Category Archives: retail

Skaneateles Artisans

Retail space is at a premium at Skaneateles Artisans. This is the gallery on the lower level of the Old Stone Mill, located at 3 Fennell Street, Skaneateles, New York 13152.

Teresa Vitale is the owner. She is also a very successful artist who creates faux finishes on furniture and fireplace mantles in homes. Some of her work is on display in the gallery as well as paintings, ceramic and glassware, jewelry and trinkets created by over one hundred local artists and artisans.

It is a gift-giver’s paradise.

There is so much from which to choose. I was telling my friend Janine that I was so overwhelmed by it all that I would have to go through my pictures to really digest everything and I would probably see things in the pictures I didn’t remember seeing in person. In that regard, this gallery is a place one must frequent often. That and the fact that stock gets replaced often. It is a cash and carry business, unlike other galleries where the exhibit must conclude before one can take stuff home.

The Skaneateles Curbstone Festival continues today, July 21, 2023, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. This gallery did not have an outdoor presence but over forty other vendors are sidewalk sale-ing it. In addition, there are magic acts, balloon animal makers, musical guests, sightseeing cruises on the lake and many fine dining restaurants to experience.

We visited yesterday and had such a wonderful adventure of discovery while shopping the numerous stores on Jordan Street and West Genesee Street, as well as Fennell, culminating in a watermelon and feta salad lunch at The Sherwood Inn followed by custard ice cream from Doug’s Fish Fry.

So fun! <3

Silk Week Featuring Rachel Zoe

#kesnyc #tashkovski #rachelzoe #alicaandolivia #joie
#kesnyc #rachelzoe #bcbgeneration

So, I was trying out a thing – theme weeks for my work attire. Last week it was black. This week I wore silk every day. Themes are challenging because they limit what you can and cannot wear. This can be a good thing when you have so many clothes in your closet that it makes you focus only on a few key items. And on the flip side, the limitations are frustrating because sometimes you just want to reach for a cotton T–shirt or whatever. I know that when they tell us we are having a jeans day on a Friday – I don’t always feel like wearing jeans.

#kesnyc #tashkovski #bcbgmaxazria #rachelzoe #allsaints #ragandbone

It really all depends on the weather. And with teaching art, it also depends on what materials we are using – how messy they are. It was very warm in the classroom. I had several moments of overheating, which looked like a menopausal freak show, but was really just a lot of people in a room with no air conditioning wearing masks that make your face sweat and then whoooosh – your whole body, lol. It was happening to the thirteen-year-old boys and girls too.

Wearing silk helped with that. Thank you, Rachel Zoe for your beautiful light weight creations. I cut off the off-shoulder top’s sleeves on the embroidered silk/cotton top (above) and tried it as a layered tube top thingy, which I loved.

#kesnyc #tashkovski #ullajohnson #bcbgmaxazria

A thank you also goes out to Ulla Johnson for this magnificent lightweight slip and dress combo, all silk, that I wore for the first time backwards. When I bought the dress, it was featured as a high neck tunic with a bow at the back of the neck, but I wore it with the bow in front as more of a V-neck and loved it. The other way, the neckline sort of flopped in a funny way, like it was too big and so, this dress had been relegated to the back of my closet. Now you may see it in a heavier rotation.

I know it isn’t as flattering to go with the moo-moo look, as my colleague Katy calls it, but we both love the comfort of dresses like this for work. The dress isn’t particularly editorial but in real life, it is really beautiful with a delicate embroidery throughout the sheer fabric.

#kesnyc #tashkovski #allsaints #halston #trinaturk #bcbgmaxazria

I completed silk week with this Halston one-shouldered top that I wore with an Allsaints T-shirt underneath. I paid full price when I bought this top from Neiman Marcus. It has this fabulous drape that I love so muchy-much. I am wearing it in my Facebook profile picture. It’s one of my favorite pieces!

