Eklectik Funk

It's Spring Again...

2010-03-27T12:32:00.008-04:00

Spring is back and I'm loving it! The weather is warmer, flowers are blooming, and I'm overflowing with inspiration and creativity! Spring is a time of renewal and transformation...but also CLEANING! Spring Cleaning has given me the motivation to organize my massive bead collection and create some new Spring pieces. Mother of pearl shell and glass pearls are my favorites, so they'll be seen alot in my new designs combined with a variety of other beads in my stash.

Spring has also inspired me to come up with new things I can knit that will transition smoothly into the warmer months. I recently mastered hats, so now I'm knitting cute slouchy hats that can be worn in Spring & Summer. I have lots of hair that can be quite unruly at times, so I love the thought of fun bright colored hats in light-weight cotton yarn or loosely-knit acrylics.

Most of my new Spring jewelry will be available for purchase at Abigail Rose Boutique. You can find their information in my previous post or check them out online at www.abigailroseva.com. Spring hats & other items will be available soon on my website www.eklectikfunk.com.

Abigail Rose Boutique

2010-03-16T15:42:00.002-04:00

I am pleased to announce that Eklectik Funk merchandise is now available at Abigial Rose Boutique!

Abigail Rose is an amazing new boutique in Historic Ghent, offering a great selection of clothing and accessories, as well as many accessories designed by local and independent designers. Launched in 2009, Abigail Rose is owned by Kimberly Lloyd and Wendy Foy. The boutique is an interesting "hybrid" bridging the gap between the past and present fashions. The store includes vintage and retro pieces as well as trendy and up-to-date items. They carry a range of sizes from XS-4X. Abigail Rose provides boutique quality products and customer service without the boutique price tag!

Abigail Rose has recently begun hosting Craft Weekends! I was honored to be the first vendor for this awesome event. Craft Weekends feature local crafters & vendors who come together to offer customers a unique shopping experience. This event will be held every 2nd and 4th weekend, monthly. Admission is FREE, but be sure to bring cash because most vendors won't be accepting credit cards :~)

Abigail Rose Boutique

913-B West 21st Street (Ghent)

Norfolk, Virginia 23517

757-351-6319

www.AbigailRoseVa.com

Hours: Fri 11-5, Sat 9-6, Sun 12-5, Mon by appt

Lighten Up!

2010-02-13T19:18:00.005-05:00

We have had so much snow lately! I'm not a fan of cold weather, but I do love winter accessories! All this snow and ice has inspired me to do lots of knitting.

Just because it's winter doesn't mean we can't still wear bright fun colors! I've been making cuddly knit scarves in bright soft yarns.

There are cute shorty scarves knit with acrylic yarn & fun eyelash yarns

And long thick scarves with fringes

Check out more scarves and knit accessories, as well as lots of hand-crafted jewelry on the new and improved Eklectik Funk website!

www.EklectikFunk.com

2010: Endings and New Beginnings

2010-01-22T10:59:00.002-05:00

Greetings!

It's been quite a while since my last post. There have been many changes over the last few months; some good, some not so good...

In December I decided to close the boutique in Portsmouth after Christmas. As much as I enjoyed Olde Towne and owning an awesome boutique, after a year and a half it was time to move on. I received a lot of love and support, but it just wasn't enough to keep up with the high cost of maintaining a storefront. Eklectik Funk items will still be available online and at select boutiques. I'll also be vending at various events and doing lots of parties and trunk shows :~)

Now that the boutique is closed and I have more time at home it's been quite an adjustment. I've worked from home before, but that was when Grandma Lillian was with us and I had a lot more responsibility. This time around I have been able to enjoy it more and take advantage of the freedom. It's great being able to work on orders while cooking dinner, be at home when my daughter gets home from school, and write this blog while wearing my PJs :~) I will be back in the work-force some time soon so that there can be another "steady" income in the house, but for now I'll enjoy this while it lasts!

Things I Learned from Grandma

2009-09-14T14:54:00.008-04:00

This blog is dedicated to my Great-grandma Lillian, who passed away last night...

