30 June 2013

classy canada

School is out, summer holidays have begun, and the Canada Day long weekend is finally upon us! This long weekend trumps all long weekends for a number of reasons. One being, Canada is awesome and to see all Canadians show their pride on this day is heartwarming
 (although we think it should be EVERYDAY!). The joy and energy we feel as we celebrate our beautiful country together definitely makes this long weekend extra special.
So put on your red and white and let's celebrate Canada's 146th birthday!



 From left to right: The Red Queen's Skirt (m/l) $8; Painting the Roses Red (m) $13; Heartbreak Hotel (m) $8 

There are endless activities to partake in this weekend. Some ideas, in case you're stuck (or your brain has turned to mush from exam-cramming or exam-marking or school in general), include visiting one of the world's natural wonders, Niagara Falls, featuring a Canada Day parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake Fort George celebrations, and fireworks over the falls; catching a Blue Jays game in Toronto and listening to some live bands in the Mel Lastman Square; taking a stroll or bike ride or rollerblade by Lake Ontario; or simply enjoying a backyard BBQ with friends and family with a cooler full of ice-cold Canadian brews while our favourite Canadian band, The Tragically Hip, sets the mood.
Here are a few more ideas from Tourism Hamilton of what you can do in the city this weekend.

Hat: Sunday Brunch with the Red Queen $20; Necklace: Audrey's Pearls $8; Brooch: Bouquet of Pearls $10; Earrings: by Jandi Gunn Designs

If none of those activities tickle your fancy, well nothing screams "Canadian!"
like lounging in your Muskoka chair at the cottage!
Alicia is not pictured here at a cottage! :(

Handbag: Audrey & The Red Queen go shopping $15

Whatever you do this weekend, do it with a smile and have fun!
Be sure to 'swing-on-by' our pop-up-shop July 12th at the Art Crawl on James St North!
Alicia is wearing the Heartbreak Hotel skirt

Happy Birthday Canada - we love you!!
 
 
What are you doing for Canada Day? Leave a comment, we're curious!
 
Interested in any pieces from our collection? If you're in Hamilton, we deliver!
Send us an email dizzyalicevintage@gmail.com 

25 June 2013

shake it out...



Shake it out, Shake it out!! Vintage salt & pepper shakers are here and boy, aren't they irresistible?! Since salt and pepper are a staple in spicing up your grub, these charming shaker duos have acquired much creative attention over the years, so it is no surprise that many curious designs, shapes, colours and themes can be found in these wee bundles of joy. 


Not only does the handheld size make them easy to collect, but they also look simply darling all in a row. They effortlessly add interest and conversation to a lonely window sill or shelf.

Above, is the collection of a true and loyal friend of dizzy alice and a lover of unique shakers.


They make such a fun-loving and quirky addition to any dining experience
and can even make the perfect housewarming gift! 


Find a special pair and use them as a topper for a wedding cake or other momentous occasion. Not only are they a unique topper, but the best part is that they make a functional keepsake afterwards! 



Seasoning your food has never been more fun - so check out dizzy alice's collection which is constantly growing with unusual and adorable shakers, such as these fairytale toadstools! 

 
 
 
To get you in the shaking mood, have a listen to one of our favourite songs by one of our favourite artists,
Florence & the Machine - Shake it Out
 


21 June 2013

open your hearts to open streets

Open Streets Hamilton is returning for their 7th year this coming Sunday June 23rd from 10am until 5pm in Hamilton's centre, James Street North. Open Streets is a not-for-profit community-based partnership that is dedicated to promoting active, healthy, and inclusive lifestyles. On Sunday, James St. North will be closed to vehicles and transformed into a shared space, a "playground", for everyone to experience. Street vendors and pop-up shops, like yours truly ;), will give guests the opportunity to browse and purchase goods. Trendy eateries like Mulberry Street Coffee House, The Brain, and The Green Smoothie Bar will fill your bellies and quench your thirst. In addition, and not to forget, the free health, recreation, and outreach-focussed activities and demonstrations that are provided by local community groups and organizations to make this day spectacular!
Here are just some of the treasures you'll find at dizzy alice this weekend:

For any Hamilton lover, our "Hamilton is Home", hand-painted appetizer plate of the Hamilton Post Office.
"Sake it to Me, Baby", vintage 5-piece sake set with a dreamy floral print.   
To put you in the mood, our 80s "Moody Blues" free-flowing dress. 

