*POP* Culture - Don't miss the 2012 Bubble Ball!

It's time for the 2nd annual Bubble Ball, a fundraising event for Childserve - benefitting children with Autism.  Artists and designers from the area all pitch in and create runway-ready looks (or stand alone installations) made of ...Bubble Wrap!

Fun to play with for sure - and from what we've seen, there will be some UH MAZING creations  - all on a storybook theme.  Here's one of our humble entries : Madeline, of course!

Be sure to attend - if it hasn't completely sold out by now, and PARTICIPATE NEXT YEAR if you're so inclined.  Bubble wrap is provided & the fun is inherent.

New Acanthus Apparel

Acanthus brought in some new bee apparel.  Check out this racer back maxi dress in charcoal with the black bee... it's sure to be a spring/summer favorite!

 We didn't forget the guys! This is the first of many men's tanks by Acanthus Apparel.  Both of these items were hot sellers over the weekend! 

If you don't live in Des Moines you can purchase these items at www.acanthusapparel.etsy.com.

Also check out their new Facebook page... www.facebook.com/acanthusapparel.

Back to Basics

Already have that one printed item that you can never seem to match anything with? Vitae has some new basics in to help you with that.

Lightweight Alternative Apparel hoodies (colors pictured below) 

perfect for spring and summer when you still want to bundle up but are too hot for fleece.

Alternative Apparel tank tops

(also in light grey and black)

Backless Alternative Apparel t-shirts. 

(also available in dark grey and mossy green)

Great if you need something plain but still want some oomph when you leave!

Do it in COLOR!

Feeling BLUE?

How about Yellow, Green or slightly Pastel?

We've got you covered!

(photos from the Suzabelle Spring lookbook)

It's Time for Green

St. Patrick's Day is quickly approaching and even Mother Nature is excited. Everything outside is turning green just in time for Saturday. Come to downtown Des Moines for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and revel in festivities the whole family will enjoy. This year, the parade will stage at the Capitol on Walnut Street and will proceed west on Locust at noon.

Post parade activities will be held at the Marriott on Grand Avenue. Music and entertainment will be provided by Kelly's Clan and the Foy Irish Dancers.

If you're still looking for that perfect outfit or for green accessories, Vitae has several items to fit the bill, like this vintage green scarf and this necklace by Little Pretties pictured with a Julia Lovan dress below.

Have a fun and safe St. Patty's Day from all of us at Vitae!

Make a statement!

If you are looking to make a statement, search no further than Maude Wren. Beautifully crafted, reworked vintage pieced jewelry begging you to wear it. And, as a bonus, local Iowan designed. These pieces easily can bring a touch of glamour and elegance to the most casual of outfits or compliment your evening wear.

LOVE: The Naissance of Fashion Rock

LOVE: The Naissance of Fashion Rock, a "fashion show/rock concert hybrid" with a focus on local artists co-produced by Travis Wells and Elena Flores, will take place at the Des Moines Social Club on Sat. April 7. 

The show is a collaboration between Vitae Design Collective, Heather's Haberdashery, La Bella Figura, Body by Svec and Photobomb Studios and will feature photography from Reina Wirtjes and Betsy Weiderstein. Musical acts Vaj of Courage, Ladysoal and Madison Ray and All the Single Ladies are set to perform.

The show will also be the debut of Wells' and Flores' new line, LOVE! There will be a launch party for the line following the show.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advanced and $30 at the door. Visit Midwestix to purchase tickets ahead of time. 

Acanthus has got your back

.... and your front with their newest design.

Available now on a men's black tri-blend v-neck tee 

(which would be a perfect gift for a boyfriend, if only to steal for yourself.)

or, this racer back maxi dress 

which has already garnered a remarkable response from those that have tried it on. 

(trust me, it's amazing.) 

Also, this men's tri-blend crew neck 

is ready for you to throw on and enjoy this 60 degree March (!?) weather in.

Other restocked Acanthus options are these 

easily affordable and comfortable tri-blend deep-v-neck statement tee's. 

Sweetness

Magpie introduces two new pieces destined to be a part of your spring look. The level of adorable is out of this world. Who doesn't love a functional pocket on a dress? Should be mandatory at this point.

 

                                                                    Dress $62, Top $42.

Bow Ties!

Julia Lovan not only graced us with her presence earlier this week, but ALSO three dresses and a handful of print happy bow ties. 

Not too savvy with the bow ties? Don't fret, each pair comes with instructional pictures.

Happenings Around Town

Van Holmgren aka Vanimal, popular Des Moines artist and all-around great guy, will be having not one, but two show openings this month. The first, titled Feats of Strength, will run all month long at Thee Gallery in the East Village. The opening party for the show will be held tonight from 5-8 p.m.

Holmgren's second show of the month, Solid Ground, will run from the beginning of March until the end of May at the Mars Cafe and will feature stencils, sculptures, paintings and more. The opening reception will be held March 9.

For more information, check out Lacy Brunnette's blog post on Holmgren and the event pages on Facebook by clicking the links below.




Lacy Brunnette: http://www.lacybrunnette.com/van-holmgren-art-openings-march-2012/
Feats of Strength: http://www.facebook.com/events/311539322232399/
Solid Ground: http://www.facebook.com/events/355564657804216/