You know me: I will shop at every opportunity, especially when the shopping fare is unique and somewhat heartfelt. So when I was home for Thanksgiving this past weekend, my fam and I made a number of retail pilgrimages, if you will, one of which was to the Third World Bazaar close to Ottawa, Ontario. It just happens to have its opening weekend the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend every year - but don't worry, it runs every Fri-Sun until the weekend of November 19-21st, so if you're thinking of making your own little pilgrimage you still have time!
As you can see, we're at the bazaar bright and early, our shopping engines revved.
The Third World Bazaar is a different shopping experience and has become incredibly well known in the five years that it's been operating. First of all, it's in a refurbished barn in the wee town of Manotick Station. It's a family-owned biz and owners Peggy and Dick Bakker travel to developing countries buying jewellery, accessories, home decor, clothing and other items directly from the artisans working in those countries.
Then they open their barn for seven consecutive weekends a year for the masses to comb through the displays for great holiday gifts and more (my Mom always picks up handmade Christmas ornaments for the kids and grandkids here). The feel-good part is that they offer fair trade prices to the artisans and craftspeople they buy from, but they're able to pass on what they call warehouse prices to peeps like us who love beautifully-made pieces as they ship the items themselves and save on costs on other ways.
Needless to say, I could have bought a swack of stuff if my budget permitted. These wood chain-like neck pieces caught my eye - can't remember where they're from - as they suit the rocker-glam look I've been cultivating of late.
And I haven't admitted it til now, but I heart hearts, especially when they're big and chunky and not so perfect looking ....
As you may know from reading this blog, I'm an accessories statement piece junkie because I find that one funky, different accessory costs way less than an entire outfit and can be used to fashion multiple looks. I lingered over these beaded belts with wood clasps for a long time and couldn't decide which one to buy.
There were thinner ones but this thick black beaded belt caught my eye - only $22! But I ended up leaving it there as it was a wee bit big for my waist.
The cool thing about the place is that, even though the prices rock, you can find hi/low versions of particular items. These cuff bracelets were made of recycled pots and pans by youth living in the slums of Mathare Valley in Nairobi, Kenya.They were under $20 each, $15 if memory serves.
Meanwhile these more substantial cuffs from Morocco were around $60.
I gotta admit it: I was like a sugar-deprived kid in a candy shop. First I picked up a belt and walked around with it. Then I saw a gorgeous purple mohair scarf for $42, picked that up and put the belt back. But wait: this handbeaded bag from India was just too adorable!
I saw these gorgeous metal lamps with designs punched in them, from Egypt, last year and vowed to get one this year. They range from about $50 for a small one to $125 for a larger one. Aren't they beauts? Alas, I wasn't sure how I would cart one home on the train, and as you may know, my lamp and lighting obsession is reaching new heights of late ....
After picking up and putting down about a half dozen items I finally decided on this sheer woven top from Indonesia with gold threading in it, $32. I have so many lovely scarves, pendants, lamps, boxes and rugs that I just couldn't justify buying more. But one always needs tops, and I thought the multi-layers and ruffling too cute for words. Plus it can be glammed up or worn with jeans and boots.
My fellow shoppers picked up handmade pillows, mugs, bowls and Christmas ornaments. All in all a successful shopping sojourn! If you check it out, go early and wear your woolies as it can get cold in that barn. There's also hot cider and foodie fare outside to warm you in case you get chilled.
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