Pssst... Black Friday Sale at Vitae!

Without giving too much away....

we have some BIG Black Friday surprises in store for you!!

You won't want to miss this sale on YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS

THIS weekend only. 

 And don't forget -  We're open till 8pm on Fridays

  &   12 -4  every Sunday till x-mas:))

Handmade Community

Many of our sellers are on etsy and other online sources of  crafted goods.  As a matter of fact, we are that concept in a brick and mortar store.  Our local makers are top notch, world class and amazing. Shopping in the East Village makes sense...we bring the best to you.  See it, try it, buy it with no shipping or delay.

Come see what Iowa is made of  and invest in your home town creatives - it does a world of good!

Knit goods from Whitly Craft Works  

Decadence - where leather and scrap meet their destiny 

Holiday Open House Time

Enjoy everybody’s favorite holiday kick-off in everybody’s favorite neighborhood with the 12th Annual Holiday Promenade on Friday November 22nd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.! 

Spend quality time with Santa at The State Historical Building from 5 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. and Brenton Plaza from 6:15 p.m. – 7 p.m.  Enjoy caroling, ice skating, sparkling holiday lights, festive surprises and your favorite boutique’s holiday open house from 5 p.m. -9 p.m.

Relax with a free horse-drawn hay rack ride from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the corner of East 5th and Walnut.  Top off your evening with a delicious dinner and glass of cheer at one of over 20 East Village eateries!

Shopping maps and event information will be available at Brenton Skating Plaza and the State Historical Building from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

As you stroll through the neighborhood, peek into the festively decorated windows and vote for your favorite! Access your ballot on your smartphone with the QR code or website address listed at each participating businesses!  Voting will end on December 12th!  Lucky winners will be announced on December 13th!

*NEW IN 2013:  Late Night Fridays in the Village!  Many of your favorite East Village shops will have extended holiday hours every Friday from Promenade until Christmas.  More details, including list of participating stores, coming soon!

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reprinted from the eastvillagedesmoines.com website

Crafty Kitchen Gifts

 The best gifts are things you would want for yourself, and that was our guiding rule in sourcing gifty what-nots for the shop this season.  When we  stumbled upon Oh, Little Rabbit from the Portland area, we knew we were on to something...we wanted it all.  

    I swear Portland is the unofficial sister city to Des Moines. When we get shoppers  from out Oregon way, it's like a soul re-union.  They get us, and we get them. It must be a creative, progressive, nice gene or something.  Oh, Little Rabbit is a small husband and wife company with amazing line drawings screen printed on organic cotton using eco friendly water based inks.  Check, check BOOM, you're welcome. 

 Some of the tea towel images include Paul Bunyan (and Babe),  a vintage camera and a circus elephant - 3 of our favorite things, and oh so gender neutral.

Yes, that is a squirrel.  On a reusable lunch bag. Well played little rabbit, you had us at schooner ship.

p.s. we also have baby onesies from these folks...more on that later!

An Odd and Friendly World

Encountering the art of Emily Winfiled Martin aka The Black Apple is 

like bumping into your best imaginary childhood friend - 

and picking up as just where you somehow drifted off. 

 Reading books, braiding hair,  sharing secrets, scars and countless hours...you know, when the days were long and we were oh so small.

Black Apple images are familiar and lovely.  The originals are done in watercolor,  and prints,  cards and similar items (all framable) are printed on archival paper in dusky muted tones. 

We are pleased to offer a nice selection of Black Apple prints, cards and even paper dolls  - so nice for giving- that is,  if you can part with them:)