Lillian Foreman Jones was a strong woman who loved God and her family. She wasn't a warm and fuzzy grandma, but she was loving and taught me and those around her so much in her 101 years. Grandma came to live with us when she was 95, just when her dimentia started to get the best of her. By this time she had outlived her parents, siblings, daughter, two grandchildren, and many others. Grandma Lillian went to church and Sunday school faithfully and was active in the United Order of Tents. Growing up with Grandma I always thought she lived such a simple, boring life that lacked excitement, but as I matured and spend the last 6 years with her I learned that there was so much more to Lillian Jones! I realize now that all I really needed to know, I learned from Grandma. These are just a few of the things that Grandma Lillian taught me:

1. How to cook ~ I spent many hot summers and long hours in Grandma's tiny kitchen watching her make homemade rolls, sugar cookies, applesauce, pound cakes...you name it. I didn't know it at the time, but she gave me the foundation to become the wonderful cook that I am (if I do say so myself). I enjoy feeding the people I love and am pretty sure that's how I hooked my husband Troy :~)

2. To be crafty ~ Grandma used to sew, crochet and paint ceramics. I'm sure she did much more, but those are the things I remember her doing growing up. I would sit with her in the dining room crocheting barbie clothes while she was turning out the hats and little booties that she loved to make and wear. As I got older I forgot who to crochet and as an adult I'd beg grandma to teach me to crochet again and she'd always reply "get a book!" So, now I knit, but I'm determined to learn how to make those hats!

3. To live life in moderation ~ I never understood why Grandma never wanted to move from the old house she was born in, drove fancier cars, or bought a larger TV. She only had 2 credit cards, always paid her bills on time and lived within her means. She drank beer everyday for as long as I could remember, but I never saw her drink more than one little glass. I learned later that this way of life was what kept Grandma from so stressed out while the rest of the world was trying to keep up with the Jones'. When I started working less to care for Grandma and made what seemed like sacrifices (at the time), I realized that I was really just cutting unnecessary things out and learning what was important.

4. To be an entrepreneur and work hard ~ Many hours of those hot summers were also spent in that little hair shop on Princess Anne Road, then in many kitchens with Grandma pressing and curling hair. She had clients coming over until she was 96 years old and tired of doing hair! Before doing hair, Grandma cooked at Norfolk Academy and worked at a cleaners. I'm sure she had many other jobs, but those are just the ones I know about. I always admired grandma's strong work ethic and have strived to always work hard and learn new skills as often as possible.

5. Always take care of family ~ When I was in elementary school, Grandma's husband had a stroke. He couldn't do much for himself and was confined to a hospital bed, but Grandma kept him at home. She'd blend his food up since he couldn't chew it and do everything for him so he didn't have to go to a home. When my mother LaVerne and grandma Harrietta were ill, Grandma slept on the couch and took care of them the same way. That's why I knew, when it came time to care for her, I'd do the same for Grandma Lillian.

It wasn't always easy, but I don't regret it for a second and am grateful that we had the chance to give Grandma the loving environment that she deserved, to live out the rest of her days in comfort. She was at home until the day she passed, only going to the hospital at the very end. She laid there peacefully as we held hands and prayed, then she drew her final breaths.

I am sad today, not for Grandma Lillian, but for those of us who feel the tremendous loss. I pray that we all can be so fortunate to live out our days peacefully, surrounded by people who love us.

~erin~

It's Ladies Nite!

2009-09-04T19:53:00.010-04:00

Thanks to all who came out last night to Ladies Nite at A Taste of Culture!

It was a fun evening filled with karaoke singing, lots of Jolly Ranchers (the drink special) and of course cool stuff from Eklectik Funk Boutique :~)

They will be having Ladies Nite & Karaoke every Thursday night 5-9pm, so stop by & check it out! Each Thursday a different woman-owned business will be featured & there will be great $2 drink specials! Make sure you come ready for fun & maybe sing a song while you're there!

A Taste of Culture Restaurant
448 Green Street
Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA 23704
757-337-8584
www.atasteofculture.net

This Week's Events!

2009-09-01T17:02:00.003-04:00

There's so much going on I decided to blog about it! :~)

Thursday, September 3rd, 6-10pm ~ Ladies' Night at A Taste of Culture Restaurant! Eklectik Funk Boutique will be the featured business for the evening, so come out to show your support! There will be special discounts & giveaways, $2 Drink Specials & Karaoke! A Taste of Culture Restaurant, 448 Green St, Olde Towne Portsmouth, 757-337-8584.

Friday, September 4th, 5-8pm ~ First Friday in Olde Towne! EFB will have special discounts, entertainment & Light Refreshments! First Friday is a stage for local galleries, shops and museums in Portsmouth’s Olde Towne and one of the city’s most popular evening escapes. Held the first Friday of each month, Olde Towne Portsmouth’s thriving arts & antiques community opens its doors along High Street where crowds of casual browsers as well as serious buyers come to each festive event, with numerous galleries, antique shops and specialty stores, some hosting receptions and exhibition openings. Held along the 7 blocks of historic High Street between Effingham Street and the Elizabeth River the first Friday of each month, rain or shine, year round. Most shops & galleries are open from 5 to 8 pm. There is no admission fee - participating businesses are open to the public.

