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.

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!

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.

Be Cool. Shop Local. (last minute!)

We are days away from Christmas and that means it's time to wrap up those Christmas lists and get the gifts for the stragglers on your list! We put together a guide of our favorite local shops and boutiques, complete with hours and locations, to help you on your final holiday shopping push!

These are obviously not even near all of the CLE's small businesses, so feel free to comment with your favorite place you think people should hit up this weekend or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter!

Banyan Tree
Mon-Fri, 11am-9pm
Saturday, 10am-9pm
Sunday, 11am-5pm
2242 Professor Ave., Tremont

City Buddha
Mon-Fri, 11am-9pm
Saturday, 10am-9pm
Sunday, 11am-7pm
1807 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Hts.

Cleveland Christmas Village Pop Up at Crocker Park
Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm
Sunday, 12pm-6pm
Next to Coach in Crocker Park, Westlake

CLE Clothing Co.
Mon-Sat, 11am-9pm
Sunday, 12pm-6pm
342 Euclid Ave. (E. 4th & Euclid), Downtown

Collective Upcycle
Thurs-Sat, 12pm-8pm
Sunday, 10am-4pm
6202 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland

Crafty Goodness
Friday, 1pm-7pm
Saturday, 12pm-6pm
Tuesday, 1pm-5pm
15729 Madison Ave., Lakewood

Deering Vintage
Mon-Sat, 12pm-8pm
1836 W. 25th, Ohio City

Flower Child
Mon-Thurs, 11am-7pm
Fri-Sat, 11am-8pm
Sunday, 11am-5pm
11508 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland

GV Art + Design

Friday, 11am-7pm
Saturday, 11am-5pm
Monday, 11am-7pm
Tuesday, 11am-3pm
17411 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

Lion and Blue
10am-6pm

15106 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

Native-Cleveland
Friday, 1pm-9pm
Saturday, 12pm-8pm
15813 Waterloo Road, Collinwood

One World Shop
Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm
Saturday, 10am-5pm
Sunday, 12pm-5pm
19321 Detroit Rd., Rocky River

Paper Trails
Mon-Wed, 10am-6pm
Thurs, 10am-8pm
Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm
19146 Old Detroit Rd., Rocky River

R/S Boutique & Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe

Mon-Sat, 11am-8pm
Sunday, 11am-5pm

2078 W. 25th, Ohio City

Salty Not Sweet
Mon-Fri 11am-7pm
Saturday, 10am-7pm
Sunday, 11am-5pm
*Check Salty's Facebook and/or Twitter pages for up to date extended hours!
2074 W. 25th, Ohio City

Star Pop
Tues-Sat, 2pm-9pm
Sunday, 12pm-4pm
15813 Waterloo Rd., Collinwood

Holiday Shopping Events - Weekend of Dec. 7

We're 20 days away from Christmas people! We have three festive and FUN events going on around town this weekend that will make your holiday shopping experience one to remember!

Check them out and tell us where you're hitting up on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Cleveland Handmade Market at Tower Press
Saturday, Dec. 7
10am-6pm
Artefino Cafe & Gallery
1900 Superior Ave., Cleveland
(Between E. 18th & E. 21st)
Cleveland Handmade is all about promoting local artists and bringing them to YOU! Their upcoming event is sure not to disappoint, featuring 20 local vendors including one of our very favorites, Ape Made Apparel. Plus enjoy the noms and super chill atmosphere of the Artefino Cafe & Gallery!

Holiday Market in Market Square Park
Saturday, Dec. 7
10am-5pm
Market Square Park, Ohio City
(Corner of W.25th & Lorain, across from the West Side Market)
Crooked River Couture spent Small Business Saturday in Ohio City, and now you can keep the #ShopSmall spirit alive! A part of the Ohio City Holiday Festival, this event is being put on by Cleveland Bazaar along with Ohio City Inc. and R/S Boutique! Browse the vendors in Market Square Park and stay for the many festive activities including carriage rides, Christmas tree sales, AND Great Lakes Christmas Ale!

Downtown River Holiday Walk
Saturday, Dec. 7
11am-4pm
Detroit Rd., Rocky River
(Between Wooster Rd. & Marion Ct.)
The Old River area of Rocky River has always been a great west side spot for holiday shopping. River is going all out for their 2013 Holiday Walk with live music, sleigh rides, food tastings, ice sculptures, and more! The best part is all the specials and deals available at nearly 50 Downtown River businesses. Check out the merchant map below for a complete list!

Small Business Saturday 2013

Our favorite day of the year is here! Small Business Saturday is November 30 and we can't wait to hit up some of our favorite local spots. Of course we all should be patronizing these businesses all year round, but something about having a day dedicated to them makes it special.

