Finding your "Cool"

I had such a genuinely interesting customer come into Victoire West today. We had ourselves some chats that got me thinking on the topic of what it means for someone or something to be authentic. Here are a few of my ruminations:
I think that authenticity is the realization that you're coming back to yourself.We all get lost in the "thicket" of things from time to time. Our feet get stuck in the quicksand of it all and our heads get fogged with the density of its air. Authenticity is coming out of this thicket, pine needles and sand stuck to your face and shoes, grinning like a madwoman(man). It is realizing that you're exactly where you need to be .. despite being indefinitely lost.Authenticity is one of the finest and most honourable of pursuits.
That being said.. Nina came into Victoire today and we were talking about her passion for pottery. She teaches close to the Wellington location and is considering opening up her own retail and studio space in Wellington West. I of course asked to see her work and she directed me to her website. What a humble lass she is ! Her stuff is beautiful, innovative and haunting.
Check her Website out : Nina Marchewka One piece ( appropriately entitled Horsehair) was in part designed by the burning of horse hair over the piece itself ( forgive me if I've botched the explanation of this technique..quite a possibility) This is the gem in question.

She has been experimenting with pottery since she was eleven and we discussed the fact that at a certain point in time in your life you revert back to the basics. You go back to the things that defined you when you were young .. before all the complexities of being a "grown up" began to figure themselves in .
So here's to finding your own "cool" .. whether it's taking pottery classes with Nina or doing something on an unencumbered instinct. A true "style" is one that is entirely your own.
Here's to getting out of the "thicket of things" and finding the time to get back to yourself.
Explore a passion that you've shelved this long weekend ....
You're getting a break from mundane Monday so you might as well.
Us Victoire folk will be taking it easy on Monday too as both locations will be closed tomorrow ( August 1)Until next time Victoirians - come in and regale us with tales of your coolness .. we're all ears and excitement over it .. You're an inspiring lot.

Cave dwellin

I've always had a strange fascination with caves - and I think it stems from an animated movie I watched obsessively when I was a just a little lady. I don't even remember what it was called (ughh) but it involved a young girl being given a ring from her grandmother with the promise that it would lead her to find her DESTINY. When light hit the jewel on her ring, or when she found herself in a tricky situation, a very thin illuminated silk string would appear from the jewel and lead her into the direction she was meant to go. After following the string out of her house and through a creepy forest, she realizes that the string is guiding her into a CAVE. All she sees in the darkness is the string shimmering and trailing on as far as the eye can see, and in that moment she has to decide whether to abandon ship or go off into a DARK DANGEROUS WET CAVE without any idea as to where it will lead her (is this ringing a bell to anyone? I really want to watch this again...ahh)

Too scared for a real deal? British artist Roger Hiorns covered every inch of an abandoned apartment in London in blue copper sulphate crystals in his installation Seizure. More info here

As I've grown older and nerdier, however, I've also come to realize that caves are actually extremely dangerous places. They are also occasionally full of the creepiest of crawlies (COVERED IN, ACTUALLY) and layers and layers of guano (BAT POOP). There are also probably some cave dwelling chupacabras, too. And though I still really, realllllllly want to do some cave diving in the future (how could you not after watching THIS) - I know that part of my brain will be freaking out because I doubt any of you have a silky magic ring that will lead me out if need be.

Until then,here are some pieces at the West Wellington shop that might bring comfort to you in such situations.

Chain Chain Chain Amethyst necklace (in a bullet casing!) $42

Nicole Ginsberg rough crystal necklace (14K chain) $118
(kinda looks like these)

Waved-Out vintage rings ($15) Species X 1000 ring ($24)

Put Yo Neck Out

So we all like to ostrich it sometimes...but sometimes it counts to "put your neck out" and take a risk.

Here are some pretty pieces in the store that will help you to put yo neck out with confidence and style.

People been chirpin' ya? Don't chirp them back...VULTURE attack them back with this Steel Magnolias number (the pointy beak can be a pretty decent weapon)...cause sometimes you gotta put yo beak out and stick up for yourself.

Steel Magnolia Bird Skull-$29

For when that spoonful of Sugar just isn't making the medicine go down...use this spoon to defend yourself against Marry Poppins' obnoxious optimism...Spoon some Mountain Dew or any other beverage you happen to have near you at the television set. And extend that neck to tell her off ...

