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On a rainy Friday evening, I took shelter from the storm at the latest MAKENEW vintage sale hosted by Love, Me boutique. Designer Anna Gilkerson’s new collection is called Acid Kid and it definitely jolted me out of my winter slumber. Featuring electric colours and bold prints, this resort wear inspired line is sure to inject a little spring fever into your wardrobe.

Gilkerson has put her previous eco-friendly label Deux fm on hold to focus on MAKENEW which is comprised of carefully selected vintage pieces. Gilkerson has a real eye for finding designer labels such as Yves Saint Laurent, Diane von Furstenberg and Ungaro that are in seemingly perfect condition. In the past, Gilkerson favoured a palette of neutral tones but the new offerings are a fresh departure.

“Bright colours are going to be very big for spring. I knew that I wanted to do something really different this time with lots of bubble-gum punchy colours and eye catching prints,” she says. “It’s all about embracing life and just having fun.”

I’ve always loved finding unique vintage treasures so this is definitely my cup of tea. I also enjoy the fact that these labels are laid out for me and that Gilkerson has taken the guesswork out of trying to root for designer vintage. In the end, I walk away with a fuchsia blouse with the tiniest ruffles at the shoulders and delicate buttons, a lace tank and an electric blue skinny belt.

It’s seems so simple but sometimes adding a burst of colour into your life is all you really need.

- Nicole

MAKENEW will be at the Kyber Flea Market on Saturday, March 5^th from 8 pm to 12 am. Booze, DJs, dancing and thrift shopping – really, what more can you ask for?

Candidly speaking, the world of blogging is new to me and a little intimidating.  However, my love of unique shopping destinations and homespun talent has been brewing for years. I adore writing about the arts, fashion and lifestyle and I am thrilled to take on this new role with Halifax magazine. I plan to explore gift ideas, one of a kind items, style icons and perspectives.

By keeping an eye on what’s current, I hope to create a blog about the latest shopping offerings our city has in store.  For me, it’s all about pursuing that eclectic find. Veering away from chain stores, I am inevitably drawn to our lovely boutiques, quirky antique stores and galleries teeming with local artists.

Ambling through the North End and downtown everyday gives me a bird’s eye view of hipsters, business people, families and fashionistas. I take mental pictures all the time and bookmark those that turn my head. Inspiration comes in many forms!

I decided some time ago that I would only buy items that I truly love and weed out the rest of the clutter. Buying local and spending a little extra seems worth it. Nevertheless, I broke this rule on New Year’s Eve when I gave in to a cute $30 H&M dress. Strolling into the party, I came to regret this decision as I peeked around the corner and saw a pretty girl in exactly the same frock. I should have known better but H&M can be a seductive temptress… Lesson learned and NYE salvaged by a thoughtful friend who whisked me home (just around the corner-I’m not that high maintenance!) for a speedy change. This was a good reminder that I need to stick to local designers whenever possible…

Fear not! I promise to try my hand at more serious and practical shopping matters as well. I can’t wait to get started and welcome your thoughts.

Popping into Love, Me Boutique for Anna Gilkerson’s MAKENEW launch, I was met by a flux of pretty people and an exciting new line. The designer has set aside longtime label, Deux fm, and is working her eco-suavé with a new spin. Its a mixing of specially sought designer thrift and vintage worked into new form. The finely edited collection hung from a single rack– cohesive amongst earthy hues. Creamy lace, cropped leathers, original tweeds and [sweet, sweet] suede provide ultimate texture while design methods tie together clean, fanciful looks.

It was window shopping for me, but that Parasian camel suede is still in my thoughts. Those who missed out on the first time can check back in February, as this bi-monthly line churns out another set. And if you’re just too curious to wait, pop onto Anna’s MAKENEW blog for ongoing updates, inspirations and swoon-worthy images.

Maybe its the crisp coastal breeze, but our city’s approach to fashion runs with a certain free-flow. East Coast Sensibility is one way of putting it–– style notes exist, but blend with lifestyle so one does not command the other. Haligonians are stylish but not obsessed, interesting and eclectic sorts. The celebrity of fashion is appropriated into local riches to provide an emphasis on living, and it all makes for one collective refresh. From downtown yogis, business folk, students and the rest of us stragglers, city style is spirited and its own.

My hopes for the blog is to embrace such notions by dabbling into the local shops, designs, people, happenings. Add to this snippets from the global fashion feed, a playful approach is heart. If you think there’s something I should know or just want to say hello, feel free to get in touch at lolaphilly@gmail.com.

-Laura