Because I blog my outfits, I feel like I need to wear everything in my closet and have something different on all the time, like the characters do on the new incarnation of Dynasty on the CW. And I guess that has to be fine with me. Clothes are an obsession. Clothes? Fashion, really, and knowing my own style. I will spend every penny on my wardrobe. Eating and paying bills – that stuff is overrated, lol. #whatwillshewearnext? <3

Marketplace on James

Marketplace on James is a new store at 2802 James Street in the Eastwood section of Syracuse, New York, 13206. It is the former Tip a Few bar now transformed into an artisan gallery, a tattoo parlor and a food place.

My good friends and Eastwood residents Bob and Marie Leogrande have begun a new venture making and selling their homemade pastas and sausage rolls. They use family recipes and all natural ingredients. Everything is packaged fresh and ready to eat! The Leograndes are also available for catering private parties (big and small) and will be in the store for occasional pop-up lunches!

Picking up a few of Marlene Roeder’s Zen inspired coloring books is worth the visit to Marketplace on James. They are really lovely – everyone of all ages can enjoy them because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love coloring?

Yesterday was the grand opening of Marketplace on James complete with a visit from the mayor and media coverage. There are about fifty individual vendors represented. I believe they pay a monthly fee to house their crafts under one roof.

I was there briefly and took these snapshots. It is a bit overwhelming when you first walk in because there is so much eclectic merchandise. New folk art style paintings, antique repurposed furniture, handmade jewelry and a lot of gift-type thingys are situated on different retail fixtures and tables. There didn’t seem to be a clear view of individual areas the way the space is divided at The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseeds.

But it is whimsical and fun, if you enjoy gift shopping/browsing. This place is the brainchild of owner/operator Eileen Porto. Her mission – to bring community and small businesses together under one roof.

Marketplace will be open Monday-Wednesdays 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm and Sundays noon – 6:00 pm. Vendors will replenish stock periodically, so there will always be new goods to see.

The kitchen is new/updated and will have something aromatic available daily, including free samples of products from these fabulous local vendors.

There is only street parking available – no parking lot, but there are businesses on both sides of James Street in that area with parking lots – coffee shops, restaurants, hair salons, banks, etc. If you’ve never done it, you could make a day of it and explore Eastwood! There is an adorable deck around the corner to sit and have a coffee and maybe do a photo shoot by the wall mural – and an amazing plant shoppe that will make you say – this is so cool! (Or at least, it did me, lol). Enjoy!!! (for more information, call 315-928-6724) <3

Paula, Mary & Allyson

I visited Cazenovia Artisans. This is a co-op where the artists take turns working the sales floor. Yesterday, that artist was Paula Burke. Paula is a Syracuse University graduate specializing in ceramics. She studied there under Margie Hughto and David MacDonald, among other amazing professors.

Her work is primarily focused around nature. She loves the lyrical aspect of the ginkgo leaf and utilizing glazes that have iridescent effects coupled with a matte finish.

Mary Padgett popped in – she was rearranging her display. She is selling glass mosaic pieces that shimmer in the light, as well as framed paintings of landscapes. She enjoys flipping the media, working on paintings and the three dimensional items sometimes within the same week.

The artwork is united by color – both styles work in unison and would create harmony in many home collections.

There is also a visiting artist program. Allyson Markell is this month’s featured artist. She creates colorful painted collages.

Cazenovia Artisans is located at 39 Albany Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035. Call (315) 655-2225 for more information and store hours or visit their web-site, which includes an online shopping experience.

Every Second Sunday

I visited City Market at the Everson Museum of Art on Sunday. Walked around before it rained and met some new-to-me vendors, as well as old friends.

Randy Casciano of Salt City Salvage creates tables from vintage filing cabinets and bird houses with wine crates, among other repurposed items. He does not have a website yet (working on it) but his email is Randy@SaltCitySalvage.com. I love his work. I want everyone of these birdhouses, especially the copper roof one!

Barbara Floch had a beautiful display of her papier-mache crafted jars, sea shells and jewelry. She has a space at the Delavan Center and calls her company Gypsy Girl Designs. Find her at www.gypsygirldesignsandcreations.com.

Ken Nichols and his lovely wife Kris sold his handmade ceramic bowls and mugs. When I stopped by, they had a large crowd of fans gathered around. Ken is at this event every second Sunday, of the month 10:00 am-5:00pm, May through October 2021.