If you look closely enough (Where's Waldo exercise) you can see me in the reflection of the spoon doing what looks to be an eccentric " I have to pee dance". This Georgina Baker gem is going for $85.

Unlucky Louise are ya? Well not when you have this charm on your side. A horseshoe in a wish vial? Put your neck out all you want...because with this one, you're untouchable.

Chain,Chain, Chained Horseshoe Necklace-$36

So there you have it Victoirians .. there are some instances (such as when around a guillotine ) where putting your neck out is not the most advisable choice ...but about 75% (yeah?) of the times it is worth it.
So get your head out the sand, adorn your neck with these gems and go get em'. ( Is my optimism making you wanna spew Mountain Dew? haha)

Until next time Victoirians

What a boy wants, what a boy needs

We really know how to spoil our guys. Turn 30 around here and what do you get: Old liquor bottles. Us girls love how beautiful and ancient they are. And the guy says:

"These are really cool. Geez I just wish I could be drinking them"



Turn 31 and we keep the pretty old bottles and buy you a case of Kichesippi!

Bubble Gum

Cotton Candy and Bubble Gum!

That's what this outfit reminds me of..
Thank you Birds of North America for allowing me to incorporate more mint green pieces into my wardrobe!

POP!

Birds of North America skirt on SALE for $49
Tillydoro Leaf and Feather Necklace $46

Birds of North America Kite Shirt on SALE for $39

xoxoxoxo

Summer Style with Jenna F.

Y'all know how important community links and supporting other small businesses in town is to us here at Victoire. With that in mind, I urge you over to ANOTHER shop's blog today! Yes, I am asking you to head on over to Magpie's blog, stat, to check out Summer Style pics by a friend and associate Jenna Farrell (just make sure to come back tomorrow, kay?).

There are some BEAUTIFUL shots of Jenna in some sweet Victoire duds, and one of my very, very favourite pics also just so happens to feature a NEW piece in the shop right now, this amazing print dress by Aryn K.

105$ at Dalhousie

You might also remember that Katie was featured in Magpie's Summer Style post 2 weeks ago - if you missed it, check it out here.

Beautiful

Elaine Ho Pyrite Pendant-$140

Beauty is a very subjective value judgement. Not all that is beautiful is also pretty. They are mutually exclusive terms in my opinion. Take for instance ... Newfoundland's landscape .. rugged, beat up, stoic, lonely and surrounded in stormcloud it is anything but reminiscent of the "prettiness" of flowers or of a bright and sun drenched day. You could, however, never negate that Newfoundland's landscape isn't breathtakingly beautiful. It is simply a different kind of beauty. I have always been partial to this "unpretty" beauty. One that is a little twisted and unsettled; a beauty with a morbidity and a darkness. This beauty is not always self-evident but is ever alluring. This beauty is rugged and uncut and it finds its roots in strength and in quirkiness rather than in ease or in cuteness.

This dark,wicked beauty is emblematic in the new mineral pieces Victoire got in from Elaine Ho.

Petrified Wood Pendant -$140

Amethyst Pendant - $140Tourmaline Quartz pendant -$140

Bursting out of metal "rib cages" are natural materials such as petrified wood, Pyrite and Quartz . The struggle of these materials against their silver rib cages is what lends them their intrigue.

They're rough, they're strong...they've got a sinister, wicked beauty.

I want one.
Until next time Victoirians.

Short Stories

Oh my goodness guys, I don't know if you noticed but it is SUPER hot out lately! Crazy heatwave right?

SO...Wondering what to wear in such unnecessarily UNBEARABLE heat?! No sweat (get it, sweat, cause it's so hot you're sweating) wonder no further we gotcha covered with an array of stellar short shorts.

Check em out!

Birds of North America - Crake Shorts - $83

You can wear these sailing. If you like, you don't have to, but you should, hello, cutest sailor EVER. You can also wear them riding your new Vespa. But only those two things. (We have other shorts you can do other things in.)

Ella Peru - St.Tropez - $132

Got a Safari to go to!? No problemo. These shorts will make you look awesome and slightly smarter than usual. They are also great Black Rhino repellers. (Black Rhinos are super dangerous guys. No joke)

Sessie - $49

Oh deer! These bad boys are guaranteed to make you look as cute as Bambie, even if you don't have the doe eyes to match em'. The boys will just fawn all over you. Adorable.

Wise and Proper - $79

These shorts look AWFUL on me (yellow clashes with all the bruises my legs like collecting) but they will look AMAZING on you. For sure. How could they NOT?

