Re-Imagining a World

 JJ & JoJo is a line of made up things.
 We have always been a fan of upcycling and reconstruct, but Jen of JJ & JoJo seems to take the child's perspective.  We can just picture the day that playtime sparked a real life adventure.  "What if we made daddy's old shirt into a dress today??"
  Maybe it was a snow day and a trip to the fabric store was out of the question...we don't quite know just how it went down, but it's plain to see that Jen gets kids and has the skills and fashion savvy to concoct a little magic.

Children today are more fashion aware - in this world of instagram and hipster heroes, seriously, Garanamals just won't do.   We spoke with a customer recently whose toddler longs for "big girl clothes"... not for dress up  but for real -  street style looks like mom has.   Come on, they know...they're more intuitive than your smartphone  and are ready to hit the playgroup with the sizzle and steam of a budding fashionista.

On the tag of each creation is a photo depicting the article in it's former state...pre-magic and wonder. 

  You'll find dresses, tops, scarves, hats. leggings and jackets in sizes 18 mos. to 6/7 youth, so  grab the girls and come shopping at Vitae soon:) 

Antler & Chain - Nuggets of Glory

A friend sporting A & C at their 80/35 booth last Summer

 Antler & Chain is an indie jewelry line affiliated with Band of Gypsies, a handmade collective in Northeast Iowa. You may have shopped their booth at 80/35 and other pop-up crafty events.  Recently A & C set up at Hops & Crafts at the Confluence Brewing Co. along with Vitae's Decadence, Midcoast Design and other Midwest makers.

We had a chance to meet Olivia of Antler & Chain when she was last in town & had the opportunity to get some great stuff for the shop! 

The artist brings together natural elements in gorgeous hue and texture combinations.  You'll find dyed and expertly cut leather and Gold plated findings supporting gorgeous chunks of Amethyst and Quartz, along with  simple and at times deftly complex chain arrangement.  No doubt there's some antler and lace in there too -  that works.

 Come have a look at the great selection we've got for you. It's handmade Iowa goodness, and we're all about it. 

Halloweening in the Village

No doubt many neighborhood bars and restaurants will be hosting Halloween mayhem (hello, Zombie Burger??), but here are 2 sure things you'll want to check out.

First of all, it's the (4th?) annual dog parade "Spooky Paws" going on Sunday 10/27 right here on East Locust.  Dress your pet in costume, or just come spectate - it's adorable and fun.  This year will also feature trick-or-treating for kids.  For more info, click here:    http://www.jettandmonkey.com/component/content/article/55-2013/59-east-village-spooky-paws-parade

And 2ndly, In lieu of a November 1st Friday event, the usual suspects will be open late on Thursday 10/31 with various treats and themed events for the holiday. Costumes mandatory. Not really, but come on, have a little fun already:) Check our facebook page for more details as they are fnalized. At this point, Raygun, Eden, Vitae, Hill Vintage and Knits & most likely Domestica and Leona Ruby are participating... so glue something awesome together, and don't forget your treat bag!



image courtesy of Lava360

Acanthus Apparel: Dogs

We have a couple of new dog items for fall from Acanthus Apparel. The bee and crossbones raglan for $16 and the eagle hoodie for $30. We are a dog friendly store so feel free to bring your dog by to try on some clothes!

Adore(n) Yourself

Necklace scarves are nifty.  They add texture, color, drama - if you will, to any outfit

and are easily the most justifiable jewelry purchase you'll make this season.  

You don't want to catch a cold now, do you??

Our friend Gina "Downtown Bow Brown" makes these versatile scarves.

 The style in picture 1. above

can be pulled and shaped to suit your mood.  I'm tempted to try cat's cradle* with it 

but try to resist playing with the merchandise.

She also makes adorable chunky hair bows and hoodie scarves for those colder days that 

lie ahead.

*Cat's Cradle

 - you'll need a friend:)

Acanthus Apparel: October Sale

This sale will be going on through the month of October. There are limited quantities and sizes. Shop at Vitae or on Etsy. On Etsy these items will be located in the new Sale section.

www.acanthusapparel.etsy.com