Spotlight on Small Business: Black Orchid Designs

The holiday season is the perfect time to shop local independent small businesses. Why fight through the crowds at the mall when you can shop smaller stores that appreciate and value their customers? I have been a customer at Black Orchid Designs for a few years now. The owner, Kerri, is a very talented  and creative designer. Her specialities are pretty one of a kind patchy dresses that remind me of something Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas would wear. She also does custom corsets, leggings, and beautiful cowls.

Last week Black Orchid Designs held a party to celebrate all things Romanti-Goth. On display were gorgeous velvet and brocade dresses along with new patchy dresses. It was a nice evening out filled with good conversation, snacks, and wine. And it's always nice to talk to like minded people and catch up with friends. I wore my best romantic dress and a custom corset by Black Orchid Designs for the occasion. 

So if you find yourself in Hespeler, Ontario be sure to stop in Black Orchid Designs for some pretty dresses. You can also find Kerri on facebook and on her website.  

Corset Pattern Shopping in Hamilton

In Hamilton, Ontario we have a small fashion district with Fabric stores and Notion stores lining Ottawa St.  I can spend a whole day wandering through the stores and I find something new every time I go. The real treat in Hamilton is the Bra Makers Supply store. Inside you will find everything you need to make bras, panties, and corsets. 

They sell kits already made up with everything you need to make a bra...

A whole wall full of patterns to choose from...

And they even offer courses on how to make corsets and bras. 

I picked up the Freedom Corset Pattern and some steele boning for a new corset.