One of a Kind Show Shopping Spree!!

While I'm exhibiting at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto, I always take a little time out to peruse the aisles to find the perfect One of a Kind gift...for myself! 

This show I came across Adrian Klis, an artisan from Alberta who creates incredible bags and satchels from the most handsome natural leather I've ever seen.  Each piece of bison hide is "enriched with natural treatments drawn by plant extracts, fats and clean aniline dyes". 

What can I say?  These bags really spoke to my inner cowboy (girl?).

And they're gorgeous...and I couldn't resist them...and I made one of them mine!

So, that's one person on my list taken care of.  Looks like I've still got some shopping to do, though.  With my new 'arm-candy' I think I'll struggle through.

Yippy-Ki-Yay!

Mandala Design - Inventory Day

Ok, so maybe inventory isn't that exciting, but take a look at what I get to ride to the stores to take that inventory...

 That's right, my trusty little red motorcycle.  So, maybe inventory isn't so bad after all? 

Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming that this is my job!

Don't get me wrong it's not all wine and roses.  In fact, I don't even like wine, or roses for that matter (I'm more of a beer and daisies kind of girl), but on days like today it feels like all the stress and uncertainty of owning my own business is well worth it.  I mean, come on, who gets to ride around the city on a motorcycle on a beautiful day for work?!

I rode to all three Fresh Collective stores and decided to take a shot of my motorcycle in front of each one.

Just because.



In Kensington Market in front of Fresh Collective-Kensington where I had a nice chat with Tamara.



In front of Fresh Collective-Queen W.  Said hello to Kelly of Elementals jewellery and to the ever-stylishly-colourful Jessie, of Sugar Rush.



At Fresh Collective's newest location on Roncesvalles.  Met Roncie's new store manager, Joe.

With inventory done, it's time to re-stock and deliver some new things to the shops next week.  Unfortunately, the saddlebags aren't quite big enough to hold all the clothes I'll be delivering, so next time I'll have to take the car. 

But, next inventory day, I'll be back on the bike!!

Is this Heaven?

This may look like a scene out of 'The Shining (fashion industry version)', but it's actually where I spent a chunk of my day, yesterday.Ahhh, heaven on earth. A giant warehouse full of buttons!! I was probably only there for about an hour, but I had to drag myself out. I wanted to stay a lot longer...a lot.I wandered and wandered. Up and down the aisles. They just set me loose and let me roam free!

I think I know where I'll be spending my next vacation!

Mandala Goes to Ottawa

As some of you may know, in addition to loving all things clothes-y, Mandala is also an avid motorcyclist. The weather here is starting to get a little chilly, so I thought I would plan one last bike trip to finish out the riding season.

But, where to go?

Lots of places came to mind (someone should really build a bridge to the Bahamas), but in the end I decided that it would be a fun adventure to ride solo to Ottawa to visit a couple of the newest places that carry Mandala.

I met Bridget and Christina at the spring One of a Kind show. They are the owners of two of the cutest stores in Ottawa - Flock and Workshop Studio and Boutique. I had never visited the shops before and it's been quite a while since I've been to Ottawa, so after watching the forcast for a few good-weather days, I packed up and set off. I decided to stay in a gorgeous bed and breakfast (Perth Manor Boutique Hotel) in a pretty little town called Perth, about an hour outside of Ottawa. I rode into Ottawa for one day and spent my time visiting the stores and wandering around some of the great shopping neighbourhoods in the city.

My first stop was Flock in Wellington Village and a chat with Bridget. Flock is amazingly bright and open with incredible wallpaper adorning the walls. I took a stroll along Wellington St. and I can honestly say that Flock is, by far, the most fun shop in the 'hood.

Next, I was off to Workshop Studio and Boutique in the Byward Market. I have visited this area before and loved it, I'm really glad to have found such a perfect spot for Mandala. Christina showed me around the store and advised me on some of the other shops in the Market I might like. Workshop is just as cute as Flock, lots of Canadian clothing and accessory designers in a fun and ecclectic space.

At the end of the day I hopped on the bike and headed back to Perth for the night. On the way home the next day, I stopped to enjoy some of the fall foliage and visit with an old (sorry about that F.) friend. Who says you can't mix business with pleasure?

Not me.

Mandala's Got a Brand New Studio!!

Whew! Moving is hard, but when it's all said and done, there's nothing like having a great new space to hang your hat (or, in this case, your scissors!).

Mandala has officially moved out of our home studio and into an amazing little 'storefront' studio, just around the corner. It was a bit of a struggle to get here. There was a lot of work to do in the basement to create a clean, dry space for storage and there were many gallons of paint slapped on the stucco(!) walls, but I'm so happy with the results.

Moving day went surprisingly smoothly. Having a teenage son definitely has it's perks, namely teenage son's friends who are ready and willing to carry even the heavy things. Thanks to Max, Aidan, Julian, Robin and Tim for all their hard work.

Here's a little tour of my bright, inspiring new space. I'm so looking forward to heading off to the office each day.

Welcome to Fresh Collective - Roncesvalles!

There's a new shop on the Roncey strip!

This past weekend a new Fresh Collective location opened up at 401 Roncesvalles and the street is all a buzz (and not just with construction!). It's a great space, big windows, lots of light and scads of great pieces from your fave TO designers, including your's truly, Mandala Design! You'll find some of the same fine designers from the other FC locations, like, Spruce Clothing, Nude, Michelle Carey, Moira Coughlan and of course Fresh Baked Goods along with some fresh new talent.

Mandala will be showcasing some different styles, not available at the other shops. You'll see cute printed skirts, stylish and work ready linen-look shifts and pencil skirts, a fabulous printed cotton 'wrap' dress and more! Between all the FC locations there's so much to choose from, you'll want to visit them all to get a good look!

Diary of a Photo Shoot

I'd always wondered what goes on at a photo shoot and now I get to have photo shoots of my own!

I love my job.

This past weekend was the shoot for the mandala Spring 2011 collection.

It all started with a call to photographer / make-up artist / stylist extraordinaire, Sian. She walked me through the model selection and we got a great one in Ada. Ada looked amazing in everything, all colours, all silhouettes. She was the perfect choice!

I've been busy fixing up my new studio space, so the location was a no brainer. The space is nice and open as I haven't moved in any equipment yet. It was the perfect clean, simple backdrop for the spring pics. We set up a little snack table including some mini cupcakes from the Cupcakery, that just happens to be right around the corner...uh oh.

My family stepped in once again to help get everything ready and sister-in-law, Cathy, helped out as shoot assistant.

It was great to see the clothing come to life on a real person ~ other than myself ~ for a change!