dress to your dreamy desire

"I think it's fun to dress up. It's an exercise in creativity and it makes you feel better. Sometimes you're in a funk and you put something on and you twirl yourself around and BAM!" -Iris Apfel

As we begin to come down from our Supercrawl dizziness, we must take a moment to address the way we dress. Our philosophy is simple: dress in a way that makes you happy. In a world that can get caught up in trends, brands, and "what's cool," we dizzy dolls dare you to dress to your desire; wear what you want and be wonderful.

Take these feisty fashionistas for instance. They defy all restrictions put on fashion by society and media. Have a gander at these fearless women who feel fabulous as they fiercely flaunt their fashion. They are a breath of fresh air and their pearls of wisdom resonate.
Perhaps it will inspire you to revel in the fun of dressing up and self-expression...

Advanced Style video

It just goes to show that no matter what your age, status, or gender, confidence goes a long way. So if you feel like collaborating your coat with a charming chapeau, do it. If you feel like saying, "what the heck," and tie that scarf in your hair instead of around your neck, do it. If you've been told that a brooch isn't "cool" or told you look like a fool, we urge you to break the mould and know that you rule!

dizzy alice knows how important it is to express one's own individual personality. We believe vintage and unusual finds can make one feel unique, as opposed to the mass-produced fashion bombarding our society and influencing everyone to look the same. We know it's difficult to avoid those big-box stores indefinitely, but when we dress, we love incorporating even a small surprise that sings sweetly of another time and place.

 Even though we adore adorning accessories, and as cliché as it may sound,
but the most beautiful thing you can wear is your smile.
So be happy, love life, and dress accordingly xo

superest crawl

"A city is a place where there is no need to wait for next week to get the answer to a question, to taste the food of any country, to find new voices to listen to, and familiar ones to listen again."

- Margaret Mead

Hamilton is no exception. Supercrawl showcases the best of what the heart of our downtown core has to offer: delicious diverse food, groovy music, bonnie boutiques, and of course, the amazing artistic talent.

James Street was a sea of smiles this weekend as residents, visitors, friends and family all gathered together to enjoy the yearly street festival promoting our city's art culture. In its fifth year, Supercrawl has come a long way. The popularity of this festival has skyrocketed with numbers reaching over 100,000 attendees this year. We were so thrilled to be a part of Supercrawl over the weekend. There was an undeniable feeling of excitement and energy as Hamiltonians and visitors strolled the streets.
Here's a look at Supercrawl through our eyes:

photo: Kristin Archer for I Heart Hamilton

On the Friday night in the Tivoli Supermarket, we found it very fitting to have Lester Coloma's mural of the White Rabbit riding the Mock Turtle as a backdrop to our Alice in Wonderland-inspired shop. Whilst we were doing our dizzy dance (mostly to keep warm, but also because we were too excited...but mostly for warmth!), an artist was creating another Tivoli mural on the roof directly above us. What a magical feeling it was knowing that a talented painter was up above the world we fly like a teatray in the sky...

Although it was a dark and frigid Friday evening, these bright young things warmed up the night with their glowing smiles, starry eyes, and contagious giggles. It wasn't a surprise that these kindred spirits both fancied the "Madame Butterfly" compact, but alas, only one could claim it.

This darling lass bought our Robin Egg blue clutch wallet. We loved hearing of her creative plans to use this piece for her knitting supplies. The curious sizes and shapes of the inside pockets were the perfect fit for her knitting needles and notions.

As the sun shone on Saturday, our talking flowers were chatting the day away. Everyone was worth talking to...

...the skies were a clear blue...

...and if it's always tea time, it's always cupcake time too!

These "his and hers" vintage cornflower ashtrays found homes with a Mad Men maiden and her main squeeze. Not to mention the cutest cameo screw-ons and the Swedish Sea-Dog safety strikers which also went to pleasant passerby.

 This charming gal was a pleasure to finally meet. Her kind words and outright enthusiasm were refreshing and genuine. She had us howling when she skipped up to us shouting, "It's me! I'm Cordelia Shmelia!!" We feel so fortunate to have met such friendly faces this weekend!

Our "Mad Tea Party" bracelet went to this doll. This is the quirkiest bracelet (and the most fitting for it's name) with charms of teapots, teaspoons, tea cups and saucers. Surely a marvellous madness will follow you everywhere when wearing such a piece!

The Queen of Confections herself, bought our "Let Them Eat Cake" 1950's cake stand. She is a passionate baker and blogger for Pastel Macaron. We obviously share the same sentiment: delicious dainty desserts such as her magnificent macarons, deserve an exquisite resting place...until they are devoured of course!

photo: Susie from Pastel Macaron

dizzy alice knows only too well how hard this vivacious vixen will rock this purse of yesteryear's glamour. The golden trimmings and tassels of this vintage treasure will forever be in dizzy's memory.

We were practically doing cartwheels when this cutie bought our "cartwheel" hat. She was considering this hat, but when she found out we were an "Alice in Wonderland" inspired shop, she just had to have it! She felt it was a fabulous addition to her vintage hat collection. Oh, how we adore discovering other Alice aficionados.  

This beautiful brunette browsed our back-in-time collection and bought herself a pair of pearl-beaded earrings. No doubt she will be the belle of the ball!

Our fellow friend and cameo-connoisseur found comfort in two of our prized portraits. The cameo pendant necklace and scarf clip are a match made in jewellery heaven!

  If Alice was written in the 1980's, she would be toe-tapping in these vibrant watercolour pumps. This elementary school teacher's funky style is always admired by her students. We know her kids will get a "kick" out of these spirited stilettos!

