We wanted to go to the beach and meet boys and go to wild parties and dance.

As if we weren't already shivering in anticipation of our bi-annual vintage dress sale (coming up on October 22!), today we became even more excited when our pals over at White Elephant blogged a sneak peak of some of the beautiful vintage finds they plan on bringing to this event. Do check it out and prepare to swoon.

Two of the dresses we have got me thinking of one of my FAVE girlie movies of all-time that is just so criminally under-appreciated and so wonderful. That movie is called SHAG. It's set in 1963 and it's about this group of girlfriends who take their conservative, recently-engaged friend to the "wild" shores of Myrtle Beach for one last weekend of fun. Little do they know, everything 'bout their lives is about to change over the course of this weekend. Oh my god. It's the best.



Without spoiling it, I just want to say that they dance, wear GORGEOUS clothes, meet a bunch of babes, make bad decisions, and then realize what they and their friendships are really made of. Basically all the ingredients to every good movie ever made.

So many good outfits in this movie, but my fave is worn by the character nicknamed "Pudge", played by Annabeth Gish. She's the girl in the group who has self esteem issues (which is ridiculous! she's a fox!) and eventually comes to appreciate that she is a total catch and an awesome dancer. At the end of the movie, she dances in a competition with the boy of her dreams, Chip, in a beautiful cobalt blue dress.

We have more than a few Shag-worthy dresses here. Like this dusty blue party dress.

There is also this lacy romantic creamy yellow gown - just one of the many stunners we will have ready for October 22.

Only the best for our Victoire ladies.

The You Love Vintage and Vintage Loves You event is taking place at 246 Dalhousie St. on October 22 from 10 am to 7 pm. We *might* have some other exciting announcement regarding the Friday night before the event. Might. Maybe. You'll see.

D+S: Lewis Shirt

I always fancy a good slouchy top and Dagg & Stacey's Lewis shirt ($130) gets top marks in my book. The pocket is real, too! I know that sounds silly - but I've been seeing so many pocket tops around lately with fake pockets sewn in the front. How am I supposed to tuck a pocket square (like I did below!) or hide snacks in that?

And look - you can even tuck it into a skirt (like this Betina Lou Ingrid - $130) to work it into a more structured look. Awesome work outfit, I think.

Urban Craft

We are so excited for this upcoming event in Ottawa! And believe it or not, it happens once a month... How did you not know this you're thinking? You live under a rock. Here at Victoire we support and genuinely appreciate creative, crafty, and innovative people. I personally live vicariously through these gems because... let's just say I have a lot of "unfinished projects".

The Urban Craft is on the first Saturday of every month

Who: Urban Craft and a multitude of crafty Vendors
Where: In the heart on Hintonburg- The GCTC at Wellington & Holland
When: THIS Saturday, October 1st 2011
Why: Because you NEED things and to buy crafty things for others.
How: Lots of work!


With everything from food to jewelry, body products to household goods and just plain fun kitschy knick knacks for others (or yourself). You will not be disappointed. What's better than a Saturday spent browsing and buying. Here's to a day of Coffee holding and Crafting!

xoxoxoxo

Eve Gravel Fall-Winter

This makes me want to play with Paper-Dolls instead of chores at home:

Back in stock!

This cropped sweater by Covet has really been one of our stand-out hits this season - it usually sells out in all sizes in both shops within days of arriving. Well we've just gotten another delivery of them, so come quick!

Covet cropped dolman sweater, 110$, both locations

I can truly attest to the versatility & awesomeness of this piece. It was one of the first Fall pieces I scooped up for myself, and I probably wear it every third day. Pretty soon I'll have earned the nickname "Cropped sweater McGee" - like our gal Sheena, who purchased the Marais Chelsea boots in BOTH colours, thus earning her the nickname "Boots McGee".

Marais USA Chelsea heel boots, 159$, both locations

I swear some weeks we're ALOT more creative in our ribbing.

Dress Sale and Sizing

As all of you have OBVIOUSLY marked on your calendars...Our vintage dress sale is October 22nd at the Dalhousie location from 10:00-8:00 p.m. In anticipation of this very important, exciting, SUPER AMAZING event... I thought this link would be of some use for you gals. I read this blog pretty regularly and this advice is great if you struggle when trying and buying vintage...

