Designer Q&A: Julia LoVan

Meet Julia LoVan, the woman behind J. LoVan Designs, Trouvés and modeling agent at LVN Models. She is a ton of fun to hang out with, energetic, and talented. You can find her work (bowties & dresses) at our shop. Read on to find out Julia’s thoughts about Des Moines, tired fashion trends and what she has next for Vitae!

Introduce yourself 
I’m a designer and an agent for a new modeling and talent agency called LVN Models. 

How did you get started? 
My Mom is a seamstress. I grew up sewing random items by hand (Barbie clothes, pillowcases) I remember going to the library, checking out magazines and just reading every single thing. I would even read the advertisements. I was studying the pages, and I realized that others would just flip through the magazines. I had never thought I could have a career in fashion, living in the Midwest, so I just did sports and thought about being a teacher and a coach. 

Other major fashion demarcations are my college internship in London with Zandra Rhodes Enterprises, my jobs at Chan Luu and Core Clothing, helping start Hope in the City and being a part of LA Fashion Week and at the same time being able to work with some great groups like Falling Whistles, Raven + Lily, Mike Colon photography, and showing my line at Project Ethos fashion show in Hollywood which got me on the cover of California Apparel News.

Snugglies

I'll be the first to admit - I do not know the difference between knitting and crochet...so let's just say  we have makers that make these lovely snuggly things by hand :)

So, for a punch of color, to add some texture to your outfit, or just for snuggle's sake- look no further than Vitae...we made something for you!

Pictured (from top): Little hair bows from Downtown Bow Brown, arm warmers by Julia Pinkerton, and hoodie wrap infinity scarves from Downtown Bow Brown.

A World of Food at our Doorstep

How lucky are we??  Let us count the ways we love our East Village location...not only are we surrounded by some of the most interesting shops & haunts you'll find any day of the week, run by people that are in love with what they do - we have an awesome view of the Capitol, and THIS weekend our neighborhood is hosting the World Food Festival.

The WFF brings together dishes from many cultures - from the exotic to the classics, offered by locally based vendors that will gladly be offering up  $1. samples as well as regular portions once you've somehow decided what to actually order. 

Some of the vendors I'll be seeking out will be sampling cupcakes, gelato and pizza as well as some things I cannot pronounce but am most anxious to try (all day long) (3 days actually)!

There will also be a world of beers,  live music and lots of great shopping, of course.

End of Summer Sale

Suzabes and more 

Heidi Roland

These looks and more are on sale now at Vitae's Summer Clearance Event. Save 20% to 40 % while they last!

           Sale ends 9/15.

Suzabelle

Acanthus

Olivewood

Jaytees

Pink Revolver

Acanthus

Lovan

Acanthus Women's Tee's and More

We have lots of new Acanthus tee's in stock and many of them are women's styles! Stop in and grab a Spaceman or Honest Abe women's tee printed on the American Apparel tri-blend shirts. Just $24 each! We also have these designs for men.

Acanthus printed their classic Bee design on a women's and men's tri-blend t-shirt.

The Bird design is available on this great tri-orchid color for women. A men's style will be available soon.

Also restocked for fall is the popular long sleeve Indian raglan!

Everything is available right now at Vitae. If you can't make it in you can also purchase Acanthus online through Etsy... www.acanthusapparel.etsy.com

Recycle Your Style

Whether you swap it out or reconstruct it on site - take charge of your wardrobe and change it up at this annual event.

It's almost time for the 4th annual Des Moines area Swap-o-rama-rama...an international phenomenon of alternative shopping and DIY workshops brought to us locally by artists Kelsey Blessman, Stephanie Bracelin, and a handful of dedicated volunteers.

Here's the concept:  bring $10. and any size bag of clothing to swap.  These will be sorted into types for easy shopping, and there you go...swap it out.  I have personally found killer designer jeans, vintage t shirts, and great dresses to wear and upcycle - which leads to the other component of the event :  there are sewing and screen printing stations where you can hop on a machine, learn a new skill or have a more seasoned crafter make it happen to order.  In the past, there have been felting workshops, as well as beading and other crafty endeavors to explore. And the supplies!! cool vintage and unusual fabric remnants, buttons & who knows what are there for the swapping too.

 The event is what you make it - that is, if you have a skill, consider sharing your expertise - if not this time around, then perhaps at s.o.r.r. 5.  It will come around again, like a lovely thrifty/crafty carousel.

Check out this year's Swap-o-rama-rama Sat. 8/25, 11 to 4pm at 6300 Pioneer Pkwy. in Johnston.  For more info, find them on facebook or contact them at dsmswap@gmail.com.   Support and take advantage of this cool opportunity!

It Ain't Fair Unless it's the State Fair!

 Stuff on a stick,  cut offs  & celebration of your right to bare arms - embrace the traditions as Summer
winds down once again.  Get corny at the Fair, but keep it classy with Acanthus Apparel, Girl Friday and more from Vitae - your back to cool headquarters.  This weekend save an extra 10% store wide & check out our (clearance) rack!