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

# S A L E

It's officially that time of year again. July marks not only rising temperatures in Ottawa but hot summer sales here at VAM! We've marked down just about everything currently in store and online - just in time for this heat wave. Visit us online or in store to see all of the deals available for you to take advantage of. Whether you're heading out of town or up to the cottage, have a wedding to attend or have plans to hang around town, you'll be sure to find something (on sale!) to both wear and love.

Have a minute? Scroll down to take a peek at some of our favourite summer steals - we promise it'll be worth your while!

See you all this weekend! - VAM xx

Oh Canada, oui oui

This Saturday, June 25th is officially Buy Canadian Day. So there’s no better day to come and explore Ottawa’s ‘made in Canada’ shopping district! Wellington West is full of beautiful locally owned boutiques that offer a wide range of Canadian made goods. Find everything from fashion to home goods in this Ottawa-favourite shopping district.

Visit us in store to win! 
Buy or wear anything made in Canada when you visit us in store on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate and a Canadian made Krista Norris scarf! Then head on over to the other participating stores for a chance to win even more great prizes. Youpee!

As if the fashion and contests at each boutique weren’t reason enough to head down to Wellington West this Saturday, we'll be putting out a whole bunch of NEW Canadian made jewelry and a limited quantity of Tuck Shop swimwear! Take advantage of some sweet sales on women's wear upstairs and 50% off on men's goods! Believe us when we say, this will be an event you do not want miss.

See you all this Saturday - VAM xx

Happy Father's Day

For many of us, Father’s Day can be a tough one. He may not have gone through labour, but with newborns comes chaos and diaper disasters. We’re also fairly certain he’s spent a number of sleepless nights caring for you and has relentlessly given up attending some of his favourite sporting events to play tea party.

So, what do you buy the man who taught you how to tie your shoelaces, play catch, and likely a thing or two on how to reach your greatest potential? Sure, you could pick him up another “World’s Best Dad” coffee mug or t-shirt – he probably wouldn’t make a fuss. But why not get him something unique this Father’s Day?

Luckily for you, we’re having one of our biggest Father’s Day sales yet. We’re now offering 50% off on all of the men’s goods currently in store! We’re sure you’ll find something special for dad, whether you’re looking to buy him a new comb for his beard, simply the best tasting maple syrup that can be found in town, a top of the line travel bag or some small batch ginger ale for his favourite après work drink.

Scroll down for a peak at some of the goods currently on sale and then hurry on over before we sell out!

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 ;)

Heartloom

“Feminine eclectic clothing that is effortless yet polished, providing day-to-evening versatility”

Although it may not seem like it after this week’s indecisive weather, warmer weather IS bound to come. So we couldn’t be any more excited to share with you a new line at VAM that just hit the floors: Heartloom.

Founded in 2009, Heartloom is a New York based brand that combines East Coast sophistication with a laid back West Coast style. This contemporary women’s clothing line is casual, modern and cool, focusing primarily on bohemian style, flowy designs. Picture vintage inspired prints, delicate (but not too delicate) dresses perfect for any occasion, lightweight shorts and knitwear with unexpected and beautiful detailing. 

These are the perfect items for the travellers, the festival goers and those who like to spend their spring/summer weekends wandering around town. So we’re sure you’ll love this new line as much as we do. Visit us in store to shop the collection - before your size runs out ;)

You can shop a number of items at our online store *viensavecmoi.ca, through our Instagram feed @vamboutique or visit us in store to see even more!

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

Happy shopping - VAM xx

Moms & Babes

Join us on Monday March 21st for our next Moms & Babes event.  Shop, relax, chat, and enjoy coffee and goodies from Art-Is-In Bakery. Treat yourself from 10 am to 1 pm ;)

Félicité (aka Happiness)

Felicite { fi-lis-i-tee }

n. Translation “the state of being happy,” in a high degree; bliss: from happy + -ness.

Félicité is a lifestyle brand which focuses on creating easy and ready to wear garments. Over the years they have expanded from soft, lightweight boyfriend style shirting into a full collection of season appropriate ‘must have’ pieces.

Before creating Félicité, Venay, the brain behind the fashion label, worked in the heart of the fashion industry, launching over 30 ready-to-wear brands across Los Angeles and New York. So we feel confident when we say she knows what she’s doing!