Goodies Mediterranean Grill & Cuisine was represented with to-go versions of their delicacies. As the sign indicates, they are located at 3605 James Street. Call (315) 433-1003 for more information.

David McKenney of GBD Studio (glass by Dave) presented his glassworks. He can be reached at (315)373-3078 if you would like to make a purchase.

Jane Zell was the musical guest. She is FABULOUS! This video is on my http://www.youtube.com channel. Yes, I have one! <3

Snake Print Sandals

#kesnyc #bcbgmaxazria #theory
#kesnyc #michelledarinjewelry #zadigandvoltaire #bcbgmaxazria

These BCBGMaxAzria sandals are currently in heavy wardrobe rotation. They are incredibly comfortable. I love them! They seem to compliment everything too – and, I receive compliments every time I wear them. Best $300 (or so) I have ever spent!

I bought them four or five years ago from www.bcbg.com.

#kesnyc #freepeople #michelledarinjewelry #bcbgmaxazria
#kesnyc #saksfifthavenue #freepeople #bcbgmaxazria

The Loose Fit & the Peplum

#freepeople #tashkovski #joie #coach
#kesnyc #freepeople #michelledarinjewelry #bcbgmaxazria
#kesnyc #tashkovski #trinaturk #kobihalperin #bcbgeneration

I am opting for loose fitting dresses and peplums, as I navigate the end of the school year. I am up a smidge more than five pounds since the school year began. This is due in part to ice cream and most recently, to the spanakopita from St. Sophia’s Greek Fest (so good!).

It is also because I have spent the majority of the school year sitting behind a desk. I will get myself back to normal soon. No – I will not be the person with a closet full clothes that do not fit! <3

#saksfifthavenue #kesnyc #halston #bcbgmaxazria #joesjeans #ragandbone
#kesnyc #bcbgmaxazria #allsaints #ragandbone
#kesnyc @bcbgmaxazria #ragandbone
#kesnyc #tashkovski #bcbgmaxazria #ragandbone
#kesnyc #rachelzoe #joie
#kesnyc #trinaturk #ragandbone
#kesnyc #tashkovski #bcbgmaxazria #bananarepublic #joesjeans #bcbgeneration

Cotton/Leather Combo

#kesnyc #daydreamerforfreepeople #vince #ragandbone #michelledarinjewelry
#kesnyc #freepeople #zadigandvoltaire #ragandbone
#kesnyc #freepeople #kobihalperin #marcjacobs

Spring 2021 has a T-shirt and skirt vibe – with boots in case of rain. I love the comfort of this look – the crew neck looks best on Zoom video. It does feel like a style that is the most “me” :cotton top/leather skirt. Masks not optional – yet.

#kesnyc #warnerbrothers #coach #ragandbone
#kesnyc #tashkovski #freepeople #coach #ragandbone

Mini Time

#kesnyc #honora #saksfifthavenue #freepeople #rebeccaminkoff
#kesnyc #tashkovski #saksfifthavenue #halston #marcjacobs

I did a mini skirt/dress week. It is getting warmer outside here in Syracuse, so, why not? Ten weeks left until summer vacation.

#kesnyc #cinqasept #ragandbone
#kesnyc #tashkovski #saksfifthavenue #marcjacobs
#kesnyc #tashkovski #saksfifthavenue #talithacollection #ragandbone
#kesnyc #360cashmere #tashkovski #ragandbone #marcjacobs
#kesnyc #tashkovski #vince #bcbgmaxazria #marcjacobs
#kesnyc #tashkovski #bcbgmaxazria #joie #marcjacobs
#kesnyc #aquacashmere #equipment #ragandbone

The Leather Dress

#kesnyc mask #joie dress #bcbgmaxazria top #marcjacobs boots
#kesnyc mask #equipment dres #ragandbone boots

Can a girl have enough leather dresses? Answer: not really.

#kesnyc mask #remainbirgerchristensen dress #joie sandals
#kesnyc massk #allsaints dress #ragandbone boots