Eve Gravel - Lara - $109

Much to Erin's dismay I was prancing around the shop earlier singing Hello, My Baby and saying in my fine tuned Boston accent "Its a SCORCH-AH out they-air" whilst sporting this sweet straw hat.

Edit: *Much to my extreme viewing pleasure is more like it Sheena* (Erin)

Okay, enough torturing you all with my terrible humor today. You've all been great shorts - I mean SPORTS about it.

xo

Playground Politics

Hot DANG I wish I had HBO, cause this show looks amazing.

Someone else's memories

I am so curious to know who made this scrap book. It is from the 1930s and I think she must have been a teen (loving The Wizard of Oz and society weddings, seems to be like a 15 year old), but some of the news clippings seem more like old man interests (church history?).


Imagine being called "The popular couple" by the town newspaper. It is so Gossip Girl!

This saying is really not uplifting or motivating, stuck on Sinner Boulevard.

This reminds me of the blue lobster that was on the news a few weeks ago, so freaky right? And delicious!!

I love love love Judy Garland. Her live album from Carnegie Hall is magic. Real Magic!!

I have no interest in making a scrap book myself, but I think we should start collecting old one's. It really is so fascinating to try and guess things about the person's life.

Classy old-timey sports

I don't like sports. I don't like athletics. I don't like doing physical things really at all. But I am probably the most competitive person on the planet. I love love love winning. At anything really: biking up a hill really fast, climbing highest up a tree... Candyland. My guy knows best not to take up my suggestions to play friendly games (or competitive games like RISK which I love!) but my cousins are always game.

And this weekend we are having a big family reunion, which means I am gonna win at trampoline, water skiing and most certainly getting tipsy first and taking a nap on the hammock. Like I said, I love winning!

Dagg & Stacey Kate, on sale for $104.

Preloved, on sale for $91

Sessun, on sale for $95

A love letter...

Dear Faithful Shoppers,

Seems every star is out tonight to light our love
So round the moon so full and bright so high above
But if you look real closely there's only me there's only you
And when you hold me closely yeah

And now the sky melts in the sea like they are one
It's hard to tell where one first starts and where ends one
That's the way our love is
You part of me me part of you
That's just what love is...

Are you swooning yet? Are you totally and completely enamored? Do you want to cuddle?

Okay, all creepiness (and Donna Summers lyrics) aside I HAVE SOMETHING COOL TO SHOW YOU! I'm sorry I'm just really excited about the new jewelry line we've picked up here at Victoire. Dear Faithful, a line by west-coaster Caitlin De Mill is now in and I suggest you check it out AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Two bracelet designs ($35.00 each) and ring ($18.00).

The name for her jewelry line came from a collection of love letters Caitlin's parents sent during the late 1970's, most of them starting with "Dear Faithful." Gotta love when beautiful things are born from touching stories.

A set of blossom studs ($20.00).

This collection is perfectly feminine, delicate and full of romance, a seriously perfect match for floral dresses and sheer blouses.

Love ($40.00) and Flower Necklaces ($50.00)

The line can be found at both of our locations, so if you don't want to come by and hold hands you can both avoid me and give it a visit. It's win win, you get to look at pretty things and my feelings don't get crushed when you say no to a hug.

Yours always Victorians!

Lucy.

Not Getting Arrested for Indecent Exposure: A How-To Guide

These lasses are getting arrested for " indecent " swimsuits .. oh how times have changed .

Unfortunately for you nudies out there...unless you are a child under the age of 7 (in my case under the age of 5 cause us Lindsays were all early bloomers) it is considered indecent to walk around the streets with your top off. I know it's hot out there folks...and I know the gents are free to do so but it is highly advisable that you do not roam the streets with Beatrice and Bernida bared. Though this activity of indecency is not necessarily illegal (I had this row with a cop just recently haha...I kid...) it is severely frowned upon and you may be put on the sexual offenders' registry. This is an exclusive club that you do not want to gain VIP membership to.

So this post here is for the people who prefer to be nude than to be clothed (I understand) and I'm sorry that society oppresses you so. Angry? Confused and hurt by "the man's" constraints on your free will? Well fret no more...

Victoire has got some "nearly nude" options for you that will keep your tatas from offending the Neighbourhood Watch. These items have an ease, a flow and a breathability (pretty sure that isn't a word) to them that render them irresistable to the "Nudie" within as all.

