Eleven Eleven Designer Shopping Night

This past weekend Ivanka and I went to Eleven Eleven Boutique for their Designer Shopping Night. The shop had a ton of great deals, and lots of local clothing and jewelry designers. They had wine and appetizers set up in the gallery upstairs, while the guests mingled and browsed the clothing downstairs. The fashion show was completely different than anything I had seen before, but it was a refreshing change! The models walked through the shop casually, there was no set catwalk, and they weren't in any kind of rush. They took the time to pose for photos and let you get a really close look at all of the amazing pieces they were showing. It was the first time we seen Ruby Ellen Designs, and we were extremely lucky to see the collection she just showed at Boston Fashion Week. We were especially looking forward to seeing our friend Aleem, designer of Bano and eeMee. He just recently started selling his collection in Eleven Eleven and has amazing pieces at reasonable prices. His work has taken off in Calgary and it's almost impossible not to see one of his pieces at local fashion events. We're definitely coveting a few of his items!

Ruby Ellen Designs

Our fabulous host for the evening, Lana of Eleven Eleven

Us [insert]calgary ladies, and the much taller Karolina of Karolina's Style Blog 

Taste of Calgary! 2 of 2

Last Friday Jason, my sister and I headed down to Eau Claire to sample a few of the fantastic stands the Taste of Calgary festival had set up. The weather was perfect and we were even luckier to beat the crowds! Jason was the bravest when it came to trying new things, but we did manage to sample a lot. We started off with some Ginger Beer and Jerk Chicken from a Jamaican stand, and then moved onto the very yummy Lounge Burger (conveniently located right across from my apartment!) After that it was some Lamb and Tzatziki Sauce on a pita bread. Turns out we aren't fans of lamb. Moving right along, we headed for the Sushi and Deep Fried Green Tea Ice Cream and some Jugo Juice (things were getting a little wild for my sister's tastes, we needed something a little more regular for her) So, to round off the afternoon we spent the last of our tickets on classics: Perogies, Garlic Sausage and Chocolate Covered Strawberries! All in all, tastiest festival yet!

Jason, eyeing up what the day had to offer

Deep fried Green Tea Ice Cream....

Taste of Calgary! 1 of 2

Here we go again! I think I've missed my calling, or maybe I was a food critic in my past life, because every last bit of The Taste of Calgary was thoroughly enjoyed! I ventured downtown with my famjam (minus Manila) on Saturday after a morning of berry picking (@ Kayben Farm's) and checked out all the different vendors handing out sample sized portions of their most popular concoctions. The very first thing I tried out was the Lounge Burger - AAA Slider, and I was so sad that it was only a slider, I wish i lasted longer than 3 bites. The patty was topped off with grilled onions, cheesy cheese and crispy bacon! Next up was Rick's Grills GINORMOUS rib - DELICIOUS! Enough said. After that we found the China Rose kiosk and picked up some ginger beef, probably the second best ginger beef I've had in the city...I'm pretty critical when it comes to my Chinese food. Almost last, but not least was Caribbean Choice's Jamaican patties, and all I can say is that I'm a big fan. Watch out Joycee's it's a toss up whose are better! The icing on the cake was a white chocolate mousse by La Vita e Bella - YUM. I love white chocolate, and this mousse reminded me why. It was the perfect way to leave my taste pallet. Thanks for the good eats!

Berry Picking @ Kayben Farm's (BEST raspberries!)

Huge crowds @ Eau Claire Market

Get your tickets

Rick's Grill

Caribbean Choice

Finally, Food Trucks!

