Dress for the Weather - or not

Iowa, I'm convinced, is Native American for "land of confusing weather"...that's okay, today it's a very good thing. We're actually 2 weeks into an amazing "not sucky" weather trend - just when we were all practically contemplating a mass exit. It's kind of an abusive relationship we have going here with Mother Nature - whom we'll call "Rick" for the sake of the metaphor...here we go, it's playing all nice with sunshine kisses and on the weekend even & how did I ever doubt you weather...and the recent blustery brutality is barely behind us & you know another nasty binge of drizzle & gray is in our future....oh, we know, and yet we stay.

There's an event outside our shop today. It's Huge. We're talking thousands of people. It's World Food Prize big - the World Food Festival is an annual celebration of - food . I'm in. Last year it snowed for heaven's sake & right now we're pushing 80 degrees. Great. Iowa, you know I love you,
you twisted freak.

So anyway, today we adapted by throwing on the air conditioning, grabbing all sweaters & coats from the window and put the main mannequin in a one sleeve tropical print frock - symbolic of the confusion of this seasonal mayhem. One sleeve = ready for anything, you'll at least be half comfortable :) I'm actually pretending our little boutique is in a cute little shopping niche in Lahaina or anywhere in Maui...out come the shell necklaces and sunglasses & we're ready for the sunbirds. Everything's beautiful. Sorry, due to technical difficulties I am unable to post my awesome pictures...I'll send you a postcard.

Vitae's 2nd anniversary party/Art Stop featuring Joshua Bowers

It's been two years now everybody! Our lil boutique full of fashion forward and backward goodies has and is going to sustain this little thing they call a recession! We are not going anywhere!
So come and celebrate with us Friday the 24th from 5-9 pm and enjoy new works by Joshua Bowers, cake, cocktails and live music by the Conley brothers. There will also be drawings for our world renown "gag" gifts and a few serious ones too.

Also......
Friday and Saturday September 24th and 25th is the annual Art Stop; a two day visual and performing art event. Galleries and artists studios open to the public all over this wonderful little city of ours.
Friday's hours 5-9 pm
Saturday's hours 11-5pm
Hope to see you here!

Brand spanking new Jaytees apparel

Just in, hot off the press and new to our little family; Jaytees apparel. A locally owned and operated t-shirt company by Josh Ansah. Pressed on the most soft as a kitten cotton blend t-shirts you'll ever wanna own. Men and women styles and sizes are available and more will be to come. Come check it out!

Events get you out there!

No, we can't participate in everything...not possible. Sometimes it seems we have 3 invites plus a wedding every time the weekend rolls around. Then comes along a feel-good event that invigorates and inspires you...like a stroll through the village on a sunny afternoon in the company of family and friends...and the vibe is good. Creativity and optimism abound and you realize - not for the first time , that to make a difference sometimes all you have to do is be there. Artisans and entrepreneurs are working hard at things they love and hope you will too.

The East Village Sunday Market Bazaar is an event that celebrates our community at it's core. It's people that make stuff and provide things lovingly and personally as an alternative shopping experience. Soon enough, winter will come & outdoor Fall afternoon events will be but a memory...let's make it a good one...lets make a lot of them while we can! The Bazaar runs every Sunday from 12 to 4pm through Oct. 31st. on E. 5th in the East Village. Many shops are also open, and vendors alternate and vary from week to week. Here at Vitae, we're taking the opportunity to clean out our craft cupboards and closets of accumulated Vintage and kitsch & will be sharing these wares up front on jumble tables on Bazaar Sundays for a special treat!

See you and you and you! Oh, and our First Friday Craft project will be announced soon - but we've got the snack figured out ;) - pumpkin bars!!

Pictures do say a million words! Sorry I dont have any.

Summer, oh the sorrow of it's departure. Tiny summer dress's and strappy lil sandels tucked away in your closet until next year. Oh BUT do they really have to be?

We all know the wonders of leggings and tights and boots [oh my!] Now is the delightful time of year to bust those bad boys out and mix it up! Layering is not going to go away from our midwestern fashion expressions. I do believe it's a national phenomenon!
So ladies dont toss those little flowery frocks in the back of your closets just yet.

You might even want a new one that might be on sale at your locally owned boutiques!!!
Layer those lil numbers with some warmth and you can get another month atleast outta your summer wardrobe.

New Acanthus Apparel Photos!

We recently did a photo shoot with Karla Conrad of La Bella Photo... here are a few photos of the Acanthus items. Contact Karla at labellaphoto@gmail.com.

Purchase Acanthus Apparel items at Vitae, Iron Heart Tattoo in Des Moines and White Rabbit in Iowa City. Also check www.acanthusapparel.etsy.com and www.joshuabowers.com to purchase merchandise online.