Designer Q&A: Julie Punelli

Meet Julie, the designer behind Magpie. She is talented, fun to speak with, and has a great eye for vintage finds! You can find her designs at the shop. Read on to find out what she thinks of Des Moines, her favorite trends, and how she defines style!

Introduce yourself  

I am Julie Punelli, and I started the Magpie line a long time ago.
 

How did you get started?
What I am doing comes out of a long suffering need to redesign things, which really kicked in when I worked in a vintage clothing store - so many little improvements you can make to salvage a piece and get it back out there in circulation. I enjoy original design and have some great materials. I guess I'm a little shy about it, being self taught & all.

What are you up to now?
Presently I am going through my collection of potentials (projects, things to upcycle, materials) and am making some decisions to free up space in my work area and my mind. I'm sure it's all in a hoarder's recovery handbook somewhere.  It feels great so far.

Forward Thinking

It's time for sequines, schmazzle, dazzle & shine!  The last round of holidays are nearly behind us & it's been great.  If you've been strategic, you may even have something left of your cookie stash, but I ask  who is not ready for a new year?

We've all been on both sides of the leading questions "are you ready to... get back to school,  for that new little sister,  are you ready for Christmas??" all cruelly stoking the embers of stress within us.

New years is different though...are you ready for a new start?  A clean slate?  For bright and shiny happy times?  Heck yessssssssss.  Happy New Year to everyone!!

 Rock in the New Year with anything from Girl Friday & you'll be stepping in style!

From mirthy to earthy Be Joyful sets the tone on a high note :)

SHOP VITAE: FINAL Gift Ideas

Waited until the last moment? No problem! We’ve got you covered. Get unique AND local gift ideas for your loved ones now! Check out these great stocking stuffers and stop by the shop to ensure you get everyone on your shopping list.

 Florence Oliver Coin Purses --> $20

Holiday Hours

We know many of you have some last minute Christmas shopping to do and we'll be there to help you! We are open today from noon to 4pm and Tomorrow (Christmas Eve) from 11 to 2pm. We have so many unique locally made gifts for you to choose from.

Here's one more gift idea for that difficult person to shop for on your list... Acanthus Apparel scarves are cozy, stylish and affordable at only $22 each. There are many designs to choose from.  They would make great stocking stuffers! 

SHOP VITAE: Another Round of Gift Ideas

Time is winding down for the holiday season. Get unique AND local gift ideas for your loved ones now! Check out these great stocking stuffers and stop by the shop to ensure you get everyone on your shopping list. 

Acanthus Kids

This is the beginning of something great! We are carrying the Acanthus Kids line.  The is the first hoodie and it's available in size 6 month through size 6.  More styles and designs will be rolling out in 2013 with the official launch and photoshoot in the Spring of 2013.

This is available at Vitae and on Etsy,

www.acanthusapparel.etsy.com.

SHOP VITAE: Even MORE Gift Ideas

Here are more unique AND local gift ideas for you to give your loved ones. Check out these great stocking stuffers and stop by the shop to ensure you get everyone on your shopping list.

SHOP VITAE: MORE Gift Ideas

We’ve got more unique AND local gifts for you to give your loved ones. Check out these great stocking stuffers and stop by the shop to ensure you get everyone on your shopping list.

  Little Pretties Retromantic - earrings --> $8 to $10 

Accessories for Guys

Here are some stylish hints for HIM from the crafty collection at Vitae:

Leather cuffs and pendants  from Decadence incorporate vintage finds and left behinds.

Grab a knit cap from Whitley Craft Works and a City Bag or Jersey scarf from Alternative Apparel.

SHOP VITAE: Gift Ideas

Looking to give your loved ones something unique and fun for the holidays? Vitae has the perfect gifts for the season! And we’ll be rolling out ideas like crazy to ensure you get everyone on your shopping list. Take a look at these great stocking stuffers and stop by the shop to get even more gift ideas. 

 

 Dani Awesome – Earrings, hair accessories, and necklaces --> $14 and up

Things Made From Things...

Well, some people can't leave well enough alone - and we're glad for that!  Many of our artists at Vitae up-cycle found items into something new and fetchy.  We love that about us.  Resourcefulness is such a wonderful quality.  Indeed, it's something we can all appreciate.

Regina Smith of Esparto Studios, based in Fort Dodge, Iowa spends her days putting words together in the newspaper business.  In her off time, she's taking them apart - deconstructing books to source materials for her artwork.  That's a nice balance, and it shows.  There's a clarity to her work that is undeniable...(literal even), which makes for some nifty gifting, as you can convey what it is you wish to say  - down to the word, in fact.

Designer Q&A: Sarah Johnson

Meet Sarah Johnson, the designer behind Rock N Reconstruct. She is talented, creative, and thoughtful about her designs. You can find her clothing available for sale at the shop. Read on to find out Sarah’s definition of style, trends she finds overexposed, and her future views on Rock N Reconstruct.

Introduce yourself 

Hey! I'm Sarah! I design and produce the label Rock N Reconstruct. Nice to meet you!

How did you get started?

It all started with my love of vintage clothing. I would find the coolest t-shirt or dress, but it would be too big or to long so I would start cutting things down and hand sew or tie pieces of fabric together to make it more girly and my style. Eventually I got a sewing machine and would try to make the outfits I could picture in my head. Eventually everyone would ask me where I got the stuff I was making and it just kind of evolved from there. Living in Los Angeles and seeing firsthand how fashion is produced and working with other young designers helped me learn the business and become a designer.

Donate for a Discount

We love this time of year for many reasons  and celebrate in many ways.  One tradition we have here in the East Village is the Holiday Window Decorating Contest in which the shops "compete" in a judged event.  The votes have been cast and we'll see what the outcome will be, but there's more to it than that.  This year the theme is "Shine A light", and we were encouraged to highlight a charity of our choice.  Anyone that knows Vitae knows that we loves us some puppies (and kitties too)!  Anyone that knows us a little better is aware of our respect for the no-kill shelters in our area and the great work they do.  Furry Friends in West Des Moines was our unanimous choice, and we are so pleased to "shine a light" on them!

Our good friend Amber Hathaway designed and installed our adorable window display, and we may very well win.  What's important to us at this point though, is to not only raise awareness of the Furry Friends Refuge, but to offer tangible support.  (Here's where YOU come in!)  Please bring in an item form the list above, and you will not only be making a big difference in the lives of some little ones, but you will get a Vitae discount certificate that you can use at the time of your donation or anytime in December.  We will also gladly accept cash donations for them.  If you have a heart to - they are also looking for volunteers, and if you are looking to adopt...you should definitely look to Furry Friends.