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

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.

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 Dubé 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.

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!

Heart Happy in the CLE

You love it if you’re in love and hate it if you’re not. That’s right, Valentine’s Day 2014 is upon us! Whether you need a gift for your honey or just need to do something fun to cheer you up amidst this cray cray Cleveland winter we're having, we've got just what you're looking for. Check out the details on these two ultra-fab events going on this weekend and go get your local on!

Cleveland Bazaar Valentine's
Saturday, Feb. 8, 10am-8pm
Hedge Gallery, 78th Street Studios
1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland
We had a blast at Cleveland Bazaar's West Show in December. The 78th Street Studios were flooded with over 100 local vendors and I got some great Christmas gifts my friends and family loved. This show is a bit more intimate, with a select group of 25 vendors to be in attendance. It will be the perfect spot to find something unique for your significant other, or your lady friends if you happen to be celebrating Galentine's Day. Plus, we hear a few of our favs will be there, including Terra Verde Handmade and Salty Not Sweet!

Supafresh Wedding Event
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2pm-6pm
The Cleveland Flea
1401 E. 55th St., Cleveland
Nothing says, "it's a week before Valentine's Day" quite like a wedding show! The Cleveland Flea has joined forces with Borrow Rentals and With Love & Whimsy to bring you a modern wedding event unlike any other. Whether you're pending nuptials are coming soon or you think some bling is in your future, this event will answer all your questions, especially if you're thinking of going creative on your big day. If you really want to ramp up the fancy, purchase a Cocktail Reception ticket which gets you two signature drinks, plus you get your guy in free!

Vintage shake-up

After a much needed break after holiday craziness, Crooked River Couture is back in action! Hopefully everyone enjoyed our full coverage of Shop Local 2013. All of my Christmas gift recipients LOVED their all-local presents and I loved having a story behind each goodie.

One local purchase that may have been overlooked with all the holiday shopping posts was my new, too-perfect cocktail shaker from Flower Child. I was on a mission to find a legit shaker for Thanksgiving as I decided to make an after-dinner dessert drink that consisted of pumpkin pie vodka and Baileys. (YUMS.) After finding less than impressive cocktail gear at the likes of Ikea and Target, I knew I had seen cool vintage shakers at my favorite Cleveland vintage shop. Little did I know I would find EXACTLY what I needed, and for a great price!

If you've ever been to Flower Child you know the store is packed inch to inch with fabulous vintage finds. After scanning the drinkware shelves for a few minutes I spotted it - the perfect shaker! The kit includes a stainless steel cup paired with a glass pint glass that is adorned with classic cocktail recipes and measurements - quite helpful for the rookie mixologist. Complete with a long mixing spoon and strainer the whole set cost just $15! I added a lone double jigger for $2 just to make it all complete.

The shaker was a hit at Thanksgiving and I loved telling my family the story behind it. And yes, the pumpkin pie martini was delicious, thanks to my new vintage kitchen addition. Although browsing Flower Child's rooms and rooms of vintage clothes is always a good time, they have such a great collection of housewares, from unique housewarming gifts to fresh fun additions to your own place.