New East Village Parking Meters

It may not be the year 2062, but you can still land your Jetsonian hover craft in East Village, and check out our new futuristic parking meters. 

The new solar powered meters take the traditional change, as well as debit, credit, Des Moines SmartCards and blood oaths. Kidding about the last one. 

 The SmartCard is as new to Des Moines as the Smart Meter, so if you're a bit confused about how the new system works don't fret (it furrowed our brows too). We did a bit of research and here's what we came up with: 

•  The SmartCard can be purchased from vending machines at 3rd and Court Parking Garage office, 9th and Locust Parking Garage office and the City Hall lobby, located at 400 Robert D. Ray Drive. 

• If you used the card to pay for parking, reinsert the card when you hover off, and it will refund you for the time you did not use.

• All meters adorned with a yellow SmartCard sticker will take the SmartCard (note this is not all Des Moines meters).

• The new meters are enforced between 8 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday — just like the old meters. 

Next time you stop in to see us, no need to raid the porcelain piggy, the East Village is no longer taking (only) your change.

Acanthus Hoodies!

Two Acanthus Apparel colorblock hoodies are now available at Vitae. The popular Sailor Girl hoodie from last fall has been reprinted and a new crocodile hoodie is all stocked up! Also take advantage of the last day to get 20% off your Acanthus purchase and pick up a new hoodie for yourself!

New Magpie Designs in Now

Stay stylin' in the dog days of Summer with Magpie's new sunny pieces. Here's a sample of some of our fave selections from her new line.

Keep your sunny disposition with this strapping halter dress inspired by Armani's 80s Giorgio perfume, Magpie takes a playful spin on a classic look with sunny stripes and funky Scottie buttons. Throw on your sunnies and take it to the streets.

Live in lace with this sheer top. Seize the sun and layer this beaut over your favorite tank, or rock it at night over a bandeau or bralet. We love emphasizing the sexy neckline with this triangle necklace from Luxe Debris.

To make room for Magpie's new Summer pieces what is left of the Spring collection is now on sale. Stop in to Vitae and look for Summer savings throughout the store.

Acanthus Summer Sale

We are starting a summer Acanthus Apparel sale today! We want to clear out some of our summer items to make room for the fall apparel. So stop by Vitae or do a little shopping on Etsy and get 20% off your Acanthus Apparel purchase. Not valid on custom orders.

Cycling Through

**

Well, this is historic and fitting.  Just as we are embracing our cycle culture, Des Moines is about to have a close encounter with RAGBRAI - the notorious annual bike ride across Iowa sponsored by the Des Moines Register. 

We have some decent cycling paths, dedicated street lanes, cool bike shops and at times the weather is even conducive to a nice ride.  Heck, David Byrne musical icon and bike enthusiast has given us the nod via his blog, regarding his recent stop here to perform at 80/35.

So this is where the rubber meets the road.  Next week promises to warrant a few entries in our Summer 2013 Journal of Fun. Smile and wave as the party rolls through - better yet, join in....and drink plenty (a little water wouldn't hurt either:)

**awesome image/logo by Raygun for RAGBRAI - get it on a t shirt!

It's In the Bag

Tote, Beach Bag, Carry-all, Market bag. Whatever you want to call it, Pink Revolver's got you covered this summer and all under $40!!

Clothing & accessories by J. Lovan, Burden Child, Pink Revolver, Dear Creatures, and Girl Friday.

Your True Colors

This is America.

As we celebrate our freedom,

let's remember to not just leave it to the troops,

the politicians, the religious leaders or the media - but to maintain our rights

by carefully making our own choices....

and upholding the rights

 of those we do not agree with. 

Figure out what you believe in.

Be willing to stand, speak

and also listen.

Have lots and lots of fun,

and be sure to celebrate the good stuff.