 
"I'm Hooked on You", crocheted shoulder bag. (Get it? I'm HOOKED on you?! Hooked? Crochet?!)


1970s Art Deco earrings. Far out!


Darling salt & pepper shakers, "The Wallflowers".


Our salt & pepper snails, "Sally & Samuel".
An ode to Jamsquid's soon-to-be released music video, "Slug"
Watch the teaser, here!
See you on Sunday!!

18 June 2013

sweet stories & tales of treasures

dizzy alice has been spinning with delight! We've been so fortunate to have had successful weekends "popping up" in Hamilton this month. We are over-the-moon with the positivity and warm welcomes we've received and would like to feature some of the pieces that have made their way to happy homes. A memorable moment was seeing people gathering around to try out our quirky 1950s cherry pitter, which was eventually sold to a lover of both cherries and vintage pieces. More highlights that have brought us so much joy were selling the most darling bumble-bee earrings to a wee girl nicknamed "Bee", the 1960s white gloves with dainty details to one funky little lady for her grade 8 graduation, and a young woman who bought some of our handmade pearl hair clips for her wedding day.
These little stories truly make our hearts sing!
Here are some of the other treasures that we sold:

This gorgeous cameo necklace and our "Mad Hatter's daughter" summer bonnet are now worn by the lovely lady, Shelly.
 
Dear friends, Chris and Katie, scooped up our Vintage Coca Cola Victorian Ladies tin trays to be used as share plates for their next social gathering.


Our cheery "Strawberry Fields Forever" vintage tablecloth & vintage Chianti bottle candles make the dreamiest table setting on its owner's porch.

This 1950s "Emerald City" decanter and shot glasses were fit for none other than a man who exuded that Donald Draper-esque persona!


This denim cut-off and pearl collar clip went to Ashley and Vilma, respectively,
two fashion-forward, stylish ladies.


A lover of our wonderland, this vintage tin globe (complete with the USSR!) went to a world traveller and geographer-extraordinaire!


May you all enjoy these charming curiosities from the past.

With love,
dizzy alice
** Please feel free to send us pictures of your delightful dizzy alice treasures to be featured in our future blog posts! **

16 June 2013

a weekend full of muchness

This weekend we revealed our dizzy alice collection to Hamiltonians at Friday night's art crawl on James St North, as well as the Locke Bazaar at 211 Locke St South on Saturday afternoon.
Let's take a quick peek through the looking glass at our busy dizzy days...


If you weren't at the Hamilton art crawl on Friday night, you missed out! And if you were, you felt the undeniable energy and good vibes surrounding you in the heart of the city.
Local artists, musicians, and independent shops exhibited their talents as a sea of pedestrians flooded the illustrious James St. North.

The smiles, positivity, and warm welcomes were infectious. We cannot wait until July's art crawl!



Photo by Laura Herbert

The Locke Bazaar (formally the Locke St Art Market) also kicked-off their summer event on Saturday's golden afternoon.



1950s cherry pitter

 (Water bottle not for sale. A girl's gotta hydrate!) 

Photo by Laura Herbert

The Locke Bazaar features an array of local artistry as gifted vendors
display their pieces for all to enjoy. From handmade jewellery to homemade jam, the Locke Bazaar is definitely worth checking out.


 This weekend was entirely mad, bonkers! But we'll tell you a secret, all the best weekends are. xo


13 June 2013

grande opening

To kick off the summer we welcomed our nearest and dearest to the grande opening 
of our pop-up shop, dizzy alice. 






"What's a 'pop-up shop'?", you ask? Well, we simply 'pop-up' at different locations in and around Hamilton at festivals, markets, and other local events. Here, we showcase our curious collection of vintage, vintage-inspired, and handmade items.







From as early as the 1920s, we've discovered jewellery that would make the jabberwocky's jaw drop, clothing that sparks the curiosity of a Cheshire Cat, the finest and funkiest pieces for the home and 
any mad tea party, and handmade heart confetti, accessories, 
and buntings that would even melt the Red Queen's heart.




We thank all our family and friends for sharing this special day with us and for your love and support as we share our passion for yesterday's glamour. 



If you missed us on Sunday, you can check us out tomorrow (Friday, June 14th) at the Hamilton Art Crawl on James St. North in front of H.Williams Jewellery any time from 6pm to 10pm. And if you can't make it tomorrow, no big deal, we're popping up at the Locke Bazaar from 10pm to 4pm at
211 Locke St. South across from The West Town Bar & Grill.

Hope to see you there!!