If you don't know where to start or where to go, Crooked River Couture is here for you! Below is our list of special events going on Saturday as well as details on some of our favorite Cleveland area small businesses!

These are obviously not even near all of CLE's small businesses so feel free to comment with your favorite place you think people should hit up this weekend or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter!

Winterfest Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Saturday, November 30, 2-7pm
Public Square

Be a part of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance's annual Winterfest bash! Browse the locally made goodies and stay for the other Winterfest activities, including the Holiday Lighting Ceremony.

Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe

11am-6pm

R/S Boutique

2078 W. 25th, Ohio City

Banyan Tree
10am-9pm
2242 Professor Ave., Tremont

City Buddha
11am-9pm
1807 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Hts.
10am-10pm
Cleveland Christmas Village Pop Up at Crocker Park, Westlake

CLE Clothing Co.
11am-9pm
342 Euclid Ave. (E. 4th & Euclid), Downtown

Crafty Goodness
12pm-6pm
15729 Madison Ave

Deering Vintage
12pm-8pm
1836 W. 25th, Ohio City

Flower Child
11am-8pm
11508 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland

GV Art + Design

11am-3pm
17411 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

Lion and Blue
10am-6pm

15106 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

Native-Cleveland
12pm-8pm

15813 Waterloo Road, Collinwood

One World Shop
10am-5pm
19321 Detroit Rd., Rocky River

Paper Trails
10am-5pm
19146 Old Detroit Rd., Rocky River

Salty Not Sweet
10am-7pm
2074 W. 25th, Ohio City

Star Pop
2pm-9pm

15813 Waterloo Rd., Collinwood

Be sure to use #ShopSmall or #ShopSmallCLE hashtags Saturday to share all of your Small Business shopping adventures!

Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe & Kickoff Party

Welcome to the biggest shopping week of the year! Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and *ugh* yes, even "Brown Thursday"... We promised to help you avoid the insanity of usual holiday shopping experiences by bringing you awesome local shows, events, and places to get your all your gifts. Small Business Saturday is quite possibly our favorite day of the year, and we'll have a full post on where to go on the 30th later this week...

But first off, you may be asking yourself what to do and where to go on the infamous Black Friday. Unless you really had your eye on that 60" flat screen, we've got the perfect place for you! One of our favorite Ohio City boutiques, Room Service is hosting it's 6th annual Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe! This month-long event gets started this Friday with a kickoff party that is sure to be a blast...

Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe Kickoff Party
Friday, November 29, 4pm
R/S Boutique
2078 W. 25th, Ohio City
www.rscleveland.com
Get the holiday shopping season off with a bang! Get a look at all the locally made goodies and giftables available at R/S all month! PLUS yummy noms courtesy of Cleveland Confectionery and drinks including wine, hot toddies, and an exclusive MADE beer on tap! Accompanying the merriment will be DJ Peter Pleasurecruise and then join the crew at the after party at Tremont's Duck Island Club.

Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe
November 29 - December 24
Monday-Saturdays, 11am-6pm
Sundays, 11am-5pm
R/S Boutique
2078 W. 25th, Ohio City
www.rscleveland.com
This marks the 6th anniversary of the MADE Holiday Shoppe and there's no better time to join in on the fun! Your one stop shop for local Christmas shopping is open 7 days a week, with extended evening hours beginning on December 7. They've got everything from clothing to cards, accessories to home goods, and everything in between!

A Weekend in St. Clair

Forget everything you ever thought you knew about Flea Markets! The Cleveland Flea is a whole new ballgame. Once a month, vendors from all over come together in the St. Clair neighborhood to show off their goods to the fine people of Northeast Ohio. This weekend is "The Flea's" big holiday extravaganza, complete with a Sneak Peak Party on Friday night PLUS the grand opening of Collective Upcycle right down the street! We've got all the details for you right here, and remember to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for even more updates!

Holiday Flea Sneak Peek & Meet the Makers Party
Friday, November 22, 7-10pm
Slovenian National Home
6417 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland
(Between E. 64th & Addison Ave.)
www.theclevelandflea.com
Get a look at the Holiday Flea a day early! Enjoy complimentary refreshments (including BEER!) courtesy of Sterles Country House, Jeni's Ice Cream, and Piccadilly Artisan Frozen Yogurt. Tickets are $20 and shopping starts at 8pm.

Collective Upcycle Holiday Grand Opening Party
Friday, November 22, 5-8pm
6202 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland
(Between Norwood Rd. & E. 64th)
www.facebook.com/CollectiveUpcycle
You like local, you like handmade, how about adding a sprinkling of eco-friendliness? Collective Upcycle is a pop-up shop of Cleveland-area artists who specifically use recycled materials. The party Friday will feature live music from Ansambel Dvojčki, food from Impassioned Baking and Catering, and Slovenian cocktails!

