Local love

There are a lot of different ways to define supporting local.  For some people it's about proximity (of manufacture, materials, or the vendor), for others it's about the origin of design.  I find I use and agree with both definitions - supporting locally made and local businesses puts money back into the local economy, while supporting people/initiatives from my own city, province, or country regardless of where they currently reside or where they manufacture is a matter of civic and patriotic pride.    

Here in Calgary you can support local by buying from local farmers, local designers, or from locally owned small businesses.  This outfit is a perfect example: the dress is designed by a Calgary-based Sri Lankan designer and bought at an Alberta-based boutique; the ring is designed and made in Vancouver and purchased at one of Calgary's many excellent craft markets.  I'm also enjoying my iced coffee at Vendome Cafe, one of several Calgarian restaurants which use ingredients from Albertan and British Columbian farmers. 

What are your favourite ways to support local? 

Dress: Fireflies for Lanterns - designed in Calgary, fairly made in Sri Lanka, from Bamboo Ballroom

Ring: Joanna Lovett - designed and made in Vancouver, from New Craft Coalition

Photos: Nicole Wee