more! As I do every year I celebrated Small Business Saturday in November and had fun shopping local for the holidays.

And as spring slowly makes its way to Cleveland, I've decided to try some new things to help keep this blog fresh and fun. I'm starting a series of posts spotlighting some of the wonderful things I've purchased at local businesses either recently or over the years. Those of you who are fans of Mindy Kaling may or may not remember her short-lived blog "Things I've Bought That I Love," and in a way, this will be the Cleveland version!

Of course I'll still be keeping you updated with new boutiques, shopping trips, or vendor events. Much of that will likely be happening through social media, whereas other focuses will be published here on the blog.

Crooked River Couture has been around for nearly four years and although there may have been some timeline gaps along the way, I've always believed in the creativity, artistry, and style of this city. Things like the Cleveland Flea, the 5th Street Arcade, and Fashion Week Cleveland prove that this is just as much a part of Cleveland's renaissance.

So if you've been following CRC either in blog form or on social media or are just happening upon this post, I want to hear from you! This project started as a way to promote great local businesses that may not always get the recognition that the restaurants, bars, or other entities get. If there's a new boutique opening up on your block, let me know! If you just bought a rad new Cleveland tee shirt, show it off! Or if you know of a cool event coming up, share the details!

Again, be sure to keep up with Crooked River Couture on all of its social media platforms (which can be found on the right sidebar of the blog) for even more fabulous, funky, fashionable Cleveland love. Thanks so much for reading!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Mother's Day Weekend AND MORE!


Yes, it's been a little while since the CRC has been updated. To be honest it's been a pretty crazy time for me, a lot of transitions plus a trip to the West Coast made it a little tough to keep up with the good ol' blog. But fear not C-Town --- Crooked River Couture is BACK and ready for some local business promotin', event informin', bloggin' fun! I will definitely still be keeping you up with great local shopping and fashion events going on around town and with the weather improving and summer right around the corner you know there will be plenty to tell you about!

On top of that, I really want to go back to the roots of this site by showcasing some of the fabulous, uniquely Cleveland items I've found at local shops, boutiques, or fairs, and a look inside some of those places as well.

To kick it all off, I've got some great happenings going on this weekend in the CLE for you! Check 'em out, hit 'em up and have a fabulous Cleveland weekend!

Amy's Shoes Trunk Shows
Friday May 9, 10am-6pm
Saturday May 10, 10am-6pm
19134 Old Detroit Rd., Rocky River
28601 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere
www.amysshoes.com
The woman that bore you, raised you, and/or molded your life more than any other has only one day a year dedicated to her (other than her birthday...and maybe Christmas) so you best have something lovely to give her on Sunday! Amy's Shoes is a local staple of both the Old River and Eton shopping areas and this weekend only both locations will be featuring local vendors' goods. The Rocky River location will feature local jeweler Kim O'Neill from RockOutJewelry and at Eton, handcrafted soaps and hand dyed silk scarves from local designer Barbara Bloom from Images in Bloom. Hit up your local Amy's Shoes or make a day of it and attend both of these special trunk shows to get your mom something truly unique for Mother's Day!

via Amy's Shoes

Tremont ArtWalk
Friday May 9, 6-10pm
Tremont Neighborhood
www.tremontartwalk.com
In our beloved city known for its bipolar weather days and disappointing sports teams, there is at least one thing we can count on --- the Tremont ArtWalk! On the second Friday of every month over 20 Tremont galleries and businesses come together to showcase art and offer specials and discounts. Whether you're a Tremont lifer or have always wanted to check out the area, it's always a great time. Check out their website for more details on what to do and where to go!

via Tremont ArtWalk


The Cleveland Flea: May Flea
Saturday May 10, 9am-4pm
Sterle's Slovenian Country House
(1401 E. 55th, Cleveland)
www.theclevelandflea.com
Okay so I lied. There are TWO things you can always count on in Cleveland, the second one being the fabulous Cleveland Flea! Every second Saturday of the month, rain or shine, dozens of vendors will be selling their goodies at Sterle's. Get your locally made jewelry, your vintage, photography and food all in one spot! Be sure to check out the DIY workshops being offered throughout the day including terrarium making, perfume blending and found object planter making! (The Flea also does a great job on social media --- be sure to like them on Facebook for more info and updates!)

via The Cleveland Flea


The Hooley on Kamm's Corners
Saturday May 10, 12-8pm
Lorain Ave. West Park, Cleveland
(Between Rocky River Drive and W. 165th St.)
www.kammscorners.com
One of the most historically Irish neighborhoods in Cleveland is West Park. The heart of the WP is Kamm's Corners, a hub of local businesses, restaurants, and of course, Irish pubs and bars. Celebrating its 5th anniversary, The Hooley, Gaelic slang for party, features a day full of fun including two stages of live bands and performances, games, and over 60 booths of food and vendors. Just added to the 2014 Hooley is the Fine Art Alley featuring glass jewelry, beach glass creations, wood prints, abstract oils, and more!

via The Hooley on Kamm's Corners

Friday, April 11, 2014

April showers bring local, handmade flowers

Courtesy: The Cleveland Flea
Seriously you guys, I know I always talk about the weather but it has been SUCH a nice week here in Northeast Ohio! And with the Indians season underway, two major motion pictures filmed here premiering, patio season around the corner, it's a good time to be in the CLE!