The Cleveland Flea Holiday Show
Saturday, Nov. 23, 10am-6pm
Sunday, Nov. 24, 10am-6pm
6417 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland
(Between E. 64th & Addison Ave.)
www.theclevelandflea.com
The main event! Peruse the dozens of local vendors selling their handmade goodies including jewelry, clothing, food and more! The Flea also features a "Maker Center," that connects local talent and the community like never before. We also hear there will some of Cleveland fabulous food trucks in attendance at this most treasure hunt-esque show!

Map courtesy of The Cleveland Flea

Be cool. Shop local.

The temps are dropping (consistently), decorations are sprouting up everywhere, and Starbucks' red cups are back. It's time to face the facts - Christmas is coming, and that means so is the holiday shopping season! It may seem like a burden when your idea of Christmas shopping is trudging to the mall or busy shopping plaza and facing the insanity.

Believe it or not, it doesn't have to be that way. If you take a page from our book, shopping local is where it's at! Skip out on all the craziness, support independent businesses and vendors, AND chances are, your friends and family will truly appreciate something unique for Christmas this year!

If you're at a loss for where to start, fear not, Crooked River Couture is here! We are all about shining a light on all the fabulously awesome small businesses in the Cleveland area! Keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and of course the ol' blog here for great places to shop as well as shows and events that will help you with your all-local holiday to-do list!

Here are some upcoming November events to kick off the season right...

Beachwood Arts Council Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
Saturday, Nov. 9, 10am-5pm
Beachwood Community Center (25225 Fairmount Blvd.)
www.beachwoodarts.org
Get your arts & crafts on at this free event! Browse the over 50 vendors selling their handmade jewelry, soaps, ceramics, photography, fiber art, handblown glass and more! Plus the Beachwood Arts Council will be accepting canned good donation for the Heights Emergency Food Center to help the hungry during the holidays! It's a win-win!


2013 West Side Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday, Nov. 16, 10am-5pm 
Sunday, Nov. 17, 10am-5pm
Rocky River Memorial Hall (21016 Hilliard Blvd.)
www.avantgardeshows.com
We are so excited about this two-day craftastic extravaganza! $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. Plus on top of all that you can treat yo self at the on-site concession stand!

Calling all vendors!

One of our favorite local boutiques, Ohio City's Salty Not Sweet, is looking for new vendors! If you or anyone you know has artsy, fun handmades or other items to sell, send an email over to saltycleveland@gmail.com to be considered.

The holiday shopping season is right around the corner, now is the time to get your name and goodies out there!


To learn more about Salty, check out our blog post from their grand opening in 2011.

Ingenuing on the Lake

Another Ingenuity Fest done come and gone! A few weeks ago artists artists of all kinds gathered at Docks 30 & 32 on the shores of Lake Erie to share their innovation, ideas, and more to the people of our fair city.

Always a highlight of the year and fall must-go, this year's Ingenuity did not disappoint. An arguably different, however no less creative vibe was felt at this location versus those of the past, which include the underbelly of the Detroit-Superior bridge.

There were acrobats, light installations, vaudeville acts, lake views, and more! However my favorite part of the Ingenuity fest were all the handmade and other goods to oogle at, be inspired by, and spend a few bucks on.

Flip through the photos below from this year's festival and be sure to keep up with Ingenuity Cleveland's web site and social media pages for year-round creative Cleveland awesomeness!

Links:
23 Skidoo
Ape Made
The Vaudevillian
Ingenuity Cleveland

Stash Style Pop-Up Shoppe

I told you I'd post again soon! In addition to Small Business Saturday this weekend, there is a great trunk show happening at Beachcliff in Rocky River. Last spring I wrote about Stash Style, my favorite boutique in Chagrin Falls. Since then, the Chagrin location has closed, but the owner has set up various pop-up shops selling goods all around town. Lucky for us, one of these very pop-ups is happening all weekend long!

The Stash Style blog has been full of photos of all kinds of great items available this weekend. So far it seems there will be plenty of holiday goodies, as well as everyday finds perfect for gifts. Last Christmastime I bought an adorable yellow and white mini tree knick-knack and a sparkly silver vintage ornament (among many other things). They promise to have loads of vintage ornaments this year, all for just $1 a piece!

I'm hoping to get some Christmas shopping done there this weekend, so I may not be posting everything I buy - it would ruin the surprise if any recipients were reading! Hope to see you all there this weekend, I promise it will be worth it!

Stash Style Pop-Up Shoppe
Beachcliff Market Square in Rocky River
Fri,  Nov. 25: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 26: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 27: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Small Business Saturday

Dredgers Union on E. 4th

It's been a little while since I've posted here on good ol' Crooked River Couture. As many of you can probably relate to, life gets busy and crazy sometimes, and I found myself in a bit of a funk. What better way to bring myself back to life than with some Cleveland fashion blogging! One thing I have been doing is writing some pieces for Examiner focusing on, what else, Cleveland fashion. I've written two pieces so far and hope to do more, so be sure to keep up on them!