How to Shop For Vintage Clothing & Vintage Sizing

Her name is Elsie Larson. One day we will be the best of friends. For now, I give her blog lovin' (sigh). Her blog is called A Beautiful Mess.
Hope these tips were helpful!

xoxoxo

Shirt? Dress Shirt? TUNIC

Lucy doesn't know yet, but she participated in a clothing SWAP.
Last week she came over for a nerdy sewing party..(not much sewing occurred) and left her new Valerie Dumaine purchase at my place.

So I wore it. Wouldn't you?

Valerie Dumaine, Tesla Dress - $ 140

I swear I am wearing shorts under it. I just couldn't decide if I wanted to wear a dress or a shirt today. SO it is kind of both at this point. I even brought a belt so later on it could be a nice long tunic/cinch waist combo. This is why I love Valerie Dumaine..and sharing Victoire clothes.

Thanks Lucy.

xoxoxo

Webstore teaser

Just got this sneak peek from Arden of the webstore pics we shot a few weeks ago - expect the whole enchilada in the next few weeks! So freaking exciting! What makes this shoot all the more exciting for me is that it was shot in my new granny clubhouse apartment, so I can't wait to see the results!

We are the luckiest employers ever!

If you have stopped by the West shop since Wednesday, you would have seen this beautiful floral display. It is such a delight to be doing my computer work beside something so special. Even more of a delight is knowing that half of the creative mind behind it is our newest employee. We are so lucky to have Vanessa, co-owner of Sparrow Floral Design, as part of our team.

We often get asked by other shops and small business owners how we stay on top of everything and have the shops always so perfectly presentable for all you shoppers. And the truth is it has a lot to do with our creative and passionate staff. Not only do they have wicked style and are super friendly but they love Victoire as much as we do. So happy to be welcoming Vanessa into our crew!

Here are some other beautiful things Sparrow has done:

The goods.

For those of you who have been patiently waiting for our second shipment of Valerie Dumaine, I am currently steaming away at these beauties. Do you love cut outs? Angular shapes and volume in all the right places?

If so, not only should you be drooling over these (as I am...) but you should be e-sprinting over to our giveaway post down below which offers you a rare glimpse into what our two best sellers have in store for next season.

Marnie dress - $200

Cybil dress - $205

Simian dress - $195

Rites of Passage

I got really emotional this morning thinking about R.E.M. being over. They were the first "cool band" I knew about. I was having a really tough time in grade 7-8 making friends and one of my older and really hip cousins made me a mix tape including songs by R.E.M (also on there was Frente, and Counting Crows... I think maybe Pearl Jam...). It was awesome to have my walkman to protect me from loneliness. Don't feel too bad for me though, I kinda brought it on myself. I did projects on the dangers of smoking in a Montreal school where EVERYONE's entire family (and themselves) smoked heavily. Not a popular move to tell them all they are gonna die a horrible death and look old by the time they are 30.

Eloise and I had fun dancing our butts off this morning to this song. Her best dance move is shaking her head while pointing. I think mine was pogo-ing with wet hair from the shower:

Another rite of passage that is happening in our house tonight is Eloise is going to her first ever Take Back the Night march! I am so excited to pack up our noise makers and go feel the energy of powerful women united. I am also happy that I get a few years of her just thinking this is an awesome street party, it is gonna SUCK when we have to start talking about why this march happens and the things she needs to be aware of and afraid of..... Doesn't that just make you want to cry that we are gonna have to teach a new generation about misogyny?

Hope to raise some ruckus with you at Minto park tonight at 6pm! If you are there come say hi to Regine and I.

Fashion Show Giveaway!

After all the giveaways leading up to the 5 year anniversary party, you all have made it clear to us: You love giveaways! And we love giving things away so we are just about the best combo.

Today we are giving away tickets to see Birds of North America and Valerie Dumaine at Ottawa Fashion Week on September 29th, 2011 from 5pm to 6pm. We never ever go to fashion shows, but how can we resist our two favorite designers, the company of the owners of UNICORN and the chance to hear which pieces one of you, our faithful customers, love. We saw the collections a few weeks back at the designers studios, and there is so very very much to love. But us gals here at Victoire always have a lot of love for Valerie and Hayley!

To see the collection way before the rest all you need to do is tell us below what kicking (and Canadian designed I am sure) outfit you would be wearing to the runway show.

Hope to see you there!

