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.

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:)

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

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.

May First Friday - A Pink Revolver Trunk Show

 First Fridays are back in the East Village for the season, and we're kicking it off with Pink Revolver... our very dear friend Melissa will be here to launch her Spring line for gals big and small.

The Pink Revolver line incorporates vintage t shirts and fabrics into one of a kind styles full of imagination and fun.  Many fresh new pieces are hitting the floor tomorrow at the event, so show up if you want first pick at these beauties & come early if you want skittles with your wine!

Check out events at other shops too and get this sunny weekend off to a memorable start:)

What's New with Acanthus Apparel?

Short answer: a lot:) You'll find some fresh designs as well as some tried and true in new colors and styles. Here are just a few you'll find at Vitae this week.

 Toddler Baseball tees in bright Spring colors...

  The popular racer back maxi dress in Navy Blue...

 Tank tops and Neon Baseball tees for her...and of course there's more, pop in and try some on.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

And remember! First Friday's are back & we kick it all off with a Pink Revolver Trunk Show. Come check out the new designs, meet Melissa - the gal behind the label - and even bring in your (or his) favorite old tee to consult on a custom project with her! 

It's a Guy Thing...

Helping a guy find his style is a tricky thing.  You don't want to push (unless you need to:) but rather gently provide opportunities for...accessorizing.  Small steps and safe bets can lead to a well heeled dude.  Here are a few ideas to get him started.

Tie one on this Easter for a new tradition 

and great photo appeal.  Neckties from J. Lovan - made right here in Iowa.

Cuffs from Decadence and spoon jewelry by Dank Artistry are accessories he'll

go for - and we've got many styles to choose from.

Meet Jane: Your Go-To Dress

Move over sweatpants - things are about to get cute around here! 

You won't be sacrificing comfort with the Jane Dress from Dear Creatures,

 it's a soft fleecy Cotton knit.  

The cut is very flattering with it's cut-away sleeves & princess seams 

and just enough gathering at the waist to keep it perky. 

 It's also a plus that the horizontal stripes are on the upper body if you know what we mean

...and then we found the pockets......you'd better get both colors - then it won't be quite as obvious 

that you're pretty much  LIVING IN THIS DRESS:)

Red with Black Stripes on White, and a nice Navy/Taupe combo.  $88. XS - L

For Pleat's Sake

The Parasol Dress from Dear Creatures has arrived,  and we love it for it's Valentine-y old world charm   with a Summer 2014 spin.   Speaking of spin - you'll want to twirl in this one, and you will look amazing doing so.  

This shoulder baring cutie will be great for just about anything in the planner, and also/especially those lovely days of who knows what fun you'll get up to.  XS - LG while supplies last. Just $90.

RAIN AND SHINE

With it's Blue polka dots and cheery pop of Yellow, the Elena dress from Dear Creatures pretty much epitomizes the month of March - lovely rain plops and lots of sunny sunshine. 

Before we even opened the box we had already decided that:

1. It's time for stripes to move on over - dots are BACK, with their optimism and general adorableness...we need them in our life.

2. YELLOW IS A POWER COLOR and we really should be embracing it right now.  You may be convinced that you "can't wear Yellow",  but think again.  Entertain the thought that we are in constant flux, and that our personal colors CAN change not only by the calendar, but also to larger and more etherial cycles. 

Don't always use the same crayons!  Have another try with Yellow and if you're still convinced it's  a no go - try softening the impact with a scarf, collar or SOMETHING of a compatible color at the neckline.  Sometimes that's all it takes & you're open to some awesome new fashion adventures.

The Elena is just one of soooo many new things at Vitae - stop in and stay tuned to the blog for more peeks!

Give Them That Warm Fuzzy Feeling!

Mmmmm, the bandana scarf from Whitly Craft Works 

Whitly Craft Works Pom Hat,  Downtown Bow Brown Pull Through Infinity Scarf and Bow,

Julia Pinkerton Arm Warmers

 Downtown Bow Brown Necklace Scarves

God Bless the knitters! ...and the Bakers, the Soup Makers, and those people that chop Firewood and bundle it for us and sell it at the gas station.  They make our lives warm and cozy just by doing what they love...I for one am not planning to ever learn to knit - it seems to involve counting and keeping track of things (shudder) - no thanks!  Yet is the essence of home made, and it's just one of those things I'm glad I don't have to do for myself   or be faced with the not lovingly made mass produced varieties.. which are acceptable & all that, but hand knits are..... divine:)

Great Gifts Under $40.

Antler & Chain 

Bark Decor

Magpie

Decadence

Friendly Trade gifts - made in America by really nice people:) 

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 

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:)

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:)