As for my trusty blog here, it's been a bit of a struggle coming up with ideas for posts. I think I need to be a little less picky and a little more open to any kind of Cleveland style topics. I would also like to keep up a little bit more on fashionable events going on around town. So I think that's how I'll start!

Vanity Lab

This Saturday, November 26 is Small Business Saturday. This is the second year for this great nation-wide event that promotes local independently owned businesses. It's kind of the local version of Black Friday, which we all know is the biggest shopping day of the year. After you've had your fix of name brand products for a fraction of the price at malls and shopping centers, think about heading out for Small Business Saturday to help out your local businesses and boutiques!

This blog has been dedicated to all the great shops around town. Here's a link to some I have covered. Think about heading to one (or all) of these places, and more!

- Lion and Blue in Lakewood
- Vanity Lab in Westlake
- One World Shop (Ten Thousand Villages) in Rocky River
- City Buddha in Cleveland Hts. (Coventry)
- Flower Child in Cleveland (Clifton)
- Salty Not Sweet in Ohio City
- Room Service in Ohio City
- Dredgers Union, Downtown (E. 4th)*

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, a greater Black Friday and the best Small Business Saturday! Check back soon for some more updates, I hope to be churning them out faster than I have been lately!



(*Note: CLE Clothing Co. will be opening up a shop on E. 4th this weekend! Make sure you hit that up on Saturday too!!!)

Dredging down East 4th

Last week I posted event info for the Made in the 216 and Dredgers Union grand opening event that took place on Friday night (and all weekend!) If you didn't have a chance to hit it up, you missed a great event for Cleveland fashion. It was so great to see so many people downtown, and even though I know some of the crowd was from the Tribe game, I know a lot of people were there for this event! Even Channel 3 was live from E. 4th during their 7 p.m. news!

Unfortunately we didn't get there until later, but I'm so glad we got to stop by. The Dredgers Union store is located on the east side of the street right across from the Greenhouse Tavern. The set up of the store is really cool. There was a very Anthropologie vibe. I was expecting more of a boutique, which is more common for locally owned shops. But I can definitely see the Dredgers Union becoming a national chain! Not that it ever would or would ever want to but it had that type of vibe, like you could plop it in any mall in America.


Of course me being me, the first thing that caught my eye when I walked in was this navy blue tote bag with a vintage map of Cleveland on it. It was just $20 and I just might have to go back and snag one!

A lot of the apparel was on the higher price end (again, like Anthropologie) but they were really chic and unique.  There was everything from shorts to tops, dresses and more. On the upper level stage area were all home wares. Each little area was like a separate room in someone's house. There were some really great shower curtains that my friends and I wanted in our future apartment! I also loved some of the cups, bowls and plates around. As I've always said I'm a sucker for interesting set ups inside stores and the housewares area had a really cool set up. I wish I could live there!

Now the real party was hopping down stairs in the basement level. That's where the Made in the 216 event was going on. It was like a mini craft fair with racks and racks of Cleveland T-shirts (including some from my favorite CLE Clothing Co. and their new summer tanks), tables of accessories and Cleveland-themed art on the walls.












We were really feeling the jewelry pinned up on this bulletin board. A lot of them were made from old watches and clocks from Aviaire and were so unique.

I, personally was totally into the Cleveland art up everywhere. My favorite would have to be the black and white text prints by Arterx with street names from various neighborhoods. I loved the Lakewood one featuring "Warren," "Bunts," "Detroit," and "Riverside" as well as the Ohio City and Tremont ones. Another adorable print I loved was by Rachael Novak reading "Lake Erie Love."




Even though I didn't buy anything I'm really glad I went. Like I said in my preview post it's so good to see some retail coming to downtown! Even though a lot of the Dredgers Union stuff was a little expensive for my kind of income, I can't wait to do a little East 4th shopping once I get a little dough (whenever that might be!) I would definitely suggest checking it out, and maybe to give Made in the 216 a follow on Twitter to keep up with their pop up events. And of course, one of the best things about both Made in the 216 and the Dredgers Union they are dedicated to locally produced items - spreading the CLE love one shopping spree at a time!



***Check out the links on this page to see the web sites for some of the items I saw at the event!

Post Preview: Red and White Flower Pin

As a result of two crazy weeks and the holiday weekend I have yet to put together a full post. But wait no longer, I'm working on a new entry at this very moment! I will definitely, DEFINITELY post it later tonight. So I thought I'd throw up this quick preview (in addition to my last preview) to tease tonight's full post!