Mashulu Trunk Show w/Live Entertainment from Derek Smith!

Mark your calendars!

This Friday, July 3rd from 5 to 8pm, Eklectik Funk Boutique will be hosting a Trunk Show for Mashulu Studio!

Talented Hampton designer Artina Slaughter will be showcasing her newest one-of-a-kind handmade handbags!

Here's a little info about Mashulu..."In the Swahili language MASHULU means 'backstitches'. When sewing, one often starts (and ends) with a backstitch. Though the actual act of backstitching requires you to go backwards, those stitches serve to strengthen and support the stitches ahead. That concept parrallels life in that setbacks make you feel as though you're going backwards when those same setbacks are essentially providing strength and foundation for great things that lie ahead.MASHULU bags are individually hand-made with practical details and simple shapes, allowing for individual embellishments to take center stage. Each bag is made in extremely limited runs to give the customer the feeling of having a functional and exclusive piece of art. Custom options are also offered to further reinforce the exclusive experience."

There will be live music from local musician Derek Smith, solo singer/songwriter, and the lead singer and guitarist for the award-winning local band Family Tree!

Refreshments will be served and there will be great special discounts on all merchandise!

See you soon!

~erin~

Why is the boutique named Eklectik Funk?

This is question that I've been asked many times...When trying to decide on a name for the business that could best describe it, eclectic and funky were the words that came to mind.

According to Webster & American Heritage dictionaries, eclectic means "having components from diverse sources or styles; selecting what appears to be the best in various methods, styles or doctrines." Funk is defined as "an earthy quality, as in jazz or soul." Funky means "earthy and uncomplicated; natural; marked by self-expression, originality and modishness; unconventional."

Although I did decide on a more creative spelling of eclectic, I'd like to think that Eklectik Funk is the perfect way to describe the boutique. There is something for everyone, definitely for those who like to be different and like items that aren't massed produced. It's easy to follow trends and be like everyone else, but a true individual enjoys standing alone and being a trend-setter, not a follower :~)

~erin~

A Little Bit About Eklectik Funk Boutique

Hi and welcome to the Eklectik Funk Blog! This is my first post, so I'll start with a little bit of info about Eklectik Funk and the owner Erin Rae Kelley (me).

The Boutique
Eklectik Funk Boutique is a unique business located in Historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. We believe that fashion & art go hand-in-hand and that fashion is a functional form of self-expression & creativity. We cater to shoppers with a boutique mentality who don't follow trends and the masses. Most of the accessories at Eklectik Funk are hand-crafted by local & independent designers who are passionate about their art & create heartfelt designs with the utmost passion, not because trends dictate. All of our hand-crafted jewelry & accessories are one-of-a-kind, or produced in very limited quantities. We carry a vast selection of hand-made jewelry, handbags, scarves & hair accessories, with new items being added weekly. We now also carry hand-crafted accessories from several independent designers outside of Virginia.

The clothing at Eklectik Funk is carefully selected with our customers in mind & we only carry one of each size of most items, so you don't have to worry about "seeing yourself" anywhere else. We carry a range of sizes to accomodate all body types, wheter you're a XS or 3X you'll find something you love! We're excited to be the only boutique in Virginia carrying Yinibini Hand-screenprinted Clothing & Hand-crafted Jewelry and Punk Rock Betty Clothing, Handbags & Accessories. We're also the only boutique in Portsmouth offering locally designed Foxers underwear, k.michele Designer Tees & Restless Bodies. Eklectik Funk is also the only local boutique offering custom handmade Tutus! All sizes and colors available.

We are now featuring a new collection of Hand-made Children's Items! We have beautiful hand-made dresses by Sheila Gruchy & Moody Bear Babies, as well as hand-crafted jewelry & accessories. More items coming soon!

Even the art displayed at Eklectik Funk is special. All featured artists are locals who are passionate about their work & create art that tells stories, not just "pretty pictures."

Erin Rae
I am the owner of the boutique, as well as a jewelry & accessory designer. A large percentage of the jewelry in EFB is designed be me, as well as most of the knit items and all of the custom tutus. I recently learned to sew and have begun making a few items here and there. I have a passion for creating new things as well as reconstructing old items into new funky creations :~)

Thanks for checking out my new blog! Be sure to come back soon! :~)

~erin~