So how did Félicité come about? It all began when Venay envisioned creating a line of clothing that was not only known for its everlasting quality, but allowed women to both look and feel their best – and what could be better than that?! So today, this high-end womenswear focuses on basic silhouettes, taking into consideration fit and versatility, incorporating flattering color palettes and fabrics to suit every woman. Scroll down to take a peek at some of the Félicité items we have in store, and pop by the shop this weekend to see even more! But hurry, you’re not the only one with their eyes on these items ;)

Thank you for your support during Heart Month

As the month of February comes to an end, we want to thank you for helping us celebrate our dear friend Anne-Marie in honour of Heart Month .
$2 from each of our sales this month will be going to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

This week, CTV news at 6, aired a beautiful segment about Anne-Marie's heart transplant story and journey.  You can watch it here

Enjoy
And thank you again for your support.
xo 

Happy Anniversary to a Special Heart

We continue to celebrate Heart Month by honouring our beautiful friend Anne-Marie who underwent a heart transplant back in September, at the Toronto General Hospital. 

Today, February 17th, marks her 5 month anniversary with her new heart. 

It has been amazing having her back in Ottawa, and the frequent visits at the shop !

Stay tuned for more information in regards to a special interview she did for CTV News this past week.

xo

*We will be donating $2 from each sale this month to Anne-Marie's fundraiser of choice, which is the Ottawa Heart Institute.  You can also donate by buying $2 paper hearts here at viens avec moi.

New Arrivals

New collections have started making their way in our shop :)  Feels good to have fresh new things again.  Come by the store to check it out.  You KNOW how quickly it can go !

BB Dakota flower print mid length dress is so romantic.  Has us dreaming of garden parties, roof top parties, any party. ;)

Do you follow us on instagram ?  Make sure you do !!! Best way to 'insta shop' ;)
@VAMboutique.
This new BB Dakota stripe sweater is a STAPLE for any wardrobe.
xx

Listen to your Mother

Have you heard ? We are stocked with some sweet styles of Mother Denim.
Why are we so happy, you ask? For those of you who have yet to try on these ultra stretchy, ultra chic jeans, you may want to run (not walk, run) to the shop immediately as they never fail to sell out quickly!

This brand can be recognized for it’s ultra-soft feel and perfect fit. Made using fine-quality stretchy denim and cutting-edge fabric finishes, Mother Denim offers a wide range of styles and fits. Believe us when we say this is a brand you will love and live in.
Listen to your Mother ;)

Boxing Week Sale!

Our boxing week sale has begun! Get the best deals in the best hood.

 Receive 30% off all clothing and 15% off accessories.

*Sale excludes some items including new arrivals, blankets, aprons and paddles.

See you all at VAM.
xo

VAM turned 4

Being the busiest time of year, the last few days have been a little hectic.  But just wanted to write up a quick blog post since our shop celebrated its birthday on December 1st.

Our beautiful little boutique turned 4 years old. Time really does fly by when you are having fun (and working hard!) A huge thank you for all the encouragement and support from our customers, friends, family and staff.  We are grateful everyday.  You truly warm our hearts.
Wellington West is an absolute gem of a hood and we are surrounded by entrepreneurs who we admire. A HUGE thank you to our incredible husbands who help out with the shop with their talented hands and patient hearts. Now three babies later, we love saying to them "viens avec moi à la boutique" , our second cozy home.   

This Weekend @ VAM

There's lots happening at the shop this weekend, so be sure to pop by!

In honour of our 4th anniversary, we'll be serving cupcakes all day long (or until someone snags them all!)

Then on Sunday, join us for the Brunch Bunch HOLIDAY edition. Where we'll be serving treats from one of our favourite breakfast spots, Art-Is-In Bakery. Oh my!

We will be donating 5% of our sales to the United Nations Refugee Agency in support of Syrian refugee relief and we're collecting for the food back.

Give back this weekend while crossing items off of that Christmas list!

New Arrivals!

A new season means a new wardrobe - and luckily for you, we have a ton of new arrivals - just in time for this crisp weather! Treat yourself this weekend to one of our cozy knits or playful dresses.

Plus a scarf or two and some jewels won't hurt ;)

Happy shopping! - VAM xx

Welcome, Fall

It’s official, the first day of Autumn has come and gone and the cooler weather has started to hit. So we’ve gone ahead and prepared and pulled a few looks and must have items to help you transition into our favourite fashion season, Fall. 

This light, oatmeal coloured Fillipa K wrap is the perfect transition piece! Light enough to wear now, warm enough to wear until the snow starts to fall. We've paired this jacket with a beautiful new two-tone Krista Norris Co. scarf - because just like you, we love supporting local! 

Are you a Filippa K lover? Scroll down to see what other new goods we have in store!

But remember, a Fall look is never complete without jewelry! Here is just a sample of our new (Canadian made) Wolf Circus jewelry now in store!

Looking for even more Fall fashion inspiration? Visit us in store and talk to a shop gal (we love giving fashion advice!) or follow us on Instagram @vamboutique for daily photo updates of beauty Fall looks and new arrivals!