Bedstu focuses on
natural, eco friendly
materials like
vegetable tanned
leather and
plant based dyes
Their designs
are unique,
every bag
is handmade with
natural
variations that
can not be
duplicated
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Life in the rural Northwest requires clothing that is comfortable, layerable and adventure-ready. I confess that I, fashion designer, wear leggings at least 6 days a week. Bamboo is supremely soft and breathable— perfect for all day and into the evening. This remarkable fabric has a lightweight luxe feel that can elevate your mood and add warmth and color to a classy outfit, or accompany you into the rugged outdoors.
I’ve designed these with a nonbinding waistband so they hug the body without cutting or compressing. Whether I am out chopping wood, foraging for mushrooms, in an online yoga class, or in the work studio sewing away, my bamboo leggings are the absolute go-to for me.
You must try these yourself! I want you to have a pair this week so I am offering 20% of all legging orders on the website and in the Kauai store. Check out the gorgeous colors and glorious softness by clicking on any photo or click below:
Use code MUSTHAVE at check out and stock up today!
Discount available Feb. 17 - Feb 24 only
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Happy Valentines Day!
*Discount will be automatic in your cart. All items are assorted colors, scent and only the best will be chosen for you.
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I am fortunate to live near a park, complete with trees, hills, trails and natural beauty! I found a secret spot that I sit in for hours I can see no people, no signs of people and rarely hear a passer by, there is such peace in this place
For my inner peace and sanity, my favorite yoga studio, Unfold Yoga Portland is offering many of their yoga classes online! I love this unique studio. If you were lucky enough to experience those precious practices with Patricia Howard in Kauai then I think you will love this welcoming group.
Jane Goodall: The Hope - Oh my gosh we all loved this documentary deeply. We all cried, we were all surprised at parts, we all ended feeling a little hopeful. I was left with the feeling that I want to step up my 'eco living' and pay a little bit more attention to my actions and how they affect the future. You can watch this for FREE on Hulu for 1 more week.
While I am sewing I love to listen to podcasts. A favorite that I hope you know about is Tim Ferris. He has a way of approaching topics in a different way. I often feel inspired, hopeful, intrigued and impressed while listening to his guests. Last week I listened to his interview with - Jane Goodall, which is what inspired me to watch the film. Another great one is with Esther Perel (the renowned psychotherapist). They discussed the challenges of being in a relationship, while being at home together, all day, every day, for what is feeling like an eternity ....... Actually, I think this is the interview where I was first introduced to the movie club idea.
What have you found is bringing you peace, joy and a positive outlook? I really would love to hear what you are looking forward to in your new routines.
and of course we are still making masks!.......
Be well, be safe, be calm, be love
]]>I have discovered that putting on a sundress, even though I am just wearing it in the house and to the backyard, it really lifts my mood. Anyone else find that getting dressed nicely and taking care of yourself helps boost the quarantine blues?
Here are three dresses I think you will love, a new one Ijust made, and 2 that are now on sale.
Lets be honest, 99% of the time I am still reaching for my bamboo leggings. Have you invested in a pair of these yet? I swear you will not be dissapointed. The bamboo fiber is so incredibly soft, the fit is divine (waist fit is natural, not too high, not too low) and the quality superb (if I do say so myself;) We have a few black in stock still, a luxuriously soft cotton, camo coral on sale, and a gorgeous smokey teal blue fabric I am ready to make custom for you.
Last but not least, I am still making masks daily. I am excited to let you know I have added a donate option. Order masks to be donated to a group in Kauai called the Massive Masks for Kauai (MM4K) - a grass roots campaign sending masks to those in need, and I will match your order. So if you order 3 masks for MM4K, I will send them 6!
Now let me be clear, these are not medical grade. These have been approved as a barrier for civilians and patients entering the hospital, in order to save the N 95 masks for the medical workers.
I am offering these on line on a "pay as you can" basis. At the moment I have lots of 100% cotton, which is what they are recommending these be made from. My lifelong fabric collecting and hoarding is finally paying off! I am already out of 1/4" elastic and I'm currently making these with ties. If you lost your job due to this pandemic, please choose $1, which pays for the shipping. If you can afford to, consider a little more. I will need to replenish my supplies as these sell out. I lost all my income (I closed my store March 15), so I am unable to purchase more supplies and am just using what I have in my studio.
