A 1950's Show Tune = Creative Genius!

As an avid collector of fun vintage smalls I've always had a soft spot for pocket watches. These faces of the past tell a million little stories that have been locked in time. So while reading my blog roll a few months back I fell madly in love when I discovered these beauties...

Knowing I just had to have one of my own and they would be the perfect addition to our new location I searched out the creator. Wouldn't you know she was right here in Chilliwack!

Rochelle is the creative mind behind the beautiful jewelry line known as 'Whatever Lola Wants Lola Gets'. From the pocket watch faces to one of a kind jewelry, Rochelle handcrafts each piece using amazing vintage finds and a whole lot of artistic flair!
 

I'm so excited to visit Rochelle this Sunday at her studio in Chilliwack to finalize our first order! Knowing this blog post was coming first I had to ask her the one big curiosity I have...where did the name come from. Rochelle giggled and told me she named her business after her dog and its also a song from the 1950's film 'Damn Yankees'.  Too cute!

Its has been with great pleasure and excitement to finally introduce you all to Rochell and Whatever Lola Wants Lola Gets! Now I feel like a little girl waiting for Christmas day! Only 2 more sleeps before I get to choose the pieces for arOka!!

Looking forward to more introductions next week! For now I'm off to decorate at arOka... Enjoy the weekend darlings!

xoxo
Dawna
Creative Curator

Vintage, Eco Friendly & One of a Kind... Welcome Pure Magnolia!

A large part of arOka has always been the one of a kind vintage wedding gowns that have stood the test of time. While each and every dress we carry is unique, time and time again they have left me hart broken along side many modern brides when these petite sizes simply didn't fit. I am so excited to announce we now have an amazing alternative!  

Last October Patty of Pure Magnolia contacted me and I went for a visit to her North Vancouver studio. I was over the moon to learn that not only does she design, create and embellish each and every dress with the utmost care she also uses Eco friendly and vintage fabrics in every creation! 

We are so excited to be carrying an exclusive line up of Pure Magnolia dresses - all with vintage flair and custom made to fit every body type! Samples of each dress will be available for viewing, as well as your choice of fabrics, lace, and trims. Patty works with everything from organic cottons and hemps to vintage silks and satins. She even has a large stock of vintage lace to make that truly authentic custom vintage dress. 

For me knowing that they are made in Patty's North Vancouver studio and that she personally oversees each and every creation makes Pure Magnolia a very special addition to our team.

If you haven't filled your weekend with events yet you must check out Pure Magnolia on the runway during Style & Strut at the Sutton Place Hotel this weekend! I also hear that the amazing Randy Fenoli, host of TLC's Say Yes to the Dress and Fashion Director of Kleinfeld New York, will be gracing the crowd with an amazing presentation and a few other VIP treats!

To learn more about Patty & Pure Magnolia please check out her website and like her on  facebook. If you have any questions or would like clarification on the styles exclusive to arOka may I suggest you come take a peek opening day Monday February 13th! You can always send us an email or message us on facebook too. 

Next week I'll be featuring several local artists joining arOka as well as a few more exciting announcements! Our team is growing, there are many introductions to make so stay tuned!

Have a most lovely weekend!

xoxo

Dawna

Creative Curator

The Count Down to Relaunch & Feature Artists

The count down is on! We'll be reopening the doors to arOka Monday February 13, 2012 at 11am sharp. Our new address... 2231 Clarke Street in Port Moody. Its been been a frenzy of renovating, painting, decorating, crafting and searching for amazing vintage finds. Our new location is a smidgen smaller but packed full of character! The shopping experience will be heightened with the much anticipated addition of locally crafted wares from some amazing talent here in Vancouver and across our great Country.

Handmade, original upcycled and reworked creations really invoke a feeling of bliss for me. I love being able to touch, feel and admire an original creation plus actually talk face to face with the creative talent behind it. For me its a deep sense of respect - for those who create beauty with much passion.

Over the next few weeks as we count down to the relaunch I'll be introducing you to some of these amazing artists and new friends. Today its my absolute pleasure to introduce our first...      A Cagey Bee.

I fell in love with Kris' work at the one of a kind show last month and just knew you would too! From fine art prints, original paintings to the sweetest lockets and postcards, Kris is a cute maker with a story book flair.

 k.g.b (Kris G. Brownlee)

We're excited to carry Kris' lockets as well as several post cards featuring her cute characters, perfect for every day giving. What could be sweeter than whimsical notes to the ones you love...with a little Cagey Bee flair of course!

I can't say how excited I am to have Kris join us at arOka! If you would like to learn more about Kris and A Cagey Bee check out her website, facebook page or follow her on twitter.

Stay tuned Thursday for another feature post of a local Vancouver artist... Brides you wont want to miss this one! Until then lovelies!

xoxo
Dawna
Creative Curator