Remember this: October 22nd

Now that the Spelling Bee and all the craziness of Tastes of Wellington are over (oh my god was it every crazy awesome right? The West Wellington BIA rules!!) we can announce our next event:

The Victoire Vintage Dress Sale will be taking place October 22nd from 10-7pm. It is gonna be BANANAS. Our collection this time is truly our best best ever (and they are always top notch so this one is Top of the tops!). We are also so excited to be welcoming the ladies of White Elephant and their delightful collection of dresses. Make sure to plan your day around the sale, it is not to be missed. Sneak peaks to come, until then, doesn't this video make you want to buy a new vintage dress?!?

Comfort or Style ?

No need to reconcile . Part of the Canadian charm is that we know how to weather the worst of storms and the most extreme of temperatures. Here's a little secret though..you don't need to sacrifice comfort for style.

With an outfit like this one , you can have them both.

Preloved Snood (hehe) 39$, Covet Aztec top 92$, Vintage Rope Belt 24$,Birds of North America Jabiru Skirt 134$

Can't open your eyes in the morning due to extreme snooziness? Looking to swipe something from off your bedroom floor so that you have enough time to frantically search for the keys that you perpetually misplace ? I feel ya

Alice and Alishka dress $130, Aryn K blazer $139, Steel Magnolia bel $12, Erica Weiner log necklace $35

This Ottawa designer (a young up and comer) has made a piece that will make you look great but that won't make you tragically late.

There you have it...style doesn't need to take a decade...it can be comfortable and easy. So when things get breezy come to Victoire for sheezy because we've got the stuff that will make you weak in the kneesy(s?)... I guess a rap career has never been in the cards for me haha.

Until next time Victoirians

preloved mittens

I KNOW IT SEEMS EARLY, but have you guys been outside today? All you cyclists with your chilly little hands in the wind or people I see passing by the store with hands and heads tucked in your collars and pockets seeking warm refuge from the wind (myself included, d'oyy).

The key is to be prepared for these chillier days, so we've started putting out our amazing selection of cozy and warm Preloved wool mittens, scarfs, headbands and legwarmers. Each style we have is completely unique, and made out of recycled fabric so swing by both locations to snag your favorite color/pattern combo.

brrrr... looks like I'm getting snuggley with some ginger beer tonight.

You're invited!

On Saturday September 17th, our West Wellington location will be pairing up with Taste of Wellington to host a Spelling Bee right outside of the store and you are all invited!

An old timey flatbed truck is going to be parked in front of the store, and at noon participants are going to spell their way to victory.

What's up for grabs? Prizes, silly. Lots of them, too. So dust off your old books and get studying. Anyone can participate, and there is already a big stack of prizes gathering in back that we'll be giving away to participants for all kinds of reasons. So swing by - there will be tons of food, treats and fun going on in the neighborhood. To top it all off, we'll be giving away a pair of Steel Magnolia earrings with every purchase over $50 - so if you've been eyeing some of our new fall items at the store lately you could walk away with a bag full of goodies.

See you there! xo

dal group shots!

all new and so pretty.

New Marais USA and Dolce Vita fall shoes & boots
(with some sale items creeping in the crates)

Moonlight for Violet wooden bead necklaces ( octahedrons!) -$46

Euro-Trip with Victoire

We were ever so delighted that our favorite Gal Pal Mandi, from Auntie Loo's Treats had gone on a European adventure! And not only did she visit some amazing places, she looked amazing doing it! Know why? She essentially packed US.. Well, Victoire clothing, in her carry-on bag (we wish we went). All she had was a pair of jeans, 2 t-shirts and FOUR Victoire pieces for her 2 weeks in Europe! Let that be a lesson to all us over- packers. All you really need is Victoire and you're OFF!! Take a look at how freakin' fabulous, happy and just plain gorgeous she looks! Serious. Jealousy.

Queen of the World!
Mandi on her throne wearing Birds of North America in a 1,000 year old Castle in Ghent, Belgium


Cute as a Button
Mandi-Loo in her Valerie Dumaine Onezie sitting canal-side in Amsterdam
How could she not be happy!?
Rocking Birds of North America while drinking with the locals in Antwerp, Belgium

Who needs a Vacation?
xoxo

///\\\new///\\\

There have been so many new arrivals over the last week we can barely keep up - if you're a fan of some bold prints in beautiful fall colors, you should definitely swing by. It's hard not to picture everything on the racks with the coziest of leggings, tights and boots.

