Acanthus Apparel Kids Photo Shoot

Two days away! The Acanthus Apparel Kids Trunk Show is happening at Vitae on October 3rd from 6-8pm. They have been working so hard on this new collection. We can't wait for everyone to see all of the new items. They'll even have some new adult items.

To see an album of the Acanthus Kids FW14 Photo Shoot follow this link to our Facebook page... 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.564151640352563.1073741828.194278820673182&type=1

To view the event Facebook invite follow this link...

https://www.facebook.com/events/631061247012112/

Gorgeous new pieces from the Suzabelle collection

          Once upon a time we carried this beautiful collection from a designer out in Washington state. Her pieces were girly yet sophisticated, fun dresses for work or cocktail hour. Then suddenly unlucky circumstances for the brand and she stops making these wonderful lil treasures.
So we are lucky to have a select few of these designs, not all of them are black and others not pictured.  Come check them out while they last and in random sizes. But the prices are so right you almost feel like your stealing.

Acanthus Apparel: Children's Promotion

Acanthus has been putting out some great new children's items and decided to offer a special promotion for the next two weeks. Buy 3, get the 4th item free! This applies to all baby/kids onesies, tees and raglans. Basically everything but hoodies. Details are on the poster. This offer is available at Vitae and through their Etsy store.

www.acanthusapparel.etsy.com

Press Release

Van Holmgren

Partner/Artist

Vitae Design Collective

400 East Locust Street  Suite 4

Des Moines, IA 50309

515-288-1349

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Des Moines, Iowa, August 22, 2014

Media Contact: Alyssa Bowers, alyssabowers@live.com

Vitae Design Collective is pleased to announce that we are expanding our creative family by adding new local designers & artists to our store in the East Village.

After years of success east of the river in downtown Des Moines, Vitae has decided to partner with these makers to bring their loyal and future customers a wide variety of visual and functional pieces. Each partner has a history of continually creating solid pieces that stand out.

We look forward to continuing our great relationships by being open six day a week, participating in the First Friday art events, and the popular Holiday Promenade.

For more information, please visit http://vitaedesigncollective.blogspot.com/

The following people/company will be the new line-up:

ALYSSA BOWERS - ACANTHUS APPAREL

Alyssa Bowers, co-owner of Vitae, runs a clothing company with her husband Joshua called Acanthus Apparel. Stylish apparel printed with original artwork for the whole family, including the dog. Coming soon, handmade apparel featuring custom printed fabric.

www.acanthusapparel.com

MELISSA SPERIDON - PINK REVOLVER

Pink Revolver now in its 10th year as a small independent label focuses on easy going designs for girls and women. Vintage inspired designs and reconstructed one of a kind pieces are created by designer Melissa Speridon. The labels inspiration ranges from bright neon paisley prints of the 1960's to any old Rock-n-Roll t-shirt.

VAN HOLMGREN - ARTIST

As a local artist actively working for the past decade in Des Moines, Van Holmgren has brought a recognizable vibrant color palette and graphic imagery to this city. He captures the beauty and pride of our State Capitol or a colorful skull using stencils and found materials such as wood. Exhibiting across the country and his work in private collections in other countries he has built a solid foundation.

http://vanholmgren.wix.com/vanimalfarm

AMBER HATHAWAY - GIRL FRIDAY

Girl Friday:

understated statement jewelry.

one of a kind and hand selected pieces.

urban vintage adornments for the discerning fashionate

SARAH BEALS - ROCK N RECONSTRUCT

Sarah Beals, owner and designer of Rock N Reconstruct that began in Los Angeles, CA in 2005.  includes one of a kind fashions out of vintage t shirts, and dresses. Beals has created another line to compliment Rock N Reconstruct called Dame & Maiden, a cohesive, tailored and re-orderable collection that is fashion forward with vintage inspired cuts and prints. All materials are bought and all designs are made in the Des Moines, IA.

facebook.com/rock.n.reconstruct

HALEY BARR - HALEY JAI

Haley Jai is high quality fashion, handmade in the heart of the Midwest.  On trend designs & quality are key in each of our collections; from pencil sketch, to fabric choice, to the finished product in your hands. The HJ women’s collection includes classic silhouette dresses, casual maxi skirts, trendy leggings, tailgating scarves, and one-of-a-kind every day scarves. The baby/toddler collection includes comfortable, durable, yet fashionable leggings, cozy cowls, and vegan cork leather & ultra suede moccasins. 

