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!

Polo in the Park

Polo in the Park Ottawa is coming up Saturday, August 27^th! Is your outfit ready?

Polo in the Park Ottawa is one of the best fashion displays of the year. It provides an opportunity for fashion lovers alike to dress their best for a day filled with polo and other fun activities for all ages to enjoy!

For those who may not be familiar with this annual fundraising initiative (which benefits the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health and TROtt – Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton), the competition is truly in the hats. But we like to think the real winners are those who match their hats with their outfits!

If you’re having trouble deciding what to wear to one of the most impressive fashion events of the year, have no fear. We’ve put together a list of Polo-in-the-Park appropriate outfits, currently available in store, so that you can focus the rest of your attention on finding (or making) the perfect hat to match!

Get these dresses, and lots more, at 50% off and pay no tax this weekend only!

See you all at the shop - VAM xx

Heatwave Cool

It’s easy to lose track of fashion trends when the temperature rises well above our comfort level. With a heatwave often comes the desire to strip down to the bare basics and wear simple, loose clothing; but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear items that make you look just as good as you feel.

During a heatwave we recommend gravitating towards easy, flowy dresses, that give a little breathing room. Not only will you look “heatwave cool” but you’ll feel it too; because how else can you stay cool while having a picnic in the park or roaming the city streets in 30-degree weather?!

Currently on sale at VAM is an assortment of light and breezy dresses perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking to dress up or down. (Editor’s note: you can snag a few of these items at 50% off this weekend only!)

See you at the shop shortly! - VAM xo

Long Weekend Essentials

The long weekend has finally arrived and with the excitement of a mini getaway with friends and family and organizing all of your activities, it’s easy to leave outfit planning to the last minute. But don’t fear! We just received a ton of new spring arrivals, perfect for the warmer weather coming this weekend, that we can’t wait to show you!

As a general rule, you should always think ahead at all the activities and/or events you may be attending so that you’re well prepared – but we know sometimes that’s easier said than done. So we came up with a little long weekend essentials guide so that you won’t have to think twice about what to pack or wear! Think a printed dress that can be worn with heels for a night out and a trusted pair of denim that can be dressed up or down..

DRA Rosalie Dress

Mother Denim ‘The Looker’ White Jeans

Jack by BB Dakota Tank

Matisse Footwear

Need more? Visit us in store or online to shop all of our must have pieces! Can't make it to the shop this weekend? Receive 15% off all tops online until Monday at midnight.

Follow us on Instagram @vamboutique for style inspiration and daily updates on new arrivals.

VAM xx

A Gift Guide for Maman

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my mother.”

May is one of our favourite months of the year as there’s lots to be celebrated. It finally feels like spring: the sun gets a little warmer, the trees begin to bud, the flowers start to grow and it’s the month we celebrate our mother’s and the special women in our lives.

Although Mother's Day has passed we try to show our appreciation for them all year round. However, for many, knowing what to buy them can seem a little daunting. So we came up with a little gift guide to help you find the perfect gift for that special woman in your life!

Krista Norris Blue Two-Tone Scarf

Why not get your mom something she’ll be sure to love and use for many seasons to come? Like this blue two-tone scarf by local designer Krista Norris.

Chaka blanket

If your mother loves to head up to the cottage throughout the summer, she’ll love cozying up to these blankets in the evenings by the camp fire.

Mother Denim Dress

We couldn’t imagine any mother not liking Mother Denim! This dress is easy, versatile and stylish. What more could she ask for!

Mother Denim Button Up Denim Skirt

This ultra-soft, ultra-chic skirt is an item you’ll find yourself borrowing from your mother’s closet. We can promise you that!

Félicité Butterfly Top

Available in three different colours, this top falls beautifully on any body type and goes with any style of bottom - like the Mother Denim skirt shown above or her favourite pair of slacks. 

Didn't find that perfect gift in our gift guide? No worries! Visit us online at viensavecmoi.ca or in store to see even more. You'll be sure to find something that she'll love.

Happy belated Mother's Day to all the mama's - VAM xx

Mini Mioche

Calling all the mama's! Something special is popping up in our shop – but this isn’t just any brand coming to town. We’re beyond excited to announce that our little babes’ favourite clothing line, Mini Mioche, is coming to bunk with us in our little boutique from May 7-15, 2016!

Mini Mioche was founded in 2008 by Alyssa Kerbel. Struggling to find simple, quality and Canadian made goods after the birth of her first child she was inspired to start her own clothing business. She began designing her own collection of infant and kids fashion basics – and as mothers, we are oh so happy she did!

Right from the get go, Alyssa has strived to do something different than most apparel companies. Every article of Mini Mioche clothing is made start to finish in Canada – so we can feel good about purchasing these items for our little babes and bundles of joy.

Join us, starting this weekend,   as we fill our boutique with Mini Mioche goodies and beautiful Blumenstudio plants, succulents, terrariums and flowers, just in time for Mother’s Day! This just might be one of the most beautiful events you’ve been to all spring ;)

Spring Colours

“Colors this season transport us to a happier, sunnier place where we feel free to express a wittier version of our real selves.”

With the temperatures rising to the double digits, we couldn’t be any more excited to peel off the layers and start wearing softer and brighter colors. This got us thinking about the latest color trend for spring.

Twice a year for the fashion industry Pantone releases a list of top 10 colors that we can expect to see and wear the most in the coming seasons. These are usually compiled by colour experts from around the world who talk to a number of designers and pay close attention to the latest trends. This spring you can expect to see colors that are calming and peaceful, with a few bold and playful hues. For those of you who like to stay on trend, you'll be happy to hear you can find fashionable pieces in each of these colours here at VAM! Think light and flow dresses in soft colours perfect for those warmers spring/summer days. 

Scroll down to get a closer look at some our favourite colours from Pantone's top 10 list paired with a few newer items currently in store. Shop *online or visit the boutique to see even more!

*Receive free shipping on all orders over $100 within Canada.

- VAM xx