Dagg & Stacey Mai dress $250

Allison Wonderland Strangers silk Blouse $138

Valerie Dumaine Riley tunic $145
(available in a grey pattern at Dal)

And some new colors in some old favorites
Complex Geometries Pipe Tanks $70 (available in 3 colors)

AW 11 in full swing!

We have so many new things being delivered every day at the shops: Preloved, Birds of North America, Allison Wonderland, Pillar, Mortar & Pestle, ComplexGeometries, Marais USA shoes, Dolce Vita and that is just this last week.

So in our perfectly delightful Victoire universe with so much arriving what happens? Our camera breaks. Our third camera to break in like 2 months. Gadgets don't like Victoire! At least this cool video from the AW11 will give you all something pretty to look at:



Don't doubt, just assume we got lots and lots of new treasures for you at both shops!

Back in the 613

We came back from Montreal with goodies. And the best kind of goodies: Ursa Minor pieces! We are so very very happy to have her awesome leather leggings back in the shop. I don't have a picture but they are high-wasted and tight so it's kinda like getting a tummy tuck. A very rock'n'roll kind of tummy tuck.

Split-back, $152. At the Westboro store.

Bon Iver

Honestly, I feel like everytime I go to blogpost here at Wellington the camera is dead. Lucky for me I don't like being photographed, but sadly for you, you don't get to see all the new beautifulamazinggrogeouslyperfect clothes we have in stock!

SO for now, I will leave you with the most magical song. Yes, yes, I am pretty sure every blog I read or anyone who reads Pitchfork knows that this song is KILLER. But I am going to re-post this video in case you haven't seen it yet.

Here is my love letter:
Dear Justin Vernon,

I love you.
Be Mine.
Or at least sing to me alone.
Love Always,

Emily Rose

Montreal Fashion Week

We are in Montreal right now eating breakfast in bed! These 3 days are always a mix of work and vacation, we love it. Lots of eating, tv watching and of course appointments with designers and spending all our money on SS12. Also some screw ups, last night we took a cab to a restaurant to meet up with the girls from Unicorn that was literally right behind our hotel. It was a $3.25 cab ride and it costs $2,50 the minute you climb in!

More on that later, for now here is what I packed:

Of course my IGWT Sweet Nothings necklace, Erica Weiner bracelets, sunnies and my Ariel de Pinto necklace we have been in love with for years. Would you guys go gaga if we brought her into the shop? It's expensive but totally BEYOND!

The hotel has a wicked hot tub, sauna and cold bath, so we packed our bathing suits! If you wonder why we aren't at any of the runway shows, it's cause we are at the pool!

I got the new Dace blouse in here (only a few left so act fast!), a Sessie dress, Valerie Dumaine knit and my awesome Lover sweatshirt from Robber.

Tights!

Again, we really like to put as much vacation as we can in this trip, so while the pretty people are at the shows, I will be reading about the popular people in Fitzgerald.

Today we will be seeing Audrey Cantwell, Birds of North America, Betina Lou and Valerie Dumaine. Wish us luck!

Like spending the day in a story book

We had a lovely lovely day on Sunday! While the rest of you were enjoying a hot muggy day at the beach with stacks of magazines, we were working hard at making beautiful clothes & beautiful girls in Regine's beautiful cottage in the city look even more beautiful. The only person who can add to all that beauty is our favorite photographer and dear friend Arden Wray. Regine and I just stood back in awe at how very very fortunate we are to be involved in so much greatness.

This is just a sneak peak, Arden's pictures should be with us shortly (I even got some great family portraits done with Arden which is very very lucky. The last set she did for us were so great it appeared in Modern Family Magazine!)

Here she is in action. Ain't she stylin'? A day spent with Arden is always a joy, but man even more fantastic when she has her magic eye behind her camera going through rolls and rolls of film.

We made sure to have lots of treats to keep spirits high. These are from the most fantastic bakery, and lucky me its in my hood! Macarons et Madeleines is run out of a house on Lorne Street and it is just BEYOND. Make sure to try the Diplomat and to say we sent you.

Erin looking like a Tennessee Williams' dream in this Aryn K dress, $165

Erin and new face to the webstore the lovely Vanessa in Birds of North America's Parrot $179.

Vanessa reading a map with a trusty Scout's bottle. Valerie Dumaine Saule, $105

Arden taking pictures of Steel Magnolia jewelry. Soon to be available on Etsy

I love this picture! Valerie Dumaine, Saule Long, $105