Just In Case

There's a chill in the air (when it's not 90 degrees) and it's time to grab a jacket - - for when you need to grab a jacket!  Magpie has made some wraps of vintage blankets and yardage for cozy comfort when you need it:)

                       

All is Fair at the Fair

As far as State Fairs go, Iowa's is one of the biggest and best.  Like a big family reunion, the great Iowa get together connects us to who we are - it's not all pretty or good for you  - and sometimes it stinks:)
It is what you make of it...a showcase for achievement, hard work and good Midwestern values or the exact opposite - and both of those......so party on Iowa -  make some memories and love the land you live in.

The Butter Cow

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All the Vices You Could Want

Country Folk and Cow Gazing

E.V. Sunday Bazaar 2014 Has Begun!

What was once a Fall event here in the East Village, has been revitalized and morphed into a late Summer delight.  It remains a weekly happening (running for 2 months) and is still 12 - 4 on Sunday afternoons...but something's changed, and it's hard to put a finger on.  

The Bazaar has a new glimmer and spark - and we suspect that's owing to the crew at Vanity & Glamour, The Blazing Saddle and friends on the East end - dare we say the "Wild Side" (ala Lou Reed) of the E.V. neighborhood.  If Patrick Boltinghouse is involved, it's going to be fun, beautiful and vibrant...basically, the event got glitter bombed - in the nicest sense of the term:)

So come down for a stroll, bring the family - furry & all  and shop an ever changing host of vendors offering homemade, fresh picked, gloriously old and undeniably delicious in the Village where we live, love and shop.

https://www.facebook.com/eastvillagesundaybazaar?fref=ts

  

First Friday Trunk Show

The East Village will be hopping with events the evening of August 1st - as First Friday will be in full swing.

Vitae will be featuring a kid friendly trunk show with jj & jojo, a local line of upcycled clothing for girls ranging from  2T to 6Y.  There will also be purses, jewelry and other size free options, as well as adorable

bow ties for brother.

One crafty item we're anxious to see will be gathered skirts with blank panels and fabric paint for budding designers to customize!  There will be coloring, cutting, snacking and friend-making going on, so do drop by and meet the designer and her little muse this Friday from 6 to 8.

Summer SiZZZZle!

Rock N Reconstruct is bringin' the heat at Vitae this week with a new crop of dresses and halter tops.  Make date night a great night and be sure to rock the Iowa State Fair like no other! These looks and more are in the shop now - get 'em!

Ultra Terrestrial Has Landed at Vitae

Ultra Terrestrial is a new consignor at Vitae, we are excited to feature her designs in our store. 

 We have notebooks, crop tops, necklaces, stickers, and buttons! YAY!

Just Kiddin

JJ & JO JO  is a locally designed and made line of children's clothing to keep your eye on.  You know they're on to something you overhear customers wishing something or other came in "their size" :)

Pure speculation here, but it stands to reason that since Jen, the gal behind this adorable line is inspired by her own little girl...that as she grows the line may expand and one day she'll be making lady dresses! 

Well, for now we've got your little one covered, and this stuff couldn't be cuter.  JJ & JO JO goods are skillfully crafted of repurposed goods, so they are one of a kind and limited run to boot.  Come meet Jen and see the expanded line at her Vitae trunk show coming up in early August - stay tuned for deets & check out the Summer line at Vitae now!

Are You Ready for the Fourth?

Are you still searching for the perfect fourth of July outfit? We have this stylish maxi dress that is fabulous and patriotic for BBQs, parades, and lastly watching fireworks. Come down to Vitae and purchase your fourth of July outfit to wow all your family and friends. 