If you place an order for anything on my website over $15 I will send you a free mask, just tell me you want one!
I suggest a lavender eye pillow? Lavender is well-known to reduce anxiety and aid in sleeping. Pair that with the weight of the flax seed placed over your eyes and I anticipate at least a slight drop in your heart rate. Give it a try, justs click photo to purchase yours now and receive a free face mask!
With love and aloha, Be safe, Be well, Be calm, Be healthy,
Angelique Ell
]]>BED|STÜ is a family-operated business for over 24 years, creating unique leather handbags, wallets, and shoes, inspired by the rugged and resilient streets of Bedford Stuyvesant, NY. Each product is ethically handcrafted using materials from nature, such as water based glues, plant based dyes and natural tannins from tree bark and leaves. They use biodegradable material because they are better for us and our planet. They choose free range natural leather and old school construction methods creating unique pieces with slight variations - no two pieces are alike: there is always beauty in imperfections.
BED|STÜ’s philosophy is to create sustainable products that are made to last. They believe in the art of shoemaking and its craftsmanship. They defy the idea of mass production, which is why each piece is unique and represents the diversity of those who create it. The soul and heartbeat ofBED|STÜ is the human component of hand tooling, weaving and finishing.
BED|STÜ’s story just keeps getting better! They teamed up with the UPS Carbon Neutral Program. (Carbon neutral is the process of reducing carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by an equivalent amount through a specific activity, such as offsetting) They are also planting trees, thus balancing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment.
You’ll feel good about making a BED|STÜ purchase with a.ell atelier. In addition to owning a gorgeous piece of their work, you are shopping small and supporting a sustainable and eco-friendly product. Our favorite combination!
At a. ell atelier, we hope you feel the passion and authenticity that drive us. Our goal is to provide quality, eco-friendly, sustainable products with excellent service. Your loyalty inspires us to continue innovating and designing ethical fashion. When you shop with us, you support our artists, our employees and their families, and our community. We are able to nurture our neighborhood ecosystem by donating to local organizations and helping budding artists get their work out there. Purchasing from local artists also allows us to lessen our environmental footprint. When you shop at a.ell atelier you help stimulate our Kauai economy, which keeps small businesses open within our community. Who knew shopping with us had that much power?!
We treasure our relationship with our customers. For us it goes beyond just making a sale. It is about connection and genuine care and interest in the people who come through our doors -both actual and virtual! We feel honored that we are able to engage with and really get to know you.
Just in time for the holiday season, we have received wonderful new merchandise! So kick off your shopping for yourself or a loved one this Thanksgiving weekend with us. Every purchase from Black Friday, November 29th through Sunday, December 1st, earns an entry to win an a.ell atelier gift certificate. We are giving away one $100 Gift card, one $50 gift card and one $25 gift card. Online orders enter you as well! Drawing will be Monday, December 2nd.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, thank you, thank you! It is because of your support that we are able to continue to do what we love- and for that we are grateful.
We look forward to seeing you soon,
The a.ell atelier team
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Big changes!
If you know me, you know I love change - and the last 6 months have been huge!
I closed the Portland store at the end of September. As the term of my lease came to an end and my creative mojo diminished, I realized I had spread myself too thin and was tired of juggling all that was required of me. Though I absolutely love the artists, customers and the team I work with in Portland, I realized my value is no longer based on how much I can accomplish - rather what I WANT to accomplish.
I reconnected with the dream that started this whole endeavor. I love to design clothing. I want to have the time to focus and the creative space to do that. I want to be more involved with my baby, the Kauai shop, the gorgeous and supported shop that allowed me to go off and live my wildest dreams.
So 6 weeks later … I am re-energized and have jumped back in! I have moved my studio into my home in Portland and I have been creating so many new pieces! Each week I have sent a box to Kauai with bamboo dresses, eco tops, and all things sustainable. This week I had a blast going through old vintage fabrics and scraps and made unique Christmas Stockings. Next week, I am going to sort through my bamboo scraps and make undies for women and men! I can’t tell you how many requests I have received over the years for bamboo underthings.
