Vintage silk scarves and Adhesif's "Iris Frill Dress"

With a new season underway I find myself immersed in lightweight fabrics, primarily a colorful and eclectic mix of vintage silk scarves.

I love the drape, look and luxurious feel of silk scarves. The bounty of patterns, prints and colors allows my imagination go completely wild when mix and matching them together.

I have been using vintage silk scarves in the creation of my designs for years now, like the "Betty Blouse" with it's beautiful boatneck design from Spring-Summer 2009...

As well as the "Pause Blouse" of Spring-Summer 2010...

...and most recently in the creation of our lovely little frocks in our current Spring-Summer 2011!

The above design is called the "Iris Frill Dress" and it is 1 of 5 different dress designs within our latest collection. The sleeves and front part of the blouse is made from silk scarves and the back is made from reclaimed jersey knit. The skirt (which has pockets!!) is a printed poly-rayon blend so there is nice drape.
Did I mention the fact that the waist is elasticized!! Function meets fashion.

The little frill collar is so feminine and beneath the collar are 3 functional vintage buttons.

I can't wait until it gets warmer so that I can enjoy just throwing one of these lovely frocks on and away we go!

My slight obsession with vintage shoes!

I admit it...I have a HUGE obsession with vintage shoes and I am always building on my own personal collection. I am really into any kind of "winklepickers", "oxford styles" as well as the "granny boot"

In the 1960's the winklepicker toe was very popular with mods.They made a comeback in the late 1970s and early 1980s when they were sold at London indoor markets like Kensington Market and Chelsea's Great Gear Market and worn by several subculture groups including Mod Revivalists, Rockabillies,
Punks, and in the goth scene, where they are known as "pikes".

The great thing about winklepickers, oxford styles as well as the ever popular granny boot is that they are comfortable and look great on everyone. Even local shoe connoisseur "John Fluevog" has picked up on the trend and created an ultra modern, sleek sort of Victorian version of the "granny booty"

Although I love what some shoe designers are creating right now, I must say nothing beats the real deal for me. I absolutely ADORE the worn in look and feel that comes with a quality vintage shoe or boot. 

Don't get me wrong I have within my collection some very nice and well made European designs like the modern take on a 1940's style froma company called "Neosens". These timeless footear designs are not only incredibly comfortable but also an incredibly well made shoe. You can see how the outter top of the shoes is stiched right into the sole, a good indication of that the shoe will not explode into a million pieces after only a few seasons.

Which brings back to one of the major reasons why I am so addicted to vintage footwear. My mentality is that vintage shoes have lasted x-amount of years because fo the quality and will last that much longer with care and maitenance. I had a pair of vintage boots that were already 30yrs old and they lasted me over 10years where as a new pair of boots I bought, put me out $200 and combusted only a year later! I say poop to that!

On a positive note I'd like to mention that the Adhesif Clothing shop carries some really amazing vintage shoes and boots and we re-stock every Tuesday!

Another great factor is the fact that the prices are incredibly reasonable! Most shoes and boots are priced between $28-$84! Holy smokes with prices like that it's no wonder our shoe selection is constantly re-newing itself.

Below are a few examples of some of the shoes we currently have in the shop...

At only $58, these size 9 rough and tumblers are a wonderful shade of mohagany and have a gorgeous wood stacked heel. These puppies would look great with cable knit tights an a-line floral skirt (which we also have in store!) 

These size 8 Victorian inspired lace up's have the perfect height of heel and great silhouette. There is a side zip too.They can be worn casually or formally and have a rubber topy on the sole for great traction.
They're in excellent condition and are only $82

Minimal, sleek and versatile. These Italian made size 7.5 boots are a lovely shade of charcoal grey and I tell you now if they fit me they would be in my closet!! These hard to find lovelies are a total score!

Size 7-7.5 Granny Booties!! These are quite possibly one of the nicest pairs of granny ankle boots I've ever found.
Not only are they in great shape but they have the coolest ankle trim which look like snake skin from far but it is actually a braided piece of burlap cord that has been painted black. So unique and only $58!

New shoes and boots every Tuesday at 2202 Main, if your in neighborhood pop on by, you won't be disappointed! : )

Patina and Bronsino Designs by Denise Wilson

Patina Designs is dedicated to the creation of unique accessories. All  products are handcrafted in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Denise Wilson's background is in the Fine Arts, having studied in Vancouver and Florence, Italy. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe and North America and makes regular trips to Peru to live for a few months at a time. Art, design, travel, language and other cultures have always been a huge part of her life and continue to influence and inspire her work. In summer 2005 Bronsino Designs for Living, was born.

The name Bronsino pays homage to her husband's family home in Lima, Peru (Calle Bronsino) which is named after the 16th century Florentine artist Agnolo Bronzino. The finely crafted handbags and accessories from the Bronsino collection are classically inspired works of art produced in very limited numbers. All items are handcrafted in Vancouver of the finest quality materials.