A sense of overwhelming nostalgia came over this lovely lady as it so often does when one tries on a cameo. It reminded her of her mother and the rare cameos she used to wear.

A dizzy adieu must be given to these other poetic pieces:

We're still reeling from the wonderful weekend. Seeing friendly familiar faces and meeting new ones was more than us girls could ask for. After a rainy Locke Festival, we were so grateful for clear skies even though the temperature was wonky. But when we were cold, you brought us tea and when it was sunny, you brought us smiles!
We can't wait for next year's Supercrawl, we're already counting down the days until September 12th 2014! (358 if you're keeping track!)

photo: Herbert Fodor

a neverland of necklaces

Never underestimate the power of a great necklace. This long-loved accessory has the capacity to effortlessly change an outfit from frumpy to fun, boring to bold, plain to pow! Whether you layer or leave them by their lonesome, if it's your pop of colour, or your shimmer and sparkle, necklaces can make that eye-catching statement.  

Pleased to meet you! You are making the acquaintance of one of our truly prized vintage pieces. This is a stunning collar from the 1950's. We love the dangling pearls in the centre because extra whimsy and elegance are enthusiastically welcome!

$35

From Manet's Olympia to Rhianna, chokers are always smashing!

$15

 Say "how do you do" to the newest edition to our cameo collection. If you can recall, we're coo-coo with cameo love! We are constantly adding them to our collection, and if you missed our cameo blog, don't mind if you do.  

$30

"First position demi-plié (1 2 3)...Right foot fifth eleve (4 5)...Left side arabesque (6 7 8)." Our 1960's "Tiny Dancer" articulated necklace is outstanding. She really isn't so tiny though, measuring 6"! The moving arms and legs add a sense of playfulness and dance...better snatch this one up fast, before she pirouettes away!

$12

The ornate cross on our "Cross my Heart" necklace is remarkably regal. The fact that it can act as a brooch or pendant is particularly dizzy-worthy!

$20

If you're into contrasting textures, our "Tug of Love" necklace will pull at your heartstrings! The blue rope material pairs perfectly against the gold-tone medallions.

$20

Hummmmmmmm. The mid-century colour palette of our "Hum Along" necklace is nothing short of incredible! You'll be humming a happy tune as you adorn this beautiful bird. ummm...hummm...hum...humm...

$15

She sells seashells by the seashore (a good 'ole fashioned twister to tangle your tongue!) This is a vintage Avon lariat necklace (a lariat has no clasps, but rather tied together or has a slider to ensure the necklace stays on). The conch shell is the slider that can change the look of the necklace. You've guessed it, we adore the brass teardrops at the ends.

$15

Vintage birdcages are always beautiful, but a birdcage filled to the brim with pearls? Darn right glorious!  

$20

Are you hungry for colour? We also carry a rainbow of vintage beaded necklaces to satisfy your colour craving. 

If any of our necklaces tickle your fancy, visit us this weekend at Supercrawl. We also carry some dainty darlings for those who like something a bit more delicate around their décolletage.

Flit 'n float to the 'Supermarket' located in the Tivoli lot 113 James St. N.

Toodle-loo!

back to old school

It's that time of year again! Bells are ringing, children are learning, and teachers are preparing for a brand new school year. The first day of school is always filled with excitement and nerves as teachers begin a class of new kids, students begin a new grade/year, and parents watch as their youngsters grow.

Isn't it queer that apples have long been associated with teachers? It seems uncommon nonsense, but see the curious history here.  Apple love at dizzy alice is going strong. Not only do they make perfect gifts for teachers, they are the most fitting autumn accessory, as they are an ode to the harvest.

Gingham and apples are harmonious together in this pair.

$5

Aren't these just cute to the core?

$7

Our bright red apple brooch is the perfect embellishment for any collar!

apple brooch $5

Sally is one of our past customers at "Open Streets Hamilton." She just happens to be a teacher, so how fitting that she bought this 1970's Avon apple pendant. What's so peculiarly pleasant about this piece is that it is a magnifying glass. How gloriously out of the ordinary!

photo credit: Berkley Vopnfjord

If you are a teacher pondering how you can funk up your professional outfit, look no further! Take a break from wearing clip-on earrings the traditional way, and try them on your collar.

$5 clip-ons

$7 clip-ons

We have the perfect vintage clothing and accessories to outfit both the adults and students in the classroom.

"Blue Moon" purse $10

The ruffled collar and sleeves, as well as necktie makes this blouse feminine (and, dare we say, elegant).  Marking isn't as dreadful, with a lovely cuppa tea.

Believe it or not, we even have outfits for "reeling and writhing."

"Yellow Brick Road" bangle $6, "Out of the Blue" bangle $5

Sneaky sneaky...Alicia is fulfilling the "Distraction" part of the lesson very well indeed. This blouse is straight out of Wonderland with its curious backside, complete with buttons and collar. We can't contain ourselves, the twinkly stars blanketing this blouse makes us giggle with glee.

 

Mmmm pie? Our "Your Mind will Fill Your Purse" leather bag is the perfect pouch for your books, baubles and beyond.

"Your Mind will Fill your Purse" $25

It's almost that magical time, so just a "cordial" reminder that your only homework for this week is to attend Supercrawl.

"Mrs. Rabbit's Timepiece" $20

So whether you're a student, a teacher, or a classroom volunteer, you'll find something you love at dizzy alice. Catch us this weekend at Supercrawl at the 'Supermarket' located in the Tivoli lot 113 James St. N. We wish you all the best this school year. Good luck!