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:

Grand opening of the new @shopbanyantree & @wanderingwardrobe_cle Small Boxes! @smallboxcle #smallboxcle #cle

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on Nov 6, 2014 at 3:00pm PST

We can't wait for @SmallBoxCLE to open! http://t.co/eAKG9w7IDK #CLE #HappyinCLE #ThisIsCLE #ShopCLE
— CrookedRiverCouture (@CRiverCouture) September 9, 2014

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:

First stop, @gvartwork in #Lakewood! #shopsmall #smallbusinesssaturday #westside #local #cle

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on Nov 29, 2014 at 9:48am PST

@lovelypaperieandgifts is the cutest! #shopsmall #smallbusinesssaturday @shopsmall #rockyriver #westside #local #cle

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on Nov 29, 2014 at 10:28am PST

Don't forget to shop sweet when you #shopsmall on #smallbusinesssaturday! #Cupcakes from @main_street_cupcakes and coffee from @erieislandcoffee! @shopsmall #cle #local #rockyriver #westside

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on Nov 29, 2014 at 12:16pm PST

Finished off #smallbusinesssaturday at @smallboxcle! #shopsmall @shopsmall #cle #downtown #local @wanderingwardrobe_cle @shopbanyantree

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on Nov 29, 2014 at 1:45pm PST

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!

Things are just about wrapping up at #TheFlea! #clevelandflea

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on May 10, 2014 at 12:51pm PDT

Made it to the Holiday Flea!!! @clevelandflea #cle #flea

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on Nov 22, 2014 at 12:25pm PST

Light up bike @clevelandflea!

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on Nov 22, 2014 at 1:38pm PST

More holiday goodness from the @clevelandflea!

A photo posted by Crooked River Couture (@crookedrivercouture) on Nov 22, 2014 at 3:22pm PST

Post by Crooked River Couture.

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.

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!

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.