Saturday, September 5th, 11am-5pm ~ Eklectik Funk Boutique is participating in the Annual Olde Towne Portsmouth Sidewalk Sale!

Now through September 11th EFB is having a Back to School SALE! Save 25% Off ALL Denim, Tees, Dresses, Handbags, Totes, Bracelets, Glass Rings & Erin Rae Jewelry! 50% Off Clearance Items!

See You Soon!

~erin~
Eklectik Funk Boutique
325 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA
757*295*3294

Yeah...it's Dirty!

2009-08-20T21:09:00.006-04:00

Looking for some cool tees & hats? You'll love Old Dirty Apparel tees, tanks & hats! Old Dirty is a new VA-based line offering hot designs for men & women, now available exclusively at Eklectik Funk Boutique!

"Old Dirty Apparel concentrates not on the trends of the current apparel industry, but instead on the lifestyle of today’s youth as well as our visions for the future of popular culture. Our designs represent the youth ideology at all levels – ODU, VB, VA, and all of the coastlines, powder-covered mountains, and downtown city neighborhoods throughout the country and world. This ideology can be described in a variety of ways – punk, surf, snow, rock, pop-culture, skate, party, hip-hop, dirty.

Dirty? Yeah…it’s Dirty."

Wuju Bijoux

2009-08-02T22:17:00.002-04:00

Introducing the latest addition to Eklectik Funk...Wuju Bijoux!

Specializing in copper, brass and sterling silver metal/wire work, K Cerrone Wooling of Norfolk creates beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry designs that are amazing and eye-catching. His stunning earrings, beaded necklaces and copper rings are must haves! There are even copper bangles that look great on men and women. Eklectik Funk is excited to be the only boutique currently showcasing these designs and I'm sure they won't last long!

This Friday August 7th Eklectik Funk will be hosting a Wuju Bijoux Trunk Show from 5 to 8pm! This will be a great chance to meet the artist and purchase designs not available anyplace else. There will also be live entertainment from local musician Derek Smith of Family Tree. Refreshments will be served and there will be great discounts on merchandise during the show!

See you soon!

~erin~

Punk Rock Betty!

2009-07-13T12:25:00.008-04:00

We have just received a huge shipment of Punk Rock Betty items by artist/designer Nikki Mabalot! PRB in not new to Eklectik Funk Boutique, but her unique line has recently expanded beyond handbags, totes & tees. PRB is now designing gorgeous one-of-a-kind dresses, skirts, corset tops, little girl's dresses & even cute baby onesies! All of her items are handmade and many are either hand-painted, screen-printed and/or embroidered making them truly unique and special.

Punk Rock Betty is not for the conservative! Her edgy line is definitely geared toward toward those wishing to stand out, indicated by her motto "Start Your Own Trend." Eklectik Funk Boutique is the only place in Virginia you'll find Punk Rock Betty. Don't miss your chance to get an original creation from this up and coming designer!!

Moving!

2009-07-06T12:57:00.001-04:00

I'm pleased to announce Eklectik Funk Boutique will be moving in a couple of weeks! We're actually only moving 2 doors down from the current location but decided to have a Moving Sale anyway! :~)

25% Off Entire Inventory!
30% Off Shoes & Belts!
50% Off Clearance Jewelry!

Once we're moved & settled there will be a Grand Reopening/Anniversary Celebration!

See you soon!

~erin~
Eklectik Funk Boutique
331 High Street
Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA 23704
757-295-3294

www.EklectikFunk.com

Sensational Designs by Sara B!

2009-07-04T13:07:00.007-04:00

The newest addition to Eklectik Funk Boutique is Jewelry Designer Sara Beltran of Montgomery County, Maryland. Her stunning creations are all made with sterling silver, vermeil (sterling silver plated with gold), glass and genuine gemstones, shell and coral. Sara is a passionate designer, creating beautiful works of wearable art. EFB is currently showcasing several gorgeous pieces including earrings, bracelets, eyeglass chains & more!

Mashulu Trunk Show w/Live Entertainment from Derek Smith!

2009-06-30T14:26:00.005-04:00

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?

2009-06-24T13:31:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-20T14:21:00.004-04:00

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~