In case that's not enough excitement for you, there are some great local events going on this weekend, if shopping local is your thing (which it probably is since you're reading this blog). Check out the details and support your local artists and vendors!

Tremont ArtWalk
Friday April 11, 6-10pm
Tremont Neighborhood
www.tremontartwalk.com
Did you know this monthly event has been around since the early 90s? On the second Friday of every month over 20 Tremont galleries and businesses come together to showcase art and offer specials and discounts. Whether you're a Tremont lifer or have always wanted to check out the area, it's always a great time. Plus, this is the first really nice weather day they've had for the ArtWalk so you know it won't be one to miss! Check out their website for more details on what to do and where to go!

The Cleveland Flea: April Flea
Saturday April 12, 9am-4pm
Sterle's Slovenian Country House
(1401 E. 55th, Cleveland)
www.theclevelandflea.com
The Flea has really become the end-all be-all of Cleveland arts and craft shows. And to call it an arts and crafts show is an understatement! Over 100 vendors will be in attendance, selling just about everything from jewelry to vintage, photography to food. Located in the historic Sterle's Country House, the event basically has it's own campus complete with multiple bars, live music stages, and of course shopping areas! Be sure to check out the workshops being offered throughout the day including terrarium making and all-day open crafting. (The Flea also does a great job on social media --- be sure to like them on Facebook for more info and updates!)

2014 Summit County Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday April 12, 10am-5pm
Sunday April 13, 11am-5pm
St. George's Fellowship Centre
(3204 Ridgewood Rd., Fairlawn)
We love the Avant-Garde shows and are so glad they pop up so often and in so many locations around Northeast Ohio! Get unique gifts for Mom or pick up something to give your Easter brunch host from the nearly 100 artists and crafters who will be there. Also, check out their Facebook page because in the weeks leading up to one of their shows they will post photos and info about their vendors. It's $3 to get in and part of the proceeds to this event will benefit Drink Local. Drink Tap., a local non-profit focusing on bringing safe water to those in need.


Friday, March 21, 2014

Spring Crafting

At 12:57pm yesterday, SPRING arrived in Cleveland, Ohio! Okay, so we still have some snow and 30 degree days in our forecast but good things come to those who wait. We'll just have to make the most of the warm weather once it comes!

To help get you ready for said warm weather (which I promise WILL come!) I have a couple fun events going on around town this weekend where you can pick up some giftables for any upcoming birthdays, weddings, showers, holidays (Mother's Day will be here soon!) Or if you're just looking for something fun and unique for yourself to help get you in a springtime mood.

Third Friday @ 78th Street Studios
Friday, March 21, 5pm-9pm
1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland
I've blogged about a few events in the past that took place at the 78th Street Studios. However this event which happens on the 3rd Friday of every month (thus the name) is one every Clevelander should attend at some time in their life. This month has a slew of must-see art exhibits as well as some cool boutique areas including Earthminded Tote Bags in the Susie Frazier Showroom, Jewelry With a Twist in the Jeffrey DubĂ© Studio and Vintage Clothing in the Senjiva Studio!


2014 West Side Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday, March 22, 10am-5pm
Sunday, March 23, 11am-5pm
Rocky River Memorial Hall
(21016 Hilliard Blvd.)
I believe this is the third Avant-Garde event I've posted about, including the fall show, which I attended and had great success finding early Christmas presents. Make sure you like their Facebook page because in the weeks leading up to one of their shows they will post photos and info about their vendors, including some of the nearly 100 who will be at this show in River. This is one of the best craft/handmade shows I've ever been to and there are so many great vendors who will be there! $3 gets you in the door to browse the almost 100 local handmade vendors! Part of the proceeds to this event will benefit Drink Local. Drink Tap., a local non-profit focusing on bringing safe water to those in need.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Pre-Spring Shopping in River

Do my eyes deceive me? Is that a two digit number that starts with a FIVE on my dashboard thermometer? We've had quite the winter in NEO this year, and although cozying up in your scarves and boots I think I speak on behalf of all Clevelanders when I say that we've just about had it. So bring on the warmer temps! Sunny days! Daylight savings! Spring holidays! I've got a couple fun events going on in the lovely 'burb of Rocky River this weekend that will surely get you in the mood.

All-Irish Boutique
Friday, March 7, 10am-7pm
Saturday, March 8, 10am-5pm
Sunday, March 9, 11am-4pm
Rocky River Memorial Hall
(21016 Hilliard Blvd.)
As a proud West Side Irish Catholic Clevelander, the All-Irish Boutique is always a highlight of my St. Patrick's Day season. (And yes, that is a thing.) This is the 32nd year this event has been going on in Rocky River and it is always the perfect place to get you in the mood for St. Paddy's Day. Vendors will be there offering up their Celtic ware including jewelry, hand knits, and gifts of all sorts, not to mention the authentic Irish soda bread and scones that are to die for! Plus bands and dancers galore!

Lovely Paperie & Gifts Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, March 8, 10am-6pm
19315 Detroit Rd., Rocky River
We always love it when a new small business opens in the CLE, especially when it's an adorable paper and gift shop! Lovely Paperie & Gifts just recently opened in Rocky River, a suburb that has always been populated with great local shops. Lovely has a prime location, right across from Beachcliff Market Square and just a block down from the Old River Shopping area. This special event to celebrate their grand opening will include a "Bubbly Bar," treats from local vendors, raffles throughout the day PLUS 10% all purchases!