We here at Adhesif Clothing Company are proud to be carrying a lovely and colorful selection of Patina accessories like the ever useful mini, medium and large sizes of coin purses (as seen above). As well as the gorgeous Harlem and Munich bags. Some of Denise's items are also available in recycled leather and requests are welcome!

The versatility of fashion in 1980's

Whether you love or lament the current resurgence of 1980's styles, fashion in the 1980s gave people more choices in terms of looks than ever before.

The decade began with the aftermath of Punk, which turned the fashion world, as well as the music world, on its head. At the beginning of the 80s, the New Romantics took their influence from historical costume and both men and women wore outrageous make up. Later power dressing became essential for the career woman, everyone was into designer labels and a new fashion phenomenon. Next opened up on the high street.

Some young people adopted the Mod look of 60s Carnaby Street, inspired by the original Mod revival band, The Jam.

Others adopted a look inspired by the 50s, known as Rockabilly. The severe, 50s derived flat top hairdo became popular for some young men.

Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm Maclaren transformed their original Punk store at 430 King's Road. They completely rejected Punk and renamed the store 'World's End'. It specialised in Westwood's new pirate look, derived from 17th century pirate costumes.

New Romantic music and fashion became more mainstream youth culture in the early years of the 80s. It was typified by loose fitting clothes, asymmetric hair cuts and excessive make-up, worn by both men and women. The link between music and fashion was strong. New Romantic fashions were displayed by Adam and the Ants, Visage, the Human League as well as Culture Club.

So there we have it people...I bet you didn't know the 80's were more than just bat wing sleeves and footless tights.



Mari Claro makes magic 99% of the time, everytime!

Mario Claro is an eclectic team of designers, scientists, engineers, geniuses and connoisseurs.

They are a small design collective based in Toronto whose aim is to create sustainable designs. They focus mainly, but not exclusively, on the production of bags. All Mariclaro bags are 99% recycled (the 1% is made up of thread and our logo; still not available recycled) and made in a sustainable way.
http://mariclaro.de/ca/idea.html

They think it is important to demonstrate that it is possible to create functional and aesthetically appealing goods from waste material. They offer products that are made locally by hand in a socially responsible manner and are characterized by high quality.

Mari Claro supports fair trade, sweatshop-free production, and pay fair wages. They're team believes that every purchase decision one makes has an effect on one’s self, their community, and the environment. It is a step to environmentally conscious consumer culture. They are proud of diverting waste and reducing the ecological footprint of our society.

Mari Claro is obviously cut from the same jib as their westcoast neighbors and for this reason, we here at Adhesif Clothing, are proud to be carrying select designs at our shop at 2202 Main Street, Vancouver BC.

We have the above stylish designs in rich colors of tan, slate and burgandy and the pricepoint is incredibly reasonable! Ranging from $119-$269 retail.

I just have to mention how impressed I am by the use of seatbelt buckles and inner tubes. The inner tubes are used in the piping of their bags as well as trimming on some of their designs. Not only does this reinforce the bag for impeccable quality but it also gives such cool character.

Aside from all of the above the other bonus factor is the fact that their bags are uni-sex! Yay! Now the boys get to play too! Come by and have a look, if not just for pure interest sake. Truly inspiring

Timeless and eclectic pieces by "Darwin Jewelry"

Hello fellow fashion folk and Happy New Year!

...but my how time flies by? Is it really 2011 already?!
Since we're on the topic of time, I thought it would be fitting to feature one of our brand new artists here at the Adhesif Clothing store, "Darwin Jewelry"

It all happened, one fine day, when 2 very sweet girls came by the Adhesif Clothing store, toting a small cigar box...
Steph & Adina: "We were wondering if you had the time to have a look at our jewelry today?"
Me: "Sure, why not..."
...and to my surprise, I was completely delighted! : )

Their pieces are beautifully composed works of whimsy and have a sort of steampunk elegance.

I haven't seen anything quite like what these 2 girls are creating. I absolutely LOVE the use of the innards of old timex and rolex wrist watches but their attention to detail like the addition of orphan earring studs and disheveled costume jelwelry brooches is not only clever but charming!

This is nostaligia city!

I for one have an affliction for shiny sparklies but do not like to look like a princess. This is jewelry for gals who want something unique and unusual yet timeless and feminine.

I've been so inspired by these gals that I have already donated some mangled jems and costume pieces I've been collecting for "no apparent reason"

If you like what you see (the real thing is sooo much lovelier!) I suggest you come into the Adhesif Clothing shop at 2202 Main Street and have a gander at the fine selection of lovelies we have in store.

Every piece is completely "one of a kind" and we are only 1 of 2 locations in Vancouver fortunate enough to have "Darwin Jewels"

Questions? Feel free to drop us a line at info@adhesifclothing.com