New Acanthus Designs at Vitae

Tanks for He and She 

For the kids in 6 mos. to 6 Y:)

Nature Calls

 Here are just a few new peices from Antler and Chain/Plants and Planets. They are made from beautiful natural elements by Iowa native Olivia Schares. We love sharing these great finds with you! 

                             

                           

It's a Girl Thing

Kids nowadays are sassy fashionistas that need a fabulous wardrobe to survive in this world.  At Vitae children can find their style at a young age, and enjoy the sport of shopping. Pink Revolver designs for both children and adults, so make sure to stop in and feed your shopping needs this summer. 

                                                    Pink Revolver: Black and white dress
                                                            J.J and Jojo: Infinity Scarf
                                                          Downtown Bow Brown: Bow

     Pink Revolver: Blue dress, Black and white dress

  Luxe Debris: Triangle necklace 

                                                                 Girl Friday: Earrings

                                                                    Vitae: Sunglasses

                                                              J.J and Jojo: Infinity scarf
                                                            Downtown Bow Brown: Bow

  Pink Revolver: Blue Dress 

Luxe Debris: Triangle Necklace 

                                                                 Girl Friday: Earrings

                                                                   Vitae: Sunglasses

Last Minute Shoppers

What? You say you forgot that Fathers Day is this Sunday! How are you going to find a present for your father in such short notice? Oh yea, you can always stop by Vitae Design Collective down in the East village! They have gifts for every dad. Browse through our J.Lovan collection of skinny ties and bow ties, or find the perfect baseball tee, hoodie, or t-shirt from our Acanthus Apparel clothing line. We even carry Fathers Day cards! Don't stress over what gift to get your father. Let the girls down at Vitae help make your fathers day.

Fathers Day Shopping With Market Day

A new date, a new location, a new concept: this June Market Day is popping up at 515 Brewing in Clive. They will bring 6 specially-selected vendors who make clothing, accessories, and art geared toward the males of your life (and just in time to shop for Father's Day gifts).

Summer Giving

                                                       
                      Finding the perfect gift is sometimes stressful but not at Vitae. Here are some easy steps you can follow to find that excellent gift. The first step is to give a heartwarming gift with a sentimental print from Esparto. The next step is to find the product, and you can always count on us for the perfect fit. Displayed in the photos are Decadence's leather cuffs, J. Lovan bow ties, Acanthus children wear, and Esparto's necklaces and prints. These are just some of the many gift ideas we have here at Vitae!

                                                    Decadence: Leather cuffs
                                                    J. Lovan Design: Bow ties
                                                    Esparto: Prints and necklaces

                                                   Acanthus: Children wear

                                                   Esparto: Prints

Bring Flowers to the Weekend BBQ!

These outfits are great for spending time outside enjoying the sun. The floral top is trending this Spring, along with the maxi skirt. We are not in the California sun, but we can pretend with this Cali/floral dress. Accessories is a must this season, both outfits are paired with necklaces to accent the colors in the floral prints. With these items at Vitae you can show up to events fashion forward this Spring!

                                                    Floral tank and maxi skirt:  Magpie
                                                    Pastel pink necklace: Girl Friday
                                               

                                                   Cali/floral dress: Pink Revolver
                                                   Triangle necklace: Luxe Debris
                                                   We also have a lot of cute sunglasses!

Spoon Jewelry by Dank Artistry - Serving up Style

Spoon rings are a perennial favorite here at Vitae, and we are pleased to carry the work of Dan Kemp who hand makes the pieces individually right here in Iowa.  His line Dank Artistry is distinct in style and craftsmanship - there is an heirloom quality to his work .  They are beautiful and affordable.

Cover Story...An Apron With Options

Just in time for warm weather activities...we have a pretty wrap from Trouves Home that can take you from BBQ to the beach, the boulevard and beyond.  As the illustrated hangtag implies, there are many uses for this versatile garment - definitely worth packing for weekend getaways and a thoughtful gift for Mom's Day.