Food Matters...

Well, here we are - it's finally Summer in the heartland, when our hearts turn towards healthy eating, gardening and the like.  Many of us are also cognizant of the political aspects of farming, consuming and eating.  Wherever you're coming from, some of these doings may be of interest to you.

The above urban farming tour is pretty self explanatory.  If you go to www.eatgreaterdesmoines.org as I did, you'll find that they are a resource for things like community gardens, co-ops, matching surplus with need and other worthy endeavors.

The author of the book Foodopoly is speaking TONIGHT (Weds, 6/19) at Beaverdale Books at 6:30. Among other things, this book serves as a wake up call to the changing dynamics of farming, GMO and Pharma influences, and the need for grass roots involvement and change.

The emblem below is just cute - damn cute. Go bacon.

Blog Love: Here, Pretty Kitty

Jessi Allard, one of the fashion-forward masterminds behind the spunky blog Here, Pretty Kitty, rocked one of Vitae's own at a wedding earlier this season. The Pink Revolver dress, designed by the lovely Melissa Spreidon, looked fantastic for Jessi's summer shindig. We adore how she paired it with vintage finds for a funky retro vibe.

Thank you for your gorgeous posts and fashion inspiration. Keep up the good work Here, Pretty Kitty.

Father's Day: Bowties for Dad that we are "LoVan"

Get dad suited up with J. LoVan Bowties. Ties for Dad's Day are a classic (plus it's a hint that those stained white tees are not going to cut it). Unless he wants to pair the bowtie with the jank white tees — we are all about the  creative edge, so no judgement here.

While the bowtie is a male wardrobe staple, Julie, the designer behind LoVan, takes it beyond the realm of mundane with fun patterns that make her ties freakishly fashionable. She even provides a tutorial with the accessory, so even bowtie newbs can rock the look.

If you're still stuck on what to gift the papa in your life check out our other Vitae Father's Day faves...

Burden Child at Vitae

Burden Child is a local label with a following, though it's been a little hard to find.  We're glad to announce it's back at Vitae, and the gal behind it all can also be found in the shop this Summer, lending a hand and knitting knitting knitting.  

Lauren of Burden Child has a knack for form fitting knits and a taste for luxurious fabrics.  The Summer line, debuted at the recent Accidental Industry Fashion Show, is a cool collection that definitely throws off some heat. The sophisticated looks in ashy tones and neon hues can take you from city nights to the beaches of San Tropez...and they just might, we don't know.  Life can be damn pretty.

Shop the Burden Child Summer 2013 collection at Vitae design collective now.  

Photos courtesy of Des Moines Metromix.

Girl Friday/First Friday!

Girl Friday is your go to gal for understated statement jewelry that is incredibly affordable for one of a kind and hand selected pieces.  This is what makes shopping local a pleasure...an under the radar collection that any city girl would be all over.  Wearing Girl Friday is also a confidence booster - a pair of earrings being equivalent to 2 shots of vodka - add a necklace, and you'd better hire a car and tip them well.

We're so excited to get the Summer collection, set to debut at this weekend's First Friday event. Please join us and have first dibs, enjoy discounts, have a drink and see what else is new at Vitae and check out the other shops and great events going on in the Village.  

BIG HAIRy Deal

Every other year it comes around  - the Big Hair Ball, hosted by Art Noir at the Des Moines Art Center. 

It's basically a showcase for hair salons and their support teams to show their stuff - but there's nothing basic about it.  Hair wizardry, lets call it, is an art form. Or maybe it's magic. The BHB is this Saturday night, and this gala comes off as a true masquerade ball, as major transformation is a prerequisite for participants and audience members alike.  One must defy gravity, shape-shift and climb to the pinnacle of high fashion (in heels of course)...that and a ticket should get you in the door.  

The main attraction will be a spectacle of a runway show, which this year includes entries from independent hairdressers as well as a handful of heavy hitting salons. Also expect plenty of drinks, music from the Belin Quartet and DJ Jon Solarz, pop up salons and of course lots of drama;)  It's worth hacking up the ticket price (hairball reference) - this one is not to miss! 

Here's a link for advance ticket info:http://bit.ly/130HAB0

Image courtesy of the Slumber Designs blog.

One of our makers, Andrew kingsbury of Decadence was recently invited to demonstrate his crafting technique on CW network's popular morning show Great Day.
 Upon viewing you might feel as I do that although he makes it look easy, it takes some strength, some sturdy tools and the know how to really pull it off.
 Decadence cuffs have a rugged experienced feel about them - as they should, being re cycled from belts and aged hardware.  Many pieces are for men or women, but even the delicate earrings and necklaces in this line convey a strength of (re) purpose and character we know you'll like.
  Find his stuff at Vitae, Market Day and at his Etsy shop DecadenceStyle and follow this link to see Andrew on TV:)
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SKjuUWB81xc#