It feels like forever since we've posted (Aside from the yummy looking Salsa Fest post Ivanka did yesterday!) And, while we're on the topic of food I thought it would be appropriate to mention the Food Trucks! Stephen Ave was filled with hungry bystanders, who waited for their chance to try the latest and greatest to hit the streets. It was packed, to say the least. Those who didn't mind the wait said it all tasted great, and by late afternoon some vendors were even sold out. I, sadly, did not get to eat the vendor goodness (Jason was far too impatient to wait in line. I kept trying it tell him it was for "work". He didn't fall for it) From the looks of the pilot run, the food trucks are here to stay though. They will be parked along the River Walk Friday for those who couldn't make it today. There's a huge variety among the trucks, fit for whatever you may be craving on your lunch break, whether it be tacos, burgers, pizza or gelato! You can read about each truck or get all the latest news on the YYC Food Truck website, where there's also links to each trucks Twitter or Facebook pages!

Salsa Fest!

Free all-you-can-eat salsa?? Say no more, I'm there! The sun was shining, the streets were jam packed and the music was very welcoming, so I rounded up 2/3 of my sisters and was ready to feast. I couldn't believe the amount of people that showed up for this event, all i could think was "OH NO! they're going to eat all my salsa!", but there was plenty to go around. You gotta love the friendly competition between all the different vendors and companies battling to the death for the best salsa in town. There was every kind that you could think of from your most traditional tomato salsa, to a version completely composed of fruit, to a salsa made from cream cheese! You couldn't have asked for a sunnier day, a greater atmosphere, a better crowd nor a vibe more exciting. I have to say, the result was a very full Ivanka! Salsa Fest, we'll see you next year!

Endless sea of humans!

Round One!

Happy Ivanka with her chips and salsa

My sisters and I enjoying the eats!

Fiestaval!

Last weekend I decided to show my younger sister downtown Calgary, since she's never been before. While showing her Stephen Ave. and hoping to show her Olympic Plaza we heard music. Out of the blue we were in the middle of a market! It wasn't until later that I realised we had stumbled upon the Calgary Latin Festival. There were amazing vendors everywhere, and food from all over. The atmosphere was amazing. People dancing, viewing the endless vendor stands and trying all of the tasty, multicultural, food. It was awesome, to say the least, to be suddenly swallowed up among the crowd. We watched the musicians for a while, and got to see some extremely talented dancers. Everyone was so happy and carefree, it was the best possible way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon and I'm so glad my sister got a preview of the amazing Calgary culture.

Eleven : Eleven Boutique Art Show, Market and Interview!

For the month of July Eleven : Eleven Boutique has been hosting a Summer Art Show, and on the past few weekends an Artist's Market featuring MaNoKin-Design, Pout Clothing, Abigail Gingerale Jewlery and the debut of Art For A Start. Today I stopped by the boutique to meet Lana, the owner, and check out all of the amazing art and the great sales going on this month! MaNoKin had a really great showing and, as with most of her collections, there were so many pieces I wanted! There was a great showing of art as well, and the artists and designers were on hand to discuss their work and meet any possible buyers, fans or fashion lovers. Last week we also did an interview with Lana, and I've been anxiously awaiting the day we can finally post it! After reading it over you can totally see how passionate she is about art, her work and the environment. She truly comes off as articulate, and insightful. I'm so happy to have our first blog feature on her! Hope you enjoy it!

[I]C: You are so supportive of local artists and designers. What do you love most about the arts culture in Calgary?

Lana: The arts culture in Calgary is just like any other city. It flourishes only when people give it room to grow. Art and creativity are the tools all societies need to move forward in new ways and to lead, in terms of innovation and problem solving. Art is the ability to look at problems, issues, from a different perspective. To truly create a sustainable city artists need to be free to do their job of expressing, bringing to light things that may normally be passed over in day to day life, asking questions and encouraging our society to think in new ways. I think Calgary designers are burning with a desire to do just that. Shake things up a bit.


[I]C: Not only are you an entrepreneur helping local artists get noticed, but you're also one yourself! Where do you draw inspiration from? And what's your favorite medium to work with?

Lana:  I draw inspiration mostly from the range of emotions and desires from within myself. At this point, when I create art, I'm mostly trying to teach myself about who I am. So, really, I'm inspired by the events that happen in my life, and my reactions to them. Also by people, I think people are beautiful. I mostly work in Acrylic and mixed media collages.