Here we have the Suzabelle Navy tank complete with charming wooden buttons. Here it is paired with a vacant creepy expression and a woven belt that I stole from my friend Kaeli.

Suzabelle tank -$78

I got a little carried away with the photoshop setting .. so enjoy the obviousness of it.

I am in a love affair with this Dace "Weed" top which has been marked down to $128. Also what is an outfit without a dangling gold elephant? (La Raffinerie Elephant necklace for $35)

Primary "Strut" Tank for $130 paired with a pretty rockstar Genevieve Savard "leather fringe necklace" for only $48 dollars. So here we are Nudie Nettas...Three cool, easy tops that combine comfort and style. They'll leave ya feeling like you ain't wearin' nuttin' at all.

Until next time Victoirians.

Check Out Our Nice Racks

Victoire has got a good rack... many racks in fact. Our Birds of North America sale is still in session and is going strong ..

Check out this Birds of North America ensemble
BONA Kittiwake Dress ( originally $169 now $118) with Victoire's own Steel Magnolia Vintage belt ( $12) and necklace ( $35)

We also have a pretty sweet sale rack at both stores where you can revisit some old favourites.
I have had my eyes on this Valerie Dumaine "Asia" Dress for ages .. it has gone from 159 to 80 dollars and if one of you Victoirians doesn't snatch it up then I will. This would be an excellent fall wardrobe item. I had a friend wear this gem with mustard coloured tights and it looked pretty radical indeed.

Valerie Dumaine "Asia" Dress for $80, Petit Chapeau Headband for $45 and Steel Magnolia key necklace for $35.

For those that are looking for fresh new beauties among these racks of ours .. we have this Ella Peru number. The print is bold and beautiful ( that's the name of a soap opera right?)

Wear it as a tunic over black skinny jeans or get racy and sport it as a dress.
The Barcelona Ella Peru top ( $240) is paired with a Cocluch "Satellite" leather belt for $52 and a Copious couture chain necklace for $55.

luc & em show

It's always a gas when Lucy and Em get together... really though, we turn into fifth graders who easily snort while laughing (cough, Lucy) and make strange voices while talking to each other. Sooner than later I am hoping that we develop a language that only WE can understand.

All fun aside, this is no laughing matter. LOOK at our sweet digs.



Lucy is wearing The Totem Dress by Suzabelle on SALE for $130! and her shoes are the Marais USA Bootie on SALE for $112


Emily is wearing Tom's Dinner by Eve Gravel at $176 and the Loafer heel is on SALE for $ 96


LOOK AT THE SHEER HAPPINESS!

fun fun fun fun.

xoxoxoxo

My Big Sis

Me and ma soeur chillin' .. both of us sporting Victoire

I'm gonna go ahead and be a Brenda, Bernadette, Beatrice Braggart and talk to you a little bit about my sister.

A lovely customer came in yesterday and we got to some talking as can tend to be the case here at West...and she mentioned that her friend had worked for Opera Atelier in Toronto. Well I of course was thrilled to have the opportunity to brag about my sister to her. My sister is an opera singer and has just been offered the role of Donna Anna in Opera Atelier's production of Don Giovanni. (Did I mention she's only 25?) The career of an artist is always mottled with uncertainty, an at times displacing nomadic lifestyle and lots of insecurity. It is a tough world out there. My sister has endured all of these obstacles and has so much to show for it. I couldn't be more proud of her. So if you are visiting Toronto, (or you're from there) and you feel like an infusion of culture...something a little different, go and check out Meghan Lindsay (an Ottawa native ) as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni.

Opera Atelier : Timeless announces their 2011-2012 season...a fresh, hip and accessible re-visitation of a Classic Art form.

For the fashionistas out there ...Opera Atelier places much emphasis on the beauty and fluidity of clothing (see the picture there eh eh?) They've got their aesthetics downnnnn. I've seen a few performances of theirs and they are style and funk incarnate. Sweet duds on Opera diva Measha Brueggergosman! She played Elettra in Opera Atelier's rendition of Idomeneo. I love a good amalgamation of meaning, style and entertainment... don't youuuuu ??? haha

Opera Atelier: Check out their website and my sister - The run of Don Giovanni is October 29 - November 5 of 2011 and it is to be performed at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto.

To Meg: Who frequently peruses this blog ...sorry if I embarrassed you...Go on with your bad self sis. I'm crazy proud of you .