Art Show Style, Take One
Last weekend, I participated in my first art show/sale/market with a small group of fellow Edmonton artists and makers. It was a very positive experience and a big step for me because I have struggled a lot with the commercial side of my crafts. For various reasons, I don’t view my craft hobbies as a “side hustle”, but it’s nice to be able to cover some of my material costs from time to time … so I can go and buy more for crafting. You know how it goes. Anyway, I had to put more thought than usual into my outfits for the show/market because I had to consider not only practical issues (comfort being No. 1) but also branding; what better way to advertise than by wearing my own jewelry pieces. So I picked my clothes based on their suitability as backdrops for my jewelry. This Banana Republic jumpsuit was perfect; black velvet is wonderful for display purposes. It was also very comfortable (and easy enough to wrangle on bathroom trips) which was a must. I can’t wait to wear this one again.
Art Show Style, Take Two
Despite all that I wrote above, I also knew that I would have to wear my fave dress; nothing else encapsulates me (and my love of colour) as well. Luckily, it matched wonderfully with this older embroidered necklace that I made last year (or was it 2019? gosh, time flies!) As before, this dress is a compliment-magnet. And! I managed to find a matching bag on Poshmark. I am so happy.
Art Show Style, Take Three
This wasn’t my originally planned outfit for the 3rd day of the show, but it worked out even better than my first pick. A friend gifted me this Kate Hewko tunic, and I instantly fell in love with it. Its fun and slightly edgy/kooky vibe works so well with my jewelry aesthetic. I wore a piece I recently made, and I loved the resulting combination. Also, I can now attest that these Fluevog shoes are comfortable even for 5+ hours of standing around. Win!
Last But Not Least
Back to regular outfitting, erm, programming … had to wear my Topshop polka dot dress again. I love it so much. I can’t wait to explore its layering potential next fall/winter; for now, a mock neck sleeveless top is more than suitable. I love the contrast polka dots and how fun/cheerful they look. I’ve been eyeing some similar Marimekko prints, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. It’s funny how we can sometimes rediscover or fall in love again with certain things; I haven’t worn polka dots in years, but am suddenly obsessed again. I think it’s because I’m drawn to oversized geometric shapes and patterns at the moment – both in my art and my outfits.
I love the kooky vibe of the 3rd look. Perhaps it has something to do with my love affair that I used to have for John Fluevog shoes. When I was in HS I would visit the store in Seattle and daydream about which pairs I would like to own. It was also one of the 1st retailers to carry Dr Martens.
A lot of Fluevog shoes are not my style but I do appreciate their kooky aesthetic. They’re never boring that’s for sure. And these ones … gah, I love them! I paid a lot for them (thrifting wise) but I am so happy I got them.
Glad the art show went well! Love the jumpsuit!
Thank you and thank you 😊
Love the “jewelry advertisement” outfits!