Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
This post is written by Beth Ervin, Communications Director for Experience Columbus.
I think of the Short North as my preferred shopping mall, and Substance (783 N. High St.) has been my favorite store there for years. Many of the beautiful clothes and accessories owner Christina Getachew stocks are organic, fair trade, re-purposed or vegan friendly. They’re also beautiful … and contemporary, yet timeless enough that I know I can wear what I purchase for years.
A year ago, something happened to make me love Substance even more. Christina opened up her second floor space to local artists, supporting entrepreneurs and introducing customers like me to exciting locally designed and produced fashion and products. Loft tenants include: Elizabeth Stevenson, owner of Elizabeth Ashleigh Designs, known for the gorgeous quality of her up-cycled vintage pieces; C & E Designs, a team of collectors who offer a varied array of refurbished vintage jewelry; J Squared Organics , whose soaps made #6 on Columbus Underground’s Best of 2011 Top 10 Locally Made Products list; and Josie Wills, whose background in pageant gown design brings a flair for the formal to her original pieces.
Substance Lofts will be celebrating its one-year anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 4, 4 – 6 p.m. All of the artists will be present to meet and greet visitors, along with guest artist Linda P. Miller with some of her jewelry designs featuring, hand-forged and imprinted mixed metals, charms, natural gemstones, crystals, and leather.
If you’ve never been to Substance, this would be an ideal time to check it out. If you have, you don’t need an excuse to go – you know it will be fun.
Tags: fashion, shopping, Short North, Substance
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Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
This post is written by Sandi Combs, Marketing Coordinator for Experience Columbus. You can follow Sandi on Twitter @Sandi_ExpCols .
If you’re like me, shopping for the women on your gift list is easy. What’s not always easy is finding something that’s truly personalized or unique. Fortunately, Columbus has plenty of places where you can find a one-of-a-kind gift for all the women in your life, from your grandmother to your wife. Here are 9 of the best:
1. substance for FASHION CONSCIOUS PEOPLE (Short North) Substance has a beautiful array of sustainable clothing and accessories for the fashionista on your list. Check out the Design Lab to see the latest creations of the in-house fashion designers.
2. Tigertree (Short North) Tigertree is full of quirky and cute clothes and accessories by established and up-and-coming designers. They also carry items for the home and interesting knick-knacks. Penguin paperclips, anyone?
3. Pitaya (South Campus Gateway) Pitaya carries fashionable casual and “going-out” apparel for the teens and young adults you’re shopping for. Though the first store opened in Indiana, the Columbus location is just one of 17 in the entire U.S.
4. SoBo Style (Clintonville) SoBo specializes in “shabby-chic” home décor and gifts. You’re sure to find the perfect present for the girl who loves all things whimsical.
5. Caterina, Ltd. (German Village) Stop here to pick up something for the lover of all things European. This specialty store imports artisanal housewares from true European artisans. Their wares include German and Polish pottery, French linens and Vietri Italian Maiolica handcrafted ceramics.
6. Karavan Treasures from Turkey (Short North) You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an authentic Bazaar in Istanbul when you visit Karavan. The beautiful rugs, lanterns and jewelry make great gifts.
7. Candle Lab (Multiple Locations) The Candle Lab features natural soy, hand-poured custom-fragrance candles. You could buy a pre-poured candle, but if you’re shopping for someone local, I suggest a gift card so she and a friend can fully experience this unique store and make their own custom creations.
8. On Paper (Short North) This retail shop sells luxurious stationary, elegant journals and many other unique handmade specialty paper items. You’ll find a great gift her for the woman who loves to write.
9. Le Chocoholique (Short North) For the foodie on your list, gift something indulgent. Here, you’ll find artisan chocolates, pastries, fresh-dipped berries, biscotti, wine, dessert cocktails, chocolate beer and more.
What would you add to this list?