Working at home feels like such a gift. My creativity is thriving as my stress level drops. I love that my animals are with me all day, and I cherish moments like this when I sit in my favorite Portland bakery (Lauretta Jeans), with plenty of time to write to you.
I hope you will visit our Kauai shop and/or go online as we add some of the new items to our web shop. You can find the a.ell line in clothing stores throughout Portland and beyond: Salty TeaCup, Amelia’s, Union Rose, Secessions Art & Design (SF), Semi Aquatic (Brookings) and expect more to come!
One of the best ways to keep up is to follow us on Instagram ( instagram/aellatelier ) where we post daily what is new and happening.
Thank YOU for your interest and support in a.ell design & atelier. It truly is a gift to be a maker supported by you.
Angelique Ell
]]>3 Ways A ELL Atelier’s Uruguay Amethyst can bring more magic, creativity, and peace into your life.
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1. Morning pages - 3 minutes of stream of consciousness writing in a journal helps to clear your mind and has been proven to jumpstart your artistic desires.
2. Drink lots of water - Research shows that drinking lots of water can not only release bodily toxins since it is necessary for a healthy digestive system but also help to release blocks from feeling our inner spark of joy to create your own artistic expression.
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3539 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Our Kauai Address:
4-1320 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
The French word Atelier is the private workshop of a professional artist in the fashion, fine, or decorative arts, where a principal master and a number of assistants, students, and apprentices can work together producing pieces of fashion under the guidance of the master artist.
We have two local ateliers with running sewing machines on the Island of Kauai’, Hawaii and Portland, Oregon dedicated to the practice of sustainable sourcing, designing, and manufacturing. Under the guidance of Angelique Ell, a pioneer in sustainable fashion since the early 90’s when she was first introduced to hemp fabrics.
Check out these new Swing & Wrap Dresses that are new to the a. ell. collection!
There is extreme benefit to using sea salt bars: sea salts are rich in minerals beneficial to the skin like magnesium, zinc, calcium, potassium and more. Sea salts also draw bodily toxins while providing a catalyst which helps the glycerin in its purest form, salt soap absorb more easily into the skin. Mineral rich sea salts organically sourced from sea water are used in the bath because of their tonic action and softening effect on the skin.
KOPA SOAPS made in small batches on the north shore of Kauai, is always handcrafted with lots of aloha and love. KOPA SOAPS always use organic oils, butters, botanicals, and herbs for your well-being and happiness.
You can find these soaps here!
]]>Made in the USA, packs easy, no dry clean, travels well and hand washable and always available at A ELL Atelier. No appointment needed just come on in to our Kauai or Portland Boutique and/or enjoy them out on our site.
Caitlin Ross-Odom is Hawaii's most loved benchmark silver-smithed sunrise shell and sea glass jeweler since 1998. Her island style company COR DESIGN started with a lifelong obsession for finding the rare treasured sunrise shell and vintage sea glass. The sunrise shells are typically found only at depths from around 10 to 30 feet where she and other collectors must dive for them.
Kauai Sunrise Shells are the most beautiful sight to behold. Each one has unique splashes of yellow, red, orange, green, and purple shades, similar to what you would see during an actual Hawaiian sunrise. The scallops, known as Langford’s Pectens are even more valuable when they have hints of green, gray and blue. These shells of the same species are called Moonrise due to their even less common, darker appearance. This wide range of color variation is based on different factors like at what ocean depths the creatures lived and what foods they ate. Legends say that they were only worn and possessed by the Hawaiian Royalty, the ali’i and that the shell brings good luck and happiness to its owner.
A ELL ATELIER is very proud in making the COR DESIGN collection available to locals and visitors for over 10 years and continues to be the hub of supporting the most adored local island artists.
Organic Cotton or Bamboo Hood & Scarf
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The chickens are taking over! You may be wondering how this happened in the first place.
Kauaiian chickens really only came into their own as the pigeon of Kauai in the past few decades. After Hurricane Iniki destroyed chicken enclosures in 1992, many of the island's captive chickens were released into the jungle and streets.
We love these chickens so much that we locally created cotton tees and tanks with original art by Kauai artist, John Howard. These tees and tanks come in both mens and womens styles. Order yours now on our website!
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