Chaka International

We couldn’t have been more pleased with the weather we’ve received all summer long. After all, we love us a dry hot summer! But as August comes to an end, we’re starting to think about the season ahead. This means gearing up for cooler evenings and crisp mornings; and we can’t think of a better line to help you transition into the cooler months than Chaka International.

Chaka International is an Ottawa based company that thrives to connect the works of artisans with the rest of the world. Seeing as the owners are originally from Ecuador, they were eager to feel a little closer to home. In selling quality handmade items made by artists in Ecuador, they were able to do just that.

Currently at VAM you can purchase one of many styles of boho-chic hand bags, warm alpaca wool blankets and even shawls! Picture cool September evenings wrapped in a stylish yet warm shawl, or crisp fall morning up at the cottage wrapped in a soft wool blanket with a good book. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Here’s a peek at some of the items currently on hand, but visit us in store to see even more!

Buying Trip in NYC

We’re back at it again! It’s not quite Spring, but we’re already looking forward to Fall 2016. How? We just got back from a four-day whirlwind buying trip in the big NYC.

Coterie is one of the biggest fashion trade shows in New York, and is considered by many (like us) to be a kind of fashion heaven. It's a place where thousands of international fashion designers meet with buyers from all over the world. Sounds like a fashion paradise, doesn’t it? 

But don’t be fooled, buying is a whole lot of fun, but it’s no easy task! We scoured rows of seasons ahead to discover the latest trend, up and coming designers and fabrics from near and far to find the perfect mix for our little boutique. We were so busy visiting hundreds of lines and brands, which was tough on our heels, but we managed to load up on all of our favourite brands like Mother Denim and Bella Dahl, and even found some exciting new lines to bring in as well!

Scroll down for some snaps of our trip and a little peek of what’s to come! Something tells us you will be just as excited as we are for the arrival of Fall 2016.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@vamboutique) and Facebook to see even more pictures. - VAM xo