perch: 2014 Wrap Up

In the words of the consummate crooner, Frank Sinatra, "It was a very good year." 2014 was filled with photo shoots, pop up shops and hunting for vintage treasures. What else could a vintage loving gal ask for? Add in a few opportunities to support the local arts and theatre scene in Kelowna, and you've got a practically perfect year for Perch Travelling Boutique.
I had the absolute pleasure of providing styling services to almost twenty photo shoots this year. From the pin up look to the pomp of Marie Antoinette, I outfitted them all! The final images of each photo project I was involved with blew me away... every time! And, Chris Velasco of Stay Crispy Photography made the sweetest video for us. Seriously, it is just perfect.

Perch Travelling Boutique Look Book 2014 from Chris Velasco on Vimeo.

In an effort to develop Perch's presence on a larger scale, I opened not one, but two semi-permanent pop up shops in 2014. The first shop was inside the Lake Country Art Gallery, and was open throughout the month of March. The second 'shop within a shop' opened on November 15 at Mission Trading Company, and will remain open until the end of January, 2015. As part of my partnership with Mission Trading Co. I started a new blog, Perch and Mission, with the goal of showcasing the unique and diverse artists and designers that sell their wares at our eclectic shop.
2014 is also the year I opened Perch Travelling Shop , the Etsy store cousin to the blue bus boutique. And because Perch is a member of the Etsy community, we were chosen as a vendor at the very first Etsy "Made In Canada Marketplace" (which was a fantastic event, by the way!).
Some pieces in my vintage collection are just too special to keep on the blue bus or in a pop up shop (like my bridal dress collection, or my selection of little black dresses), so I created a Home Studio for just such treasures. The studio is open by appointment, and is also available for photo shoots and private tours.

The Home Studio, in development

Lake Country Art Gallery Pop Up Shop

Mission Trading Co. Pop Up Shop

Perch is an active supporter of New Vintage Theatre. Back in September, the blue bus made an appearance at their production of 'Confessions Of A Paperboy'. I've been able to lend costumes to the theatre company, which was always part of the 'bigger picture' I envisioned for my little shop: to contribute to the thriving arts' culture in and around Kelowna.

Our ad in the New Vintage Theatre Playbill

The Lake Country Arts Bazaar held monthly outdoor markets this past summer, and I was more than happy to work with the development committee to spread the word about this new and vibrant event. The blue bus was at every sale day, and it was such a wonderful experience to be included in Lake Country's annual Art Walk.

Lake Country Arts Bazaar

For Valentine's Day we partnered with our friends at Zangbell and Gill, and hosted a Grand Opening Party -slash- weekend Perch pop up shop. If you haven't been to their amazing showroom, you really should go.
When the Okanagan Wolfman calls, I try my best to attend whatever event he pitches to me. So when he suggested I bring the blue bus to Boyd's Father's Day Car show I was there! The West Coast Momma Collective hosted two successful Fairs in 2014, and we brought the blue bus to each one. And I have to say I love being a vendor at Fabulous Finds! So many creative and inspiring artists under one roof is ...well, fabulous! In December we had the opportunity to spend the day at a one day Pop Up Shop that was located in Kelowna's newest coffee shop hot spot, Third Space Coffee.
In 2014, I realized that there is so much farther I can go with this shop that started in a tiny trailer; it has blossomed into an enterprise far greater than 'just' a clothing store. Perch is everywhere! I am more than ready, willing and able to donate to local non profit organizations like the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club. I took the blue bus to the House Of Rose Winery in support of the Kelowna Women's Shelter.
2015 is destined to be one for the record books. So on the eve of a new year that is bursting with countless opportunities, I wish you love, peace and vintage!

Let's wrap this up with a look at the incredible photo shoots I helped bring to life this year...