[I]C: You're passionate about sustainability, and designers using organic or recycled fabrics. What tips would you give to new designers looking to make their line more environmentally friendly?

Lana: There are so many ways to take environmental concerns seriously. Pesticides are a huge concern...so choose to use only organic cottons, and do the research behind how fabrics are made and grown. It is absolutely up to us to shape the future of what is acceptable and what is not. If you think your choices don't matter...well that's how we ended up in this mess. Also, it would be great to see more Canadian made fabrics being used, which would cut down on the fuel needed for the transportation of fabrics. This is for all you artists out there: how often do you invest in a locally made piece of clothing? How often do you invest in other artists' works of art? Ask yourself honestly, and if the truth is not very often, that is something to at least think about. Change starts with you. We all need to support each other.

[I]C: What tips would you give anyone else looking to reduce their carbon footprint?

Lana: It's really amazingly simple to start to change the way we consume. Concerning the clothing...try to skip the dryer and conserve energy. This also allows your clothes to last longer. By choosing to buy clothing that is made with love, and a little more expensive, you can consume less clothing over the years, throw less away, spend less money long term and feel wonderful about the pieces you buy. It all starts with you and me and all of us choosing to care about the history behind the things we buy. Cheaper is not better for the economy and does not foster sustainability.

[I]C: You opened in 2008 and seemed to have accomplished so much already between the gallery and the boutique. What are your goals for Eleven : Eleven and Resolution in the next 5 years?

Lana: My goal is to become more authentic and true to who I am, and to my vision. What form that is going to take...well...I'm busy creating that at the moment :)

A Folk Fest Love Affair

Last night Ivanka and I (along with our 2 younger sisters) got into our hippy best and made our way down to Prince's Island Park for the opening night of Folk Fest. First and foremost, we scanned the food vendors. Everything smelled amazing, and there was so much variety! Ivanka picked up some Jamaican patties, and I got a taco dog. It was just as insane as it sounds. Soon after we spread ourselves out under the trees. The weather was perfect for the evening, and we each took turns exploring the grounds. There was a lot of different vendors, from henna, to Cinder and Sage, to Prairie Fairies (they had adorable little tutus and sparkling wings for children). It was also our first time going to Very Hush Hush, which was such a cool idea! The little shop is set up in and around an old Airstream trailer. We settled in to watch Joel Plaskett, and City and Color. Both were amazing, as was the atmosphere. Everyone was so laid back, lounging on the grass or dancing to the music, laughing and enjoying the sunshine. As Dallas Green mentioned a few times, it was great to be in the presence of so many people together just for the simple love of music!

Visit our Facebook page for even more photos from the night!

Eleven Eleven Boutique's Art Show and Creative Market

There's about a million exciting things happening this month at Eleven Eleven Boutique, which is making it a little hard to know where to start with this post! First off, the store is having a Group Show, featuring 8 amazing local artists, all month long. Then, the last three weekends of July, they are having an Artists Market. The Market will host local clothing and jewelry designers, artists and more! MaNoKin Design will also be showing and selling their Fall/Winter 2011 collection at the market. Make sure you stop in to get some sure to be amazing deals and then check back here later for photos! For more information on the event you can go here!

Free This Long Weekend? Check out BassBus!

I stumbled upon this event a few weeks back and sadly can't attend as I've got family in town. This is definitely something worth checking out if you've got some spare time this weekend, and it seems like a such great idea! They will be having a market at the Arrata Opera House on July 2nd and there's tonnes of great local designers, jewelers, artists and musicians lined up with tickets only $20 in advance and $25 at the door. It's their first event and they're raising money and awareness for future events to support local artists! Photos of the bus look amazing(you can view them on their Facebook page. Link is below!) as they've got it covered in some really stunning art and graffiti. You can check out their Facebook page HERE or read a feature the Art Gallery of Calgary did here.